The latest BetMGM bonus code CBSSPORTS gives new users $150 in bonus bets if their first bet wins or up to $1,500 in bonus bets if their qualifying wager loses. The offer depends on location. Week 2 of the NFL preseason continues on Friday with three games: Steelers vs. Jets, Jaguars vs. Panthers and Packers vs. Broncos. SportsLine expert Matt Severance has locked in his picks on the action, including backing the Jaguars to cover as 1.5-point underdogs and the Packers to cover as 6-point underdogs as part of Friday NFL best bets at BetMGM Sportsbook.

The SportsLine Projection Model has found value in Yankees vs. Blue Jays in the MLB slate, backing Toronto to cover as 1.5-run underdogs on the run line as part of Friday MLB best bets at BetMGM. Claim the latest BetMGM bonus code CBSSPORTS and bet on Friday’s top games:

Friday best bets at BetMGM Sportsbook

• Blue Jays (+1.5) vs. Yankees (-135)
• Jaguars (+1.5) vs. Panthers (-110)
• Packers (+6) vs. Broncos (-110)

Combining the three picks into Friday parlay betting at BetMGM Sportsbook would result in a payout of +568 (risk $100 to profit $568, odds subject to change). Click here to take advantage of the latest BetMGM bonus code CBSSPORTS:

The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every MLB game 10,000 times and entered Week 22 of the MLB season on a sizzling 49-31 run on all top-rated MLB picks. It also excelled at making home run prop picks in 2025, returning nearly 30 units of profit if you had entered its picks at the best sportsbooks. Anyone following its MLB betting picks with sportsbook promos on betting apps could have seen strong returns.     

Blue Jays (+1.5) vs. Yankees (-135)

The Yankees are starting the AL Cy Young favorite in Cam Schlittler, but despite his 2.19 ERA and 0.94 WHIP, New York is 0-4 in his last four starts. One of those losses came against the Blue Jays on Saturday in a 4-1 final despite Schlittler allowing just one run over 5⅓ innings. Toronto has been playing some of its best baseball recently, going 7-3 in its last 10 games, all coming against the top three teams in the AL East. Toronto has also covered a +1.5 spread in nine of its last 10 games, including all three contests against the Yankees last weekend, leading the model to project the Blue Jays to cover in 60% of simulations. Back the Blue Jays by claiming the latest BetMGM bonus code CBSSPORTS here:

Jaguars (+1.5) vs. Panthers (-110)

“I pretty much need a significant reason why I wouldn’t take a home team getting points in the preseason,” SportsLine expert Matt Severance said. “It’s not like either side cares. And there are ties once in a blue moon … as in last week between the Patriots and Colts. It does appear we might get a matchup for a few series between former No. 1 overall picks in Bryce Young and Trevor Lawrence. Jags coach Liam Coen has been on the fence, but Lawrence previously has played in two games per year. This marks a third straight away game (including HOF in Canton) for the Panthers. That has to mean something. Jacksonville is eyeing a third 3-0 preseason in the past four years.” Back the Jaguars by claiming the latest BetMGM bonus code CBSSPORTS here:

Packers (+6) vs. Broncos (-110)

“These numbers are clear overreactions to the Broncos crushing the Falcons, 27-7, in Week 1, but maybe Denver’s overall roster is that much better than Atlanta’s,” Severance said. “I would put Green Bay on the same overall tier in the NFL or at least close. Packers coach Matt LaFleur is expected to play his starters a bit. The Pack were one of two teams without a touchdown in Week 1 of the preseason. Perhaps that’s motivation? Jordan Love didn’t look good in his brief action. The big news is the return of injury of Broncos QB Bo Nix, but he will be kept in “Lanters” bubble wrap for his series or maybe two. If Nix scrambles on the second play, Sean Payton might pull him. Denver has the NFL’s longest active preseason winning streak at eight in a row, but six points?” Back the Packers by claiming the latest BetMGM bonus code CBSSPORTS here:

Want more NFL, MLB picks for Friday?

You’ve seen some of the model’s and SportsLine team of experts’ Friday best bets. Now, get against the spread, total and money-line picks for all games, including the NFL, MLB, UFC, and more, all from the SportsLine Projection Model, which has simulated every game 10,000 times. 

Dmitry Bivol’s next world title defence is heading to purse bids after talks with former super-middleweight champion Callum Smith failed to produce an agreement.

The WBO ordered Bivol to defend his light-heavyweight title against interim champion Smith, giving the two sides a 20-day negotiation period before later granting extensions. With no deal reached, the sanctioning body has now confirmed that a purse bid will take place on August 27 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

“Please be advised that, as the parties [Bivol and Smith] were unable to reach terms within the negotiation period established by the WBO, the matter will now proceed to Purse Bid proceedings, as previously advised. The Purse Bid will be conducted on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at the WBO Main Offices in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and will be live-streamed through the WBO’s official digital platforms.

“All applicable terms and conditions, including the respective purse split, will be formally announced through the WBO’s official Purse Bid Notice to be issued later today.”

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Smith earned his position by defeating Joshua Buatsi last year to claim the interim WBO belt, handing his fellow Brit the first defeat of his professional career in a fight of the year contender. The former super-middleweight world champion has since remained next in line for a shot at the full title.

Bivol, meanwhile, returned from a lengthy spell of inactivity in May to comfortably outpoint IBF mandatory challenger Michael Eifert. Most felt that he would then pursue a trilogy against Artur Beterbiev, with the pair currently level at one win apiece following their two meetings, even if it did mean dropping the WBO belt.

Those plans have not materialised, and the Russian technician will look to keep hold of all three of his belts against Liverpool’s Smith. Both men are represented by Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing.

GIO Stadium will play host to Friday’s
Round 25 NRL game between Canberra Raiders and
Brisbane Broncos. The game kicks off at 6:00 pm with Canberra Raiders heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Canberra Raiders vs.
Brisbane Broncos
game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Friday August 21, 2026 at 6:00 pm

Where: GIO Stadium

Bet 💰: Bet On This Match HERE

Canberra Raiders vs Brisbane Broncos Odds

Canberra Raiders vs Brisbane Broncos Preview

Canberra kept its slim finals prospects alive with a spirited 24-20 win over Cronulla and now returns home for Josh Papali’i’s final appearance at GIO Stadium. The Raiders have won five times across their past seven matches and regain Simi Sasagi, while Ata Mariota starts at lock and Corey Horsburgh returns on the bench. Brisbane arrives after a 40-6 defeat to the Warriors, its 12th loss in 13 games, and must replace the injured Reece Walsh with Hayze Perham. Ben Hunt also returns at halfback. Brisbane has won three of the past four meetings, including last year’s golden-point thriller in Canberra, but its recent defensive decline gives the Raiders a clear opportunity to control the middle and finish their home campaign strongly.

Luciano Spalletti is making last-minute changes to his Juventus squad as the manager looks to ensure his team is in top shape when the transfer window closes.

The Bianconeri have been one of the top teams in the country in recent months, and they surprised most fans and neutrals when they missed out on Champions League qualification. Juve remain one of the top teams in Italian football, and their fans hope they can compete for the Scudetto this campaign.

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That is why the club have backed Spalletti as strongly as they have in recent weeks. The manager wants more players, even though he is happy and grateful for those he has been allowed to sign so far. He also wants the squad’s deadwood to be offloaded before the window closes.

Spalletti wants squad depth

Calciomercato says that, in an ideal world, Spalletti hopes to have at least two quality players in each position in the squad when the transfer window ends, and Juve are currently working towards that objective.

The manager wants Juventus to have enough quality and depth to compete throughout the campaign. Strengthening every area of the squad would give him greater flexibility when selecting his team and allow the Bianconeri to cope with the demands of the season.

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Juve have already made several additions, but Spalletti believes further changes are required. The club must therefore balance incoming transfers with departures as they work to create the squad the manager wants.

Juventus ready for more business

The Bianconeri want to support their manager as much as possible, and they are prepared to allow him to build his ideal squad. That means supporters can expect to see more activity before the transfer window closes.

Spalletti will hope the club can complete the necessary deals and provide him with at least two quality options in every position. At the same time, Juventus need to move on players who are no longer part of the manager’s plans.

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The final days of the window could therefore be busy for the Bianconeri. Juventus have already shown their willingness to strengthen the squad, and they now appear ready to make further changes in an effort to give Spalletti the depth and quality he believes are necessary to compete for the Scudetto.

Manchester’s reputation as a footballing hotbed would likely be central to any bid

Andy Burnham is looking into a bid to bring the men’s football World Cup to British soil for the first time since 1966, it has emerged.

During a meeting at Number 10 North in Manchester on Friday, the Prime Minister reportedly told colleagues he is looking into how the UK could host the prestigious tournament, with talks said to be underway with the country’s football associations.

It is said to form part of a growing push by former Greater Manchester mayor Mr Burnham, a big football fan and Everton season ticket holder, to use major sporting events to drive investment, tourism and regeneration beyond London.

Click here for the latest on Greater Manchester’s politics in our newsletter

The World Cup plan is being considered alongside the previously reported ambition to bring the Olympics to the north, according to The i.

It would be the first time it has been hosted on these shores since the 1966 tournament, which is also the Three Lions’ only ever men’s World Cup triumph.

The next edition of the tournament, which concluded in the US, Mexico, and Canada this summer, is being held in Spain, Morocco, and Portugal in 2030, with Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay also hosting matches to mark the tournament’s centenary.

Whilst Saudi Arabia have been chosen as hosts for the 2034 tournament, meaning 2038 or 2042 are the next available editions which the UK and other countries could bid for.

Manchester’s reputation as a global football hotbed would likely make it central to any bid proposal.

Manchester United have said they hope their proposed new 100,000 seater stadium on land just 350 metres away from their current home, would be ready in time for the 2035 Women’s World Cup, which is being held in the UK for the first time.

The UK and Republic of Ireland are hosting the men’s European Championships in 2028 with the newly-expanded Etihad Stadium one of the stadiums, however the current trafford>Old Trafford was overlooked. Both United and City bosses would likely be extremely keen to part of any World Cup bid.

A funny moment unfolded during the England vs Pakistan first Test at Headingley, Leeds. A fan was spotted on camera carrying four glasses of beer. He was walking carefully down the stairs before losing his grip and spilling them. Within seconds, the alcoholic beverage was poured all over the stairs. Huge laughter erupted in the commentary box as soon as the fan made the mistake. Meanwhile, the crowd came up with some funny reactions after the replays were shown on the big screen.

Watch it here:

“Oh no, no”

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The reaction from the crowd after this fan spilt his drinks pic.twitter.com/djYNRPPJGr

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) August 20, 2026

England strengthened their grip on the first Test against Pakistan on Thursday, with Joe Root and Harry Brook among four batters to make half-centuries in a score of 366-8 that gave the hosts a first-innings lead of 195 runs after Day 2.

Brook, the world’s top-ranked Test batter, came closest to reaching a hundred on his home ground of Headingley but fell for 91, one of those dismissed by Ali Usman (5-92) in the left-arm spinner’s first five-wicket haul.

Root (66) and Jordan Cox (73) shared a 150-run partnership after England resumed on 112-2 four hours into the day, with rain causing a long delay to the start of play.

Dan Lawrence, playing his first Test in two years, hit 51 at No. 6 and was another England batter likely ruing a missed opportunity to go big against some substandard bowling and erratic fielding.

In general, it has been a poor showing by Pakistan, who were bowled out for 171 in barely two sessions on Wednesday.

England rattled along at 4.46 runs per over, a rate that wouldn’t look out of place in the Bazball era that ended with the retirement of captain Ben Stokes and the firing of Brendon McCullum as Test coach.

What was different was the way the batters went about scoring runs, with Brook in particular less flamboyant but still as punishing, with 13 fours. Aside from being dropped on 1 by stand-in captain Salman Agha at second slip, Brook hardly gave up a chance until Usman snuck one through onto the stumps via Brook’s back leg.

It would have been Brook’s first century since his 111 against India at The Oval in July last year.

Cox and Root picked up where they left off Wednesday, almost matching each other run for run after play finally resumed.

Cox reached his first half-century in just his second Test appearance minutes before Root got to the milestone for the 109th time in a Test career that has seen him score more than 14,000 runs, second only to India great Sachin Tendulkar.

Dropped on 57 by Khurram Shahzad off a presentable caught-and-bowled chance, Cox eventually departed when he edged behind Usman. The batter appealed the decision, perhaps thinking he had struck his own pad, but the nick was clear.

The very next over, Root also departed when he inexplicably missed a straight one from Khurram and was trapped lbw, then wasted a review that showed the ball was hitting middle stump. It was a great chance for England’s new captain to score his national record-extending 42nd century.

England wicketkeeper Jamie Smith was in the middle at stumps on 16 not out, playing with caution in gloomy light in the final few overs. Jofra Archer was alongside him, unbeaten on 0.

(With AP Inputs)

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