NBA 101

Braden Mann unleashes an 86-yard punt for Eagles

Sunday’s game against the New York Giants and the Philadelphia Eagles has been something of a defensive struggle. So when Nick Sirianni sent Braden Mann and the rest of the Philadelphia punt team into the game with under 30 seconds left in the first half, leading 8-6 but deep in their own territory, Sirianni probably just wanted to try and get his defense into better field position.

He likely did not expect Mann to pin the Giants inside New York’s own 10-yard line.

But that is exactly what happened, as Mann unleashed a booming 86-yard punt that rolled out of bounds at the Giants’ 6-yard line:

BRADEN MANN WHAT A PUNT

NYGvsPHI on FOX/FOX One
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/0knmQEiDKM

— NFL (@NFL) November 8, 2026

The massive punt sent FOX Sports announced Joe Davis into a state of delirium, as he declared that the kick had to be “close to the longest punt in NFL history.’

Interestingly enough, however, it does not even crack the top ten!

According to Pro Football Reference, the longest punt in NFL history remains this booming 98-yard punt from Steve O’Neal of the New York Jets, back in 1969. A 92-yard punt from Shawn McCarthy of the New England Patriots comes in second, while the legendary kick from Randall Cunningham of the 1989 Eagles, which covered 91 yards, comes in third.

Mann joins the all-time list at No. 10 with his 86-yard punt, tying Larry Barnes of the 1957 San Francisco 49ers and Bob Waterfield of the 1947 Rams.

You can see that full list here.

J.J. McCarthy injury: Giants QB shaken up after hit vs. Eagles

It has been a tough day at the office for New York Giants quarterback J.J. McCarthy.

McCarthy was rocked on a hit in the first half, as he tried to spin away from pressure but turned right into the path of pass rusher Jonathan Grennard:

GREENARD SAYS HELLO pic.twitter.com/hu7sgk9qSZ

— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) November 8, 2026

While McCarthy returned to the game after that brutal hit, he was not as lucky after a play early in the second half. He took this vicious blow to the side on a running play, and was down on the turf for an extended period:

JJ McCarthy has checked out of the game and into the blue tent after taking this hit to his throwing shoulder pic.twitter.com/UusCnXfBos

— Talkin’ Giants (@TalkinGiants) November 8, 2026

McCarthy tried to got through a throwing routine on the sideline after exiting the game, but “fell to the ground in pain as he attempted to throw the ball on the sideline” per Jordan Raanan:

J.J. McCarthy just fell to the ground in pain as he attempted to throw the ball on the sideline. Now he’s in the blue tent.

— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) November 8, 2026

Here is that moment:

J.J. McCarthy is in pain after an apparent injury.

📺: FOX/FOX One pic.twitter.com/qP3JfP2PUn

— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) November 8, 2026

McCarthy was then taken to the blue medical tent, and eventually the locker room.

He has been replaced by Jameis Winston.

Update: New York listed him as questionable to return with a hip injury.

Note: This is a developing story and will be updated.

JJ Redick was pleased with ‘awesome’ season debut from Adou Thiero

One of the standouts of the early stages of the preseason was Adou Thiero, who looked to have built on a strong Summer League and was ready to be part of the Lakers’ rotation.

However, an ill-timed injury halted Thiero’s progress and kept him out of the opening weeks of the regular season. After some patience to allow swelling in his knee to go down, Thiero finally made his season debut in Friday’s win over the Blazers and looked like he hadn’t missed a beat from the preseason.

In only six minutes, Thiero’s impact was felt as he tallied four points, four rebounds and two assists. After the game, head coach JJ Redick was asked about his performance and got rave reviews.

“I thought his first two defensive possessions, he made mistakes and then after that he was awesome,” Redick said. “He literally did everything we asked him to do. He was great on the offensive glass. Even sometimes when we didn’t necessarily get the possession, he was tapping the ball and crashing.

“I thought the read he made out of the short roll, I think they blitzed three times in the first half and two of those were against him. He makes the short roll and he gets the lob. I thought he played a great game and, defensively, he was really good in the second half.”

Thiero came in late in the first quarter in the role previously held by Jarred Vanderbilt and immediately made an impact. Given his leaping ability, Thiero being the ball screener and roll man felt like an obvious fit.

The Blazers immediately tested him as they blitzed Luka Dončić, forcing Thiero to not just be in the right spot in the short roll, but then make a decision. He nailed both aspects, setting up Ziaire Williams for a dunk.

Adou Thiero roll draws two tags (Mamu and Ziaire’s men). Thiero finds Ziaire for the lob. https://t.co/eAxPLWNKy7pic.twitter.com/0FIBwwHwBV

— Connor Moreno (@cmorenoNBA) November 7, 2026

Shortly after, the Blazers opted for a more traditional pick-and-roll coverage. This time, Thiero rolled hard to the rim and caught the lob for an athletic finish.

LUKA TO ADOU pic.twitter.com/NuoLMrAlcN

— Lakers Empire (@LakersEmpire) November 7, 2026

“He did great,” Walker Kessler said of Thiero. “Obviously, we value Adou a lot. He’s a very physical player. Really talented, athletic player. I mean, that lob he caught is very, very impressive. He had a really good debut for the season.”

Thiero’s athleticism is unparalleled on the roster — and among the elites of the elite in the league as a whole — and offers the Lakers a different dynamic. Thiero as a screener and roller won’t always work as it did on Friday, but his athleticism and activity level will continue to jump off the screen.

The Lakers’ hope now is that he can stay healthy and start to stack positive performances in the regular season.

You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude or on Bluesky at @jacobrude.bsky.social.

São Paulo Grand Prix qualifying results

Mercedes has a chance to clinch the Formula 1 Constructors’ Championship if results go their way in Sunday’s São Paulo Grand Prix.

However, with wet weather in the forecast, fans could be in for a chaotic race once the lights go out tomorrow.

Kimi Antonelli was fastest in FP2 on Friday, and was just 0.082 seconds off the pace set by McLaren’s Lando Norris during the first hour of practice, as Mercedes again showed strong one-lap pace over the first two practice sessions. That could bode well for the Silver Arrows during today’s qualifying session, as qualifying simulations show Mercedes is indeed the team to beat for pole position, with Red Bull and Ferrari just behind them.

Race pace is a much different story, as F1’s simulations indicate that while Mercedes is still in the lead, Red Bull is just 0.03 seconds off their pace, with McLaren 0.07 seconds off the pace, and Ferrari 0.10 seconds off the pace.

Adding more intrigue is a double dose of grid drops and weather. George Russell, Lewis Hamilton, and Max Verstappen are all taking grid penalties for new engine components, with Verstappen set to start the São Paulo Grand Prix from the back of the grid while Russell takes a five-place penalty.

And with Sunday’s forecast calling for rain, anything can happen when the lights go out … as is often the case at Interlagos.

So who will take pole position? Find out with us as qualifying for the São Paulo Grand Prix gets rolling at 1:00 p.m. Eastern on Saturday!

São Paulo GP provisional grid

Here is the provisional grid for the São Paulo Grand Prix, which will be filled in throughout the hour.

Row	Position	Driver	Team	Position	Driver	Team
Row 1	1			2
Row 2	3			4
Row 3	5			6
Row 4	7			8
Row 5	9			10
Row 6	11			12
Row 7	13			14
Row 8	15			16	Max Verstappen	Red Bull
Row 9	17	Franco Colapinto	Alpine	18	Pierre Gasly	Alpine
Row 10	19	Lance Stroll	Aston Martin	20	Valtteri Bottas	Cadillac
Row 11	21	Sergio Pérez	Cadillac	22	Gabriel Bortoleto	Audi

Note: These are the provisional results. Several drivers — including Russell, Hamilton, Leclerc, and Verstappen — will take a grid drop tomorrow due to power unit changes.

São Paulo GP qualifying

Here is how the qualifying hour unfolded. All updates are in Eastern time.

Q2

2:59: Some drivers are making the switch to Inters. Russell, Lawson, Hadjar, Alonso, Câmara, and Bearman so far.

2:57: Halfway through Q2 and Câmara, Lindblad, Sainz, Bearman, Albon, and Verstappen are the six in the drop zone. Lindblad has parked up, reporting a problem, and is stopped at Turn 5.

2:52: Russell reports that the conditions could be ripe for intermediates, but the full wet tires are performing “quote ok.”

2:49: Looks like Max is done, he’s out of the car. Makes sense given that he is facing a grid drop, no sense taking any risks with these conditions.

2:48: Replays showing Câmara’s big spin in Q1, but he somehow is able to continue.

2:45: Norris, Russell, Verstappen, Hamilton, Hülkenberg, Hadjar, Lawson, Alonso, Leclerc, Antonelli, Piastri, Lindblad, Câmara, Sainz, Bearman, and Albon are the 16 through to Q2, in that order.

Q1

2:44: Colapinto, Gasly, Stroll, Bottas, Pérez, and Bortoleto are the six eliminated at the end of Q1. Câmara gets through on debut in P13.

2:43: Bottas cannot get through, he’s in P18 at the checkered flag.

2:41: Bortoleto is out after that incident. Pérez, Sainz, Stroll, Bottas, and Colapinto also in the drop zone as the clock approaches zero.

2:39: Camara gets to P12, Alonso in P4. This is going to be chaos at the end of Q1.

2:38: Bearman goes P1 with 4:30 left.

2:37: Five minutes left in Q1 and the drivers in the drop zone are: Stroll, Colapinto, Bearman, Antonelli, Bortoleto, and Camara.

2:35: Bottas is back up to P5.

2:35: Bortoleto finds the barrier, but he keeps the car moving so he is not out just yet.

2:34: Bottas jumps back to P7. Track is drying ever so slightly.

2:33: Alonso goes P1 for the moment with a 1:36.930. Stunning to do that in that absolute tractor of a car, even in the wet.

2:31: Verstappen goes P1 with a 1:37.932.

2:31: So much for that Hülkenberg goes P1 with a 1:40.512.

2:30: Bottas goes P1 with a 1:42.314. Pérez then nips him with a 1:40.881. Cadillac on the front row nobody move.

2:28: “A lot of aquaplaning” is the report from Gasly. “Aquaplaning everywhere,” says Alonso.

2:27: Green light, Bottas leads them out.

2:26: However … rain is picking up. “It’s pretty heavy out there,” reports Piastri from pit lane.

2:24: After a very long delay, the session is about to resume. Cars are lining up on the full wet tires.

1:31: Safety Car now heading out.

1:31: This does not sound encouraging:

1:22: Medical Car on the track assessing conditions.

1:18: Bearman has been given a formal reprimand by the stewards.

1:17: Bearman under investigation for reversing in the pit lane.

1:12: It’s wet everywhere, apparently:

1:08: Audi tells Hülkenberg that they expect the rain to last for around ten minutes.

1:03: Red flag. Session stopped.

1:02: “I’m already aquaplaning,” says Antonelli.

1:01: Green light in Interlagos, but a few drivers have pulled over in pit lane, perhaps to make the change to the full wet tires.

12:59: Whole lotta inters on the cars as the drivers queue up for the start of Q1.

12:57: Rain has returned, Red Bull tells Hadjar “rain is coming” and that early in Q1 could be the “best part of the session.”

12:53: James Hinchcliffe’s prediction for quali? “Chaos.”

Chris Medland goes with Antonelli to take pole.

12:41: Great segment with Lindblad on the pre-qualifying show, including a discussion of his special Diwali-themed helmet for the weekend.

12:30: If you’re looking to chat during qualifying, we have our game thread up and running on the SB Nation app as well as the F1 community on SBNation.com.

12:29: Confirmation that Hamilton will be at the back of the grid after a power unit change:

Following today’s FP3 session, the power unit fitted to car #44 was removed for further checks. After completing our analysis, we have decided to replace the entire power unit. Lewis will take part in qualifying but will have to start tomorrow’s race from the back of the grid. pic.twitter.com/PjV22uOCvD

— Scuderia Ferrari HP (@ScuderiaFerrari) November 7, 2026

12:28: Rain has ended but the track is soaked right now.

Predicting every 2026 NWSL Playoffs quarterfinal matchup

The 2026 National Women’s Soccer League playoffs begin Friday, Nov. 6. The eight best teams from the regular season earned a postseason berth and look to make a run to glory before the calendar ticks over to December.

Who advances? We predict all four quarterfinals.

San Diego Wave vs. Utah Royals

The Wave comes into the playoffs as the clear favorite after taking their game to another level this season. San Diego is defensively strong thriving with the ball at their feet. Their passing as well is excellent. If an opponent presents a low block, they can break it down and also attack in quick transitions.

Moreover, after seeing the teams’ availability for this matchup, San Diego has a healthier roster giving a slight edge over the Royals.

In the case of Utah, they tend to press aggressively and can be dangerous on set pieces. The Royals can also be a very frustrating team to play against because they’re capable of defending compactly.

The problem for Utah is that the Wave have the necessary tools to break them down. Added to the fact that many of their pivotal players, Cece Delzer, Narumi Miura and Mina Tanaka, are questionable for the quarterfinals.

San Diego’s ability to control possession without becoming vulnerable defensively will be the difference maker.

Prediction: San Diego advances

Kansas City Current vs. Angel City

This is maybe the most anticipated matchup in the quarterfinals.

In one corner, there’s the dangerous attack of Kansas City Current. Given their strength in transition, and their undefeated record at home, the No. 4 seed is favored coming into the game.

On the other side, Angel City is full of confidence after a 10-match unbeaten streak. Their aggressive pressing and improved midfield organization gives them belief that they can stop Temwa Chawinga and company.

If Angel City loses, it’ll come down to their vulnerability on quick counters when there’s too much space to exploit or because they’re playing risky passes that can lead to dangerous turnovers. If they managed to escape CPKC Stadium unscathed, it could be because they disrupted the home team with effective pressure in the midfield.

Both teams have the weapons to hurt one another, although Kansas has the upper hand. However, this game has the potential to produce an upset.

Prediction: Angel City advances

Gotham FC vs. Seattle Reign

This quarterfinal has all the makings of a lopsided result.

Gotham boasts a strong defensive record, squad depth, strong home record and home advantage. Not to mention, the 2026 NWSL Shield winners beat Seattle twice this year already.

Seattle is certainly comfortable defending deep and can make games difficult and low-scoring. Despite losing both regular season matchups, the Reign scored twice in one which should give the team belief in a playoff atmosphere.

However, Seattle won’t be able to count on Maddie Dahlien for this difficult game. Jess Fishlock, who, in her 14 seasons with Seattle, has carried her team many times and made the impossible happen. In what potentially could be her last dance, she will give everything she has and more to take the Reign to the semifinals. The question is whether that will be enough.

Prediction: Gotham advances

Washington Spirit vs. Portland Thorns

Washington might be the better side on paper, but their late-season form has been inconsistent. They’ve also had to deal with departures and injuries, with Hal Hershfelt the latest.

On the pitch, they can struggle to progress the ball through central areas. However, the Spirit still have great players who can decide games in an instant. Among them are Leicy Santos, who’s back after almost two months out, and, of course, Trinity Rodman. The team’s defensive structure is also better than Portland’s.

What about the Thorns? Their weakest area is in defense. They have also shown limited pressing and counter-pressing, plus a reduction in midfield creativity since Olivia Moultrie got injured.

Yet, they have Sophia Wilson, who can decide matches herself. Additionally, they have several attacking pieces that can score from long range, such as Kaiya Hanks, Morgan Weaver or Marie Müller. Another strength is Jessie Fleming in the midfield, who has partnered up pretty well with Nina Nijstad.

Prediction: Portland advances

Giannis Antetokounmpo Skips Media After Heat Loss To Warriors

Giannis Antetokounmpo skipped his media availability after the Miami Heat’s loss to the Golden State Warriors on Thursday. The defeat followed a rough trip, as plane issues kept the Heat from reaching their hotel until around 3 a.m., league sources told The Athletic.

The game was the second of a back-to-back following an overtime win over the Los Angeles Clippers. Golden State entered the game with two days of rest.

Stephen Curry scored 29 points for the Warriors, while Yaxel Lendeborg added 17 points and six assists.

Antetokounmpo’s rare decision to avoid reporters comes amid mounting frustration for the 3-6 Heat. Defense has been the biggest problem for the Heat, which was expected to be a strong part of their team.

Despite a roster featuring Antetokounmpo, Bam Adebayo, Davion Mitchell and Andrew Wiggins, Miami ranks 26th in defensive rating at 117.5 points allowed per 100 possessions.

That would be the worst mark of Erik Spoelstra’s tenure, which began in 2008. His previous low came in 2014-15, when Miami ranked 21st. The Heat have finished in the top 10 in eight of his 18 seasons, including five top-five finishes.

Spoelstra addressed the defensive struggles before the game.

“Everybody has been saying the right things, and everybody wants it to look right,” said Spoelstra. “There was nothing coming out of training camp or preseason that would have shown this (kind of) start. We thought we were building all the right habits, and the reality is this league can be humbling. And I throw myself in there as well.

“We have a lot of guys with resumes, but resumes and a piece of paper don’t defend. It has to be actions. It has to be five people working together where you’re really putting your effort out there and on the same page. Being on the (same) page is just as important as the efforts.”

Tyran Stokes, Stefan Joksimovic Lead ESPN’s Early 2027 NBA Draft Big Board

Kansas freshman Tyran Stokes opens the college basketball season atop ESPN’s early 2027 NBA draft big board. NBA teams view the class as less talented than recent vintages, and there is no consensus No. 1 pick.

The 6-foot-8 Stokes is a do-it-all perimeter talent who can take over games on both ends. Evaluators want to see better efficiency, consistency and maturity, along with improved decision-making and jump shooting.

Baskonia’s Stefan Joksimovic ranks second after leading Slovenia to gold at the under-18 EuroBasket. BYU’s Bruce Branch III, Arkansas’ Jordan Smith Jr. and Arizona’s Caleb Holt round out the top five.

Teams consider this year’s freshman class weaker than recent groups. The lack of quality freshman depth leaves room for older prospects, such as Arizona’s Motiejus Krivas and Florida’s Thomas Haugh, to climb the board.

The changing college landscape is also reshaping the draft. Division I programs can now pay top players well above the slot value of a first-round pick. The new fifth year of eligibility is expected to thin out the second round.

The 2027 draft will be the first under the NBA’s new lottery rules designed to reduce tanking incentives. The worst teams can now fall outside the top 10, while play-in teams gain more upward mobility.

ESPN’s Early 2027 NBA Draft Big Board:

1. Tyran Stokes: SF/PG, Kansas
2. Stefan Joksimovic: PG, Baskonia
3. Bruce Branch III: SG/SF, BYU
4. Jordan Smith Jr.: SG/PG, Arkansas
5. Caleb Holt: SG/PG, Arizona
6. Quentin Coleman: SG/PG, Illinois
7. Motiejus Krivas: C, Arizona
8. Braylon Mullins: SG, UConn
9. Thomas Haugh: SF/PF, Florida
10. Patrick Ngongba II: C, Duke
11. Ivan Kharchenkov: SF, Arizona
12. Obinna Ekezie Jr.: C, Louisville
13. Austin Goosby: SG/PG, Texas
14. Malachi Moreno: C, Kentucky
15. JJ Andrews: SG/SF, Arkansas
16. Anthony Thompson: SF/PF, Ohio State
17. Sayon Keita: C, North Carolina
18. Dame Sarr: SG/SF, Duke
19. Amari Allen: SF, Alabama
20. Alijah Arenas: SG, USC
21. Jason Crowe Jr.: SG/PG, Missouri
22. Alex Condon: PF/C, Florida
23. Caleb Gaskins: PF/SF, Miami
24. Brandon McCoy: SG, Michigan
25. Miikka Muurinen: PF, Arkansas
26. Colben Landrew: SG/SF, UConn
27. Christian Collins: SF, USC
28. Hugo Yimga-Moukouri: SF, Nanterre
29. Luigi Suigo: C, Villanova
30. Tyler Tanner: PG, Vanderbilt
31. Cameron Williams: PF, Duke
32. David Mirkovic: PF/SF, Illinois
33. Abdou Toure: SG, Arkansas
34. Miles Sadler: PG, West Virginia
35. Dash Daniels: PG/SG, South East Melbourne
36. Billy Richmond III: SG/SF, Arkansas
37. Baba Oladotun: SG/SF, Maryland
38. Matt Able: SG, North Carolina
39. Trey McKenney: SG, Michigan
40. Najai Hines: C, UConn
41. Milan Momcilovic: PF, Kentucky
42. Juke Harris: SG, Tennessee
43. Jeremy Fears Jr.: PG, Michigan State
44. Tounde Yessoufou: SF, St. John’s
45. Davis Fogle: SG, Gonzaga
46. Cheickh Niang: SG, Trento
47. Rueben Chinyelu: C, Florida
48. Shelton Henderson: SG/SF, Miami
49. Amare Bynum: PF, Ohio State
50. Nik Khamenia: SF/PF, UConn
51. Miles Byrd: SG/SF, Providence
52. Joseph Tugler: PF/C, Houston
53. Moustapha Thiam: C, Michigan
54. Eric Reibe: PF/C, USC
55. Cameron Houindo: PF, Cedevita Olimpija
56. Michael Ruzic: PF/C, LSU
57. Stefan Vaaks: SG/PG, Illinois
58. Pryce Sandfort: SG/SF, Nebraska
59. Andrej Stojakovic: SG/SF, Illinois
60. Paul McNeil Jr.: SG, NC State
61. David Punch: F, Texas
62. Matas Vokietaitis: C, Texas
63. Johann Grunloh: C, Virginia
64. Cayden Boozer: PG, Duke
65. Flory Bidunga: C, Louisville
66. John Blackwell: SG, Duke
67. Neo Avdalas: SF, North Carolina
68. Daniel Jacobsen: C, Purdue
69. Massamba Diop: C, Gonzaga
70. Jacob Cofie: PF, USC
71. Xavier Edmonds: PF, TCU
72. Nolan Winter: PF/C, Wisconsin
73. Jaden Toombs: C, SMU
74. Sam Lewis: SG, Virginia
75. Collin Chandler: SG, BYU
76. Jayden Ross: SG/SF, UConn
77. Dillan Shaw: SG/SF, Arizona State
78. Bryson Tiller: PF, Missouri
79. KJ Lewis: SG, USC
80. Tomislav Ivisic: C, Illinois
81. Zvonimir Ivisic: C, Illinois
82. Pharrel Payne: C, Maryland
83. Tre Singleton: SF, Iowa State
84. Jalen Haralson: SF, Tennessee
85. Elliot Cadeau: PG, Michigan
86. Tahaad Pettiford: PG, Auburn
87. Amani Hansberry: PF, Virginia Tech
88. Robert Wright III: PG, BYU
89. Nigel James Jr.: PG, Marquette
90. Kanon Catchings: SF, Georgia
91. Kayden Mingo: PG/SG, Baylor
92. Braden Huff: PF/C, Gonzaga
93. Mouhamed Faye: PF/C, Paris Basket
94. Pavle Backo: C, OKK Beograd
95. Marc-Owen Fodzo Dada: PG/SG, ASVEL
96. JT Toppin: PF/C, Texas Tech
97. Aiden Tobiason: SG/SF, Syracuse
98. Mason Falslev: Utah State
99. Kwame Evans Jr.: PF, Villanova
100. Paulius Murauskas: PF, Arizona State

Eight players to watch in the 2026 NWSL playoffs

The National Women’s Soccer League regular season is over and only eight teams remain in contention for the championship.

From now on, errors can be costly and individual performances could be the difference between a semifinal berth and early elimination. Each team will need its star to shine but they will also need veterans, creative midfielders and their most staunch defenders to step up.

These eight will be the difference makers in the playoffs.

Midge Purce – Gotham

Midge Purce continues to make an impact no matter where she plays . Once Jordyn Dudley’s season-ending injury was confirmed on Oct. 1, coach Juan Carlos Amorós decided to move her further forward from right back to right wing.

Midge Purce sends a ball to Guro Reiten to get Gotham FC ahead on Decision Day! 💪 pic.twitter.com/4QCbbfGhsn

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) November 1, 2026

The change worked and Purce ended up being involved in both goals Gotham scored on Decision Day en route to their first NWSL Shield.

She can contribute defensively, operate higher up the pitch and create opportunities for her teammates.

Haley Hopkins – Kansas City Current

Even though Temwa Chawinga has become the synonym for attacking threat when it comes to the Kansas City Current, there’s another player on the roster with strong G/A output that hasn’t been getting the same amount of plaudits.

Enter Haley Hopkins.

WHAT A YEAR FOR HALEY HOPKINS 🤩

Her 12th goal of the season! pic.twitter.com/CwMcHMIVwe

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) November 1, 2026

The striker has 16 goal contributions this season (12 goals, four assists). She’s peaking at the right time with seven of those goals have been scored in the late part of the season.

Her late-season resurgence comes after an almost two-month drought and couldn’t come at a better time for KC.

Leicy Santos – Washington Spirit

Leicy Santos spent more than two months off the field due to hip and foot injuries.

On Oct. 17, the day of her return, coach Adrián González praised her passing, defensive effort and ability to influence the match despite her lengthy absence.

Washington can consider itself lucky getting one of their most important creators back just in time. Not only that, she’s also a weapon on set pieces. If Washington is to make a deep run, Santos could be the moments player to deliver.

Kenza Dali – San Diego Wave

San Diego’s midfield maestro has become one of the most important players for the club in the last couple of years. Kenza Dali not only brings international experience but also composure and an ability to control the tempo.

The team’s passing ability and vision has been praised this season with Dali leading the way. Those two qualities in her game have allowed her to create consistent opportunities in the final third for her team.

Kenza Dali whipped in a free kick and it glanced off Kennedy Wesley’s head for San Diego’s second ✌️ pic.twitter.com/fDKO1dcYcf

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) September 19, 2026

Dali’s ability to dictate possession and break defensive lines could prove crucial in their next game against Utah and in pursuit for their first title.

Sarah Gorden – Angel City

If you’re looking for defensive consistency and leadership, that’s Sarah Gorden.

She’s been a rock in the team’s backline, having started 28 games this season. Gorden and Angel City return to the playoffs this year for the first time since 2023.

SARAH MF GORDEN!!! 😤#Volemos | #NWSL | #LAvSD | #AngelCityFC pic.twitter.com/a8cLVRG3y0

— Angel City FC (@weareangelcity) May 10, 2026

Gorden made NWSL Best XI squads in August and September registering 24 blocks, 34 interceptions and 141 recoveries. She’s a big reason why Angel City kept nine clean sheets in 2026.

Given their quarterfinal matchup with Kansas City, Gorden must keep her defense organized, snuff out any danger and remain switched on at all times given the Current’s star attackers.

Kate Del Fava – Utah Royals

Consistency pays off. Or at least that’s the case with Kate Del Fave who, at 28 years old, not only debuted with the USWNT last October but also will play her first-ever NWSL playoff match.

She’s also part of a select group of eight players who have played every single minute this season. Which in her case is more impressive when you find out the defender has done so in three consecutive seasons.

Introducing the NWSL Iron Women Class of ‘26!!!! 💪

Loudest club in the comments wins! 🙌⬇️ pic.twitter.com/Y8gVB3JhO5

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) November 2, 2026

Del Fava can be an aerial threat on set pieces, having scored twice this season, with both headers coming from corners.

With 40 interceptions, 33 tackles and 84% passing acccuracy, Del Fava has been a reliable presence in Utah’s backline. As the team prepares to play their first-ever playoff quarterfinal against San Diego, her defensive leadership could prove crucial given the Royals are having a hard time finding the back of the net currently.

Jordyn Bugg – Seattle Reign

At 20 years old, Jordyn Bugg has established herself as one of the most promising defenders in the NWSL.

This year has been a continuation of what she started in 2025 when she became the youngest finalist for NWSL Defender of the Year and earned a place in the league’s Best XI Second Team.

Jordyn Bugg wasn’t going to miss this shot 😮‍💨

She puts the Seattle Reign on the board 1-0! pic.twitter.com/sMXXRApJiW

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) November 1, 2026

Moreover, she scored the goal that earned the Reign the last spot in the playoffs.

Bugg’s total defensive contributions are behind only Phoebe McClernon (194 to 278). She and the Seattle defense will be tested in the quarterfinals against Gotham. Bugg will need to demonstrate the composure and defensive awareness that have made her an emerging talent in the league.

Caiya Hanks – Portland Thorns

Despite having played only 11 games this season, Caiya Hanks has claimed a place in the Thorns’ starting XI.

She came back from an ACL injury on Aug. 15, and played just a handful of minutes. However, Hanks made her presence felt and made sure no one would forget it when she scored an absolute banger for the winning goal against Orlando Pride.

Caiya Hanks scores her first goal since her return from an ACL injury, and it’s a CRUCIAL one for Portland! ☄️ pic.twitter.com/aS97GJL4Jk

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) August 16, 2026

Hanks has been increasing her minutes ever since always looking to break lines. The left winger is peaking at the right time and, although she hasn’t scored more than two goals, she’s one of the most effective carriers and dribblers on the team.