Here’s a fresh take on the key sports updates from CBS Sports HQ’s AM Newsletter:
🟤 Top Five Highlights This Friday
Browns Hold Off Steelers and Aaron Rodgers: In Thursday night’s thriller, Aaron Rodgers showcased his classic skills with sharp throws and a critical QB sneak, even briefly breaking an NFL record. However, the Browns, despite losing Mason Graham to injury and surrendering an 11-point lead in the fourth quarter, still narrowly defeated their divisional rival 27-24, marking their first three-game winning streak since December 2023. Meanwhile, the Steelers continue to struggle in mediocrity.
MLB Division Series Set: The Atlanta Braves clinched the last Wild Card spot by beating the Phillies 6-2, setting up a tough matchup against the reigning two-time World Series champs, the . The Braves face an additional challenge coming from scorching heat at Stadium, where temperatures could soar past 100 degrees. The Phillies now shift focus to searching for a new manager and grappling with an aging team. The complete postseason bracket is updated with all division series.
A’ja Wilson Powers Aces Past Fever: A’ja Wilson, the leading MVP contender, delivered 36 points to propel the Las Vegas Aces to the WNBA semifinals for the second consecutive season by overcoming the Indiana Fever in a do-or-die game, 94-83. The Aces await the winner of tonight’s Valkyries vs. Wings Game 3.
Jalen Duren Agrees to Big Deal with Pistons: After intense negotiations and exploring other offers, Pistons’ star center Jalen Duren has agreed to a five-year, $200 million contract, ending his restricted free agency. This contract stabilizes Detroit’s talented core—including Cade Cunningham and Ausar Thompson—through the 2029-30 season.
Joey Porter Jr. Might Make Cowboys Debut Sunday: Previously sidelined by the Steelers due to a reported back injury, Porter could now play for Dallas against the Texans in Week 4 after being traded. Porter expressed feeling “disrespected” by Pittsburgh during contract talks, raising questions about how well Dallas will handle his contract situation, given Jerry Jones’ tough negotiating reputation.
🤼 Don’t Miss: UFC 332 Live on CBS Saturday Night
The vacant Women’s Flyweight title will be contested between undefeated Natalia Silva and Wang Cong, with Silva slightly favored to maintain her perfect UFC record. The main fight card airs at 8 p.m. ET on CBS (prelims start earlier on Paramount+). Expert Brent Brookhouse predicts a full-length battle, praising Silva’s defensive striking and proven victories over former champions. Prior to the main event, Payton Talbott faces Deiveson Figueiredo as they kick off the night’s action.
Main card matchups include:
- Women’s Flyweight Championship: Natalia Silva vs. Wang Cong
- Bantamweights: Deiveson Figueiredo vs. Payton Talbott
- Lightweights: King Green vs. Esteban Ribovics
- Welterweights: Roberto Soldic vs. Khaos Williams
- Middleweights: Ateba Gautier vs. Roman Kopylov
🚨 NFL Week 4 Upset Watch
Five teams face the risk of surprising losses this weekend. Jahmyr Gibbs could dominate with a long rushing game against a depleted Panthers defense, but the Lions’ shaky defense puts them on upset alert for their upcoming game in Carolina. Expert Tyler Sullivan highlights Detroit’s defensive struggles despite their explosive offense and notes the Panthers’ quarterback Bryce Young’s clutch performance last year.
The 49ers, dealing with injuries to key players like Nick Bosa and Mike Evans, are also vulnerable favorites against the Broncos, whose quarterback Bo Nix boasts a perfect record against NFC teams.
âś… College Football Week 5 Forecasts
Though lacking the number of high-ranked matchups from last week, Week 5 offers plenty of intrigue as seven top-10 teams play on the road, opening the door for upset potential in the College Football Playoff race. Brad Crawford warns that No. 17 Tennessee and No. 20 Houston could both fall to unranked opponents like Auburn and UCF. Meanwhile, analyst Tom Fornelli favors No. 8 Florida over No. 25 Missouri, citing Florida’s strong offense against a middling Missouri defense.
đź‘Ťđź‘Ž Notable Highlights
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đź“ş Weekend Sports Schedule
Friday features games such as Italy vs. France (UEFA Nations League), Liberty vs. Delaware (football), and Rangers at Red Wings (hockey).
Saturday is packed with major college football matchups like Alabama vs. Mississippi State and Notre Dame at North Carolina, MLB playoff games, UFC 332, and more.
Sunday continues with NFL action including Patriots at Bills and Lions at Panthers, NBA and NHL contests, plus the NASCAR race in Las Vegas.
Fan Take:
MLB’s playoff picture is heating up, and the Braves- series promises a compelling clash of powerhouses, potentially influenced by record-breaking heat. For baseball fans, this matchup isn’t just about the games—it’s a test of endurance and strategy, shaping the narrative of October drama that every fan lives for and making the sport as thrilling as ever.
Source: www.cbssports.com
