AI-assisted summary
• Cardinals running back Emani Demercado fumbled before crossing the goal line, negating a 72-yard touchdown run.
• Coach Jonathan Gannon was seen berating and appearing to strike Demercado on the sideline after the mistake.
• The incident drew comparisons to how Colts coach Shane Steichen handled a similar blunder by receiver Adonai Mitchell a week prior.

Go ahead, induct Emani Demercado into the Hall of Shame for the disastrous gaffe on Sunday that went a long way toward another L for the Arizona Cardinals.

Surely, the third-year running back had to feel terrible about casually flipping the football to the turf before crossing the goal line – Fumble! Touchback! – that wiped out a would-be 72-yard TD run. He joins the likes of Leon Lett, DeSean Jackson, Jonathan Taylor, Danny Trevathon and others, including Indianapolis Colts receiver Adonai Mitchell, who just a week earlier committed a similar blunder.

Yet the teaching moments from this faux pas don’t start and end with Demercado.

Did you see the reaction of Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon?

Not only did Gannon berate Demercado on the sideline, he appeared to strike the player in his midsection, which would be crossing the line in a most shameful way.

Gannon revealed quite the leadership flaw in making a bad mistake even worse by going ballistic. If it’s proven what it looked like, that he in fact put his hands on Demercado during his tirade, the NFL – cracking down this season on player taunting and crass gestures in TD celebrations, in the name of sportsmanship – should be consistent in its messaging and drop the hammer on Gannon as a statement about unacceptable workplace behavior.

And I’d think the NFL Players Association (NFLPA), which typically stands up for its membership in a wide range of matters, would be appalled by the incident.

In 2022, the league fined then-Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Bruce Arians $50,000 for slapping his safety, Andrew Adams, on the helmet as he reacted to a melee on the field during an NFC wild card playoff game against the Eagles. So, there’s some precedent.

Granted, coaches (and players) have erupted with heated in-your-face exchanges for decades. But if there was indeed a body blow, it goes to another level. And remember: The NFL legislates the sidelines just as much as the field on game days. If it can fine Arians, dock 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa for photo-bombing a postgame national TV interview while wearing a MAGA hat (days before the 2024 election, drawing an $11,255 fine for a uniform violation) and was moved to discipline Eagles security chief Dom DiSandro for using a cellphone on the sideline during a preseason game (it fined “Big Dom” a whopping $75,000 for the violation committed in August), then the Cardinals coach is clearly in the league’s jurisdictional range for some action.

Sure, Gannon apologized to Demercado and to the team during a meeting on Monday, saying he woke up on the day after “and didn’t feel great about it.”

What bad optics. In public. From the head coach, the so-called leader of men.

“Obviously, I tried to be emotionally stable and calm, because my job is to solve problems during a game and kind of lead the charge on that,” Gannon said during a Monday press conference. “So, it’s not really who I am or who I want to be, and I told the guys that today. So, it’s a mistake by me. It’s just like everybody in there. Everybody made some type of mistake yesterday, which culminates into why we didn’t win the game. And we can’t let it happen moving forward.”

Lessons for all, indeed, from a debacle that saw the Cards blow a 15-point fourth-quarter lead.

Want real leadership from Cardinals? Look to Paris Johnson, Jr.

It was ironic that as Gannon charged toward Demercado, the running back was being consoled by left tackle Paris Johnson, Jr. Johnson, a former first-round pick, and Demercado were in the same rookie class in 2023.

Gannon, it turns out, should have taken a cue from Johnson, who apparently carries 313 pounds of leadership on his 6-foot, 6-inch frame.

“I wanted to be one of the first people to find him on the sideline, to tell him, ‘Hey, wipe it off. Let’s keep going,’ ” Johnson told reporters afterward. “I just wanted to make sure that he heard that from somebody up front and he’s not catching looks and stares and people mumbling left and right. I didn’t want him to hear any of that, be around any of that. I didn’t want to create that energy around him, you know.”

And then Gannon came in for a blow up. Some energy.

Sure, it’s professional football, not Pop Warner. Adversity happens. Blowups can ignite. Coaches can get salty. Ask anybody who ever played for (my man) Bill Parcells, including a frequent target, Phil Simms. Late in his career on his final stop with the Dallas Cowboys, Parcells had a dust-up with Antonio Bryant during a practice session. After the receiver took off his pads and jersey and proceeded to leave practice, Parcells reportedly picked up the gear and threw it at Bryant and said something to the effect that he still had a good fight left in him.

No, old-school Parcells would not have taken kindly to Demercado’s mistake.

For Colts, Adonai Mitchell’s goalline blunder a teaching moment

Then again, Colts coach Shane Steichen – who coached with Gannon on Nick Sirianni’s staff with the Eagles before landing a head coaching job – seemingly handled Mitchell’s mishap in textbook fashion for this day and age. Steichen had a one-on-one meeting with Mitchell, who was also flagged for a holding penalty that wiped out a 53-yard TD run from Taylor in the Colts’ Week 4 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Steichen had Mitchell open the next-day team meeting by taking accountability yet also let the emerging wideout know that his big blunder – Mitchell lost the grip on the ball as he stretched out before crossing the goal line for a 75-yard TD – would not be his defining moment. Well said.

Still, Mitchell, and now Demercado, provided fresh material for a “gaffe reel” that every coach in the NFL should show its players about what not to do as you approach the goal line with an apparent TD.

You’d think pro athletes would know better by now. But the fact that these cases of premature celebrations or casual flips of the football keep happening suggests that not everybody has, well, received the memo.

After all, a week after Mitchell’s misfortune, who would have thought that another electric touchdown would be doused by some foolishness from Demercado?

Hey, just know the NFL schedule-makers have struck again. The Cardinals take their three-game losing streak to Indianapolis this weekend. Anybody for a photo op? Demercado and Mitchell will be on the same field. And their coaches, too.

Remember, a boneheaded mistake is one thing. What also matters is how you react.

Contact Jarrett Bell at jbell@usatoday.com or follow on social media: On X: @JarrettBell; On Bluesky: jarrettbell.bsky.social

Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders was decidedly chattier about Joe Flacco being traded to the Cincinnati Bengals than he was about the team’s decision to name Dillon Gabriel its starting quarterback.

Sanders acknowledged Flacco told him about the trade earlier in the day during an interview with Fox 8 News. What was the Colorado product’s reaction to it?

‘I was like, ‘Dang. That happened quick,” Sanders said of the trade. ‘It was crazy.’

Sanders also credited the 40-year-old quarterback with serving as a mentor to him during his rookie NFL season.

‘He was definitely somebody I leaned on for wisdom,’ Sanders said of Flacco. ‘I feel like he helped me a lot.’

Sanders will likely lean on some of that wisdom as he prepares to embrace his new role as Cleveland’s backup quarterback.

As for Flacco, he will get a chance to battle for the starting job in Cincinnati just over a week after Cleveland benched him in favor of Gabriel.

The Bengals have struggled offensively since losing Joe Burrow to a significant turf toe injury. Flacco could replace Jake Browning – who has completed 64.5% of his passes for 757 yards, six touchdowns and eight interceptions – as soon as this week if he can quickly ingratiate himself into Cincinnati’s offense.

And Sanders is happy to see his former teammate get that chance, even if it is with a divisional rival.

‘Everybody has their own destinies and have their own plans they have in life,’ Sanders said. ‘So, I’m just happy for him.’

And following in his family footsteps, he threw some punches.

Malott, 29, is the brother of UFC fighter Mike Malott, who has a 12-2-1 record.

Jeff Malott signed as an undrafted free agent after leaving Cornell and played in the minors with the Winnipeg Jets organization. Signing with the Kings in 2024, he finally got an extended NHL opportunity last season with a March call-up and a trip to the playoffs. He made the Kings 2025-26 roster after a strong preseason.

Which leads us to Tuesday night’s season opener.

Malott jumped in and dropped his gloves with Colorado Avalanche defenseman Josh Manson, who had crushed Los Angeles’ Warren Foegele with a clean hard open-ice hit.

Malott got in some good licks. He received two minutes for unsportsmanlike conduct and five for fighting.

Runs in the family.

AI-assisted summary
• Several running backs, including Michael Carter and the duo of Hassan Haskins and Kimani Vidal, are top waiver wire targets due to injuries on their respective teams.
• Tight ends AJ Barner and Theo Johnson had multi-touchdown games and are widely available in fantasy leagues.
• Wide receivers Kendrick Bourne and Ryan Flournoy are potential pickups after posting career highs in receiving yards in Week 5.

Things couldn’t have worked out any better for fantasy football managers who scooped up Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle off the waiver wire last week and put him in their starting lineups.

Dowdle, as you probably know by now, rushed for an NFL season-high 206 yards and found the end zone in his first start of 2025. He would likely be the top priority on this week’s waiver wire, but his roster rate (59% on Yahoo) has climbed above the threshold to be included on our Week 6 list. Even if former starter Chuba Hubbard returns this week against Dallas, Dowdle is worth adding if he’s available.

Meanwhile, there are a number of other options if you’re looking to upgrade your fantasy roster.

Fantasy football players to add for Week 6

Due to the wide variance in types of leagues and individual team needs, the players listed here include their availability rates in Yahoo leagues, which may or may not match rates on other platforms. (Suggested bid values based on $100 free agent acquisition budget for the season.)

RB Michael Carter, Arizona Cardinals (39% rostered)

The big question last week was Carter vs. Emari Demercado as the next man up in Arizona. That was answered definitively with Carter doubling up Demercado in offensive snaps 38-17 and in usage with 18 carries and five receptions for 73 total yards and a score. (It didn’t help Demercado’s case that he fumbled away a potential game-clinching touchdown.) Carter was the lead back on first and second downs and is in position to be the starter for the rest of the way. Those players are rarely found on the waiver wire, so move aggressively. (Recommended FAAB bid: $40)

RBs Hassan Haskins (3%) and Kimani Vidal (1%), Los Angeles Chargers

Injuries are also playing a role in the Chargers’ backfield – which already lost Najee Harris for the season and just this past week saw promising rookie Omarion Hampton go on injured reserve with an ankle injury. Enter the duo of Haskins and Vidal. They were both on the field for 14 snaps in Week 5 with Haskins gaining 13 yards on five carries and Vidal going 4-18. Figure on Haskins getting early-down and short-yardage work with Vidal serving as the change-of-pace back this week at Miami. (FAAB bids: Haskins $12, Vidal $6)

WR Kendrick Bourne, San Francisco 49ers (4%)

Bourne was a godsend for the injury-depleted Niners receiving corps last Thursday, hauling in 10 of 11 targets for a career-high 142 yards. Bourne and Demarcus Robinson served as the main wideouts with Ricky Pearsall and Jauan Jennings both out. We’ll see if either can return this week on extended rest. If not, Bourne could be in for another heavy workload. (FAAB bid: $9)

WR Jalen Coker, Carolina Panthers (9%)

Coker is a sneaky pickup if your league allows players on injured reserve to be added on waivers. Out all season with a quadriceps injury, the Panthers are expected to open Coker’s 21-day practice window this week. He would give QB Bryce Young another viable target to pair with with Tetairoa McMillan. (FAAB bid: $5)

TE Taysom Hill, New Orleans Saints (12%)

If you need a tight end this week, do we have options for you! Leading the way is our resident fantasy zombie. Hill has terrorized fantasy managers throughout his career by vulturing touchdowns and occasionally putting up massive point totals. In his 2025 debut, he appeared exclusively at quarterback, rushing six times for minus-1 yard, but also completing a 19-yard pass. If he’s eligible at a tight end in your league, he’s worth rostering for what he might potentially do with more opportunities. (FAAB bid: $7)

TE Mason Taylor, New York Jets (14%)

The Jets rookie led all tight ends with 12 targets and nine receptions in Week 5. He’s seeing his role grow by the week and reached a season-high 60 snaps in a blowout loss to Dallas. If the Jets are going to keep falling behind and QB Justin Fields is going to have to throw 40 times a game, Taylor will be even more valuable. Unfortunately, the Broncos defense will likely provide more resistance this week than the Cowboys did. (FAAB bid: $7)

TE AJ Barner, Seattle Seahawks (2%)

Barner set a career high with seven receptions for 53 yards and a pair of touchdowns on Sunday, finishing as the top fantasy tight end for the week. He’s now produced four TDs in five weeks. Pick him up for his enticing matchup with Jacksonville in Week 6. (FAAB bid: $6)

TE Theo Johnson, New York Giants (11%)

Another two-TD tight end who’s widely available. QB Jaxson Dart seems comfortable connecting with another rookie, hitting Johnson six times for 33 yards and the two scores on Sunday. A pair of matchups against the Eagles sandwiching one against the Broncos will limit the ceiling for Johnson and fellow tight end Daniel Bellinger (4-52) over the next three weeks. (FAAB bid: $5)

WR Ryan Flournoy, Dallas Cowboys (0%)

Where did THIS guy come from? (A: Southeast Missouri State, if you were wondering) With CeeDee Lamb still out and KeVontae Turpin sidelined, Flournoy stepped into the complementary role alongside George Pickens and hauled in six passes for 114 yards. That, after totaling just 137 yards previously in his two NFL seasons. With QB Dak Prescott playing so well, Flournoy is worth a speculative add to grab at least a speculative a piece of the Cowboys offense. (FAAB bid: $5)

RB A.J. Dillon, Philadelphia Eagles (0%)

Saquon Barkley, fresh off a 30-yard game against Denver, showed up on the injury report Monday with knee soreness. It may be nothing … or it may explain something. Either way, Barkley is expected to play on Thursday against the Giants. Just in case anything concerning pops up between now and then (or afterward), those who have Barkley on their rosters should be aware that Dillion is the definitive handcuff. (FAAB bid: $3)

Fantasy football quarterbacks to stream in Week 6

Sam Darnold, Seattle Seahawks (31%)

C.J. Stroud is the only start-worthy fantasy quarterback on bye this week (pending Lamar Jackson injury news), but the matchups could make a couple of streamers rather enticing. Darnold has been carving up defenses lately, finishing as the QB3 in Week 5 after throwing for four TDs against the Buccaneers. He’s still available in enough leagues to warrant consideration against the Jaguars. (FAAB bid: $6)

QBs Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers (19%)

Young allowed Dowdle to shoulder much of the load in an upset of Miami, but he has shown flashes during the season. The main selling point: The Panthers are playing the Cowboys, who have given up the most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season. (FAAB bid: $4)

QB Joe Flacco, Cincinnati Bengals (2%)

Speaking of fantasy zombies, Tuesday’s trade gives Flacco yet another NFL lifeline after he was benched for rookie Dillon Gabriel in Cleveland. While the 250-mile drive down I-71 doesn’t necessarily make Flacco a fantasy-relevant starter, it does bode well for Bengals wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins – who have largely struggled with Jake Browning at QB. (FAAB bid: $1)

Many fantasy football managers are heading into Week 6 of the 2025 NFL season with their squads bruised and battered.

Many top-tier fantasy contributors have been injured in the early stages of the 2025 campaign. Joe Burrow, James Conner, Bucky Irving, Omarion Hampton, Tyreek Hill, Malik Nabers and CeeDee Lamb are just a handful of the top-end contributors who have been sidelined by injuries.

As a result, fantasy managers have had to scour the waiver wire for potential replacements and make some grueling start ’em, sit ’em decisions.

Those trusting the Cardinals backfield in Week 5 after Trey Benson was placed on IR got a taste of just how difficult those start/sit choices can be. Many scooped up Emari Demercado thinking he would be the next man up on Arizona’s depth chart; instead, Michael Carter was the backfield leader and out-touched Demercado 23-3 during Sunday’s action.

In Week 6, fantasy managers will be met with similar concerns within committee backfields as they search for bye week replacements for the likes of Jordan Mason, Nick Chubb, Justin Jefferson and Nico Collins.

USA TODAY Sports outlines 16 players to start or sit in your fantasy matchups this week.

Fantasy football players to start in Week 6

Quarterbacks

• Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams (at Baltimore Ravens)

The Ravens are ravaged by injuries at all levels of their defense, which has led Baltimore to allow a league-high 35.4 points per game entering Week 6. Stafford has thrown for 375 yards and three touchdowns in back-to-back games, making this an ideal spot in which to back the 37-year-old veteran.

• Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers (at Miami Dolphins)

Fantasy managers may be inclined to sit Herbert given that he has only logged one total touchdown in each of his last three starts. That said, the Dolphins are allowing the third-most FPPG to quarterbacks, including a league-high four rushing touchdowns to the position. Herbert just scrambled for 60 yards against the Commanders, so his floor is higher than normal in this juicy matchup.

Running backs

• Rico Dowdle, Carolina Panthers (vs. Dallas Cowboys)

Even if Chuba Hubbard returns from the calf injury that kept him out in Week 5, you can still start Dowdle. The 27-year-old just racked up 206 rushing yards against the Dolphins and now gets to face a Cowboys team that is allowing the sixth-most FPPG to running backs.

Oh yeah, this is also a revenge game for Dowdle – who spent the first four seasons of his career in Dallas but wasn’t re-signed during the offseason – so it’s safe to say he should be motivated for this one.

• Hassan Haskins, Los Angeles Chargers (at Miami Dolphins)

Speaking of Dowdle’s big performance, it came against a Dolphins defense that has allowed a league-high 668 rushing yards to running backs this season. Omarion Hampton is going on IR with an ankle injury, which should position one of his backups, Haskins or Kimani Vidal, for a big day. Vidal is the more explosive back, but Haskins (6-2, 228 pounds) figures to get a larger volume of carries and the team’s goal-line work. Feel free to trust him if you’re desperate at RB or need flex help.

Wide receivers

• A.J. Brown, Philadelphia Eagles (at New York Giants)

Brown has had a frustrating season to date. Still, he produced a respectable five catches for 43 yards in a tough Week 5 matchup against Pat Surtain and could’ve caught a long touchdown had Jalen Hurts not overthrown him. Expect Brown to have a breakout game on ‘Thursday Night Football’ against a Giants team that has allowed the second-most receiving yards to wide-outs this season (924).

• Calvin Ridley, Tennessee Titans (vs. Las Vegas Raiders)

Ridley showed signs of life in Week 5, nearly doubling his season-long receiving total with a five-catch, 131-yard showing against the Cardinals. He should continue to improve as he builds more chemistry with Cam Ward and has a good matchup against a Raiders defense that has allowed 70 receptions to wide receivers, tied for second most in the NFL.

Tight end

• Evan Engram, Denver Broncos (at New York Jets)

Engram has seen 13 targets over his last two games and caught his first touchdown with the Broncos in their win over the Eagles. The Jets have allowed a league-high five touchdowns to tight ends, so don’t be afraid to back Engram in this favorable matchup.

Defense/special teams:

• New England Patriots (at New Orleans Saints)

The Patriots just forced the Bills into three turnovers after Buffalo had just one total over the first four weeks. Now, Mike Vrabel’s squad is facing a New Orleans team that has surprisingly allowed only three turnovers through five weeks. Expect that to change, as Spencer Rattler’s nine turnover-worthy plays are tied for second-most in the league behind Geno Smith while the second-year quarterback has been sacked nine times.

Fantasy football players to sit in Week 6

Quarterbacks

• Justin Fields, New York Jets (vs. Denver Broncos)

No team playing in Week 6 has allowed fewer FPPG to quarterbacks than the Broncos. Denver has also allowed a league-low 15 rushing yards to the position and is fresh off a game during which it limited Jalen Hurts to three yards on two runs. That could prove problematic for Fields, as his legs are his biggest fantasy asset.

• Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins (vs. Los Angeles Chargers)

There may be some temptation to start Tagovailoa, as he has posted multiple touchdowns in four consecutive games and had a season-high three scores in Week 5 against the Panthers. However, the Chargers have only allowed four passing touchdowns to quarterbacks all season, and no more than one in a single game. That could limit Tagovailoa’s ceiling in a game-script that should be more favorable for running back De’Von Achane.

Running backs

• Chase Brown, Cincinnati Bengals (at Green Bay Packers)

It may not be easy to bench Brown given the injuries that are piling up at running back around the NFL. Still, the Bengals offensive line has struggled immensely this season, which has led Brown to average 2.5 yards per carry, worst in the league among 44 qualifiers, and just 51 total yards per game.

The Packers have allowed the fourth-fewest FPPG to RBs, though their 6.5 receptions allowed per game to the position could inspire hope for fantasy managers in PPR leagues. Still, Brown has a low floor and ceiling combination in this tough matchup.

• Michael Carter, Arizona Cardinals (at Indianapolis Colts)

Carter had 23 total touches in the Cardinals’ 22-21 loss to the Titans but turned them into just 73 yards. His 2.8 yards per carry average wasn’t overly impressive despite playing a Tennessee defense that has allowed the second-most rushing yards to running backs this season (613). That likely relegates Carter to a role as a TD-dependent flex against a Colts defense that has allowed just two rushing touchdowns to running backs this season (tied for fifth-fewest in the NFL).

Wide receivers

• Jameson Williams, Detroit Lions (at Kansas City Chiefs)

Williams is a big-play threat who is averaging 20.3 yards per reception, but he hasn’t posted more than two catches in a game since Week 1. The Chiefs have been good against receivers this season, so Williams’ ceiling as a boom-or-bust flex probably isn’t worth chasing in this matchup.

• Kendrick Bourne, San Francisco 49ers (at Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

Bourne is fresh off a 10-catch, 142-yard outing in the 49ers’ overtime win over the Rams in Week 5. Could he repeat those numbers? It’s possible, but it may not be likely with Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall potentially returning from injury.

If only one returns, Bourne could be a viable flex play given his chemistry with Mac Jones. But if both are back, Bourne probably won’t have the volume needed to be a top-tier fantasy contributor in Week 6.

Tight end

• Kyle Pitts, Atlanta Falcons (vs. Buffalo Bills)

Pitts has had a nice start to the 2025 NFL season, but he gets a tough matchup against a Bills team that has allowed just 11 catches, 113 yards and one touchdown to the position through five games. Buffalo just limited Juwan Johnson to a three-catch, 28-yard outing and Hunter Henry to two catches for 46 yards, so expect similarly unspectacular results for Pitts.

Defense/special teams:

• Jacksonville Jaguars (vs. Seattle Seahawks)

The Jaguars lead the NFL in takeaways through Week 5, but they are going against a red-hot Seahawks offense in Week 6. Sam Darnold just threw for 341 yards, four touchdowns and an interception against the Buccaneers, so it’s probably best to leave Jacksonville on the bench in this matchup.

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Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones was seen raising his middle finger during Dallas’ 37-22 win over the New York Jets on Sunday at MetLife Stadium. The 82-year-old will pay a hefty price for doing so.

The NFL is fining Jones $250,000 for his gesture, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports.

Jones was asked about his actions during his weekly spot on 105.3 The Fan in Dallas on Tuesday. The octogenarian owner insisted his gesture was ‘inadvertent.’

‘That was unfortunate. That was kind of an exchange with our fans out in front of us,’ Jones said Tuesday on 105.3 The Fan in Dallas, per ESPN. ‘There was a swarm of Cowboys fans out in front – not Jets fans, Cowboys fans. The entire stadium was brimming with enthusiasm of the Cowboys and certainly late in the game.

‘[The gesture] was inadvertent on my part because that was right after we made our last touchdown, and we were all excited about it. There wasn’t any antagonistic issue or anything like that. I just put up the wrong show on the hand. That was inadvertently done. I’m not kidding. If you want to call it accidental, you can call it accidental. But it got straightened around pretty quick. I had a chance to look at it. It got straightened out pretty quick, but the intention was ‘thumbs up,’ and basically pointing at our fans because everybody was jumping up and down excited.’

This isn’t the first time an NFL owner has been fined for raising his middle finger to fans. In 2009, Bud Adams – then the owner of the Tennessee Titans – was given a $250,000 fine for making an obscene gesture after his team beat the Buffalo Bills 41-17.

Adams apologized for his actions at the time in a statement.

‘I got caught up in the excitement of a great day, but I do realize that those types of things shouldn’t happen,’ Adams said, per ESPN. ‘I need to specifically apologize to the Bills, their fans, our fans and the NFL.

‘I obviously have a great deal of respect for [Bills owner] Ralph Wilson and the history we have shared. I also understand there will probably be league discipline for my actions and I will accept those.’

• Florida Panthers’ quest for third consecutive championship opens with win vs. Chicago Blackhawks.
• Newcomers help Pittsburgh Penguins defeat New York Rangers on opening night of the 2025-26 NHL season.
• The first fight of the 2025-26 NHL season featured Nick Foligno of the Chicago Blackhawks vs. A.J. Greer of the Florida Panthers.

The Florida Panthers raised their Stanley Cup banner on the opening night of the 2025-26 NHL season and showed the efficiency they need to push for a third consecutive championship.

The Panthers downed the Chicago Blackhawks, 3-2, on Oct. 7, dominating early by outshooting them 17-3 and in the first period and 37-19 for the game. Only the play of Chicago goalie Spencer Knight, traded by the Panthers last season, kept the game close.

Though the Blackhawks tied the game in the second period, Jesper Boqvist batted the puck out of the air in the third period to give Florida a 3-2 lead it wouldn’t relinquish.

The Panthers showed they had the depth they need with Aleksander Barkov out seven to nine months and Matthew Tkachuk out until December or longer.

And they avoided more injuries as Sam Reinhart and Evan Rodrigues left briefly and A.J. Greer was slow getting up at one point. But all finished the game.

Exclusive book: Relive the Panthers’ latest Cup

The Pittsburgh Penguins shut out the New York Rangers, 3-0, in the second game of the opening night ESPN tripleheader behind offseason acquisition Arturs Silovs. Another newcomer, Justin Brazeau, scored twice, the first one on a Rangers defensive breakdown that left him alone in front.

Coach Mike Sullivan, in his Rangers debut, fell to his former team, now led by first-time NHL head coach Dan Muse.

In the final game of the NHL’s season-opening tripleheader, the Colorado Avalanche defeated the Los Angeles Kings, 4-1.

Here are highlights from the NHL’s opening night:

Avalanche vs. Kings highlights

Final score: Avalanche 4, Kings 1

Martin Nečas scored two goals as the Colorado Avalanche picked up a season-opening road win over the Kings in Los Angeles.

Artturi Lehkonen and Sam Malinski scored a goal apiece for Colorado, which is hoping its embarking on a ninth consecutive playoff season.

Rangers vs. Penguins highlights

Final score: Penguins 3, Rangers 0

Big night by Justin Brazeau, who had two goals in his Penguins debut. His first, late in the first period, was the game-winner. He then added an empty-netter, as did Blake Lizotte. Goalie Arturs Silovs also had a solid Penguins debut, recording a 25-save shutout.

All of the pregame focus was on new Rangers coach Mike Sullivan facing his former team, but Dan Muse ended up with the win in his NHL head coaching debut.

End of second period: Penguins 1, Rangers 0

The Rangers looked better in that period but they can’t get the puck past Arturs Silovs. He made a big save on Mika Zibanejad to keep the Rangers scoreless.

End of first period: Penguins 1, Rangers 0

Pretty evenly played period. Rangers could have escaped with a tie, but gave up a Justin Brazeau goal because of a defensive breakdown off a faceoff.

Who is Justin Brazeau?

Justin Brazeau, the Penguins scorer, signed a two-year contract and is in his first year in Pittsburgh. The 6-6 forward previously had played with the Minnesota Wild and Boston Bruins. He had 16 goals in 95 games heading into the season.

Score update: Justin Brazeau gives Penguins lead

A Rangers defensive breakdown leads to Justin Brazeau’s goal with 32 seconds left in the first period. He’s left alone in front, takes a pass from Evgeni Malkin and makes a nice move to beat Igor Shesterkin.

Rangers vs. Penguins prediction

4-3 Rangers. Coach Mike Sullivan gets a win against his former team.

Panthers vs Blackhawks highlights

Final score: Panthers 3, Blackhawks 2

The Panthers showed a lot of speed to get past the Blackhawks in the opener. Chicago goalie Spencer Knight was called upon often and kept his team in the game. But though the Blackhawks scored first and tied the game in the second, Florida’s depth won out. Blackhawks forward Frank Nazar will be dangerous this season.

Panthers win

The plastic rats fly onto the ice as the Panthers open their defense of their Stanley Cup title with a 3-2 victory against the Blackhawks.

Spencer Knight goes to the bench

It took a while but the Blackhawks goalie is finally able to get to the bench for an extra skater.

Less than five minutes left

Chicago’s Spencer Knight makes a glove save on Brad Marchand to keep the score 3-2 Florida.

Score update: Panthers take lead

Mackie Samoskevich chips a pass to Jesper Boqvist, who bats in out of the air and past Spencer Knight at 9:40. Panthers 3, Blackhawks 2

Blackhawks power play

Luke Kunin called for high-sticking. Chicago 0-for-2 so far. Florida kills it off. Ryan Donato makes several nice moves but is stopped by Sergei Bobrovsky.

Third period underway

Score tied 2-2.

End of second period: Panthers 2, Blackhawks 2

The Blackhawks played better that period after getting badly outshot in the first period. Teuvo Teravainen tied the game early and drew a couple penalties, but the Blackhawks couldn’t convert on the power play. The Panthers played briefly without Sam Reinhart and Evan Rodrigues after they were hit by pucks, but they returned. A.J. Greer was slow to get up late in the period.

Sam Reinhart injury update

He’s back on the ice after getting stitched up.

Blackhawks power play

Seth Jones goes off for slashing. Panthers kill it off. Sergei Bobrovsky makes a shoulder save on Connor Bedard.

Panthers injury updates

Evan Rodrigues is back on the ice. Coach Paul Maurice tells ESPN that Reinhart is getting sewn up and should be back soon.

Evan Rodrigues injury update

The Florida forward is helped off the ice after being hit by a puck in the leg. He joins teammate Sam Reinhart in the dressing room.

Blackhawks power play

Brad Marchand is called for holding the stick. Florida kills it off but Sam Reinhart heads off after being hit by a puck in the face.

Score update: Blackhawks tie it up

The Blackhawks come out strong in the second period with two breaks up ice. Teuvo Teravainen scores on the second chance off a 2-on-1 break with Frank Nazar. Nazar picks up his second point of the game.

Second period underway

2-1 Florida.

End of first period: Panthers 2, Blackhawks 1

Fun period, but it showed why the Panthers are Cup winners and the Blackhawks are expected to finish near the bottom of the league. Florida had a 17-3 edge in shot, but ex-Panthers goalie Spencer Knight is keeping it close with some big saves. Anton Lundell hit the post late to keep it a one-goal game. A.J. Greer has a goal and a fight. Needs an assist for a Gordie Howe hat trick.

First fight of the season

Chicago’s Nick Foligno vs. Florida’s A.J. Greer.

Score update: Carter Verhaeghe puts Florida ahead

Verhaeghe gets the puck at the side of the crease and beats Spencer Knight on the power play. 2-1 Panthers.

Panthers go on power play

Artyom Levshunov goes to the penalty box again, this time for tripping Brad Marchand.

Score update: Panthers tie game

The Panthers fourth line comes through as A.J. Greer scores on a rebound at 11:06. 1-1.

Score update: Blackhawks take lead

Chicago’s Frank Nazar gets a breakaway and beats Sergei Bobrovsky at 10:03. He just signed a big extension and is in the mix for Team USA at the Olympics. 1-0 Blackhawks.

Panthers go on power play

Artyom Levshunov is called for slashing. Blackhawks kill it off. Panthers get one shot on goal.

Game update: Scoreless so far

No score through the first five minutes. Connor Bedard hit the crossbar. Spencer Knight stopped a Panthers 2-on-1 break.

Puck drops

The 2025-26 NHL season is underway.

Blackhawks lineup

Panthers lineup

Panthers’ Stanley Cup banner raised

Panthers players watch as the 2025 Stanley Cup banner goes to the rafters. Now, it’s on to the 2025-26 season and an attempt for a third consecutive championship.

Panthers on the ice

Aaron Ekblad carries the Stanley Cup out onto the ice. Injured Aleksander Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk are on the bench in street clothes.

When is NHL opening day 2025?

The 2025-26 NHL season opens on Tuesday, Oct. 7 with three games:

• Chicago Blackhawks at Florida Panthers, 5 p.m. ET
• Pittsburgh Penguins at New York Rangers, 8 p.m. ET
• Colorado Avalanche at Los Angeles Kings, 10:30 p.m. ET

How to watch, stream NHL opening night

• TV: ESPN
• Streaming: Games can be streamed on ESPN Unlimited and on Fubo, which offers a free trial for new subscribers.

Watch NHL games on Fubo

Where to watch Blackhawks vs. Panthers

The game is being shown on ESPN.

Blackhawks’ Spencer Knight makes homecoming

Goalie Spencer Knight will be playing in Amerant Bank Arena for the first time since he was traded to the Blackhawks on March 1. The 2019 first-round pick was sent to Chicago, along with a first-round pick, trade for defenseman Seth Jones.

T.J. Oshie joins ESPN studio panel

‘Finally got a good-looking guy on the panel,’ Marchand interrupted, laughing. ‘It’s nice having someone good to look at.’

NHL 2025-26 points projections

NHL teams’ home openers

The Panthers, Rangers and Kings are holding their home openers on Oct. 7. Here’s when the other 29 teams will hold theirs.

• Anaheim Ducks: Oct. 14 vs. Penguins
• Boston Bruins: Oct. 9 vs. Blackhawks
• Buffalo Sabres: Oct. 9 vs. Rangers
• Calgary Flames: Oct. 11 vs. Blues
• Carolina Hurricanes: Oct. 9 vs. Devils
• Chicago Blackhawks: Oct. 11 vs. Canadiens
• Colorado Avalanche: Oct. 9 vs. Mammoth
• Columbus Blue Jackets: Oct. 13 vs. Devils
• Dallas Stars: Oct. 14 vs. Wild
• Detroit Red Wings: Oct. 9 vs. Canadiens
• Edmonton Oilers: Oct. 8 vs. Flames
• Minnesota Wild: Oct. 11 vs. Blue Jackets
• Montreal Canadiens: Oct. 14 vs. Kraken
• Nashville Predators: Oct. 9 vs. Blue Jackets
• New Jersey Devils: Oct. 16 vs. Panthers
• New York Islanders: Oct. 11 vs. Capitals
• Ottawa Senators: Oct. 13 vs. Predators
• Philadelphia Flyers: Oct. 13 vs. Panthers
• Pittsburgh Penguins: Oct. 9 vs. Islanders
• St. Louis Blues: Oct. 9 vs. Wild
• San Jose Sharks: Oct. 9 vs. Golden Knights
• Seattle Kraken: Oct. 9 vs. Ducks
• Tampa Bay Lightning: Oct. 9 vs. Senators
• Toronto Maple Leafs: Oct. 8 vs. Canadiens
• Utah Mammoth: Oct. 15 vs. Flames
• Vancouver Canucks: Oct. 9 vs. Flames
• Vegas Golden Knights: Oct. 8 vs. Kings
• Washington Capitals: Oct. 8 vs. Bruins
• Winnipeg Jets: Oct. 9 vs. Stars

Panthers vs. Blackhawks prediction

5-2 Florida. The Panthers are two-time champions and have plenty of talent, even without Aleksander Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk in the lineup. The Blackhawks are rebuilding and will be a lottery team.

Panthers championship rings details

The Panthers received championship rings Monday, Oct. 6, and they pulled another rat trick.

Like the rings from 2024, the latest edition includes an engraved rat, a nod to the fans’ tradition of throwing plastic rats onto the rink after victories.

The Panthers received the rings in a private event at War Memorial Auditorium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and they feature more than vermin. The rings, handcrafted in white and yellow gold, include more than 450 diamonds and genuine rubies, according to a press release issued by the Panthers. – Josh Peter

Panthers injury updates

The Panthers are missing two key players as they open defense of their back-to-back titles.

Captain Aleksander Barkov will miss seven to nine months after he had knee surgery in September. He was injured during practice and had his ACL and MCL repaired.

The Panthers also are missing Matthew Tkachuk, who had offseason surgery to repair a torn adductor muscle and a hernia. He’s out until ‘December-ish,’ general manager Bill Zito said.