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In a disappointing Week 5 for the NFC East, poor situational decisions proved costly for multiple teams. The Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders each let winnable games slip away due to questionable clock management and play-calling, while the New York Giants also squandered opportunities. The Dallas Cowboys added to the division's woes with a Thursday night home loss to a previously winless team led by an undrafted rookie quarterback.
The Eagles, playing in London, appeared poised for an unlikely victory but ultimately gave it away. Meanwhile, the Commanders, inexplicably, ran out the clock while in field-goal range, settling for a tie against the Giants, who themselves missed two chances to win in overtime.
Dodgers' Offense Sputters in NLCS Opener
In Milwaukee, the Los Angeles Dodgers managed just one hit with runners in scoring position in Game 1 of the NL Championship Series, falling 2-1 to the Brewers. The Dodgers grounded into three double plays and stranded nine runners, continuing a troubling trend this postseason. Over five playoff games, they have scored only 15 runs and are batting 2 for 22 with runners in scoring position, complicating their quest for a third straight World Series title.
ABS Challenges See Higher Success in Postseason
In its playoff debut, the Automated Ball-Strike System (ABS) has seen increased usage and success. Across 25 games in the Wild Card and Division Series, teams won 71 of 121 challenges (59%), up from 54% in the regular season. Batters improved to a 57% success rate from 49%, and teams are challenging more frequently (4.8 per game vs. 4.3). Batter challenges also rose to 2.04 per game from 1.96.
BYU Set to Host Notre Dame in Historic Top-10 Clash
Provo is buzzing for Saturday's top-10 showdown between No. 2 Notre Dame and No. 8 BYU at LaVell Edwards Stadium. It marks the first top-10 matchup ever at the venue. For Notre Dame, it's another step in their 'Leave No Doubt' tour after being excluded from the College Football Playoff last season. For BYU, the game carries even greater significance as they seek a signature win.
Michael Jordan Jersey Sold for Record $14 Million
A game-worn, autographed Michael Jordan road jersey from the 1998 NBA Finals has been sold privately for $14 million, according to Hunt Auctions. The buyer is Miami real estate executive Ron Firman. Jordan wore the red jersey in Game 2 on June 5, 1998, when the Chicago Bulls defeated the Utah Jazz to even the series. The sale sets a new record for basketball memorabilia.
Manchester City Returns to Champions League Amid Financial Scandal
Manchester City will host Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday in a high-profile Champions League clash, marking their return to the competition after a devastating verdict for financial rule-breaking. The match features two Middle East state-backed clubs that have combined to win three of the last four Champions League titles. Meanwhile, Barcelona, riding a nine-win streak, travels to Galatasaray, and other matches include Arsenal vs. Lille, Bayern Munich at Viking, and Real Madrid at Roma.
Chase Briscoe's Late Surge Keeps Title Hopes Alive
Chase Briscoe has won back-to-back NASCAR Cup Series playoff races, including Sunday's narrow victory at Charlotte Motor Speedway, cutting his points deficit to leader Kyle Larson from 123 to 65. With four races remaining, Briscoe aims to replicate Tony Stewart's 2011 comeback. Crew chief James Small stresses maintaining momentum as the series heads to Phoenix, but Briscoe knows only wins will close the gap.
European Tour Issues Ultimatum to LIV Golf Players
European tour CEO Guy Kinnings has declared that players must choose between the European tour and the new version of LIV Golf, which no longer has Saudi funding. Those seeking European tour membership must disclose their planned tour; if LIV Golf is included, their application will be rejected. European membership is required for Ryder Cup eligibility. Jon Rahm has indicated he is leaving LIV.
Alcaraz Stunned by Bergs at Shanghai Masters
Zizou Bergs upset second-seeded Carlos Alcaraz 7-5, 7-6 (4) at the Shanghai Masters to reach the fourth round. Bergs, ranked 39th, secured the win with his ninth ace and recorded 24 winners to Alcaraz's 16. He will next face Tommy Paul, who defeated defending champion Valentin Vacherot. Other winners included Daniil Medvedev, Felix Auger-Aliassime, and Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Spoelstra Optimistic About Revamped Heat
Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra is excited about the team's new look after missing the playoffs last season. Klay Thompson, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Bobby Portis have joined the roster. Thompson praised Spoelstra's motivational skills and belief in players. Despite a tough Eastern Conference, excitement is high in Miami.
Originally reported by timesargus.