The 2024 NFL season is nearly in the witching hour for fantasy football managers.

Week 10 (MNF pending) was anything but predictable, especially at receiver. Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Tylan Wallace, Alec Pierce, John Metchie III, Rashod Bateman, and Ricky Pearsall all finished as WR1s. Meanwhile, Justin Jefferson, Garrett Wilson, Davante Adams, Deebo Samuel, and Malik Nabers all failed to record double-digit half-PPR points. Fun.

Here’s a look at my Week 11 fantasy football rankings. Toggle between standard, half PPR (point per reception), and full PPR to see where players rank in your league’s format.

Our team at USA TODAY Sports has you covered with plenty of content to help with your Week 11 lineup and roster decisions. Wondering who the best waiver-wire claims are? We have that covered so you can make your pickups. Need to know what players you can drop? We have that as well. We also have a list of the 10 best buy low/sell high candidates.

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Please note: These rankings will change significantly as the week goes on. Check back on Sunday morning for final updates.

Week 11 fantasy football quarterback rankings: Risers and fallers

UP: Brock Purdy – Has finished as a top-eight fantasy quarterback in four straight games. The Seahawks have ceded the eighth-most fantasy points to the position since Week 4, including a QB6 performance from Purdy in Week 6.
UP: Jared Goff – This is a smash spot. Goff has ranked as the QB15 or worse in six of his nine games, but this feels like the perfect get-right opportunity. The veteran gets a home matchup against a Jaguars defense that’s allowed the second-most points to signal-callers this season.
UP: Justin Herbert – Has quietly posted three straight top-12 performances. Herbert should continue to run hot versus a Bengals team that’s given up the third-most points to quarterbacks since Week 3.
UP: Russell Wilson – Has finished as the QB3, QB24, and QB9 in three starts since taking the starting job for Pittsburgh. He’ll go up against a Ravens defense that’s surrendered an average of 26 fantasy points to quarterbacks since Week 5. Only the Bucs have been more generous during that stretch.
UP: Bo Nix – Has ranked as a QB1 in four of his last six games and gets a plus matchup in Week 11. The Falcons have given up at least 16.9 fantasy points to quarterbacks in eight of their last nine games.
DOWN: Jayden Daniels – The rookie hasn’t finished higher than QB11 in six straight games. The matchup is subpar, as the Eagles are fourth-stringiest against quarterbacks in 2024.
DOWN: Jordan Love – Always in the QB1 conversation, but this is a tough spot. No team has ceded fewer fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks than the Bears.
DOWN: Sam Darnold – The bubble seems to have burst. After posting top-10 performances in three of his first four games, Darnold has ranked as the QB13 or worse in four of his last five outings.

Week 11 fantasy football running back rankings: Risers and fallers

UP: Kenneth Walker III – A matchup with San Francisco isn’t as intimidating as it has been in the past. The 49ers have allowed the 10th-most fantasy points to running backs since Week 3. Walker’s involvement in the passing game gives him a relatively safe floor.
UP: Kareem Hunt – The veteran has now finished as the RB13 or better in four of his last five games, and he’s garnered at least 21 touches in five straight. He should eat against a Bills front that’s allowed the second-most points to opposing backfields in 2024.
UP: Nick Chubb – Those stashing Chubb have been waiting for a matchup like this. No team has given up more fantasy points to running backs than the Saints since Week 3.
UP: Audric Estime – The rookie received 70% of the backfield carries in Week 10. Though his 14 carries didn’t result in much, Estime gets a much better matchup in Week 11. Seven backs have posted at least 11.9 half-PPR points against the Falcons since Week 4.
DOWN: D’Andre Swift – Chicago’s offense is a mess, and that has finally trickled down to Swift. After rattling off four consecutive top-10 finishes, Swift has finished as the RB23 and RB28 in his last two games, respectively.
DOWN: James Cook – The nightmare matchup of the week goes to Cook, who faces the Chiefs. No running back has surpassed 12.2 half-PPR points against Kansas City this season.
DOWN: Aaron Jones – After posting top-10 performances in two of his first three games, Jones has ranked as the RB13 or worse in six straight games. In fact, the veteran has finished higher than RB19 just once in his last five games. Jones also missed some snaps in Week 10 due to a chest injury.
DOWN: Javonte Williams – We’re approaching drop territory for Williams. The 24-year-old has finished as the R27 or lower in all but two contests, and he managed just three touches against the Chiefs in Week 10.

Week 11 fantasy football wide receiver rankings: Risers and fallers

UP: George Pickens – In the three games since Russell Wilson took the reigns at quarterback, Pickens has finished as the WR4, WR44, and WR5, and that WR44 outing including two touchdowns that were called back. In Week 11, he’ll face a Ravens secondary that’s allowing 5.4 more half-PPR points per game to receivers than any other team in the league.
UP: Deebo Samuel Sr. and Jauan Jennings – In five career games versus the Seahawks, Deebo has finished as the WR2, WR25, WR9, WR1 and WR6, respectively. Meanwhile, Jennings took on the Brandon Aiyuk role in Week 10 and garnered 10 targets, which he turned into 7 receptions for 93 yards. He’s a rock-solid WR2 against a Seattle defense that’s allowed the second-most fantasy points to wideouts since Week 4.
UP: Cedric Tillman – Over his last three games, Tillman posted finishes of WR14, WR3, and WR12. Look for him to stay hot versus a Saints team that’s allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to receivers since Week 5.
UP: Calvin Ridley – The 29-year-old has garnered at least eight targets in five consecutive games, and he has finished as the WR7 and WR3 in two of his last three. He’s a strong start against a Vikings defense that’s given up the second-most fantasy points to receivers this season.
UP: Jakobi Meyers – Now the WR1 on the Raiders, Meyers has racked up at least seven targets in five straight games, and he’s finished as the WR22 or higher in three of them. The matchup is subpar, but the production speaks for itself.
DOWN: Davante Adams – Since joining the Jets, Adams has finished as the WR39 or lower in three of four games. The upside is there, but he’s a volatile WR2 until further notice.
DOWN: Jayden Reed – The 24-year-old finished as the WR1 and WR2 in his first two games of the season with Jordan Love behind center, but he has since ranked as the WR19 or lower in five straight. A tough matchup awaits in Week 11, as the Bears have ceded the third-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers in 2024.
DOWN: CeeDee Lamb – In his first outing without Dak Prescott at quarterback, Lamb somehow managed just 21 yards on 10 targets. He’s nothing more than a WR3 given the situation in Dallas.
DOWN: Brian Thomas Jr. – With Trevor Lawrence missing Sunday’s game versus the Vikings, Thomas received just three targets from backup Mac Jones. What’s more concerning is the fact that the rookie hasn’t eclipsed five targets since Week 6. It’ll be tough to trust him if Jones starts again, even in a plus matchup versus the Lions.

Week 11 fantasy football tight end rankings: Risers and fallers

UP: Mark Andrews – After totaling just six receptions through his first four games, Andrews has returned to form. The veteran has ranked as a top-10 tight end in four of his last five, including finishes of TE3, TE3, and TE2.
UP: T.J. Hockenson – In his second game back from injury, Hockenson led the Vikings with nine targets, which he turned into 8 receptions for 72 yards. The Titans are a tough matchup on paper, but that’s more of a reflection on the tight ends they’ve faced.
DOWN: Evan Engram – Routinely ranked inside the top-eight at tight end, Engram has finished as the TE12 or lower in four consecutive games. The Lions have yet to allow double-digit half-PPR points to a tight end in 2024.

Week 11 fantasy football rankings

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Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Darius Garland’s grandfathers served in the U.S. Army. His mom, Felicia, had high school classmates who enlisted.

Garland grew up understanding the importance of military service.

At Monday night’s Cavaliers-Chicago Bulls game on Veterans Day, Garland will honor two soldiers who died and their families as part of the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors. U.S. Army sergeant first class Saadia Zambrano died in 2012 and U.S. Navy petty third officer Ronald Kimp Jr. died in 2018.

Both are from Gary, Indiana, where Garland was born and grew up, and members of their families will meet Garland, who is providing tickets, meals and jerseys.

“This is to show my love and support to the veterans and their families,” Garland said. “Just thought that we could do something special for veterans. I have a connection because they’re from my hometown. It’s close to Chicago. It’s a perfect time to do something for them.”

Garland is off to the best start of his career, following a difficult 2023-24 season in which his grandmother died, and he broke his jaw in a game against the Boston Celtics, requiring surgery. Garland admitted he lost his joy for basketball.

He has rediscovered it.

The Cavaliers are 11-0 under new coach Kenny Atkinson, and Garland is averaging 20.5 points, 6.6 assists and 1.2 steals and shooting 53.8% from the field, 47.5% on 3-pointers and 95% on free throws.

He had 39 points on 15-for-22 shooting and eight assists in a victory against Milwaukee and 34 points on 12-for-19 shooting in a victory against New York. He has also two double-doubles in points and assists, and in Friday’s victory against Golden State, the Cavaliers outscored the Warriors by 30 points with Garland on the court (27 point, six assists, three steals).

“Darius was masterful,” Atkinson said after the Cavs beat Brooklyn Saturday. “He kind of controlled the game.”

Garland is making a push for his second All-Star appearance, Most Improved Player of the Year and Clutch Player of the Year. Alongside guard Donovan Mitchell (22.5 points per game), the Cavs have one of the best backcourts in the NBA. Atkinson has staggered Mitchell’s and Garland’s minutes so they’re not always in the game at the same time but still able to produce when they are.

Atkinson’s imprint on the Cleveland’s offense and Garland is notable. The Cavs are No. 1 offensively, scoring 122 points per 100 possessions, No. 1 in field goal percentage at .528, No. 1 in 3-point shooting percentage at .422 and No. 7 in 3s made per game at 5.3. It’s early but all are improvements compared to last season.

Now, the Cavaliers, who have their core four of Garland, Mitchell, Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley under contract through at least 2026-27, believe they can challenge Boston and New York for supremacy in the Eastern Conference.

“We were always defensive-minded in past years, so now just being more offensive-minded but still having the same defensive concepts,” Garland said. “Offensively, it’s a lot more space. Everybody’s more confident, everybody’s shooting the ball with confidence and playing with high confidence.”

Garland said he went back to the basics in the offseason – getting his feet set and shoulders square to the basket on his jump shot.

“I really went back to square one over the offseason, just trying to polish my game, trying to clean up some of the things that I was doing,” Garland said. “Just trying to do all the little things to help put me in these positions that I am in right now.”

Atkinson has given Garland more freedom and responsibility and wants him to create offensive opportunities not just for teammates but for himself in key situations late in the game.

In clutch situations – which the NBA considers a game where the score is within five points and fewer than five minutes remain – Garland has been fantastic. Cleveland is 4-0 in those games, and Garland has scored 24 points in 18 minutes of clutch time, shooting 75% from the field (9-for-12) and 60% on 3s (3-for-5) and 100% on free throws (3-for-3) and adding four assists, three rebounds, two blocks and one steal with just one turnover.

“It doesn’t surprise me because of the talent and the smarts and what a great passer he is and good decision-maker,” Atkinson told reporters. “He’s got the shot. He’s got everything. He’s a complete, complete point guard. … From my point of view coaching him for the first time, I’m blown away by his control of end-of-game situations. He’s got a great feel for the game, a great IQ.”

Former Jacksonville Jaguars and Las Vegas Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio was arrested last week for operating a vehicle while intoxicated, according to a Madison (Wisconsin) Police Department incident report.

Del Rio will resign his role as a senior adviser with the University of Wisconsin football team Monday, Badgers head coach Luke Fickell announced.

‘He’s going to move forward and he’s going to resign and move on,’ Fickell told reporters Monday. ‘But it’s a tough situation. Decisions that all of us have to be able to take full responsibility for. So that’s what Jack will do, and we’ll continue to move forward.’

Around 12:30 a.m. Friday morning, Del Rio crashed a vehicle into a street sign and broke a fence before coming to a stop in a yard.

Witnesses directed the responding officers to Del Rio, who was walking away from the scene, according to the report. Del Rio, 61, showed signs of impairment and told police he was driving, the report said. He was charged with first-offense operating while intoxicated and was released.

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“I’m grateful to Coach Fickell and the University of Wisconsin for the opportunity to work with such a talented coaching and support staff and some of the best young football players in the country,’ Del Rio said in a statement to USA TODAY.

He added: “I have decided to step away from my position with the team, so they can focus all their attention on the remainder of the season.”

Del Rio coached the Jaguars from 2003-11, when he was fired after Week 12. He went 68-71 and made the playoffs twice.

The Denver Broncos hired him as defensive coordinator for three seasons before he had another chance as a head coach, this time with the Raiders (2015-17). He made the postseason in the 2016 season with the ‘Silver and Black’ but a 6-10 campaign the next season led to his dismissal.

Del Rio was the Washington Commanders defensive coordinator under Ron Rivera for four seasons (2020-24) and was fired before the end of that regime’s final season in charge.

Del Rio played in the NFL for 10 years following his collegiate career at Southern Cal.

The NHL season is more than a month old and there have been two trades plus extensions signed by Jake Oettinger, Alexis Lafreniere, Linus Ullmark and others.

Other top players also remain eligible for extensions, including Igor Shesterkin, Mikko Rantanen, Mitch Marner, John Tavares, Brock Boeser.

There will be more trades as teams build toward a Stanley Cup run or make moves for their long-term future. Here are key dates to watch: the holiday roster freeze in December, the league’s break for the 4 Nations Face-Off in February and the trade deadline in early March.

Follow along here this season for signings, trades, transactions and other news from the NHL:

Nov. 11: Flames’ Anthony Mantha to have season-ending surgery

Also: The Colorado Avalanche placed goalie Kaapo Kahkonen on waivers. They had claimed him off waivers from the Winnipeg Jets last month.

Nov. 9: Penguins recall veteran goalie Tristan Jarry from minors

The Pittsburgh Penguins recalled two-time All-Star goalie Tristan Jarry from his conditioning stint in the American Hockey League. Jarry was loaned to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on Oct. 26 after recording a 5.37 goals-against average and .836 save percentage. His AHL numbers were 2.16, .926.

The Penguins didn’t send down a goalie, meaning they’ll go with three for the moment: Alex Nedeljkovic, rookie Joel Blomqvist and Jarry. Blomqvist wouldn’t need to go through waivers. The Penguins don’t play again until Monday.

Also: The Philadelphia Flyers made rookie Matvei Michkov a healthy scratch for a second consecutive game. …. The Penguins sent forward Matt Nieto to the AHL on a conditioning loan.

Nov. 8: Kraken acquire Daniel Sprong from Canucks

The Seattle Kraken landed one of their former players in exchange for future considerations. The Kraken have struggled to score this season and Sprong had 21 goals for them two seasons ago. The forward has scored double-digit goals five times. He had one goal with Vancouver this season.

Nov. 8: Kings’ Tanner Jeannot suspended for illegal check to head

Los Angeles Kings forward Tanner Jeannot was suspended for three games for an illegal check to the head that injured the Vancouver Canucks’ Brock Boeser. The NHL Department of Player Safety said Jeannot’s first-period hit made Boeser’s head the principal point of contact and was avoidable. Boeser left the game and didn’t return. Jeannot will forfeit $41,640.63 in pay in the first suspension of his career. He had been fined earlier in his career for an infraction.

Nov. 7: Flyers rookie Matvei Michkov to be healthy scratch

Coach John Tortorella called the move ‘part of the process.’

‘With young guys, they can watch games, too, as far as development,’ he told reporters. ‘It’s trying to help them.’

Michkov, 19, has 10 points in 13 games and a minus-8 rating and was NHL rookie of the month in October. He had just one point in his last five games and his ice time dropped in the last four.

Nov. 4: Sharks’ Macklin Celebrini ready to return from injury

San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 draft, is ready to return to action after aggravating an injury in the season opener, according to NHL.com.

He took part in practice Monday on the top line with Tyler Toffoli and Mikael Granlund and is looking to play his second game season Tuesday night against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Celebrini said he reinjured his hip on his first shift of the opener but played the full game and had a goal and assist.

He has missed 12 games. The Sharks opened the season 0-7-2 but are 3-1 in their last four games.

Also: The Colorado Avalanche said Valeri Nichushkin has been cleared to practice with the team. The suspended forward remains in Stage 3 of the NHL/NHL Players’ Association Player Assistance Program and would have to be cleared to play. … St. Louis Blues defenseman Philip Broberg will be out four to six weeks with a lower-body injury. He needed help getting off the ice Saturday after he was checked by the Toronto Maple Leafs’ Mitch Marner. … The Boston Bruins signed forward Tyler Johnson to a one-year, $775,000 contract. He won two Stanley Cups with the Tampa Bay Lightning and spent the last three seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks.

Nov. 2: Islanders’ Mathew Barzal, Adam Pelech go on injured list

New York Islanders No. 1 center Mathew Barzal was placed on long-term injured reserve with an unspecified upper-body injury. He’ll be out four to six weeks. He had 80 points in 80 games last season but had been limited to five points in 10 games this season as the Islanders have struggled to score.

Islanders defenseman Adam Pelech also will be out four to six weeks after being hit in the face by a puck. He went on the injured list.

Oct. 30: Sharks acquire Timothy Liljegren from Maple Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs get defenseman Matt Benning, a 2025 third-round pick and a 2026 sixth-rounder. Liljegren, 25, had been limited to one game in Toronto this season, and the Maple Leafs recently committed to blue-liner Jake McCabe with a five-year extension. But Liljegren should fit in well in San Jose, which is building around younger players. Benning, 30, and Liljegren are signed through 2025-26.

This is the second day with an NHL trade after none previously since the season opened in North America.

OILERS: Connor McDavid out with ankle injury

Oct. 29: Utah acquires defenseman Olli Maatta from Red Wings

The Utah Hockey Club gives up a third-round pick as it addresses a desperate need for a veteran defenseman. Sean Durzi and John Marino are out long-term after surgery. Utah has been leaking goals during a four-game losing streak, including blowing a 4-1 lead late in the third period against the previously winless San Jose Sharks. Maatta is solid defensively and has nearly 700 games of NHL experience.

Oct. 28: Maple Leafs sign Jake McCabe to five-year extension

The Toronto Maple Leafs signed defenseman Jake McCabe to a five-year extension with an annual average value of $4.51 million. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reports there is some deferred money in the deal. McCabe, 31, had been acquired from the Chicago Blackhawks in a February 2023 trade and ranks fourth on the team in average ice time this season. He has three assists in nine games and a team-best plus-6 rating.

Also: The New York Rangers recalled rugged forward Matt Rempe from the American Hockey League after he played two games there. The Rangers play the Washington Capitals on Tuesday in what has become a feisty rivalry.

Oct. 26: Penguins send goalie Tristan Jarry to minors

The Pittsburgh Penguins sent two-time All-Star goaltender Tristan Jarry to their American Hockey League affiliate on a conditioning loan after his early season struggles. He had been sent home from the Penguins’ road trip to work on his game after recording a 5.47 goals-against average and .836 save percentage in three games. He was pulled from his last start on Oct. 16 and gave up six goals in the opener.

Jarry is in the second season of a five-year contract that carries a $5.375 million cap hit. Rookie Joel Blomqvist has had the most starts in the Penguins net this season and Alex Nedeljkovic recently returned from an injury.

Also: The New York Islanders signed rugged forward Matt Martin for the rest of the season. He had been to camp on a tryout agreement after spending 13 of his 15 seasons with the Islanders. … The Calgary Flames activated forward Yegor Sharangovich from the injured list. The team’s top goal scorer last season had yet to play this season.

Oct. 25: Rangers’ Alexis Lafreniere gets seven-year extension

The New York Rangers and Alexis Lafreniere have agreed to a seven-year extension as he builds on last season’s breakthrough. The 2020 No. 1 overall pick will average $7.45 million in the deal, according to lohud.com, part of the USA TODAY Network. That’s up from this year’s $2.325 million cap hit. Lafreniere, 23, broke through with 28 goals and 57 points last season and added eight goals and 14 points in the playoffs. He is averaging a point a game this season through seven games and scored his fourth goal of the season on Thursday. He is signed through 2031-32.

Also: The Rangers have sent fan favorite Matt Rempe to the American Hockey League to get him more playing time. The 6-7 forward made a name for himself last season with his epic fights and big hits, one that led to a four-game suspension. But he has played only two games this season.

Oct. 24: Golden Knights’ Shea Theodore signs for seven years

Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Shea Theodore will average $7.425 million in the extension, which kicks in next season and runs through 2031-32. Getting him signed now is important after the Golden Knights lost Jonathan Marchessault, Chandler Stephenson and others from their 2023 Stanley Cup team to free agency during the summer.

Theodore, 29, is the franchise’s top-scoring defenseman with 296 points and has opened this season with seven points in six games. Vegas’ top three defensemen (also Alex Pietrangelo and Noah Hanifin) are signed through at least 2026-27.

Oct. 24: Devils’ Brett Pesce, Luke Hughes returning from injury

The New Jersey Devils will get two players back on their defense when Brett Pesce and Luke Hughes make their season debuts Thursday at the Detroit Red Wings.

Pesce, signed as a free agent, has recovered from surgery for a broken leg. Hughes hurt his shoulder in September. He was a finalist for the Calder Trophy last season, leading all rookies with 21 power-play assists and 25 power-play points.

Their return comes at a good time because the Devils have yielded 14 goals over their last two games.

Also: New York Islanders forward Anthony Duclair (lower body) will miss four to six weeks, a blow to the 2023-24 playoff team that ranks 30th in scoring this season. … The Los Angeles activated goalie Darcy Kuemper from the injured list. Pheonix Copley was loaned to the AHL’s Ontario Reign. … The Colorado Avalanche loaned goalie Kaapo Kahkonen to the AHL’s Colorado Eagles on a conditioning assignment. He was claimed off waivers from the Winnipeg Jets earlier this season.

Oct. 23: Utah’s Sean Durzi, John Marino out long-term after surgery

The Utah Hockey Club, who beefed up their defense in the offseason, will be without two key blueliners long-term after they had surgery.

Sean Durzi, who was injured in an Oct. 15 game, will miss four to six months after shoulder surgery. John Marino, who has yet to play this season, is out three to four months after back surgery.

Utah added defensemen Mikhail Sergachev, Marino and Ian Cole in the offseason. Durzi, acquired last season when the team was in Arizona, signed a four-year, $24 million contract during the summer.

In other injury news, St. Louis Blues forward Robert Thomas has a fractured ankle and will be evaluated in six weeks.

Oct. 22: Panthers give coach Paul Maurice contract extension

Maurice, who joined the Panthers in 2022-23, went to the Stanley Cup Final in his first season and won it last year. His 29 playoff wins are a franchise record.

He has 98 regular-season wins with Florida and his 873 career wins rank fourth all time in NHL history.

Also: The Blues signed forward Jake Neighbours to a two-year, $7.5 million contract extension.

Oct. 17: Stars’ Jake Oettinger signs eight-year contract extension

The Dallas Stars signed goalie Jake Oettinger to an eight-year, $66 million contract extension that kicks in next season. The $8.25 million cap hit matches the deals recently signed by the Bruins’ Jeremy Swayman and Senators’ Linus Ullmark.

Oettinger has led the Stars to the Western Conference final the past two seasons.

Oct. 14: Matthew Tkachuk’s illness to keep him out a week

Already down one star, the Panthers will be without another one.

Coach Paul Maurice said Matthew Tkachuk’s illness will keep him out more than a week. The team is targeting an Oct. 22 return.

Tkachuk missed Saturday’s game. So did captain Aleksander Barkov, who injured his leg in the second game of the season and is expected to miss two to three weeks.

Oct. 12: Aleksander Barkov, Macklin Celebrini are injured

The NHL season is young, but two prominent players are already out with injuries.

Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov will miss two to three weeks after crashing leg first into the boards while trying to prevent an empty net goal on Thursday. His stick had broken but he couldn’t stop Ottawa’s Tim Stutzle from scoring. The time frame should allow Barkov to participate in the two Global Series games against the Dallas Stars in Tampere, Finland, on Nov. 1-2. Barkov is the first Finnish NHL captain to win the Stanley Cup. He won the Selke Trophy last season for the second time as top defensive forward.

Meanwhile, the San Jose Sharks placed No. 1 overall pick Macklin Celebrini on injured reserve with a lower-body injury. Coach Ryan Warsofsky said Celebrini is week-to-week. He had been dealing with an injury in training camp but played in this week’s season opener, scoring a goal and an assist.

Oct. 11: Avalanche claim goalie Kaapo Kahkonen off waivers

In a busy day for goalie transactions, the Colorado Avalanche claimed Kaapo Kahkonen off waivers from the Winnipeg Jets. Colorado lost 8-4 in the opener, with Alexandar Georgiev giving up five goals and backup Justus Annunen giving up two goals on four shots. The Avalanche are Kahkonen’s fourth team in a year. He split time last season between the San Jose Sharks and New Jersey Devils.

In other moves, the Minnesota Wild called up Jesper Wallstedt, their goalie of future, who will join Game 1 winner Filip Gustavsson and Marc-Andre Fleury. The Nashville Predators sent down Matt Murray, who backed up Scott Wedgewood on Thursday with injured No. 1 goalie Juuse Saros unable to play.

Oct. 10: Hurricanes-Lightning game postponed because of Milton

Saturday’s game between the Carolina Hurricanes and Tampa Bay Lightning has been postponed as the Tampa Bay area recovers from Hurricane Milton. The league said a makeup date would be announced as soon as it can be confirmed.

The Lightning are playing their season opener in Carolina on Friday. Saturday’s game was to be the start of a three-game homestand (also Tuesday and Thursday).

Amalie Arena got through the storm fine, though Tropicana Field, home of MLB’s Tampa Bay Rays in St. Petersburg, Florida, suffered major damage to its roof.

Oct. 10: Blue Jackets captain Boone Jenner has surgery

Jenner had shoulder surgery to repair an injury he suffered during training camp and could miss up to six months.

‘Our hope is he can return before the end of the season,’ said Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Waddell. ‘His loss will be felt by our club, but we have a strong leadership group in place and players will be given an opportunity to take on greater roles on and off the ice.’

Boone, who finished second on the Blue Jackets last season with 22 goals and is the franchise leader in games played, has been the team’s captain since 2021-22.

Oct. 9: Linus Ullmark, Joey Daccord get contract extensions

Ullmark, who won the Vezina Trophy with the Bruins in 2022-03, was traded to the Ottawa Senators this offseason so Boston had the room to re-sign Swayman. Ullmark will get four years, $33 million from the Senators and have the same $8.25 million cap as Swayman.

Meanwhile, Seattle Kraken goaltender Joey Daccord received a five-year, $25 million extension. He filled in for Philipp Grubauer after that goalie’s injury last season and got the NHL’s first shutout in the Winter Classic. Both contracts will take effect next season.

Oct. 8: Rangers’ Igor Shesterkin turns down extension offer

ESPN’s Kevin Weekes posted on social media Tuesday that the New York Rangers offered Shesterkin an eight-year, $88 million contract, with an $11 million average annual value that would have eclipsed Carey Price’s high-water mark of $10.5 million. A person with knowledge of the situation confirmed those numbers to lohud.com, part of the USA TODAY Network.

It’s not a huge surprise that the 28-year-old Russian would reject it on the eve of New York’s season-opener in Pittsburgh. Another person familiar with the situation recently indicated the two sides have been far apart in negotiations, and that the chances of striking a deal before the start of the new season weren’t looking very promising. That could always change if Rangers team president Chris Drury decides to up the ante, but Shesterkin seems content to bet on himself and wait it out. – Vincent Z. Mercogliano, lohud.com

Also: The defending champion Florida Panthers announced after their opening victory that forward Carter Verhaeghe had agreed to an eight-year extension. It’s worth a reported $56 million.

Georgia is down, down, down in this week’s USA TODAY Sports NCAA Re-Rank 1-134 while Alabama and Mississippi climb the rankings after a consequential Saturday in the SEC.

The Bulldogs are down 10 spots to No. 13 after losing 28-10 to the Rebels, who move up five to No. 12. The Crimson Tide are also up five to No. 10 following a 42-13 win at LSU.

It’s not hard to put Georgia behind this pair. The Bulldogs lost to both teams, both times on the road. Last month’s win against Texas helps keep Georgia one spot ahead of another two-loss SEC team in No. 13 Texas A&M.

There’s still plenty of SEC representation near the top of the rankings. No. 1 Oregon and No. 2 Ohio State continue to lead the way, followed by the No. 3 Longhorns, No. 4 Penn State and No. 5 Tennessee. Next comes No. 6 Notre Dame, No. 7 Indiana and No. 8 Brigham Young.

Another contender dropping in this week’s re-rank is No. 9 Miami. The Hurricanes were able to escape against California, Virginia Tech, Louisville and Duke but ran out of magic in a 28-23 loss to Georgia Tech. Miami remains the highest-ranked team in the ACC, a couple steps ahead of No. 11 SMU.

HEAT IS ON: Mississippi’s win puts pressure on CFP committee

Joining Miami in falling down the 1-134 are No. 22 Iowa State (down 10), No. 25 LSU (down 11), No. 35 Iowa (down 10) and No. 57 Florida (down 12).

Those moving up include No. 24 Colorado (up 10), No. 30 Georgia Tech (up 14) and No. 84 UCLA (up 16).

It’s not every day you see someone get hit with the ‘too slow’ fake handshake. It’s even less common to see an NBA player fall for it.

And so, Boston Celtics star forward Jaylen Brown, after being on the receiving end of the fake handshake Sunday night from Milwaukee Bucks star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, expressed very little patience for the gesture, criticizing Antetokounmpo following Boston’s 113-107 victory over Milwaukee.

‘Giannis is a child,’ Brown told reporters after the game. ‘I’m just focused on helping my team get a win. And that’s what we did tonight.’

It was a physical game between the two teams, but particularly between Antetokounmpo and Brown, who often guarded each other on opposite ends. The fake handshake happened in the second half, seconds after Antetokounmpo was called for an offensive foul, for swinging his elbow up near Brown’s head.

As the two were walking back, there appeared to be some words exchanged. Antetokounmpo then reached out his hand as an apparent conciliatory gesture, only to quickly withdraw his hand with a smile.

‘Oh, that’s what he said? Dang,’ Antetokounmpo said in a news conference when told about Brown’s comments. ‘He said that I was a child? I thought I gave him a compliment and he was just going at me. But at the same time, this is who I am. I play the game with fun, joy.’

Brown would also later compliment Antetokounmpo, who scored 43 points and added 14 rebounds, for having a good game.

‘I’m just going to continue to be me and at the end of the day,’ Antetokounmpo said. ‘If I’m called a child, so be it. I have three children of my own. I have six nieces. I take care of a lot of kids around here, so sometimes when you’re around a kid, you try to act like it.’

Later in the game, midway through the fourth quarter, Brown was called for a flagrant foul when Antetokounmpo was driving through the lane. Brown met Antetokounmpo in the paint with body contact, sending Antetokounmpo to the floor.

Brown said he didn’t have the fake handshake in mind when he committed the foul, saying it was ‘just playing basketball.’

The flagrant foul happened during a tie game, and Antetokounmpo’s converted free throws gave Milwaukee a two-point lead. Boston, however, would go on a small run to reclaim the lead, eventually winning the game.

Brown scored 14 points and added five rebounds and four assists. The Celtics improved to 9-2, while Milwaukee fell to 2-8, second-to-last in the Eastern Conference.

‘I just like to go out there and have fun, but again, great player, great competitor,’ Antetokounmpo said. ‘If I have another opportunity, I’ll do it again.’

It’s just after the halfway point of the 2024 NFL season, but some teams look like they’re on the verge of planning for next year.

No squad should be feeling that more than the Dallas Cowboys, who dropped another laugher at home, leading to team owner Jerry Jones melting down over the sun and curtains. The Cowboys could be on the brink of massive changes in the coaching staff and on the roster; they still have eight games left to play.

Another team that may see some systemic changes this offseason is the Chicago Bears, whose offense is broken, with rookie No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams struggling to take off.

Here are the winners and losers from Sunday of Week 10.

WINNERS

The Lions, somehow, find a way

Their quarterback threw five interceptions and they faced a 16-point deficit at the half, but the Detroit Lions pulled off an improbable comeback, scoring the game’s final 19 points and shutting out the Texans in the second half en route to a 26-23 victory.

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Detroit (8-1) needed a 58-yard field goal and 52-yard game-winning kick as time expired, but it retained its one-game lead atop the NFC. And, as they have all season, the Lions found different ways to win. The defense clamped down and forced Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud into interceptions in two of the first three drives of the second half. The rushing game, after gaining just 23 yards on 13 carries in the first half, controlled the line of scrimmage late, picking up 82 yards and a score on 19 second-half carries.

Mike Tomlin takes down another rookie QB, Steelers get signature win

In his career, Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin is now 26-6 (.813) against teams who started a rookie quarterback. More importantly, after a 28-27 win over the Washington Commanders, Pittsburgh (7-2) has steadily climbed up the AFC standings, has had its decision to turn the team over to Russell Wilson affirmed and took down a dynamic young team that was making its case as a contender.

The Steelers held rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels to a 50% completion rate and a QB rating of 68.5 — both of which are his lowest totals of the season. Pittsburgh’s defense showed it’s capable of defusing speed and athleticism in opposing offenses. With Wilson, the deep ball is more consistent. And so, the Steelers now head into a battle for first place in the AFC North next week against the Ravens (7-3).

Cardinals defense is tightening up down the stretch

With their 31-6 demolition of the reeling (though talented) New York Jets, the Arizona Cardinals added more evidence pointing to a defense that’s ascending, a quarterback and offense that are become more versatile and a team on the rise.

Arizona (6-4) has now gone two weeks and some change without allowing a touchdown — the second-to-last possession of its Week 8 win over the Miami Dolphins, and a stretch of 19 series. The Cardinals nearly doubled up the Jets in yardage, outgaining New York 406-207. Kyler Murray has done a tremendous job protecting the ball and has thrown just three interceptions this season, one over his last five games. Arizona could become one of those teams opponents simply don’t want to see in the second half of the season.

LOSERS

It’s time. Blow up the Cowboys

Yes, Dak Prescott missed Sunday’s thrashing at home against the Eagles and is expected to miss the rest of the season. That doesn’t absolve the Cowboys (3-6) for the abject failure that this campaign has become.

Dallas is completely inept at home, losing all four games at AT&T Stadium this season by a differential of -94 points. Mostly behind backup Cooper Rush, the Cowboys posted only 49 passing yards. Dallas cannot run the ball effectively and it struggles to stop the rush. The roster is suddenly old and filled with holes. Inexplicably, the Cowboys made the trade for receiver Jonathan Mingo, even though they were so obviously headed toward a lost season. It’s not time to double down; it’s time to start over.

Broncos nearly get there, learn tough lessons

Denver has been a nice surprise. The Broncos entered Sunday 5-4 and took the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs down to the last play of the game. All Denver had to do was convert a chip shot field goal through in the final seconds.

But the kick protection of the left side of the line disintegrated, kicker Wil Lutz was too deliberate given the context of the potential game-winning kick, and the Broncos learned that NFL teams absolutely cannot let up until the final whistle blows — especially when playing against the NFL’s best teams. The Broncos (5-5) have an excellent defense, one that held the Chiefs (9-0) to one of four conversions inside the red zone and one of three in goal-to-go scenarios.

This Bears offense is broken beyond repair

The Bears scored three points against a New England Patriots team that entered Sunday with two wins, and Chicago has now failed to score a touchdown on any of its last 23 possessions, spanning two full games.

Chicago (4-5) converted only one of its 14 third-down tries (7.1%) and gained just 142 yards against the Pats. In fact, going back the last three games, the Bears have converted 6 of 40 third-down attempts (15%). Despite boasting a roster full of playmakers, Bears offensive coordinator Shane Waldron has failed to effectively scheme players open. Pre-snap penalties are frequent, and play calling remains disjointed. Significant changes should be coming this offseason – if not sooner. Making matters worse: Chicago’s remaining schedule is brutal, with all six division games and a showdown against the 49ers remaining.

Falcons can’t generate pass rush, struggle to rise to legitimacy

Honestly, all things considered, the Atlanta Falcons’ loss to the NFC South-rival New Orleans Saints didn’t hurt them all that much. Atlanta (6-4) remains two games ahead of the Tampa Buccaneers (4-6) in the division, and the Saints and Carolina Panthers, despite winning their respective games Sunday, almost certainly won’t compete.

But the Falcons have glaring issues that prevent them from progressing to the level of dependable contenders in the NFC – namely a moribund pass rush that cannot impact games. Atlanta blitzed Derek Carr on 48% of his 25 dropbacks, the highest rate the Falcons have brought pressure this season. They didn’t generate a single sack, and Carr threw just seven incompletions.