Before the NFL turned its attention to the upcoming draft, the offseason chatter was heavy on whether or not the league should expand its schedule from 17 to 18 regular season games. That subject was a popular topic at the annual league meeting in March.
There’s no doubt an 18-game regular season schedule is what NFL commissioner Roger Goodell wants. That would increase revenue – remember, it’s always about money – and allow the league to move the Super Bowl to Presidents’ Day weekend. It would likely mean the NFL would add international games (one for each team) and perhaps another streaming service as well.
It would also mean reducing the preseason from three games to two, and (hopefully) adding a second bye week.
“It would allow us to also grow the game internationally,” Kraft continued. “Every team in the league would play a game overseas. I think it would be a lot more exciting to the fans to have an extra game rather than the way our preseason games stack up.”
Why NFL’s 18th game is a bad idea
Typically, more football is a good thing. In terms of adding an 18th regular season game, however, more would be less.
Of the four major sports the NFL has the most meaningful regular season. Why? Because it plays the fewest regular season games. Each NFL contest carries more weight than a game in the NBA, NHL or MLB.
The NFL went from 16 to 17 regular season games in 2021. Lengthening the season in any way would be adding to an already saturated product.
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Don’t fall for the talk that eliminating a preseason game and adding a game to the regular season is an even trade, since key players typically see little playing time during the preseason. That’s like comparing apples to dump trucks.
Another strong argument against going to an 18-game schedule is player health. NFL bodies are already being pushed to the limit. The fear here is that adding to the regular season would be the tipping point that leads NFL players to start taking games off, like you see in today’s NBA.
NFL load management? No thanks.
“From playing in the league, and I played 16 [games], it was a long season,” Houston Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “So to play 17 is long, 18 is just adding more games. It’s definitely harder on the players. You think about the guys, and if you see what guys go through on a day-to-day basis, week-to-week basis, just to get ready for football games, adding another game is definitely going to be hard on the players.
“It’s not my decision to make, but just my perspective and what these guys have to go through and what they put their bodies through, it’ll be really tough to ask the guys to go do another one.”
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Like having an extra dessert, an 18-game regular season schedule would be too much of a good thing.
Three years after these players had their dreams come true on draft day, their teams are now in a position where they have to decide on their futures. All first-round contracts are guaranteed for four seasons, but they also contain an option for the team to extend the player a fifth year, also fully guaranteed. And the decision on whether to do so had to be made by May 1.
In the space below, we’re going to track each of the first-round draft picks by whether they had their option picked up or declined, or whether they signed a contract extension with their team. As a reminder, there were only 31 picks in the first round of the 2023 draft because the Miami Dolphins forfeited their selection as punishment for violations of the league’s anti-tampering policy.
“Not the result, but a meaningful end” — D’Tigress wrap Up USA Tour
The D’Tigress have concluded their United States tour, which was designed to prepare the team for upcoming international competitions.
In their final game, Nigeria fell 105-57 to the Indiana Fever. It was a difficult outing, with the Fever controlling the game and getting a comfortable lead.
D’Tigress had earlier faced the Minnesota Lynx, losing 88-79 in a competitive game where they stayed close before falling away late.
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Their opening game of the tour was against the Los Angeles Sparks, where they were beaten 89-63.
Despite the results, the focus remains on growth and preparation. Reacting after the final game, the team shared:
“Not the result, but a meaningful end… D’Tigress close out their U.S. tour taking away loads of experience, exposure, and lessons that will shape what comes next.”
It’s the second leg of the UEFA Women’s Champions League semifinals! Bayern Munich has done well to claim a 1-1 draw last week at the Allianz Arena, though goal-scorer Franziska Kett earned herself a red card along the way.
That means it’s anyone’s game, and although the Catalans will have the home field advantage, this is surely not the position they had imagined for themselves heading into the pivotal leg of the tie.
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Prediction: Bayern wins 3-2 and advances in extra time at the Camp Nou. It’s the season of destiny. Believe it!
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Check out our beginners thread if you have any more questions. That’s about it. Auf geht’s!
If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor…
Canelo Alvarez has explained why he exited the T-Mobile Arena just as David Benavidez was gearing up to deliver a ruthless performance against Gilberto Ramirez.
Prior to the finish, Benavidez had scored a fourth-round knockdown in his first outing at 200lbs, where his speed represents a key advantage against naturally bigger opposition.
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That much became strikingly apparent for Ramirez, who was made to climb off the canvas for the first time in his career.
There was little hope for a remarkable turnaround, then, when the 34-year-old was floored a second time and remained on his knee, experiencing a nasty swelling on his right eye.
After that, though, Canelo was in no mood to hang around, telling Fight Hub TV that he had no intention of watching the main event from ringside.
“I just came to see Jaime Mungia.”
While Canelo has never expressed much enthusiasm for their potential showdown, it nonetheless appears that Benavidez is still holding on to a slither of hope.
Either way, the WBC light-heavyweight champion is likely to move back down to 175lbs, perhaps in pursuit of an undisputed encounter with Dmitry Bivol.
Victorian mare Splash Back eyes the Group One Tattersall’s Tiara next after stealing the show from leading sprinters to win the Victory Stakes at Eagle Farm in 2026.
The spring victor in the Stocks Stakes at Moonee Valley, Splash Back ($8.50) ran midfield to rival In Flight from the Sapphire Stakes (1200m) at Randwick last time, but coped well with Saturday’s heavy track.
Michael Rodd kept the Grahame Begg six-year-old mare tight to the fence before she darted clear inside late to defeat Payline ($18), Warnie ($6.50) third, as Group 1 stars Transatlantic (fourth), Lady Of Camelot (fifth) and Private Harry (eighth) followed.
The jockey Rodd doubted his chances with Splash Back at the rear on the turn, stunned by the straight run that opened up.
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“They went along at a decent clip, and I was out the back and wasn’t going anywhere straightening up,” Rodd said.
“I was struggling a bit and thought, I’m staying on the inside.”
“I couldn’t believe it was opening up in front of my eyes, and she will be even better when she gets out over a little bit further.”
Trainer Grahame Begg skipped Eagle Farm, with Jack Lake of the stable highlighting Rodd’s rail-hugging ride.
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“Just to get up on the rail and save ground was crucial,” Lake said.
“She is spot-on for the Tatt’s Tiara.”
“She has beaten some good horses today and we always thought she was up to that class.”
Bound for the Fred Best Classic (1400m) at Eagle Farm on May 30, a win there might qualify him for the Stradbroke, Munce noted.
“There is still a long way to go,” Munce said.
“His rating probably doesn’t get him there, and he will probably have to go around in the Fred Best and win to get in the Stradbroke. But it’s a possibility.”
Brave Monarch’s record stands at five wins from seven, including a second black-type hit via the Listed Daybreak Lover (1400m) before this.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) warms up on the field before kickoff, Dec. 14, 2025, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, as the Vikings prepare for a road matchup against the Dallas Cowboys late in the regular season. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images.
Weekly, we track Minnesota Vikings-themed items that are false, outrageous, or just didn’t work out as the masses expected. We call them nopedy nopes.
Minnesota’s post-draft rumor cycle has produced a few theories that need quick cleanup.
This week’s edition covers leaguewide power rankings, a seismic trade, and the search for a new general manager.
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Three Offseason Claims Need a Closer Look This Week
These are the post-draft nopedy nopes.
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Blake Cashman (51) celebrates with fans after the final whistle, Dec. 1, 2024, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, following a win over the Arizona Cardinals with Cashman acknowledging the crowd after a strong defensive performance late in the regular season. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.
The Nopedy Nope: Your Minnesota Vikings are the fifth-worst team in the business, says NFL.com.
Eric Edholm ranked all teams after the draft, and he slapped the Vikings at No. 28 on his list.
After the surprise of the Caleb Banks pick wore off, the Vikings settled into a little groove with a few of their selections. Among the value picks I liked: LB Jake Golday, OT Caleb Tiernan, S Jakobe Thomas and CB Charles Demmings. Even a fullback in Round 5 didn’t offend me; if anything, it made me nostalgic.
I certainly understand Vikings fans could feel differently about it, given their personal investment in the team, but if Max Bredeson becomes the next C.J. Ham, it’s a good pick. This was not a year where fifth-round picks needed to be treated like military codes. Most of the same questions about Minnesota that existed last week still remain, although trading Jonathan Greenard both adds a worry and clears up cap space.
I wouldn’t be shocked to see the Vikes make a veteran addition or two in the coming months. They could use a center, a safety and maybe another receiver.
That’s brutal business for a team that had the NFL’s third-best defense last year, signed Kyler Murray in March, and has Justin Jefferson on the roster.
The Verdict: There’s just no way that Minnesota is the league’s fifth-worst team when it had the league’s third-best defense a season ago. Nopedy nope.
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The Nopedy Nope: Jonathan Greenard would not be traded this offseason. Good teams don’t get rid of top-tier EDGE rushers.
Interim Vikings boss Rob Brzezinski pressed the button on the Greenard trade a week ago, and ESPN’s Kevin Seifert tweeted, “Brzezinski and Kevin O’Connell were somber tonight in talking about the Greenard trade.”
And Brzezinski personally said about the swap, “This is not something we’re jumping around excitedly about, but we do feel like we did the best thing for the organization moving forward. We have just spent so much money the last several years that it’s not sustainable for us to move forward. Our salary cap situation has been very, very challenging. The value ends up being what the market will pay, you know.”
“Obviously, JG is a great player, and I’m sure people have a lot of opinions as far as what the appropriate value should be for him. All I can say is, considering everything we thought it was in the best interest of all parties. Again, people can judge whether or not it was fair or reasonable for a player of that caliber, and we understand that. But it’s what the market would pay, and ultimately, we thought it was best for all parties, and that’s why we decided to do it.”
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Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard (58) celebrates a defensive stop with teammates during game action, Dec. 1, 2024, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, as the Vikings faced the Arizona Cardinals with Greenard bringing energy to Brian Flores’ defense in a momentum-swinging second quarter sequence. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.
When the Greenard trade fodder kicked up, most scratched their heads, as serious playoff-contending teams hoard EDGE rushers. They don’t trade him. Ultimately, Greenard was too expensive at $100 million over four seasons, and Minnesota chose a deal that offered two 3rd-Rounders to replace him.
The Verdict: Nopedy nope on Greenard lasting longer than two seasons in the Twin Cities.
The Nopedy Nope: The Vikings will make public the names of their general manager candidates.
The Vikings said they would begin a general manager search after the draft, and they weren’t kidding. It’s just that the process will be hush-hush.
Minnesota Vikings owners Leonard Wilf and Mark Wilf react on the sideline before kickoff, Oct. 2, 2022, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England, as the Vikings prepared to face the New Orleans Saints in an NFL International Series game showcasing the league’s global expansion efforts. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports.
With the conclusion of the 2026 NFL Draft, our search for the next general manager of the Minnesota Vikings is underway. This will be a thorough and deliberate process led by ownership, with support from a small internal advisory committee of senior leaders.
We have also engaged respected firm TurnkeyZRG to assist in conducting a wide-ranging search that includes experienced football executives, emerging candidates and individuals with diverse professional backgrounds. Our focus is to identify a decisive leader with a clear vision for team building, strong communication skills and the ability to build alignment across an organization.
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Out of respect for all involved, we do not intend to publicly announce candidates and will provide further comment when the search is complete.
This is a new phenomenon for the Vikings. GM and coach searches are not usually conducted behind closed doors.
The Verdict: Nopedy nope on knowing Minnesota’s candidate pool for the next head boss.
The San Diego Padres are expected to come under new ownership soon.
On Saturday, the MLB franchise reached an agreement to sell a controlling interest in the team to an investor group led by Puerto Rican businessman José E. Feliciano and his wife, Kwanza Jones.
The family of late owner Peter Seidler, which makes up the Padres’ current ownership group, confirmed the deal. The decision to offload the team comes three years after Seidler’s death. John Seidler has served as the Padres’ chairman since his brother died.
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The deal will not become official until it receives league approval. Last month, it was revealed that the Padres have a valuation of $3.9 billion. Although a sale price was not specified in the announcement, given the valuation, the transaction is expected to set a record for the highest price paid for an MLB franchise, surpassing Steve Cohen’s 2020 acquisition of the New York Mets for $2.42 billion.
San Diego Padres’ Manny Machado, left, acknowledges the crowd after hitting a single, his 2000th career hit, during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Monday, July 7, 2025, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Orlando Ramirez)
Other members of the investor group were not named. In a joint statement, Jones and Feliciano “a unifying force” in San Diego and committed to building on the franchise’s foundation.
“The Padres are more than a baseball team; they are a unifying force in San Diego, rooted in community, connection and belonging. As life and business partners, and as a family, we are honored to lead this next chapter together. We have worked hard for everything we have achieved, and we have built it together. We see that same spirit in this team and its fans, and we know what it takes to win. We are committed to showing up, listening and earning the trust of this community while building on the strong foundation established by the Seidler family.”
The group added that its commitment encompasses both on-field success and meaningful community impact.
A general view of Petco Park during the game between the Detroit Tigers and the San Diego Padres on March 26, 2026, in San Diego, California.(Rob Leiter/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
“This is about more than baseball — it’s about boosting the pride, energy, and connection that define the Padres, investing in community, deepening belonging and ensuring this team remains accessible and endures for generations. We are all in — with the goal of bringing a World Series championship to San Diego.”
Peter Seidler joined the Padres’ ownership group in 2012 when John Moores sold the team for $800 million to a group headed by Ron Fowler. Seidler took over and immediately endeared himself to San Diego’s fans with his aggressive financial backing of general manager A.J. Preller.
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The Padres have been a hot ticket for several years as San Diego’s only team in the four biggest North American sports leagues, ranking second in the MLB in attendance last season.
San Diego Padres players stand for the national anthem before Opening Day against the Detroit Tigers at Petco Park in San Diego, California, on March 26, 2026.(Meg McLaughlin/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
The Padres are off to a strong start, sitting second in the NL West at 19-13 entering Sunday afternoon’s finale of a three-game series against the Chicago White Sox. The team has made the playoffs in four of the past six seasons.
Feliciano is on track to become the second Latino owner in baseball, joining Los Angeles Angels owner Arte Moreno.
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The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Chantz Martin is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.
Ok, here we go! The players are just being introduced to the crowd by human Energizer bunny, MC Rob Walker.
Wu Yize is first up. A great reception for the Chinese star, who Rob describes as a “lean, mean potting machine”. The chants of “Wuuuuuuuuu” go up from the crowd.
Shaun Murphy is then introduced – roars from the crowd as he strolls down the steps looking relaxed.
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The 2026 World Snooker Championship final is about to get underway.
(Reuters)
Luke Baker3 May 2026 13:13
Shaun Murphy v Wu Yize format
So, how will this final work? We’re in for a treat, with a best-of-35 contest lined up over the next two days – 18 frames is the target for victory.
Here’s the session times:
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1pm: Session one – 8 frames
7pm: Session two – 9 frames
1pm: Session three – 8 frames
7pm: Session four – 9 frames
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Luke Baker3 May 2026 13:09
Mark Allen’s moment of heartbreak defines Crucible semi-final classic for the ages
In a semi-final that looked set to be remembered for the farcical scenes that led to the longest frame in Crucible history, Mark Allen produced a defining moment so heartbreaking that the 100-minute marathon became a mere footnote.
Allen had one foot and four-and-a-half toes in the World Snooker Championship final when he potted a spectacular long pink while leading Wu Yize 16-15 and landed perfectly on the final black. Black on its spot, cue ball perfectly positioned – it’s a simple pot that Allen makes 100 times out of 100. Except on this one, most important occasion.
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Read Luke Baker’s full report from a semi-final of high drama:
Luke Baker3 May 2026 13:01
Shaun Murphy v Wu Yize
What a final we have in store here. Shaun Murphy is already a world champion, having won the title in 2005 but, 21 years on, he’s desperate to join an elite club by becoming a multiple world champion.
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He’s lost three finals since that 2005 triumph, so will it be fourth time lucky for the 43-year-old Englishman.
Standing in his way is 22-year-old Chinese wonderkid Wu Yize. A potting machine, Wu is trying to become just the second Chinese world champion, 12 months after Zhao Xintong made history as the first.
He’ll be fearless, especially after coming back from the brink to beat Mark Allen in the semi-finals, and given both men’s propensity for attacking snooker, this one should be a high-scoring thriller.
Wu Yize battled past Mark Allen in the semi-finals (Reuters)
Luke Baker3 May 2026 12:54
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The lucky underpants that won Shaun Murphy his first world snooker title
Shaun Murphy has revealed that a pair of lucky underpants helped him win his first World Snooker Championship title, yet it wasn’t him who was wearing them.
Murphy begins the final of the 2026 tournament against 22-year-old Wu Yizethis afternoon but his first world title came back in 2005, when he was a relatively unknown 22-year-old himself.
Having come through qualifying to reach the Crucible, Murphy blitzed the field with his attacking snooker, seeing off Chris Small, John Higgins, Steve Davis and Peter Ebdon before beating Matthew Stevens 18-16 in the final.
Twenty-one years later, the now 43-year-old has revealed the victory may have been down to his nephew Joshua, who was just a child at the time and ensured that his uncle kept winning by wearing the same underwear each day he was at the Crucible.
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Luke Baker3 May 2026 12:50
Shaun Murphy v Wu Yize
Welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of the 2026 World Snooker Championship final between Shaun Murphy and Wu Yize.
After a hugely dramatic day of semi-final action, can the final live up to the same standard?
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