As the 2026 season hits its midpoint, the NFL MVP conversation shifts from its usual quarterback focus to a rare running‑back challenge. Kansas City’s Kenneth Walker leads the league with 701 rushing yards and six touchdowns in five games, putting the Chiefs at 5‑1 and sparking debate over a RB‑dominant MVP. Close contenders include Atlanta’s Bijan Robinson (704 yards, four TDs) and Detroit’s Jahmyr Gibbs, who tops the league with seven rushing scores. While quarterback Brock Purdy posts a historic 15‑4 TD‑INT line, the article’s top‑5 list shows that a historic RB season could finally crack the quarterback‑centric voting pattern.
On Dec. 1, 2026, the current collective bargaining agreement (CBA) will expire. While MLB owners and the Players Association will attempt to negotiate a new CBA before then, it is likely that MLB will go into a lockout. This is not a new phenomenon. In fact, MLB had a lockout in 2022 before they came […]
The post Atlanta Braves’ To-Do List Ahead of MLB Lockout appeared first on The Lead .
Lamar Jackson is set to return for the Ravens’ Week 8 showdown with the Buffalo Bills, NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport confirms on Peter Schrager’s "Big Day" show. The former MVP missed the past three games with an ankle injury, during which Baltimore posted a 1-2 record, beating the Falcons before dropping to the Browns and Bengals. Jackson’s status shifted from “questionable” to “out” before Week 7, but the latest report says he will suit up in Orchard Park on Sunday, giving Buffalo its second encounter with a former MVP in three games.
The Atlanta Falcons sit 3‑4 after seven weeks but sit a half‑game behind the NFC South leader, thanks to Michael Penix Jr.'s resurgence (9 TDs, 1 INT, top‑10 QBR). A dominant defensive front and the imminent return of pass rusher James Pearce Jr. add to the buzz. Yet, despite a strong draft haul and low‑cost free‑agent impact players like Jahan Dotson and Za’Darius Smith, the team isn’t yet championship‑ready. Ownership and the coaching staff argue against buying at the trade deadline, preferring to preserve future picks for a full‑draft offseason when cap space will be abundant.
There is no doubt the Atlanta Hawks are high on newcomer and top-ten pick Kingston Flemings. Flemings, drafted eighth overall in the 2026 NBA Draft, can elevate the Hawks’ offense with his playmaking prowess. Hawks head coach Quin Snyder has given Flemings plenty of run to prove himself early on. Entering Tuesday’s games, Flemings ranks […]
The post Kingston Flemings Must Become an Aggressive Scorer for Atlanta Hawks appeared first on The Lead .
The 49ers' Kyle Juszczyk offered advice to Kaelon Black and Jordan James after costly fumbles against the Falcons, urging the young running backs to move on.
Lu Dort has struggled through the Hawks' first four games of the season, and the questions around his offense should be surfacing once again.
Former GM Jim Bowden ranks the winter’s top 40 free agents and highlights the Braves’ best fits. He says shortstop Mauricio Dubon is the only true free‑agent option to fill Atlanta’s hole, while marquee trade targets like Otto López, Zach Neto or Corey Seager could also work. Outfielder Randy Arozarena, Bowden’s No. 5 free agent, offers 5.7 WAR and 12 postseason homers but likely commands a $100 M‑plus deal that may deter the Braves. Reliever Raisel Iglesias could return on a one‑year, $10 M contract to shore up a bullpen losing Didier Fuentes to the rotation. Japanese pitcher Hiromi Itoh is another affordable option at two years, $22 M.
Matt Barrows discusses what the Falcons loss revealed, the 49ers’ bye week reinforcements and why San Francisco could target D-line help.
Atlanta's star forward was dominant on both ends of the floor in their most recent first quarter against Houston.
After a severe concussion ended Dante Moore’s Oregon Ducks career, the former top‑five 2026 draft prospect now eyes the 2027 NFL Draft. Sportsnaut breaks down his five best landing spots, highlighting the Cleveland Browns as the top choice—thanks to a quarterback‑friendly scheme, emerging weapons like KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston, and two 2027 first‑round picks that could be used to trade up. The New York Jets, Atlanta Falcons, and Arizona Cardinals also make the list, each offering strong offensive pieces and draft capital. Moore, now projected as a top‑20 pick, could reshape any of these franchises with his arm talent.
Luckily for the Atlanta Hawks, they likely won't have to see the opponent that has their number again this season.
Hurston Waldrep’s promising late‑2025 surge evaporates in 2026 as injuries derail his Braves rotation chances. The 2023 first‑round pick, who posted a 68/79/89 line over 56⅓ innings in 2025 and earned a chance to fill a depth‑starved rotation, suffers elbow discomfort in February, undergoes surgery, and later requires Tommy John surgery after a brief, ineffective MLB stint (0.3 fWAR in 10⅔ innings). His three 2026 outings – a scoreless debut versus the Giants, a middling start against the Cardinals, and a rough turn versus the Pirates – underscore the lost momentum and raise doubts about his future role.
The 49ers suffered their first loss to the Falcons. See where San Francisco ranks in NFL power rankings and which outlets still rank the 6-1 team No. 1.
SportsTalk ATL breaks down Jim Bowden’s free‑agent contract projections for starting pitchers the Braves could pursue this offseason. The list ranges from Tarik Skubal’s $350‑500 million price tag (dismissed as unrealistic) to affordable one‑year deals for Kevin Gausman ($22 M) and Shane Bieber ($20 M). The author highlights Freddy Peralta ($140 M/5 yrs) and Trevor Rogers ($64 M/3 yrs) as notable targets, notes Clay Holmes could reunite with former coach Jeremy Hefner, and questions why Tyler Mahle is missing. With rotation uncertainty, the piece offers a realistic look at viable Braves options.
Michael Penix Jr. is shaping up as the Atlanta Falcons’ franchise quarterback, posting top‑10 numbers in several key metrics through his first five starts of 2026. He boasts a 66.7% completion rate—tied with Josh Allen—fourth‑best passer rating (109.1) among qualified QBs, and a league‑best 2% interception‑worthy throw rate with just one pick all season. The Falcons sit 3‑2 with Penix, a record that could have been 4‑1 without the loss to the Ravens. While some situational throws need refinement and his ACL recovery remains a concern, the stats suggest he can be the long‑term answer if he stays healthy.
The 49ers snap their unbeaten run with a 29-20 loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Oct. 25, dropping to 6-1 as they head into a bye week. Penalties and four turnovers, plus injuries—including Christian McCaffrey’s calf—sparked a slide in the Week 8 power rankings. ESPN and Yahoo keep San Francisco at No. 1, but Fox Sports drops them to No. 5, CBS to No. 3, and the consensus still ranks them in the top five. The article details each outlet’s rankings and highlights the team’s need to heal key players before returning.
Atlanta Hawks centers Onyeka Okongwu and Jock Landale can't seem to find their shot from range this year, and it's costing them wins.
Kevin Durant seizes the NBA’s active 20‑point streak lead, extending his run to nine straight games with 22 points, nine rebounds and four blocks in Houston’s 120‑110 win over Atlanta on Oct. 27. The 38‑year‑old’s streak overtakes Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander, Kawhi Leonard and Devin Booker, whose impressive runs were snapped within five days. Durant has averaged 23.5 points this season as the Rockets start 4‑0 and aim to stay unbeaten on the road against Milwaukee. His shooting is efficient at 53.7% overall and 47.1% from three, cementing his veteran impact in his 20th NBA season.
Alperen Şengün fuels the Houston Rockets’ perfect start with 29 points, nine assists and a near‑triple‑double as Houston pulls away in the second half to beat the Atlanta Hawks 120‑110 at the Toyota Center. The Rockets surge in a 28‑19 third quarter, outscoring the Hawks 57‑44 over the final two periods and dominate the paint 64‑56 while outrebounding 52‑35. Jalen Johnson leads Atlanta with 21 points and nine rebounds, but the Hawks shoot just 28% from three. Houston improves to 4‑0, topping the Southwest Division, while Atlanta falls to 2‑2 in the Southeast.
The Atlanta Braves eye Marlins shortstop Otto Lopez as their ideal trade target, according to Miami Herald reporter Barry Jackson. Lopez boasts elite defense (14 OAA, six DRS) and posted a career‑best .305 average with a league‑leading 191 hits, though he has modest power (11 HR this season). With three years of control left, Miami would consider moving him only for a hefty return, despite recent blockbuster deals with the Phillies. The Braves, still searching for a consistent offensive solution beyond the long ball, may need to trade top prospects to secure Lopez, as free‑agent shortstop options are scarce this offseason.
Losing Lu Dort and Aaron Wiggins to Atlanta could make Oklahoma City's situation even more challenging.
In 2019, Trae Young was ejected after staring down an opponent following a made three-pointer, turning a brief celebration into a costly moment. The incident showed how quickly emotions can change the course of an NBA game, even when the ball has already gone through the net. Monday night offered another reminder that the drama […]
The post NBA Round Up: Loudmouthed Nuggets Star Thrown Out, Anthony Edwards Blasts Teammate on Live TV & More appeared first on EssentiallySports .
The Houston Rockets are 4-0 to start the season, following their second straight win over the Atlanta Hawks. The Rockets are looking like a more fluid team, which has drawn the attention of Kevin Durant. Durant started by praising Rockets big man Alperen Sengun’s focus on both ends of the floor and pointing to the […]
The post Kevin Durant throws shade at opponents who ‘read a lot of bad articles’ on Alperen Sengun this summer appeared first on ClutchPoints .
Atlanta forced four turnovers to end San Francisco’s unbeaten run.