Week 1 was a resurgence week for many ‘veterans’ who were overlooked in fantasy football drafts. Justin Fields (QB2), Daniel Jones (QB3), Javonte Williams (RB3), Travis Etienne Jr. (RB5), Zay Flowers (WR1), Quentin Johnston (WR2), Keon Coleman (WR4), Deebo Samuel Sr. (WR5), Dalton Kincaid (TE2), and Travis Kelce (TE3) all finished inside the top five at their respective positions.

To assist with your most difficult lineup decisions, you’ll find my Week 2 fantasy football rankings below. Toggle between standard, half PPR (point per reception), and full PPR to see where players rank in your league’s format.

Our team at the USA TODAY Sports Network also has you covered for all your fantasy football needs. Looking for up-to-date player news? We’ve got it. Need to know who the best starts and sits of the week are? We have an article for that. We also have fantasy defense rankings, kicker rankings, and a trade value chart to help with all your trade decisions.

Given the volatility of this league and fantasy football in particular, these rankings will be updated up until a half hour before the Sunday afternoon games kick off. Let’s get to it.

Week 2 fantasy football quarterback rankings: Sleepers

• Geno Smith (vs Chargers): Last year’s QB13 picked up right where he left off, finishing Week 1 as the QB15. Geno is essentially a floor play in plus matchups, which is what he gets this week in the Chargers. If you’re in need of a solid floor, you can do worse than Geno.
• Aaron Rodgers (vs Seahawks): Rodgers turned back the clock in Week 1against the Jets, posting his first four-touchdown, zero-interception game since Week 14 of the 2021 season. A home matchup with the Seahawks makes him an intriguing streaming option in Week 2.

Week 2 fantasy football running back rankings: Sleepers

• Dylan Sampson (at Ravens): The rookie had a 65% share of Cleveland’s backfield touches in Week 1, including a near-20% target share. Yes, Quinshon Judkins is expected to play, but Sampson should still garner enough touches to be an enticing flex play.
• Trey Benson (vs Panthers): Potential weekly standalone value makes Benson one of the most valuable handcuffs in fantasy. The 23-year-old had a 36% backfield share in a Week 1 game that was competitive from start to finish. This week, he’ll face a Panthers team that ceded nearly three more fantasy points per game to running backs than any other team in 2024.

Week 2 fantasy football wide receiver rankings: Sleepers

• Keenan Allen (at Raiders): In a shocking development, last year’s WR10 from Weeks 12 through 17 still has something left in the tank. Allen led the Chargers in Week 1 with a 29% target share, and he turned that usage into 68 yards and a touchdown on seven receptions. Next up is a matchup with a Raiders secondary that allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to receivers in their opener.
• Cedric Tillman (at Ravens): Tillman and Jerry Jeudy finished with the exact same number of snaps, routes and targets in Week 1. After flashing last season before a concussion ended his campaign in Week 12, Tillman is firmly on the fantasy map in 2025. Given that Cleveland will likely have to throw a lot against the Ravens, Tillman is an intriguing volume-based play.
• Kayshon Boutte (at Dolphins): New England’s Week 1 leader in snaps, routes and targets at wide receiver was not Stefon Diggs or DeMario Douglas. That honor belonged to Boutte. He turned that volume into six receptions for 103 yards. He’s a solid flex play against a Dolphins team that won’t instill fear into many offenses.

Week 2 fantasy football tight end rankings: Sleepers

• Juwan Johnson (vs 49ers): Johnson led all tight ends in Week 1 with 11 targets. He also played a whopping 74 snaps (out of 75) and ran a team-leading 47 routes. Based on usage alone, he’s worth streaming. With Foster Moreau and Taysom Hill on the Saints’ PUP list, Johnson should be in the back-end TE1 conversation this week, even in a somewhat unfavorable matchup.
• Brenton Strange (at Bengals): The 24-year-old played nearly 80% of snaps in Week 1 and led the team with 59 yards receiving. His 14% target share was disappointing, but he still profiles as a high-end TE2 with upside with Evan Engram no longer on the team. He’s a top streaming option versus a Bengals defense that surrendered the second-most fantasy points to tight ends last year.

Week 2 fantasy football rankings: PPR and non-PPR

Dan Lanning knows what he has with his Oregon football defense.

It does not matter that the Ducks have not faced the toughest quarterbacks on their schedule yet. Through three games, Oregon has allowed just six points in the first three quarters of play. Yet, it’s the consistency and closing Lanning wants to see fixed.

‘Just disappointed with the last couple of drives on both sides of the ball,’ Lanning said. ‘We knew this was going to be a limited possession game with the way they play football. They did a really good job of eating the clock. We have to take advantage of every series on both sides of the ball. At times we did that, at times we did not. … We just didn’t finish the way I wanted to.’

The Ducks jumped out to a 34-0 lead with 11:27 left in the fourth quarter. The Wildcats outscored Oregon 14-0 to end the game, something he was not pleased with following the game.

Oregon has opened the season with wins over Montana State, Oklahoma State and Northwestern, but will start to face stiffer competition with rival Oregon State and No. 2 Penn State on the docket over the next two weeks.

The Ducks have allowed just six points in the first three quarters this season, but 24 points in the fourth.

‘I think I know where our defense is at,’ Lanning said of what he’s seen through three weeks. ‘I think I know where we have to improve.’

Fourth quarter lull for Oregon

The Ducks extended their lead to 31-0 with 11:27 left in the fourth quarter. The 27-yard field goal by kicker Atticus Sappington was set up by Oregon’s defense, forcing a turnover on downs on Northwestern’s own 13-yard line when Bryce Boettcher and Peyton Woodyard stuffed a run by Caleb Komolafe on fourth-and-1.

At that point in the game, Northwestern had just 147 yards of total offense and was being shut out. However, on the Wildcats’ final two drives, they racked up 166 yards and scored all 14 of their points. The big plays, especially, hurt the Ducks.

Northwestern quarterback Preston Stone connected with receiver Drew Wagner for a 40-yard pass to set up the first score, while running back Dashun Reeder broke a 79-yard touchdown run right after the two-minute timeout.

‘We started out the second half with three straight stops, but ultimately we did not get enough stops at the end,’ Lanning said. ‘Ultimately, we got the win, but that’s not our expectation.’

Oregon defense causing turnovers

For the second straight week, Oregon’s defense forced the quarterback to throw two interceptions. Boettcher intercepted Stone in the first half and returned it 31 yards to set up Oregon’s first scoring possession.

Fellow linebacker Jerry Mixon picked off Stone in the third quarter and returned it for 36 yards, leading to a touchdown that put Oregon ahead 31-0.

‘We were advantageous when we had the opportunity to make plays on the ball,’ Lanning said. ‘Whether it’s Bryce or Jerry, those guys are proven to be guys who are ball production guys. That’s definitely what we’re looking for. I think we can be better before we get to that point.’

Boettcher ― who led Oregon with 94 tackles ― and Mixon have stepped into larger roles in 2025, with inside linebacker Jeffrey Bassa being drafted in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs.

Mixon had a season-high five tackles and a tackle for loss against Northwestern, while also getting an interception in a second-straight game. Boettcher had five tackles, 0.5 tackles for loss, the interception and a pass breakup.

‘Coach Lanning calls us ‘Sticks and Picks,” Mixon said. ‘(Boettcher) is a hard hitter and I get picks. We mesh together well.’

Boettcher could have had a couple of more interceptions. The Oregon star linebacker also played baseball for Oregon and was a 13th-round selection by the Houston Astros in the 2024 MLB Draft.

He broke up a pass from Stone from the Northwestern 39-yard line, one which he believes his baseball instincts should have kicked in to help him complete the play. Boettcher pushed off starting his MLB career to play a final season of football.

‘First one, I was keying the quarterback and it kind of took me to right where he was throwing the ball, Boettcher said. ‘It was a little out of reach; I should have dove like a centerfielder on that one. I made up for it a couple of plays later.’

Manning, the No. 1 overall recruit of the 2023 class, per 247Sports’ Composite rankings, completed a mere 11 of 25 passes for 114 yards with a touchdown and an interception against the Miners in Week 3, also rushing for 51 yards with two scores.

He also ended the first half with 10 consecutive incompletions as he struggled with accuracy, which resulted in boos from Texas’ home crowd.

The redshirt sophomore flashed in his start against Mississippi State in 2024, as he finished his first career start with 325 passing yards and three total touchdowns against the Bulldogs. The Longhorns are certainly hoping for that version of Manning, the nephew of Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks Peyton and Eli Manning, at some point this season.

Here is what Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said of Manning’s performance following the game:

“He knew he was missing some throws that I think he’s comfortable making, and then you start skipping reads and scrambling and relying on his legs too much,” Sarkisian told reporters after the game. “And that’s always my caution, is that when you have a little success with your legs, then you start to rely on your legs, and then we’re out of scheme, and now we’re just playing athlete football.

‘Athlete football can get you so far, but sooner or later, that catches up with you, too.”

Sarkisian was also asked about Manning’s mechanics, as there has been speculation the quarterback lost some of his fundamentals in 2025. Sarkisian related Manning’s struggles to a golf swing, noting the idea of starting a golf swing fast before slowing it down to initiate solid contact.

“That’s never a recipe for success, and that’s not a good recipe for throwing a football either,” Sarkisian said. “I felt like that happened at times today. But I’ll have to evaluate the tape a little bit more to see if there’s anything else fundamentally that I didn’t like.”

Through three starts this season, Manning is 47 of 85 passing (55.2%) for 579 yards with six passing touchdowns and three interceptions. He has also rushed for 112 yards and three touchdowns.

Speculation about Manning’s health has also emerged this season, though Sarkisian shot down those rumors in his weekly news conference prior to the UTEP matchup.

One thing is clear: If Texas wants to contend for the national championship like many expect in 2025, Manning is going to need to play a lot better moving forward, especially when SEC play starts.

“We’ve done enough with him to have a pretty good understanding of who he is as a player and what he’s capable of,” Sarkisian said. “And I know there’s a lot of football in there that’s high-level, quality football, and so is my expectation of him as a player, high? Yes. Do I expect him to play the best football of his career the first three games of the season? Probably not.”

Terence Crawford cried.

Tears of joy.

On an epic night for boxing, Crawford beat Canelo Alvarez by unanimous decision and won the undisputed world super middleweight title in their mega-fight at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas Saturday, Sept 13.

The judges scored it 116-112, 115-113, 115-113, and Crawford wept after the scorecards were read and he was declared the winner.

The confidence Crawford exuded the week leading up to the boxing match livestreamed by Netflix turned out to be justified. He entered the bout as the underdog but kept Alvarez off-balance with superior offense and defense.

Crawford also overcame skepticism that moving up two weight classes for the title fight would prove to be too big of a challenge against Alvarez, who lost his world super middleweight title. Crawford proved to be too quick and skillful for the powerful Alvarez.

With the victory, Crawford became the first male boxer to win undisputed titles at three weight classes. He also reigned as undisputed champion at the light welterweight and welterweight divisions.

Crawford, the 37-year-old from Omaha, Nebraska, improved to 42-0.

Alvarez, the 35-year-old star from Mexico, fell to 63-3-2. His two other losses came against Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2013 and Dmitry Bivol in 2022.

Crawford had only praise for his opponent.

“Canelo’s a great champion,’’ Crawford said during an in-ring interview. “I got to take my hat off to him. He’s a strong competitor. Like I said before, I got nothing but respect for Canelo. I’m a big fan of Canelo and he fought like a champion.’’

What’s next for Terence Crawford?

Crawford, who turns 38 later this month, said he doesn’t know if the fight against Alvarez will be the last of his career.

“I got to sit down with my team and we going to talk about it,’’ he said.

Crawford, asked if he’d like to say anything to boxing fans around the world, said, “I’d just like to say, thank you. Thank you to all the supporters. Thank you to all the haters. I appreciate every one of them. You made this a great event.’’

What Canelo Alvarez said after loss

Alvarez said he took a risk by accepting the fight, which was viewed primarily as a chance for Crawford to establish his greatness.

“I’m a winner for being here,’’ Alvarez said. “There’s no defeat here. The fact that I’m here makes me already a winner. After everything in my career, I’ve come to life to actually take risks and that’s what I did. I take risks.’’

Alvarez also praised the new champion. “Crawford is a great fighter, a skilled fighter,’’ Alvarez said.

Alvarez, asked if he wanted to fight Crawford again, said, “Like I said to him, I feel great sharing the ring with great fighters like him. And if we do it again, it’s going to be great.’’ 

USA TODAY Sports provided updates, analysis and highlights from the Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford card:

Canelo vs. Crawford: Round-by-round analysis

Round 1

Terence Crawford flicks a couple of rights as the fight begins. More rights, but nothing scoring. Alvarez in no hurry to punch. Alvarez stalking a bit and Crawford looks a little tentative and on the move. Alvarez lets fly with a right but it’s off the mark. Alvarez lands with a right and left to the body. Crawford fires back with two punches of his own. Alvarez lands a left and Crawford responds with a jab. Alvarez 10, Crawford 9

Round 2

Crawford’s path to victory meant winning early rounds. But Alvarez looks active and he throws some decent lefts. Crawford may be settling in, firing jabs, staying on the move and looking for openings. Crawford moves forward and lands. Crawford slips a punch and throws one that’s off the mark. But Crawford showing impressive quickness. Alvarez 19, Crawford 19

Round 3

Alvarez stalking again. Crawford on the way and lands a shot. Alvarez loading up with bigger punches. But Crawford has not been hurt. Crawford using that jab to keep distance between him and Alvarez as Alvarez moves in. Still more tactical than slugging. Alvarez 29, Crawford 28

Round 4

Crawford closes the distance and lands some hard shots to Alvarez’s head. Stings him again. Crawford is on the move but it’s clearly no sign he’s defenseless. Alvarez looks a little frustrated with his face reddened. Crawford so far able to dodge the big shots and counters with two left hooks and a jab. Alvarez lands a big right as the round ends. Crawford smiles. Alvarez 38, Crawford 38

Round 5

Now Crawford’s stalking, incredibly enough. Alvarez throwing thunderbolts. So far, Crawford has been able to avoid damage. He moves in behind a jab and catches Alvarez with a left. Alvarez catches Crawford in the body and he’s on the move again. Alvarez and Crawford in a clinch and Alvarez lifts Crawford. Crawford 48, Alvarez 47

Round 6

Crawford scores early and tattoos Alvarez with a left. The evidence: redness around Alvarez’s right eye. Crawford baiting a little with an odd expression directed at his opponent. Crawford catches Alvarez again. Nothing head-snapping, but it’s a scoring punch. Crawford 58, Alvarez 56

Round 7

Crawford touching Alvarez with soft punches. Setting up a rhythm. Good defense from Crawford, who’s blocking punches. Crawford occasionally on the move. Alvarez hasn’t found his sweet spot. Alvarez works Crawford into a corner but fails to capitalize. Crawford 68, Alvarez 65

Round 8

So far, Alvarez’s size and power has proven to be largely inconsequential. Crawford lands another left to Alvarez‘s face and darts away. Alvarez throws a big right and Crawford shakes his head. Alvarez lands a powerful left to the body. He’s not planning to jab his way to victory. Crawford 77, Alvarez 75

Round 9

Crawford opens with a series of blows! The crowd sounds anxious as its hero looks to be in trouble. Crawford got cut with an accidental headbutt. Alvarez apologized. Alvarez lands and Crawford is on the move again before popping Alvarez with some shots. Crawford looks very comfortable in the ring. Crowd boos as Crawford moves. They trade punches but nothing devastating. Crawford 86, Alvarez 85

Round 10

Crawford not getting drawn into a firefight. Crawford beating Alvarez to the punch, but Alvarez does score with the left. Crawford staying on the move, but Alvarez scores again with the left to the body. Crawford slips a punch. Crawford 96, Alvarez 94

Round 11

Crawford scores with uppercuts and Alvarez responds with a body shot. Crawford shows a willingness to stand in there and he catches Alvarez with a left uppercut. Increasingly, Crawford looks to be in control. And then Alvarez lands an uppercut. A big one. Crawford lands a combo and pops Alvarez in the kisser. Alvarez looks frustrated. He lands a left and Crawford responds with two quick shots. Crawford 106, Alvarez 103

Round 12

Alvarez showing desperation here, moving with urgency and unleashing big shots. Crawford catches Alvarez with a stinging left. Crawford looking as comfy as can be. One minute left. He tags Alvarez with an uppercut. Alvarez looks foiled as Crawford lands the final blows of the fight. Crawford 116, Alvarez 112

Canelo vs. Crawford crowd favorite

During introductions, the crowd made it clear when they showered Crawford with boos. And, yes, those fans also bathed Alvarez in cheers.

Canelo vs. Crawford entrances

Alvarez made his way to the ring to the sound of – you guessed it – mariachi. Green, red and white lights in the seats created the colors of the Mexican flag. Crawford made his walk carrying a guitar case and it’s unclear why.

Canelo vs. Crawford draws Mike Tyson, other stars

Mike Tyson was among the celebrities in attendance at Allegiant Stadium, along with Michael J. Fox, Dave Chappelle, Sofia Vergara, Mark Wahlberg, Jeremy Renner, Jason Statham and Charlie Sheen. 

Canelo vs Crawford main card fights: Results and analysis

Callum Walsh def. Fernando Vargas Jr. by unanimous decision

Callum Walsh, under the guidance of UFC CEO Dana White, took another step toward a potential title shot.

Walsh (15-0) did it by beating Vargas Jr., son of retired boxing star Fernando Vargas Sr., by unanimous decision in their 10-round super welterweight bout.

The judges scored it 99-91, 99-91, 100-90.

Vargas (17-1) had his moments, using his quickness to sneak in punches. But Walsh, the 24-year-old from Ireland, looked inactive for stretches of the fight but did enough to win virtually all of the rounds while landing a steady diet of combinations.

With only one loss, the 28-year-old Vargas figures to get another opportunity on a big stage.

Round-by-round analysis:

Round 1

Callum Walsh and Fernando Vargas Jr., a couple of southpaws, both throw punches early. Vargas looks quicker, but not quick enough to avoid some body shots. Walsh takes a shot to the chest and ends up on the canvas, but there’s no sign it’s a knockdown. Walsh is quickly up on his feet and the fight continues. Vargas 10, Walsh 9

Round 2

Walsh showing poise and seems in control. Walsh noticeably bigger. Will he use the advantage? Not sure, but he landed a nice hook to the body. Vargas 19, Walsh 19

Round 3

Vargas digs into Walsh’s body. But Walsh responds with a body shot of his own. Walsh in rhythm and finding openings for combinations. Walsh 29, Vargas 28

Round 4

Vargas connects with a big left and throws it again as he closes the distance with Walsh. But Walsh moves forward and delivers a combination. Vargas answers with a body shot. Walsh connects with a couple of nice lefts. Walsh 39, Vargas 37

Round 5

Crisp shots exchanged as the round opens. Walsh looks comfortable when he’s in range. But Vargas is keeping it more than interesting. Walsh 48, Vargas 47

Round 6

Vargas capitalizes on his quickness with quick shots to the head. He lands a couple of hard jabs. But Walsh finishes the round strong. Walsh 58, Vargas 56

Round 7

Vargas lands a couple of stinging shots that get Walsh’s attention. He lands a couple more. But Walsh isn’t hurt. Walsh works the body and suddenly Vargas is retreating. Walsh 68, Vargas 65

Round 8

Walsh goes through a long stretch of almost inactivity before landing a nice combination. Vargas, by contrast, is staying busy. Walsh lands a hard right and shows some authority at the end of that round. Walsh 78, Vargas 74

Round 9

Walsh comes out aggressively and foils Vargas’ plan to set the tone. More one-and-done punches from Vargas. It’s clearly hard for him to get in position for KO-type blows. Walsh is turning it up, with one combination after the next. Vargas quickens his pace. Walsh 88, Vargas 83

Round 10

Walsh looks in full control. Vargas shows no signs of the capability of delivering a KO blow. But credit Vargas for his effort. Walsh unloading punches. Makes you wonder where this has been for the past nine rounds. Walsh 98, Vargas 92

Christian Mbilli vs. Lester Martinez declared split draw

They could’ve shrunk the ring to 8-by-8 for this fight. Or just shoved these guys in a phone both.

Fighting in close quarters, Mbilli and Martinez traded shots throughout their 10-round super middleweight bout. It ended in a split draw.

One judge scored it 97-93 for Martinez. One judge scored it 96-94 for Mbilli. The third judge scored it 95-95.

Which left both fighters unbeaten. Mbilli, a 30-year-old from France, is 29-0-1. Martinez, a 29-year-old from Guatemala, is 19-0-1.

The ring announcer saluted their work before the scorecards were read, and based on the beating they absorbed, they deserved it.

Round-by-round analysis:

Round 1

Christian Mbilli stalks from the start and presses the action against Lester Martinez. He pushes Martinez into a corner but then eats a big right. They’re trading big punches, and Mbilli’s still trying to push forward. And succeeding. The slugging is relentless. Mbilli 10, Martinez 9

Round 2

They’re firing fast and furious as the round begins. No surprise these guys are unbeaten, but hard to imagine this ending in a draw. One could be finishing the night on the canvas with these kind of blows. The crowd shows appreciation. Mbilli 20, Martinez 18

Round 3

More Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots at the outset. The action slows a tad. The previous pace might have been unsustainable. Mbilli stuns Martinez with a couple of shots. And the action escalates as the round comes to an end. Mbilli 30, Martinez 27

Round 4

Mbilli still letting the punches fly, and Martinez standing his ground – and connecting with his share of punches. But Martinez is having trouble matching Mbilli’s activity level. Mbilli headhunting and caught Martinez with a right, but the round belonged to Martinez. Mbilli 39, Martinez 37

Round 5

What a war. Neither willing to retreat. Trading punches in bunches. But Mbilli is initiating the action. Compubox offers a clue: Mbilli has landed considerably more shots than Martinez. Mbilli 49, Martinez 46

Round 6

Mbilli moving Martinez around, against the ropes. But Martinez drifts away and they circle back to the center of the ring. Mbilli 59, Martinez 55

Round 7

Still fighting in a phone booth. Would creating distance lead to a KO blow? We might not find out because Mbilli wants to fight in close quarters and Martinez has complied. Mbilli 69, Martinez 64

Round 8

Fighting toe-to-toe, furious chopping shots. What, you expected something different? Martinez sneaks free of the ropes with a swift move. But, guess what? He’s back on the ropes. Mbilli keeps the pressure on. Martinez lands a big left uppercut. And another big right. Mbilli 78, Martinez 74

Round 9

Martinez scoring more and shoves Mbilli away. Back comes Mbilli, and Martinez lands some big shots. Mbilli clearly felt it, along with the punches that came next. Martinez is gaining momentum. Mbilli 87, Martinez 84

Round 10

Mbilli keeps coming forward despite absorbing big shots in the ninth round. Martinez hits Mbilli with a head-snapping right, but he’s quickly punching again. Martinez hurts Mbilli and the final battle ensues, a remarkable exchange of punches. Mbilli 96, Martinez 94 

Mohammed Alakel def. Travis Kent Crawford by unanimous decision

Crawford has been planning to give up boxing and join the military. Well, Alakel put him through basic training – boxing style, replete with lefts, rights and jabs.

He bloodied Crawford’s nose while winning the fight by unanimous decision.

A promising Saudi boxer, Alakel withstood Crawford’s charge in the middle of the fight and largely controlled the 10-round lightweight bout.

The judges scored it 99-91, 98-92, 98-92.

Alakel, 21, capitalized on his lanky frame in hitting Crawford with stiff rights and lefts along with his jab. He bloodied Crawford’s nose but did not break his spirit.

Alakel improved to 6-0. Crawford, a 22-year-old from Texas, dropped to 7-5.

Round-by-round analysis:

Round 1

Mohammed Alakel lands an early right against Travis Crawford. And the lanky Alakel lets that right fly again. He’s popping away with the left, too. Crawford’s face already looks reddened. Alakel showing confidence with his left and right, along with the jab. Alakel 10, Crawford 9

Round 2

Crawford comes out for the second round, hopefully with a better game plan. Instead, he’s looking like a punching bag again. Alakel looks terrific with the assortment of punches and quickness. But Crawford finally lands a BIG right. Alakel now looking a little tentative and Crawford showing assertiveness. Alakel 20, Crawford 18

Round 3

Crawford has turned up the aggression and is swinging with the right. Alakel proving to be less effective when backing up. Alakel is covering up at the sign of Crawford’s right, but he’s unleashing his own punches – including a right hook to the head. Crawford coming forward and Alakel counters. Alakel 30, Crawford 27

Round 4

Crawford has likely lost the opening three rounds, but he’s fighting with spirit. And Alakel is capitalizing on his length and throws a big right. Alakel lands a nice combo that includes a body shot and Crawford responds with jabs. Alakel 40, Crawford 36

Round 5

Alakel opens by sneaking a jab through Crawford’s high guard and the pace quickens as Alakel unleashes punches. Crawford turns aggressive but Alakel stands his ground. Crawford smiling, as if the punches aren’t hurting. Not sure I buy it, with blood dripping from Crawford’s nose. Alakel 50, Crawford 45

Round 6

Alakel is capitalizing on his length advantage with the jab. But Crawford is stalking. Alakel slows a bit as Crawford picks up the pace. Crawford lands a big right and then a body shot. Alakel 59, Crawford 55

Round 7

Crawford committed to stalking. Alakel punishes him with the hook and slows Crawford with a hard left. Crawford loses steam and Alakel shows some of his early-round magic. Alakel 69, Crawford 64

Round 8

It’s probably too late for Crawford to get back into this fight without a stoppage. But it’s a competitive fight, even though Alakel is the more disciplined and skilled boxer. Crawford’s showing toughness, eating punches but standing his ground. Alakel’s volume too much for Crawford. Alakel 79, Crawford 73

Round 9

Crawford looks a little more static, and Alakel capitalizes with a series of punches. Crawford lacks the zest and fire he showed a few rounds ago and Alakel lands a nice left to the temple. Crawford picks up the pace and, with Alakel against the ropes, lands three big shots as the round ends. Alakel 88, Crawford 83

Round 10

Crawford needs a knockout and he’s going to go for it. Comes out swinging. Alakel responds but Crawford fights through and they traded solid punches. Both boxers showing fight. Well, now Alakel is trying to run out the clock – and he does. Alakel 98, Crawford 92

Canelo vs Crawford prelim fights: Results and analysis

Brandon Adams def. Serhii Bohachuk by unanimous decision

It was a fight without brakes, only accelerators.

In a rematch of their 2021 fight that Adams won by eighth-round TKO, they came out at full speed for their 10-round middleweight fight.

Round after round, the slugfest continued. But Adams hit harder and it had an impact – on Bohachuk and the judges.

The judges scored it 99-91, 98-92, 98-92 in favor of Adams, a 36-year-old from California who improved to 26-4. Bohachuk, a 30-year-old Ukrainian, fell to 26-3.

Round-by-round analysis:

Round 1

No backing down and no wasting time as the fighting starts. Serhii Bohachuk and Brandon Adams content to trade punches. Adams lands a hard left and establishes more aggression. But Bohachuk responds. One blow after another and both landing punches. Adams 10, Bohachuk 9

Round 2

Adams strikes with a left and then drills Bohachuk with a right. It’s more big exchanges. Bohachuk connects with a terrific uppercut and the slugfest continues. An incredible fight. Adams closes the round strong, but Bohachuk wins the round. Adams 19, Bohachuk 19

Round 3

Bohachuk slugging away, and he’s landed about double the punches of Adams. But Adams’ punches are thudding. Bohachuk finding his rhythm here and there’s no letup. Bohachuk 29, Adams 28

Round 4

Adams drills Bohachuk with a couple of body shots. Shots with power. It’s more non-stop trading of punches and we’re glad Compubox is around to keep count. Adams digs into the body hard, with more force than Bohachuk does. Adams on the assault as the round ends. Bohachuk 38, Adams 38

Round 5

Boxers firing from the sound of the bell. But Adams is firing thunderbolts. Bohachuk responds, but Adams looks unhurt. Neither boxer shows any fatigue, but you wonder if Adams’ punches are going to have greater impact as the fight progresses. Adams punishing Bohachuk as the round ends. Adams 48, Bohachuk 47

Round 6

Adams unleashing punches with the same fury. Bohachuk scoring too, but not with the same ferocity. Adams lands a solid left to the body and Bohachuk winces. Bohachuk may be protecting his body more after that big shot. Adams 58, Bohachuk 56

Round 7

They meet at the center of the ring, again. Hard to keep track of all the punishing shots. But Adams’ punches still look a level up. Bohachuk fires back a series of shots and, well, back comes Adams. Adams 68, Bohachuk 65

Round 8

Adams delivers a couple of big rights. So much for pure boxing. This is slugging, and slugging, and slugging. Adams catches Bohachuk with a left hook and Bohachuk wobbles as the round ends. Adams 78, Bohachuk 74

Round 9

Adams fires early, connecting with the head and body. Things slowing down. A smidge. Suddenly Adams is whaling away, especially with that left hook to the body. Adams 88, Bohachuk 83

Round 10

Adams is smiling as he touches gloves with Bohachuk as the final round begins. He’s not playing it safe either. Look at those blows go. Bohachuk shows less fight than in earlier rounds. Bohachuk walks down Adams into the corner and Adams marches his way out. It ends as it started, punches flying. Adams waves to the crowd and fans respond with cheers as the round ends. Adams 98, Bohachuk 92 

Jermaine Franklin Jr. def. Ivan Dychko by unanimous decision

Franklin fell into his opponent in the final round as if he had more to give.

Turned out he gave enough, in the eyes of the judges, and beat Dychko by unanimous decision in a 10-round heavyweight bout.

The judges scored it 96-93, 95-94 and 97-92 for Franklin, who took the fight on short notice and a big challenge.

The 6-foot-9 Dychko towered over the 6-foot-3 Franklin. But the fight often looked lackuster and the crowd responded with boos. Franklin helped quiet the boos by showing more urgency.

Franklin improved to 24-2. Dychko, a 35-year-old from Kazakhstan, fell to 15-1.

Round-by-round analysis:

Round 1

Ivan Dychko, at 6-foot-9, has a massive height advantage over Jermaine Franklin Jr. Franklin looks like he’s living off the training from a fight, say, three years ago. But he’s never been knocked down, so maybe Dychko has some work to do. Dychko using his left and lands a solid right, then connects with another to Franklin’s body. Dychko 10, Franklin 9

Round 2

Hard to imagine Franklin is 6-foot-3 and only has a six-inch height difference with Dychko. But he neutralizes it briefly with a shot to Dychko’s body. Franklin firing with more power, but Dychko remains in control again. Dychko 20, Franklin 18

Round 3

Dychko lands a right and back comes a right from Franklin – his first good punch of the fight. But volume counts and Dychko has thrown almost twice as many punches as Franklin. Dychko throwing his jab. Dychko 30, Franklin 27

Round 4

Franklin is trying to get close to Dychko. Well, too close as Dychko lands a solid right. Franklin lands a solid body shot but it’s one (punch) and done and Dychko gets behind his jab and starts clinching. Franklin unloads another body shot and is showing more energy and urgency. Dychko 39, Franklin 37

Round 5

Franklin opens the round by landing a big left, but is still having trouble following up his shots. Dychko uses his jab to set up a nice right. Lots of clinching, and the mostly empty stadium still generates whistles of disapproval. More clinching ensues. Dychko 49, Franklin 46

Round 6

The boos erupt early in this round. Limited engagement here. More clinching, as Dychko drapes his body over Franklin. Punch and clinch. Punch and clinch. YAWN. Franklin lands a nice left but fans are still upset. Dychko 58, Franklin 56

Round 7

Franklin shows more aggression and tries to attack Dychko’s body, then landed a right to the head. And another big right to Dychko’s head. Franklin lands a crisp combination. Dychko 67, Franklin 66

Round 8

Dychko using his jab again. Wonder what happened to the right. Anybody seen Dychko’s right hand? Franklin lands a big right! Referee deducts a point from Dychko for repeatedly draping his body over Franklin. That’ll please the crowd. Another huge right from Franklin. Franklin 76, Dychko 75

Round 9

Dychko shows more urgency, leading with the jab but finally throwing the right again. Franklin having a harder time closing the distance with his 6-foot-9 opponent. More power on display. Franklin 85, Dychko 85

Round 10

Franklin lands a nice combination and shows more urgency. Dychko sneaks in a solid right, and Franklin responds with his own. Franklin falls into Dychko, tank looks empty but manages to land a solid left to Dychko’s head. Crowd boos as the fight comes to an end. Dychko 95, Franklin 94

Reito Tsutsumi def. Javier Martinez by TKO

Tsutsumi, a top prospect from Japan, only bolstered his stock with a victory over Martinez.

The two boxers exchanged punches for the opening minute before Tsutsumi went on the attack, pounding Martinez with body shots.

Next, Tsutsumi alternated between punches to the body and head, and soon enough Martinez was reeling across the ring. It came to an end when Martinez flopped onto the canvas, which triggered a knockdown and an eight-count from the referee.

The referee waved off the fight at 2:18 in the first round without any protest from Martinez.

Tsutsumi improved to 3-0 and Martinez fell to 7-3.

Round-by-round analysis:

Round 1

Reito Tsutsumi stalks early but Javier Martinez holds his ground. They trade blows early, neither fighter inclined to back away. Tsutsumi lands some nasty body blows and Mamrtinez looks hurt. The Japanese fighter working the body and head down. Martinez big swinging … and a miss. He’s hurt badly. Flops to the ground and it’s a knockdown! And the referee halts the fight. 

Sultan Almohammed def. Martin Caraballo by unanimous decision

Almohammed, a 17-year-old from Saudi Arabia, turned in an electric performance in his pro debut.

Armed with power in both hands, Almohammed pounded Caraballo throughout the four-round lightweight bout.

Caraballo landed plenty of punches, but few, if any, had the force of Almohammed’s shots.

While Almohammed improved to 1-0, the 21-year-old Caraballo fell to 0-1-1.

Raiko Santana def. Steven Nelson by TKO

Santana, a Cuban, walked to the ring and climbed inside with a cigar in his mouth. What looked like a prop quickly became a victory cigar after the light heavyweight fight.

Although he did not light up the cigar, he did light up his opponent.

Late in the first round, Santana rocked Nelson with a straight right. Santana followed up with a flurry of punches that staggered Nelson, who was saved by the ropes.

But he was not saved by the referee, who halted the fight with 22 seconds left in the round.

Santana, 32, improved to 13-4. Nelson, 37, fell to 20-2.

Marco Verde def. Sona Akale by TKO

Verde, who won an Olympic silver for Mexico in the 2024 Paris Games, showed flashes of gold in his victory over Akale in their super middleweight fight.

Verde, 23, knocked down Akale two minutes into the fight with a left and two rights.

Aklae, a seasoned 37-year-old, continued to endure punishment and stayed on his feet. But the onslaught became too much for the referee, who halted the fight at 1:11 in the fourth round when Verde tattooed Akale with another left.

“Oh, my God,’’ Akale shouted when the referee stopped the fight. “What are you doing?’’

Doing the right thing, it appeared, as Akale bled from the mouth and was connecting on about 10  percent of his punches.

Verde improved to 3-0 and Akale fell to 9-4.

Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford: Time, PPV, streaming for fight

Canelo Alvarez will face Terence Crawford on Saturday, Sept. 13, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 13
• Time: 9 p.m. ET
• Alvarez vs Crawford main event estimated ringwalks: 11 p.m. ET
• Stream: Netflix (Prices start at $7.99/month)

What time is the Canelo vs. Crawford fight?

Canelo Alvarez takes on Terence Crawford in a main card that begins at 9 p.m. ET on Netflix. Coverage begins at 3:30 p.m. The prelims will take place at 5:30 p.m. ET on Tudum.

Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford main card, ring walk start times

• Main card start time: 9 p.m. ET
• Main event ring walks: 11 p.m. ET (approximate)

Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford fight card

Main card

• Canelo Álvarez vs. Terence Crawford; Super middleweight bout, 168 lbs
• Callum Walsh vs. Fernando Vargas Jr.; Super welterweight co-main event
• Christian Mbilli vs. Lester Martinez; Super middleweight bout
• Mohammed Alakel vs. Travis Kent Crawford; Lightweight bout 

Prelim Card

• Serhii Bohachuk vs. Brandon Adams; Middleweight bout
• Ivan Dychko vs. Jermaine Franklin; Heavyweight bout
• Reito Tsutsumi vs. Javier Martinez; Super featherweight bout
• Sultan Almohammed vs. Martin Caraballo; lightweight bout
• Steven Nelson vs. Raiko Santana; Light heavyweight bout
• Marco Verde vs. Sona Akale; Super middleweight bout 

Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford full card, odds

Card information according to Netflix; Odds via BetMGM (if available)

Main Event

• Canelo Álvarez (-160) vs. Terence Crawford (+145); Super middleweight, 168 pounds
• Callum Walsh (-295) vs. Fernando Vargas Jr. (+225); Super welterweight co-main event
• Christian Mbilli  (-185) vs. Lester Martinez (+145); Super middleweight
• Mohammed Alakel vs. Travis Kent Crawford; Lightweight 

Preliminary card

• Serhii Bohachuk (-500) vs. Brandon Adams (+350); Middleweight
• Ivan Dychko (-120) vs. Jermaine Franklin (-105); Heavyweight
• Reito Tsutsumi (-5000) vs. Javier Martinez (+1500); Super featherweight
• Sultan Almohammed vs. Martin Caraballo; lightweight
• Steven Nelson (-320) vs. Raiko Santana (+240); Light heavyweight
• Marco Verde vs. Sona Akale; Catchweight

Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford Predictions

USA TODAY Sports: Josh Peter picks Terence Crawford

Canelo is the bigger fighter. The stronger fighter. The more tested fighter. But Crawford’s boxing IQ coupled with his skills are off the chart. Prediction: Crawford by decision.

ESPN: Amir Khan picks Crawford

Khan said, ‘It’s a great fight for the fans. If it comes down to being a boxer and moving around, I got Crawford destroying Canelo easily. Canelo has to dig deep and go back to how he used to fight back in the day against the likes of Floyd Mayweather and those guys where he doesn’t give a damn and walks through you. But it’s a 50-50 fight. I lean toward Crawford. Why? Because Crawford is the fresher fighter. Canelo has had too many tough fights.’

The Sun: Tyson Furry picks Canelo

Chisanga Malata writes on Tyson Furry’s comments: ‘(It’s a) very tough fight, different weight categories. What weight would this fight happen? I don’t know. At 168, I’m gonna say Canelo. At 140, I’m gonna say Crawford. So I’ll go with Canelo.’

DAZN: Eddie Hearn picks Crawford

Christopher Walker writes on Eddie Hearn comments: ‘Crawford has got to fight a boring fight to beat him. He’ll engage way more than Scull. I had the fight quite close. 115-113. Maybe 116-112, and that was Scull. Crawford is on another level than that.’

Pro Boxing Fans: Benavidez picks Canelo

Jonathan Nagioff writes on David Benavidez comments: ‘I think Canelo’s going to win, only because of the size. Crawford is coming up three weight classes, so I think Canelo is more of a natural super middleweight. This is Crawford’s first super middleweight fight.’

Ring Magazine: Dmitry Bivol believes Terence Crawford can win

In an interview with Ring Magazine, Bivol stated, ‘My first reaction when I heard about the fight was about Crawford’s size. Is it appropriate for him to move up two weight classes? However, when I saw him in Dubai a month ago, I realized he is physically imposing and possesses excellent skills. He is one of my favorite boxers, and I believe he is capable of winning this fight.’

Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford live stream, price

Canelo Alvarez will face Terence Crawford on Saturday, Sept. 13, and the event will be streamed on Netflix, with coverage starting at 3:30 p.m. ET. Fans can subscribe for as low as $7.99 to watch the event.

Has Canelo ever been knocked down?

No, Canelo Alvarez has never been knocked down. Neither has Terence Crawford. That’s a combined 108 fights without the fighters getting knocked down.

Who is Terence Crawford? Everything to know about Canelo’s opponent

It’s unlikely Crawford (41-0, 31 KOs) will be scared to fight Alvarez, given the path he has taken from his hometown of Omaha, Nebraska, to this career-defining moment.

Growing up, Crawford has said, he put on boxing gloves, hit the streets and fought in alleys.

That is, unless his mother arranged fights on the front lawn when she offered neighborhood kids $10 if they could beat her son.

Just like now, Crawford was undefeated, the boxer has said.

USA TODAY Sports’ Josh Peter has more on Terence Crawford’s path to boxing glory.

Canelo Alvarez: Keys to victory

As Terence Crawford aims for an upset victory against Canelo Alvarez Sept. 13, special insight is available from the brains behind boxers who stood toe-to-toe with Alvarez.

One man is Abel Sanchez, who trained Gennadiy Golovkin for the electric first two fights of Golovkin’s trilogy with Alvarez. The other is Joel Diaz, who coached Dmitry Bivol in 2022 when Bivol defeated Alvarez by unanimous decision.

Crawford is the faster boxer. The better-conditioned boxer. And draws praise for his smarts inside the ring.

But…

‘In a 12-round fight with that big truck of Canelo just pounding and pounding, it’s going to take its toll,” Sanchez said.

Read here for more keys to victory for Canelo Alvarez.

Terence Crawford: Keys to victory

Forget what the odds say about the Sept. 13 fight between Terence Crawford and Canelo Alvarez and who is the betting favorite.

Listen to what top trainers told USA TODAY Sports.

“Do I think he has a chance?’’ Robert Garcia, The Ring’s Trainer of the Year for 2024, said. “I think he has a great chance.’’

Read here for in-depth keys to victory for Terence Crawford over Canelo Alvarez.

Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford payout, purse

It’s a big fight with an even bigger paycheck.

Canelo Alvarez is guaranteed to make more than $100 million to fight Terence Crawford on Saturday, Sept. 13, said Turki Alalshikh, the Saudi matchmaker and deal broker who has led his country’s massive investment in boxing.

One of the biggest deals Alalshikh made is a four-fight deal with Alvarez. And on Sept. 11, during the final press conference before the two boxers face off, he responded when asked if he would become the first person to guarantee a Mexican athlete $100 million.

Read here for more on the payout, purse for the clash between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford.

Canelo vs Crawford weight: What does size say about fight?

Michael Spinks. Sugar Ray Leonard. Roy Jones Jr.

The history of those boxing legends provides reason to believe Terence Crawford can overcome what’s viewed as his biggest challenge in fighting Canelo Alvarez on Saturday, Sept. 13.

That challenge is the jump up two weight classes that Crawford (41-0, 31 KOs) had to make to fight Canelo (63-2-2, 39 KOs) in the 168-pound super middleweight division, with Canelo’s undisputed super middleweight title on the line.

Crawford jumped up from 147 pounds to 154 pounds in his last fight. Now he’s leaping again, approximately 14 pounds, and headed into uncharted territory. By contrast, Alvarez is a natural 168-pounder and has fought twice at the 175-pound light weight division.

USA TODAY Sports’ Josh Peter has more on the weight issue facing Terence Crawford vs. Canelo Alvarez.

Why is Canelo-Crawford on Netflix?

While this is not Netflix’s first foray into boxing, the upcoming Canelo vs. Crawford fight is generating unprecedented buzz. Netflix made history by broadcasting the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight in November 2024, achieving 38 million concurrent streams in the U.S. to become the most streamed sporting event in history. It also streamed the women’s boxing trilogy fight, Taylor vs. Serrano 3, in the summer of 2024. — Elizabeth Flores

With Canelo Alvarez’s undisputed super middleweight title on the line, the Mexican star will be fighting more than Terence Crawford on Saturday, Sept. 13 in Las Vegas.

Canelo Alvarez record: Boxer fighting for his legacy

He’ll also be fighting for his legacy.

Aris Pina, a voter for the International Boxing Hall of Famer, said he thinks Alvarez ranks among the Top 30 boxers all-time. Barry Tompkins, a highly regarded boxing analyst, said he thinks Alvarez is in contention for the mythical crown of best Mexican boxer ever.

The prevailing sentiment: Alvarez’s legacy hinges in part on the outcome of his fight against Crawford, who like Alvarez, has spent time atop the pound-for-pound rankings. Alvarez is 63-2-2 with 39 knockouts.

“His record speaks for itself,’’ Tompkins said. “And to his credit, he’s fought everyone who’s come along.’’

Canelo vs. Crawford main card: must-watch main card fights

USA TODAY Sports’ Elizabeth Flores highlights a pair of main card fights to consider ahead of Canelo vs. Alvarez. On Christian Mbilli vs. Lester Martinez, Flores writes:

‘WBC interim champion Christian Mbilli is set to face off vs. Lester Martinez in a super middleweight fight at 154 pounds. Mbilli, undefeated and untied in 29 fights, will go up against Martinez, who also boasts an undefeated record with 19 wins. Both fighters, known for their powerful punches, will face off in 12-round battle, with one boxer likely to suffer their first career loss.’

AI-assisted summary
• Coaches in the SEC face intense pressure and scrutiny on a week-to-week basis.
• Florida coach Billy Napier is under a particularly bright spotlight after pre-game skirmishes and a loss to LSU.
• Several other SEC coaches, including those at Tennessee, Alabama, and Georgia, are also feeling the heat.

BATON ROUGE, LA — Nearly two hours before this boiling pot of emotion unfolded, before LSU further established itself as a national championship contender, Florida players twice instigated skirmishes between the teams during pre-game walk through. 

The first was on the LSU side of the 50, and the second was in the LSU end zone. About 50 yards from where Florida players should be. 

Or about a country mile from where the program should be under embattled coach Billy Napier.

Welcome to coaching in the SEC, where it’s week to week in the cutthroat world of coaching in the biggest, baddest conference in college football.

Big money, big expectations, big drama. And every coach – I mean, every coach – is a loss away from standing in front of public scrutiny, naked and exposed for all to see.

Napier isn’t alone on this lonely, inevitable march to the unemployment line. He’s simply the guy standing at the front, in the brightest spotlight of all.

‘I thought our guys played their asses off,’ Napier said in a somber post-game closet of a interview room in the bowels of Tiger Stadium.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the stadium, for the team and coach on the verge of something big, LSU coach Brian Kelly found his inner fire when, right out of the box, he was asked about the poor performance from his offense.

‘Stop, really. Is that the first question?’ Kelly snapped. ‘Try another question. We played the game to win the game.’

And sometimes, even that’s not enough in the high stakes world of SEC football.

Tennessee coach Josh Heupel is feeling it because his kicker, who has been as good as any in the SEC since 2024, can’t hit a 43-yarder at the end of regulation to beat Georgia for the first time since Butch Jones was talking about Champions of Life in Knoxville. 

Kalen DeBoer’s honeymoon at Alabama – if there ever really was one – ended Week 1 when Florida State pushed the Tide all over newly renovated Doak Campbell Stadium. Somebody, quick, find $70 million. 

Arkansas coach Sam Pittman can’t beat a rebuilt Ole Miss team with a backup quarterback, and Kentucky coach Mark Stoops has problems beating anyone. Much less, Eastern Whoeveritwas.

Vanderbilt rolled into Columbia and destroyed South Carolina, which was without star quarterback LaNorris Sellers in the second half. Like having Sellers would’ve made a difference — or defused the narrative that coach Shane Beamer’s teams fold with expectations.      

Had LSU lost to a Florida team coming off a brutal home loss to South Florida, Kelly would’ve been one step closer to becoming the first LSU coach since Gerry DiNardo (in the 1990s!) to not win a national title. The bigger DiNardo sin: no national title, or those horrific purple pants?

Kirby Smart – yes, even Kirby Smart – is feeling it because Georgia is very un-Georgia of late. And how in the world does Tennessee have a chance to win with a quarterback in his first SEC start?

“I almost feel like we have to apologize” Smart said after escaping Tennessee with an overtime win.

None of these guys should apologize. These games are brutal fist fights, weekly white-knuckle rides where one mistake or one big play can change everything. 

Or five interceptions from Gators quarterback DJ Lagway, three after throwing late over the middle against a ferocious LSU defense — and one that was returned for a touchdown. Or four holding calls from Florida, one that negated an 83-yard touchdown pass.

That’s 14 points, and that’s your game, ladies and gentlemen. Yet another talking point for those who desperately want Napier unemployed. 

‘That’s two games in a row like that,’ Napier said.

That’s two too many for those who want the Florida coach with a losing record (20-21), a losing record on the road (5-14), and who’s winless against ranked teams on the road in four seasons, pink-slipped.

And why should’t they, or any other fan base, demand more? 

If you pay top dollar for tickets, for seat licenses just to have the right to buy tickets, for suites or skyboxes, for game day parking and tailgating, for food and apparel, you better believe you think you have a place at the table.

If you’re spending top dollar on airline tickets and hotel rooms and rental cars to follow your team at road games, you better believe you’ve got skin in the game.  

If players are being paid top dollar to move from team to team, if coaches are being paid top dollar to not coach, and others paid millions to coach poorly, why shouldn’t those whose money is a significant factor in keeping programs afloat, be able to speak and be heard?

This isn’t about the vicious lunatic fringe on social media, this is about legitimate complaints from legitimate consumers. The excuses of the past are long gone: players are paid, and open to any and all criticism.

So are the coaches who coach them.

There’s nothing easy about this business. It’s hard on coaches and players, and wives and girlfriends and families.

It’s hard on university presidents and athletic directors and everyone involved – from student managers washing jerseys, to deep-pocket boosters throwing good money after bad – knowing full well that somebody is losing.

And more times than not, that somebody should be fired. Or else.

Matt Hayes is the senior national college football writer for USA TODAY Sports Network. Follow him on X at @MattHayesCFB.  

The 2025 NFL season is underway and opening week provided an abundance of entertainment; however, Week 2 promises to be equally thrilling.

The USA TODAY Sports staff is back to deliver you the best NFL bets for Sunday. The team went 1-4 in Week 1, with the rookie tight end Tyler Warren the lone winning wager. The bad beats are getting out of the way early as Trey McBride’s receiving yardage total was lost by the hook.

The crew is back and ready for redemption and a bounce back this Sunday.

Our experts have provided the best prediction for this weekend’s slate of games, selecting from any betting markets available and supplying an in-depth analysis on spreads, totals, player props and anytime touchdowns. Here are our best NFL bets for Sunday games with odds from BetMGM. Best of luck if you tail.

Best bets NFL Week 2

All odds listed are provided by BetMGM Sportsbook. Access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a complete list.

Jaguars RB Travis Etienne Jr. OVER 58.5 rushing yards at Cincinnati Bengals (-115)

Ayrton Ostly, NFL writer: Stefon Diggs finished just eight yards shy of my prediction last week and I’ve learned my lesson. On to running backs!

Etienne led the Jacksonville backfield with 16 carries. The next-highest total was Tank Bigsby’s five carries and he’s since been traded to Philadelphia. This looks to be Etienne’s show until Bhayshul Tuten earns a larger share of touches.

Cincinnati allowed just 49 rushing yards in its opener but that was against the Browns led by Jerome Ford and Dylan Sampson. Etienne is more dynamic than Ford and more experienced than Sampson. This Bengals defense is still on watch until proven otherwise.

Etienne may not hit 143 yards as he did in Week 1 but this line needs him to barely clear a third of that. Given the defenses in this game, it could turn into a shootout with Etienne making the most of it in the running game.

Chicago Bears (+6) at Detroit Lions (-110)

Jacob Camenker, NFL writer: OK, so backing Joe Flacco and a notoriously slow-starting Bengals squad in Week 1 blew up in my face. But that’s something the Bears never do… right?

While Chicago looked lost at times outside of its first offensive drive in Week 1, the Bears have been a thorn in the Lions’ side in recent seasons. They have just a 1-3 record over the last two years, but two of their defeats were by less than five points. Chicago shouldn’t have an issue staying close to Detroit as Ben Johnson looks to prove he made the right decision leaving the Lions to take the Bears coaching job.

Add in that Jared Goff has a career, straight-up record of 3-17-1 in games where neither Johnson nor Sean McVay is calling his games and this line seems mispriced. The Bears may have a chance to win this outright.

Browns QB Joe Flacco OVER 244.5 passing yards vs. Ravens (-115)

Jack McKessy, NFL writer: Flacco’s Week 1 start with the Browns this year was his sixth regular-season career start with the team. His initial stint with Cleveland came at the back end of the 2023 season, when he won four straight games to push the Browns into the playoffs.

In each of Flacco’s first six starts with the Browns – all of which have been in head coach Kevin Stefanski’s offense – he’s tallied at least 250 passing yards. His 290 yards in Week 1 this year were actually his lowest total in his last five regular-season starts, breaking a streak of four straight games with more than 300 yards passing.

This week, Flacco gets a matchup with a Ravens team that has been diced through the air over the last season plus. Baltimore allowed the second-most passing yards in the league last year and began the 2025 season allowing 394 yards to Bills quarterback Josh Allen.

Flacco’s history of high passing volume with the Browns – which seems likely to continue until rookie running back Quinshon Judkins gets up to speed on the team’s offensive playbook – and the Ravens’ trouble stopping opposing passers sets Flacco up for a solid outing in Week 2.

Jets RB Breece Hall OVER 57.5 rushing yards vs. Buffalo Bills (-115)

Nick Brinkerhoff, NFL writer: After carrying the crew with the only dub of Week 1, we gave plenty of thought to backing the over on Tyler Warren’s receptions again this week – a wager we will also endorse. Instead of getting predictable, we’ll take a trip to the Meadowlands for this AFC East clash. The Jets aren’t shy about their desire to become the Detroit Lions of the East Coast – a run-first squad that plays off the strength of their offensive line.

Luckily for us, the sportsbooks haven’t caught on yet and Hall shined in the opener against what figures to be a solid Steelers defense. After trade rumors and some level of uncertainty regarding his future with Gang Green, the fourth-year back was the unquestioned RB1 in Tanner Engstrand’s offense, finishing with 19 carries for 107 yards. Braelon Allen might get his time to shine, but Hall was explosive and looked like the player the Jets drafted in 2022.

Buffalo’s run defense was already gashed by Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson in Week 1, allowing 238 yards on the ground. Without Ed Oliver, that task becomes even tougher – especially against Hall and the new-look Jets in a game that might be closer than many expect.

Patriots TE Hunter Henry OVER 3.5 Receptions (+100)

Tom Viera, NFL writer/editor: Unfortunately, we watched Drake London reel in eight receptions on a massive 15 targets (second-most in NFL Week 1), but he only managed 55 yards, falling short of our recommended pick. It’s easy to endorse going back to the well with London on Sunday night but we’re going to pivot to another veteran who’s built a strong rapport with his second-year quarterback.

Not paying any juice makes this pick even more enticing. Henry tied for the team lead with eight targets in Week 1 – a trend that rolled over from Drake Maye’s rookie season, during which Henry led New England in targets, receiving yards, receptions and end-zone targets in games alongside Maye.

Colts rookie Tyler Warren posted a respectable seven receptions for 76 yards against the Dolphins’ secondary, and we can expect Henry to produce a similar stat line. The Patriots tight end has finished with at least four receptions in eight of nine healthy games with Maye, including a five-reception outing at Miami in Week 12 a season ago. You can bank on Henry.

Heading into Saturday’s game against No. 8 Notre Dame,Texas A&M football coach Mike Elko said the victor of the top-25 ranked matchup would be the team that made plays late in the fourth quarter.

The 17th-ranked Aggies did just that.

Facing a fourth-and-goal with 19 seconds remaining in the game, Texas A&M quarterback Marcel Reed fired an 11-yard throw into the left corner of the end zone that was held onto by tight end Nate Boerkircher for the eventual 41-40 game-winning catch at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana.

But for Notre Dame, the loss represented the second time the Fighting Irish will start 0-2 on the season under Marcus Freeman. The loss also damaged Notre Dame’s College Football Playoff resume, as the Irish are not set to face another ranked opponent for the remainder of the season and have now lost both of their games to ranked opponents in Texas A&M and Miami.

Texas A&M’s win, however, didn’t come without some help from Notre Dame, either. Here’s a look at how the Aggies were able to pull the win and how Notre Dame squandered a chance at its first win of the season in chronological order:

Notre Dame missed extra point attempt

A Jeremiyah Love touchdown with 2:53 left in the game appeared to give Notre Dame a 41-34 lead — until holder Tyler Buchner bobbled the snap on the extra point attempt, resulting in a failed conversion. That meant Texas A&M could take a one-point lead with a touchdown and extra-point conversion.

Marcel Reed third-down conversion

Facing third-and-8 at the Notre Dame 23-yard line, Texas A&M was in desperate need of a conversion to continue their drive. They got it from Reed, who scrambled for a 9-yard gain to the Fighting Irish 14-yard line with less than a minute remaining to extend the drive.

Christian Gray called for defensive holding penalty

Speaking of Notre Dame’s struggles to get a stop on third downs, the Irish gave the Aggies an extra fresh set of downs a few plays later. Facing third-and-16, Reed overthrew KC Concepcion in the middle of the field to get near the first down.

However, a holding penalty was called against Notre Dame cornerback Christian Gray, resulting in the Aggies drive resetting with a first down at the 10-yard line.

Karson Hobbs missed interception in end zone

Notre Dame had a key opportunity at a potential game-winning play in the winding seconds of the game, when Reed’s throw into the end zone sailed toward Notre Dame’s Karson Hobbs. The Irish sophomore safety, however, couldn’t hold onto the ball, keeping the Aggies alive yet again.

Texas A&M converts fourth-and-goal for game-winner

The Irish got stops on second and third down, leaving them one play away from picking up a signature win vs. Texas A&M. Reed had other plans, however, throwing a laser of a pass into the hands of Boerkircher for the eventual game-winner.

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AI-assisted summary
• Tennessee missed a 43-yard field goal at the end of regulation that would have secured the victory.
• Both quarterbacks delivered standout performances, with Tennessee’s Joey Aguilar throwing for 371 yards and Georgia’s Gunner Stockton passing for 304 yards.
• The game featured nearly a thousand yards of total offense as both defenses struggled to contain the opposing attacks.

KNOXVILLE, TN – Josh McCray’s legs kept churning. In a game that saw nearly a thousand yards of offense, the final 3 feet would meet the most resistance.

And the fellas wearing zebra stripes weren’t convinced. They thought the Georgia tailback got stopped inches short of the goal line.

It’s a strange sport, this thing called college football, that a game so thrilling could end in replay review. And the review showed what the officials had missed live: McCray’s second-down run in overtime penetrated the goal line.

Kirby Smart’s Bulldogs celebrated joyously on the Neyland Stadium turf that, minutes earlier, had braced for a possible field-storming by the home fans.

No. 15 Tennessee had multiple opportunities to finish off No. 3 Georgia, but the Bulldogs kept dodging knockout blows.

“I feel almost like we have to apologize,’ Smart said after Georgia’s ninth consecutive win against Tennessee, ‘because I don’t think we should have won that game. They outplayed us in a lot of ways, but that’s the way it goes.”

It’s dangerous business to let Smart’s team hang around, as shown here again.

Georgia survived, 44-41, in a game in which each quarterback played their guts out, and each defense spent too much time looking infirm.

‘It’s going to hurt,’ Tennessee defensive lineman Caleb Herring said of the result.

Because, it so easily could have finished differently.

The Vols’ usually reliable Max Gilbert missed a 43-yard field goal at the end of regulation that would have won the game. Tennessee had a false start penalty just before the field goal, pushing it back 5 yards.

Oh, the stories the south end zone here could tell.

The night you knew – I mean, really, really knew – Tennessee coach Josh Heupel was for real, a field goal fluttered over the south goal posts. Later, those goal posts succumbed to an exuberant fan base that smoked cigars by the thousands. Alabama and Nick Saban went home a loser.

Three years later, Gilbert’s kick sailed wide, wide, wide right, and the fans in that south end zone went silent.

Overtime awaited, and there would be no fairytale ending for Joey Aguilar, Tennessee’s transfer quarterback whom UCLA decided it didn’t want as its starter less than five months ago.

Aguilar cooked Smart’s defense to the tune of 371 passing yards, four touchdowns and another score on the ground.

Gunner Stockton did some James Beard chef work of his own. In his first career road start, playing in one of the nation’s most raucous stadiums, which shook on its foundation in the second half, Stockton showed a cool hand.

Last team with the ball wins? You bet.

Gunner Stockton, Joey Aguilar supply thrills

Who needs Carson Beck?

The Miami Hurricanes do, but not Georgia.

Stockton kept Georgia’s offense counterpunching in a game when the Bulldogs’ defense looked out of its depth. He threw for 304 yards and two touchdowns.

“He made some big-time throws,’ Smart said.

Both quarterbacks did.

Less than five months ago, Tennessee had no starting quarterback. Nico Iamaleava packed his pajama pants and vamoosed to UCLA, where he took a pay cut to play for a bad team close to home and left the Vols in a lurch. UCLA left Aguilar in a pickle. In the winter, Aguilar had transferred from Appalachian State to finish his career playing for the Bruins in his home state.

UCLA coach DeShaun Foster later decided he wanted Iamaleava, not Aguilar, as his starter. How fortunate for Aguilar. Foster pushed Aguilar right into the arms of an offensive mastermind and a proven quarterback developer.

Aguilar proved a quick study of Heupel’s up-tempo offense. In a blur, he had 21 points on the board against a Georgia defense helpless to stop Tennessee in the first quarter.

Fourteen passes, Aguilar threw, in the game’s first 15 minutes. Fourteen passes, he completed, looking like Peyton Manning against Kentucky.

Nine months ago, Stockton served as Georgia’s backup until Beck’s injury in the SEC championship game thrust him into duty. He looked OK then. He didn’t look great against Notre Dame in the playoff. He looked sensational in this one, while carving up a vulnerable Tennessee defense.

Georgia wins on ground in overtime

Mike Bobo’s developed several good quarterbacks while spending the better part of the past two decades as Georgia’s offensive coordinator, across two different stints. Bobo’s latest quarterback looks awfully promising and the picture of steadiness, but there’s nothing that delights Georgia fans like a tailback chewing up yardage between the tackles.

A certain five-word phrase can be heard so frequently in Georgia, you’d think it must be the state motto.

Run the damn ball, Bobo.

The pockets of Georgia fans tucked into the stands here could have been only too delighted to see Bobo’s game plan to open the second half. Georgia handed the ball off 13 times in 14 plays while marching 75 yards for a touchdown on a drive suited for Herschel Walker.

Great though Stockton was, he never needed to sling a pass in overtime. His third and final handoff of overtime went to McCray, and Tennessee’s defense finally showed some pushback. Not enough.

McCray finished the run with just enough surge, and Georgia showed just enough wriggle to slip out of here battered, but with its undefeated record intact.

Blake Toppmeyer is the USA TODAY Network’s senior national college football columnist. Email him at BToppmeyer@gannett.com and follow him on X @btoppmeyer.

Following Oregon football’s Week 3 win over Northwestern, Ducks coach Dan Lanning spoke to a much larger story than his team’s win in their Big Ten opener.

In his postgame news conference at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium, Lanning addressed the shooting death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated on Wednesday, Sept. 10 during a visit to Utah Valley University.

Lanning, in his fourth season at Oregon, spoke at length about Kirk and how he hopes the country can learn from his team’s locker room in how they handled this most recent event.

‘I think the U.S. could learn a lot from our locker room. I think the people of this world could learn a lot from our locker room,’ Lanning said after Oregon’s win at Northwestern on Sept. 13. ‘You walk into that locker room and you’ve got guys of different races, guys of different backgrounds, different religions, and you’ve got a team that loves each other. Like tons of differences. Where they come from, what they deal with and ultimately you have a team that loves each other.

‘I think we’re missing some of that in our country.’

Lanning also mentioned to reporters in Evanston, Illinois that he recently learned Kirk was a Ducks fan, which his widow, Erika Kirk, mentioned in her first address to the country on Sept. 12. As noted by The Register-Guard, part of the USA TODAY Network, the Kirks were at Oregon’s win over Ohio State in Eugene last year.

‘I didn’t know that. I hurt for his wife Erika and their kids. That sort of evil should never exist in our country,’ Lanning said.

‘That’s what it is, evil. I remember having to explain that to my family. I remember sitting down with my kids and explaining what happened. They’re talking about people talking about it at school, and it’s just sad. Every day it seems like we deal with some sort of violence in our country, whether it’s school kids in Colorado, or kids in Minnesota churches.

‘Life matters. I think we’ve lost sight of that, but I wish the world could learn a little bit of something from our locker room because we’ve got a bunch of people with differences and what you’ve got is a bunch of people with love there.’

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