Patriots quarterback Drake Maye continued his strong season, throwing for 281 yards and a touchdown.
The Jets’ loss moves them closer to securing the top pick in the 2026 NFL draft.
The Patriots’ win temporarily places them at the top of the AFC standings.

Perhaps it wasn’t the walkover some had envisioned, but the New England Patriots had a fairly stress-free Thursday evening while dispatching the AFC East-rival New York Jets 27-14.

Uneventful as the night mostly was on the field, it could have ramifications that extend well into the season − and beyond − for both teams, several clubs beyond the bounds of Foxborough and maybe even some players … including, perhaps, some beyond the bounds of Foxborough.

So while the Patriots were the big winners on the ‘Thursday Night Football’ scoreboard, we all know there are more to find in the margins of a given game − and here they are:

WINNERS

Pats’ playoff prospects

The win pushed New England to the very top of the AFC standings − for now. The Patriots haven’t won the AFC East since 2019, nor been a No. 1 seed since the 2017 campaign. A lot of games yet to play before they begin approaching the caliber of the Brady-Belichick teams, but this season under first-year coach Mike Vrabel has provided quite a turnaround … for fans who have been brutally starved for, like, a half-decade.

Drake Maye

New England’s second-year quarterback continued to burnish his MVP credentials with a nearly flawless night, though he didn’t have to be much more than efficient against the Jets − 25-of-34 for 281 yards and a TD, his gaudy completion percentage for the 2025 season up to 71.9%.

Nick Folk

The perfect season continued for the Jets kicker, who nailed both of his extra-point tries Thursday. Folk has now made all 19 of his field-goal attempts in 2025 and all 14 PATs.

TreVeyon Henderson

The Pats rookie tailback’s emergence continued to gain steam in alternate uniforms meant to glorify fog. Henderson had a somewhat modest 93 yards from scrimmage against the Jets but found the end zone three times, giving him five touchdowns in five days. The last Patriots rookie to score three TDs in a game? Former TE Rob Gronkowski, who signed a one-day contract to retire in New England on Wednesday.

Jets of the future

Trust the process, boys. In their second game without CB Sauce Gardner and DT Quinnen Williams, both moved at the trade deadline, the NYJ moved within a half-game of the Tennessee Titans for the No. 1 pick of the 2026 draft. The Jets are scheduled to have five first-round picks and three in Round 2 over the next two drafts.

WINNER? LOSER?

Patriots’ ‘Nor’easter’ uniforms

Meh? New England’s version of Nike’s ‘Rivalries’ uniforms was interesting conceptually, the fashion tying into the regional maritime flavor and weather. But not sure they quite popped once between the lines? Not fire, but not a fail, either.

LOSERS

Jets of the present

It’s kinda remarkable they’ve won two games despite shedding their top two defensive players and with WR Garrett Wilson now on injured reserve with a knee injury. Feels like it’s going to be a long, winding road before the NYJ finally win … Super Bowl 65?

Jets offense

New York started the game with a promising, 14-play, 72-yard drive that concluded with QB Justin Fields running for a 5-yard TD. It produced points and kept Maye and Co. off the field for the game’s first eight minutes. Only problem? The NYJ went three-and-out on their three subsequent possessions before falling into a 14-point hole from which they never recovered.

Al Michaels

With the Jets entering the game as 13-point dogs, per BetMGM, Prime Video’s play-by-play man didn’t seem to have any clever ways to signal a push … as he likes to slyly do for viewers with a little side action on the outcome.

Denver Broncos and Indianapolis Colts

For now, both teams have fallen behind the Patriots in the race for the AFC’s No. 1 seed. The Colts are on their bye, so they won’t catch up this weekend. However, Denver can move into the top spot by beating the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, a victory that would move the Broncos to 9-2 and give them the tiebreaker by virtue of a better record in AFC games.

Justin Fields

It was another rough night for the Jets’ current QB1. Aside from the opening march, he mostly disappeared, throwing for 116 yards on the night and adding a late TD pass that had little bearing on the outcome. Coach Aaron Glenn has been reluctant to name Fields the starter prior to the last two games, and it’s worth wondering if veteran Tyrod Taylor will begin the next one for New York. Either way, the organization’s trade deadline fire sale is quite indicative that the Jets’ quarterback of the future might be in Austin, Texas, or Eugene, Oregon, or Tuscaloosa, Alabama, or Bloomington, Indiana, or elsewhere.

And then there were four.

The 2025 NSWL playoff field has been cut in half following a thrilling quarterfinal round that featured a shocking upset by No. 8 seed Gotham FC, which eliminated the top-seeded Kansas City Current, and storybook win by the No. 3 seed Orlando Pride. Only one game separates each team from the NWSL championship game that will be held on Saturday, Nov. 22 at 8 p.m. ET (CBS, Paramount+) at PayPal Park in San Jose, California.

The remaining four teams — the No. 2 Washington Spirit, No. 3 Portland Thorns, No. 3 Pride and No. 8 Gotham — each knows what it takes to win it all because they are the past four NWSL champions.

Here’s everything you need to know about the NWSL semifinals:

2025 NWSL playoff schedule: TV, streaming for semifinals

All times Eastern

Saturday, Nov. 15: No. 2 Washington Spirit vs. No. 3 Portland Thorns FC | Noon ET (CBS)
Sunday, Nov. 16: No. 4 Orlando Pride vs. No. 8 Gotham FC | 3 p.m. ET (ABC)

No. 2 Washington Spirit vs. No. 3 Portland Thorns FC

The regular season series is tied 1-1.

Why Washington Spirit can win

Washington goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury was named the NWSL Player of the Week following her heroics in the Spirit’s quarterfinal win over No. 7 seed Racing Louisville, which went to a penalty shootout. Kingsbury had seven saves and two PK saves to send the Spirit to the semifinals for the second consecutive season. Washington, which hosts the game, has never lost in the playoffs at home (3–0–2). The combination of the Spirit’s defense with Kingsbury and defender of the year finalist Tara McKeown, paired with its high speed offense with forward Gift Monday will be hard to contain.

They’ve been doing it without star froward Trinity Rodman, who has not played since Oct. 15 because of a Grade 1 MCL sprain in her right knee. She was questionable for the quarterfinals and listed as a reserve, but Rodman didn’t play or warmup. Spirit head coach Adrián González, a finalist for Coach of the Year, said Rodman is taking her recovery ‘day-by-day’ and ‘working so hard’ to return to the field. If she’s available for Saturday’s semifinal matchup, the Spirit will get a major boost.

Why Portland Thorns can win

The Thorns are red-hot heading into the semifinals after posting three consecutive shutouts for the first time since 2021, including the Portland’s 1-0 quarterfinal win over the No. 6 seed San Diego Wave FC. The difference was Reilyn Turner’s header in overtime following an assist from Olivia Moultrie to send the Thorns to the semifinals for the 10th time, the most of any club in NWSL history. Moultrie and Turner are a formidable duo and led the Thorns with eight and five goals this season, respectively. Sam Coffey has locked down the midfield and goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold has been impenetrable with Portland’s first playoff clean sheet since 2022.

The Thorns will also be extra motivated heading into the semifinal match against the Spirit. The last time the clubs faced each other on Aug. 3, Spirit forward Trinity Rodman scored a game-winning goal in stoppage time in her first game back from injury.

No. 4 Orlando Pride vs. No. 8 Gotham FC

The regular season series is tied 1-1.

Why the Orlando Pride can win

Everyone wrote off the defending champions following the loss of forward Barbra Banda to a season-ending injury, but the Pride showed they are more than capable following their 2-0 shutout quarterfinal win over the No. 5 seed Seattle Reign. Midfielder Haley McCutcheon scored in the 21st minute and Luana iced the game by converting a penalty kick in stoppage time for her first career NWSL goal. The penalty kick was set by Marta, who sprinted 100 yards to the opposite side of the field before being fouled in the penalty area. Marta, 39, shows no signs of slowing down and is dangerous as ever. “I like when people talk so much s— about Pride and don’t give credit because it makes me feel good. It makes me feel like I want to go and play and prove they’re completely wrong. I think we proved (it) tonight,’ Marta said last week following the win.

Why Gotham FC can win

Gotham FC is not your traditional No. 8 seed and proved it by ousting the No. 1 seed Kansas City Current, who entered the postseason as the clear favorite with the winningest regular season in NWSL history. Kansas City hadn’t dropped a match at home all season, until Gotham FC stunned them in the quarterfinals. Gotham midfielder Jaedyn Shaw, 20, got her team on the board with her first career playoff goal in the 68th minute. After the Current scored a stoppage-time equalizer, forward Katie Stengel sealed the win with a game-winning goal in extra time. (Stengel scored a game-winner in the 2023 quarterfinals to upset Portland en route to Gotham winning a championship as the lowest seed.)

The win sends Gotham to the semifinals for the third consecutive season. Forward Esther González, who finished with the second-most goals in the league (13), is listed as questionable due to a hip injury, but Gotham has no shortage of talent. Shaw has five goals on the season and is coming into her own as a budding star at the right, while veterans Rose Lavelle and Midge Purce have experience for the big moments. If you add Esther Gonzales back into the mix, it adds another lethal weapon. Gonzales (hip) didn’t play in the quarterfinal, but could return on Sunday.

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Patriots rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson scored three touchdowns against the New York Jets.
The rookie’s emergence comes as starting running back Rhamondre Stevenson is out with an injury.
Henderson joins Rob Gronkowski as the only Patriots rookies to score three touchdowns in a single game.

FOXBOROUGH, MA – The “MVP” chants at Gillette Stadium from the New England Patriots faithful were definitely aimed at quarterback Drake Maye. 

For a moment, though, Maye thought they may have been – and perhaps should have been – serenading running back TreVeyon Henderson, who scored three touchdowns as the Pats defeated the New York Jets on “Thursday Night Football,” their eighth consecutive victory that propelled them to the No. 1 seed in the AFC after the first game of Week 11. 

In the span of about 104 hours, from Sunday to Thursday, Henderson scored five touchdowns; he ripped off two long scores in a Nov. 9 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as part of a 28-23 win in which he had 147 rushing yards. 

Compared to his showing at Tampa Bay, Henderson was far less prolific against the Jets and averaged 3.3 yards per carry (19 rushes, 62 yards). His scores on Thursday were less explosive, too. His offensive line pushed him into the end zone for the Patriots’ first touchdown in the second quarter, and he scored another 7-yard touchdown later in the quarter. 

“There were a couple times when I thought I was down, and (the offensive linemen) are coming to push the pile and getting me into the endzone,” Henderson said. 

A week after outrunning everybody, he bowled over mercy-seeking Jets defenders, a sign of his versatility as a ball carrier. He’s settled into a routine of watching the upcoming opponent’s running backs for inspiration, he said. 

“I always try to work on different aspects of my game,” Henderson said. “When (I am) running the ball, when I’m blocking, running out of the backfield, whatever it is.

“It’s a journey. The NFL comes with a lot of highs and lows.” 

Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel’s favorite runs of Henderson’s came with the game’s outcome already decided past the two-minute warning. Three straight plays Maye handed to Henderson, and on the third, the back persevered for 5 yards to gain a first down and end the game. 

“They (knew) we’re going to run, and they’re blitzing and everything else,” Vrabel said. “Looked like we were going to be short, and he’s able to knife through there and keep his pads down and pick up a huge first down. He’s executed, whether that’s a checkdown or a touchdown in the back of the end zone. No home runs tonight, but I thought he grinded out pretty much what was there.”

Henderson has also established himself as an emergency valve for Maye when the quarterback is in need of a checkdown. That was especially clear in the third quarter, as Maye dropped back in the red zone with nowhere to throw. Emerging with nobody around him in the end zone, Henderson easily caught Maye’s first touchdown pass of the night. It was Henderson’s third total, as he joined Rob Gronkowski – honored by the team Thursday, the former tight end signing a one-day contract to officially retire as a Patriot on Nov. 12 even though his playing days have been over for some time – as the only rookies in franchise history with three touchdowns in a regular-season game. Former running back Sony Michel achieved the feat in a 2019 playoff contest.

Maye put his own spin on a classic saying to describe Henderson’s recent scoring bonanza.

“Don’t fix it if it ain’t broke,” Maye said. “I think it was a big time for him, stepping up, and it’s been great for him to get all these reps, to keep getting these reps. He wants to be great. He’s just showing up every day and asking questions.”

The uptick in playing time is a direct result of fellow running back Rhamondre Stevenson dealing with a foot injury that has cost him the past three games. Terrell Jennings saw time against the Atlanta Falcons but hardly played against the Jets. Once Stevenson returns, Maye said, “we can create a good one-two thing going.” 

“Looking forward to have (Stevenson) back,” Maye said, “but TreVeyon stepped up huge.” 

Vrabel preaches that taking advantage of one’s opportunities will lead to more chances for production, center Garrett Bradbury said. 

“It sucks with Rhamondre being out, but TreVeyon’s taking advantage of that opportunity,” Bradbury said. “He’s running hard. Everyone knows he can outrun you. What people are seeing is that he can run through your face, too. Thought he had an awesome night. Lot of good energy.” 

Henderson has made it clear to his offensive linemen that he is their biggest fan, Bradbury said, and he shows that by celebrating his scores with the entire team. 

“He’s an awesome young player,” Bradbury said. “He’s got a good head on his shoulders. I think faith comes first for him. Tells you everything you need to know.” 

Wide receiver Stefon Diggs, who had nine catches for 105 yards, said Henderson would be the first person to admit none of this would be possible by his lonesome. 

“He ain’t doing it alone,” Diggs said. “I think when it comes down to individual success, it breeds team success.” 

Henderson is less than a year removed from winning a national championship at Ohio State, where he formed a formidable backfield combination with Quinshon Judkins, a fellow second-round pick (they actually were selected two picks apart, Judkins 36th to the Cleveland Browns and Henderson 38th to New England). 

His first touch as a professional came on a kickoff return in the first preseason game against the Washington Commanders. Henderson took it 100 yards to the house.

Three months later, good things are still happening for New England when the ball is in the rookie’s hands.   

LAS VEGAS — Major League Baseball’s general managers gathered this week in Las Vegas, spoke to agents roaming the lobby of the Cosmopolitan, found out who’s actually available in trades, and departed to the airport vowing to keep in touch over the next 3 ½ weeks until everyone convenes again at the baseball winter meetings in Orlando.

There were no trades, no major free-agent signings, but GMs walked away armed with at least enough information to begin making calls in the next two weeks before Thanksgiving.

The GMs, much to their dismay, learned that Pittsburgh Pirates Cy Young winner Paul Skenes is not available, under any circumstance.

“Paul Skenes is going to be a Pirate in 2026,’ Pirates GM Ben Cherington said emphatically.

The Detroit Tigers will listen to offers for two-time Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal, but unless you’re willing to include your first-born, star players and best prospects, don’t bother calling, they were told.

Skubal, who was in Las Vegas, and agent Scott Boras said they are willing to listen to any contract extension ofers, but the Tigers aren’t ready to stuff a $400 million check in an envelope any time soon.

“I want to be a Tiger for a very long time,’ Skubal said.

MLB rumors and latest news

– The San Diego Padres, who announced Thursday they are up for sale, won’t trade All-Star right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. now, but go ahead and check back with their new ownership a year from now .

– The Los Angeles Dodgers, with $87 million coming off the books, will keep folks honest in the Kyle Tucker sweepstakes, but probably won’t be the high bidders – instead wanting to focus on shoring up their bullpen. They could pursue Edwin Diaz or Devin Williams, but rival executives expect them to go after former Tampa Bay Rays closer Pete Fairbanks, who has 75 saves with a 2.98 ERA the past three seasons.

– While Williams remains an option for the Dodgers, rival teams have been told that if Williams has his druthers, the St. Louis native would love to stay in the Midwest. The Cincinnati Reds have already met with Williams’ representatives.

– The Toronto Blue Jays will be linked to every marquee free agent and could be in play for everyone from shortstop Bo Bichette to right fielder Kyle Tucker to starter Tatsuya Imai to lefties Framber Valdez and Ranger Suarez.

They certainly won’t be interested in all of them, but agents won’t be shy in trying to attach interest to their clients, no matter if there’s an ounce of truth, or not.

– The Baltimore Orioles plan to spend money, just like the New York Mets, Chicago Cubs, Atlanta and Yankees.

“We’re going to have an active offseason,” said Jed Hoyer, Cubs president of baseball operations. “Take that for what it’s worth.”

– Future Hall of Famer Justin Verlander’s next destination could be a return to Houston, where he won a Cy Young award, two World Series titles, and has spring training near his home in Jupiter, Fla.

– The best position player on the trade market is Arizona Diamondbacks All-Star second baseman Ketel Marte, who has 10-and-5 rights and can reject any trade by mid-April, but the cost may be prohibitive for suitors.

– Free-agent All Star closer Edwin Diaz could be the first marquee free agent to sign, but unless someone is willing to meet his asking price of least a five-year, $100 million contract, he could linger on the market for past Thanksgiving.

– The Milwaukee Brewers reiterated they have no intention of trading ace Freddy Peralta, said Matt Arnold, Brewers president of baseball operations. They will listen, but considering Peralta is owed only $8 million in the final year of his contract, would have to be blown away.

– Teams have inquired about trying to acquire former Cy Young winner Sandy Alcantara of the Miami Marlins, but owner Bruce Sherman has told several staff members he definitely plans to have him on the roster at the start of the 2026 season.

– The Houston Astros plan to keep their infield intact and aren’t interested in trading corner infielder Isaac Paredes or first baseman Christian Walker.

“We’re not really trying to pull from the infield in the trade market, simply because we feel like all those guys are going to be part of the top of our lineup,” Astros GM Dana Brown said. “I know we have people talk about Walker. But we haven’t talked about Walker in a trade. Walker’s our everyday first baseman.”

– The Mets are expected to land at least one high-end starter.

“I don’t know how many true No. 1 starters are available right now,” said David Stearns, Mets president of baseball operations. “I don’t know how many are actually going to be traded. I don’t know how many are truly available in free agency. But you would always like to find that top of the rotation guy.’

– The St. Louis Cardinals let everyone know they’re open for business under Chaim Bloom, their new president of baseball operations.

They want to trade starter Sonny Gray and third baseman Nolan Arenado, who are owed a total of $73 million, and are open to moving All-Star Brendan Donovan and outfielder Lars Nootbaar.

– The Cincinnati Reds have listened, but don’t have any intention of trading ace Hunter Greene, who has three years and $42 million left on his contract.

“Look, I don’t want to rule out anything,” said Nick Krall, Reds president of baseball operations, “But that’s a hard one to actually say, ‘Hey, we’re going to trade the guy that has a chance to be the ace of your staff and top-of-the-rotation guy going into the postseason.’’’

– The New York Yankees badly want to re-sign Cody Bellinger, and although they can afford both players, don’t expect center fielder Trent Grisham to accept their $22.05 million qualifying offer.

“We’re very interested in bringing him back,” Yankees GM Brian Cashman said of Bellinger. “He’s going to have a lot of choices because he can do a lot of different things… We would be better served if we could retain him. If not, we’ll have to look at alternative ways to fill it.’

– The Pirates, who are one of baseball’s most profitable teams, according to baseball officials with access to their finances, are expected to add at least $30 million to their payroll for 2026.

– The Texas Rangers are lowering their payroll from $240 million, but it’s still expected to be at least $200 million for the 2026 season, Rangers GM Chris Young said.

“I just don’t feel sorry for ourselves that our payroll is going to be smaller than it was,” Young said. “I don’t think it’s going to inhibit us. …I’m a competitor. It doesn’t deter me. It means we better be better at our jobs. And that’s what I expect to do. I think the biggest thing that we need to do is play up to our expectations. This past season and the year before, we did not do that.

“If we play up to our expectations, I’m confident that the roster we build will be good enough to compete for a playoff spot.”

The idea of the Rangers reducing payroll could seduce teams to seek two-time Cy Young award winner Jacob deGrom in a trade this winter. He is owed $75 million over the next two years with a $20 million club option in 2028.

Follow Nightengale on X: @Bnightengale

Giants interim head coach Mike Kafka named Jameis Winston the starting quarterback over Russell Wilson.
Colts running back Jonathan Taylor is on a historic pace, leading the NFL in multiple rushing and scrimmage categories.
Browns defensive end Myles Garrett is on track to join a list of Hall of Famers with 14 or more sacks in five seasons.

The Kansas City Chiefs (5-4) are two games behind the 8-2 Denver Broncos entering Week 11. Sunday’s contest in Denver isn’t a must-win for Kansas City. But if the Chiefs want to win their 10th straight AFC West title, it’s a game they really need to win.

“They’re (Broncos) first in the division, and they have a couple games on us. It’s huge for the division, and that’s always our first goal is win the division,” Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes told reporters this week. “I think you understand that this game is important. That’s the biggest thing, it’s a divisional game and they’re always important, but with them (Broncos) having the lead and us needing to go out there and win to have a chance to win the division, I think guys understand that.”

In the NFC West, the Seattle Seahawks and the Los Angeles Rams battle for first place in the division. Rams QB Matthew Stafford leads the NFL with 25 touchdown passes and WR Davante Adams tops the league with nine touchdown catches. Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba leads the NFL with 1,041 receiving yards.

Sunday night features a heavyweight matchup between the Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles. The Lions and Eagles are the only two NFC teams with at least 40 regular-season wins over the past four seasons.

Heading into Week 11, USA TODAY Sports examines news, notes and some of this week’s latest rumors:

Is Russell Wilson’s time as a starting QB over?

Giants interim head coach Mike Kafka announced Jameis Winston as the team’s starting quarterback this week as Jaxson Dart is in the leagues’ concussion protocol. Winston gets the nod over Russell Wilson, who began the season as the Giants’ starter.

Kafka’s decision to start Winston ahead of Wilson is another sign that Wilson’s days as QB1 could to be over.

Wilson went 0-3 as the Giants starter this year. His 58% completion percentage, 138.5 passing yards per game and 77.4 passer rating this year are all career-lows.

Marvin Harrison Jr. out this week as Cardinals enter tough stretch

The Cardinals (3-6) have lost six of their last seven games and are entering a four-game stretch where they host the San Francisco 49ers, Jacksonville Jaguars, have a road game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and return home versus the Los Angeles Rams.

Harrison shouldn’t be out for long, but one has to wonder if Arizona’s season has dried up in the desert. The Cardinals haven’t finished a season above .500 since 2021, which is also the last time they earned a playoff berth.

There’s also the looming question about Kyler Murray’s future with the franchise. The current Cardinals regime inherited Murray, so they aren’t necessarily tied to the QB. But Murray’s contract will complicate matters for Arizona. Murray is owed $36.8 million fully guaranteed in 2026, per Over The Cap. He’ll also earn $19.5 million in guaranteed money in 2027.

Myles Garrett on pace to join exclusive list of Hall of Famers

Garrett’s been one of the lone bright spots in Cleveland this season. His 11 sacks are tied for the NFL lead. If Garrett registers 14 sacks this season, he’ll become just the fourth player since 1982, when the individual sack became an official statistic, to produce at least 14 sacks in five career seasons, per NFL Research.

He’ll join Hall of Famers Reggie White, Kevin Greene and Bruce Smith.

Don’t expect Asante Samuel Jr. to stay on Steelers’ practice squad long

Samuel was one of USA TODAY Sports’ top free agents over the offseason. He underwent a spinal fusion procedure ahead of the season and has since been fully cleared.

Don’t expect Samuel to be on the Steelers’ practice squad for long.

The cornerback spent the first four seasons of his career with the Los Angeles Chargers. He started in 47 career games, but a shoulder injury limited him to only four games last year.

Samuel should soon find his way on the field. The 26-year-old cornerback has the versatility to play on the outside or in the slot. He has good instincts and ball skills. He’s allowed a 59% completion percentage in his career. However, he struggled to tackle during his four seasons in Los Angeles.

Steelers veteran cornerback Darius Slay is currently in concussion protocol.

Does Jonathan Taylor deserve more MVP consideration?

Taylor leads the NFL in rushing yards (1,139), rushing touchdowns (15) yards from scrimmage (1,399) and scrimmage touchdowns (17) entering Week 11. He’s on pace to become the third player in NFL history with at least 2,000 scrimmage yards and 20 scrimmage touchdowns in multiple career seasons, joining Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk and Priest Holmes, per NFL Research.

Taylor is coming off his fifth three-touchdown game of the season. A running back hasn’t won league MVP since Adrian Peterson in 2012.

Bucky Irving returns to Bucs practice

Irving returned to practice this week on a limited basis. The Bucs running back hasn’t played since Sept. 28 due to foot and shoulder injuries.

“It’s good to have him back out there,” Bucs coach Todd Bowles said this week.

The Bucs have two difficult road tests against the Buffalo Bills in Week 11 and Los Angeles Rams in Week 12. While Irving’s timetable to return is unclear, Bucs fans (and fantasy owners) can’t wait to see the Oregon product return to the field.

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

They’re losing their minds in East Lansing about Michigan, which tracks just about how you’d think.

It’s not Michigan or the NCAA or former coach Mel Tucker — it’s on their very own university. 

First, the particulars: the NCAA on Wednesday placed Michigan State on probation for jaywalking, nearly three months to the day after allowing Michigan to get away with stone, cold murder. 

The Spartans were forced to vacate 14 wins from 2022-24, while the Wolverines were allowed to keep their national title. A blatant protection of the blue blood university, and an obvious takedown of little brother.

But understand this: if Michigan State truly wanted to fight for the vacated wins or the elimination of other recruiting sanctions, it would’ve come out swinging and the NCAA would’ve backed down.

Instead, it allowed those brilliant enforcement tacticians at the NCAA run roughshod for roughly $11,000 in illegal benefits. 

It is here where we reintroduce Tucker, the fired and publicly disgraced $95 million mistake whose staff committed the violations that led to the NCAA sheriff bowing up on Sparty.

This seems like a good time to remind everyone that Tucker is suing Michigan State — not once, but twice — for tens of millions of dollars.

Also seems appropriate to explain that Tucker threatened in April to sue the school if it didn’t pay for his legal defense in a lawsuit brought against him by Brenda Tracy, a prominent advocate for abuse survivors.

It was Tracy whose sexual harassment complaint against Tucker led to Michigan State firing Tucker, which led to Tucker’s first lawsuit against Michigan State for running an “improper, biased and sham investigation” designed to fire him after Tracy’s accusations — which he denies. 

There, got all that?

This has nothing to do with Michigan, everyone. It has everything to do with Michigan State doing everything in its power to make Tucker look worse than he already does in an effort to avoid paying more than it should in either of two lawsuits. Or anything at all. 

If you don’t think Michigan State invited the NCAA fox into the henhouse on purpose, with the sole intent of making Tucker look as bad as he possibly could down the road in potential litigation (or in mediation to settle out of court), you’re the same person who thinks Jim Harbaugh knew nothing about Conner Stations’ advanced scouting scheme. 

If you don’t think Michigan State was wildly ticked off in April when Tucker demanded the university pay for his legal defense for an alleged problem of his own making, and wanted to take it out on him by proxy with the NCAA, you’re the same person who thinks everybody steals signals and the NCAA had it in for Michigan. 

This is where we are after three Michigan State staffers under Tucker offered $10,764 in impermissible benefits — prior to the advent of NIL in college sports — to six prospects and their families so they could make unofficial visits. The NCAA also declared that Tucker ran his NFL style program “without sufficient oversight and engagement by the head coach.”

I’m going to say this one more time: there’s no chance in hell Harbaugh — a meticulous megalomaniac of a head coach — didn’t know about Stalions and his scheme. Do you really think Harbaugh would allow some flunky on his sideline, screaming at his coordinators to change play calls after he identifies signals, and not know every single thing about it?

So yeah, they’re grinding their gears in East Lansing. They can’t even cheat as well as Michigan. 

Or more to the point: they can’t get the same breaks Michigan gets when it cheats. Of course, Michigan will point to its $30 million fine by the NCAA, compared to Michigan State’s $30,000 fine. 

But that ridiculous Michigan fine by the NCAA was in exchange for not vacating wins. You know, the penalty the governing body typically uses for infraction cases where players are ineligible — or when schools gain an competitive advantage by cheating.

Or exactly what it did to Michigan State for jaywalking.

The worst part of this mess, of the NCAA putting itself in an awkward enforcement position at the behest of Michigan State officials trying to throw more dirt at Tucker, is one of the 14 games vacated by the Spartans was the 31-7 victory over Central Michigan in the 2023 season opener. 

The same Central Michigan that the NCAA placed on probation two weeks ago for allowing Stalions on their sideline during the season opener. The NCAA found that former Chippewas quarterbacks coach Jake Kostner gave Stalions school clothing and a sideline pass “to avoid detection.”

Stone, cold murder ― and caught red-handed. The NCAA was so mad at Michigan, it made Michigan State vacate wins.

Which tracks just about how you’d think.  

Matt Hayes is the senior national college football writer for USA TODAY Sports Network. Follow him on X at @MattHayesCFB.

What Betty Shiffrin thought of her granddaughter’s triumph at the Sochi Games will forever be a mystery, though, one of so many memories stolen because of Alzheimer’s.

“It’s bittersweet,” Shiffrin told USA TODAY Sports. “As much as that was one of her last memories made … I don’t know what she knew and I don’t know how proud she was, and I wish … I don’t know.

“I guess it’s this wonderful thing to think she got to see it,” Shiffrin said. “And then it’s also the sadness of wishing I knew more and understood more and could have somehow carried her burden.”

She might not have been able to do that for her grandmother. But she can for other families. In honor of her grandmother, Shiffrin is partnering with Lilly USA to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s and Kisunla, a treatment for people in the early stages of the disease.

Nearly 7 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive brain disorder that affects memory, cognitive ability and language skills. Betty Shiffrin had Alzheimer’s for several years before she died in October 2014, eight months after Sochi. She was 86.

Shiffrin isn’t sure exactly when Betty Shiffrin began showing signs of Alzheimer’s, nor was she certain as a young teenager what was causing the changes in her grandmother. But she knew her grandmother’s personality, all the things that made her grandmother her grandmother, were disappearing.

“I was basically losing access to somebody who had been so instrumental in my family,” Shiffrin said.

Grandmother laid groundwork for Shiffrin’s skiing career

Betty Shiffrin and her husband loved to ski, and they had a place in Vermont where they’d take their kids skiing. Jeff Shiffrin passed that passion along to his children, Mikaela and her older brother, Taylor.

“I don’t think it’s possible that I didn’t become a ski racer (with) the way that my grandma saw the sport and had such a passion for skiing,” said Shiffrin, who is the all-time leader in World Cup victories and can add to her total with Saturday’s slalom race in Levi, Finland.

“She was very much the mindset of, ‘You don’t stop skiing because you get old. You get old because you stop skiing.’ That’s a T-shirt that somebody in my family had.”

Shiffrin’s father was a doctor, so he knew exactly what was happening to his mother. And what was in store for the entire family as her decline progressed.

Alzheimer’s is believed to be caused by a buildup of amyloid plaques, which cause brain cells to die. The disease often presents initially as forgetfulness but, as it progresses, can cause the loss of both short- and long-term memory. People with Alzheimer’s can lose the ability to perform routine tasks, recognize loved ones or speak, and the disease can also cause mood swings, depression and personality changes.

An incurable disease, Alzheimer’s leaves a lasting toll

There is no cure for Alzheimer’s. The cost of care can be exhaustive, both emotionally and financially.

“My dad being a doctor had access to this wealth of knowledge. But, at the end of the day, there was also a feeling like maybe out of his control and the sadness, the frustration that came along with that and just how Alzheimer’s does deeply impact the families,” Shiffrin said.

“My dad and my aunt were getting the brunt of those challenging conversations with somebody you love, to explain to them why this has to be the way it is, and she wasn’t understanding it,” Shiffrin said. “And as time went on, you could see that cognitive decline. So it was challenging to see that personally.”

Making it even more gut-wrenching is, until the last few years, there was very little that could be done for people with Alzheimer’s. Almost 20 years passed without new treatments being approved.

Kisunla, Lilly’s drug, slows the progression of Alzheimer’s by attacking amyloid plaques and removing them from the brain. While it’s not a cure and it does not reverse memory loss, Lilly said the infusion reduced the rate of decline by up to 35% during trials.

“The most important thing is that families do understand that there are treatment options,” Shiffrin said. “People really need to discuss with their doctors and see if that’s a proper option for them.

“Hopefully spreading the word on that is going to, ideally, help a lot of families be able to enjoy a little bit more time with their loved ones.”

Families like her own.

Every week for the duration of the 2025 NFL regular season, USA TODAY Sports will provide timely updates to the league’s ever-evolving playoff picture − typically starting after Sunday afternoon’s late games and then moving forward for the remainder of the week (through Monday’s and Thursday’s games or Saturday’s, if applicable. And, when the holidays roll around, we’ll be watching then, too.)

What just happened? What does it mean? What are the pertinent factors (and, perhaps, tiebreakers) prominently in play as each conference’s seven-team bracket begins to crystallize? All will be explained and analyzed up to the point when the postseason field is finalized on Sunday, Jan. 4.

Here’s where things stand with Week 11 of the 2025 season underway:

AFC playoff picture

1. New England Patriots (9-2), AFC East leaders: The first team in the league to reach nine wins, they’re in prime position to win the division for the first time since Tom Brady led them to first place in 2019 and maybe their first No. 1 playoff seed since 2017. Thursday night’s defeat of the Jets moved the Pats past the idle Colts, but New England will need help to hang on to it into Week 12. Remaining schedule: at Bengals, vs. Giants, BYE, vs. Bills, at Ravens, at Jets, vs. Dolphins

2. Indianapolis Colts (8-2), AFC South leaders: The schedule’s been soft, but you can’t control whom you play − though the second-half lineup seems much less forgiving. A last-second Week 2 defeat of the Broncos gives the Colts the tiebreaker for second place at this point in time. Remaining schedule: BYE, at Chiefs, vs. Texans, at Jaguars, at Seahawks, vs. 49ers, vs. Jaguars, at Texans

3. Denver Broncos (8-2), AFC West leaders: They’re also winning a lot of ugly games − as they did last week against Las Vegas. But wins are wins − and if the Broncos get one in Sunday’s AFC West showdown with Kansas City, they’ll overtake the Pats for the conference’s top spot by virtue of a better record in AFC games. Remaining schedule: vs. Chiefs, BYE, at Commanders, at Raiders, vs. Packers, vs. Jaguars, at Chiefs, vs. Chargers

4. Pittsburgh Steelers (5-4), AFC North leaders: Don’t look now, fellas, but you’re only one game up on Baltimore for the division lead. Remaining schedule: vs. Bengals, at Bears, vs. Bills, at Ravens, vs. Dolphins, at Lions, at Browns, vs. Ravens

5. Los Angeles Chargers (7-3), wild card No. 1: Spirited defensive play has provided fresh evidence that maybe they can overcome their litany of offensive injuries. Remaining schedule: at Jaguars, BYE, vs. Raiders, vs. Eagles, at Chiefs, at Cowboys, vs. Texans, at Broncos

6. Buffalo Bills (6-3), wild card No. 2: They’re starting to lose sight of the Patriots atop the AFC East after a pathetic performance at Miami in Week 10 − and the Bills have a much tougher schedule to finish out. Remaining schedule: vs. Buccaneers, at Texans, at Steelers, vs. Bengals, at Patriots, at Browns, vs. Eagles, vs. Jets

7. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-4), wild card No. 3: Tough loss at Houston on Sunday. But their Week 5 defeat of the Chiefs, who are also 5-4, could eventually loom large for both teams. Remaining schedule: vs. Chargers, at Cardinals, at Titans, vs. Colts, vs. Jets, at Broncos, vs. Colts, at Titans

NFC playoff picture

1. Philadelphia Eagles (7-2), NFC East leaders: Something catastrophic (not uncommon in Philly) would have to occur for the defending champs not to be the first back-to-back winners of this division since they last did it … 21 years ago. A superior record (6-1) in NFC games allowed the Eagles to move ahead of the Seahawks and atop the conference following Monday night’s escape at Lambeau Field. Big game Sunday night against Detroit. Remaining schedule: vs. Lions, at Cowboys, vs. Bears, at Chargers, vs. Raiders, at Commanders, at Bills, vs. Commanders

2. Seattle Seahawks (7-2), NFC West leaders: Winners of four in a row, they currently have a better record in NFC West games than the Rams, who are also 7-2. But those clubs will meet in L.A. in Week 11. Remaining schedule: at Rams, at Titans, vs. Vikings, at Falcons, vs. Colts, vs. Rams, at Panthers, at 49ers

3. Detroit Lions (6-3), NFC North leaders: The offense responded Sunday as Dan Campbell assumed the offensive play-calling. Green Bay’s loss Monday night moved Detroit atop the division. Remaining schedule: at Eagles, vs. Giants, vs. Packers, vs. Cowboys, at Rams, vs. Steelers, at Vikings, at Bears

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-3), NFC South leaders: You can afford to drop two of three − and maybe four of five − if you’re in a division the Bucs have ruled since 2021. Remaining schedule: at Bills, at Rams, vs. Cardinals, vs. Saints, vs. Falcons, at Panthers, at Dolphins, vs. Panthers

5. Los Angeles Rams (7-2), wild card No. 1: Winners of four straight, all in dominant fashion, they have a strong case as the league’s best team at the moment. Yet a Week 3 loss at Lincoln Financial Field could come back to haunt them when the NFC playoff field is seeded. Remaining schedule: vs. Seahawks, vs. Buccaneers, at Panthers, at Cardinals, vs. Lions, at Seahawks, at Falcons, vs. Cardinals

6. Chicago Bears (6-3), wild card No. 2: They’ve won six of seven since an 0-2 start but have struggled to beat seemingly weaker teams − as happened Sunday against the Giants. Big test Sunday in the Twin Cities. Remaining schedule: at Vikings, vs. Steelers, at Eagles, at Packers, vs. Browns, vs. Packers, at 49ers, vs. Lions

7. Green Bay Packers (5-3-1), wild card No. 3: Costly loss to Philly, which dropped the Pack out of the NFC North lead and nearly out of the projected playoff field altogether. They head to Week 11 just percentage points ahead of the 49ers (6-4). Remaining schedule: at Giants, vs. Vikings, at Lions, vs. Bears, at Broncos, at Bears, vs. Ravens, at Vikings