Sanders shared an embrace with his son on the field before the game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Deion Sanders had been undecided about attending due to his Colorado football team’s schedule and him not wanting to be a distraction
Family considerations ultimately led Sanders to make the trip to support his son in person.

Colorado football coach Deion Sanders made a special trip to Las Vegas on Sunday to watch his son Shedeur make his debut as starting quarterback of the NFL’s Cleveland Browns.

And what a time it was for them. Cleveland beat the Las Vegas Raiders, 24-10. Shedeur completed 11 of 20 passes for 209 yards and one touchdown with one interception.

Sanders’s Instagram account shared a video of them embracing before the game.

‘Prime Time!’ Shedeur said as he greeted his dad in a tunnel to the field at Allegiant Stadium.

A group of friends and family also came out to show their support for Shedeur, including Shedeur’s private quarterback trainer Darrell Colbert Jr., his older brother Deion Sanders Jr. and Deion Sanders’ business manager Constance Schwartz-Morini.

After Shedeur completed a 53-yard pass early in the game, CBS cameras showed the cowboy-hatted father smiling, cheering and animated in his perch at the stadium. He later was seen enjoying the game with former NBA player Matt Barnes.

‘Being able to see my family, that was important,’ Shedeur Sanders said after the game. ‘I’m happy they was here to be able to witness it.’

His mother Pilar also attended the game, leading Shedeur to tell a CBS reporter he was thankful that both of his parents are in his life. Deion Sanders filed for divorce from Pilar in 2011, but the two have been present for Shedeur’s big moments, including the NFL draft in April at the family estate in Texas.

‘That’s what life is about − just family,’ Shedeur said afterward.

Deion Sanders, a Pro Football Hall of Famer, had been undecided as recently as Nov. 20 about whether to attend his son’s NFL starting debut in person. His team just dropped a 42-17 loss at home against Arizona State the night before to fall to 3-8 this season. His team also often practices on Sundays. But family won the day in the end, with Sanders noting Shedeur came back to Boulder to surprise him during the Browns’ recent bye weekend.

Deion Sanders said on the “Colorado Football Coaches Show” Nov. 20 he was urged to attend the game.

“You don’t want to be his distraction, but not that I would ever would be,” Sanders said on the show. “But then you think, ‘You know, he came all the way up here to see you?’ So that’s even (a) shorter trip to see him. You start thinking that as a dad, you know. Because you know what it means to him if he just catch a glimpse of him before he walks out.”

That’s what the video showed, a short moment between father and son before he took the field in Las Vegas.

Deion Sanders misses his youngest son and not just as a father. His team has struggled without him in Colorado. The Buffaloes finish the season at Kansas State on Nov. 29.

Shedeur is the first of Deion Sanders’ three sons to play in an NFL game. His eldest son Deion Jr. played college football at SMU. His middle son Shilo played for his father at Colorado and signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a free agent after not getting drafted in April. But Shilo Sanders was waived by the team before the season.

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

The Dallas Wings were awarded the first pick during the 2026 WNBA draft lottery on Sunday, Nov. 23, and will have plenty of options available to bolster their roster.

The Wings won the lottery for the second year in a row after selecting Paige Bueckers in 2025. The 2026 WNBA draft will be held on April 13.

UConn’s Azzi Fudd has been projected to go No. 1 in many mock drafts. The Wings could also choose Spain’s Awa Fam, UCLA’s Lauren Betts, TCU’s Olivia Miles or LSU’s Flau’jae Johnson.

“We want someone who wants to win,” said Wings forward Maddy Siegrist, who represented the team at the lottery.

Fudd and Bueckers were teammates at UConn, winning the national championship during the 2024–25 season.

Bueckers helped provide some level of hope for Dallas, winning the 2025 WNBA Rookie of the Year award and being named an all-star, but the Wings finished with an overall record of 10-34.

The Wings will be in their first season with coach Jose Fernandez after firing Chris Koclanes after one year.

The Minnesota Lynx will pick second in the draft, followed by the Seattle Storm.

2026 WNBA draft order

1. Dallas Wings

2. Minnesota Lynx

3. Seattle Storm

4. Washington Mystics

5. Chicago Sky

6. Toronto Tempo/Portland Fire

7. Portland Fire/Toronto Tempo

8. Golden State Valkyries

9. Washington Mystics

10. Indiana Fever

11. Washington Mystics

12. Connecticut Sun

13. Atlanta Dream

14. Seattle Storm

15. Connecticut Sun

A coin flip to determine the sixth and seventh picks will be done at a later date.

Then there are those who are still on the brink of a playoff berth. Many fantasy managers will have a shot to earn their way into the fantasy postseason over the final few weeks, but it will be critical to nail their streaming options entering Week 13.

There won’t be an NFL teams on bye in Week 13, as the league prepares for its annual Thanksgiving slate. That will give fantasy managers seeking help on the waiver wire plenty of options who can potentially help their teams down the stretch of the season.

Here’s a look at the best players fantasy managers can target on waivers ahead of Week 13.

Week 13 fantasy football waiver wire targets

RB Devin Neal, New Orleans Saints (Rostered in 3% of Yahoo leagues)

Alvin Kamara exited Sunday’s game with a knee injury. The Saints already lost backup running back Kendre Miller for the season to a torn ACL, so if Kamara has to miss time, Neal will likely emerge as the de facto workhorse in New Orleans’ offense.

Neal had just 18 yards on seven carries against the Falcons but he generated an addition 43 yards through the air on five catches. He should be a particularly good PPR option, as the rookie caught 77 passes during his four-year college career at Kansas.

TE Taysom Hill, New Orleans Saints (Rostered in 1% of Yahoo leagues)

If Neal is the safe option to get work in New Orleans, Hill is a big-time wild card. The 35-year-old gadget player led the team in carries Sunday with 10. He turned them into just 17 yards, but his usage is encouraging for those looking for a tight end with scoring upside.

Hill has always been a red-zone weapon during his career, and the 6-2, 221-pounder may be treated as a goal-line bruiser in tandem with the 5-11, 213-pound Neal. Feel free to scoop up Hill if you need scoring upside at tight end – or are just looking to have a good time as fantasy season ends.

RB Chris Rodriguez Jr., Washington Commanders (Rostered in 16% of Yahoo leagues)

Rodriguez didn’t play in Week 12, as the Commanders were on a bye, so he could be a sneaky-good add for those looking for help at running back.

Rodriguez has seemingly emerged as the leader in the Commanders’ backfield-by-committee approach. The Kentucky product has touchdown upside thanks to his 5-11, 224-pound frame and had 79 yards on a team-high 15 carries in his last outing in Week 10. Rodriguez may not always get the volume needed to be an RB2, but he profiles as a rock-solid flex with touchdown upside.

QB C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans (Rostered in 36% of Yahoo leagues)

Before getting hurt against the Broncos, Stroud had averaged 256 yards and 2.3 touchdowns over a four-game span. Davis Mills kept the seat warm for him, going 3-0 in Stroud’s absence, but the third-year quarterback should be on tap to return to action in Week 13.

Houston’s offense appears to be getting better with rookie Jayden Higgins developing into a solid No. 2 receiver and both Nico Collins and Dalton Schultz playing consistently. That should allow Stroud to become a solid streamer, especially entering two potential higher-scoring game against the Indianapolis Colts and Kansas City Chiefs.

WR Andrei Iosivas, Cincinnati Bengals (Rostered in 20% of Yahoo leagues)

Iosivas saw increased action in Week 12 with Ja’Marr Chase suspended. He was targeted a team-high seven times and led the team with 61 receiving yards on four catches in a solid showing.

While Chase will return in Week 13, the Bengals lost Tee Higgins to a concussion at the end of the team’s loss to the New England Patriots. Cincinnati is playing on Thanksgiving, so Higgins isn’t likely to return for that game. That, plus the potential return of Joe Burrow, could open the door for Iosivas to again emerge as a fantasy factor on Thanksgiving.

WR Chimere Dike, Tennessee Titans (Rostered in 14% of Yahoo leagues)

With Elic Ayomanor out, Dike tied for the team lead in targets (7) with Gunnar Helm. The rookie wide-out caught five of those targets for 44 yards and a touchdown while also adding a score on an impressive 90-yard punt return touchdown.

Dike figures to be a big part of what Tennessee does on offense down the stretch with Calvin Ridley out for the season. Feel free to scoop Dike up and hope he can become a high-upside WR3 as he develops more chemistry with Cam Ward.

TE Brenton Strange, Jacksonville Jaguars (Rostered in 13% of Yahoo leagues)

Strange returned to action for the first time since Week 5 in the Jaguars’ win over the Cardinals. He largely picked up where he left off, catching all five of his targets for a team-high 93 receiving yards.

Excluding the game in which Strange was hurt, he is now averaging 4.8 catches for 55 yards per game. He hasn’t yet found his way into the end-zone this season, but his volume is enough to make him a matchup-based starter at tight end who could be a top-10 tight end if he can earn more scoring opportunities.

TE Colston Loveland, Chicago Bears (Rostered in 43% of Yahoo leagues)

Loveland is another tight end who appears to be breaking out. He had a 118-yard, two-touchdown game against the Bengals in Week 9, but since then he has averaged 3.7 catches and 48 yards across three game while finding the end-zone in Week 12.

Loveland appears to have overtaken Cole Kmet as the No. 1 tight end in Chicago’s offense, so adding the rookie first-rounder could pay dividends down the stretch.

Tyler Herro is expected to make his season debut on Monday, Nov. 24 when the Miami Heat host the Dallas Mavericks, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.

Herro was dealing with a foot injury last season before suffering an ankle injury during an offseason workout. Herro underwent surgery on that injured ankle in September.

Herro started all 77 games he played in and served as Miami’s leading scorer for the 2024-2025 season. The All-Star guard averaged 23.9 points, 5.5 assists and 5.2 rebounds.

The Heat added Norman Powell during the offseason. He currently leads the team in scoring, averaging 24.9 points per game.

The Heat have won their last four games, including a 127-117 road victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday, Nov. 23.

Inter Miami is headed to the Eastern Conference final for the first time in franchise history after defeating FC Cincinnati, 4-0, at TQL Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 23. Lionel Messi showed why he’s one of the greatest to ever do it, tallying the winning goal and three assists on the night, breaking the all-time MLS record for goal contributions, and Miami might still have two games to play.

FC Cincinnati had advanced in the MLS Cup Playoffs after winning the best-of-three series in the first round against the rival Columbus Crew. Brenner Souza secured his team’s place in the semifinals with two impressive goals in the second half of Game 3 against Columbus, earning Cincinnati a matchup against Inter Miami.

Miami now awaits the winner of the Philadelphia Union-New York City FC playoff game.

Inter Miami vs. FC Cincinnati highlights

FINAL: Inter Miami 4, FC Cincinnati 0

Although FC Cincinnati started this game hounding the Miami goal, the flip switched about 20 minutes in, and from then on, it was all Miami.

Lionel Messi was the difference in this game, tallying the game-winning goal and three assists in this contest. He had an opportunity for a second goal as well, but left his breakaway opportunity just right of the Cincinnati goal.

Miami is headed to the Eastern Conference Finals.

GOAL: Allende (74′); Inter Miami 4, FC Cincinnati 0

You’d think Miami would be satisfied with a three-goal lead, but no. Despite their massive lead, they’ve kept their foot on the pedal, cultivating in a 1-on-1 opportunity for Allende resulting in a goal, his fifth of the MLS playoffs and Messi’s sixth assist of the playoffs.

Not only did Allende score, but his goal came just moments after Messi had a breakaway chance of his own that wound up wide right. Regardless, Miami got the goal they wanted. They lead 4-0 and appear to be headed to the Finals.

GOAL: Allende (62′); Inter Miami 3, FC Cincinnati 0

It’s all Miami now, and once again, a terrific through ball from Lionel Messi gave Allende a 1-on-1 with Celentano and Allende delivered with a shot into the bottom left corner. Miami leads 3-0.

GOAL: Silvetti (57′); Inter Miami 2, FC Cincinnati 0

The 19-year-old Silvetti is making an impact. With all the Cincinnati attention on Lionel Messi as he carried the ball up the middle lane, one quick pass to his left gave Silvetti a phenomenal look at the net, which he blasted into the bottom right corner.

The youthful Argentinia star gets the feed from the Argentinian legend to put Miami up 2-0.

HALFTIME: Inter Miami 1, FC Cincinnati 0

Deep into stoppage time in the first half, Miami had one final attack as Silvetti was offered a beautiful cross with a look at an open net. However, Cincinnati’s defense was able to disrupt Silvetti just enough to prevent him from scoring. We head into halftime with Miami leading 1-0.

Rodriguez with great look for Miami

Messi’s goal has sparked something in Miami. They’ve been the ones threatening the last few minutes. Messi himself had another great chance with a small breakaway in the 27th minute. However, Messi missed his shot wide right.

That said, Miami’s best chance to extend their lead came when Messi crossed the ball minutes earlier to Rodriguez, who hammered a shot on goal, only for it to be knocked away by Cincinnati keeper, Celentano.

This game remains 1-0, Miami leading.

Cincinnati misses another

Although Miami is leading, FC Cincinnati has not stopped their attack. They are swarming the Miami net. This most recent attempt was a miss at point blank from Echenique. Despite being just feet away from the net, Rios Novo’s presence forced a miss wide left, halting the Cincy attack in its tracks.

GOAL: Messi (19′); Inter Miami 1, FC Cincinnati 0

I’m starting to think I have some sort of power. Whatever I write here, the opposite happens moments later. After 18 minutes of stagnant offense from Miami, the pros in pink finally mount an attack that results in a score. Lionel Messi scores his ninth goal in his last seven games, thanks to a header off a cross from Silvetti.

Miami hadn’t had any scoring chances prior to this goal, but they find themselves in front, 1-0.

Cincinnati swarming

Remember when I said that there might not be many great chances after Echenique’s miss? Well, Cincinnati is proving that it was the start of some massive attacks. In less than ten minutes, several players have made strong pushes into Miami’s penalty area, particularly Denkey and Brenner.

A couple of nice saves from Miami keeper, Rios Novo, and a few turnovers have kept this game scoreless, but it’s been all Cincinnati through 17 minutes.

Cincinnati gets first great chance of the game

Just six minutes into this contest, we’re already seeing fireworks. Cincinnati’s Echenique was given a golden opportunity when a cross deep in Miami territory landed on his foot. However, his shot attempt sailed over the goal.

What had been a rather quiet start to this game suddenly got loud. With both teams playing rather conservatively, it may be a while before either club has an opportunity similar to what Echenique just missed.

How to watch Inter Miami vs. FC Cincinnati

Inter Miami will travel to TQL Stadium to take on FC Cincinnati on Sunday, November 23.

Date: Sunday, November 23
Time: 5 p.m. ET
Stream: Apple TV
Location: TQL Stadium (Cincinnati, Ohio)

The first major change to the New York Mets’ roster for the 2026 season came in an astonishing trade on Sunday, Nov. 23.

Lifelong Mets player Brandon Nimmo has been traded to the Texas Rangers in exchange for infielder Marcus Semien, according to multiple reports. ESPN’s Jeff Passan was the first to report the deal.

The 32-year-old Nimmo had a full no-trade clause that needed to be waived to make a deal happen.

The exchange charts a new direction for the Mets, who had penciled in Nimmo into left field for the foreseeable future. Nimmo had five years remaining on his eight-year, $162 million contract while Semien has three more years left on his seven-year, $175 million deal.

Nimmo is being paid $20.25 million annually while Semien is due to make $26 million in each of the next three seasons.

The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.

California fired football coach Justin Wilcox, the school announced on Sunday, Nov. 23.

The firing comes following a 31-10 loss to rival Stanford on Saturday, Nov. 22. The loss dropped Cal to 6-5 on the season. Senior offensive assistant Nick Rolovich was named the interim coach.

‘I want to thank Justin for all of his contributions to our football program, our athletic department and our university,’ Cal general manager Ron Rivera said. ‘He has always comported himself with class and professionalism. After careful consideration, we believe the time has come for new leadership. We wish Justin the best of luck in his future endeavors.’

Wilcox has been the coach for the Bears since 2017 and has posted a 48-55 record over his nine seasons leading the program. His best season came in 2019, when he led the team to an 8-5 record. The Golden Bears have been between five and seven wins every other season. Cal has not finished with a winning record since 2019.

Cal started the season 3-0 and was 5-2 entering its contest against Virginia Tech on Oct. 24. However, the Bears lost to 42-34 to the Hokies on that day, and have stumbled to a 1-3 record over the past four games.

In the loss to Stanford on Saturday, Cal was called for 13 penalties for 128 yards ― both of which are the most under Wilcox ― and lost three fumbles, including two returned for touchdowns.

‘I understand their pain,’ Wilcox said about Cal fans following the loss on Saturday. ‘I understand the frustration. We’re working as hard as we possibly can to play as good as we can and we didn’t do that tonight.’

Justin Wilcox buyout

Cal owes Wilcox $10,879,167, according to contract information obtained by USA TODAY Sports. Wilcox collected $4.8 million in 2025. His contract ran through the 2027 season.

While there is no such thing as an uneventful weekend in college football, some are less eventful than others. It is in that spirit we report that, unsurprisingly, there aren’t many changes in the US LBM Coaches Poll after the action from Week 13.

The top 11 teams remain unchanged, with Ohio State continuing to comfortably hold the No. 1 spot. The Buckeyes received all but two of 63 first-place votes heading into their annual clash with archrival Michigan, which moves up to No. 15. Indiana holds at No. 2, followed by Texas A&M, with the Aggies retaining the other two No. 1 nods.

Georgia and Oregon complete the top five. Mississippi, Texas Tech, Oklahoma, Notre Dame and Alabama hold their spots in the top 10.

In limited movement this week, Vanderbilt gains a position to No. 12 and Miami (Fla.) improves two spots to No. 13, leapfrogging No. 14 Utah. No. 16 Texas, No. 17 Virginia and No. 18 Tennessee also make two-position gains.

Among those losing ground, Georgia Tech tumbles seven places to No. 19 following a loss to Pittsburgh, which joins the poll at No. 24. Southern California falls four places to No. 20 after coming up short against Oregon.

Pittsburgh and No. 25 SMU are the new entries to the ranking, replacing Missouri and Houston.

This story was updated to change a video.