Colorado’s upcoming game against BYU is a critical test for coach Deion Sanders in his third season.
A loss to BYU would damage Colorado’s chances for a Big 12 title and bowl game eligibility.
Colorado’s defense, which ranks 121st nationally against the run, will face a challenge from BYU running back LJ Martin.
Kaidon Salter is now the undisputed starting quarterback after leading the team to a win against Wyoming.

The quarterback controversy at Colorado is finally over now apparently, bringing an admitted sense of “relief” to the Buffaloes after sorting through three players at that position in the first three games.

But now comes a telling test for Deion Sanders in his third season as Colorado’s coach. And it’s probably the biggest one yet for him since he lost several top players to the NFL from last year’s team, including Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter and his quarterback son Shedeur.

The Buffaloes host undeated No. 24 Brigham Young on Saturday night Sept. 27.

After starting the season with a 2-2 record, are the Buffs a soft and mistake-prone team, like they seemed to be during losses against Georgia Tech and Houston? Or are they a dynamic force to be reckoned with, led by a take-charge quarterback?

The latter is what they appeared to be in a 37-20 win last week against Wyoming. But Wyoming isn’t nearly as good as BYU.

“We gotta win these type of games,” Sanders said at a news conference Tuesday in Boulder. “We gotta be dominant in these type of games. But one thing that we want to do: We want to give our best effort. We don’t want to walk away from the game saying, ‘Dang, we could have played better’ We don’t want to do that like in Houston. We played like garbage, man.”

Why this is a critical game for Deion Sanders

If the Buffs drop another Big 12 Conference game Saturday night, they will fall to 0-2 in league play heading into a road game the next week against undefeated No. 25 TCU.

A loss would severely damage their chances to play for the Big 12 title and even become eligible for a postseason bowl game. A win does the opposite, keeping those dreams within realistic grasp.

The game is a rematch of the Alamo Bowl last December, when BYU won easily, 36-14. But both teams have made big changes since then, most notably at quarterback.

At Colorado, Liberty transfer Kaidon Salter engineered the win against Wyoming, throwing three touchdown passes and running for another.  He’s the undisputed top QB now, not Ryan Staub, who started the Houston game, or Julian Lewis, the freshman who recently turned 18.

“Yes, I do sense a relief,” Buffaloes defensive lineman Amari McNeill said Tuesday about the resolution at quarterback. “We all got that figured out and… We can do our own job and just worry about dominating.”

But what if Salter has a bad game? That’s another reason this game is a big one for Sanders. He doesn’t want to go back to rotating quarterbacks.

Will Colorado’s ‘mini-NFL program’ show its muscle?

It helps Sanders that Colorado’s quarterbacks have receiving targets who have filled in well for Hunter, the departed receiver/cornerback. The big one is 6-5 Sincere Brown, who has touchdown receptions of 71 and 68 yards. He compares himself to Pro Football Hall of Famer Randy Moss.

“A lot of people like to call me Moss Jr.,” Brown said.

Sanders said he wants Brown to “shine like a Christmas tree” and get more involved.

But Colorado misses Hunter’s playmaking on defense. The Buffs rank 121st nationally in rushing defense, having given up an average of 194.5 yards on the ground.

Now comes BYU running back LJ Martin, who ran for 93 yards and two touchdowns against Colorado in the Alamo Bowl. This year, he ranks ninth nationally with 114 rushing yards per game.

Brown, who transferred to Colorado from Campbell, said Colorado is like a “mini-NFL program” with its Pro Football Hall of Famers on staff, including Sanders, running backs coach Marshall Faulk and pass-rush coach Warren Sapp.

How that pro pedigree translates into college coaching success is still an open question, to be answered to some degree with a big physical test Saturday at 10:15 p.m. ET on ESPN.

“Every week is a proving ground,” Deion Sanders said.

Perhaps none more so this year than Saturday.

Follow reporter Brent Schrotenboer @Schrotenboer. Email: bschrotenb@usatoday.com

PHOENIX — Clayton Kershaw, his shirt off, cap on his head, beer dripping off his body and champagne stinging his eyes, stood in front of his locker in the celebratory Los Angeles Dodgers clubhouse, wanting to soak in every last moment.

Let his younger teammates wear protective goggles and T-shirts.

Not Kershaw.

Not on this day, the 14th time he has celebrated the NL West Division championship.

“I want to feel the burn,’’ Kershaw said. “I don’t want goggles. I don’t want a shirt. I hardly want pants.’’

The pants stayed on.

Nothing else did.

Kershaw, remembering 2013 when the Dodgers celebrated their division title at Chase Field in Phoenix by jumping into the pool beyond the center-field fence, didn’t have any desire for an encore. He stayed put, along with the rest of his teammates, after drawing the ire of the Arizona Diamondbacks, along with U.S. Senator John McCain, who called them “a bunch of overpaid, immature, arrogant, spoiled brats.’’

“I remember that, it was a lot of fun,’’ Kershaw said. “I think we rubbed too many people the wrong way on that one. Getting to celebrate in here, is just fine.’’

Call ‘em want you want now, but the Dodgers are NL West champions for the 12th time in the last 13 years, vying to win their third World Series title in the past six years and send Kershaw out a champion.

“This is what I’m going to miss,’’ Kershaw said. “Pitching, and all of that stuff is great, but doing this with this group of guys, all working on the same collective goal, this is what you miss. The camaraderie, the bonding, and everybody going through something hard and coming out the other side, that’s really special.

“You don’t get that anywhere else. There’s no other jobs for 37-year-olds on teams to get to do that, you know? That’s what I’m going to miss. I had a great run.’’

The Dodgers’ division title celebration was rather tame Thursday, with the exception of several younger players diving head-first on the beer-drenched plastic wrap on the floor. The party started the moment the game ended at 3:14 p.m., and for the most part ended just 38 minutes later with the plastic covering lifted up, no longer protecting their lockers.

“There’s nothing better than celebrating with your teammates at the end of the year,’’ Kershaw said. “It never gets old. That’s why we play the game. It’s been a weird year. Obviously, we got a lot more to accomplish, but we’re going to enjoy the moment and have a ton of fun.’’

This was a team that was supposed to ruin baseball with its $400 million payroll, with predictions that they could break the modern-day record with 117 victories, especially after their 8-0 start. The reality was that they had to overcome a litany of injuries, 27 blown saves, underperforming individual seasons, and wound up with only 90 victories with three remaining games.

“Nothing matters anymore,’’ said Kershaw, the three-time Cy Young winner with a date in Cooperstown awaiting. “We won. We’re in the postseason. We won our division like we’re supposed to do.

“So, it doesn’t really matter what happened to this point. We did it. And we move on.’’

The Dodgers will tell you that they’d love to win the World Series for Kershaw, knowing what he means to the organization, the legacy he leaves behind, and his relentlessness in trying to bring World Series titles to Los Angeles.

Now, it’s their turn to do something for him, while also trying to savor every moment with him.

“I’m going to take pictures with him all of the time,’’ Dodgers starter Blake Snell said. “He’s going to get annoyed at me. I’ll be asking as many questions as I can without annoying him.

“But he’s the best. It couldn’t happen to a better guy. So hopefully, we can end this the right way with a World Series and send him out that way.’’

Kershaw will make the final regular-season start of his career Sunday against the Seattle Mariners, and then it’s off to the bullpen. He’ll be on the postseason roster, but will be used out of the pen, particularly in the first two rounds where only three starters are needed.

Kershaw doesn’t mind, and told the Dodgers whatever role he’s needed in, he’ll be there.

But for now, well, that’s one clubhouse party down. And a few more to go, with perhaps one last parade to cap it all off.

“It’s great, Clayton has earned it,’’ Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “He’s celebrated many times over. He’s the face of the franchise. He really is. Shohei (Ohtani) is going to get his time, but you look at what Clayton’s done for 18 years, how he goes about things, how he’s so unselfish, it just kind of raises the level of expectation for all of us, including myself.

“And what better way to finish his career than winning another championship.’’

So, did Kershaw address the team in his final division title celebration, or at least raise a glass of champagne in a toast?

“No,’’ Roberts said. “We’ll save that one for after the World Series.’’

Follow Bob Nightengale on X: @Bnightengale.

Five-time Pro Bowler’s recent fumbles happening at a rate that’s never before occurred in his 10-year career.
Henry has been openly transparent and accountable in the aftermath of his turnovers.
The Ravens face the Chiefs in a battle of 1-2 teams Sunday, and Henry usually plays well against K.C.

It was striking to see such an intimidating man, one who’s terrorized brutes the likes of NFL defenders for the better part of a decade, so disconsolate.

But that would describe 6-2, 252-pound Baltimore Ravens superstar running back Derrick Henry on Monday night, his third fumble in three games contributing to his team’s second loss. Both of his lost fumbles have corresponded to the defeats of a 1-2 team awash in Super Bowl expectations in 2025.

Wearing a gray sweatshirt at the team’s training facility Wednesday, Henry, his hood framing his face, didn’t seem to be shouldering the entire weight of the world two days later. Yet he remained heavily burdened by his untimely mistakes – his fumbles in those losses to the Buffalo Bills and Detroit Lions both occurring in the fourth quarter.

“I’m still pissed off. I’m still mad at myself,” Henry told reporters. “(I)t’s a problem I have to get fixed, so I’m working on it. I’m working as hard as I can to get this issue resolved, and it’s tough right now.

“It’s just been consecutive weeks, back-to-back-to back, which is crazy. That’s why you all saw me distraught. I was just like, ‘I can’t believe this happened for a third time.’ But, I’ve just got to go back to work and push forward even though it’s hard. Nobody can fix it but yourself, so I’ve got to accept it like a man. Everything that comes with it, I accept, because it’s my responsibility to take care of the ball for this organization.” 

Henry, 31, a five-time Pro Bowler and two-time rushing king is in his 10th NFL season and second with the Ravens. He’s gone entire years without fumbling. He lost just one in 2024, when he led the AFC with 1,921 rushing yards. Prior to Monday, he’d never lost multiple fourth-quarter fumbles in the same campaign.

This almost certainly isn’t a chronic issue, yet Henry is attacking it with Biblical ferocity.

“Maybe it’s just something God wanted to put me through, and maybe he’s testing my faith right now,” he said. “I just have to keep believing and keep working. I told my family the other day, ‘Those tables turn, and this hasn’t turned my way, but when they do, I’ll be ready.’

“I feel like I’m letting my teammates down, which I don’t want to do. Everybody knows it’s not happening on purpose, but it’s a problem that I have to get fixed, and I’m going to go out there and work every day to make sure that the problem is resolved.”

The Ravens don’t have much time to wait.

Already in the midst of a short week, they’re traveling to Kansas City to face the Chiefs, who are grappling with their own disappointing 1-2 start. But K.C. is also 5-1 against Baltimore since the teams’ respective quarterbacks and multiple MVP winners, Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson, became starters.

“(I)t is a huge game. We’re 1-2. We don’t want to be 1-2, and the same thing for them,” said Henry.

“(W)e’ve got to be focused and do what we need to do to be ready for Sunday.”

Henry certainly seems to be and has been especially effective over the years against the Chiefs, against whom he’s averaged nearly 100 rushing yards and scored nine touchdowns in seven career meetings.

But he deserves credit for more than that.

Early Tuesday morning, then again Wednesday, he provided insightful, thoughtful answers to his struggles while exposing his vulnerability. He also made himself available – not once, but twice – to face the music when he could have given clipped, boilerplate responses or hidden from reporters entirely as many embattled players over the years have chosen to do.

Maybe that’s why, aside from Henry’s own concern, no one else in the Ravens’ flock seems to be sharing it.

“He is very, very accountable. When somebody cares so much about what they’re doing, and they’re so accomplished – so talented and so good, works so hard – as a coach, you just can’t worry about that,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said Wednesday.

“I’m not worried about Derrick Henry at all.”

It’s also worth noting that his fumble against Buffalo completely changed the arc of a game that Baltimore lost 41-40 after blowing a 15-point fourth-quarter lead. But his giveaway against Detroit occurred with 8:26 to go and only cost the Ravens a field goal. They had plenty of time to overcome the gaffe – even if it might be a while before Henry escapes his newfound meme status after slipping and crashing onto Baltimore’s bench after slamming his helmet in frustration following his miscue.

“(Y)ou’re going to always put the blame on yourself,” Jackson said Wednesday.

“We still could have executed and made something happen. We can’t fault him for that. Players mess up.”

And let’s not forget to credit defensive end Aidan Hutchinson for masterfully forcing the fumble, Henry never seeing the Lions star retracing his way into the play before punching the ball loose.

Moving forward? Seems like a fairly safe bet that Henry goes back to spilling defenders with his patented stiff-arm as opposed to spilling the ball yet again – particularly considering how he’s feeling.

“It’s embarrassing for me to be talking about this, because I am having this issue,” he said. “But you have to hold the ball high and tight to keep it away from the defense, keep it away from the defender so you keep the ball.

“But just know I’m working. I’m working, and it’s rough right now, but it’s going to come back around. I promise you.” 

Sounds like a man poised to come up big, literally and figuratively.

Colorado coach Deion Sanders questioned the recent firing of Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy, noting how the game of college has changed and it takes more than good coaching to win.

Gundy took his team to 18 straight bowl games but fell on harder times the past two seasons after reaching the Big 12 Conference championship game as recently as December 2023. His team this year was 1-2 before his firing was announced Tuesday, Sept. 23. His record at Oklahoma State was 170-90.

“You do that to Mike Gundy, man?” Sanders said Thursday on the Colorado Football Coaches Show. “To Mike Gundy?”

Sanders said he got to know Gundy at Big 12 coaches’ meetings and said he sat at the head of the table because of his seniority and success. Sanders called him the “Grand Poobah.” Gundy, 58, was the second-longest tenured head coach in major college football after 21 seasons in Stillwater.

“You can’t expect the man to win out like he’s been winning when the game has changed and it takes finances now to win,” Sanders said. “It just don’t take good coaching now. It takes good coaching and finances.”

Deion Sanders says Mike Gundy is a hero to him

Sanders, 58, had a special message for Gundy on the show:

“Coach, I love you,” Sanders said. “I appreciate you. I respect you. You are a hero to me, and I love everything about you.”

That includes Gundy’s hair. Gundy was known for his mullet, leading the show’s host, Mark Johnson, to mention a rumor that other coaches would grow a mullet in solidarity with Gundy after his firing. Sanders, by contrast, is hair-challenged. Sanders said in the Black community a mullet is called a “shag.”

“I wish to God that rumor was true; that mean I’d be growing hair like yours,” Sanders said.

Gundy is owed $15 million from Oklahoma State to buy out his contract.

“I would love to just pick his brain and learn from him because he’s a winner,” Sanders said.

Sanders’ team is 2-2 this year and plays BYU on Saturday night at home. Last year, Colorado beat Oklahoma State in Boulder, 52-0.

Follow reporter Brent Schrotenboer @Schrotenboer. Email: bschrotenb@usatoday.com

There’s only enough room for one bird in this nest.

The Seattle Seahawks may not be named after a real bird, but that didn’t matter in this battle against the Arizona Cardinals – who continue to play second fiddle in this division. It was far from pretty on Thursday night as the home side trailed 20-6 in the fourth quarter.

With their backs against the wall, Kyler Murray and the Arizona offense woke up and were primed to force overtime after staging a 14-point comeback.

However, it was Chad Ryland’s mistake on the kickoff that ultimately cost his team in Week 4. He kicked it short of the landing zone with 28 seconds left, which gave Seattle the ball at its own 40-yard line.

Sam Darnold engineered the game-winning drive with the help of wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, marching their team into field goal range. Jason Myers, fresh off missing a kick from 53 yards, made one from 52 yards to give the visitors a 23-20 victory.

Mike Macdonald will be happy that his group was able to escape with a win, even if it was a little too close for comfort. As always though, the wins all count the same.

Here’s how the action unfolded on Thursday night in the desert.

USA TODAY Sports provided live updates, highlights and more from the Week 4 matchup between the Cardinals and Seahawks below.

Cardinals vs. Seahawks takeaways

Mike Macdonald and his coaching staff deserve more recognition

The Seahawks are tucked away in the northwest corner of the country and can sometimes be a forgotten group in the post-Pete Carroll and “Legion of Boom” years. They don’t have the star quarterback or household names littered across the field, but Seattle has plenty of good players on this team. Klint Kubiak’s offense looks good and Macdonald’s defense has been stout. They are a sneaky team in the NFC that deserves a little more love.

The Cardinals are too inconsistent to be a threat in the NFC

This game was a tale of two halves. The Cardinals’ offense was booed off the field at halftime, while fans likely started packing bags for Kyler Murray and Marvin Harrison Jr. Both of them locked in to help stage a comeback, but they are too hot-and-cold to take seriously right now. Just think about the first three games before this one. A closer-than-expected win over the Saints, a near collapse against the Panthers and a missed opportunity to beat the 49ers. You never know which team will show up.

Confidence can be a game-changer for Marvin Harrison Jr.

Harrison’s drop in the first half that led to a Murray interception felt like rock bottom for the former Ohio State star. Things like “change of scenery” were likely being floated as others probably resorted to calling him a draft bust. Harrison hasn’t lived up to the hype to this point, but we saw flashes on the final two drives. If he can keep his confidence up, there’s a good player in there for Arizona to unlock.

Cardinals vs. Seahawks final score: Seahawks 23, Cardinals 20

Cardinals vs. Seahawks highlights

Jason Myers wins it as time expires

The botched kickoff comes back to haunt the Cardinals as the Seahawks march into field goal range. Myers gets some redemption, knocking through the 52-yard field goal for the win as time expires. Seattle moves to 3-1 and the Cardinals drop to 2-2.

Seahawks 23, Cardinals 20

Cardinals kickoff is short of the landing zone

Well, that could change things quickly. Ryland’s kickoff lands before the 20-yard line and the Seahawks get the ball at their own 40 to start this drive. It won’t take a lot to get in field goal range now.

Emari Demercado TD ties the game

The Cardinals have risen from the dead and come back to life at State Farm Stadium. Murray finds Demercado with just 28 seconds left to tie the game at 20. We’re in for a wild finish.

Cardinals 20, Seahawks 20

Jason Myers misses wide right on FG attempt

The Cardinals get the stop they needed as Myers pulled a 53-yard field goal try wide right. Murray and the offense go back to work around midfield. 

Marvin Harrison Jr. TD makes it a one-possession game

Finally, a sign of life from the Cardinals offense. Murray walks his team down the field for their first touchdown of the night and that cuts the Seattle lead to seven. Even better, the quarterback finally connected with Harrison for a touchdown after what’s been a tough night for both parties. Now, Arizona will ask for its defense to get a stop with just 5:50 to go in regulation.

Seahawks 20, Cardinals 13

Myers adds another FG for Seattle

Charbonnet had a touchdown taken off the board thanks to a holding penalty from Jaxon Smith-Njigba. As a result, the Seahawks will settle for a field goal and bring the lead back to 14. Arizona still has a chance, even if its offense hasn’t been able to do anything tonight.

Seahawks 20, Cardinals 6

End of third quarter: Seahawks up two scores

A pair of field goals is all we saw in the third quarter of this fast-paced game. We head to the fourth with the Seahawks leading by 11.

Chad Ryland cuts into Seattle lead

It’s not a touchdown, but the Cardinals have woken up the scoreboard operator by doubling their point total. Ryland knocks through a 57-yard field goal to cut the deficit to 11.

Seahawks 17, Cardinals 6

Cardinals punt again

The halftime break didn’t fix anything for the Cardinals, who continue to look brutal on offense. It’s another punt from Blake Gillikin. Seattle takes over deep in its territory with 6:26 remaining in the third quarter.

Cardinals-Seahawks score update: Jason Myers adds three

The Seahawks open the second half with a field goal from Myers to extend the lead to 14. It’s a much-needed stop for Arizona, who need to get the offense going quickly before this game gets out of reach.

Seahawks 17, Cardinals 3

Halftime: Seahawks lead at the break

The Cardinals’ offense put on an ugly showing in the first half. Murray and the offense were serenated with boos from the home crowd as the half came to an end. Murray totaled two interceptions and could’ve posted a few more in what has been a lifeless effort to this point. Seattle gets the ball to start the third quarter and will try to blow it open.

Zach Charbonnet TD extends the lead

When Seahawks strike, they strike quickly. Darnold engineers a six-play, 90-yard touchdown drive that ends with a Charbonnet one-yard rushing score. Murray and the Cardinals get the ball back with two timeouts and one minute to play in the half.

Seahawks 14, Cardinals 3

What is the Seahawks jersey patch?

Established in 1976, the Seahawks are celebrating their 50th anniversary this season and are wearing a patch below the left shoulder to commemorate the achievement.

Marvin Harrison Jr. drop leads to another Kyler Murray interception

It has been a relatively uneventful second quarter, but the Cardinals finally had something working on their most recent drive. That was until Harrison bobbled a ball in traffic and it fell into the hands of Ernest Jones IV. It goes down as Murray’s second interception of the game, but this one wasn’t close to being his fault.

DeMarcus Lawrence injury update

One of the Seahawks free agent signings in 2025, Lawrence is now doubtful to return with a thigh injury. The former Cowboy hasn’t registered a sack through the first three weeks after signing a $42 million deal with the team in March. 

Oldest players in NFL in 2025 

Just three players in the 2025 NFL player pool are 40 years old or older: Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, Jets kicker Nick Folk, and Browns quarterback Joe Flacco. 

Rodgers will turn 42 during the season, with a birthday coming the first week in December. 

Here’s the full list of the oldest players in football: 

QB Aaron Rodgers, Steelers: 41 years old (Dec. 2, 1983) 
K Matt Prater, Bills: 41 years old (Aug. 10, 1984) 
K Nick Folk, Jets: 40 years old (Nov. 5, 1984) 
QB Joe Flacco, Browns: 40 years old (Jan. 16, 1985) 
C/LS J.J. Jansen, Panthers: 39 years old (Jan. 20, 1986) 
C/LS Jon Weeks, 49ers: 39 years old (Feb. 17, 1986) 
P Thomas Morstead, 49ers: 39 years old (March 8, 1986) 
C/LS Morgan Cox, Titans: 39 years old (April 26, 1986) 
QB Josh Johnson, Commanders: 39 years old (May 15, 1986) 
DL Calais Campbell, Cardinals: 39 years old (Sept. 1, 1986) 

End of first quarter: Seahawks lead after one

Time flies when you’re having fun and, just like that, the first quarter has come to a close. The Cardinals couldn’t answer the Seahawks’ touchdown drive and will punt to open the second quarter as Seattle looks to build on its lead. 

AJ Barner scores TD for the lead

Well, the Seahawks answered quickly. Seven plays and 77 yards later, Darnold lobs a 16-yard touchdown pass to the tight end Barner, who puts the visitors out in front. Seattle didn’t face much resistance on that drive and now has a four-point lead to show for it.

Seahawks 7, Cardinals 3

Chad Ryland opens the scoring

A funky drive ultimately ends with points for Arizona. Ryland knocks it through from 32, giving the home team the early lead. The initial indication is that we are headed for a classic NFC West showdown between these teams.

Cardinals 3, Seahawks 0

Kyler Murray intercepted, but Seahawks fumble it away

Murray was intercepted by Coby Bryant on an ill-advised throw. Luckily for him, Bryant fumbled the ball and Arizona recovered. However, Bryant’s fumble was caused by his teammate after it appeared he was down. Perhaps we should flip a coin on these close plays going forward.

How old is Al Michaels?

Michaels, who is once again serving as the play-by-play voice of Amazon Prime’s ‘Thursday Night Football,’ is 80 years old. He will turn 81 in November and has worked on network sports television since 1971.

Seahawks turn it over on downs

Facing a fourth-and-short at midfield, the Seahawks opted to go for it to keep the drive alive. Sam Darnold took the shotgun snap and Zach Charbonnet was stuffed immediately. Arizona takes back over with nine minutes left in the opening quarter.

Cardinals punt on the opening drive

The Cardinals might look good in their “Rivalries” jerseys, but can their play match that? We’ll find out as we move along, but the opening drive ends with a punt from Murray and co.

What time does Cardinals vs. Seahawks start?

Kickoff time: 8:15 p.m. ET | 5:15 p.m. PT

The Seattle Seahawks travel to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona to take on the Cardinals at 8:15 p.m. ET on Thursday night.

What TV channel is Cardinals vs. Seahawks on today?

TV channel (Seattle market): Fox 13
TV channel (Phoenix market): Fox 10

The game will be broadcast on TV locally for those in the Seattle and Phoenix TV markets.

For those in the Cardinals TV market, the game will be broadcast on Fox 13.

Cardinals vs. Seahawks live stream

Live stream: Amazon Prime Video

Catch 2025 ‘Thursday Night Football’ action with Amazon Prime Video

Cardinals vs. Seahawks prediction

Thursday night matchups tend to be difficult for teams to prepare for and often result in some unattractive performances. With this being a divisional clash between the Cardinals and Seahawks, it could end up being a lackluster clash. Both teams rank inside the top five in scoring defense and have been terrific at stopping their opponents in the red zone. Both sidelines feature defensive head coaches in Mike Macdonald (Seahawks) and Jonathan Gannon (Cardinals).

Seattle has allowed the second-fewest points per game, and they get reinforcements in the form of Julian Love and Devon Witherspoon in the secondary tonight. The Seahawks will take down the Cardinals on the road in a low-scoring affair.

Prediction: Seahawks 20, Cardinals 17

Cardinals vs. Seahawks odds

Kyler Murray arrives for tonight’s game vs. Seahawks

The Cardinals quarterback has arrived at the stadium alongside guard Will Hernandez.

Cardinals vs. Seahawks injury report

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NFC West division standings

San Francisco 49ers: 3-0
Arizona Cardinals: 2-1
Seattle Seahawks: 2-1
Los Angeles Rams: 2-1

Super Bowl odds

1. Buffalo Bills (+425)
2. Baltimore Ravens (+550)
T3. Green Bay Packers (+750)
T3. Philadelphia Eagles (+750)
4. Detroit Lions (+1000)
5. Kansas City Chiefs (+1400)
6. Los Angeles Chargers (+1500)
7. San Francisco 49ers (+1600)
8. Los Angeles Rams (+2000)
T9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+2200)
T9. Washington Commanders (+2200)

Cardinals inactives vs. Seahawks

Seahawks inactives vs. Cardinals

Arizona Cardinals 2025 schedule

Seahawks 2025 schedule

Cardinals vs. Seahawks best bets, player props

Analysis of four player prop bets for ‘Thursday Night Football’ – from Jacob Camenker

Trey Benson 25+ receiving yards (-105)
Trey McBride OVER 6.5 receptions (+100)
Sam Darnold OVER 220.5 passing yards (-115)
Kyler Murray anytime TD scorer (+275)

James Conner injury update

Conner suffered a season-ending foot injury against the 49ers in Week 3.

Head coach Jonathan Gannon confirmed that the injury would require surgery and sideline the running back for the remainder of the season. It was initially called an ankle injury for Conner, but Gannon confirmed that it was the running back’s foot. – Nick Brinkerhoff

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.

2025 NFL MVP odds

1. Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills (+225)
2. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens (+300)
3. Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers (+500)
4. Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers (+1500)
5. Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders (+1600)
6. Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles (+1800)
7. Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs (+1900)
8. Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+2000)
9. Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams (+2500)
10. Jared Goff, Detroit Lions (+3500)

Marvin Harrison Jr. warms up for ‘Thursday Night Football’

Cardinals wear Nike ‘Rivalries’ uniforms on ‘Thursday Night Football’

PHOENIX — The Los Angeles Dodgers didn’t ruin baseball this season with their $400 million payroll.

They didn’t set the all-time record for victories. They didn’t win 100 games, let alone even 95.

The Dodgers, with a 90-69 record and three remaining games, will produce their lowest win total since at least 2018.

Yet, while the Dodgers were wiping the sting of the champagne out of their eyes, popping corks and swigging beers Thursday afternoon after their 8-0 rout over the Arizona Diamondbacks, there was not a single person in the alcohol-cigar smoke filled clubhouse who had the slightest care in the world.

The Dodgers are the National League West Division champions.

Once again, for the 12th time in the last 13 years.

And, yes, despite their dizzying array of pitching injuries, their bullpen woes, their underachieving performances, guess who’s going to the postseason favored to win the World Series once again?

Yep, these same Dodgers, who are trying to become the first National League team to win back-to-back World Series championships since the Cincinnati Reds’ Big Red Machine in 1975-76.

“Very rewarding,’’ Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “That’s one of our goals as we started this season, to win the division. Like I say all of the time, no year is the same. But I do feel that in totality we’re playing our best baseball of the season.

“The win-loss [record] hasn’t reflected it, but I think that’s wat’s most important, there just has been a lot of good things.’’

Oh sure, they have warts. They still have no idea who will close out games in the postseason. They will be without All-Star catcher Will Smith for likely at least the first round. The bottom of their lineup has no pop after No. 5 hitter Andy Pages. And, with the exception of DH/starter Shohei Ohtani, who hit his 54th home run on Thursday and will win his fourth MVP award, there’s not a single player in the Dodgers’ All-Star lineup who had a career year.

“This year was harder than ever to get to this point,’’ Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy said. “We went through a lot. We had a lot of injuries. We had a lot of ups and downs. Maybe guys haven’t performed how they feel like they should perform, myself included.

“It was a tough year, but we reached here in the end. I think that speaks to the resilience of this team.”

There have been times the Dodgers wondered if they were the best team in baseball or the worst team money can buy, but despite their roller-coaster ride, here they are, still standing, and will be back playing October baseball.

“Every season is not going to go how you think it’s going to go in spring training,” said All-Star first baseman Freddie Freeman, who hit two homers on Thursday. “Same as last year, when we won the World Series. We had a lot of our starting pitching hurt. This year, we dealt with a lot, a lot of injuries again. A lot of ups and downs throughout the course of the year.

“But when you got a good team, great guys, great talent, you’re able to overcome a lot of things. And now we’re starting to play really good baseball as we head into October.’’

Yep, just at the right time.

“You know, I didn’t have too many expectations on how it was going to play out,’’ Roberts said. “I guess the thing that I think is pretty telling is that all we’ve gone through, that this team stayed connected. And that’s where you get to learn a lot about players, individually and collectively.

“You know when it gets rough and gets hot, and you start to struggle with injuries, we didn’t make excuses and we kept fighting. Even when it was our darkest, I just always saw our guys stay together and compete. Now I believe the talent, with the fight, is going to show through October. …

“When you make excuses, you look for outs, that’s just a sign of weakness. That will show itself. They just don’t make excuses, whether it’s by injury or they’re not performing. It’s just figuring it out. That’s what our guys have done.’’

Just like that, the Dodgers actually might feel better about this year’s edition entering the postseason more than any they’ve had during this glorious postseason stretch.

The principal reason?

Look no further than the starting rotation, which was on full display during the three-game series against the Diamondbacks. They absolutely suffocated the D-backs’ powerful lineup this week: 18 innings, 14 hits, 1 run, 3 walks, 20 strikeouts, 0.50 ERA.

Yes, and that trio of starters with Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell and Shohei Ohtani will be on full display Tuesday when they open the postseason with a best-of-three wild card round against either the third NL wild-card winner: the New York Mets, Cincinnati Reds or Diamondbacks.

The Dodgers’ rotation has been absolutely uncanny since Aug. 1, yielding an MLB-best 2.81 ERA and leading the league with 327 strikeouts, and .194 batting average.

“This is as good as I’ve had a starting staff going into the postseason,’’ Roberts said. “By far.’’

Perhaps outside Cy Young favorite Tarik Skubal — if the Detroit Tigers reach the postseason — there might not be a more dominant starter than Yamamoto, who’s in his second major-league season after leaving Japan. He gave up just four hits in six innings on Thursday, and is now yielding a 0.79 ERA in his last five starts, with 44 strikeouts in 34.1 innings.

“For me, the thing that’s impressed me the most is there’s unwavering confidence now,’’ Roberts said. “I think last year, understandably so, you start to wonder if you’re good enough. But that changed again in the [World Series] game in New York. But this year, there’s real confidence. He knows that when he’s on the mound, he’s the best option. He’s the best pitcher, and the players know that.’’

The Dodgers, who will finish the season in Seattle, know they’ll be the ones hunted in October. They’re the ones everyone will want to take down, whether it’s the wild-card team in the first round, the Philadelphia Phillies in the second round, or whoever awaits them if they survive the NLDS.

“It’s no secret that you either love or hate the Dodgers,’’ Roberts said. “And every team we play, they’re doing everything they can to beat us, and that’s part of what we signed up for, but it takes a toll. It’s tough every day to bring your best when you know that other teams are bringing their best.

“So I think we’ve kind of gotten to a point where I think that our guys are on the attack. … I do feel like we’re all aligned and we’re all in the right mindset.

“We have an opportunity to make history, it hasn’t been easy, but that part shouldn’t be easy.’

How have Dodgers fared in previous 12 playoff appearances?

2024 — Won World Series (4-1) vs. New York Yankees
2023 — Lost NLDS (3-0) vs. Arizona Diamondbacks
2022 — Lost NLDS (3-1) vs. San Diego Padres
2021 — Lost NLCS (4-2) vs. Atlanta Braves
2020 — Won World Series (4-2) vs. Tampa Bay Rays
2019 — Lost NLDS (3-2) vs. Washington Nationals
2018 — Lost World Series (4-1) vs. Boston Red Sox
2017 — Lost World Series (4-3) vs. Houston Astros
2016 — Lost NLCS (4-2) vs. Chicago Cubs
2015 — Lost NLDS (3-2) vs. New York Mets
2014 — Lost NLDS (3-1) vs. St. Louis Cardinals
2013 — Lost NLCS (4-2) vs. St. Louis Cardinals

Follow Bob Nightengale on X: @Bnightengale.

The Detroit Tigers beat the Cleveland Guardians, 4-2, to end an eight-game losing streak.
The win ties the Tigers and Guardians atop the AL Central with three games to play, though Cleveland has the tiebreaker.
Jahmai Jones, Wenceel Pérez and Riley Greene all hit solo home runs for the Tigers.

CLEVELAND — The Detroit Tigers finally won a game.

Leadoff hitter Jahmai Jones stepped to the plate in the first inning, fell behind on back-to-back called strikes and refused to swing at the next three pitches out of the zone. His discipline earned him a full-count sinker in the strike zone.

On that pitch, Jones unloaded for a leadoff home run.

The swing from Jones — his third leadoff homer in 12 opportunities — sparked the Tigers in a 4-2 win over the Cleveland Guardians on Thursday, Sept. 25, in the finale of a three-game series at Progressive Field, snapping an eight-game losing streak.

To secure the win, the Tigers’ bullpen kept the Guardians from making a comeback throughout the final 5⅓ innings.

These five relievers were responsible for getting the Tigers to the finish line: left-hander Brant Hurter (1⅓ innings), right-hander Tommy Kahnle (1⅓ innings), left-hander Tyler Holton (one inning), right-hander Kyle Finnegan (two outs in the eighth inning) and right-hander Will Vest (one inning).

The Guardians trimmed the Tigers’ lead to 4-2 on José Ramírez’s RBI double off Finnegan with two strikes and two outs in the eighth, but Finnegan blew a 98 mph fastball past Kyle Manzardo for a strikeout to escape further damage.

Vest retired three batters in a row in the ninth.

The Tigers (86-73) and Guardians (86-73) have the same record in the American League Central race with three games remaining, but the Guardians hold the tiebreaker. The Tigers have a one-game lead over the Houston Astros for the third and final wild-card spot, with the Tigers holding the tiebreaker.

In Thursday’s win, Jones wasn’t the only Tigers player to blast a home run against left-hander Parker Messick. The Tigers also received solo homers from Wenceel Pérez in the first inning and Riley Greene in the fourth inning.

In the first, Pérez blasted a second-pitch slider at the bottom of the zone for a 2-0 lead. In the fourth, Greene ambushed a first-pitch sinker for a solo home for a 4-1 lead. Between those homers, Javier Báez delivered an RBI single for a 3-0 lead in the second inning.

It was Greene’s 36th home run in 155 games.

Looking ahead, the Tigers clash with the Boston Red Sox in the final three games of the regular season at Fenway Park, beginning Friday (7:10 p.m., Apple TV+). The Tigers could clinch a wild-card spot as early as Friday, but only if they Tigers win and the Astros lose.

Troy Melton leads the way

The Tigers named right-hander Troy Melton as their starter.

The 24-year-old — who made his MLB debut in late July — led the way for the pitching staff, allowing one run on two hits and two walks with one strikeout across 3⅔ innings.

He threw 49 pitches.

The Guardians scored their lone run off him with two outs in the second inning, when C.J. Kayfus ripped Melton’s first-pitch cutter — located in the middle of the zone — for an RBI double, cutting the Tigers’ lead to 3-1. A six-pitch walk led to the run.

Otherwise, Melton shut down the Guardians.

One of his biggest moments: He escaped a mini-jam in the third inning with runners on first and second base, inducing a pop out against Manzardo.

Melton owns a 2.76 ERA in 16 games (four starts) in his rookie campaign. He started for the first time since Aug. 13, which was the fifth game of his MLB career.

Missed opportunities

The Tigers missed two scoring opportunities with their best players at the plate, but the missed chances didn’t come back to haunt them in Thursday’s win.

In the fifth inning, the Tigers loaded the bases with one out, but Spencer Torkelson popped out on a first-pitch changeup and Greene struck out swinging on a full-count curveball in the dirt. In the sixth inning, the Tigers had runners on the corners and two outs, but Kerry Carpenter — pinch-hitting for Jones — struck out swinging on an up-and-away fastball.

Messick survived the jam in the fifth, while Festa wiggled out of trouble in the sixth.

The Tigers didn’t need the extra runs.

This time, four runs were enough.

Contact Evan Petzold at epetzold@freepress.com or follow him @EvanPetzold.

Listen to our weekly Tigers show ‘Days of Roar’ every Monday afternoon on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Bethpage Black, known for its difficulty, will be set up differently for the 2025 Ryder Cup.
Team USA, as the home team, tailored the course layout to favor its players’ strengths.
Players expect an aggressive strategy will be necessary due to the more forgiving conditions.

FARMINGDALE, NY – Not many golf courses come with warning signs. This one does. 

“WARNING,” the red-lettered notice reads as players walk to the first tee.“The Black Course Is An Extremely Difficult Course Which We Recommend Only For Highly Skilled Golfers.”

At the 2025 Ryder Cup, the Bethpage Black Course won’t live up to that brutal reputation, which has flummoxed golfers at all proficiency levels, from 30-handicaps to professionals. Brooks Koepka won the last major here, the 2019 PGA Championship, by shooting four-over par over the four days of play. Tiger Woods won the first major at Bethpage, the 2002 U.S. Open, at -3, three shots ahead of second-place finisher Phil Mickelson. 

“Bethpage is a tough course,” Europe captain Luke Donald said, “but it’s certainly not set up like a U.S. Open.” 

“The golf course was a beast,” American Bryson DeChambeau said.

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The fescue-thick rough has been stamped down to be a more forgiving and playable surface in the event of errant shots. To account for the massive grandstand behind it, the first tee is closer to the pin than normal. A public course, Bethpage’s greens are less severe, although there is more undulation in the fairways and many elevated greens. 

Based on previous Ryder Cups in the U.S., Donald said, the setup isn’t surprising at all with the speeds on each green consistent and fairway widths manageable. 

“I think you’re going to have to expect to go out there and make some birdies,” Donald said. “These are world-class players.”

And birdies are better than blow-ups. The rough is thin enough that a bad shot doesn’t doom a player on any hole. Being conservative, even if the other side hits a bad shot, doesn’t guarantee a win. 

“Because if you get lucky and have a nice lie, you can easily make birdie from out of position here,” Europe’s Viktor Hovland said. “So I think aggressiveness is probably going to be a good strategy. You still are just going to have execute and play like you’re trying to birdie almost every hole.” 

The home team decides how the course is laid out, and U.S. captain Keegan Bradley said that aspect has been a fun part of the job for him. He estimated he’s played the Black Course “50 to 100 times.” 

“This is probably the best condition I’ve ever seen it,” he said.

The Americans incorporated their analytical data to best suit the course to the 12-person team’s strengths. The U.S. hasn’t said anything explicitly, but the setup seems to try and maximize their advantage over Europe in the short-wedge game. 

Consistent rain Thursday will also make for softened conditions when the first foursomes go off Friday morning. 

“It’s going to be fun to see how this golf course presents itself for us in these types of conditions,” DeChambeau said. “It’s a little softer, but being match play, that’s going to provide a unique challenge for all of us, and hopefully I can do some fun stuff this week.”