Month: September 2025

Max Verstappen’s emphatic Azerbaijan Grand Prix win jolts F1 title chase

Max Verstappen’s emphatic Azerbaijan Grand Prix win jolts F1 title chase

When the Formula 1 season resumed following the Summer Shutdown, two of the major storylines facing the grid centered on McLaren: When would they clinch their second-consecutive Constructors’ Championship title, and when would either Oscar Piastri or Lando Norris lock down the Drivers’ title?

However, the champagne remains on ice thanks to Max Verstappen, who can start thinking about his own title hopes after a dominant performance in Baku.

After capturing pole position in a dramatic qualifying session on Saturday that saw a record number of red flags, Verstappen went wire-to-wire on Sunday, taking the Azerbaijan Grand Prix for his second-straight win. With Piastri crashing on the opening lap, and Norris failing to capitalize after that incident and settling for a seventh-place finish, Verstappen closed to within 44 points of Norris for second place in the Drivers’ Championship, and just 69 points of championship leader Piastri.

“They’re all a bit different, but I think this weekend has been incredible for us. Of course, last weekend was already great. But yeah, for us to win here again is just fantastic,” said Verstappen trackside after the race. “And I think also in the race, the car was working really well. On both of the compounds, we had clean air all the time, and you could then look after your tyres. And yeah, it was pretty straightforward. Of course, it’s not easy around here — very windy today, so the car is always moving around a lot. But yeah, of course, incredibly happy with this performance.”

When the season resumed in late August, Norris had won three out of four grands prix, including the Hungarian Grand Prix, where Verstappen finished a distant ninth. At that point in the season, Piastri led Norris by just nine points, with Verstappen 97 points behind the leader.

Since then, however, Verstappen has roared back into the fight. After finishing second at the Belgian Grand Prix (won by Piastri with Norris retiring due to a failure with his MCL39), Verstappen has won both the Italian Grand Prix and now the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Those two wins have jolted the title race and put the Red Bull driver back in the mix.

With seven race weekends remaining — including a trio of F1 Sprint race weekends — Verstappen has certainly improved his chances of winning a fifth Drivers’ title.

However, math and history may not be on his side, something the living legend conceded on Sunday.

At this point last season, Verstappen enjoyed a 59-point advantage over Norris in the Drivers’ Championship race, a gap that closed to 52 points when Norris won the Singapore Grand Prix in dominant fashion.

But that was as close as the title chase got a year ago, with Verstappen eventually clinching his fourth Drivers’ Championship in Las Vegas and ultimately winning the title by 63 points.

While he is mathematically alive, as RaceFans noted via their Championship Points Calculator, even if Verstappen were to win the seven remaining grands prix — as well as the three sprint races — Piastri finishing second in each of those events would see the Australian driver through to his first title.

By a gap of 17 points.

Asked if the two recent wins have given him a “smidgen of hope” that the title is within range, Verstappen pointed to the uphill climb.

“I mean, I don’t rely on hope. But it’s seven rounds left – 69 points is a lot. So I personally don’t think about it,” said Verstappen. “I just go race by race, what I have been doing basically the whole season — just trying to do the best we can, try to score the most points that we can. And then after Abu Dhabi, we’ll know.”

Beyond the math is the history. While Monza and the Baku City Circuit have been fertile ground for Verstappen, Singapore, the site of the next race, has been a thorn in his side over his illustrious career. Verstappen has never won in Singapore, with his best finish coming a year ago when he finished second to Norris.

More than 20 seconds behind.

Verstappen noted that history on Sunday.

“Difficult to say at the moment, but for sure the last two race weekends have been amazing for us. Singapore — completely different challenge again with the high downforce. So we’ll see what we can do there,” said Verstappen trackside.

“Well, I have never won. Red Bull has won, right? We’ll see. It’s completely different. High downforce. A lot of deg on the tyres, so we’ll see what happens. I really don’t know at the moment,” added Verstappen.

Two impressive weeks have put the prospects of a fifth Verstappen title back on the table, and put the Red Bull driver into a position he has not been in since 2021: As the hunter, and not the hunted.

If his tremendous form continues through Singapore, and he breaks through with his first win in that race?

Watch out.

by Editor

Vikings’ Isaiah Rodgers basically beat Bengals by himself

Vikings’ Isaiah Rodgers basically beat Bengals by himself

Week 3 of the 2025 NFL season is just getting underway, with the games in the early Sunday window approaching halftime.

But Minnesota Vikings rookie defensive back Isaiah Rodgers might have already locked up NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors.

While Sunday’s game between the Vikings and the visiting Cincinnati Bengals was billed as a battle of the backups — with Carson Wentz starting in place of injured J.J. McCarthy and Jake Browning getting the start after Joe Burrow underwent surgery on his toe — Rodgers stole the show with a pair of touchdowns in the first half.

Including one of the best plays you might see this week from a defensive player.

Rodgers’ first touchdown came on this Pick Six of Browning, as he capitalized on an overthrow from the backup quarterback set in motion by pressure up front from the Vikings’ pass rush:

His second touchdown, however, required a much higher level of difficulty.

With the Bengals driving before halftime, Browning looked to tight end Noah Fant in the flat. That’s when Rodgers screamed downhill and punched the football loose from the tight end, then scooped up his own forced fumble and returned it for a stunning 66-yard touchdown:

Here is another look at the play from Rodgers, as he punches the ball loose and scores his second touchdown of the day:

As if that was not enough, Rodgers had one more forced fumble in him during the first half:

Jake Browning is hilarious and Rodgers forces another fumble, this one by Ja’Marr Chase

— CJ Fogler (@cjzero.bsky.social) 2025-09-21T18:35:18.776Z

Browning, after scrambling and crossing the line of scrimmage, connects with Ja’Marr Chase on a short throw. But Rodgers punches the football loose again, with Jeff Okudah pouncing on the loose ball.

Minnesota capped off that ensuing drive with a touchdown to take a 34-3 lead into the halftime break.

The first-half effort from Rodgers made some franchise history as well:

How good has he been today?

His two touchdowns are the most scored by a Vikings player so far this season.

He basically won the game by himself:

What a day.

by Editor

Nets Waive Yuri Collins

Nets Waive Yuri Collins

The Brooklyn Nets have waived Yuri Collins. Brooklyn had signed Collins to a contract guaranteed for $85,300. That amount will now go on the Nets cap sheet for the 2025-26 season.

In the last week, Brooklyn signed Collins, Dre Davis and David Muoka to similar deals worth $85,300. That is the maximum amount a player’s contract can be guaranteed for while maintaining eligibility to play for the NBA team’s G League affiliate. Collins, Davis and Muoka are all expected to play for the Long Island Nets of the G League this season.

Brooklyn has one opening on their preseason roster. NBA teams are allowed to carry up to 21 players in the offseason.

by Editor

Xavier Worthy injury: What status means for Week 3 vs. Giants

Xavier Worthy injury: What status means for Week 3 vs. Giants

The Kansas City Chiefs have had plenty of trouble moving the ball in their 0-2 start to the season. Last season they finished ninth in EPA per play and so far they’re at 16th. The loss of Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy has truly stifled their offense so far.

Rice is suspended for six games. but Worthy separated his shoulder early in Week 1. He has decided to play through the injury while wearing a brace, but wasn’t able to return last week and is questionable to play after getting limited practices in this week. But, despite being listed as questionable on Friday, he now has been ruled out, per Ian Rapoport

Xavier Worthy injury updates

Worthy is officially out against the Giants for Week 3.

Fantasy football analysis

With Worthy out, Hollywood Brown and Travis Kelce should be the first reads for Patrick Mahomes in a good matchup. Tyquan Thornton should also continue to see an uptick in work, while Noah Gray has some chance to see meaningful work as well.

Brown and Kelce are the safest fantasy plays of the group, while I’d expect they try to get Isiah Pacheco going in a good matchup. I’d expect the Chiefs to have better offensive production in their easiest matchup of the season, But none of their offensive players has much upside in a vacuum with Worthy and Rice sidelined.

by Editor

12-Team, 9-Cat Fantasy Basketball Mock Draft 2025-26: Take Giannis Antetokounmpo and don't look back

12-Team, 9-Cat Fantasy Basketball Mock Draft 2025-26: Take Giannis Antetokounmpo and don't look back

Another day, another mock! I joined 11 other analysts in a nine-cat, head-to-head mock draft that was hosted by Adam King on Fantrax, selecting from the fifth spot. The other unique aspect of this draft is that it had a third-round reversal, which flips the draft order after the second round.

The top four picks in every draft should be pretty much locked in, which makes the fifth pick an interesting place to start, leaving you with plenty of options.

Round 1

1. Nikola Jokic (C – DEN)

2. Victor Wembanyama (C – SA)

3. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (G – OKC)

4. Luka Doncic (G – LAL)

5. Giannis Antetokounmpo (F – MIL)

6. Anthony Davis (F – DAL)

7. Anthony Edwards (G – MIN)

8. Cade Cunningham (G – DET)

9. James Harden (G – LAC)

10. Trae Young (G – ATL)

11. Devin Booker (G – PHO)

12. Karl-Anthony Towns (C – NY)

To me, Giannis is the way to go, and he’s a fun player to build around, with a clear punt path. He’s dominant in a handful of categories, and his weaknesses are clear, meaning you can either try and make up for it, or lean into them. I opted to lean into his strengths by emphasizing points, rebounds, assists, steals and field goal percentage while largely disregarding the other four categories. The end of the first round feels weak this year, so the third-round reversal helped even out the league.

Round 2

13. Stephen Curry (G – GS)

14. Tyrese Maxey (G – PHI)

15. Evan Mobley (F – CLE)

16. Domantas Sabonis (C – SAC)

17. Kevin Durant (F – HOU)

18. Donovan Mitchell (G – CLE)

19. Amen Thompson (F – HOU)

20. Jalen Johnson (F – ATL)

21. Jalen Williams (G – OKC)

22. Josh Giddey (G – CHI)

23. Jaren Jackson (C – MEM)

24. LaMelo Ball (G – CHA)

I felt comfortable taking Johnson here. I’m expecting him to be an All-Star this year, and he fits in well with Giannis. I would’ve loved to get Thompson, but he went one pick before me, which made my decision regarding Johnson much easier. I also thought about Williams, who I have ranked higher than Johnson, but I opted for the better fit. There are quite a few options I really like in round two.

Round 3

25. Myles Turner (C – MIL)

26. Jamal Murray (G – DEN)

27. Scottie Barnes (F – TOR)

28. LeBron James (F – LAL)

29. Tyler Herro (G – MIA)

30. Chet Holmgren (C – OKC)

31. Dyson Daniels (G – ATL)

32. Alperen Sengun (C – HOU)

33. De’Aaron Fox (G – SA)

34. Jalen Brunson (G – NY)

35. Ja Morant (G – MEM)

36. Deni Avdija (F – POR)

While I love the second round, things start to drop off in round three. However, I really lucked out here in a way that made up for a previous mishap. I have Sengun ranked much higher than this and even higher than Johnson. It was an oversight on my part, but it ended up working out flawlessly. I also would’ve been thrilled with Holmgren or Daniels, but they went right before. Also, I suspect Herro will be drafted later after undergoing a procedure on his foot and ankle on Friday.

Round 4

37. Austin Reaves (G – LAL)

38. Darius Garland (G – CLE)

39. Derrick White (G – BOS)

40. Paolo Banchero (F – ORL)

41. Pascal Siakam (F – IND)

42. Kawhi Leonard (F – LAC)

43. Bam Adebayo (C – MIA)

44. Jimmy Butler (F – GS)

45. Cooper Flagg (F – DAL)

46. Franz Wagner (F – ORL)

47. Trey Murphy (F – NO)

48. Kristaps Porzingis (C – ATL)

I had three players on my mind entering this round, and I opted to go with the veteran player in Siakam, partially because Banchero was taken one pick before me. The other player was Zion Williamson, who went one pick before me in the next round, sadly. However, Siakam fits well and should be in for a monster season with Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles) sidelined and Myles Turner now in Milwaukee.

Round 5

49. Payton Pritchard (G – BOS)

50. Desmond Bane (G – ORL)

51. Jaylen Brown (F – BOS)

52. Walker Kessler (C – UTA)

53. Brandon Miller (F – CHA)

54. Coby White (G – CHI)

55. Zion Williamson (F – NO)

56. OG Anunoby (F – NY)

57. Zach LaVine (G – SAC)

58. Ivica Zubac (C – LAC)

59. Immanuel Quickley (G – TOR)

60. Mark Williams (C – PHO)

As I mentioned previously, I was hoping to get Zion, but that just didn’t happen. Anunoby isn’t my favorite fit with the rest of my team, but he is certainly a productive, helpful piece that isn’t going to hurt me anywhere. Plus, he’s a strong source of steals, which I hadn’t really addressed yet. Wasn’t part of my plan, but I’m not upset about it at all. Also, Pritchard in the top-50!

Round 6

61. Jordan Poole (G – NO)

62. Jalen Green (G – PHO)

63. Jakob Poeltl (C – TOR)

64. Fred VanVleet (G – HOU)

65. Ausar Thompson (F – DET)

66. Nikola Vucevic (C – CHI)

67. Rudy Gobert (C – MIN)

68. Lauri Markkanen (F – UTA)

69. Deandre Ayton (C – LAL)

70. Julius Randle (F – MIN)

71. Jalen Duren (C – DET)

72. Joel Embiid (C – PHI)

Yes, this was really early for me to select Thompson, but he fit my team too well for me to risk waiting another round. This Thompson twin is the one I’m hoping to leave every draft with, and I think he’s in for a breakout season like his brother had last year. He may not reach those heights, but he should play more than he ever has, and when he’s been on the floor, he’s been elite. I’m all in on Ausar.

Round 7

73. Miles Bridges (F – CHA)

74. Donovan Clingan (C – POR)

75. Brandon Ingram (F – TOR)

76. Andrew Nembhard (G – IND)

77. Paul George (F – PHI)

78. DeMar DeRozan (F – SAC)

79. Jarrett Allen (C – CLE)

80. Onyeka Okongwu (C – ATL)

81. Josh Hart (G – NY)

82. Matas Buzelis (F – CHI)

83. Alex Sarr (C – WAS)

84. Shaedon Sharpe (G – POR)

I didn’t expect Okongwu to be here, but I certainly wasn’t upset about it. I still think he could start for the Hawks this season at center, and he was producing at an elite level to close out last year. I would’ve loved to get Clingan here, and I was between Allen and Okongwu, though that decision was made for me.

Round 8

85. Isaiah Hartenstein (C – OKC)

86. Mikal Bridges (F – NY)

87. Kel’el Ware (C – MIA)

88. Cameron Johnson (F – DEN)

89. Jalen Suggs (G – ORL)

90. Toumani Camara (F – POR)

91. Keegan Murray (F – SAC)

92. Zach Edey (C – MEM)

93. Michael Porter (F – BKN)

94. Herbert Jones (F – NO)

95. Christian Braun (G – DEN)

96. Bradley Beal (G – LAC)

At this point, I didn’t have a guard, so I really needed to start adding some. I went with Suggs, who will add some defensive stats. He may not provide as many assists as he has in the past with Desmond Bane now in Orlando, but he’ll still be able to produce strong value. I also wanted Edey and Braun, but they didn’t fall to me in the next round.

Round 9

97. Tobias Harris (F – DET)

98. John Collins (F – LAC)

99. Jay Huff (C – IND)

100. Norman Powell (G – MIA)

101. Naz Reid (C – MIN)

102. Draymond Green (F – GS)

103. Kyrie Irving (G – DAL)

104. Brandin Podziemski (G – GS)

105. Devin Vassell (G – SA)

106. Scoot Henderson (G – POR)

107. Anfernee Simons (G – BOS)

108. Kevin Porter (G – MIL)

Podz fits my team perfectly, and I was happy he fell to me here. He’s an excellent rebounder from the guard spot, and he stepped up his play after the Warriors traded for Jimmy Butler. Golden State has a lot of questions left to answer this offseason, but Podz is locked in as a starter. He’ll end up being a bargain outside the top-100.

Round 10

109. Donte DiVincenzo (G – MIN)

110. Jaden McDaniels (F – MIN)

111. Jaden Ivey (G – DET)

112. Kyle Filipowski (C – UTA)

113. Tari Eason (F – HOU)

114. Kyshawn George (G – WAS)

115. Cameron Thomas (G – BKN)

116. Jrue Holiday (G – POR)

117. D’Angelo Russell (G – DAL)

118. RJ Barrett (F – TOR)

119. CJ McCollum (G – WAS)

120. Dennis Schroder (G – SAC)

At this point, I was looking for upside, and nobody fits that better than Eason. The addition of Kevin Durant isn’t going to limit Eason, and there aren’t many players that can contribute defensive stats like Eason. I also considered Schroder to get me some assists, and George is a player I’m hoping to get in the last few rounds of every draft. He just went a tad earlier in this mock.

Round 11

121. Bobby Portis (F – MIL)

122. Dereck Lively (C – DAL)

123. Cam Whitmore (F – WAS)

124. Dejounte Murray (G – NO)

125. Andrew Wiggins (F – MIA)

126. Malik Monk (G – SAC)

127. Nicolas Claxton (C – BKN)

128. Isaiah Collier (G – UTA)

129. Carlton Carrington (G – WAS)

130. Zaccharie Risacher (F – ATL)

131. Jabari Smith (F – HOU)

132. Aaron Nesmith (F – IND)

After missing out on Schroder, I really needed to get some assists in the later rounds, and Collier can certainly provide those. He doesn’t do much scoring, but the rest of my team can help make up for that. I just really needed the dimes.

Round 12

133. De’Andre Hunter (F – CLE)

134. Keyonte George (G – UTA)

135. Scotty Pippen (G – MEM)

136. T.J. McConnell (G – IND)

137. Bennedict Mathurin (F – IND)

138. Jonathan Kuminga (F – GS)

139. Aaron Gordon (F – DEN)

140. Cason Wallace (G – OKC)

141. Mitchell Robinson (C – NY)

142. Kyle Kuzma (F – MIL)

143. Isaiah Jackson (C – IND)

144. Stephon Castle (G – SA)

Mathurin doesn’t fit my team well, but at this point, I don’t really care. This was 20 spots after his Fantrax ADP and 40 spots after his Yahoo! ADP. He’s going to score a ton of points. That’s more than what can be said for most of the other players going in this range.

145. Collin Sexton (G – CHA)

146. Neemias Queta (C – BOS)

147. Lonzo Ball (G – CLE)

148. Ace Bailey (F – UTA)

149. Chris Paul (G – LAC)

150. Moussa Diabate (C – CHA)

151. Bruce Brown (G – DEN)

152. Taylor Hendricks (F – UTA)

153. P.J. Washington (F – DAL)

154. Chris Boucher (F – BOS)

155. Daniel Gafford (C – DAL)

156. Ty Jerome (G – MEM)

The last round is for upside swings, and Hendricks has a ton of upside. He’s the best perimeter defender on the Jazz, and any progression offensively will allow him to be a top-100 producer in nine-cat leagues. He’s not a guarantee, but that’s not what the final round of your draft is for.

Here’s what my full team ended up looking like:

  1. Giannis Antetokounmpo (F – MIL)
  2. Jalen Johnson (F – ATL)
  3. Alperen Sengun (C – HOU)
  4. Pascal Siakam (F – IND)
  5. OG Anunoby (F – NY)
  6. Ausar Thompson (F – DET)
  7. Onyeka Okongwu (C – ATL)
  8. Jalen Suggs (G – ORL)
  9. Brandin Podziemski (G – GS)
  10. Tari Eason (F – HOU)
  11. Isaiah Collier (G – UTA)
  12. Bennedict Mathurin (F – IND)
  13. Taylor Hendricks (F – UTA)

Overall, I was really happy with how this team turned out. The first three rounds were spectacular, and I was able to get a few of my favorite mid-late round targets. As far as the other teams, there was a nice mix of risky swings and value picks, making this an excellent replica of a competitive draft.

by Editor

Hornets Sign Marcus Garrett; Waive Brandon Slater

Hornets Sign Marcus Garrett; Waive Brandon Slater

The Charlotte Hornets continued their preseason roster shuffling. Charlotte waived forward Brandon Slater and signed guard Marcus Garrett. Slater was on a non-guaranteed camp contract. Garrett was signed to an Exhibit 10 deal. Both players will likely join Charlotte’s G League team in Greensboro to begin next season.

Garrett appeared in four games for the Hornets while on a 10 Day contract in March of last season. He spent the majority of the season with the Greensboro Swarm of the G League.

In 42 games with the Swarm, the 6-foot-5 combo guard averaged 10.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.5 steals per game. Garrett also spent part of a season in the NBA with the Miami Heat on a two-way contract.

by Editor

Grant Williams, Josh Green To Miss Hornets Training Camp

Grant Williams, Josh Green To Miss Hornets Training Camp

The Charlotte Hornets will be without two key veterans when training camp starts in less than two weeks. Forward Grant Williams and wing Josh Green will both be sidelined for training camp, as they recover from injures that occurred last season.

Williams is working his way back from a torn right ACL and meniscus that he suffered last November. Green is rehabbing from a left shoulder surgery that he underwent in June.

Hornets head coach Charles Lee said that there isn’t a timeline for either Williams or Green to return. He said both players are progressing well, but that Williams is a bit further ahead in the process than Green is.

Being without Williams is a blow to a Hornets squad that is a bit light on frontcourt depth. Charlotte has a deep wing rotation, including rookies Kon Knueppel, Liam McNeeley and Sion James. In addition, Brandon Miller is returning from a season-ending wrist injury. Miller should have no restrictions when camp opens.

by Editor

🍿 Young, Beverley trade words over All-Star effort

🍿 Young, Beverley trade words over All-Star effort

The exchange between the Atlanta Hawks guard and 12-year NBA pro intensified Wednesday, capped off by a post from the Hawks on Thursday.

by Editor

NBA’s European league could launch in ’27 or ’28

NBA’s European league could launch in ’27 or ’28

NBA commissioner Adam Silver said the new European basketball league the NBA and FIBA have been working on could begin play in 2027 or 2028.

by Editor

Sources: Herro set to miss 8 weeks after surgery

Sources: Herro set to miss 8 weeks after surgery

Heat All-Star Tyler Herro will undergo surgery on his left foot Friday and will be sidelined to start the 2025-26 season. Sources told ESPN that Herro is expected to miss eight weeks.

by Editor