The weather is turning – including in Seattle of all places, good time for the Seahawks to skip town – the playoff races are tightening, and the regular-season schedule is dwindling.

Week 14 is here, the final one to include byes – though only the last-place Arizona Cardinals and Washington Commanders are off, so only Kyler Murray’s and Sam Howell’s fantasy owners are impacted.

On the field, there are some consequential matchups – the Tampa Bay Buccaneers hoping to pull even with the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC South and games (Colts-Bengals, Jaguars-Browns among them) that will completely influence the middle of the playoff packs. And even with the Bills languishing at .500, their visit to Arrowhead Stadium to see the Kansas City Chiefs usually produces fireworks, though this is a game Buffalo has to have.

(There will also be a unique ‘Monday Night Fooball’ twinbill, Titans-Dolphins and Packers-Giants being played concurrently, starting at 8:15 p.m. ET, rather than the staggered starts the NFL has recently tried with ‘MNF’ doubleheaders. Too bad there wasn’t a ‘matchup flex’ option or some such to give us Packers-Dolphins, but we digress.)

But, like last week, all eyes will be on the Philadelphia Eagles – this time they’ll head to Texas to play the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night, the winner ticketed for first place in the NFC East while remaining heavily in play for the NFC’s No. 1 seed.

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Does America’s Team win its 15th straight at AT&T Stadium? Read on …

New England Patriots at Pittsburgh SteelersTampa Bay Buccaneers at Atlanta FalconsLos Angeles Rams at Baltimore RavensDetroit Lions at Chicago BearsIndianapolis Colts at Cincinnati BengalsJacksonville Jaguars at Cleveland BrownsCarolina Panthers at New Orleans SaintsHouston Texans at New York JetsMinnesota Vikings at Las Vegas RaidersSeattle Seahawks at San Francisco 49ersBuffalo Bills at Kansas City ChiefsDenver Broncos at Los Angeles ChargersPhiladelphia Eagles at Dallas CowboysTennessee Titans at Miami DolphinsGreen Bay Packers at New York Giants

(Odds provided by BetMGM. Access more BetMGM odds here.)

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Southern California freshman basketball player Bronny James, who sustained sudden cardiac arrest while working out on campus in July, plans to make his college debut Sunday against Long Beach State, Trojans coach Andy Enfield said Thursday.

James, the oldest son of NBA superstar LeBron James, plans to come off the bench and is on a minutes restriction, Enfield told reporters.

“Bronny will have a final evaluation with USC staff this week, resume practice next week, and return to games soon after,” the statement said. “The James family would like to express their gratitude to the incredible medical team, the entire USC community, and especially the countless friends, family, and fans for their love and support. Fight On!”

Bronny James, a four-star recruit, committed to the Trojans in May after averaging 14 points, five rebounds and three assists in his senior year at Sierra Canyon (Los Angeles) School in 2022-23. He possesses many of the same unselfish skills as his dad and moved up the player rankings in the Class of 2023 as the season progressed. At one point, Bronny was a projected first-round pick in the 2024 draft before he collapsed on the court.

James was hospitalized, and in August after follow-up evaluations at the Mayo Clinic and Atlantic Health/Morristown Medical Center, he was diagnosed with an “anatomically and functionally significant Congenital Heart Defect which can and will be treated.’ At the time, the family expressed confidence that James would be able to play basketball again.

McDermott’s 2019 comments about 9/11 resurfaced this week in a feature by independent NFL journalist Tyler Dunne, where he questioned the leadership style of the seven-year head coach as the Bills sit at 6-6 on the season. According to multiple sources cited in Dunne’s feature on GoingLongTD.com, McDermott told his team that they need to come together like ‘the terrorists on Sept. 11, 2001.’

‘He cited the hijackers as a group of people who were able to get on the same page to orchestrate attacks to perfection,’ Dunne reported.

McDermott confirmed the report on Thursday in a news conference, where he explained that he fell short of highlighting the significance of communication. ‘My intent in the meeting that day was to discuss the importance of communication and being on the same page with the team. I regretted mentioning 9/11 in my message that day and I immediately apologized to the team,’ he said in a press conference.

What did Sean McDermott say about 9/11?

According to Dunne, McDermott’s training camp speech in 2019 is infamously known amongst the team as his “9/11 speech.’ During the speech in Pittsford, New York, McDermott ‘started asking specific players in the rooms questions. ‘What tactics do you think they used to come together?”

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When asked what the terrorists’ biggest obstacle was, Dunne reported that a veteran answered ‘TSA,’ a response that ‘lightened the mood.’

Sean McDermott apologized to team after 9/11 speech

In a press conference held Thursday in light of Dunne’s feature, McDermott said he apologized to his team in 2019, the same day he gave the 9/11 speech after an unnamed player questioned his message.

“One player didn’t seem – that I didn’t make my point clear enough,” McDermott said Thursday, according to The Buffalo News. “So right then and there I said we’re getting together as a team and I’m going to address this with everyone. That was before practice. So we had a team meeting and within an hour – this is a few years ago – so within an hour, and it was actually at the start of practice, I brought everybody together and said this was the goal, this was the intent, and I apologize if anyone whatsoever felt a certain type of way coming out of that meeting.’

He continued: “If anyone misinterpreted or didn’t understand my message, I apologize. I didn’t do a good enough job of communicating clearly the intent of my message. That was about the importance of communication and that everyone needs to be on the same page, ironically enough. So that was important to me then and still is now.”

What’s next?

McDermott, who said he hadn’t read Dunne’s feature in full, said he plans to meet with his team Thursday in light on the resurfaced comments. ‘Not only was 9/11 a horrific event in our country’s history, but a day that I lost a good family friend,’ McDermott added.

The controversy surrounds McDermott and the Bills as they get ready to take on the Kansas City Chiefs (8-4) at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on Sunday as they fight to keep their playoff hopes alive. Buffalo, which has lost three of its last five games, is coming off a bye week following a 37-34 overtime loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

McDermott was already on the hot seat following his team’s surprising 6-6 start to the season and his resurfaced comments may add fuel to the fire.

Just four days after they were shut out at home by the Los Angeles Chargers, the scuffling New England Patriots upended the Steelers, 21-18, on Thursday night in Pittsburgh.

The Las Vegas sportsbooks did not see points coming in this game. And certainly this was no offensive masterpiece, but this TNF tilt did blow past a historically low point total of 30 … in the first half.

That was mainly thanks to the Patriots, who scored more than 20 points for the first time since Oct. 22 as they jumped out to a 21-3 lead with 7:38 to go in the first half. But that would complete the Patriots’ scoring for the night and they desperately hung on from there.

The Steelers, with former No. 2 overall pick Mitchell Trubisky under center, could not complete the comeback. They probably wouldn’t have even been in it, really, if not for the Patriots’ own issues — which in this game included a blocked punt that set Pittsburgh up on the 26-yard line down 21-10. Pittsburgh punched it in and got a two-point conversion, but it didn’t get close to the red zone again. 

Pittsburgh finished with 264 yards on just 4 yards per play and the offense was booed by the hometown fans at various points throughout the evening. Trubisky’s first-half interception directly led to a Patriots touchdown that put the Steelers in a 14-3 hole and he finished the game 22-for-35 for 190 yards.

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Counterpart Bailey Zappe went 19-for-28 for 240 yards and tossed three touchdowns. He did throw an interception in the second half, though, and New England punted on its other six drives after it went up 21-3. The Patriots barely cleared 300 yards themselves, ending with 303.

The Patriots’ victory, which halted a five-game losing streak, suddenly brings more intrigue to the draft order. New England entered Thursday firmly in control of the No. 2 pick, its 2-10 record ahead of only the moribund Carolina Panthers. — Jace Evans

Winners and losers from Patriots’ win over Steelers

WINNERS

Bailey Zappe has his best performance of season: Zappe got the start for the Patriots and had his best game of the season. Zappe threw for 240 yards and a career-high three touchdowns in the victory. Zappe did throw an interception and the Patriots offense was shutout in the second half, but overall, it was a positive step in the right direction.

Zappe probably isn’t the long-term answer for the Patriots at quarterback, but his performance might’ve afforded him the team’s top backup option next season.

Party in the end zone for birthday boy: Patriots tight end Hunter Henry had a birthday party in the end zone.

Henry, on his 29th birthday, had two touchdown receptions in the first half. The Patriots tight end had three catches, 40 yards and two touchdowns. He caught all three of his targets.

Bill Belichick gets over 300 wins: The future Hall of Fame coach recorded regular-season win number 301 on Thursday night, the most wins among active NFL coaches.

Ezekiel Elliott produces for New England: Filling in for injured running back Rhamondre Stevenson, Elliott found the fountain of youth. Elliott tallied 29 touches, 140 yards from scrimmage and one touchdown.

The veteran running back isn’t the player he once was in Dallas, but he was effective when called upon versus Pittsburgh.

Patriots LB Jahlani Tavai: Tavai produced a single-game career-best 15 tackles. His 15 tackles were also a game-high. No other player on the field Thursday had more than seven tackles.

LOSERS

Mitch Trubisky, Steelers’ first-half offense: Mitch Trubisky and the Steelers offense were booed on multiple occasions in the first half. Trubisky only had six completions and 61 yards in the first half, plus a bad interception.

Third-down efficiency: Both teams were terrible on third downs. The Steelers were 3-14 on third downs. New England wasn’t much better. The Patriots went 4-13 on third downs.

Patriots’ second-half offense: The Patriots offense scored three touchdowns in the first half. However, their offense reverted back to recent weeks in the second half. The Patriots only had three first downs in the second half and were held scoreless after halftime.

New England’s lone turnover came in the third quarter.

Patriots CB J.C. Jackson: Jackson ran out his welcome in Los Angeles, so the Chargers shipped him back to New England. Jackson’s second stint with the Patriots isn’t going particularly well either. Jackson gave up a 25-yard touchdown to Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson and the corner was flagged multiple times for pass interference.

Steelers’ running game: Once known for a physical rushing attack, the Steelers ground game was inefficient Thursday night. Granted, the Steelers got away from the running game a little because they were trailing the entire game, but they couldn’t run the football when they tried.

The Steelers averaged 2.9 yards a carry.

Steelers’ playoff chances: The Steelers were 7-4 entering Week 13, then lost two in a row to teams (Cardinals and Patriots) thinking about the 2024 NFL draft and offseason vacation plans.

Pittsburgh closes out the season against the Colts, Bengals, Seahawks and Ravens — all teams vying for playoff berths.

The past two weeks might’ve cost the Steelers a playoff spot. It’s the first time this season the Steelers lost back-to-back games. — Tyler Dragon

How Steelers’ loss impacts AFC playoff picture

The Steelers’ grip on a playoff spot has severely slipped away over the course of the last five days.

After a stunning defeat at the hands of the Arizona Cardinals, the Steelers were defeated on Thursday night by the Patriots. Both teams had entered their respective games against the Steelers with just two wins.

Thursday night’s loss dropped the Steelers from the No. 5 seed to out of a wild-card spot. Leapfrogging over the Steelers (7-6) were the division-rival Cleveland Browns (7-5), Indianapolis Colts (7-5) and Houston Texans (7-5).

These would be the AFC playoff seeds if the season ended right now …

Miami Dolphins (9-3), AFC East leadersBaltimore Ravens (9-3), AFC North leadersKansas City Chiefs (8-4), AFC West leadersJacksonville Jaguars (8-4), AFC South leadersCleveland Browns (7-5), wild card No. 1Indianapolis Colts (7-5), wild card No. 2Houston Texans (7-5), wild card No. 3

— Jim Reineking

Steelers turnover on downs with chance to take lead

The odds of the Steelers winning just plummeted after they turned the ball over on downs with 2:01 left in the game and the Patriots up, 21-18.

On fourth-and-2 from their own 49-yard line, Pittsburgh opted not to run. Instead, Mitch Trubisky launched the ball downfield in an attempt to connect with Diontae Johnson, but he overthrew the receiver.

The quarterback threw four incomplete passes on the six-play drive. — Victoria Hernandez

Patriots 21, Steelers 18: Pittsburgh cuts into lead after blocked punt

The Steelers walked away with no points off a Patriots turnover after a failed fourth down conversion attempt, but they got a score their next time to the end zone. The Steelers, however, didn’t have much ground to cover.

Pittsburgh safety Miles Killebrew blocked Patriots’ kicker Bryce Baringer’s punt, which only traveled 11-yards and set the Steelers up at the Patriots’ 26-yard line. Mitch Trubisky ended the drive with a 1-yard touchdown run up the middle. He found a wide open Pat Freiermuth for a successful two-point conversion to cut the Patriots’ lead to 21-18. — Cydney Henderson

Steelers turn ball over on downs

The Steelers failed to capitalize off their takeaway.

Mike Tomlin and the Steelers elected to go for it on fourth-and-2 from the New England 8-yard line.

Steelers quarterback Mitch Trubisky received the ball in shotgun formation. He felt pressure upfront and tossed a short pass to running back Jaylen Warren, who was tackled immediately by Kyle Dugger and Mack Wilson for a 1-yard gain.

As a result, the Patriots took over possession of the football on their own 7-yard line. — Tyler Dragon

Patriots maintain lead after sleepy third quarter

The Patriots are still up 21-10 after both teams failed to score in the third quarter.

After New England took off in the first half, the 15 minutes after the break was a snooze fest as the Steelers punted twice and the Patriots did so once.

Bailey Zappe threw his first interception of the game, nabbed by Mykal Walker right before the quarter ended. He threw three touchdowns in the first half. 

The Patriots are outpacing the Steelers 252 yards of offense to 159. — Victoria Hernandez

Steelers defense gets much-needed interception

Bailey Zappe’s good night took a turn in the third quarter.

Zappe’s pass intended for JuJu Smith-Schuster was deflected by Steelers linebacker Elandon Roberts and intercepted by linebacker Mykal Walker.

The interception was Zappe’s first turnover of the night.

The Steelers took over possession of the football on New England’s 16-yard line.

Pittsburgh still trails 21-10. — Tyler Dragon

Patriots vs. Steelers history lesson: Remember when this matchup really mattered?

Once upon a time, Patriots-Steelers was one of the most-anticipated matchups of the season whenever that year’s schedule dropped in the spring. It featured future Hall of Famers Tom Brady vs. Ben Roethlisberger dueling it out, slinging footballs in the autumn Western Pennsylvania or New England air, with AFC supremacy at stake.

Those days are over. Brady and Roethlisberger have retired. Now, fans get to see a less-than-enticing quarterback matchup of Bailey Zappe vs. Mitchell Trubisky.

Thursday night’s game is the 35th matchup between the Patriots and Steelers (playoffs included). Five of those matchups have taken place in the playoffs, including three AFC championship games. The first took place during the 2001 season — Brady’s first AFC title game win en route to a surprising (at the time) Super Bowl win over the ‘Greatest Show on Turf’ Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI. Three years later, the Patriots went into Pittsburgh again and defeated the Steelers in the AFC championship game en route to winning a third Super Bowl in four seasons. It was another 12 years before the Patriots and Steelers matched up in the AFC title game — this time in Foxborough — with the Patriots prevailing to reach Super Bowl 51, in which Brady and Co. famously overcame a 28-3 deficit to win in overtime in what USA TODAY Sports’ Nate Davis considers the greatest Super Bowl ever played.

The Steelers did have a famous win over the Brady-Bill Belichick Patriots on Halloween 2004. Roethlisberger, then a rookie, led the Steelers to a 34-20 victory that ended the Patriots’ 21-game winning streak. — Jim Reineking

Patriots find offense in first half

The Patriots have a surprising 21-10 lead at halftime. 

After scoring just 13 combine points in their past three games, the Patriots stormed out to a surprising 21-3 advantage in the first half.

Bailey Zappe tossed three touchdown passes in the first half, including two to tight end Hunter Henry. The Patriots quarterback completed 14-of-21 passes for 196 yards to go with three touchdowns in the first two quarters. Henry and wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster have three catches apiece.

Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers has the game’s only interception.

The Steelers offense heard a chorus of boos throughout the first half. Pittsburgh punted three times and quarterback Mitch Trubisky threw a bad interception that gave New England excellent field possession.

Trubisky has just 61 passing yards. He did throw a touchdown in the second quarter to wide receiver Diontae Johnson, who beat New England cornerback J.C. Jackson in coverage.

Steelers edge rusher T.J. Watt was contained to just one tackle in the first half. — Tyler Dragon

Steelers LB Alex Highsmith ruled out 

The Steelers are down one of their top pass rushers. Alex Highsmith was ruled out of the remainder of “Thursday Night Football” matchup against the Patriots with a neck injury after exiting early in the second quarter. He was evaluated in the medical tent before being ruled out.

Highsmith’s not the only one shaken up. T.J. Watt temporarily exited the game after taking a knee to the head from the Patriots’ Ezekiel Elliott on the first play of the game. He returned after being evaluated. — Cydney Henderson

Patriots 21, Steelers 10: Mitch Trubisky, Diontae Johnson connect for Pittsburgh’s first TD

Mitch Trubisky quieted the Mason Rudolph chants — for now.

The quarterback found Diontae Johnson, who two weeks ago was criticized for his lack of effort in a viral play against the Bengals, for a 25-yard touchdown. On second-and-5, Trubisky launched the ball over Patriots defender J.C. Jackson to connect with Johnson in the end zone.

Pittsburgh called five run plays on the drive as Trubisky has struggled early in the game. — Victoria Hernandez

Patriots 21, Steelers 3: Bailey Zappe throws his third TD of first half

Hunter Henry had to briefly get checked out in the medical tent. He returned to the game and scored another touchdown.

Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe threw a nice 24-yard touchdown to Henry to give New England a 21-3 advantage with 7:38 remaining in the second quarter.

Zappe is having his best performance of the season. He’s up to 168 passing yards and three touchdowns. The 24-yard pass from Zappe might’ve been his best throw of the half.

Both of Henry’s receptions resulted in touchdowns. The Patriots tight end has two catches, 32 receiving yards and two touchdowns. — Tyler Dragon

Steelers’ Alex Highsmith questionable to return

It’s been a tough game for the Steelers’ top pass rushers.

Following the injury scare to T.J. Watt, Pittsburgh saw Alex Highsmith exit with what the team called a neck injury. The Steelers said Highsmith, who entered second on the team in sacks behind Watt, was questionable to return. — Jace Evans

Patriots 14, Steelers 3: Turnover turns into touchdown

The Patriots possessed the football on Pittsburgh’s 11-yard line after Jabrill Peppers’ interception. Two plays later, Bailey Zappe lofted an 8-yard touchdown pass over the middle to tight end Hunter Henry to give New England a 14-3 lead with 14:14 remaining in the second quarter.

Zappe now has 105 passing yards and two touchdowns in the first half.

The Patriots scored 13 combined points in their last three games. New England already has 14 points in the first half on Thursday night. — Tyler Dragon

Struggling Mitch Trubisky throws costly interception

Steelers backup QB Mitch Trubisky has not gotten off to a good start. Facing a third-and-10 at the Steelers’ own 27-yard line, Trubisky dropped back and attempted a pass across the middle to tight end Pat Freiermuth, but the pass was intercepted by the Patriots’ Jabrill Peppers. Peppers returned the ball 32 yards to the Steelers’ 8-yard line. 

New England capitalized on Pittsburgh’s turnover. Bailey Zappe connected with tight end Hunter Henry for a touchdown to extend their lead to 14-3.

Trubisky has completed 3-of-7 passes for 19 yards and one interception so far, while Zappe completed 7-of-12 passes for 105 yards and two touchdowns. The Steelers only have 38 total yards of offense, compared to 126-yard for the Patriots. 

Things look so bleak for the Steelers offense that the  crowd at Acrisure Stadium started chanting for third-string QB Mason Rudolph. — Cydney Henderson

Patriots have lead after first quarter

The Patriots shocked the world by marching down the field and scoring a touchdown on their first drive of the game.

The Steelers answered with a 56-yard field goal, but that is the only scoring of the game through one quarter with the score 7-3.

Bailey Zappe is 6-of-11 with 97 yards and the score to Ezekiel Elliott, who has three catches for 32 yards and four carries for seven rushing yards.

Mitch Trubisky is 2-of-4 for 12 yards and has 16 rushing yards. Najee Harris has 5 catches for 11 yards as he’s playing through a knee injury.

Former Steelers receiver JuJu Smith-SchusterJuJu has two catches for 54 yards.

Pittsburgh’s star defender T.J. Watt was banged up when he was kicked during the first play of the game. He was evaluated on the sideline, but has continued to play. — Victoria Hernandez

T.J. Watt goes into blue medical tent, but returns to game

T.J. Watt’s health will be something to watch throughout this game.

The 2021 Defensive Player of the Year was banged up on the very first play against the Patriots when he took the brunt of Ezekiel Elliott’s leg to his head and chest. He returned during the Pats’ opening drive, which ended in a touchdown. But Watt was seen by Amazon’s cameras getting looked at on the sideline and he eventually found his way to the blue medical tent … before he returned to the field again. — Jace Evans

The absurd way the 2-10 Patriots can still make the playoffs

If the season ended today, the Patriots would hold the second overall pick, their highest pick since they took Drew Bledsoe first overall in 1993. They are basement-dwellers of the NFL, and definitely not a playoff team … right?

Well … the Patriots still have a path to the playoffs. — Jon Hoefling

Patriots 7, Steelers 3: Pittsburgh gets on board with field goal

The Steelers answered the Patriots’ surprising game-opening touchdown with a score of their own: a 56-yard field goal.

J.C. Jackson nearly snagged an interception on the drive, but the play was called back when he was flagged for pass interference.

Mitch Trubisky started the drive off with a 15-yard run, but nearly threw the pick and was then sacked on third-and-8, which forced Chris Boswell to boot the kick. — Victoria Hernandez

Patriots 7, Steelers 0: In a shocker: Patriots get into end zone on first possession; T.J. Watt injured on first play

After being held scoreless in Week 13, the Patriots scored a touchdown on their opening drive against the Steelers.

The Patriots haven’t scored more than seven points the past three games. They already have seven on Thursday night.

Steelers star pass rusher T.J. Watt was injured on the first play of the game, but checked back in a few plays later. — Tyler Dragon

Who are the starting quarterbacks for the Patriots and Steelers?

This week’s ‘Thursday Night Football’ contest won’t be your dad’s Patriots vs. Steelers matchup.

What was once one of the premier matchups in the NFL with Tom Brady vs. Ben Roethlisberger will certainly be a not ideal quarterback game for either side, as both teams are struggling at the signal-caller position for their own reasons.

In a perfect world, the game would feature two former first round NFL draft picks in Mac Jones vs. Kenny Pickett. But injuries and poor play have left the quarterback situations on each team with a lot to be desired, as there are questions at the position heading into Thursday’s game. — Jordan Mendoza

What time does Patriots vs. Steelers begin?

How to watch Patriots vs. Steelers

Patriots at Steelers will be streaming exclusively on Amazon Prime Video and will be broadcast in local markets only.

Patriots vs. Steelers: Odds, predictions and picks

The Steelers are favorites to defeat the Patriots, according to BetMGM NFL odds. 

Spread: Steelers (-5.5) Moneyline: Steelers (-250); Patriots (+200) Over/under: 30 Lorenzo Reyes: Steelers 14, Patriots 6 — This game has all the makings of the under, even with it being stunningly low. The Steelers are two-of-seven in the red zone over their last two games, Mitchell Trubisky will start in place of Kenny Pickett, and Rhamondre Stevenson is out for the Patriots. I like Pittsburgh to cover, but I think the under is the play here, especially on a short week.Tyler Dragon: Steelers 17, Patriots 9 — Offense in this game might set the NFL back to the Stone Age. The Patriots are the first team since 1938 to allow 10 points or fewer in three straight games and lose them all. The Steelers rank near the bottom of the NFL in points per game and now they have to trot out backup QB Mitch Trubisky. Pittsburgh gets the edge because they have an opportunistic defense.Safid Deen: Steelers 17, Patriots 6 — The Steelers have a playoff spot on the line, while the Patriots are climbing their way up the draft order. Take the under on this one. Victoria Hernandez: Steelers 17, Patriots 7 — The Steelers will be playing under Mitch Trubisky, at least for this week, while we still have no idea what’s going on with the quarterback situation in New England. Pittsburgh sputtered a bit last week, but the Patriots failed to score. Mike Tomlin will get his offense going enough to help the eighth-ranked defense in the league secure the home win.Jordan Mendoza: Steelers 13, Patriots 6 — It wouldn’t be crazy to bet the under in what is sure to be a game that has little offensive firepower. But Pittsburgh has some weapons to get in the end zone at least once, something New England hasn’t shown signs of being able to do at the moment.

Patriots vs. Steelers over/under total reaches low not seen since 2005

The Pittsburgh Steelers vs. New England Patriots Week 14 matchup on ‘Thursday Night Football’ is reaching historic betting levels, with an over/under total not seen in nearly 20 years.

The over/under for the Steelers vs. Patriots game sits at 30 points as of Thursday afternoon, according to the BetMGM NFL odds. The 30-point total would be the lowest since 2005, BetMGM confirmed to USA TODAY Sports. — Jordan Mendoza

2024 NFL draft first-round order: Patriots in contention for No. 1 overall pick

A two-decade run of excellence has meant that the Patriots annually select in the bottom half of the first round of the NFL draft.

Times have definitely changed. The Patriots are well within position to obtain the team’s first top-five draft pick since 1994. The Patriots are in the running for No. 1 overall pick, which the team hasn’t had since 1993.

This once-proud franchise has fallen on hard times, and that is reflected in the first-round order for the 2024 NFL draft.

Here is the top 10 2024 draft order heading into Week 14:

Chicago Bears (from Carolina Panthers)New England PatriotsArizona CardinalsWashington CommandersChicago BearsNew York GiantsTennessee TitansNew York JetsNew Orleans SaintsLas Vegas Raiders

— Jim Reineking

Dump Bill Belichick? Split with Patriots might be sensible and a stunner

Put yourself in the shoes of Robert Kraft.

Tom Brady is long gone. The dynasty is over. Bill Belichick is still in charge, but the legendary emperor that we knew no longer has the Midas touch. And it didn’t happen overnight. The Patriots – with a 2-10 record entering Thursday night that is worst-ever at this point under Belichick – have become such an embarrassment. — Jarrett Bell

TNF features two of three winningest coaches in NFL

Patriots coach Bill Belichick has 300 career regular-season wins, the most among active coaches in the NFL. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin has registered 170 career regular-season wins, the third most among active coaches. — Tyler Dragon

T.J. Watt: Steelers’ all-time sack leader

Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt has 14 sacks this season, the second most in the NFL entering Week 14. Watt’s 91.5 career sacks are the most in Steelers franchise history. — Tyler Dragon

Patriots defense holding opponents to 10 points or less

The Patriots have lost five in a row. But the Patriots defense has allowed 10 points or fewer the past three games, the longest active streak in the NFL. New England enters Week 14 the eighth-ranked total defense in the NFL. — Tyler Dragon

Patriots vs. Steelers betting tips

Highlighting Thursday Night Football odds, the Pittsburgh Steelers are among the best bets for NFL Week 14 in their primetime game against the New England Patriots. The Steelers are favored by 5.5 points at home, according to the BetMGM NFL odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering NFL betting promos in 2023.

According to the top NFL betting apps, neither team boasts a player among those with the best NFL MVP betting odds in 2023 and neither the Steelers nor Patriots can claim the best Super Bowl betting odds.

Not interested in these games? Our guide to NFL betting odds, picks and spreads has you covered with Thursday Night Football odds, Sunday Night Football odds, Monday Night Football odds and more.

If you’re new to sports betting, don’t worry. We have tips for beginners on how to place a bet online. And USA TODAY readers can claim exclusive promos and bonus codes with these online sportsbooks and sports betting sites. — Richard Morin

Patriots vs. Steelers inactive: Kenny Pickett officially out

Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett is out after undergoing surgery on a high ankle sprain on Monday. The timetable for his possible return is unknown at this point. Mitchell Trubisky, who has started 55 NFL games (five for the Steelers), will play in Pickett’s absence.

The Patriots will be without two key offensive players, as starting running back Rhamondre Stevenson (ankle) and wide receiver Demario Douglas (concussion) are out for Thursday night’s game. Stevenson and Douglas are the Patriots’ team leaders in rushing yards and receiving yards, respectively.

Patriots’ inactive players:

WR DeVante ParkerCB Shaun WadeRB Rhamondre StevensonRB Jamycal HastyOT Vederian LoweWR Kayshon BoutteWR Demario Douglas

Steelers’ inactive players:

QB Kenny PickettRB Anthony McFarlandCB James PierreLB Markus GoldenOT Dylan CookDE DeMarvin Leal

Patriots QB carousel: New England elevates Malik Cunningham against Steelers

Bailey Zappe is expected to get another start as the Patriots’ quarterback on Thursday against the Steelers after Mac Jones was benched during four games this season.

To add some extra insurance to the position, New England elevated Malik Cunningham from the practice squad. This is the second week in a row the rookie has been on the active roster and he did not play in last week’s loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.

Cunningham starred at Louisville, where he danced across the school’s record book. In 2021, he became the second quarterback in Cardinals history to have more than 1,000 rushing yards. Two seasons prior, he threw for a program record 194.45 passing efficiency with 2,065 passing yards and 22 touchdowns, which was 11th all-time for Louisville.

The Patriots also elevated running back Kevin Harris as Rhamondre Stevenson and JaMycal Hasty are out. — Victoria Hernandez

4th & Monday: Our NFL newsletter always brings the blitz  

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In a business where entrances and music is everything, perhaps no WWE star has used their entry into the ring to raise their popularity quite like NXT star Trick Williams. 

It’s even more impressive when the music doesn’t have lyrics. 

When Williams enters the ring at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, the small but roaring NXT crowd makes their presence felt by launching into a chant any viewer at home can hear.

“Whoop that trick, whoop that trick, whoop that trick.”

The electric atmosphere just on his entrance alone shows how quickly Williams has become a fan favorite in WWE’s developmental brand. Since his debut in September 2021, he has gone from Carmelo Hayes’ ringside man to winning the NXT North American Championship this September, and he will compete in the Iron Survivor Challenge at NXT Deadline on Saturday. The winner will become the No. 1 contender for the NXT Championship. It may sound like a fast rise, but if you ask Williams, it’s something he has long anticipated.

“I’ve been training my whole life to blow up overnight,” Williams told USA TODAY Sports.

Booker T’s adlibs

When it came time to figure out his entrance music, Williams said he really searched for the right song to use, one where “people could feel the energy.” 

“That entrance right there sets the tone for the rest of the match, and I’ve always been big on my entrance song to feel right,” he said.” People can tell when you’re really in the moment.”

As great as the crowd is for Williams’ entrance, it might even be a better experience watching at home, with WWE Hall of Famer and NXT ring announcer Booker T dropping in adlibs that’ll get any viewer hyped. Williams obviously can’t hear what Booker T is saying on commentary when he’s walking in, but he’s seen the videos of it, and it’s something he wants to one day add to his music.

“I want to put his ad libs on the actual song,” Williams said. “I feel like it would get the people going even more.”

Trick Williams’ mentors

All fun aside, Booker T is more than just a guy adding to Williams’ music.

Williams said the Hall of Famer has had a major impact on his development. They check in weekly with each other, looking at film and going over how to succeed in the wrestling business. Another influence in Williams’ development is Shawn Michaels, senior vice president of talent development creative

Williams said Michaels has taught him about the sense of timing in the business, while Booker T’s biggest impact on him has been to own the moment, and look good while doing it. If those two elements can be combined, Williams said he believes he’ll have the recipe for success.

“If you can be on time and move at the right time − and look good − you got a chance to do something,” Williams said.

There’s also the lessons Williams has learned from his time with Hayes. Rather than just immediately jumping into the ring and learning on the fly, Williams accompanied Hayes and watched him become an NXT Champion and NXT North American Champion. 

Williams said the early days of the “Trick Melo Gang” allowed him to be himself and learn how to show it on screen, as well as build a relationship with the crowd that has evidently grown strong.

“Carmelo is great, man. Who better to learn from at this point, than working with your boy?” Williams said. “That time was able to give me everything I needed, so I can kind of take off and do my own work.” 

Recent on-screen tension between Williams and Hayes has had fans speculating if a split and feud could be on the horizon, but Williams wants to keep the bond they have going into the new year, with both superstars contending for championships.

NXT Deadline

A unique match, the Iron Survivor Challenge starts with two competitors. Every five minutes, another person enters until all five people are in the match. The goal is to secure the most pinfalls. Whoever has the most after 25 minutes is the winner. Starting the match means more opportunities to get pins, while being last could mean less time but having fresh energy.

The order is undetermined, but Williams hopes he starts the match because he wants to be “whooping [expletive] right away.” A win could mean an NXT Championship in the future, something Williams has wanted since his NXT North American Championship run lasted only three days. He defeated Dominik Mysterio for the title, but lost it back to him the same week. He called his short reign “the best three days of my life,” and it was when he understood the glory of holding a title.

“Once you taste gold, and once you feel gold, your hunger for it magnifies,” Williams said.

It’s his plan to win the title in early 2024, but it could be an even bigger year for him should he get called up to the main roster. Thinking about what it would be like to be on “Raw” or “Smackdown,” he hopes to get a match with Intercontinental Champion Gunther one day. He could also see Shinsuke Nakamura, whom he said has perfected the WWE entrance and is his favorite.

When and if that time comes is unknown, but those unfamiliar with Williams should tune into NXT to see what the hype is about, as he has soared rapidly in the company.

“I just want people to know that that’s a cool, real dude right there,” Williams said of himself. “I am Trick Williams, and you get the full Trick Williams experience every single time that you tune in.”

Only Jon Rahm can say whether he sold his soul. His principles and his reputation, however, are now owned by the Saudis.

The two-time major champion and once-ardent defender of the PGA Tour became the biggest name to defect to LIV Golf on Thursday, deciding the tradition and challenge of the Tour weren’t so important to him, after all. Who needs to play on courses where Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods made their mark when you can stage glorified exhibitions with the Cleeks and the HyFlyers!

So long as the price is right, that is.

All his talk about “fealty” to the PGA Tour, of wanting to play against the best in the world in tournaments steeped in history, and Rahm turned out to be no better than his buddies Phil Mickelson and Sergio Garcia. Once the figure the Saudis were dangling got high enough, Rahm was quick to abandon all he’d once stood for.

As for the blood on the hands of his new employers that is now staining his own, well, all those zeroes make it easier to overlook. If nothing else, he can use one of his stacks of cash to wipe it off.

The damage to Rahm’s reputation, and the Tour he supposedly loved so much, can never be undone.

Much like Rory McIlroy, Rahm had staked out a position as the conscience of golf, someone who saw LIV for the shameless money grab it is and wanted no part of it. He said as much. Many, many, many times.

“I already make an amazing living doing what I do. I’m extremely thankful, and that all happened because of the platform the PGA Tour provided me,” Rahm said in July. “As far as I’m concerned, they’ve done enough for me, and their focus should be on improving the PGA Tour and the game of golf for the future generations.”

Instead, he’s made it more difficult for the Tour to exist in its current form. This will be a setback for whatever détente PGA Tour overlords thought they’d brokered through their agreement with LIV earlier this year, and there’s no telling how it will get resolved. Odds are pretty good the folks with an endless supply of money will eventually get their way, however, and the giddiness of LIV chief operating officer Lawrence Burian on Thursday night did nothing to contradict that.

‘LIV Golf is here to stay,’ he said. ‘The addition of Jon reemphasizes that our league is not slowing down.’

Which would make the game a shell of what it once was.

Once upon a time, Rahm didn’t consider LIV to be “real” golf. Shotgun starts and three-day tournaments? You might as well be putting through a clown’s mouth. And while he won at The Memorial and Torrey Pines and Augusta National, the best LIV could do for tradition was Doral.

Rahm wasn’t the only one who saw LIV for the charade it was. Even with fan favorites Mickelson, Dustin Johnson and Brooks Koepka on board, no major broadcaster had interest in LIV. It finally found a home on the CW, where its ratings were so abysmal some stations preempted tournaments for infomercials or reruns.

That wasn’t what Rahm wanted for his career. It wasn’t what he wanted for young players. And it certainly wasn’t what he wanted for the PGA Tour.

Until the money changed his mind.

‘Obviously the past two years there’s been a lot of evolving on the game of golf, things have changed a lot and so have I,’ Rahm said Thursday. ‘Seeing the growth of LIV Golf, seeing the evolution of LIV Golf and innovation is something that has really captured my attention.’

Growth? Innovation? Does Rahm know about some LIV the rest of us don’t? The only thing that changed was the amount of money the Saudis offered Rahm to be an accomplice in their sports washing.

“For all those things that I like about this movement, there’s always going to be some things that are not perfect,’ Rahm said, ‘but that’s the situation in everybody’s life.’

Tell that to Jamal Khashoggi’s family. Or the families of those killed in 9/11.

LIV isn’t just a golf league. It’s a central part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s scheme to use sports to cleanse his image. He figures if he splashes enough money out for sports, the world will forget about his and his country’s human rights abuses. Like the marginalization of women and suppression of the LGBTQ community.

And his ordering the murder of Khashoggi, whose body was then dismembered by a bone saw.

That’s who Rahm now works for. That’s whose image Rahm is helping make over.

Once one of the game’s good guys, Rahm is now a hypocrite and a sellout. But hey, he’s getting paid. That’s all that matters to him now.

Follow USA TODAY Sports columnist Nancy Armour on social media @nrarmour.

Every week for the duration of the 2023 NFL regular season, USA TODAY Sports will provide real-time updates to the league’s ever-evolving playoff picture − starting after Sunday afternoon’s late games and then moving forward for the remainder of the week (through Thursday’s game or Saturday’s, if applicable).

What just happened? What does it mean? What are the pertinent factors (and, perhaps, tiebreakers) prominently in play as each conference’s seven-team bracket begins to crystallize? All will be explained and analyzed up to the point when the postseason field is finalized on Sunday night, Jan. 7.

Here’s where things stand with Week 14 of the 2023 season underway:

AFC playoff picture

1. Miami Dolphins (9-3), AFC East leaders: Another blowout of a bad team Sunday, the Fins crushing the Washington Commanders 45-15. But that win moved them atop the conference standings, Miami’s record in AFC games (6-2) giving them the advantage over idle Baltimore. Remaining schedule: vs. Titans, vs. Jets, vs. Cowboys, at Ravens, vs. Bills

NFL STATS CENTRAL: The latest NFL scores, schedules, odds, stats and more.

2. Baltimore Ravens (9-3), AFC North leaders: They’re 6-3 against the AFC and – coming out of the bye week – soon to face some very tough conference opponents during a grueling stretch drive. Remaining schedule: vs. Rams, at Jaguars, at 49ers, vs. Dolphins, vs. Steelers

3. Kansas City Chiefs (8-4), AFC West leaders: Had they won at Green Bay on Sunday night, then the reigning champs would have climbed atop the AFC ladder. Instead, the loss drops them here – though it’s one spot better following the Jaguars’ surprising loss. A 6-1 record in AFC games and wins over Miami and Jacksonville keep K.C. well positioned to play a sixth consecutive AFC title game at Arrowhead Stadium. None of the teams left on the schedule currently has a winning record. Remaining schedule: vs. Bills, at Patriots, vs. Raiders, vs. Bengals, at Chargers

4. Jacksonville Jaguars (8-4), AFC South leaders: Potentially a season-crippling Monday night loss to the Bengals – primarily due to the ankle injury suffered by QB Trevor Lawrence. Yet the Jags still had an opportunity to win in overtime, a victory that would have launched them to the top of the conference standings. But not to be. Suddenly worth wondering anew if they’ll be able to hold off Houston as the divisional battle tightens anew. Remaining schedule: at Browns, vs. Ravens, at Buccaneers, vs. Panthers, at Titans

5. Cleveland Browns (7-5), wild card No. 1: Their 39-38 win at Indianapolis in Week 7 continues to serve them well in the tiebreaker department. So did Pittsburgh’s loss on Thursday night, one that bumped Cleveland up one spot. Remaining schedule: vs. Jaguars, vs. Bears, at Texans, vs. Jets, at Bengals

6. Indianapolis Colts (7-5), wild card No. 2: An overtime escape in Nashville keeps them in the projected field … and the upcoming schedule might ensure they don’t drop out. Remaining schedule: at Bengals, vs. Steelers, at Falcons, vs. Raiders, vs. Texans

7. Houston Texans (7-5), wild card No. 3: They’ve already lost to Indy and also have a worse divisional record than the Colts. However mounting issues in the AFC North seem to bode well for them. Houston waxed Pittsburgh earlier this year, so a tie with the Steelers would be advantageous – as was their loss Thursday night, one that vaulted the Texans into the final postseason slot. Remaining schedule: at Jets, at Titans, vs. Browns, vs. Titans, at Colts

8. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-6), out of playoff field: With consecutive losses to previously two-win teams, they probably don’t deserve to advance to the playoffs at this point. But despite Thursday’s setback to the Patriots, the Steelers don’t need a ton of help to climb back into the bracket … though staying there won’t be easy considering their remaining opponents. Remaining schedule: at Colts, vs. Bengals, at Seahawks, at Ravens

9. Denver Broncos (6-6), out of playoff field: Their five-game heater came to an end in Houston, where they also lost a key tiebreaker. At least Denver has already beaten Buffalo … and should be equipped to handle most of its remaining opponents. Remaining schedule: at Chargers, at Lions, vs. Patriots, vs. Chargers, at Raiders

10. Cincinnati Bengals (6-6), out of playoff field: QB Jake Browning’s impressive performance Monday night has restored them to the fringes of relevance … though a 2-6 record in conference matchups will be tough to overcome. Remaining schedule: vs. Colts, vs. Vikings, at Steelers, at Chiefs, vs. Browns

11. Buffalo Bills (6-6), out of playoff field: Even the bye week felt like a loss, what with the legal issues now attached to OLB Von Miller. Not the way you want to start the upcoming doubleheader against Kansas City and Dallas. Not only that, losses to Denver and Cincinnati drop them further down the pecking order. Remaining schedule: at Chiefs, vs. Cowboys, at Chargers, vs. Patriots, at Dolphins

NFC playoff picture

1. Philadelphia Eagles (10-2), NFC East leaders: They still own the best record in the league, but Sunday’s convincing loss to the Niners could leave them exposed − starting with the head-to-head tiebreaker ceded to San Francisco. But even more concerning? A loss at Dallas in Week 14 will knock Philly out of first place in the division and well down the conference ladder. However a victory paired with a loss by either Seattle or the Rams will secure a postseason spot for the Eagles, who also have more complicated clinching scenarios this week. Remaining schedule: at Cowboys, at Seahawks, vs. Giants, vs. Cardinals, at Giants

2. San Francisco 49ers (9-3), NFC West leaders: Sunday’s resounding win at Lincoln Financial Field puts them squarely in the chase for home-field advantage and a first-round bye, the Niners now merely having to match the Eagles’ regular-season record. San Francisco’s superior record (7-1) in NFC games also keeps the team ahead of the Lions. A win over Seattle plus a loss by either Green Bay or Minnesota will ensure at least a wild card for the 49ers. Remaining schedule: vs. Seahawks, at Cardinals, vs. Ravens, at Commanders, vs. Rams

3. Detroit Lions (9-3), NFC North leaders: They hung on to win in New Orleans on Sunday, increasing their margin for error ahead of second-place Minnesota in the divisional race. And the Lions continue to quietly lurk behind the teams juuust ahead of them. Remaining schedule: at Bears, vs. Broncos, at Vikings, at Cowboys, vs. Vikings

4. Atlanta Falcons (6-6), NFC South leaders: They outlasted the Jets and opened up a one-game lead in the division thanks to New Orleans’ loss. A 3-0 record in NFC South games also gives Atlanta a meaningful advantage at this juncture. Remaining schedule: vs. Buccaneers, at Panthers, vs. Colts, at Bears, at Saints

5. Dallas Cowboys (9-3), wild card No. 1: First place in the NFC East is now in sight. They won their 14th consecutive home game in Week 13, outlasting Seattle 41-35. Dallas solidified its hold on its current position – which will likely afford a matchup with a not-so-daunting NFC South champ in the wild-card round. Yet Philadelphia’s loss means the Cowboys can claim first place in their division by beating the Eagles on Sunday night – and that would mean playing at least one postseason game at home for a team that’s excelled at AT&T Stadium. A win combined with several convoluted combinations of other teams losing would secure a playoff spot for Dallas as early as this week. Remaining schedule: vs. Eagles, at Bills, at Dolphins, vs. Lions, at Commanders

6. Minnesota Vikings (6-6), wild card No. 2: They could still make a run at the NFC North given both dates with Detroit are ahead. But Minnesota needs to come back from its bye prepared to deal with a bevy of teams ready to challenge for this spot. Remaining schedule: at Raiders, at Bengals, vs. Lions, vs. Packers, at Lions

7. Green Bay Packers (6-6), wild card No. 3: They took out the Chiefs on Sunday night – with some help from the officials? – to jump into the final playoff spot, which started Sunday in Seattle and was temporarily held by the Rams before the Pack swiped it. Green Bay’s Week 9 win over Matthew Stafford-less LA is decisive at this point in time. Remaining schedule: at Giants, vs. Buccaneers, at Panthers, at Vikings, vs. Bears

8. Los Angeles Rams (6-6), out of playoff field: They beat Cleveland on Sunday – a win that tied LA with Seattle (6-6), a team the Rams have already swept and consequently overtook. The loss at Lambeau Field earlier this year could haunt them until the bitter end. Remaining schedule: at Ravens, vs. Commanders, vs. Saints, at Giants, at 49ers

9. Seattle Seahawks (6-6), out of playoff field: That’s four defeats in their past five outings following the heartbreaker at Dallas. Dropping both games to the Rams could be a lingering issue. And the schedule only gets tougher the next two weeks for Seattle, which may be in an unrecoverable nosedive. Remaining schedule: at 49ers, vs. Eagles, at Titans, vs. Steelers, at Cardinals

10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-7), out of playoff field: They’re in the wild-card chase but probably a bigger factor in the NFC South race, just a game behind Atlanta. Remaining schedule: at Falcons, at Packers, vs. Jaguars, vs. Saints, at Panthers

11. New Orleans Saints (5-7), out of playoff field: They’re in the wild-card chase but probably a bigger factor in the NFC South race, just a game behind Atlanta. Schedule ain’t bad … though QB Derek Carr’s mounting injuries certainly appear to be. Remaining schedule: vs. Panthers, vs. Giants, at Rams, at Buccaneers, vs. Falcons

***

Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Nate Davis on X, formerly Twitter @ByNateDavis.

MLS commissioner Don Garber has never been so popular among friends as he was during the 2023 MLS season, the league’s 28th year of existence. 

The reason can be summed up in one word: Messi. 

The arrival of the beautiful game’s greatest player — Argentina native Lionel Messi is a seven-time Ballon d’Or winner — infused America’s professional league with energy, creating a mania not often seen in the U.S. sports landscape. 

“With Messi, every game is almost like the Super Bowl, with the celebrity presence and the global media presence,” said Garber, laughing as he explained he’s never been hit up for free ticket requests more than he was in 2023, and how he often had to explain to friends and family that “we are not in the business of comping tickets, we’re in the business of selling tickets.” 

According to Garber, who spoke exclusively with USA TODAY Sports ahead of the MLS Cup final Saturday between Columbus and LAFC, the timing of Messi’s arrival couldn’t have been better. 

MLS was already in the midst of its best-ever season before Messi joined the party July 21. Expansion has been a hit, with St. Louis CITY FC selling out every match; MLS debuted its exclusive global streaming deal with Apple TV+, which hauled in subscribers when Messi got to Miami; and it became the first American men’s professional league to host an in-season tournament, an innovative move now being copied by the NBA. (The NWSL did it before anyone.)

What’s more, interest in soccer is surging across the United States just a couple years before North America is set to host the 2026 men’s World Cup. 

“There are tens of millions of soccer fans in the United States, and hundreds of millions around the world, and our goal is to be front and center,” Garber said, acknowledging Messi can help make that happen. The GOAT already “overdelivered on our expectations,” Garber said. 

And he expects the return on investment to keep growing. 

Messi expanded MLS global presence. Is Saudi investment next?

Messi’s success — he led Inter Miami to the 2023 Leagues Cup, delivering the club’s first-ever trophy, shortly after signing a deal worth up to $150 million in cash — has made Garber and other stakeholders consider what’s next. 

“Messi joining the league became a global story that raised the profile of our league,” Garber said. “The greatest player of all time made MLS his league of choice — what could that mean to the next group of (international) players who are now watching our games on a global platform, who are following what Leo did with Miami?

“He expanded and grew our global presence. We’re just beginning to understand what that could mean.”  

How to capitalize on the attention is the biggest task at hand. Do other MLS teams need to travel outside of the U.S. for games? How can the league attract other global superstars — Uruguay’s Luis Suarez will reportedly join Messi in Miami, while France’s Antoine Griezmann has repeatedly expressed interest in MLS, among others — at a time when the Saudi Pro League is spending excessively for top talent, too?

“I think any emerging league needs to make whatever decisions make sense for them to try to be part of the global conversation, and that’s what the Saudis have done,” Garber said. “I’ve seen it so many times before, and in some of those cases it’s worked. In the in the case of China and the Chinese league, it hasn’t worked. Time will be the judge of if (the Saudis’) plan was effective or not. It speaks to the challenger leagues making an important statement that it’s not just about the big leagues in Europe, it’s about the rest of the world, and we’re part of the rest of the world. 

“So I am hoping that they’re successful. We’re not afraid of it or concerned about it.” 

Garber is bullish about the need for more international investors in MLS, saying that “the best way we can be a global league is not just to have global representation on the field, but off the field as well.” 

As for how Garber and MLS would handle Saudi interest in an MLS team — the nation has already wormed its way into pro golf, despite the protest of players and 9/11 survivors — the commissioner said “it’s not something we’ve had to address yet.”  

Too few MLS players on USMNT roster?

Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, there’s concern (again) about the lack of MSL players on the U.S. Men’s National Team roster. 

Two MLS players were on the roster for the last two USMNT camps, and Miles Robinson was the only one to see action, playing in one of the four games. For the Nations League game, Robinson was the only MLS field player to make the roster.

But Garber pushed back on the importance of that narrative. 

“I wouldn’t frame it that way,” he said. “We are playing the global game. For years we were a domestic sport playing in a global landscape. It is as important to us to have 37 MLS players who played on World Cup rosters in Qatar; that’s the most of any league in the Western Hemisphere.

“This idea that the only thing that would validate MLS is how many U.S. players are on the roster is not the way we’re thinking about it. This is a diverse league playing in a diverse market, playing the global game. It is a very important driver of our league to continue to develop U.S. players and we’ve done a really good job of that, but it’s as important to us that we have great players from around the world (in MLS) who are playing for their national teams.”

Don Garber’s contract is up. What’s next?

As for Garber’s future, the league’s second-ever commissioner — he’s been in his role since 1999 — hopes to stay exactly where he is, though his contract is up at the end of the 2023 season but he’s not looking for a new position.

‘I’m sure the MLS Board will sit down with me and discuss what our future might be together,’ Garber said. ‘I think I’ve got an unbelievable job, it’s been many years, been a labor of love. Right now I’m very focused on getting through MLS Cup.’  

After 25 years on the job, Garber knows his role is to be neutral, rooting for his league and all his players, never tipping the scales toward a particular club. He watches games as a business executive, not a fan. But even he can admit that this season, Messi Mania lured him back into fandom. 

“When you’re running a pro sports league, somebody is winning and somebody is losing every day,” Garber said. “You really are neutral. But I will tell you, I was sitting in an on-field box for Messi’s first game vs. Cruz Azul and all the sudden he has this last-second opportunity to create a lifetime memory. I turned to my guests and said, ‘We (MLS) really deserve this.’ And then, all the sudden, I just hear screaming. I didn’t even see the goal, I couldn’t watch. But will never forget that moment.” 

Follow Lindsay Schnell on social media: @Lindsay_Schnell