NFL midseason trends: Why scoring is up, offenses are bigger, and finishes are dramatic
The NFL season is halfway through, and some interesting trends have emerged. Scoring is up, partly due to new special teams rules and more aggressive fourth-down plays. Offenses are getting bigger, using extra linemen and tight ends more than ever. No dominant team has emerged, with every team having at least two losses after nine weeks. The Kansas City Chiefs, despite being Super Bowl favorites, have a 5-4 record. The AFC might see four new division winners, while the NFC has more stability with the Philadelphia Eagles leading. There have been more dramatic finishes, with 35 games decided by a score in the final moments.
Jets’ trades of Gardner, Williams tough now, but big-picture plan focused on hope, high draft picks
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — The New York Jets are undergoing a major rebuild after trading stars Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams. Gardner was sent to Indianapolis on Tuesday and Williams was dealt to Dallas. The trades brought in first-round draft picks for 2026 and 2027, signaling a long-term strategy. Jets coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey emphasized patience and opportunity. Glenn reiterated the team will be one fans can be proud of, though the Jets are likely to miss the playoffs for the 15th straight year. The focus now shifts to future drafts and finding a franchise quarterback.
Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler to undergo shoulder surgery and miss rest of season
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler will miss the rest of the season because of a left shoulder injury. The team announced that Kessler will undergo surgery Thursday in Los Angeles to repair a labral tear. Kessler was off to a strong start in five games this season, averaging 14.4 points on 70.3% shooting, along with 10.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game. He even added an accurate 3-point shot, hitting 6 of 8 this season. Kessler opened the season with impressive performances against the Los Angeles Clippers and Phoenix Suns.
Chelsea draws 2-2 at Qarabag in Champions League. Pafos beats Villarreal for its 1st win
Alejandro Garnacho scored a second-half goal as Chelsea drew 2-2 at Qarabag in the Champions League. Chelsea’s Estevao opened the scoring in the 16th minute but the hosts from Azerbaijan rallied with first-half goals from Leandro Andrade and Marko Jankovic. Garnacho struck in the 53rd for Chelsea which was coming off Champions League victories over Ajax and Benfica after opening the league phase with a loss at Bayern Munich. In the other early game, Pafos earned its first-ever league-phase win by beating Spanish club Villarreal 1-0 at home in Cyprus.
FIFA announces new peace prize to be awarded at World Cup draw in Washington
MIAMI (AP) — FIFA has announced the creation of a peace prize, which it plans to award for the first time at the World Cup draw on Dec. 5 in Washington. The FIFA Peace Prize will recognize exceptional actions for peace, according to soccer’s governing body. FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized the importance of acknowledging those who work to end conflicts and promote unity. FIFA says the award will be presented annually. Infantino will present the prize this year.
McLaren vs. Palou: A $20.7M lawsuit over broken promises and disappearing messages
Closing arguments have been presented in McLaren Racing’s lawsuit against IndyCar star Alex Palou. The trial in London’s High Court began in late September. McLaren is seeking $20.7 million in damages, claiming Palou breached his contract by backing out of a deal to join their IndyCar team. Palou argues the contracts were based on false promises of a Formula 1 seat. McLaren says Palou’s decision led to financial losses and forced them to find a replacement driver. Palou’s defense also accuses McLaren of destroying evidence by deleting WhatsApp messages related to the case.
College football Week 11: No. 8 BYU at No. 9 Texas Tech biggest game in Lubbock since 2008
Lubbock is buzzing as No. 8 BYU faces No. 9 Texas Tech on Saturday in a Big 12 showdown. ESPN’s College GameDay is setting up at Jones AT&T Stadium for the first time since 2008. Students are already camping out for prime seats. The winner will lead the Big 12 and the teams could meet again in the conference championship game. BYU is unbeaten but dealing with injuries. Meanwhile, Ohio State QB Julian Sayin is leading the Heisman race after a stellar performance against Penn State. Maryland’s Mike Locksley is on the hot seat.
Anisimova beats Swiatek to join Rybakina in last four at WTA Finals
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — Amanda Anisimova reached the last four of the WTA Finals by beating second-ranked Iga Swiatek 6-7 (3), 6-4, 6-2. The American earned her second consecutive victory over Swiatek since losing to the Polish player 6-0, 6-0 in the Wimbledon final. Anisimova had also eliminated Swiatek in the U.S. Open quarterfinals. Elena Rybakina, who had already advanced to the semifinals, completed her round-robin phase with a 6-4, 6-4 victory over Ekaterina Alexandrova. Rybakina and Anisimova will learn their semifinal opponents after Thursday’s final round-robin matches. Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka plays defending champion Coco Gauff, while Jessica Pegula faces Jasmine Paolini, who has already been eliminated.
McIlroy calls LIV’s switch to 72-hole tournaments a ‘peculiar move’
ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Rory McIlroy has described LIV Golf’s decision to expand its events to 72 holes as “peculiar.” The Saudi-funded breakaway circuit will align itself more with golf’s traditional tours by moving from three rounds to four next year. The format switch could boost LIV’s bid to be recognized by the Official World Golf Ranking. That is critical because the four majors use the ranking to help determine their fields. McIlroy has been outspoken about LIV so was asked for his view of the change to 72 holes. He says “I think it’s a peculiar move … I don’t think three rounds vs. four rounds is what was holding them back.”
Inter Miami’s Luis Suárez suspended for decisive MLS playoff match against Nashville
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Lionel Messi won’t have Luis Suárez alongside him for a crucial match that could end Inter Miami’s season. Major League Soccer announced Wednesday that Suárez has been suspended for Saturday’s playoff game against Nashville SC due to his actions in Game 2 of the series. Suárez was also fined an undisclosed amount. Inter Miami must win on Saturday or its season will end. MLS’ disciplinary committee said Suárez’s “violent conduct” in the 71st minute of the match on November 1 merited the suspension, even though no foul was called against him on the play.
