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1. Zelenskyy meets with Trump envoys as U.S. blasts ‘scandalous’ accusations on withdrawn support  NBC News
2. Zelensky and US envoys to hold Oslo talks as Rubio denies withholding intelligence  BBC
3. Zelenskiy to meet Witkoff as US-Ukraine relations sink to new lows  Reuters
4. Zelenskyy to meet with U.S. envoy as tensions with Trump mount  CNBC
5. Witkoff heads to Oslo, plans Russia trip for peace talks  Axios

1. It’s getting harder to see how the Eagles’ Jalen Hurts marriage ends well  Bleeding Green Nation
2. Eagles QB Jalen Hurts' blood clot diagnosis explained  ESPN
3. What to know about Jalen Hurts' condition after blood clots found in Eagles star's lungs, leg  CBS News
4. Jalen Hurts’ apparent season-ending injury leaves Eagles with tough questions about blood clots in his lungs  CNN
5. Michael Robinson accused Jalen Hurts of faking an injury — then doctors found clots in his lungs  Fox News

1. ‘I trusted you all’: Judges question Trump administration’s credibility  NBC News
2. Trump calls judge in East Potomac case a 'crazed lunatic' as interior official testifies on who ordered hundreds of trees cut at historic golf course  WUSA9
3. Trump’s D.C. Golf Course Renovation Plan Has Many Residents Feeling Discouraged  The New York Times
4. 5 things to know about the federal judge Trump called a ‘crazed lunatic’  The Washington Post
5. The Trump team’s disdain for judicial orders is blowing up in court. Accountability has been slow in coming  CNN

1. Kyle Kennedy, granddaughter of Bobby and Ethel Kennedy, dead at 42  Page Six
2. Kyle Kennedy, granddaughter of Robert F. Kennedy, dies at 42  Yahoo
3. Kyle Kennedy’s Cause of Death Is Pending After Granddaughter of Bobby and Ethel Kennedy Dies at 42  People.com
4. Kyle Kennedy, RFK’s granddaughter dies at 42 — years after suffering tragic spinal cord injury  New York Post
5. Kyle Kennedy, granddaughter of Ethel and Robert F. Kennedy, died at 42  WMUR

1. 2026 Midterm Elections: Trump Campaigns in North Carolina  Fox News
2. Midterm election updates: GOP nominee distances himself from Trump in new ad: ‘Never even met the man’  CNN
3. Trump’s NC trip is meant to help GOP candidates. Top Democrat has a message for him: ‘Keep doing it’  WRAL
4. House Democrat accuses Rubio and Trump of ‘lying’ about Ukraine intelligence as president continues campaigning – US politics live  The Guardian
5. Live updates: Trump to hold a midterm rally in North Carolina  NBC News

1. Why the Colts GM search could get interesting, and names to watch  The New York Times
2. What does firing GM Ballard mean for Colts coach Steichen?  ESPN
3. Sometimes A Team Just Wants To Hire A Famous Guy  Defector
4. With GM fired, flailing Colts need to trade Jonathan Taylor | Opinion  USA Today
5. You had questions about Chris Ballard and what’s next for the Colts; our experts answered them  IndyStar

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Live Updates: Latest from Israel, Iran, and the Middle East  The Jerusalem PostSee more headlines & perspectives on Google News

1. Brewers, Rays carry sportsbook liability into World Series  ESPN
2. World Series 2026: Schedule, broadcast and start times for Rays vs. Brewers  Yahoo Sports
3. What you need to know about the 2026 World Series  MLB.com
4. 2026 World Series predictions: Expert picks for Brewers vs. Rays with MLB's Fall Classic set  CBS Sports
5. Brewers-Rays World Series preview: Small-market standard-bearers vie for first championship  The New York Times

One of the top players on the Auburn Tigers' defense will no longer be with the team for the rest of the season, nor for the rest of his career.

On Monday night, reports came out that star linebacker Xavier Atkins was being dismissed by the team. Atkins, who was an All-American last year, is no longer listed on the online roster. Following this event, Atkins took to social media and announced that, when the time is right, he will be entering the transfer portal.

"I have nothing but respect Auburn University and will continue to support my teammates this season," Atkins wrote. "My focus is on my health, my family, and on finishing up the academic semester strong, and I’ll be entering the transfer portal at the appropriate time."

Atkins started four of Auburn's first five games before his dismissal and was a key part of the defense, recording 37 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks, one interception, and three quarterback hurries in five games. He missed Saturday's game against No. 1 Georgia, and his status was considered uncertain.

Atkins was named a Second-Team All-American and First-Team All-SEC member last year after making 84 tackles, 17.0 tackles for loss, 9.0 sacks, one interception, and two forced fumbles. 

Contact/Follow@College_Wire on X and@College_Wires on Threads. Like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of college sports news, notes, and opinions. 

This article originally appeared on College Sports Wire: Auburn star LB Xavier Atkins to transfer after team dismissal

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - JANUARY 07: Paul Finebaum on the Paul Finebaum Show set at the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium on January 07, 2026 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Kirby Lee/Getty Images) | Getty Images

It’s certainly a tall statement to make to say that Texas football’s loss at home to Florida was the damaging of this past weekend. That’s especially the case given that top-ranked Georgia fell to Auburn at home and Alabama fell on the road to Tennessee in the same week. Essentially, it was an example of the SEC cannibalizing itself again.

Finebaum blames Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian.

“I just can’t get over what Texas is doing,” Finebaum said during an ESPN appearance on Sunday. “It seems like about eight days ago, they were No. 1 in the country, and they’re not even in the universe anymore.”

“And the blame does go on Steve Sarkisian, whose arrogance continues to put him as the play-caller, and he’s doing a miserable job of that,” Finebaum later added. “Was Arch perfect? No. But nobody was perfect on offense today.”

This spells increasingly bad news for Sarkisian.

When Finebaum speaks, athletic directors across college football seem to listen.

Just ask Lane Kiffin.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING ABOUT THE LONGHORNS

Austin American-Statesman: After Florida loss, what does the CFP path look like for No. 19 Texas?

Austin American-Statesman: Steve Sarkisian: ‘Everything,’ including Manning, to be evaluated after loss

Dallas Morning News: With CFP still in reach (for now), is Arch Manning Texas’ best option at QB moving forward?

Houston Chronicle: Benching Arch Manning should be on the table after another unacceptable UT loss

247Sports: Horns247 Roundtable: Changes we would make to ignite Texas football’s struggling offense

247Sports: CFB Overtime: Historic day of carnage, Longhorns’ woes lead Week 7 takeaways

Inside Texas: 2026 Florida Gators – Texas Longhorns football postmortem: Offense

ICYMI IN BURNT ORANGE NATION

How backup QB KJ Lacey could help Texas

Inside the Numbers: Another offensive disaster class from Sarkisian

Texas lacks internal offensive play-calling options

RECRUITING ROUNDUP

247Sports: Top performers from loaded matchup between Mount Carmel and Loyola Academy

247Sports: Top five 2028 recruit Evan Willis recaps Miami visit as Arkansas, Kentucky, Texas officials loom

SEC SHOWDOWN

Austin American-Statesman: Texas vs Florida: New year, another costly SEC loss to unranked Gators

247Sports: Crunching the Numbers on Texas football’s loss to Florida: What do you get when you bench your starting QB?

247Sports: As Texas football fails to recalibrate a failing offense, Florida’s offensive adjustments help doom Longhorns

Inside Texas: ‘We just sucked less’: Everything Florida’s Jon Sumrall said after beating Texas

Good Bull Hunting: Texas A&M two-touchdown underdogs at Alabama

Rock M Nation: Missouri basketball season preview 2026-2027

And The Valley Shook: LSU baseball fall scrimmage notes

Red Cup Rebellion: Ole Miss opens as underdog against Texas

Rocky Top Talk: Tennessee jumps into the fray in ESPN College Football Playoff predictions

Roll ‘Bama Roll: Eight ‘not close’ graphs from the Tennessee game

Dawg Sports: 10 thoughts from a terrible, no-good day in Athens

A Sea Of Blue: CJ Baxter missed Kentucky win vs. Oklahoma due to injury: Will he play vs. Vanderbilt?

WHAT WE’RE READING

SB Nation: Josh Allen’s outrageous touchdown flip is one of NFL’s best plays of the year

SB Nation: J.J. McCarthy just created a quarterback controversy for the Giants

SB Nation: Jim Nantz injury: Did CBS broadcaster hurt his hand during Raiders-Bills?

NEWS ACROSS LONGHORN NATION AND BEYOND

• Texas volleyball dropped a close one against Florida.

final | TEXAS 2 FLORIDA 3#HookEm

— Texas Volleyball (@TexasVolleyball) October 19, 2026

1. Theranos whistleblower barely recognizes Elizabeth Holmes in new documentary  Fortune
2. Elizabeth Holmes Documentary ‘You Can See Everything’ Opens to Over 2,000 Sold-Out Shows  The New York Times
3. You Can See Everything launches ambitious Oscars campaign  CBC
4. Theranos whistleblower Tyler Shultz says Elizabeth Holmes looks like "a broken woman" in documentary  CBS News
5. Box Office: 'Street Fighter' $31M, 'You Can See Everything' $15M Milestone  Deadline

Ready to attack in next away European tripUEFA Europa League matchday 3 at NK Celje

The lights will be on again as we have another chance to secure some crucial points! Following a good warm up in the league, our Red Bulls are shifting straight back into European mode, traveling to Slovenia for the third matchday of the UEFA Europa League league phase. This Thursday, October 22, at 21:00 CEST, they face NK Celje for the very first time.

After a successful 1-0 opening win away to Levski Sofia and a 0-4 home defeat against AC Milan, our Red Bulls currently sit in 21st place out of 36 teams after two rounds of the league phase. The clear objective for this second European away fixture is to get back on the scoresheet and significantly boost our chances of finishing in the top 24 - a position required to advance further in the competition.

Our upcoming opponent were crowned Slovenian champions last season, which saw them begin their current European campaign in the UEFA Champions League qualifiers. After overcoming KF Egnatia and FC Ararat-Armenia, their run came to an end in the play-offs, where they were defeated by Slovan Bratislava in extra time. You can find all the details regarding their history, past European highlights, and the unique features of the Slovenian side in our NK Celje opposition profile.

In the league phase, the hosts, managed by Zoran Zeljkovic since mid-September, are still searching for their first point. Following a 0-2 opening loss away to Bayer Leverkusen and a 0-3 home defeat to Omonia Nicosia, they find themselves under pressure to deliver a result in front of their own fans. In their domestic league, NK Celje currently sit in sixth place after twelve matches (with one game in hand) – though in their most recent fixture last weekend, the Slovenian side managed a respectable 0–0 draw away to league leaders NK Maribor.

You can follow the action from home for free via ServusTV or ServusTV On in Austria.

Predict our UEFA Europa League clashes in the My RBS Prediction Game!Injury news

• Enrique Aguilar (thigh), Justin Omoregie (ankle) and Nikolas Veratschnig (knee) are unavailable for this match.
• Karim Konate (ill) is a doubt.

ViewsWe face an intense challenge in Celje against opponents that will play with great courage in front of their home crowd. It’s crucial that we stay focused from the very start, stick to our style of play, and show the right response following the Milan match. We want to secure our second away win in Slovenia.

Danny Röhl

European away matches always have something special about them. We know that we’ll need a cohesive and mature performance in Celje. If we bring our intensity to the pitch and remain clinical in the decisive moments, we can be successful there.

Kevin Boma

  Order now!

Juventus fine Bremer for criticising teammates after 3-0 Lazio defeat

Reports from multiple outlets in Italy confirm that Juventus have taken the decision to fine centre-back Gleison Bremer after his criticism of his teammates in his post-match interview following Sunday’s 3-0 Serie A defeat at home against Lazio.

Report: Juventus fine Bremer after Lazio interview

It was a miserable evening for Juventus on Sunday, slipping down to eighth place in the Serie A table while conceding three goals at home without a response of their own. They now find themselves eight points off the league leaders after just seven games of the season.

TURIN, ITALY – OCTOBER 18: Oliver Provstgaard of S.S. Lazio celebrates scoring his team’s first goal as Guglielmo Vicario of Juventus reacts after failing to make a save during the Serie A match between Juventus and SS Lazio at Allianz Stadium on October 18, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Chris Ricco/Getty Images)

It was an occasion that led to calls for Luciano Spalletti’s departure from certain supporters, while some fans in the stadium turned on each other and started fighting in the stands: A symbol of the current mood surrounding the club.

Bremer, has been serving as the club’s matchday captain in the absence of Manuel Locatelli, also threw himself under the spotlight after criticising unspecified members of the Juventus squad during his post-match interview, accusing them of becoming ‘scared’ and ‘hiding’.

“It is true, the coach gives indications, but we are the ones who need to put it into action on the field,” the Juventus defender said after full-time on Sunday.

“However, there are 11 players on the field, plus the five who come off the bench, so I cannot just carry everyone. I try to give a hand, I talk to them, but they all have their own character. We can push them to a certain point, but that’s all, some have more character than others.

TURIN, ITALY – OCTOBER 18: Davide Frattesi of S.S. Lazio runs with the ball under pressure from Bremer of Juventus during the Serie A match between Juventus and SS Lazio at Allianz Stadium on October 18, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Chris Ricco/Getty Images)

According to reports from Tuttosport on Tuesday morning, Bremer has apologised to his colleagues and has been informed that he will be fined by the club for his actions. The Brazil international has reportedly accepted his punishment.

Tuttosport described it as ‘an elephant in the room’ when Bremer returned to the dressing room at Continassa on Monday, but adds that he was the first one to address the awkward issue, which was appreciated by his colleagues.

Juventus protect Spalletti despite 3-0 Lazio defeat and fans calling for Conte

Reports from various outlets in Italy on Tuesday suggest that Juventus will stand with head coach Luciano Spalletti for the time being, despite growing frustrations among supporters following Sunday’s 3-0 defeat at home against Lazio in Serie A.

Juventus put faith in Spalletti for the time being

Despite back-to-back victories in the Europa League at the beginning of the 2026-27 season, Juventus’s Serie A campaign has begun underwhelming, already sitting eight points away from the league leaders after the first seven matches of the season.

TURIN, ITALY – OCTOBER 18: Oliver Provstgaard Nielsen of SS Lazio scores the opening goal during the Serie A match between Juventus and SS Lazio at Allianz Stadium on October 18, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

The atmosphere inside the Allianz Stadium turned sour when the Old Lady were comfortably beaten 3-0 against Lazio in Serie A over the weekend, a game that left many supporters calling for the coach’s head and for the available Antonio Conte to return.

However, according to Tuesday morning’s reports from Sky, the Corriere dello Sport and Tuttosport, Juventus will stick with Spalletti for the time being. The club’s owners and board of directors are reportedly ‘on Spalletti’s side’ and remain convinced that he is the best man to get Juventus out of their rut in the league.

VIGO, SPAIN – OCTOBER 15: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Juventus, looks on before the UEFA Europa League 2026/27 League Phase MD2 match between Real Club Celta and Juventus at Estadio Balaidos on October 15, 2026 in Vigo, Spain. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)

According to the Corriere dello Sport, there have been no discussions regarding Conte’s availability among the Juventus decision makers, and that Spalletti will be given the time and trust needed to turn the ship around. Naturally, things could change if Juve’s form completely nosedives in the coming weeks.

La Gazzetta dello Sport describes it as a ‘temporary’ show of faith in the head coach.

TURIN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 20: Luciano Spalletti, Manager of Juventus, looks on before the Serie A match between Juventus and Atalanta BC at Allianz Stadium on September 20, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

Spalletti has reportedly held a meeting with his players and staff at Continassa and has spoken to centre-back Gleison Bremer, who accused some of his teammates of hiding in the shadows after the 3-0 defeat against Lazio over the weekend. The Brazilian has apologised according to Tuesday’s updates.

Up next for Spalletti and Juve is a Europa League visit from Rennes on Thursday evening and a match away against Lecce in Serie A on Sunday, which is considered must-win in light of the Lazio defeat.

Photo by Joy Malone/Getty Images

Jalen Brunson will be sporting the new Kobe 3s as the New York Knicks get their season underway on October 20.

The Knicks ended years of heartbreak and disappointment when they beat the San Antonio Spurs in the 2026 NBA Finals.

Their attention will now turn towards clashing with the Philadelphia 76ers on opening night of the new season, which will include the traditional ring ceremony.

Ahead of that taking place, Brunson’s new Kobe 3s have been unveiled.

Jalen Brunson features in advert for new Kobe 3s

In a clip shared by New York Basketball, a video promoting the Kobe shoes that features the voice of Jalen has been released.

The advert sees the Knicks star calling a phone, which is put to voicemail before he says ‘Yo, it’s Jalen, we good for tonight?’ making reference to the meeting with the 76ers.

The Nike Kobe 3 Low Protro ‘Jalen Brunson’ PE are set to go on sale on Tuesday, with Nike and Foot Locker putting on a pop-up shop next to Madison Square Garden ahead of the game between the Knicks and the 76ers, as per Sneaker News.

They report that the shop is located at 125 West 33rd Street in Manhattan, opening at 10 AM ET.

Read more:

• The New York Knicks championship player who will not be attending tonight’s ring ceremony
• OG Anunoby tells Ben Stiller his unsurprising pick for his favourite actor of all time
• Eight celebrities expected to attend the New York Knicks’ 2026 NBA Championship ring ceremony

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy made NFL history on Monday Night Football, setting an all-time passing record in a 23-17 victory over the Washington Commanders.

OFFICIAL: Brock Purdy just became the highest-rated passer in NFL history. He also now holds official #1 ranks across numerous QB stats. Purdy has been on a Hall of Fame trajectory since Day 1. Purdy’s first start against Tom Brady’s Tampa Bay Bucs was about 1,500 throws ago

— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) October 20, 2026

As of Monday night, Purdy holds the highest career passer rating among NFL quarterbacks with at least 1,500 pass attempts, recording an impressive mark of 105.6. The achievement further cements his status as one of the league’s most productive quarterbacks since entering the NFL in 2022.

Purdy completed 21 of his 29 pass attempts against Washington, continuing his impressive run as the 49ers maintained their unbeaten start to the 2026 season.

MORE: Sean Payton sends clear message to Bo Nix after ugly win in Week 6

Purdy surpasses Jackson for NFL passing recordOct 19, 2026; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) looks to pass during the first quarter against the Washington Commanders at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

Purdy’s career numbers now stand at 1,038 completions on 1,524 attempts, totaling 13,145 passing yards and 98 touchdown passes. His career passer rating of 105.6 puts him ahead of several established NFL stars.

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson previously held the record with a career passer rating of 102.7. Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers follows at 101.8, while Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow sits at 101.3. Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes rounds out the top five with a rating of 100.8.

Purdy’s remarkable efficiency is particularly notable given his unconventional path into the league. The 49ers selected him with the final pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, 262nd overall, earning him the nickname “Mr. Irrelevant.”

However, Purdy has quickly proven that his draft position was no indication of his potential. He helped lead San Francisco to the Super Bowl following the 2023 season, although the team ultimately fell to the Chiefs in overtime.

MORE: Colts’ Sauce Gardner news could affect his NFL trade deadline value

49ers maintain perfect start to 2026 seasonOct 11, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) drops back to pass against Seattle Seahawks linebacker DeMarcus Lawrence (0) during the first quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

Purdy’s record-breaking performance comes as San Francisco continues to establish itself as a force in the NFL. The victory over Washington improved the 49ers’ record to a perfect 6-0, keeping them unbeaten through the opening weeks of the 2026 campaign.

With Purdy delivering consistent performances and making history along the way, San Francisco will look to carry its momentum into the coming weeks.

The 49ers are scheduled to face the Atlanta Falcons, who enter Week 7 with a 2-4 record, on Sunday. Following that matchup, San Francisco will have a bye in Week 8, providing the team with an opportunity to rest and prepare for the remainder of the season.

For Purdy, the latest milestone represents another significant achievement in a career that continues to exceed expectations. Once an overlooked seventh-round selection, he now stands atop the NFL’s career passer-rating leaderboard.

– Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter –

What an NFL season it's been, and we're not even halfway through the Baltimore Ravens' campaign yet. As in many other divisions, the AFC North race keeps getting more interesting.

Power rankings offer a snapshot of how differently the division's teams are navigating the season, but most discussions still turn to quarterbacks. Every efficient campaign and new rhythm sparks hours of conversation. The AFC North has earned its reputation through four teams famous for wanting to beat one another up, but it's also home to four polarizing offensive signal-callers.

Two rank among the best of the current era. One is working his way back from an injury. Another is one of the best of any era and a future Pro Football Hall of Famer. The fourth embodies what it means to fall and pick yourself back up after being given another chance.

Week 6 didn't bring new game film for Joe Burrow as his team enjoyed a bye. Still, we feel confident we know enough about him and his season-long production to keep the conversation going. Aaron Rodgers continues to give Pittsburgh reasons to be optimistic.

Deshaun Watson deserves credit for again driving his team into position to win late. Tyler Huntley remains a capable backup, but his latest performance showed how hard it is to sustain an offense without Lamar Jackson. Here's how the four current AFC North quarterbacks stack up heading into Week 7.

1. Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals (Bye Week)

The Cincinnati Bengals sat out Week 6, so Burrow didn't have a chance to improve his numbers. However, his performance through the first five games gives him a strong case for the top spot. He didn't improve his stock while idle, but he also didn't damage it.

Burrow is completing 71.4% of his passes, with 11 touchdowns and just three interceptions. He's been efficient and productive, putting together a statistical start that could become one of the best seasons of his career. His late-game struggles have contributed to Cincinnati's two losses, but those issues don't erase the quality of his overall performance.

It's still surprising that the Bengals haven't made the playoffs since 2022. As the division grows more competitive, Burrow and Cincinnati can't afford to let close games slip away. Their schedule resumes with a difficult road matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, giving the Bengals an immediate opportunity to establish themselves in the AFC North race.

2. Aaron Rodgers, Pittsburgh Steelers

We may not be seeing vintage Aaron Rodgers, but the Steelers quarterback keeps showing flashes and the ability to lead his team to victory in multiple ways. He has won shootouts, and he and his teammates have had to grind out a couple. beginning to find a rhythm. His performance against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offered another encouraging sign, even as Pittsburgh's offensive line struggled to protect him.

Rodgers was sacked five times and attempted 49 passes, neither of which is an ideal recipe for sustained success. Still, he made several impressive throws, navigated the pocket effectively at times, and threw two touchdown passes versus one interception.

His ability to make quick decisions and capitalize on opportunities remains valuable to an offense that needs more consistency. The downfield passing game wasn't as productive against Tampa Bay, and Rodgers took too much punishment. However, he's given Pittsburgh reason to believe it can stay competitive all season. The Steelers don't need him to recreate his best years. They need him to make smart decisions, deliver in important moments, and give the offense a chance to win. He can handle that. After another win, Rodgers has done enough to maintain the second spot.

3. Deshaun Watson, Cleveland Browns

How about another game-winning drive from the Browns that was led by Deshaun Watson? The Cleveland quarterback delivered when his team needed him, setting up Andre Szmyt's game-winning field goal in a 13-10 win over Baltimore.

Cleveland's defense deserves much of the credit for the divisional win, but Watson still had to make the late plays that mattered. His completion to Jerry Jeudy helped set up the decisive kick, and he avoided the kind of turnover that could have given Baltimore another chance.

In a defensive battle, protecting the football and making one or two critical throws can be the difference between winning and losing. Watson did enough to help Cleveland finish the job, and the Browns now enter Week 7 atop the division. That doesn't mean Watson has suddenly become the most productive quarterback in the AFC North, but his ability to deliver in a close game deserves recognition. Place him third after helping Cleveland secure a key divisional win. They are now 3-0 at home and 2-0 in the division.

4. Tyler Huntley, Baltimore Ravens

Tyler Huntley and the Baltimore Ravens' offense came out firing against Cleveland for about 11 minutes. Unfortunately, that early success disappeared, and Baltimore finished with just ten points in a frustrating loss.

Huntley wasn't solely responsible for the defeat. Derrick Henry's fumble helped Cleveland get back in the game, and a missed fourth-quarter field goal cost Baltimore a chance to regain a two-score lead. Still, Huntley will be one of the faces of this loss, as quarterbacks often are.

His accuracy and decision-making became less consistent as the game progressed, and the Ravens couldn't find enough answers against Cleveland's defensive adjustments. Huntley remains a capable backup who can help Baltimore compete, but Sunday's performance showed how hard it is to sustain the offense without its usual starting quarterback.

Lamar Jackson's eventual return remains critical, particularly with Cincinnati, the Buffalo Bills and the Jacksonville Jaguars looming on the schedule. If Jackson is ready to return against the Bengals, Baltimore will have a chance to stabilize its offense before the schedule gets even more demanding. Until then, Huntley needs to be more consistent if the Ravens hope to keep pace in a division that is becoming increasingly difficult to navigate.

This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: AFC North QB rankings entering Week 7: Where Tyler Huntley stands

Former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming believes his new position as England Test head coach should be overseen by somebody English.

Peter Moores, with two stints, and Chris Silverwood are the only English coaches of the Test side this century, while Ashley Giles had an ill-fated stint heading up the white-ball sides.

When New Zealander Brendon McCullum was sacked from the Test job, former England internationals Jonathan Trott and Richard Dawson were linked to succeeding him before Fleming was appointed in July.

However, Fleming, who will officially begin his role in South Africa in December, told the BBC: “I do believe that primarily the national team should be coached by a national representative.”

England have had success under overseas coaches with Zimbabwean pair Duncan Fletcher and Andy Flower leading them to Ashes wins, and Australia’s Trevor Bayliss managed the 2019 ODI World Cup triumph.

While Trott is about to head up the second-string England Lions, Dawson has taken up a post in England’s backroom team, alongside fellow Englishmen Marcus Trescothick and James Foster.

Fleming added: “I’m grateful for the opportunity, but there will be some development in terms of the coaching, and you can see by our staff. I look forward to working with them.

“But it is a real focus and it’s an ambition as well that you will also get county coaches who will be introduced at certain times and you will get past players that will be asked to come back as well.

“It’s really inclusive and a comfortable nature of using what’s around, but also driving what should be driven within the county game and the English game.”

PA

UEFA gives FIFA two-week deadline to release Infantino documents

The dispute between UEFA and FIFA has escalated, with UEFA general secretary Theodore Theodoridis demanding answers to 42 questions from FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafström by November 2.

The letter follows a FIFA Council meeting in Zurich last Thursday, where Gianni Infantino apologised over his plans to sell part of the World Cup’s commercial rights but declined to answer questions from council members, instead asking them to submit their queries in writing.

The main issue is FIFA’s proposed Forward Enterprise (FFE) project, under which Infantino reportedly negotiated a deal to sell a stake in World Cup commercial rights to Thrive Capital, the private equity firm led by Josh Kushner.

UEFA wants to know why the deal was pursued at a reported $20bn valuation, given the most recent World Cup generated around $15bn. It also questioned why member associations were offered additional development funding when FIFA already held around $6bn in cash reserves.

The questions also touch on FIFA’s links to politics. UEFA is seeking details of Donald Trump’s conversation with Infantino over the decision to overturn a red card for US forward Folarin Balogun during the 2026 World Cup. It also questioned FIFA’s Peace Prize for Trump and rent paid for office space in Trump Tower.

Financial transparency is another concern, with UEFA referring to reports that Infantino received undisclosed remuneration in 2024, reportedly worth between £1.3m and $1.7m.

UEFA has also questioned the independence of FIFA’s 2027 presidential election, pointing to the relationship between Infantino and electoral committee chair Bruno Chiomento, whose expenses were reportedly covered by FIFA during the 2026 World Cup.

The letter also asks why the 27-minute half-time show at the World Cup final and hydration breaks were introduced without consultation with the IFAB or FIFA Council.

With a November 2 deadline now set, the latest move shows the growing tension between European football’s governing body and FIFA.