The headliner, of course, is the Super Bowl rematch between the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers. But the Minnesota Vikings will join the Chiefs in putting their perfect record on the line against a high-powered (and familiar) foe in the Detroit Lions.

Additionally, the Houston Texans and Green Bay Packers will also pit two of the game’s best young quarterbacks in C.J. Stroud and Jordan Love against one another. And the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers will wrap things up Sunday night with a prime-time matchup featuring the respective team debuts of Davante Adams and Russell Wilson.

With no shortage of major storylines brewing, here are USA TODAY Sports’ bold predictions for Week 7:

John Mara will have a tough time sleeping on Sunday night

Saquon Barkley will make his much-anticipated return to MetLife Stadium this weekend, which brings to mind the musings of New York Giants co-owner John Mara during the offseason. Mara didn’t want to see the star running back leave after six seasons – but especially hated the idea of Barkley landing as a free agent with the dreaded NFC East-rival Philadelphia Eagles. As Mara put it, he’d ‘have a tough time sleeping’ if Barkley wound up in Philly. Well, what happened happened and Barkley bolted with a three-year, $37.75 million deal. Now he comes back to the Meadowlands ranked fourth in the NFL in rushing (482 yards, 5.3 per carry) and fifth for yards from scrimmage (574). The Giants, by the way, rank 24th in rushing yards. Barkley insisted this week that he has no hate for the G-Men, but intended or not, the revenge will be sweet. So what if they shower him with constant boos? Barkley is poised to have a big day in leading the Eagles to victory in such familiar surroundings. I’ll predict a 100-yard rushing game and buck-fifty in total yards with two touchdowns. It will be enough to make Mara toss and turn all night long.

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— Jarrett Bell

Saquon Barkley got paid and now will make the Giants pay

That might not be the case Sunday in The Big Apple. In a city buzzing about the Jets, Mets, Yankees and Liberty, the lowly Giants are sure to command some attention this weekend when they face Saquon Barkley and his Philadelphia Eagles for the first time since the running back was allowed to leave last March during free agency – quite reluctantly so as it pertained to owner John Mara. Now a member of Big Blue’s fiercest rival after taking a three-year, $37.75 million deal in Philly, Barkley has been one of the league’s most productive backs – averaging a TD and nearly 115 yards from scrimmage per game. Now he gets to take aim at the team that drafted him second overall in 2018 but opted to replace him with the likes of Devin Singletary while reallocating money into the offensive line. (And after all that, the Giants rank 24th in rushing, while the Eagles average more than 40 yards per game more than they do.)

Barkley, who provided the Giants’ offensive identity for basically his entire tenure and often without much adequate help, surely had something to prove already. Now, he stands to face a defense that may be without injured studs Dexter Lawrence, Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux, who’s on IR. Don’t be surprised if Barkley has one of those memorable – perhaps career – days to the tune of something in the neighborhood of 200 total yards and three TDs.

− Nate Davis

Davante Adams will have 13 catches, 125+ yards, 1 TD in Jets debut

Davante Adams hasn’t caught a pass from Aaron Rodgers during the regular season since Jan. 9, 2022. Their time apart won’t hinder their rapport on the field. Adams and Rodgers will pick up right where they left off. I predict Adams will have 13 receptions on Sunday, which will match the second most he’s had in a single game in his career. Adams’ 13 catches will lead to over 125 receiving yards, and he’ll also have a touchdown for good measure.

The Rodgers-Adams connection will lead New York to a much-needed win, snapping a three-game losing streak. Rodgers and Adams wanted to reunite as teammates. They are going to show why they are such a formidable duo in prime time Sunday night.

– Tyler Dragon

Niners get massive Super Bowl revenge

A quick glance at the USA TODAY NFL staff’s Week 7 picks indicates that I’m the lone individual brave enough to pick the San Francisco 49ers to defeat the Kansas City Chiefs in America’s “Game of the Week” on FOX. I predicted that the Niners would win by a score of 23-21, essentially saying they will cover the spread. Going against Andy Reid’s team when it’s coming off a bye is pretty bold to begin with. But saying that the Niners, without Christian McCaffrey, are going to “blow out” the Chiefs is certifiably bold. San Francisco hands the Chiefs their first loss of the season and exacts a smidge of revenge from February’s Super Bowl loss with a final margin of at least 10 points.

— Chris Bumbaca

Lions hold Justin Jefferson to under 100 yards receiving

Maybe this doesn’t seem so bold on its face. But in eight contests against Detroit, Jefferson has averaged more receiving yards per game (134.1) than he has against any other opponent. The Lions, meanwhile, are without their best asset for throwing Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold off his game after Aidan Hutchinson suffered a broken tibia and fibula. But here’s a vote of confidence for defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, who knows he can’t let Jefferson off easy. That could mean attempting to replicate the New York Jets’ physical approach last week, in which they were flagged five times in the secondary but limited Jefferson to six catches on 14 targets for 92 yards. And with aggressive newcomers at cornerback in Carlton Davis III and rookie Terrion Arnold, the Lions shouldn’t shrink from the challenge.

— Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz

The New York Liberty are one win away from their first WNBA championship.

The Liberty have Sabrina Ionescu’s late-game heroics to thank for that. It appeared that Game 3 of the WNBA Finals was headed to overtime before Ionescu hit a deep, logo 3 with 1 second remaining to give the Liberty an 80-77 victory over the Minnesota Lynx to take a 2-1 lead in the championship series.

‘I’ve practiced that shot a thousand times in my head, on the court, and I feel like that’s just something that as athletes, you put yourself in that position to want to be able to make a shot,’ Ionescu said.

Big leads and bigger comebacks have been the story of the 2024 WNBA Finals so far. The Lynx overcame an 18-point deficit in Game 1 to steal a win from the Liberty. New York was able to hold off surging Minnesota in Game 2, after leading by as many as 17 points, but the roles were reversed in Game 3. The Lynx got off to a fast start and built a 15-point lead before the Liberty came back and ended the game in dramatic fashion.

Here’s everything you need to know about Game 4 of the WNBA Finals:

WNBA FINALS, GAME 1 RECAP: Lynx pull off 18-point comeback, down Liberty in OT

GAME 2: New York Liberty stars put on a show for college coaches

GAME 3: Winners, losers as Liberty move to brink of first title

When is Game 4 of the WNBA Finals?

Game 4 of the WNBA championship series between the Liberty and Lynx will begin at 8 p.m. ET Friday at the Target Center in Minneapolis.

How to watch Game 4 of the WNBA Finals

Game 4 will be broadcast on ESPN with Ryan Ruocco (play-by-play), Rebecca Lobo (analyst) and Holly Rowe (sideline reporter) on the call. The matchup can also be streamed on ESPN+ or the ESPN app, in addition to Fubo.

X-factors for WNBA Finals Game 4

Liberty’s Jonquel Jones

The Liberty need a monster game from forward Jonquel Jones to close out the series. Jones hit a key 3-pointer with 1:31 remaining in Game 3 to bring the Liberty within one point of the Lynx and Jones’ layup on the next possession gave the Liberty the lead, but the star of the show has been her defense. She finished with 13 points, five rebounds, four assists, two blocks and one steal Wednesday. If Jones can use her size to crash the boards and create extra possessions for the Liberty, New York will be on the verge of hoisting its first championship trophy.

Lynx’s Courtney Williams, Alanna Smith

Lynx guard Courtney Williams had a rough night in Game 3 on Wednesday, scoring 12 points while shooting 4-of-14 from the field and 1-of-4 from beyond the arc. (She added five rebounds and eight assists.) Williams is a great facilitator, but the Lynx will need her to be aggressive and look for her shot to avoid elimination. The Lynx will also need Alanna Smith’s defense. Smith was limited to 20 minutes in Game 3 after appearing to injure her back in the first half, in addition to foul trouble, but the Lynx are significantly better with her on the floor. Minnesota outscored the Liberty by 20 points while Smith was in the game.

Game 4 odds, moneyline, over/under

Spread: Liberty -2.5 (-115); Lynx +2.5 (-105)
Moneyline: Liberty -150; Lynx +125
Over/under: 158.5

How many titles does the New York Liberty have?

The Liberty are on the brink of their first championship. New York got close last year — the Liberty made it all the way to the 2023 WNBA Finals before losing to the Las Vegas Aces in four games. The Liberty have made WNBA Finals appearances five prior seasons (1997, 1999, 2000, 2002 and 2023), but have come up empty-handed each time. Will 2024 be different?

How many titles does the Minnesota Lynx have?

The Lynx have four titles. In a span of seven years, the Lynx won four WNBA championships (2011, 2013, 2015, 2017) and made six Finals appearances, led by the group of Seimone Augustus, Lindsay Whalen, Maya Moore, Rebekkah Brunson and Sylvia Fowles. The 2024 WNBA Finals marks the Lynx’s first championship appearance since their 2017 title.

2024 WNBA Finals schedule

Game 1: Lynx 95, Liberty 93
Game 2: Liberty 80, Lynx 66
Game 3: Liberty 80, Lynx 77
Game 4, Friday, Oct. 18: Liberty at Lynx; 8 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Game 5*, Sunday, Oct. 20: Lynx at Liberty; 8 p.m. ET (ESPN)

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CLEVELAND – Game 3 had turned into a heavyweight fight, one staggering swing after another – starting with devastating, late homers by Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton.  

“They got the final punch,’ Clarke Schmidt said of the Cleveland Guardians, in a quiet Yankees clubhouse Thursday night at Progressive Field.

Schmidt and his teammates were still absorbing how the Guardians – down to their last strike – became reanimated in this AL Championship Series, with a stunning 7-5 win in 10 innings.

David Fry’s two-run homer off Clay Holmes ended it, and started the Yankees toward a new task; forget how close you were to taking a 3-0 lead in this best-of-seven series and win Game 4.

Before the latest October home run heroics from Fry, pinch-hitter Jhonkensy Noel launched a two-out, game-tying homer in the ninth that sounded like a cannon shot downtown.

Follow every MLB game: Latest MLB scores, stats, schedules and standings.

“It’s never an ideal time, especially now,’’ Stanton said of having one like this get away, forcing everyone in road gray to quickly move on. “But there’s no choice.’’

And this is where Yankees manager Aaron Boone feels his club has another advantage.

“We’ve had some tough losses that we’ve bounced back from,’’ said Boone, which is “what that room has been great at all year.

“We won the East, best (AL) record and all that, but… we’ve been (through) some tough stretches,’’ said Boone. “And these guys come in ready to roll every day and are able to flush it pretty easy.’’

Yankees task of bouncing back vs Guardians in Game 4

Still, you wonder a bit about the physical shape of this club entering Friday’s Game 4 (8:08 p.m. first pitch).

That charmed, postseason life of Holmes and Weaver took a hit in Game 3, and they’re the only Yankees relievers who’ve worked in all seven postseason games.

Reliever Ian Hamilton exited with a left calf issue and is heading for an MRI, and veteran first baseman Anthony Rizzo – subbed in late for defense – cost them two baserunners as he plays with fractured fingers that are still healing.

Before Carlos Rodon gets the ball in Game 5 here, the Yankees will send out Luis Gil for his first playoff start in Game 4, on 19 days of rest (but he’s thrown a simulated game, putting him on proper schedule).

But you also wonder about the psyche of Cleveland’s world-class closer.

Back-to-back, Judge and Stanton delivered devastating eighth-inning shots against Emmanuel Clase, armed with a cutter that was nearly unhittable all during the regular season.

Clase has been more human this October, and Judge followed a two-out, eighth-inning four-pitch walk to Juan Soto with a bullet that barely cleared the right field wall.

As the Yankees were still celebrating that two-strike, 99-mph cutter that Judge lashed 356 feet for a game-tying homer, Stanton walloped the go-ahead shot.

“We’re going to see him again,’’ warned Stanton, who fouled off two cutters before getting a slider he could drive – over 400 feet to center.

“Kind of a classic game,’’ said Rizzo, though Judge wasn’t going there.

‘A loss is a loss,” said the Yankees’ captain. ‘Can’t dwell on it, can’t hang our head… refocus and get ready for the next game.”

A battle of bullpens in ALCS Game 3

Weaver had recorded the last out of all five postseason Yankees wins, and he was set up for a sixth.

That’s when Lane Thomas went from down 0-2 to a full count and lashed a two-out double off the center-field wall, giving Cleveland life in the ninth.

Boone had Holmes warmed and ready, but he felt Weaver – who got the final out in the eighth – hadn’t shown any signs of distress.

“Felt like he was the guy to get it there,’’ said Boone.

“I feel good,’’ Weaver insisted, lamenting the Thomas at-bat most. “At times you’ve got to slow the game down (and) didn’t have the execution in that moment when I needed to.

“But I feel like I’m in a good spot.’’

The pitch to Noel wasn’t in a good spot, a changeup that slipped a bit.

“I just threw the worst pitch of the outing,” said Weaver. ‘And he got it.’

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The New Orleans Saints did not give Drew Brees much to celebrate on his big night.

On an evening in which the team inducted its Super Bowl MVP quarterback into its franchise Hall of Fame, the Saints lost in blowout fashion to former head coach Sean Payton and the Denver Broncos. New Orleans mustered only 10 points in the 33-10 Week 7 loss on “Thursday Night Football,” and the only touchdown came after third-string quarterback Jake Haener entered the game.

For the Broncos, the night belonged to their defense and running back Javonte Williams, who had his first multi-touchdown game in his fourth season and 44th career game.

Denver strip-sacked Saints backup quarterback Spencer Rattler twice – one of which led to a 52-yard touchdown – as Derek Carr missed a second straight game with an oblique injury.

Rattler exited in the fourth quarter after getting banged up, which allowed Haener to throw his first career NFL touchdown.

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

Here’s how it all happened in the Week 7 edition of “Thursday Night Football:’

Broncos vs. Saints highlights

Final: Broncos 33, Saints 10

Saints QB Jake Haener throws touchdown after Spencer Rattler removed

Rattler, New Orleans’ rookie quarterback, got banged up with about two minutes left in the game. To avoid risking a bigger injury, the Saints subbed in second-year quarterback Jake Haener.

Five plays later, Haener threw his first career NFL touchdown on a pass over the middle to receiver Cedrick Wilson. The third-stringer was 3-for-4 for 38 yards and the touchdown pass in his brief outing.

It’s 33-10 Broncos now with one and a half minutes left to play.

Cody Barton gets defensive touchdown for Broncos

Two quarters after his fumble recovery touchdown was overturned for an offsides penalty, Barton gets the last laugh. A Ja’Quan McMillian sack of Spencer Rattler resulted in another fumble, and this time, there were no penalties to overturn Barton’s 52-yard run to the house.

It’s 33-3 Denver with four minutes left.

Saints force fumble in fourth

With just under seven minutes remaining in the game, the Saints forced their first turnover: Willie Gay Jr. forced a fumble from rookie running back Audric Estime. New Orleans takes over possession in Broncos territory.

Denver still leads, 26-3.

Saints star Marshon Lattimore out for the game

Lattimore suffered a hamstring injury late in the third quarter. After spending some time in the Saints’ medical tent, the team has ruled him out for the remainder of the game.

End of third quarter: Broncos 26, Saints 3

There hasn’t been any scoring since Williams’ second rushing touchdown. The Broncos will continue their drive with the ball at their own 21-yard line on second-and-10 to begin the fourth quarter.

Javonte Williams scores again, Broncos extend lead

Williams has starred in the Broncos’ offense all night, and he scored his second touchdown of the night to extend Denver’s lead even further. With six minutes left in the third quarter, he plunged up the middle on a 5-yard rush for the score after a long, 32-yard rush from Bo Nix set him up.

The Broncos’ lead is up to 23 points. It’s 26-3 Denver with roughly 21 minutes to play.

Wil Lutz now 4-for-4 as Broncos extend lead

Denver’s kicker is the lead scorer in tonight’s ‘Thursday Night Football’ clash with his 13 points — 12 of which have come on field goals. Lutz’s fourth converted field goal of the night from 38 yards away gave the Broncos a 19-3 lead less than five minutes into the second half.

Jaleel McLaughlin breaks away on long run

The Broncos’ first possession of the second half has been dominated by their run game. After a couple of runs for longer than seven yards on the first two plays, McLaughlin went on a 21-yard rush nearly untouched. Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu was able to save a potential long touchdown run by wrapping his hand around the running back’s ankle, but the rush had Denver knocking on the door of the red zone.

Saints honor Drew Brees during halftime ceremony

The Saints inducted their former, Super Bowl-winning quarterback into the team’s Hall of Fame Thursday. When halftime rolled around, Brees got the crowd going by leading the stadium in a chant from midfield.

In his 15-year Saints career, Brees set 14 franchise records, including most passing yards (68,010) and touchdowns (491).

Halftime: Broncos 16, Saints 3

The Saints ran a couple of plays after Wil Lutz’s long field goal, but they ultimately ended the half with a quarterback kneel.

New Orleans will receive the ball to start the second half.

Wil Lutz 3-for-3 on field goals as Broncos extend lead

The former Saints kicker is 3-for-3 on field goals against his old team. His latest was a 52-yard kick that pushed the Broncos’ lead back up to 13 points.

It’s 16-3 Denver with 16 seconds left in the first half.

Blake Grupe gets Saints on the board

New Orleans’ drive stalled at the Denver 17-yard line immediately after Spencer Rattler’s big gain. However, Grupe nailed his first field goal attempt of the game from 35 yards out to get his team its first points.

It’s 13-3 Broncos with just under two minutes remaining in the half.

Saints QB Spencer Rattler scrambles for big gain

Rattler slipped on his dropback after a play-action fake, but he was able to escape from more Denver pressure. He tucked and ran to his left after breaking through the pocket and picked up 28 yards and a first down. It was the Saints’ longest run of the night so far.

New Orleans has the ball just outside the red zone with three minutes left in the first half.

Javonte Williams hits end zone untouched, Broncos extend lead

Just a few plays after Troy Franklin’s big gain, Williams took a handoff for an 8-yard rush into the end zone. The running back was completely untouched on the score, and he further extended the Broncos’ lead.

Halfway through the second quarter, it’s 13-0 Denver.

Broncos’ Troy Franklin picks up 30 yards

The rookie-to-rookie connection between Bo Nix and his former college teammate gets the Broncos inside the red zone once more. The pass is the longest completion for Nix on the night.

Saints’ Paulson Adebo carted off with leg injury

The Saints’ cornerback went down on the fourth play of the Broncos’ drive, a 9-yard reception by Javonte Williams. Adebo had to be carted off the field. There was an air cast on his leg.

Injury updates will come as they are available.

Javonte Williams continues solid night with 20-yard rush

Williams broke away for his longest run of the night after the Broncos took over possession following a New Orleans punt. His long rush moved Denver ahead to its own 38-yard line as it continues its second drive of the second quarter.

Williams has been one of the most productive players on either team in the game so far. He’s up to 49 yards on six carries (8.2 yards per carry) and 15 yards on two catches.

Offsides call overturns potential Broncos defensive touchdown

Spencer Rattler attempted to scramble when he again felt pressure from the Broncos’ pass-rush on the first play of the Saints’ next possession. The rush got home for a strip-sack, and Cody Barton picked up the ball for an apparent fumble recovery touchdown. However, the play was overturned for a D.J. Jones offsides penalty at the start of the play.

Wil Lutz extends Broncos’ lead

One possession after he started the scoring, Lutz knocked through another field goal — this one from 32 yards away — to give the Broncos a 6-0 lead.

End of first quarter: Broncos 3, Saints 0

After its takeaway, Denver is driving with the ball in the red zone as this game rolls on into the second quarter. The Broncos will have first-and-10 from the Saints’ 17-yard line when the second quarter starts.

Broncos’ pass-rush attack forces a turnover

Linebacker Cody Barton brought the pressure on rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler on the fourth play of the Saints’ second drive. He was able to knock the ball loose from Rattler’s hand before he started his throw, and Kwon Alexander recovered the fumble further downfield.

Denver will take over possession on its own 45-yard line.

Broncos’ Wil Lutz opens scoring on ‘Thursday Night Football’

After an eight-play Broncos drive stalled at the New Orleans 28-yard line, Lutz came out and split the uprights on a 46-yard field goal. The kick gave Denver the lead over Lutz’s old team; it’s 3-0 Broncos with five and a half minutes left in the first quarter.

RANKING NFL’S STADIUMS: Why Seattle’s Lumen Field is the league’s top venue

Saints vs. Broncos start time 

Date: Thursday, Oct. 17
Time: 8:15 p.m. ET 

The Saints-Broncos game will kick off Week 7 of the 2024 NFL season with ‘Thursday Night Football’ at 8:15 p.m. ET. 

Saints vs. Broncos TV Channel 

Live stream: Amazon Prime Video 

‘Thursday Night Football’ will exclusively stream on Amazon Prime Video. 

Watch’Thursday Night Football’with a Prime Video subscription

Broncos vs. Saints odds, moneyline, over/under 

The Broncos are favorites to defeat the Saints, according to the BetMGM NFL odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering NFL betting promos in 2024, including the ESPN BET app and Fanatics Sportsbook promo code. 

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

Spread: Broncos (-3) 
Moneyline: Broncos (-150); Saints (+125) 
Over/under: 37 

Not interested in this game? Our guide to NFL betting odds, picks, and spreads has you covered with Thursday Night Football odds and Monday Night Football odds. 

New to sports betting? USA TODAY readers can claim exclusive promos and bonus codes with the best online sportsbooks and sports betting sites. 

FEELING LUCKY? Here are the best parlay bets and odds for NFL games this week

Broncos vs. Saints predictions, picks

Here are the USA TODAY Sports staff’s predictions for the “Thursday Night Football” Week 7 matchup: 

Lorenzo Reyes: Broncos 17, Saints 13
Tyler Dragon: Saints 20, Broncos 17
Richard Morin: Broncos 33, Saints 32
Jordan Mendoza: Broncos 22, Saints 20 

NFC South standings

The Saints enter the Week 7 “TNF” showdown in third place in the NFC South. With a win tonight New Orleans would still remain in third. 

Falcons 4-2
Buccaneers 4-2
Saints 2-4
Panthers 1-5 

AFC West standings

The Broncos enter the Week 7 “TNF” showdown in third place in the AFC West.

Chiefs 5-0
Chargers 3-2
Broncos 3-3
Raiders 2-4

Broncos vs. Saints weather update

It’s going to be a clear night in New Orleans with a high of 64 degrees at kickoff and a low of 61 degrees at midnight. According to the Weather Channel, winds will max out at five mph while chances of precipitation are at 0% for the entire game. The game will be played indoors in the Caesars Superdome where the weather will have no effect.

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Who are the Thursday Night Football announcers for Amazon Prime Video?

Al Michaels (play-by-play) and Kirk Herbstreit (analyst) will be in the broadcast booth for Prime Video, with Kaylee Hartung (sideline) and Terry McAulay (rules analyst) providing additional coverage.

The Prime Video pregame, halftime and postgame shows feature Charissa Thompson as host, as well as former NFL players Ryan Fitzpatrick, Tony Gonzalez, Richard Sherman and Andrew Whitworth as analysts.

Taylor Rooks is the feature reporter for Prime Video’s ‘Thursday Night Football’ coverage. Albert Breer provides reports and analysis.

New Orleans Saints injury report

OUT

QB Derek Carr 
TE Taysom Hill 
WR Chris Olave 
WR Rashid Shaheed (IR) 
LB Pete Werner 
RB Jordan Mims 
DT Khalen Saunders 
G Cesar Ruiz 

Denver Broncos injury report

OUT

CB Pat Surtain II 
QB Zach Wilson (emergency third QB) 
CB Kris Abrams-Draine 
T Alex Palczewski
TE Greg Dulcich 
EDGE Dondrea Tillman 
DL Eyioma Uwazurike 

Saints vs. Broncos history

These interconference opponents have met twelve times in history. The Broncos lead the matchup all-time with a 9-3 record. The most recent matchup was in November 2020 where the Saints were victorious in a 31-3 romp on the road in Denver. The quarterback matchup that day was Taysom Hill for the Saints and Kendall Hinton for the Broncos. Hill started for the injured Drew Brese and Hinton was famously remembered as the practice squad receiver who was forced into action when all of Denver’s quarterbacks were put on the Covid-19 list.

What did the Saints get in the Sean Payton trade? Revisiting the Broncos-Saints deal

For the first time since Jan. 2, 2022, Sean Payton will be on the sidelines of the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. The Denver Broncos coach returns to the place where he spent 15 seasons as the head coach and the all-time winningest coach in Saints’ franchise history in ‘Thursday Night Football’ this week.

What is Al Michaels’ salary for ‘Thursday Night Football’ with Amazon Prime?

The New York Post’s Andrew Marchand initially reported that Michaels’ contract would be for three years and ‘north of $30 million,’ but that number may have gone up. About one week after that first report, in March 2022, Marchand shared that the Amazon deal would be ‘in the Joe Buck neighborhood.’ Buck signed a five-year, $75 million deal ($15 million annually) with ESPN earlier that same month.

Who are the highest paid NFL players at each position?

We have a complete list at every position:

Quarterbacks 
Running backs 
Wide receivers 
Tight ends 
Offensive tackles 
Offensive guards 
Centers 
Edge rushers 
Interior defensive linemen 
Linebackers 
Cornerbacks 
Safeties 
Kickers 
Punters 

Who is the highest-paid NFL player?

The NFL’s top 18 players in average annual salary are all quarterbacks, according to OverTheCap.com. Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott became the league’s highest-paid player on Sunday morning, agreeing to a four-year, $240 million deal. Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson is the first non-quarterback on the highest-paid list after striking a four-year, $140 million contract extension this offseason.

Complete list of the league’s highest-paid players

We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn’t influence our coverage. 

The owner of the Kansas City Chiefs said he doesn’t have any issues with his player’s political involvements after kicker Harrison Butker announced the formation of a political action committee that seeks to ‘reclaim the traditional values’ of the United States.

The Chiefs kicker announced the creation of Upright PAC on social media on Saturday ‘as a way to promote and encourage Christian voters to vote.’ In the announcement, Butker also endorsed Sen. Josh Hawley for re-election to his Senate seat in Missouri.

On Wednesday, team chairman Clark Hunt spoke with the media and was asked about Butker’s involvement.

‘One of the things I talk to the players every year about at training camp is using their platform to make a difference. ‘Obviously, we have players on both sides of the political spectrum, both sides of whatever controversial issue you want to bring up,’ he said. ‘I’m not at all concerned when our players use their platform to make a difference for what they believe in.’

The Upright PAC website has a picture of the kicker and reads ‘join Harrison Butker and countless others.’ Also shown is an image of Butker and Hawley.

All things Chiefs: Latest Kansas City Chiefs news, schedule, roster, stats, injury updates and more.

‘We’re seeing our values under attack every day. In our schools, in the media, and even from our own government,’ it reads. ‘But we have a chance to fight back and reclaim the traditional values that have made this country great.’

The two-time defending Super Bowl champions have become the center of the political stances in the NFL this year. In May, Butker gave a commencement speech at Benedictine College and spoke out against Pride Month, transgender people and the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the most notable comments he made was about the role of women in society.

‘I think it is you, the women, who have had the most diabolic lies told to you,’ Butker said. ‘Some of you may go on to lead successful careers in the world but I would venture to guess that the majority of you are most excited about your marriage and the children you will bring into this world.’

Butker’s comments caused a stir within the organization, with teammates Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce publicly disagreeing with the kickers comments, but would only judge him based on the relationship they have with him. Head coach Andy Reid said everyone on the team ‘respect each other’s opinions.’ The NFL distanced itself from Butker’s comments.

Then in September, pop icon and girlfriend of Kelce, Taylor Swift, announced her endorsement of Kamala Harris for the 2024 presidential election. After Swift’s endorsement, former President Donald Trump said he likes Brittany Mahomes, wife of the Chiefs quarterback, more than Swift. After Trump’s comments, the three-time Super Bowl MVP brushed off the remarks and said he wouldn’t endorse any presidential candidate, citing his responsibility is to inform people on how to register to vote.

New Orleans Saints cornerback Paulson Adebo had to be carted off the field early in the second quarter during the Saints’ ‘Thursday Night Football’ clash with the Denver Broncos.

Adebo collided with Broncos running back Javonte Williams while attempting to make a tackle. After the play, the fourth-year corner immediately grabbed at his right leg. New Orleans’ medical personnel applied an air cast on the field before taking Adebo back to the locker room on a cart.

There was a minutes-long delay as the medical staff tended to Adebo’s injury. Later in the game, Amazon Prime Video’s Kaylee Hartung reported that the cornerback was taken to a local hospital by an ambulance.

Paulson Adebo injury update

After the game, Saints head coach Dennis Allen told reporters that Adebo had broken his femur, the thigh bone that the National Institutes of Health (NIH) calls the ‘longest, heaviest, and strongest human bone.’

All things Saints: Latest New Orleans Saints news, schedule, roster, stats, injury updates and more.

Allen said he expects Adebo to undergo surgery to address the injury later on Thursday night.

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, a broken femur can take four to six months to heal completely. Patients may ‘be able to resume many activities before this time,’ but Adebo’s season is over.

A 2015 study published in the Journal of Athletic Training concluded that a ‘[r]eturn to the previous level of performance is possible’ after an athlete suffers a femoral fracture. It took an average of nine and a half months for the athletes in the study to return to play after suffering the injury.

Who is Paulson Adebo’s backup on Saints’ depth chart?

The Saints lost both of their starting cornerbacks to injuries on ‘Thursday Night Football’ in Week 7. After Adebo suffered his leg injury near the start of the second quarter, Marshon Lattimore also exited the game. Lattimore injured his hamstring late in the third quarter, and New Orleans quickly ruled him out of the game as well.

Rookie cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry is listed as the primary backup for Lattimore on the Saints’ depth chart, and third-year corner Alontae Taylor is listed as Adebo’s backup.

Undrafted free agent rookie Rico Payton is the only other healthy cornerback on the Saints’ roster. Payton had 10 defensive snaps and 86 special teams snaps before New Orleans’ Week 7 clash with the Broncos. He had one tackle on Thursday night.

Paulson Adebo stats

Adebo had six total tackles (three solo) against the Broncos on Thursday night before his injury.

On the season, the fourth-year cornerback had three interceptions, 46 total tackles and was leading the league with 10 passes defended through six games.

NEW YORK — The glass slipper doesn’t fit.

The story book ending will be missing a final chapter.

The New York Mets’ dream season isn’t officially over, but, oh, does it ever feel like it.

The Los Angeles Dodgers once again snuffed out the Mets, winning 10-2 on Thursday night to take a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven National League Championship Series.

The Dodgers are just one victory away from reaching the World Series, awaiting the winner of the New York Yankees-Cleveland Guardians ALCS.

Follow every MLB game: Latest MLB scores, stats, schedules and standings.

The Mets, who went 67-40 down the stretch to squeak into the playoffs, need a miracle more than ever.

“We’ve shown the whole year, this is a group that is resilient,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said. “They have that grit. They fight and they’re not going to give up. They’re going to continue to play.’’

Yet, they’ve shown no signs they’ve got a chance to still make this a compelling series.

Simply, the Dodgers are too powerful, too patient and too talented for the Mets.

If it’s not Shohei Ohtani hitting a homer to lead off the game, ending his zero-for-22 skid with the bases empty, it’s Mookie Betts going 4-for-6 with a homer and four RBI.

If it’s not the two MVPs, it’s Max Muncy getting on base 12 consecutive times, setting a postseason record.

If it’s not the offense drawing 31 walks – the most in the first four games of a series in postseason history – it’s the pitching staff putting up zeroes.

“That’s what makes them such a good team offensively,” Mendoza said. “They control the strike zone.”

Dodgers starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto struck out eight batters in just 4 ⅓ innings, left the game with a 5-2 lead, and once again the bullpen absolutely dominated.

The Dodgers are now 7-1 against the Mets since May, outscoring them 58-12. If it’s any consolation prize for the Mets, at least they didn’t get shut out for the third time this series.

The Mets were supposed to have the momentum, the mojo, and an advantage in starting pitching – remember?.

Instead, the Dodgers have battered the Mets’ rotation.

Only one Mets starter has lasted beyond five innings.

Veteran Jose Quintana was the victim this time, going just 3 ⅔ innings.

Quintana had been one of the National League’s finest pitchers the last two months. He yielded a sizzling 0.57 ERA in his last eight starts. He gave up just three runs in 47 ⅓ innings in six regular season starts and two postseason starts since Aug. 20.

Thursday night?

The Dodgers scored five runs off him, jumping out to a 5-2 lead with Betts’ two-run double in the fourth inning.

It was that kind of night for the Mets.

Really, it has become that kind of series.

“It’s a challenge,’’ Mendoza said, “that’s a good team right there. That’s a really good team.’

A team that is proving its superiority in this NLCS.

Dodgers pouring it on: 10-2 in the eighth

Tommy Edman’s two-run double against Danny Young in the eighth inning made it 9-2. Three batters later, catcher Will Smith hit an RBI single to bring Edman home and stretch the Dodgers’ lead to 10-2.

Dodgers escape bases-loaded, no-out jam

After the Dodgers took five-run lead in the top of the sixth, Evan Phillips gave up two singles and a walk to load the bases with nobody out in the bottom of the frame. With the tying run in the on-deck circle, the right-hander proceeded to strike out Jose Iglesias and get Jeff McNeil to fly out for the first two outs. Blake Treinen relieved Phillips and got pinch-hitter Jesse Winker to fly out to right, ending the Mets’ threat.

New York is 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position in Game 4.

Mookie Betts home run breaks it open: Dodgers 7, Mets 2

With the Dodgers leading 5-2 in the top of the sixth, Mookie Betts hit a two-run homer off Phil Maton to further extend the Los Angeles lead, probably putting the game out of reach for the Mets.

Betts is now 3-for-4 with 4 RBI in Game 4 and is a triple away from the cycle.

Mookie Betts two-run double makes it 5-2

In the top of the fourth, Jose Butto replaced starter Jose Quintana with runners on first and second and one out – and was promptly greeted by Mookie Betts’ two-run double into left.

Mets pull one back, Dodgers up 3-2 through three

With the bases loaded and one out, Brandon Nimmo hit what looked to be double-play ball to second base, but the hobbled Mets outfielder beat the throw to first (after review), bringing home the team’s second run against Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

With the tying run on third, Yamamoto got Starling Marte to hit a sharp ground ball into the hole at short, picked nicely by Tommy Edman, who threw to second for the force to end the frame.

Dodgers go up 3-1 in third

With two outs and runners on first and second, Dodgers shortstop Tommy Edman delivered an RBI double off Jose Quintana to give the Dodgers a 2-1 lead in the top of the third inning. Enrique Hernandez followed with an RBI single to extend LA’s advantage to 3-1.

The Dodgers loaded the bases with the chance to braek the game open, but Quintana got Will Smith to pop out and end the inning.

Mark Vientos ties it with first-inning homer

After Shohei Ohtani led off Game 4 with a homer, Mets third baseman Mark Vientos responded with a solo home run of his own in the bottom of the first.

It was the rookie’s fourth homer of the 2024 playoffs and his 12 RBI tie the franchise record for most in a single postseason.

Shohei Ohtani home run leads off Game 4

After breaking out of a slump with a homer in Game 3, Shohei Ohtani led off Game 4 with a solo home run off Mets starter Jose Quintana.

Quintana entered Thursday’s game having pitched 11 scoreless innings so far this postseason.

What time is Mets vs Dodgers game tonight?

First pitch in Game 4 is scheduled for 8:08 p.m. ET on Thursday

Location: Citi Field in Queens, New York
Date: Thursday, Oct. 17
Time: 8:08 p.m. ET

Dodgers vs Mets TV channel

TV: Fox Sports 1
Stream: Watch this game on Fubo (Regional restrictions may apply)

Dodgers lineup for NLCS Game 4

Shohei Ohtani (L) DH
Mookie Betts (R) RF
Teoscar Hernández (R) LF
Tommy Edman (S) SS
Enrique Hernández (R) 3B
Max Muncy (L) 1B
Will Smith (R) C
Andy Pages (R) CF
Chris Taylor (R) 2B

Mets lineup for NLCS Game 4

Francisco Lindor (S) SS
Mark Vientos (R) 3B
Pete Alonso (R) 1B
Brandon Nimmo (L) LF
Starling Marte (R) RF
J.D. Martinez (R) DH
Jose Iglesias (R) 2B
Harrison Bader (R) CF
Francisco Alvarez (R) C

Freddie Freeman out of Dodgers’ Game 4 lineup

‘He’s obviously ailing and he’s doing everything he can to stay on the field,’ Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said before Game 4. ‘With the back-to-back games and one tomorrow, just trying to feel kind of make a decision what puts him in the best position for the games going forward.

‘And just tonight seemed easy. Obviously he wants to be in there. But having him not make the start, run out there on and off the field, be ready for a big spot tonight, made a lot of sense.’

Dodgers notch another shutout in Game 3

NEW YORK − Hey, wasn’t the Los Angeles Dodgers’ pitching staff supposed to be a complete mess in the postseason?

Weren’t the Dodgers headed for another playoff exit because they had only three healthy starters? They had better pitchers on their injured list than on the active roster, right?

Well, who’s laughing now?

The Dodgers delivered their fourth shutout in the past five postseason games Wednesday night with a 8-0 rout over the New York Mets at Citi Field, taking a 2-1 lead in this National League Championship Series.

“I don’t think we took it personally,’ said Dodgers reliever Michael Kopech, the winning pitcher, “but you know, we kind of did.

“Pretty cool to see what we’re doing.’’

Historic, too.

The Dodgers are the eighth team in postseason history to produce four shutouts, just one shy of Cleveland’s five shutouts in 2016.

“It’s really satisfying,’’ Dodgers reliever Blake Treinen said, “but it’s no crazy formula. Our defense has been playing great behind us. The offense makes it a lot easier for us because they get the early lead.

“Really, we just don’t let it get bigger than it is. We’re not afraid to make big pitches in big spots.’

– Bob Nightengale

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The NFL menu runs quite deep during Week 7.

Want a prodigal coach contest? Sean Payton will be on the sideline in the Superdome for the first time since leaving the New Orleans Saints in 2022 when he brings his Denver Broncos in for this Thursday night’s matchup.

Want a prodigal son contest? Former New York Giants RB Saquon Barkley will play in MetLife Stadium for the first time with the archenemy Philadelphia Eagles after the G-Men failed to re-sign him during the offseason.

Want some more early morning football? The New England Patriots and Jacksonville Jaguars will play Sunday in the season’s final London game. (Don’t worry, Germany is coming soon.)

Want some compelling divisional rivalry? There are three intra-divisional games, highlighted by the Detroit Lions’ visit to the Minnesota Vikings in a game featuring clubs with a combined 9-1 record.

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

Want just … drama? The New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers will be on Sunday night, the former trying to turn their season around with newly obtained WR Davante Adams, the latter perhaps self-sabotaging theirs with a potential switch to QB Russell Wilson, who has yet to play for his 4-2 team.

Want a choice on Monday night? If you’re not into what should be pretty fun pairing of the Baltimore Ravens and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, then switch over to the Los Angeles Chargers and Arizona Cardinals

Oh, want a Super Bowl rematch? Or two? The Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers – could they eventually wind up playing on Super Sunday for the third time in six seasons? – and their awesome tight ends will meet in Silicon Valley on Sunday, both trying to burnish first-place standings.

Or just order everything on the menu. Here’s how our panel of experts read it:

(Odds provided by BetMGM)

Denver Broncos at New Orleans Saints
New England Patriots vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Seattle Seahawks at Atlanta Falcons
Tennessee Titans at Buffalo Bills
Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns
Houston Texans at Green Bay Packers
Miami Dolphins at Indianapolis Colts
Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings
Philadelphia Eagles at New York Giants
Las Vegas Raiders at Los Angeles Rams
Carolina Panthers at Washington Commanders
Kansas City Chiefs at San Francisco 49ers
New York Jets at Pittsburgh Steelers
Baltimore Ravens at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Los Angeles Chargers at Arizona Cardinals

All NFL news on and off the field. Sign up for USA TODAY’s 4th and Monday newsletter.