The Jacksonville Jaguars acquire Pro Bowl safety Jessie Bates III from the Atlanta Falcons just before the NFL trade deadline, trading a 2027 second‑round and a 2028 fifth‑round pick. The 29‑year‑old, who signed a four‑year, $64 million deal with Atlanta in 2023 after five seasons with the Bengals, could end up playing 18 games this year because the Jaguars already had their bye in Week 7 while Atlanta’s is in Week 11. Jacksonville adds depth and experience to a secondary that needed reinforcement, but the impact of Bates on the Jags' pass defense remains uncertain.
St. John’s forward Babacar Sane remains eligible to play after a second Queens Supreme Court hearing ends without a decision on his NCAA lawsuit. A temporary restraining order lets him suit up for the upcoming non‑conference game against Syracuse on Sunday and the Players Era Festival later this month, where the Red Storm face Oregon, Texas Tech or Louisville, and possibly two more teams. The case hinges on Sane’s 2024 Exhibit‑10 contract with the Utah Jazz, which he never attended training camp for. Sane, a former G‑League and European pro who debuted with five points against Monmouth, is expected back versus Colgate on Nov. 11.
Luka Doncic dazzles in the Lakers’ pre‑game warm‑up before the Atlanta clash, hitting a high‑arching trick shot that rivals Curry’s flair. In the game, the Slovenian star scores nine points, dishes out five assists and records three steals in just 12 minutes, helping Los Angeles build a 31‑22 first‑quarter lead over Quin Snyder’s Hawks. With Austin Reaves sidelined, Doncic steps up while Hawks contributors include Onyeka Okongwu (nine points) and rookie Kingston Flemings. The performance underscores Doncic’s growing role as the Lakers chase a playoff push.
In Week 9, the Bengals dominate the Falcons 35‑13 in Madrid, improving to 6‑2. Ja’Marr Chase boasts a 142‑yard, one‑touchdown half and claims this squad surpasses his 2021 AFC‑champion team, praising veteran leadership and unity. Teе Higgins notes quarterback Joe Burrow still has room to grow. Meanwhile, Browns coach Todd Monken lauds Shedeur Sanders for stepping in admirably while Deshaun Watson recovers, highlighting Sanders’ work ethic and maturity despite a brief start. The piece blends player confidence with coaching insights ahead of upcoming games.
The Falcons pull off a blockbuster move, trading star safety Jessie Bates III to the Jacksonville Jaguars for multiple draft picks. Kevin Knight and Tre’Shon Diaz break down the deal on the Dirty Birds and Brews podcast, explaining its impact beyond the compensation and touching on a recent lackluster game versus the Bengals. The episode is available as a video and audio‑only podcast, with extra fan perks on Patreon and a dedicated Discord community.
MLB insider Jon Morosi says the Braves have no plans to trade Ronald Acuña Jr., and veteran reporter Ken Rosenthal agrees the club will keep the star in right field for Opening Day 2027. Instead, the real question is whether Atlanta will lock Acuña into a long‑term deal after his $17 million salary this season, especially as he rebounds from his toughest, fully healthy year. Rosenthal notes Acuña’s talent still ranks among the top five in baseball and that his personality isn’t a clubhouse distraction. If the Braves wait too long and he posts a breakout 2027, a reasonable extension may slip away.
Todd Bowles says OLB YaYa Diaby should be back in Buccaneers practice next week, while WR Jalen McMillan remains uncertain. In Atlanta, the Falcons plan to lean on DB DeMarcco Hellams after trading safety Jessie Bates, with Billy Bowman Jr. and Sydney Brown also in the mix. Panthers analyst Mike Kaye flags affordable trade targets—including OL Jackson Powers‑Johnson, DE Will McDonald IV and RB Kimani Vidal—and suggests swapping RG Robert Hunt for TE Ja’Tavion Sanders. Saints coach Kellen Moore notes C Erik McCoy’s injury is short‑term, not long‑term.
The Los Angeles Lakers face a new injury hurdle ahead of their Monday matchup with the Atlanta Hawks. Austin Reaves is listed as questionable after battling a flu-like illness during a gritty win over Detroit, while Quentin Grimes is ruled out after exiting the Pistons game with undisclosed issues (x‑rays were negative). Luka Dončić returns to the roster, but the Lakers may need to tap reserve guard Cameron Carr—or even rookie Bronny James—if both Reaves and Grimes miss the night. Coach JJ Redick hopes the team can replicate its shorthanded win and start the road trip 2‑0.
The Braves refuse to entertain trade rumors for slugger Ronald Acuña Jr., according to MLB Network, while the Phillies are reportedly eyeing Ha‑Seong Kim for a key role next season. The post also notes a light‑hearted moment of Acuña and Ozzie Albies joking during a Feb. 20, 2024 batting practice at CoolToday Park.
The Los Angeles Lakers (9‑2) visit the Atlanta Hawks (7‑4) at State Farm Arena on Jan. 13, 2026, with tip‑off slated for 7:00 PM EST. Atlanta must contain Luka Doncic’s 40‑point averaging to chase a fifth straight win. The Hawks’ starting five—Kingston Flemings, Nickeil Alexander‑Walker, Dyson Daniels, Jalen Johnson, and Onyeka Okongwu—will battle the Lakers. The game airs on Peachtree TV (WPCH) and Atlanta News First, streams via Amazon Prime, NBA League Pass (out‑of‑market) and YouTube TV, and is broadcast on Sports Radio 92.9 the Game.
The Los Angeles Lakers lose guard Austin Reaves to illness ahead of Monday night’s game against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena. Reaves, who dropped a career‑high 43 points in the Lakers’ 121-116 win over Detroit on Sunday, has been ruled out, forcing Los Angeles to seek other scoring options. The Lakers gain a boost, however, as Luka Doncic returns after missing the Pistons game, averaging 40.1 points this season. Reaves has been on a November tear, posting 27.0 points per game over five contests.
The Kansas City Chiefs end a two‑game losing streak with a 35‑12 victory over the New York Jets, highlighted by defensive tackle Chris Jones’ historic achievement. In his 11th season, Jones records two sacks, two tackles for loss and moves into second place on the franchise’s all‑time sack list with 90.5, trailing only Derrick Thomas. He adds four combined tackles and a pass deflection. Offensively, Patrick Mahomes throws 23 of 31 for 242 yards and two TDs, while Kenneth Walker III rushes for 102 yards and a score. The Chiefs next face the Atlanta Falcons in Week 10, a game that could tie them with the Broncos for the AFC West lead.
After Kansas City’s 35-12 win over the New York Jets, kicker Harrison Butker faced a hostile home crowd after missing two late‑game field‑goal attempts (56‑yard and 51‑yard) in Week 9. With seven misses in nine weeks—the most in the NFL and a 63.2% conversion rate—Butker took responsibility, saying the boos are “part of it.” Coach Andy Reid said no roster move is imminent, even as the Chiefs added former Ravens kicker Justin Tucker to the practice squad for competition. The team now turns its focus to the upcoming matchup against the Atlanta Falcons.
The Bengals clinch their first win outside the U.S., beating the Falcons 34-17 at Madrid’s Bernabéu to improve to 6-2 and tie Pittsburgh atop the AFC North. Joe Burrow throws for 271 yards, three TDs and runs for another, while Ja’Marr Chase adds 155 yards and a TD, sparking a debate for Offensive MVP. Defensive standouts include LB Barrett Carter’s game‑sealing interception and S Bryan Cook’s 10 tackles. Unsung Hero nominations highlight Dohnte Meyers’s 163 all‑purpose yards and kicker Evan McPherson’s 23‑straight field goals, a franchise record. The blog invites fans to vote on MVP and Unsung Hero candidates ahead of the Steelers showdown.
The Jacksonville Jaguars fire up their defense before the Nov. 10 trade deadline, acquiring former Pro Bowl safety Jessie Bates III from the Atlanta Falcons for a 2027 second‑round and a 2028 fifth‑round pick, and trading for Saints defensive tackle Davon Godchaux. The Saints receive a conditional 2028 sixth‑rounder that could become a 2027 pick. With both players added, the 6‑2 Jaguars position themselves as AFC Super Bowl contenders ahead of their Week 14 Monday Night clash with the Steelers.
The Jacksonville Jaguars have become the NFL’s trade‑deadline frontrunner, acquiring three impact players in just one day. Jacksonville trades a 2027 first‑rounder, a 2029 second‑rounder, plus a 2028 fifth‑ and sixth‑round pick for Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jordan Davis (No. 13 overall in 2022). The Jaguars also add Falcons safety Jessie Bates III and Saints defensive tackle Davon Godchaux, sending away additional future picks. At 6‑2, Jacksonville sits as the AFC’s No. 3 seed, holding the tiebreaker over the Steelers, who now face a tougher road: a Week 11 clash against a Davis‑less Eagles and a Week 14 Monday Night Football showdown with a now‑loaded Jaguars that looms as Pittsburgh’s toughest remaining game.
The Atlanta Braves face a tough offseason decision on right‑handed outfielder Jurickson Profar, who has been suspended for PEDs in two consecutive seasons. While GM Alex Anthopoulos says the club will discuss the issue internally, veteran beat reporter Mark Bowman argues Profar’s return is unlikely, noting the franchise would have to absorb his $15 million salary and risk cultural damage. Bowman predicts the Braves will prioritize signing a new right‑handed outfielder instead, making Profar’s departure the most plausible outcome.
Week 9 sees every NFC South team sitting at three wins. The Buccaneers fall 24‑27 to Chicago as Caleb Williams tosses four picks, while the Panthers lose 21‑26 to Denver despite Bryce Young’s late rally. The Saints snap a 2‑5 start, edging the Browns 23‑22 in overtime to claim a third win and a chance at the division lead next week. Atlanta endures a 17‑34 defeat at Kansas City, plagued by penalties and a porous defense. All four clubs enter Week 10 with the same 3‑6 or 3‑5 records, keeping the South’s title race wide open.
The Braves’ $20 million gamble on shortstop Ha‑Seong Kim flopped after a hand injury sidelined him for two months, leaving him with a .116 average, .359 OPS and –0.7 WAR in just 51 games. While Atlanta is unlikely to re‑sign him, Philadelphia is reportedly eyeing the 31‑year‑old as a low‑cost, bounce‑back option, especially with free‑agent Mauricio Dubon seeking a multi‑year deal. Kim’s poor season was heavily injury‑related, making him an intriguing buy‑low candidate for the Phillies as the offseason begins.
The Lakers host the Hawks on Monday with Luka Dončić back after missing Sunday’s win, while guard Austin Reaves is listed as questionable due to an illness. Reaves, who dropped 43 points in Dončić’s absence, may be limited, and Quentin Grimes also misses the game with a right‑finger sprain. That leaves Dončić likely to carry the scoring load, continuing his historic pace of over 40 points per game and a chance to hit another 50‑point night—a feat matched only by Michael Jordan’s 300‑point eight‑game stretch. The injury report sets up a potential Dončić showcase against Atlanta.
The Braves’ 10‑year, $212 million extension with Austin Riley is now deemed one of MLB’s most untradeable deals. After three MVP‑caliber seasons (2021‑23) and a steep decline post‑injury, Riley posted a .219 average, 80 OPS+ and just 20 homers in 2026, leaving six years and $132 million on his contract. General manager Alex Anthopoulos’s strategy of locking in young talent early now limits the team’s flexibility, and Riley’s sliding performance makes other clubs wary of taking on his remaining salary. At 29, his future impact remains uncertain.
While the numbers won't make headlines, Daniels is giving the Hawks everything they need - it's resulting in wins, too.
Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski insists Atlanta isn’t “punting” on the 2026 season despite a 3‑6 record and recent losses to the Buccaneers and Bengals. With the trade deadline looming, the team shipped safety Jessie Bates III to the Jaguars for a 2027 second‑round and a 2028 fifth‑round pick, a move aimed at future depth as Bates heads toward free agency. Stefanski says the goal remains winning the NFC South, believing the squad can still reach 7‑8 wins and snap the playoff drought dating back to 2017.
Atlanta head coach Kevin Stefanski rejects tank‑play rumors after the Falcons trade safety Jessie Bates III to Jacksonville for future draft picks. Despite losing a defensive leader who recently forced a key fumble against Tampa Bay, Stefanski says the team isn’t “punting” on the season. The Falcons sit 3‑6 in an NFC South where every club has three wins, keeping them in the divisional race. Front office eyes long‑term flexibility, while Atlanta’s next challenge is a home showdown with the Kansas City Chiefs.
The 31-year-old veteran batted .116 in 2026 but has a Gold Glove Award on his resume.