Rookies Kingston Flemings and Zuby Ejiofor are already making their presence felt for the Atlanta Hawks. In a 120-105 win over Washington, 8th‑overall pick Flemings started, shooting 6‑for‑9 (2‑for‑2 from three) for 14 points, four assists and zero turnovers in 23 minutes, and he’s averaging 8.0 points on over 50% shooting and nearly five assists in just 21 minutes per game. Late first‑rounder Ejiofor added 11 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals in 17 minutes against the Wizards, showcasing his high‑energy defense and hustle. Both promising newcomers could become key rotation pieces as the season progresses.
Washington safety Nick Cross boasts the NFL’s greatest defensive alignment diversity, according to SumerSports data through Week 8. Defensive coordinator Daronte Jones uses Cross in everything from box‑run stopper and blitzer to deep safety and nickel roles, letting the Commanders shift schemes without substituting players. Cross earned his two highest PFF grades against the 49ers and Eagles, excelling in run defense and tackling, while his coverage work yields a modest 56.2 grade on 10 receptions allowed. His versatility could reduce the need for a dedicated nickel corner, giving GM Adam Peters more roster flexibility. Analysts also note Cross as a potential trade asset, though his leadership makes a move unlikely before playoffs.
Baseball America’s latest Washington Nationals top‑10 prospect list spots Eli Willits as the club’s No. 1, noting his elite speed, strong plate discipline (17.7% walk rate) and a respectable power surge – 14 homers, 27 doubles and 8 triples in 114 games. The real surprise is 18‑year‑old Samil Serrano, the Nats’ biggest international signing, ranking fifth behind players like Devin Fitz‑Gerald. In the Dominican Summer League he hit .310 with a .968 OPS, walked more than he struck out and ranked in the 90th percentile for contact, chase rate and exit velocity – a profile only matched by statcast‑era star Jesus Made. Serrano’s blend of average and power has many calling him the best pure hitter from the Nats’ international ranks since Juan Soto.
The Washington Commanders snap a 7‑point halftime hole to beat the Philadelphia Eagles 27‑10 in Week 8, earning their second win in seven games and posting the season’s best secondary performance. Quarterback Jayden Daniels connects on big plays to Treylon Burks (53 yards) and Antonio Williams, while defensive standouts include OLB Dorance Armstrong’s sack and forced fumble and DE Charles Omenihu’s recovery. Despite the surge, the team struggles early, committing seven penalties for 50 yards in the first half versus only two for 20 in the second. The win raises questions about whether the Commanders can start games stronger and maintain momentum against the LA Rams next week.
Atlanta spoiled Young's first matchup against Atlanta since his trade to Washington.
The Wizards have surprised the NBA with a top-10 defense despite starting Trae Young, whose defensive reputation made that outcome far from expected.
With the NFL trade deadline just days away, the Detroit Lions (5-2) and Chicago Bears (6-2) are eyeing the same defensive backs to solidify their secondary. ESPN’s Dan Graziano reports both clubs are probing cornerback options—Lions still need a No. 2 after missing out on Joey Porter Jr., while Bears struggle with low‑rated starters Jaylon Johnson and Malik Muhammad despite acquiring Jeffery Simmons. Potential targets include Riq Woolen (Eagles), Mike Sainristil (Commanders), JuJu Brent (Dolphins) and Donte Jackson (Chargers). The NFC North race intensifies as both teams scramble for upgrades before Tuesday’s deadline.
Baseball America announces a live reader chat at 2 p.m. ET to discuss the Washington Nationals' new Top 10 Prospects list for the 2027 season. Fans can submit questions for analyst Geoff Pontes and also explore the Nationals' projected 2030 lineup and a rundown of the organization’s best tools. The post invites engagement with the club’s farm system insights ahead of the upcoming draft.
Baseball America reveals the Nationals’ top 10 prospects for 2027, led by switch‑hitting shortstop Eli Willits, praised for elite on‑base skills, speed and All‑Star leadoff potential. Geoff Pontes will discuss Willits and the farm system at 2 p.m. ET. The article also offers new scouting reports, a projected 2030 lineup featuring Willits at shortstop and other future stars like Keibert Ruiz and Brady House, plus tool rankings highlighting Jacob Walsh’s power and Jarlin Susana’s pitching arsenal.
The Wizards fell short in a “measuring‑stick” matchup against the Atlanta Hawks, exposing defensive rebounding and turnover issues. Despite a strong showing from Kyshawn George (25 points, 4 assists) and an 8‑point fourth‑quarter run, Washington was outshot, out‑rebounded and out‑competed, giving up 19 offensive boards and ranking 26th in defensive rebounding. Hawks star Anthony Davis posted 26 points, 10 rebounds and zero turnovers. The article highlights rookie Bilal Coulibaly’s lack of aggression on offense and urges the team to improve defensive ends—especially securing the rebound after missed shots and forcing turnovers, where they sit 27th in the league. A second encounter Friday offers a chance to adjust before the Wizards aim to climb out of the play‑in zone.
The Bengals sit 5-2 heading into a Week 9 showdown in Madrid against the 3‑5 Falcons and, despite a two‑game win streak, injuries have sparked talk of a mid‑season trade. After swapping the No. 10 pick for Dexter Lawrence, analysts flag several potential targets: RB Jonathan Taylor (Colts), slot WR Josh Downs (Colts), versatile safety Amani Hooker (Titans), CB Amik Robertson (Commanders) and CB Riq Woolen (Eagles). Each player is on an expiring or cheap deal, and a move could shore up Cincinnati’s run game, receiving corps, secondary or cornerback depth as they chase the AFC North crown and a home playoff game.
The Washington Wizards didn’t extend Anthony Davis, buy anyone questioning whether he wants to be in the nation’s capital has their answer.
The Washington Commanders (2‑4‑1) head into Week 9 after a win that gives starter Jayden Daniels his first victory since October 2025, but they face a rejuvenated Los Angeles Rams (4‑4). The Rams, bolstered by offseason pickups Trent McDuffie and Myles Garrett and the return of Aaron Donald, have an elite offensive line and a top‑10 defense, yet miss Garrett, Davante Adams and several starters due to injuries. Washington’s D‑line is also shorthanded after Daron Payne and Javon Kinlaw land on IR, leaving Johnny Newton to fill in. The matchup pits a improving Commanders defense against a Rams offense that attacks with heavy 13‑personnel but struggles with explosiveness, setting up a pivotal test for both teams.
Start em or sit em? Fantasy football start or sit decisions can be excruciating. While it feels great to make the right call and cruise to fantasy glory, it hurts just as much when you have someone erupt while on ... read more »
The Atlanta Hawks dethroned the Washington Wizards and former Hawks star guard Trae Young in a 120-105 victory on Wednesday night.
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After a 120-105 loss to the Atlanta Hawks, Trae Young says the Washington Wizards’ offense is “obviously” missing points. The Wizards shot just 23.1% from three (6‑of‑26) while the Hawks made 19‑of‑49, leaving Washington 4‑4 on the season and near the league’s bottom‑10 in offensive rating. Young blames the lack of scoring and a stagnant offense, noting his own production has dipped. With rookie AJ Dybantsa still developing and coach Brian Keefe shuffling lineups, the team hopes to spark a turnaround and boost its playoff chances.
The Washington Wizards fall 120-105 to the Atlanta Hawks at Capital One Arena, echoing the three early‑season defeats marked by poor three‑point shooting and too many offensive rebounds. Atlanta blasts 19 threes to Washington’s six, while the Hawks grab 33 boards. Kyshawn George shines with 25 points and 7 assists, but rookie AJ Dybantsa and Tre Johnson struggle, each shooting below 35 percent. Anthony Davis overcomes a tweaked ankle to finish with 26 points, 10 rebounds and a block. The Wizards will try to avenge the loss when they travel to Atlanta for their next matchup on Friday.
The Miami Heat’s offseason haul—highlighted by Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 28.4 points, 12.3 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game—has yet to translate into wins, as the team sits 2‑5 after seven contests. Bobby Portis warns that chemistry takes time, while coach Erik Spoelstra admits he’s “not waiting” for adjustments. Meanwhile, the Southeast Division sees Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel exit early with leg soreness, Wizards top pick AJ Dybantsa earn a full‑minute role after a sprained ankle, and the Magic seek a bounce‑back on a four‑game western road swing following a 2‑5 start. The piece blends player updates, coaching remarks, and divisional storylines to gauge early‑season turbulence.
Atlanta Hawks guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker hit six three-pointers en route to 26 points, and five of his teammates posted double-digits scoring efforts en route to a 120-105 road win over the Washington Wizards on Wednesday evening in the front end of a home-and-home matchup.
The Atlanta Hawks beat the Washington Wizards 120-105 on November 4, 2026, highlighted by Kingston Flemings' first career start. Flemings sparked the offense with early three‑pointers and finished with double‑digit scoring, while veteran CJ McCollum came off the bench for instant offense, including an and‑1 play and a deep three. Trae Young faced his former team for the first time since his January trade, and Nickeil Alexander‑Walker poured in 22 points on six threes. The Hawks built a halftime lead of 68-61 and held off a late Wizards surge to close the game 93-85 after three quarters. Key contributions also came from Zuby Ejiofor’s dunks and Onyeka Okongwu’s layups, securing the victory.
Miroshnichenko has 14 points in 55 career NHL games with the Capitals.
The Los Angeles Dodgers could land 26‑year‑old CJ Abrams by sending Washington three young assets: right‑hander Emmet Sheehan, prospect Christian Zazueta and infielder Alex Freeland. Abrams posted a .261 average with 33 homers, 106 RBIs and 34 steals in 2026, and the Dodgers envision him at second base while keeping Mookie Betts at short. The Nationals would gain Sheehan’s 4.57 ERA, 132 strikeouts in 112 innings, Zazueta’s 3.65 ERA with 144 K’s in the minors, and Freeland’s depth at the hot corner. The proposal balances the Dodgers’ in‑field upgrade with Washington’s pitching needs, though neither side has a guaranteed return.
The 49ers may release Brandon Aiyuk as soon as Friday, but if he's thinking he'll join the Commanders shortly thereafter, reports suggest otherwise.
Washington faces a crunch ahead of Thursday’s clash with the Rams as wide receiver Treylon Burks sits out with a foot injury, the only player absent from Wednesday’s practice. With Terry McLaurin out for the season, Burks was the logical replacement in the X slot, and his loss forces Dyami Brown into an unfamiliar role. Additionally, the Commanders dealt with limited participation from TE John Bates (shoulder), guard Sam Cosmi (knee) and DL Shy Tuttle (shoulder). Meanwhile, Stefon Diggs rested, and starter QB Jayden Daniels remains sidelined from a week‑2 elbow dislocation. The injury tally could shape Washington’s offense against L.A. on Nov. 5.
The Los Angeles Rams lose cornerback Jaylen Watson to season‑ending shoulder surgery, the latest blow to a defense already riddled with injuries. Watson, a 28‑year‑old who signed a three‑year, $51 million deal after four seasons with the Chiefs, posted one interception, nine passes defended and 24 tackles in seven games, stepping up during Trent McDuffie's absence. Coach Sean McVay praised his productivity but confirmed the surgery is necessary. The injury pile includes Myles Garrett’s lingering knee issue, linemen Poona Ford and Kobie Turner out for extended periods (Ford likely out the season), and Daniel Rickert on IR. Despite the setbacks, the Rams sit at .500 and aim to stay playoff‑alive with a Sunday showdown against the Washington Commanders at 10:00 a.m. PT.