Sports

College football odds, picks, predictions: LSU vs. Ole Miss highlights Week 3

You should feel the tremors in the South when Lane Kiffin returns to Ole Miss.
The Week 3 matchup between No. 7 LSU and the seventh-ranked LSU is one of 2026’s college football season most anticipated September games. The SEC has 8 Ole Miss crunch pad. This weekend’s top-25 matches include SMU against Louisville, Houston vs. Texas Tech and Houston vs. Texas Tech. This game in Lubbock will determine the Big 12’s early ranking, along with BYU.
Our picks of eight games that we think are the most exciting this week include a few involving teams who don’t even make the top 100.
Brad Crawford’s season results (14-1, 10-4-1, ATS), Chris Hummer’s (12-3, 5-9-1, ATS).
We both got the Texas victory over Ohio State right, even though our picks were not accurate for most of the game. The Mississippi State game against Minnesota was a good bet for me, with Kamari as the quarterback. That one paid off, but not the trip of Oklahoma to Michigan. Although the Wolverines have a talented front line and a fierce secondary, it is not clear that this will solve Oklahoma’s offensive problems.
FanDuel offers all odds.
USC joins Oregon and Texas in the College Football Playoff bracket
Brad Crawford
No. No.
The matchup between Wake Forest and Miami is a good value. Demon Deacons are scoring well this year, with an average of 38 points per match. Ten starters from a nine-win team last season return. Wake’s secondary is what gives me concern. Miami has the FBS’s most explosive offense, but Wake Forest is giving up 329 passing yards last week to Purdue. Wake Forest scored enough points to cover the spread at home, on a friday night. Miami 42, Wake Forest 21,
Crawford (Wake Forest – 22.5): Miami may find themselves in a competitive match by the halftime break if they choose to cover the Demon Deacons. Wake Forest quarterback Gio López, who is a UNC transfer, has looked more at ease in his new system and hasn’t fumbled the ball yet. Yet. It’s important that he helps this offense score a few touchdowns to keep the total within reason. Miami will be in town and they are going to score. Hurricanes cover late. Miami 38 and Wake Forest 17
No. Number 22 Houston is at no. 13 Texas Tech (-8.5) — Friday
This is an easy bet for Houston. Houston’s 533 yard total was more than Texas Tech’s 352 yards against Oregon State. Both teams won double-digits. What I’m curious about is the Cougars and how they will perform when the Red Raiders stop allowing the running game. Houston’s offensive philosophy is based on the pounding of the ball, but Texas Tech has one of college football’s best front sevens. Houston’s rushing defense, which was ranked first in the nation early on this year, will face a Red Raiders pass attack that is incredibly fast. This game has the potential to be a real upset. Texas Tech is doing just enough to win at home. Texas Tech 24, Houston 27.
Crawford (Houston -8.5): After two games, I have seen that the Texas Tech offensive unit has not been as explosive this season as last year. This is despite the fact that the team still contains many of the same players except for the new quarterback. I don’t think the addition of Tommy Castellanos to the package as a threat does much. The run game is my biggest worry, with an average of just 3.8 yard per carry. The Red Raiders still have time to improve, but their stranglehold over the Big 12 has already begun to slip. It was almost a complete upset for me. Texas Tech 24, Houston 31.
Florida (-2.5 at Auburn)
Hummer (Florida +2.5): This game doesn’t look good for Auburn. Florida’s defense is strong, but the Tigers were terrible up front, allowing 22 pressures against Baylor. Byrum Brown’s performance against SEC-level competition will be a concern until I get to see him in action. He’s done OK since his transfer from South Florida. To make a point, let’s take the Gators to the road. … Florida 27, Auburn 20.
Crawford (Florida +2.5): Both Jon Sumrall, and his longtime friend Alex Golesh have made it clear this week that they will not be engaging in friendly banter when the two teams meet Saturday at Jordan-Hare. The Gators are the team to be favored in this game, as they have Jadan Baugh at running back. This is one of SEC weekend’s most exciting games. Baugh, a junior running back from Florida State University, is currently averaging 10,6 yards on each carry. He has scored five touchdowns in consecutive 100-yard performances. Give him No. In Week 3, give him No. … Florida 26, Auburn 23.
Florida State is ranked No. 10 Alabama (-20.5)
If Alabama is dominating and covers that line, then it’s possible they will cover the Florida State score. However, I do not think that the Tide is three touchdowns ahead of Florida State. Seminoles are coming off of a bye week, while their running game led by Ousmane Kromah can help slow down the game and maintain some control. It could get out of hand. Absolutely. It has a strong run defense, and could cause problems for a FSU offensive line that is shaky. FSU is the better value at this number. Seminoles score to cover and take down a Tide running game that is still suspect. … Alabama 31, Florida State 13.
Crawford (Florida State – 20.5): The question is, how long will Mike Norvell be able to keep the Seminoles in contention? FSU will be blitzed in Tuscaloosa this weekend. Or, is it a team who can fight and scratch its way to an exciting finish? The Seminoles’ win against Alabama last season seems so far away. FSU is 2-8 in Power Four games since beating the Crimson Tide. This is why Norvell continues to be on his seat. After losing to SMU, this team still has a pulse. Last week I was bitten by fading Alabama, so this time around I will try again. … Alabama 35, Florida State 17.
Michigan State is ranked No. 3 Notre Dame (-29.5)
Hummer (+29.5) – This is a great test for Notre Dame’s mediocre rushing offense. They’ve averaged just 3.58 yards a carry, but they will be facing a Michigan State team that has been OK on that front. Notre Dame should be able to dominate this game with its rushing offense. It’s not a good sign if it does. Michigan State may have trouble keeping up with the pace of this game. In terms of yards per play, the Spartans are 90th in the nation. MSU leads all Power Four teams in possession time. It’s enough time to cover. … Notre Dame 42, Michigan State 13.
Crawford (Notre Dame -29.5 ): Notre Dame should dominate Michigan State with its physicality. The Spartans have never faced an offensive unit that combines power, speed, and efficiency. Irish will control line-of-scrimmage and create explosive play off of play action. They should wear the Spartans down before they deliver the knockout blow in the second quarter, as they did in their opener against Wisconsin. Notre Dame is playing its defense at an exceptional level. This game has the potential to be a blowout. Although the number is large, there is a larger talent gap. Notre Dame covers and wins. … Notre Dame 41, Michigan State 7.
Mississippi State vs. South Carolina (-3,5)
Hummer (South Carolina +3.5): The Gamecocks are in for a tough test as they enter this game not knowing if top edge rusher Dylan Stewart or tackle Jacarrius peak will be able to play. South Carolina is in luck, because the Bulldogs have the lowest pressure rate of any SEC team. Bulldogs are known for their man-coverage, so it will be up to South Carolina’s untested wide receivers. The Gamecocks must avoid mistakes on the opposite side. The Bulldogs boast the nation’s fastest group of wide receivers and Kamario Taylor can throw deep to them. Shane Beamer is experiencing a major moment. The team is responding. South Carolina 31, Mississippi State 27,
Crawford (South Carolina +3.5): The Kamario Taylor and LaNorris Sells show is being promoted, but in truth, it’s the offense with the best backfield players that wins. Mississippi State just won a big game against Minnesota and hasn’t been tested yet. Shane Beamer’s tenure could be defined by Saturday. This is the game he needs. In the nine previous meetings between 2000 and now, eight of South Carolina’s 10 victories in this series came in those last nine games. This is a match that has been lopsided recently. It feels like South Carolina must win this game as the SEC schedule will soon be starting. South Carolina 31, Mississippi State 24,
No. SMU is ranked 16th. 23 Louisville (-2.5)
SMU Hummer (+2.5): SMU isn’t getting many favors from the ACC this early in the year, with trips to Florida State (in September), and Louisville. To win, the Mustangs will have to perform well in a number of areas: The Mustangs must run the ball. SMU is the FBS leader with an average of 442 yards passing per game. To slow down Louisville’s pass rush and a pedestrian defense, SMU must do more than average 4.51 yards on the ground. 2. The Mustangs did it four times against FSU, nearly costing them the game. It nearly cost the Mustangs their game when they turned it over four times to FSU. Louisville hasn’t had a turnover this season. Kevin Jennings’s two starts against Cardinals have been outstanding. I believe SMU has the edge in both categories. … SMU 34, Louisville 31.
Crawford (SMU +2.5). Until SMU shows me otherwise, I will stick with my projected ACC CFP and bet the Mustangs on the road. Kevin Jennings, the quarterback for SMU, has thrown 767 yards with eight touchdowns in this season. Louisville has only lost once, a 41 to 38 loss against Ole Miss. Two transfers have made a big impact so far: QB Lincoln Kienholz (transfer) and WR Tre Richison. Isaac Brown needs to be more involved in the Cardinals’ game plan if the team wants to make a move early on and win at home. … SMU 28, Louisville 27.
No. 8 Ole Miss (-3.5 points) is ranked No. No. 8 Ole Miss
The entire offseason, I believed that Ole Miss was going to win. The Rebels’ players take it more seriously. The Tigers will feel the heat in Oxford. Then I saw LSU for the first two games. Tigers have the tools to attack Ole Miss weaknesses. The Tigers have a pass rusher who is incredibly talented. This could pose a challenge to the Rebels O-line which has struggled against Louisville at times. The Rebels secondary will be challenged by their speedy receivers, who have a tendency to make mistakes. Sam Leavitt is an excellent quarterback who can handle the Oxford environment. Trinidad Chambliss is the most talented player on the field, but LSU wins the game with a field goal at the last second. LSU 24, Ole Miss 27.

Sports

Score, highlights, stats, where to watch NFL game

9:31 pm ET
DJ Moore injury update
Tom Viera
The Bills offseason acquisition was forced out of the game after landing hard on his left shoulder while trying to make a diving catch in the end zone late in the second quarter. He remained down on the ground, favoring his shoulder, before medical staff were called onto the field to tend to him.
Moore eventually walked off the field on his own. The Bills announced that Moore is questionable to return with a “shoulder and stinger.” They took him to the locker room for X-rays.
9:28 pm ET
Bills vs Lions score update: Dalton Kincaid grabs 16-yard touchdown to answer Lions’ score
Jacob Camenker
It didn’t take long for Buffalo to answer Detroit’s score. The Bills mounted a four-play, 68-yard drive that ended with Josh Allen hitting Kincaid over the middle for an easy 16-yard score.
James Cook set up the score with an excellent showing. The star running back ripped through the Lions for 62 yards on three carries, setting up the Bills in the red zone. The Lions looked helpless to stop his unique combination of shiftiness and speed, which doesn’t bode well for Detroit as Dan Campbell’s squad trails big.
The lone silver lining for the Lions? Tyler Bass missed the extra point, so Buffalo leads by only 20 with 2:52 remaining in the first half.
Bills 27, Lions 7
9:18 pm ET
Bills vs Lions score update: Jared Goff hits Jahmyr Gibbs for Lions’ first TD
Jacob Camenker
Gibbs remains the Lions’ biggest offensive threat. He made a couple of excellent catches on the Lions’ first touchdown drive of the game, including an 11-yard touchdown grab during which he held onto the ball while taking a shot in the back from a Bills defender.
Goff appeared to be in a better rhythm during the Lions’ third drive, as his protection held up a bit better. He also completed his first pass to Amon-Ra St. Brown after the star wideout went without a target across the team’s first two-and-a-half drives.
Jake Bates didn’t make great contact on the extra point, but he still coaxed it through the uprights. The Lions are now trailing by 14 and will look to stop the Bills for the first time with 5:03 remaining in the first half.
Bills 21, Lions 7
9:09 pm ET
Avonte Maddox injury update
Jacob Camenker
The Lions are already down their top two safeties, Brian Branch and Kirby Joseph, and they may have lost another one against the Bills.
Maddox was hurt on the Bills’ third drive, just before the team got into the end zone. The veteran was able to walk off the field but was later shown on the broadcast being carted into the locker room with his cleat off.
The Lions announced that Maddox is questionable to return with a foot injury.
9:06 pm ET
Bills vs Lions score update: Josh Allen logs third touchdown of first half on TD to Dawson Knox
Jacob Camenker
For a moment, it looked like the Lions had forced Josh Allen into an interception, as a ball pin-balled into the hands of Skyler Gill-Howard after Allen threw it back over the middle of the field.
However, the Lions were whistled for defensive holding on the play, which allowed the Bills to stay on the field. Shortly thereafter, Allen found Dawson Knox open after a play-action pass and hit him to give Buffalo a three-score lead.
Tyler Bass kept the extra point just inside the left upright, and the Bills are blowing out the Lions early in their “Thursday Night Football” clash.
Bills 21, Lions 0
8:54 pm ET
End of first quarter score: Bills crushing Lions 14-0
Jacob Camenker
The first official “Thursday Night Football” game of the season has been all Buffalo through the first 15 minutes. The Bills scored on each of their first two offensive drives and ended the first quarter on the edge of field-goal range.
Josh Allen has been a dynamic, dual-threat playmaker against a banged-up Lions defense and has helped the Bills outgain their opponent 168-10 early. Meanwhile, Detroit hasn’t been able to protect Jared Goff at all behind an undermanned offensive line, as Greg Rousseau has been wreaking havoc.
The Lions will need to come up with a stop, or at least sustain a drive, quickly in the second quarter. Otherwise, Thursday’s game could turn into a laugher.
8:50 pm ET
Lions drive undone by sack, bad snap
Jacob Camenker
The Lions’ offensive line woes are showing up big on their first two drives. A couple of nice Jahmyr Gibbs runs had Detroit on the cusp of field goal range, but the Lions only went backward from there.
Gregory Rousseau got around tight end Brock Wright in a one-on-one rep on second-and-1 to create a third-and-11. On that play, backup center Juice Scruggs sailed a snap that Jared Goff got a hand on but had to simply fall on to prevent a turnover.
The Lions had to punt, and a nice return by Greg Dortch has the Bills set up close to midfield.
8:43 pm ET
Bills vs Lions score update: Josh Allen tosses 43-yard touchdown to Josh Palmer
Jacob Camenker
The Lions forced the Bills into a third-and-11, but Detroit made a critical error on the play. Safety Avonte Maddox let Palmer get behind the defense after biting on an underneath route from Khalil Shakir, and Allen saw it immediately. The veteran quarterback lofted a downfield strike to Palmer, who caught it with ease and waltzed into the end zone, untouched.
Tyler Bass made the extra point and the Bills have a two-touchdown lead.
Bills 14, Lions 0
8:34 pm ET
Bills defense forces three-and-out as Lions offensive line struggles
Jacob Camenker
The Lions entered Thursday’s game dealing with a few notable injuries along their offensive line, with first-round rookie Blake Miller and starting left guard Christian Mahogany out of the lineup. Detroit struggled to block on its opening drive, and Goff took a sack on third down under pressure.
The Bills will get the ball back with a chance to build upon their lead. Meanwhile, the Lions will need to find a way to better support their blockers and give Goff a shot at making some down-the-field plays.
8:28 pm ET
Bills vs Lions score update: Josh Allen scores on QB sneak to give Bills lead
Jacob Camenker
Allen showed off his dual-threat capabilities on his first drive at the new Highmark Stadium. He helped the Bills march 85 yards over 10 plays before pushing a 1-yard sneak across the goal line on first and goal.
The Lions were having a great deal of difficulty containing Allen on the run during their first drive, allowing him to log 40 yards and a touchdown on four carries. They may need to commit a dedicated spy to the star quarterback.
Tyler Bass made the extra point, and the Bills have an early touchdown lead.
Bills 7, Lions 0
8:19 pm ET
Buffalo Bills new stadium capacity
Tom Viera
New Highmark Stadium is the smallest stadium in the NFL in 2026, with an official seating capacity of 60,108. It can hold up to 66,000 with standing-room-only seating, according to a report from Sports Business Journal.
8:17 pm ET
Why is the Canadian Anthem – ‘O, Canada’ performed at Bills games?
Jacob Camenker
The Bills typically perform “O, Canada”, the Canadian national anthem, at their games because of their close proximity to the border.
Buffalo has tried to tap into its Canadian fan base before, as the Bills played six regular-season games in Toronto from 2008 to 2013. Buffalo is located less than 100 miles from Toronto.
7:30 pm ET
Who are the Thursday Night Football announcers for Amazon Prime Video?
Tom Viera
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. James Palmer provides reports and analysis.
7:10 pm ET
What time does the NFL game start? Bills vs Lions kickoff time
Tom Viera
8:15 p.m. ET
“Thursday Night Football” between the Bills and Lions will start at 8:15 p.m. ET on Thursday, Sept. 17.
7:10 pm ET
Bills vs Lions prediction, pick against the spread
Tom Viera
The Bills should win and cover the 4.5-point spread in their home opener against the Lions on Thursday night. Detroit is coming off an overtime victory over New Orleans, where it nearly blew a 21-point lead and allowed the Saints to storm back. Now, the Lions face a brutal turnaround on a short week against Josh Allen and an explosive Buffalo offense. Allen has plenty of weapons including Dalton Kincaid, DJ Moore and James Cook to attack a Detroit defense that showed vulnerabilities. Kincaid erupted for 130 yards, while Moore topped 100 yards in his Bills debut. With Buffalo at home, expect Allen and company to pull away late.
Score prediction: Bills 36, Lions 30
7:00 pm ET
Bills vs Lions TV channel
Tom Viera
Only fans in the local markets of the Bills and Lions can watch the “Thursday Night Football” game on cable television. Here’s where those fans can tune in on Sept. 17:
TV channel (local only):
Buffalo:WKBW (ABC)
Detroit: WJBK (Fox)
Fans outside of the local markets will only be able to watch the Bills vs. Lions contest on Amazon Prime Video. The streamer remains the exclusive home of “Thursday Night Football.”
6:58 pm ET
Bills’ Ed Oliver ruled out after injury in warm-ups
Jacob Camenker
The “Thursday Night Football” game between the Buffalo Bills and Detroit Lions hasn’t started yet, but the Bills are already down one of their key defensive players.
Oliver, a starting defensive tackle for the Bills, suffered a hip injury in warm-ups. The team announced he will miss the game as a result.
It wasn’t immediately clear how Oliver suffered the injury. DeWayne Carter figures to handle a larger role with Oliver and second-year defensive tackle T.J. Sanders both out of the lineup.
6:56 pm ET
Lions inactives tonight vs Bills
Tom Viera
Detroit has two starting offensive linemen among their inactives tonight when they face Buffalo on a short week. Here’s a full list on the Lions inactives:
T Blake Miller
G Christian Mahogany
CB Keith Abney II
CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr.
LB Jimmy Rolder
DL Mekhi Wingo
Edge Ahmed Hassanein
6:52 pm ET
Bills inactives tonight vs. Lions
Tom Viera
Bills starting DT Ed Oliver is a surprise inactive after reportedly injuring his hip in pregame warmups. Here are the rest of the inactives for Buffalo tonight:
RB Ty Johnson
WR Skyler Bell
T Jude Bowry
G Ar’maj Reed-Adams
DL Ed Oliver (injured during warmups)
DL T.J. Sanders
S Jalon Kilgore
6:00 pm ET
Super Bowl 61 odds entering Week 2
Tom Viera
The Rams remain the favorites to win Super Bowl 61 despite losing their Week 1 game against the 49ers. The Bills are currently listed third while the Lions fall just inside the top 10. Below is a look at the full list of odds to take home the Lombardi Trophy in 2026, per DraftKings.
Los Angeles Rams (+650)
Baltimore Ravens (+900)
Buffalo Bills (+950)
Seattle Seahawks (+1100)
San Francisco 49ers (+1400)
Kansas City Chiefs (+1400)
Philadelphia Eagles (+1700)
Detroit Lions (+1800)
Cincinnati Bengals (+1900)
Houston Texans (+1900)
Denver Broncos (+2000)
Los Angeles Chargers (+2000)
Green Bay Packers (+2000)
New England Patriots (+2100)
Chicago Bears (+2100)
Dallas Cowboys (+2500)
Jacksonville Jaguars (+2500)
Minnesota Vikings (+4000)
Pittsburgh Steelers (+5000)
New York Giants (+5000)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+5500)
Washington Commanders (+6500)
Indianapolis Colts (+6500)
Carolina Panthers (+9000)
New Orleans Saints (+9000)
Atlanta Falcons (+13000)
Las Vegas Raiders (+15000)
Tennessee Titans (+20000)
New York Jets (+25000)
Cleveland Browns (+30000)
Arizona Cardinals (+30000)
Miami Dolphins (+50000)
5:30 pm ET
Thursday Night Football prediction by A.I.
Jacob Camenker
Buffalo Bills 31, Detroit Lions 27
AI’s take: Copilot opined that this “Thursday Night Football” opener is a “near toss-up” but it believes Buffalo will come out with a win in a “spotlight game in its new stadium.” It expressed confidence Josh Allen would play well but also referred to Detroit as “talented.”
Our take: This is fair analysis from Copilot. The Bills should be favored at home in what figures to be a high-scoring game between two teams with leaky defenses. Allen’s dual-threat ability should help the Bills beat a Lions team that may be tired after a short week following an overtime win over the Saints in Week 1.
5:05 pm ET
Bills vs Lions live stream
Tom Viera
Live stream (national): Prime Video
Fans looking to stream the Bills and Lions game can catch the action on Prime Video, the exclusive home of “Thursday Night Football.”
Watch “Thursday Night Football” all season with Prime
4:45 pm ET
4th & Monday: Our NFL newsletter always brings the blitz 📰
Tom Viera
Do you like football? Then you’ll enjoy getting our NFL newsletter delivered to your inbox. 📲
Get the latest news, expert analysis, game insights and the must-see moments from the NFL conveniently delivered to your email inbox. Sign up now!
4:30 pm ET
Bills vs Lions odds, moneyline, over/under
Tom Viera
The Bills are favored to defeat the Lions, according to the current NFL odds at DraftKings.
Spread: Bills (-4.5)
Moneyline: Bills (-230); Lions (+195)
Over/under: 54.5
Not interested in this game? Our guide to NFL betting odds, picks and spreads has you covered.
New to sports betting? USA TODAY readers can claimexclusive promos and bonus codes with thebest online sportsbooks and sports betting sites.
4:10 pm ET
Thursday Night Football start time
Tom Viera
Date: Thursday, September 17, 2026
Time: 8:15 p.m. ET
The Bills and Lions game will kick off Week 2 of the 2026 NFL season with “Thursday Night Football” at 8:15 p.m. ET.
Our editors independently choose our recommendations. Some content is produced with paid support from a third party, however our editorial decisions remain independent. If you buy through our links, the USA TODAY Network may earn a commission. Prices and availability may change.

Sports

Barstool chief Dave Portnoy blasts Macklemore’s shady past, strongly supports Patriots owner Robert Kraft

Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy firmly backed Patriots owner Robert Kraft’s decision to ban Macklemore from Gillette Stadium, telling the rapper to take his political activism somewhere else.
Kraft’s decision helped get Macklemore kicked off Ed Sheeran’s U.S. “Loop Tour” after the Patriots owner cited the rapper’s history of antisemitic controversies.
“I back Robert Kraft banning Macklemore from performing at Gillette 1000% and thank him for having a spine when many others in his shoes don’t,” Portnoy said in a video posted to X.
MACKLEMORE DOUBLES DOWN AFTER GETTING KICKED OFF ED SHEERAN TOUR AFTER PRO-PALESTINE STANCE
“Macklemore, who is turning this into a political rally, you’re going to come into Bob Kraft’s house and spit in his face? No f—— way!” Portnoy said. “That’s not censorship. This ain’t freedom of speech, homie. He owns the stadium! It’s his house.”
He added: “Would you have a party and invite someone over who is going to spew what you consider hatred? If I go to the Ed Sheeran concert, I don’t want to hear a ‘Free Palestine’ rant from a guy who isn’t being genuine about it all. I didn’t pay to hear Macklemore give me a political speech, I paid to hear Ed Sheeran sing.”
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Portnoy spotlighted Macklemore’s antisemitic past.
“Bob Kraft, I am sure, did what I did when I saw this, he researched Macklemore,” Portnoy said. “It didn’t take long to learn that Macklemore has a pretty shady past. He already, at a prior concert, dressed in wildly antisemitic tropes.”
Portnoy was referring to a 2014 Seattle performance in which Macklemore wore a dark suit, fake beard and prosthetic nose, drawing criticism for invoking antisemitic Jewish caricatures. Macklemore later apologized.
During Sheeran’s Sept. 4 and Sept. 5 shows at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium, Macklemore led anti-Israel chants, projected Gaza war imagery and performed “Hind’s Hall.”
Several venues reportedly told the tour promoter they would not host shows if Macklemore remained on the lineup. Kraft refused to host him at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, and the promoter ultimately removed him from the remaining dates.
Macklemore later accused Kraft of coordinating a stadium boycott against him. He pledged his $1 million in tour earnings to Palestinian aid and challenged Kraft to match the donation.
In a statement released through Gillette Stadium, Kraft said Sheeran had contacted him privately before Macklemore’s public challenge. Sheeran asked Kraft to support a $2 million humanitarian donation, and Kraft said he agreed to support relief efforts in the region.
Kraft also cited Macklemore’s history of antisemitic tropes and his failure to acknowledge the Oct. 7 Hamas attack that killed 1,200 people.
PINK HITS BACK AMID BACKLASH FOR CRITICIZING MACKLEMORE’S PRO-PALESTINIAN CONCERT REMARKS
After Macklemore was dropped, opening acts including Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe and Beoga pulled out of the remaining tour dates in protest.
Portnoy slammed the musicians who abandoned Sheeran’s tour, accusing them of hypocrisy and putting political posturing ahead of their commitment to fans.
“I feel bad for Ed Sheeran; his band quit, saying, ‘This is censorship, Free Palestine!’ That guy, Finneas, the brother of Billie Eilish, f—— hypocrites; they backed out,” Portnoy said.
Portnoy closed by insisting that defending Kraft required more than a token show of support.
OUTKICK IS NOW AVAILABLE ON THE FOX NEWS APP: CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD
“I don’t stand with Bob Kraft 5 percent, 10 percent,” Portnoy said. “I stand with Bob Kraft 110 percent. More Jews have to speak out. That’s why I am making this video, because it’s really easy for everyone just to pile on right now, but I have his back a hundred million percent.”

Sports

Nico Collins (hamstring) not spotted at practice

Collins suffered the hamstring injury during yesterday’s practice and immediately met with doctors. The team doesn’t believe the issue is serious, but that’s a cold comfort for a player with an extensive history of soft tissue injuries. Kayshon Boutte and Xavier Hutchinson will take on every-down roles if Collins misses Week 2. Neither player would push past the WR4 fantasy ranks. Second-year wideout Jaylin Noel would also see more work, though the team has been reluctant to play him much so far.
Collins popped up on the Texans’ injury report as a limited practice participant Wednesday. It’s unclear if Collins injured it during Week 1 or during practice, but soft tissue injuries tend to pop up as players ease back into the swing of the season. Collins has a history of hamstring issues and is undergoing testing for the severity of the latest injury. With Jayden Higgins (ACL) out for the season, the Texans will need Kayshon Boutte to step up fast in a banged-up pass-catching group. Also limited was EDGE Will Anderson, though there should be no concerns there as he was listed for rest. Fantasy managers should monitor practice reports later in the week to get a better idea of Collins’ health.
Collins remains the easy target leader for the Texans but they continue to rest him often — he played just 57-of-79 snaps. The touchdown strike was a post over the middle in the red zone that C.J. Stroud dotted in the only spot it could be placed. Collins adjusted to catch it. He’ll be a low-end WR1 against the Bengals in Week 2.
The new deal guarantees his contract for the next two seasons while also adding an additional $9 million in 2026 and $8 million in 2027. The contract will still expire entering the 2028 season, with the veteran alpha also recently stating that he would like to play the entirety of his career in Houston. Agents Drew and Jason Rosenhaus negotiated the amendment and are likely to get back to the negotiating table entering the 2027 season.
Collins, 27, signed a three-year, $75 million extension through 2027 back in 2024. As things currently stand, he is the 18th-highest paid wide receiver in terms of average annual value. NBC Sports Houston’s Aaron Wilson believes the team could restructure the deal for salary cap purposes, but Collins “is also likely due for a raise at some point and additional years on his contract.” He adds that the Texans could choose to address those issues “this year or before next season.” Per Over The Cap, the Texans have more than $19.3 million in salary cap space this year, but just over $1.6 million next year. Figuring out a new deal with a hefty signing bonus could free up cash for next season.
He then added, “Whoever reported it or whatever information that they had… they can take it and shove it.” Okay then. There were reports of teams calling the Texans about Collins ahead of the draft, but Houston was never going to deal their top wideout, and Caserio more than confirmed that as fact. The rumors stemmed from the idea that Collins, currently on a contract worth $24.25 million per year, should rightfully be searching for a pay raise. He is currently the 18th-highest paid wideout. Collins is under contract for two more seasons. He will likely get a multi-year extension next offseason, though Caserio could work out a deal even sooner to keep his superstar happy. Either way, Collins is locked in as a low-end WR1 for fantasy purposes in 2026.
Collins, who sustained a head injury in the Wild Card round against the Steelers, did not practice this week and was ruled out on Friday. It’s a massive blow to the Houston offense. Christian Kirk, who had 144 yards and a score last week against Pittsburgh, will profile as the team’s top receiver with Collins out. Brown tried to play but was unable to fight through an ankle injury.
Collins was unable to practice throughout the week. Texans slot WR Christian Kirk operated as the team’s No. 1 wide receiver last week, and is likely the best bet to do so again against the Patriots. It is an unfortunate development for Collins, who also missed his team’s Week 8 game against the 49ers due to concussion. Texans rookie WRs, Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel, have a chance to rise to the occasion.
The Houston Chronicle’s Jonathan M. Alexander believes Collins is “a long shot” to play on Sunday against the Patriots, given “the steps he must clear.” Unfortunately, he might be right. Collins still has time to advance through the NFL’s five-phase concussion protocol, but another absence at tomorrow’s practice would be discouraging. Veteran slot WR Christian Kirk stepped up last week, catching 8-of-9 targets for 144 yards and one touchdown in the Texans’ Wild Card win over the Steelers. We expect him to operate as the team’s top target earner if Collins cannot play.

Sports

UN experts say grounds to believe US committed war crimes in Iran strikes

UN human rights experts say there are reasonable grounds to believe the US committed war crimes in two strikes in Iran that killed at least 177 civilians.
A new report by the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Iran said February’s missile strikes on a primary school in Minab and a sports complex in Lamerd constituted indiscriminate attacks causing civilian deaths and damage to civilian infrastructure.
There was no immediate comment from the US. It has previously denied striking Lamerd and said it is investigating what happened in Minab.
The experts also found Iranian authorities committed crimes against humanity during a crackdown on mass anti-government protests in January.
They said killings by security forces occurred on “a staggering and unprecedented scale” across all 31 provinces.
Iran has also not yet commented on the findings, but it has previously rejected allegations of systematic violations of human rights.
“Civilians in Iran are caught between gross human rights violations and crimes against humanity committed by their own government and the nation’s deadly conflict with the United States and Israel,” the fact-finding mission warned in a statement on Thursday.
For their latest report to the UN Human Rights Council, the mission’s three independent experts investigated two of the deadliest attacks on civilians during the conflict.
On 28 February, when the US and Israel launched their war against Iran, Tomahawk missiles struck Shajareh Tayyebeh Primary School in the southern town of Minab, killing at least 156 people, including 120 children, according to local authorities.
The fact-finding mission’s experts said the school was adjacent to an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) naval complex also attacked that day, but that the school was clearly identifiable and that no information indicated that it was used for military purposes.
The experts said that, based on the evidence gathered – including media reports indicating that a preliminary US military inquiry found US forces responsible, and the fact that the US is the only party to the conflict that possesses Tomahawk missiles – they had reasonable grounds to believe that the strike on the school was carried out by the US.
They also concluded that the school was “the intended point of impact and that the damage did not result from an errant strike or collateral damage” from the attack on the IRGC complex, citing survivors as saying the school was struck twice.
The US military has yet to release the findings of its investigation into the Minab strike, but Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has said it would “never target civilian targets”.
Also on 28 February, Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM) dispersed clouds of tungsten pellets over a sports complex and residential area in the town of Lamerd, killing at least 21 civilians, including seven children, according to local authorities.
Again, the fact-finding mission’s experts said the sports complex was clearly identifiable and that no information indicated it was used for military purposes.
They concluded by saying there were reasonable grounds to believe that the strike was carried out by the US, citing evidence including the fact that the US is the only party to the conflict that possesses PrSM missiles.
The US military has said it carried no strikes on Lamerd that day and disputed reports identifying the weapon used as a PrSM.
In both incidents, the fact-finding mission’s experts said there were “reasonable grounds to believe that the US committed the war crime of launching an indiscriminate attack resulting in loss of life or injury to civilians or damage to civilian objects”.
The fact-finding mission’s report also covers the Iranian authorities’ violent repression of the mass protests that took place across Iran in December 2025 and January 2026.
The experts said it was an unprecedented escalation from past crackdowns, marked by the widespread use of lethal force resulting in mass killings and injuries, and extensive arrests.
They cited witnesses, health workers and victims’ families as saying that security personnel positioned themselves on rooftops and other elevated positions, firing their assault rifles into crowds.
Protesters also sustained severe wounds to the head, chest and eyes from metal shotgun pellets, causing permanent blindness.
As the crackdown escalated, security forces attacked healthcare facilities, beating and arresting wounded demonstrators and arresting some healthcare workers, which deterred victims from seeking life-saving care, according to the experts.
They also found that the tens of thousands of people detained during the protests faced torture, solitary confinement and denial of legal counsel.
The experts warned that the government had since intensified its use of the death penalty against protesters, with at least 29 men executed following expedited trials on charges connected to the unrest.
The fact-finding mission’s report noted that it was not possible to independently verify the death toll from the crackdown, but said there were strong grounds to believe that it was significantly higher than the official figure of 3,000, the majority of whom the government identified as members of the security forces or bystanders.
The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (Hrana) has said it has confirmed the killing of more than 7,000 people, almost all of them protesters.
The fact-finding mission’s experts concluded that Iranian authorities had committed “many gross human rights violations” during the crackdown, and that these amounted to “the crimes against humanity of murder, imprisonment and other severe deprivation of physical liberty, torture, and other inhumane acts, committed as part of a widespread and systematic attack directed against a civilian population”.

Sports

FLEX Finder Week 2: Running it back with Pat Bryant, Devaughn Vele

What went right in Week 1? Well, not much for this column. We had some high-profile touchdowns taken off the board from Ja’Kobi Lane and Braelon Allen. We had a fast Pat Bryant start run into an offense that simply couldn’t do anything. We had Mike Washington play well but Ashton Jeanty be much healthier than assumed as of pre-writing a column for Wednesday because the NFL opened the season early. It was a tough scene, as the kids say, for this column.
One thing I want to point out because I think it does actually matter: The 13- and 12-personnel trend (using multiple tight ends, in layman’s terms) is going to make it harder and harder for this column to hit. Only six teams in the league ran 11-personnel more than 70 percent of the time in Week 1 per Sumer Sports: The Buccaneers, Colts, Titans, Eagles, Commanders, and Cowboys. Most of those teams were trailing by major deficits. Why does that matter? Because if we’re putting a tight end on the field whose job it (mostly) is to block, we are going to condense the route tree and production outcomes. This is great for fantasy football as a whole, but terrible for an article whose job it is to find sleepers for the week.
Anyway, now that I got some complaining out of the way:
Rules for this weekly article:
1) I will not recommend quarterbacks — There are plenty of good ones. You’re on your own there.
2) I will not recommend any running back who costs more than $5,000, wideout who costs more than $4,500, or tight end that costs more than $4,000 in DraftKings’ DFS slate — This was an easy cutoff for what a FLEX really is.
3) I consider any player who garners over 50 yards or scores a victory for the column — anything more you get out of that, well, great for you. Let’s set expectations low because we are combing for outliers.
▶ Running Backs
JK Dobbins, DEN — $5,000 — Bo Nix was pressured on 45.5 percent of his dropbacks in Week 1, the fourth-highest rate in the league. Just behind him is Week 1 Jaguars opponent Deshaun Watson, at 44.8 percent. The Jaguars are well-coordinated, but they are not a team built to stop the run. Their major investments are bookend edge players Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker. (It should be noted that the Jags played Walker more inside against the Browns than they usually have, but still, he’s nominally an EDGE.) I think the major takeaway that the Broncos will have from Week 1 is “uh oh, we need to run the ball more” and I think this game sets up well for that. Dobbins is still the lead back of the committee and RJ Harvey (hamstring) popped up on the injury report on Wednesday. The Broncos will try to take some pressure off of Nix with their ground game here and then Sean Payton will forget that it ever happened in Week 3.
Blake Corum, LAR — $4,900 — Corum got 10 carries for 54 yards in Week 1’s loss to the 49ers in Australia. He’s pretty much in an even split with Kyren Williams on playing time. The Giants, prior to Week 1, were not regarded as a strong opponent. I’m open to the idea that John Harbaugh has changed things, but the talent on this run defense does not scare me and I’d also bet on the Rams leaning more on the run after Matthew Stafford was pressured on 44 percent of his dropbacks in Week 1. Assuming the Rams are able to bleed clock against the Giants at some point, Corum has some real upside scenarios. And his floor is reasonable for this price tag as well.
Rico Dowdle, PIT — $4,900 — The Seahawks ran on the Patriots even with Drew Lock at quarterback, averaging 4.5 yards a tote with Jadarian Price and George Holani. Dowdle got fewer touches against the Falcons than Jaylen Warren, but he played 39 snaps to Warren’s 25 and they trusted him as a pass blocker. That isn’t how I would have expected things to go before this season. I think the only reason we’re under $5,000 here is the poor Week 1 box score, and I don’t necessarily believe there’s a reason to think that will happen again.
Kaelon Black, SF — $4,500 — Black got 28 snaps to Christian McCaffrey‘s 36 against the Rams in Week 1. The Dolphins just allowed one of 2025’s worst run offenses to put up 30 carries for 143 yards between Ashton Jeanty and Mike Washington Jr. while trailing the entire game. This Dolphins roster was born to be attacked on the ground and this looks to be a perfect opportunity assuming Jordan James doesn’t magically get active and force a carries split. I don’t really think the 49ers are going to limit McCaffrey this much going forward, but I suspect they’ll blow out the Dolphins by enough that it won’t really matter.
▶ Wide receivers
Dontayvion Wicks, PHI — $4,300 — The Eagles wound up playing Wicks for 91 percent of the snaps, putting him well ahead of Makai Lemon. It’s not a pass offense I would often endorse, but Wicks is a live deep threat playing the Titans and that generally tends to work out pretty well. The Titans allowed three 30-yard pass plays last week and created zero sacks. Against the Jets. Really.
Pat Bryant, DEN — $4,200 — Running it back from last week, Bryant went for 4/42 and played 59 percent of Denver’s snaps as they mostly kept Troy Franklin and Marvin Mims on the sideline. (It didn’t help that Franklin drew an offensive pass interference penalty on one of his few snaps.) I don’t necessarily trust Bryant to be the team’s leading target — that feels rich — but I do think he can be No. 2 behind Jaylen Waddle in an optimistic runout.
KC Concepcion, CLE — $4,100 — The lie detector did not lie on the training camp drumbeat that Concepcion would be the guy that Cleveland would feed targets to. He went for 4/43 in a bereft passing offense and also added 3/15 on the ground. There are Deebo Samuel-type outcomes here for Concepcion in the long-term. In the short-term, well, the Browns are going to throw a lot. Some of those throws will not be good because of who the quarterback is, but that’s why Concepcion is available to be played for this price in the first place. The Buccaneers are not an altogether threatening defense to play against, either.
Devaughn Vele, NO — $4,200 — Running it back from last week a second time, this time with one of the few receivers who actually worked out for me. Vele is locked into a major passing game role and the Saints may need to be throwing plenty to keep up with the Ravens. Don’t expect last week’s line — we’re not getting 60 Tyler Shough throws — but I do think he’ll be a reasonable FLEX play and contribute 50 yards with a strong touchdown chance.
Caleb Douglas, MIA — $3,700 — The big winner of Miami’s garbage-time offense, Douglas was second on the team with seven targets and finished with a team-best 94 receiving yards. We already know from the fact that Mike McDaniel couldn’t make him a thing that Malik Washington is unlikely to be a thing no matter the target count. The 49ers are going to blow out the Dolphins — many teams may blow out the Dolphins this year — and Douglas should continue to benefit from that given the lack of a good secondary option for Malik Willis to throw at.
▶ Tight ends
Juwan Johnson, NO — $3,900 — The designated survivor of the Saints receiver room, as I wrote last week, got there again. His 3/54/1 line against the Lions probably doesn’t happen without falling in a major hole, but the Saints have a pretty condensed passing tree this year and if the Ravens are going to conscript them like they did to the Colts, there should be plenty of garbage time work in Johnson’s future.