We have reached the time of year where some players around the NFL have a change of address.

There have already been a flurry of moves before the NFL’s Nov. 5 trade deadline. More deals could be on the horizon as teams try to gear up for the stretch run.

Already, Davante Adams, Amari Cooper and DeAndre Hopkins have been moved. Rarely do players with resumes of that caliber end up in new uniforms this time of season. That could spell the start of a busy trade deadline season.

What are some ideal trades we would like to come into fruition? USA TODAY Sports explores the best fits for players who could be on the move prior to the NFL’s trade deadline:

NFL trade deadline best fits

Mike Williams, Jets

Best fit: Los Angeles Chargers

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The Jets relegated Williams to their fourth wide receiver after the team acquired Davante Adams this month. Chemistry between Aaron Rodgers and Williams is off. Rodgers even threw Williams under the bus following the team’s Week 6 loss.

Williams ranks fifth on the Jets in both catches (11) and receiving yards (160). He’s turned into an afterthought in his first season in New York. A concern is if Williams is still laboring from a 2023 torn ACL. He hasn’t shown much big-play ability since his knee injury that occurred during Week 3 of last season while he was a member of the Chargers.

The Chargers desperately need an X receiver who Justin Herbert can go to on third down and in the red zone. Los Angeles ranks in the bottom half of the league in passing yards and 30th in red zone efficiency. Williams compiled 309 catches, 4,806 receiving yards and 31 touchdowns in a Chargers uniform. A reunion would be advantageous for both parties.

Travis Etienne, Jaguars

Best fit: Dallas Cowboys

Tank Bigsby’s emergence has made Etienne expendable. Bigsby leads the Jaguars in both rushing attempts and yards. Plus, he’s produced four plays of over 20 yards, while Etienne only has two.

Etienne is a versatile running back who can catch passes out of the backfield, but Jacksonville preference is to hand Bigsby the football on run plays in between the tackles.

The Jaguars are headed toward an inevitable rebuild. An Etienne trade can give Jacksonville additional draft compensation. The running back has trade value around the NFL. He’s surpassed 1,400 yards from scrimmage in his first two seasons and he’s just 25 years old.

The Cowboys rank dead last in the NFL in rushing. They average just 3.5 yards a carry. Ezekiel Elliott is past his prime and Rico Dowdle isn’t a starting caliber running back. The Cowboys miss Tony Pollard, who they let walk in free agency. Etienne would immediately step in and fill the void at RB.

Za’Darius Smith, Browns

Best fit: Detroit Lions

Cleveland’s actions indicate that they are sellers as the trade deadline looms. The Browns’ decision to trade Amari Cooper preceded Deshaun Watson’s season-ending Achilles injury. There are rumors that the Browns are shopping Smith, too.

Smith’s four sacks are tied for a team-high with Myles Garrett. Smith and Garrett are a formidable pass rushing tandem, but the Browns need to accumulate trade capital and offload future salary.

The Lions have a hole at defensive end after Aidan Hutchinson’s brutal leg injury. Smith isn’t the pass rusher Hutchinson is, but he’s plenty capable of generating pressure. The Browns and Lions both play a base 4-3 defense, so Smith would have a rather seamless transition. Plus, he has familiarity in the NFC North division, having played for the Packers and Vikings during his 10-year career.

Bryce Young, Panthers

Best fit: Los Angeles Rams

Young will start this week versus the Denver Broncos but that’s only because veteran QB Andy Dalton sprained his right thumb in an auto accident.

There’s talk that the Panthers have a plan for Young following the quarterback’s demotion after Week 2. He’s appeared in garbage time, including during the fourth quarter of Carolina’s 40-7 loss to the Commanders.

Young has a chance to audition for other teams on the road in Denver or prove that he’s worthy to be promoted back into Carolina’s starting lineup.

A change of scenery could be beneficial for Young and McVay’s tutelage could work wonders for the 2023 No.1 overall pick; McVay’s enhanced every quarterback he’s coached. Young’s accuracy, precision passing and pocket presence were attributes that made him the top quarterback in the 2023 draft. However, he’s struggled in all three areas during his NFL career. McVay is the type of coach who can unlock Young’s potential and restore the quarterback’s confidence.

Josh Uche, Patriots

Best fit: Baltimore Ravens

Uche tallied a career-high 11.5 sacks in 2022. He’s had five total sacks since.

The Patriots outside linebacker hasn’t played more than 20 snaps in each of the past two weeks. He’s more of a situational pass rusher but can play a high-volume of snaps in the right system. His name has been mentioned in trade rumors in recent weeks.

The Ravens have a history of revitalizing the careers of veteran pass rushers. Kyle Van Noy, who has a team-high seven sacks this year, is the most recent example. But the Ravens can’t expect Van Noy to maintain high-level production at this stage of his career. Josh Uche would be a nice complement to Ravens’ Odafe Oweh, two edge rushers under 27 years of age.

Nate Davis, Bears

Best fit: Pittsburgh Steelers

Davis started the year as a starter, but he was benched after Week 2. The Bears made him inactive in Week 6, a sign that he’s dropped significantly on their depth chart.

The Bears signed the former Titan to a three-year, $30 million contract in March 2023. He was supposed to be a lynchpin along Chicago’s offensive line, but the Bears are apparently ready to move on. Davis is a talented offensive lineman, but his pass and run blocking declined during his two seasons in Chicago.

The Steelers have dealt with injuries along their offensive line since before the start of the regular season. Pittsburgh’s rumored to be in the market for a wide receiver. The Steelers could also shop around for offensive line depth.

Emmanuel Ogbah, Dolphins

Best fit: Atlanta Falcons

Ogbah’s produced at least 5.5 sacks in a season five times in his career. The ninth-year veteran has a high motor and is stout against the run. He’s had an increase role this year following Jaelan Phillips’ season-ending knee injury. But Ogbah turns 31 a day after the trade deadline, his contract expires after this year and the team recently signed veteran Tyus Bowser off the Seahawks’ practice squad.

Tua Tagovailoa is on track to return, but the Dolphins could offload talent if they feel this season is getting away from them.

The Falcons have an NFL-low six sacks this season. Atlanta traded for Matthew Judon in August. However, Judon’s generated just 1.5 sacks. Judon’s seen his fair share of chip blocks and an occasional double teams. The Falcons can assist Judon by adding another veteran pass rusher opposite him.

Cam Robinson, Jaguars

Best fit: Kansas City Chiefs

Could Jacksonville part ways with its longest-tenured starter? The Jaguars have twice placed Robinson’s under the franchise tag. It seems like he’s perennially on his way out of Jacksonville.

Robinson, 29, is in the final year of his contract. The struggling Jaguars could trade the eighth-year tackle and add future draft picks. Furthermore, Jaguars’ 2023 first-round pick tackle Anton Harrison played left tackle in college before switching to the right side in the NFL. He could be Robinson’s successor.

Wouldn’t it be such a Chiefs move to add a starting-caliber tackle before the trade deadline expires? The Chiefs had a need at wide receiver and aggressively went after DeAndre Hopkins. Kansas City’s had a revolving door at left tackle with Wanya Morris and rookie Kingsley Suamataia. Robinson could bring stability to the position for the remainder of the season.

Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.

LOS ANGELES — Whether it’s the group from Chavez Ravine or the Bronx Bombers, the teams preparing to play one of the most highly-anticipated World Series in recent memory know an important person will be missing.

Days before the 2024 World Series was set to begin at Dodger Stadium, Dodgers icon Fernando Valenzuela died at the age of 63. Even though it was known he was stepping away from his broadcasting duties with the team to focus on his health, the news came as a shock to many getting ready to play for the title.

“It was shocking news. I really had no idea,” Dodgers catcher Austin Barnes told USA TODAY Sports at Thursday’s media availability. “It was really sad to hear that he passed away.”

Barnes is one of several players who have donned a Dodgers jersey over the past few decades that not only got to see Valenzuela within the organization, but truly understand the impact he had. 

How much did he mean? Dodgers manager Dave Roberts tried to express his love for Valenzuela in Spanish when asked if he could.

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“Fernando Valenzuela is my friend and family,” Roberts said in Spanish, referring to Valenzuela like an older brother. ‘An incredible player, a person that’s very important to me.” 

It’s easy to understand what Valenzuela meant if you’re ingrained into the culture of Los Angeles. But it’s not just those from around here that know.

Yes, Barnes grew up in Southern California understanding who Valenzuela was and Roberts spent his youth in the state, but there are also players like third baseman Max Muncy from Texas that recognize the impact of the left-handed pitcher from Navojoa, Mexico.

“It’s really hard to state how big of an impact he had. You could almost say the majority of the fans that we have now are because of Fernando. He meant so much to this organization, so much to this city, so much to Mexico,” Muncy said. “It was truly an honor and blessing to know him over the years.”

Some players didn’t really grasp the influence Valenzuela had until recently. Pitcher Tyler Glasnow, a local kid, didn’t really know how big Valenzuela was until he was traded to the Dodgers prior to this season. He saw all the murals, all the jerseys in the stadium and how everyone reacted when Valenzuela walked into a room. 

Reliever Blake Treinen said in the past 24 hours he learned of how dominant Valenzuela was in the 1981 season when Valenzuela started 8-0 in his first eight appearances, all of them complete games − five of which were shutouts. Valenzuela eventually became the first player to win the NL Cy Young and NL Rookie of the Year awards in the same season.

“Pretty insane,” Treinen put it. 

You also don’t need to be a Dodger to understand Valenzuela’s impact and why Los Angeles is grieving.

Another Yankee with a unique experience is outfielder Alex Verdugo. A former Dodger, Verdugo also had Valenzuela as a coach for Team Mexico in the World Baseball Classic. Whether it was playing for Valenzuela’s home country or for the Dodgers, Verdugo said he had nothing but great things to say about their interactions.

“He was super humble, man, super humble. But like, had a presence too about him. He could take up a room if he wanted to, or he could just fit right in and you don’t even know he was there,” Verdugo said. ”That’s the coolest part; through all his success and everything that he was, he stayed humble, he stayed true to himself, and that’s amazing.”

There will be plenty of tributes for Valenzuela as the World Series begins. The Dodgers added a No. 34 patch to their uniforms and Valenzuela will be remembered prior to Game 1 and throughout Dodger Stadium. Anything that has his name, image or number has flowers next to it.

The stadium’s entrance has served as a memorial for the late pitcher with candles, flowers, pictures and – of course – the Mexican flag. Glasnow said it was special to see what was put together coming into the stadium.

People understand Valenzuela will forever be in the memory of the people that enter his home stadium.

“It’s just one person that we’re gonna keep talking about and keep on having his legacy live on,” Verdugo said. 

He won’t be physically present when the Dodgers and Yankees play ball on Friday night, but there is belief Valenzuela will still keep an eye over his team.

“He’s a legend,” Yankees ace Gerrit Cole said. “It’s just sad he won’t be here for this series, but he’s probably got a great seat upstairs.”

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Maybe we shouldn’t write off Cooper Kupp and the Los Angeles Rams.

Sometimes winning cures and provides clarity. The Rams could be experiencing just that after they defeated the Minnesota Vikings, 30-20, to notch their second straight win and improve to 3-4 on the season.

“I believe in this group. I believe in the coaches. I believe in the players. I saw resolve. I didn’t see a flinch,’ Rams coach Sean McVay said.

‘We still have a long way to go. We’ve won two games in five days, but it’s just two games, and we’ve done a good job of getting ourselves back to where we wanted to be. I’m excited about this journey ahead. We’ve learned a lot about people in these first seven weeks,’ McVay added. ‘We’ve had to go through a lot of different things relative to new faces playing that maybe we didn’t expect. And then it’s great to be able to get some of the cavalry back. I think we’ll start to see that over the next couple weeks, and we got to be able to hit the ground running.”

The Rams have nearly climbed out of an early 1-4 hole, and are getting healthier at the right time. Kupp and Puka Nacua returned from injuries Thursday night. Plus, more help could be on the way with offensive linemen Steve Avila, Jonah Jackson and defensive back John Johnson tracking to return.

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Yet it’s Kupp and Nacua who can make the Rams a contender in the NFC. The two wide receivers combined for 12 catches, 157 yards and a touchdown on 17 targets in the victory.

“Those guys bring a ton of energy to our team and a ton of confidence. It’s not only just the offense. I know the defense feels that too when those guys are out there making plays,” Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford said. “Those guys come out and compete. That’s what I’m proud of, man. Just coming out, showing up for our football team (and) competing, that’s big time.”

The NFC West is wide-open. The defending NFC champion San Francisco 49ers are dealing with a multitude of injuries, the Arizona Cardinals are up-and-down, and the division-leading Seattle Seahawks are just one game ahead of Los Angeles in the loss column. The Rams and Seahawks go head-to-head next week in Seattle.

“I’m not thinking about that stuff,” Kupp said postgame when asked about his name being mentioned in trade scenarios. “It is what it is. There’s all that stuff out there. … All that stuff going on outside of the facility. But, you know, on a short week, every minute is spent preparing, trying to get ready to come out here and play.

‘It did give me the opportunity to focus and be where my feet are. Being able to prepare as best I can. And come out here and let it rip. All that stuff is what it is.’

Two plays Thursday defined why Kupp should remain in Los Angeles.

The first play happened in the second quarter when Stafford scrambled around, made an elusive move to evade two Vikings defenders and found Kupp in the back of the end zone for a touchdown.

The second play occurred with under four minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, when Kupp hauled in a crucial 27-yard catch on third-and-9 that helped the Rams milk the clock.

Kupp finished with five catches, 51 yards and a touchdown. The eighth-year veteran now has 590 catches and 7,264 receiving yards in his career, numbers that are fourth all-time in Rams franchise history.

The 31-year-old wideout is just four receptions away from surpassing Henry Ellard for third all-time on the Rams’ career receptions list. He’ll undoubtedly be able to get there if he stays healthy — and remains on the Rams.

McVay gave a rousing vote of confidence for the latter.

“I think a lot of the things that were out there was speculation,” McVay said. “We’re an inside-out organization. I’m really glad to have Cooper Kupp back with us, and that’s what I expect to stay that way.”

Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.

What promises to be another eventful week in college football is at hand. Conference play is in full swing as we prepare to bring down the curtain on the month of October, so the potential is high for unexpected results that shake up the standings.

We’ve already had quite a few of those, giving us some Top 25 matchups that might not have looked as attractive on the preseason calendar but are suddenly quite important.

In all, five contests between ranked teams highlight our list of seven must-see games for the week. As always, keep that remote within reach and enjoy the show.

No. 7 LSU at No. 14 Texas A&M

Time/TV: Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET, ABC.

Why watch: The winner of this prime-time contest in College Station will hold the outright lead in the SEC. That seemed more than a little unlikely after Week 1 when both teams were upended in non-conference play, but they now enter on respective six-game winning streaks and are the last two squads without a league loss. QB Conner Weigman has led the Aggies’ last two victories since returning from a shoulder injury, though he struggled to put away Mississippi State on the road a week ago. But the key to A&M’s success might be RB Le’Veon Moss, who will do his best to avoid hard-hitting LSU LB Whit Weeks. Tigers QB Garrett Nussmeier spreads the ball well among a variety of targets, but WR Kyren Lacy and TE Mason Taylor keep the chains moving most often. LSU has only surrendered two sacks all year, a total Aggies DE Nic Scourton will try to augment.

Why it could disappoint: A blowout in either direction seems unlikely as both teams have had difficulty closing, even during their current successful runs. LSU had an easier time with Arkansas than the Aggies did several weeks ago, but transitive results aren’t usually good predictors in this sport.

No. 17 Missouri at No. 15 Alabama

Time/TV: Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC.

Why watch: The stakes don’t get much higher for these former top-10 clubs with fading championship hopes. Things are a little tense in Tuscaloosa, where the Crimson Tide’s playoff goals are hanging by a thread. The Tigers, who pulled their own lofty expectations out of the fire last week, look to take advantage of Alabama’s apparent loss of invincibility. Tide QB Jalen Milroe has had accuracy issues in his last few outings. His leaky protection hasn’t helped, and Mizzou DL Chris McClellan will lead the effort to continue that trend. Tigers QB Brady Cook endeared himself to fans forever with last week’s return from injury to direct the game-winning drive against Auburn. His availability this week is very much in doubt, however, and the offense hasn’t been as explosive as hoped even with Cook at the controls this season. Backup Drew Pyne has plenty of game experience from time at Notre Dame and Arizona State, and the Alabama secondary has also underperformed. The absence of Tide DB Keon Sabb with a foot injury is another setback, which could mean even more coverage responsibilities for Malachi Moore.

Why it could disappoint: There will be no shortage of intensity, but it’s certainly fair to wonder if the level of execution will enhance the experience. Mistakes often mean momentum swings though, and we’ll likely see a lot of those.

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No. 6 Texas at No. 25 Vanderbilt

Time/TV: Saturday, 4:15 p.m. ET, SECN.

Why watch: Yes, that’s Vanderbilt with a number before its name. The Commodores have managed to keep winning since their historic takedown of Alabama and have another chance to shake up the sport’s big picture. The Longhorns, however, will be a bit salty as they arrive in Nashville after Georgia knocked them from their perch atop the rankings. Neither starting QB Quinn Ewers nor touted backup Arch Manning were able to do much for Texas against the Georgia pass rush last week. Ewers and WR Isaiah Bond will look to jump start things more quickly this time, though Vandy LB Nick Rinaldi is an effective blitzer. QB Diego Pavia is the offensive catalyst for the Commodores with 11 TD passes, three more scores on the ground and just one INT on the season. He should become well acquainted with ubiquitous Longhorns LB Anthony Hill Jr.

Why it could disappoint: Vandy’s success with a ball-control approach this season has kept it in most games. A fast start from the Longhorns could cause matters to snowball, but these Commodores have been anything but pushovers.

No. 11 Notre Dame vs. No. 24 Navy

Time/TV: Saturday, noon ET, ABC.

Why watch: The Fighting Irish and Midshipmen have squared off annually for decades. This encounter in East Rutherford, New Jersey, however, is among the most important in the recent history of the series as both teams are ranked for just the second time since 1978 and each could enhance their case for playoff inclusion with a win. Navy still runs an option-based attack, but that in no way implies it does not have explosive potential. QB Blake Horvath has already accounted for 20 TDs, 10 each by land and air. His playmakers include SB Eli Heidenreich and FB Alex Tecza. The Fighting Irish have the personnel to limit the big gainers, but LBs Drayk Bowen and Jack Kiser must make their reads quickly. Seeing Notre Dame QB Riley Leonard in practice on a daily basis could help their preparation, as he, too, is a threat to keep the ball. His passing can be erratic, however, and Navy DBs Dashaun Peele and Rayuan Lane could make him pay for mistakes.

Why it could disappoint: Navy has yet to encounter a team of this caliber, and it’s possible Notre Dame’s physical advantage at the line of scrimmage will manifest itself from the outset. But the Midshipmen look forward to this challenge every year and will be as prepared and emotionally invested as possible.

No. 21 Illinois at No. 1 Oregon

Time/TV: Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS.

Why watch: The Ducks’ first defense of their top ranking will be on their home field as they host the Fighting Illini, who are still very much in the Big Ten hunt themselves despite a setback at Penn State a few weeks ago. Oregon QB Dillon Gabriel took a few games to find his rhythm but now has the offense humming, making excellent use of WRs Tez Johnson and Evan Stewart. But the Illinois defensive front, featuring LBs Gabe Jacas and Seth Coleman, can be disruptive. Illini QB Luke Altmyer isn’t quite as prolific, but he has only been picked off once this season and has a big-play threat of his own in WR Pat Bryant. Expect to find LB Bryce Boettcher, Oregon’s defensive centerpiece, around the ball often.

Why it could disappoint: The Ducks seem to have found that extra gear that was missing from their earliest outings of the campaign. If they again get it kicked in immediately, the Illini could be overwhelmed with their lack of explosiveness on offense.

No. 19 Boise State at UNLV

Time/TV: Friday, 10:30 p.m. ET, CBSSN.

Why watch: The weekend gets off to a late early start as it were with this important Mountain West showdown that could be worth losing a little sleep over. The Broncos would have a convincing argument for playoff inclusion should they run the table in the league, but the Rebels, also still unscathed in MWC play, could have something to say about that. The headliner is Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty, who is averaging 208 rushing yards a game and has 18 total TDs on the season. His QB Maddux Madsen has other weapons at his disposal like WR Cam Camper and TE Matt Lauter, all of whom will keep UNLV LB Jackson Woodard and DB Jalen Catalon busy. The Rebels’ offense hasn’t missed a beat since Hajj-Malik Williams took over at QB in the wake of Matt Sluka’s well-publicized departure. Having All-American-caliber WR Ricky White III certainly helps, and Broncos DB Ty Benefield will lead the effort to keep him contained.

Why it could disappoint: It shouldn’t. It might actually be among the weekend’s most entertaining contests. Some big plays early by the Broncos could neutralize UNLV’s home crowd, but the Rebels should have the firepower to keep up if the game becomes a track meet.

No. 22 SMU at Duke

Time/TV: Saturday, 8 p.m. ET, ACCN.

Why watch: If you predicted prior to the season that this game and not Miami-Florida State would be the week’s most important showdown on the ACC slate, congratulations on that time machine patent. This matchup features the most successful to date of the conference’s three new members taking on a school better known for its prowess on the hardwood continuing to make inroads on the gridiron despite a coaching change. The hire of Manny Diaz has paid dividends for the Duke defense, with LBs Alex Howard and Tre Freeman leading a unit surrendering just 17.3 points a game. They’ll get a challenge from QB Kevin Jennings and the Mustangs, who have produced 34 points or more against their first three ACC opponents and hung 66 on Iron Skillet rival TCU for good measure. The Blue Devils haven’t been quite as successful on the other side of the ball, but QB Maalik Murphy has made plays when needed. SMU DL Isaiah Smith will look to make his job difficult.

Why it could disappoint: Even with Duke’s relative success in football of late, its home advantage hasn’t quite reached the level of what the Cameron Crazies bring to the basketball side of things. Given the Blue Devils’ offensive limitations, a few quick scores by the Mustangs could prove insurmountable.