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🤕 Five key takeaways for Wednesday
Troubling quarterback injuries for Giants and Bears. Jaxson Dart’s knee injury, which happened during Monday Night Football, is more severe than initially thought and might sideline him for the entire season. This is a major blow for the Giants, who are now relying on Jameis Winston, a backup with average skills. Just two weeks into the season, panic is already setting in for New York. The Bears aren’t in much better shape short-term: despite Caleb Williams nearing a return from his hamstring issue, third-string QB Tyson Bagent suffered a concussion in their recent loss, likely placing veteran Case Keenum under center for Week 3. The Bears still have high playoff expectations but could face challenges before Williams is back.
Rays and Brewers shake up MLB playoff scenarios. Drew Rasmussen pushed a no-hitter into the seventh inning during the Rays’ 6-1 victory over the Yankees, helping Tampa Bay secure the AL East crown. The Brewers also locked in a bye and home-field advantage for the National League Division Series. This weekend promises intense matchups, with a potential nor’easter in Boston possibly affecting wild-card races. Understanding tiebreakers will be crucial, though the current playoff seeding system is widely regarded as flawed. Looking ahead, Shohei Ohtani is expected to be active for the Dodgers, Alex Bregman should suit up for the Cubs, and Aaron Judge might remain sidelined.
SEC outshines Big Ten early in the college football season. Although the SEC hasn’t produced a College Football Playoff champion in four years, it currently leads in 2026 projections. Five of the top 10 teams in Tom Fornelli’s power rankings come from the SEC, and the conference is projected to send five teams to the CFP. Florida could be an emerging contender if quarterback Jadan Baugh continues his strong start, while USC’s upcoming showdown with Oregon could benefit the Big Ten with an elite team.
Fantasy football moves to consider before Week 3. The recent spate of quarterback injuries must shake up fantasy strategies. If your starter is out, use the trade value chart to seek a solid replacement, and look to the waiver wire for potential streamers and hidden gems. These injuries also affect wide receiver value, so owners with players from the Giants, Bears, or Commanders should review positional advice for Week 3. You could offset losses by targeting up-and-coming running backs, and if your waiver claims process on Thursday morning, find guidance on prioritizing your picks.
The 2026 Presidents Cup kicks off Thursday. The U.S. aims to capture its 11th consecutive victory over the International team as competition begins at Medinah Country Club with four-ball matches. The American squad boasts stars like Scottie Scheffler and Wyndham Clark, while Adam Scott leads the International side in his 12th appearance. The U.S. holds a significant edge, with nearly all of the top 10 players representing Team USA, who enter favorites at -420 to win the championship for the 14th time.
🏈 Don’t miss: Pete Prisco’s Week 3 NFL Power Rankings
Quarterback injuries dominate the NFL headlines, raising questions about the Bears, Giants, and Commanders’ prospects without their starters. As anticipated, all three teams fell in Pete Prisco’s rankings this week:
- Bears: 12th (down 3 spots)
- Giants: 19th (down 3 spots)
- Commanders: 29th (down 3 spots)
It’s a tough outlook, but Chicago remains in the league’s top half, and the return of Caleb Williams could halt further decline. Early in the season, teams begin to show who might make the playoffs—bouncing back from an 0-2 start is tough, and only a few winless teams have realistic hopes. Coaches may soon face job insecurity, like the Chargers, who currently sit 23rd. Pete Prisco warns they face a difficult seven-game stretch that could remove them from playoff contention by midseason.
🏀 Predicting college basketball starting lineups for every major program
The college hoops offseason roster moves have been complicated, especially by eligibility rulings impacting starting lineups. LSU exemplifies this uncertainty, as every projected starter and two key bench players await decisions on their eligibility to play. If cleared, analyst Isaac Trotter predicts LSU’s roster will rank among the nation’s top 25.
Louisville is also waiting on eligibility news that could determine if they lead the ACC this year. Trotter notes that Karter Knox and Adrian Wooley could be starting for Louisville, potentially placing them in the top 10 preseason rankings—if Seth Trimble secures a fifth year of eligibility.
Trotter has factored all such battles into his starting lineup predictions for all major college programs. Meanwhile, UConn has confirmed its lineup under coach Dan Hurley, who looks poised for a championship run six weeks before the season starts:
- G Silas Demary Jr.
- G Braylon Mullins
- F Jayden Ross
- F Nikolas Khamenia
- C Najai Hines
👍👎 Highlights and lowlights of the rest
Image credit: CBS Sports design
📺 What to watch Wednesday
- UEFA Women’s Champions League: Lyon vs. Servette, 12:45 p.m. on CBS Sports Network/Paramount+
- Nationals vs. Tigers, 1:10 p.m. on ESPN Unlimited
- UEFA Women’s Champions League: Austria Wien vs. Chelsea, 3 p.m. on CBS Sports Network/Paramount+
- Twins vs. Giants, 3:45 p.m. on Peacock
- Maple Leafs vs. Senators, 7 p.m. on NHL Network
- Guardians vs. Red Sox, 7:10 p.m. on ESPN
- Dream vs. Liberty, 8 p.m. on USA Network
- Sounders vs. Real Salt Lake, 9:30 p.m. on Apple TV
- Wings vs. Storm, 10 p.m. on USA Network
- Astros vs. Mariners, 10:10 p.m. on ESPN
Fan Take: With all the uncertainty surrounding player eligibility in college basketball, especially for a powerhouse like LSU, the upcoming season could feature some exciting shifts in team dynamics and competitiveness. Fans should pay close attention this year as these eligibility decisions not only affect individual lineups but could also reshape the national title race, bringing fresh intrigue to the sport.
Source: www.cbssports.com
