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Monday night was the second Monday Night Football game of the season for the Falcons. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice
Zane Gonzalez hit a 52-yard field goal to win the game. I repeat: 52 yards to win on Monday night over the Los Angeles Rams. The Falcons have now won three games in a row. This is not a prank. This is the real deal.
The Los Angeles Rams hadn’t been held scoreless during the first half of a game all season before they set foot in Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Falcons had failed to hold an opponent scoreless during the first half of any game this season. On Monday, against a team with nearly twice as many victories, Atlanta accomplished that feat.
That defensive effort could be seen as a sign of what this team is capable of when healthy and focused. Or it could just be a good night in a season of bad nights. The Falcons’ defense also gave up 21 unanswered points, including a touchdown on a blocked field goal late in the third quarter. Either way, the Atlanta Falcons won their seventh game of the season.
The Atlanta Falcons are at the end of the road. There’s only one remaining game on the 2025 schedule, and after Monday night’s victory over the Los Angeles Rams, there’s a good chance to end the season on a high note. The Falcons are now on a three-game winning streak.
On Monday night, the Atlanta Falcons faced the Los Angeles Rams in a game that meant much more to the visiting Rams than it did to the Falcons. But only in the standings. The Rams were a game behind the San Francisco 49ers and two games behind the Seattle Seahawks, two teams that had defeated the Falcons this season. Atlanta, on the other hand, was looking to extend their two-game winning streak and get another game closer to going .500 at home.
There’s one more Falcons home game to play this season. Up Next: the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, January 4, 2026. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice
The game got off to a competitive start, with Atlanta scoring on the second offensive possession of the game. The 11-play, 65-yard drive included Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins finding receivers David Sills IV and Darnell Mooney on long pass routes, and running back Bijan Robinson with a pair of passes, the latter for the first touchdown of the game. Robinson came into the game with 2,000 total yards from scrimmage and had already passed the 800-yard receiving mark following the first quarter. In just his third season, Robinson now has the team’s single-season record for most yards from scrimmage.
On the following defensive possession, the Falcons’ defensive front, arguably the MVP of the season, got a big fourth-down stop on their own 13-yard line. Reserve edge rusher Khalid Kareem came up with the big stop on Rams running back Kyren Williams.
Early in the second quarter, Atlanta failed to take advantage of that seven-point cushion and punted on their next possession. The Rams, led by former University of Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford, did even worse on their next opportunity to score. Stafford was not only picked off by Falcons safety Jessie Bates III at the Rams’ 25-yard line, but he had to watch Bates III make his way into the end zone, putting Atlanta ahead 14-0 following the extra point by kicker Zane Gonzalez.
The interception was only the fifth of the season for Stafford. He would throw a sixth interception on the following Rams possession. Prior to Monday night, Stafford had only thrown two interceptions in one game this season, a 31-28 loss at Carolina on November 30. Stafford was sacked twice in that game. He was sacked four times during the first half of the game on Monday night.
Robinson added a second touchdown to his 125-yard first half with a 93-yard run that put Atlanta ahead 21-0 with 1:28 remaining in the first half.
Falcons rookie safety Xavier Watts intercepted two Stafford passes during the game. The latter ended a drive that could have tied the score with nine minutes remaining in the game. Watts now has five interceptions on the season.
None of that mattered as the Rams scored 21 unanswered points to tie the game at 24 with less than three minutes to play. Rams receiver Puca Nacua, who had been a problem the entire game, scored the game-tying touchdown.
Jason Kelce is doing what big brothers do best — giving advice to his little bro.
We’ve all seen Travis Kelce‘s season with the Kansas City Chiefs this year unfortunately go downhill. They started off really rocky, and ended with a historically bad outcome. They didn’t make it to the playoffs for the first time in over a decade. On top of that, their star quarterback Patrick Mahomes got a season-ending ACL injury. It’s just been one hit after another.
Of course, rumors have been swirling for a while this may be KillaTrav’s last season in the NFL. We mean, he’s got a lot of new ventures ahead of him! His wedding to Taylor Swift, his pivot into the entertainment industry with his appearances in things like Happy Gilmore 2 and Grotesquerie… There’s no doubt he’s got something good up ahead in life! But before he makes the big decision to leave behind football forever, Jason has a word of advice.
During an appearance on Monday Night Football this week, he was asked about his little brother’s possible retirement, to which the former Philadelphia Eagles player said:
“I’m curious [as to how Travis will approach this], too. In my opinion, to nail that decision, you have to step away from the game for a little bit. Play these last three games, enjoy them with your teammates, enjoy them with your coach. The team’s gonna be different whether you come back or not next year, so enjoy these three games.”
Smart! Stay in the present, don’t spend all your time focusing on the future. Jason continued:
“Let it sink in. It’ll come to you in time. There’s so many emotions with this game, especially after a season that went the way this one went. It’s been so up and down … Right now, it’s just too fresh. You gotta step away from it. You gotta think about it. And then, it’ll come to you.”
See the clip (below):
.@JasonKelce on whether Travis Kelce is weighing retirement at the end of the season.
“To nail that decision you gotta step away from the game for a little bit … It’s too fresh.” pic.twitter.com/XNcCPIYcZO
A detailed view of an ESPN Monday Night Football pylon before an “MNF” game in October 2025. The Carolina Panthers play the San Francisco 49ers on Monday, Nov. 24, 2025, in what will be the Panthers’ first appearance on the NFL showcase since 2023.
Scott Taetsch
Getty Images
The Carolina Panthers don’t get to play on “Monday Night Football” very often, which makes this week’s Monday night game a welcome anomaly.
Now 6-5 and firmly in the playoff hunt, the Panthers go on the road to face the San Francisco 49ers in the team’s first MNF game since 2023. It’s a chance for Carolina to impress the nation on ESPN (8:15 p.m. kickoff) or, alternately, lay an egg in front of millions of TV viewers.
Why don’t the Panthers get this chance more often?
Being a mid-sized NFL market has something to do with it. But a bigger reason is that the Panthers have been inept and irrelevant far too often in their 31-year history — although that’s usually not been the case on MNF.
Bryce Young has led the Panthers to a 6-5 record this season and threw for 448 yards last week in a win over Atlanta. PATRICK MCDERMOTT Getty Images
In 30 previous full seasons, the Panthers have only made the NFL playoffs seven times (23.3%). That ain’t good. Their updated regular-season record is 225-269-1 — in other words, they are 44 games below .500 in the organization’s lifetime. That ain’t good, either.
But you know what is good?
When on MNF, the Panthers have usually played better than expectations and have posted an overall winning record. If you’re looking for omens, Panthers fans, here’s a promising one: Carolina is 10-8 on MNF, and even its losses have mostly been close.
The Panthers, who are 7-point underdogs to San Francisco (7-4), rarely embarrass themselves in this showcase. Their winning percentage on Monday night is 55.6%, which is 10th best among all NFL teams and also 10 percentage points higher than their franchise winning percentage.
A detail of ‘Monday Night Football’ signage prior to the MNF game between Green Bay and Philadelphia on Nov. 10, 2025. “There are going to be more cameras out there than usual,” said Panthers head coach Dave Canales about Monday night’s game. MICHAEL REAVES Getty Images
It’s also true that a big Panthers win on MNF often correlates to a trip to the playoffs. There hasn’t been a win on MNF for the franchise, though, in a long time — since 2017, to be exact, which is also the last time the Panthers made the playoffs. Carolina’s last two MNF appearances, against New Orleans in 2018 and 2023, both resulted in 3-point losses. Bryce Young, coming off a franchise-record 448 passing yards against Atlanta last week, will try to change that.
I’ve covered all 18 of the Panthers’ previous MNF games for The Charlotte Observer. Here are my choices for their four best victories on Monday nights. It’s no coincidence that all four came from Panthers teams that made the playoffs. Do you remember any — or all — of these?
In chronological order:
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (28) breaks free of Tampa Bay defensive back Ronde Barber (20) in 2008 during a Monday Night Football game on Dec. 8, 2008, at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers won, 38-23, and ran for a franchise-record 299 yards. DAVID T. FOSTER III Charlotte Observer
12-8-08: Carolina 38, Tampa Bay 23
The Panthers ran roughshod over a strong Tampa Bay team, gaining a franchise-record 299 rushing yards (DeAngelo Williams had 186 and Jonathan Stewart 115 back in the “Double Trouble” days). This game also helped get Tampa Bay head coach Jon Gruden fired, as it began a four-game tailspin for the Bucs.
NFL officials confer after back judge Terrence Miles (111) threw a flag on the last play in the Carolina Panthers-New England Patriots game on Nov. 18, 2013, at Bank of America Stadium. The flag against the Panthers for interfering with New England tight end Rob Gronkowski on a pass from Tom Brady was later waved off because the ball was deemed uncatchable, and the Panthers won over the Patriots, 24-20. DAVID T. FOSTER III Charlotte Observer
11-8-13: Carolina 24, New England 20
Cam Newton threw three touchdown passes in a thriller remembered for a controversial non-call. With Tom Brady throwing the ball into the end zone on the final play of the game for a potential game-winning touchdown, Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly got a little (well, a lot) handsy with New England tight end Rob Gronkowski. A flag was dropped as Brady’s pass was intercepted by Robert Lester.
If the interference call on Kuechly had stood, New England and the dreaded duo of Brady and head coach Bill Belichick would have had one untimed play from the 1-yard line to try to win the game. Instead, officials picked the flag up, deeming Brady’s pass uncatchable.
Patriots fans like to think of this as the “Robbed Gronkowski” game, but some Panthers fans still call it the “Immaculate Perception.”
Carolina Panthers kicker Graham Gano kicks the game-winning field goal from 52 yards out in overtime to defeat the Indianapolis Colts 29-26 on Monday Night Football on Nov. 2, 2015, at Bank of America Stadium. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
11-2-15: Carolina 29, Indy 26 (OT)
In a wild game, Graham Gano kicked not one but two overtime field goals for the Panthers to win (the first to match a Colts score, the second from 52 yards out to win it outright). This was also the game where four protesters somehow sneaked some serious climbing equipment into Bank of America Stadium and rappelled down into the stands to unfurl a banner protesting … well, I can’t remember exactly what.
In the meantime, the Panthers kept their perfect record intact on the way to a 14-0 start that season (The Observer recently did a documentary on the 2015 season called “Super Men,” which is now available for free on YouTube).
Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey celebrates one of his two touchdowns against the Miami Dolphins on Nov. 13, 2017. The game occurred in McCaffrey’s rookie year; Carolina won 45-21 on its way to the playoffs. DAVID T. FOSTER III Charlotte Observer
11-13-17: Carolina 45, Miami 21
This was the last time the Panthers won a game on Monday Night Football. And do you know the name of the rookie running back who scored twice for Carolina that night in a blowout?
It was Christian McCaffrey, who is about to face off against the Panthers in an entirely different uniform Monday night with San Francisco.
Christian McCaffrey strikes a nearly identical pose with the Carolina Panthers (2022) and the San Francisco 49ers (2025). Charlotte Observer file photo (left) and Getty Images
Columnist Scott Fowler has written for The Charlotte Observer since 1994. He has earned 24 national APSE sportswriting awards and hosted The Observer’s podcast “Carruth,” which Sports Illustrated once named “Podcast of the Year.” Fowler hosts the online series and podcast “Sports Legends of the Carolinas,” which features 1-on-1 interviews with NC and SC sports icons. He also writes occasionally about non-sports subjects, such as the 5-part series “9/11/74,” which chronicled the plane crash of Eastern Air Lines Flight 212 in Charlotte in 1974. Support my work with a digital subscription
The quarterback was a full participant during Thursday’s practice, according to head coach Dave Canales.
“He was able to move around and execute what we needed him to do today,” Canales said.
Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young celebrates a touchdown during Sunday’s fourth quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Jonathan Bachman Getty Images
Young briefly left the overtime win at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in the first quarter after being stepped on by Falcons safety Billy Bowman during a sack. Young returned on the following drive and later led the team on a second-half comeback that eventually saw the Panthers take a short fourth-quarter lead. He ultimately spearheaded six total scoring drives, including the one that produced the game-winning field goal in overtime.
Despite limping to the podium for his post-game press conference on Sunday, Young was able to lead the offense in the team’s first practice of Week 12.
The Panthers are comfortable enough with Young’s health that they won’t promote third-string QB Mike White from the practice squad to the 53-man roster as a potential emergency option. White, who previously served as the team’s emergency third QB in the 16-13 win over the Green Bay Packers, would need to be on the main roster to be used in that role on Monday against the San Francisco 49ers.
Carolina Panthers QB Bryce Young runs the ball against Ronnie Harrison Jr. of the Atlanta Falcons during Sunday’s first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Todd Kirkland Getty Images
“It’s an option,” Canales said. “Right now, that’s not the plan this week, but it is an option. I’m glad (White) is here, continuing to hear our words, prepare with the guys, hear our conversations, be a part of the protection meetings — all of those things — so, if we need him, we can call on him.”
Young, who first hurt right ankle against the New York Jets in Week 7, has played in three games since missing the 40-9 loss to the Buffalo Bills in Week 8. While he’s had a couple of scares with the injury since his return, Young has won two of those three outings.
“Everyone’s fighting through something at this point in the year,” Young said Thursday. “During practice — I’m in the training room all the time, doing everything I can — have a great training staff, doing all the stuff they want me to do. Always getting better, always feeling better on a day-to-day basis. Again, everyone’s dealing with something, that’s just the nature of football, of this league, especially this time of the year. Again, I’m excited and focused on football.”
Panthers injury updates: Wallace, Rozeboom still sidelined
Starting inside linebackers Trevin Wallace (shoulder) and Christian Rozeboom (hamstring) did not take part in drills during the media portion of practice on Thursday.
Wallace, who missed Sunday’s win over the Falcons, was given a “week to week” status by Canales last week. The coach still hasn’t changed his tune on Wallace, but he wouldn’t rule him out for Monday, despite his uncertainty.
“First and foremost, we have to evaluate Trevin — see where he’s at for this week,” Canales said. “Told you he was week to week (last week), and we’ll have more information on that.”
Carolina Panthers linebacker Trevin Wallace, back to camera and cornerback Corey Thornton, facing camera, look to make the tackle on Dallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams, center, during action on Sunday, October 12, 2025 at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers defeated the Cowboys 30-27. JEFF SINER jsiner@charlotteobserver.com
Rozeboom injured his hamstring against Atlanta. He was the main signal-caller in Wallace’s absence against the Falcons, but with Rozeboom now nursing an injury of his own, there is some uncertainty about who would step up if both were ruled out against the 49ers.
Canales all but ruled out Rozeboom for the Week 12 matchup on Thursday, but he said the Panthers will continue to evaluate him.
“We’d hate to put him out there for a limited amount, knowing how he plays — the style, the aggression, physical nature that he plays with,” Canales said about Rozeboom. “We want to make sure he’s healthy, first and foremost.”
Claudin Cherelus, a tenured special teams contributor, produced 10 tackles and a pass breakup as a fill-in starter in the overtime win in Week 11. He would likely start if one of the two regular starting inside linebackers were to miss Monday Night Football.
Carolina Panthers linebacker Claudin Cherelus, left, tackles Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. on Sunday, October 13, 2024. KHADEJEH NIKOUYEH Knikouyeh@charlotteobserver.com
The team also brought back inside linebacker Jacoby Windmon on the practice squad on Wednesday. Windmon played in eight games (two starts) for Carolina last season and spent the entire summer with the team before being cut in August. Windmon could be elevated to the game-day roster in case the team needs depth.
Veteran Krys Barnes, who was elevated for the win against the Falcons, is also still on the practice squad. He played 16 special teams snaps against the Falcons, and he has one more elevation left before he must be signed to the 53-man roster.
“Brought (Windmon) in here — a guy that’s familiar with what we do, from a special teams standpoint and a linebacker standpoint,” Canales said. “Love what Claud did in the game (against Atlanta). Krys Barnes is another guy that’s been around, that’s ready to go. And Maema Njongmeta, he got into the game a little bit at the end as well.
“So, we’ve got a couple of guys, a couple of options there. The picture will get a bit clearer once we know what’s going on with Trevin.”
Note: The Panthers will release their injury report later in the evening on Thursday and this section will be updated.
Quick hits
The Panthers enter Week 12 with the ninth-best record in the NFC. The 49ers own the seventh spot in the conference and would be the final playoff team in the wild-card round if the season ended right now. If the Panthers defeat the 49ers on Monday, they’ll be tied at 7-5 — with Carolina owning the head-to-head tiebreaker over San Francisco. The Detroit Lions (6-4) are the lone team between the 49ers and the Panthers in the overall NFC standings.
With former Panthers kicker Eddy Piñeiro dealing with a minor hamstring injury, the 49ers have signed former Los Angeles Rams kicker Matt Gay to their practice squad. Piñeiro has made all 22 of his field-goal attempts this season, including all six of his attempts of 50 or more yards. During his tenure in Carolina, Piñeiro made seven total field-goal attempts from beyond 50 yards.
Entering Week 12, there are six teams with two or fewer wins. The Tennessee Titans, at 1-9, could set a new basement record for the 17-game season. The Panthers, infamously, went 2-15 in 2023, creating the current low mark for the expanded schedule.
Second-round pick Nic Scourton is currently tied with Pro Bowl defensive end Derrick Brown with three sacks on the season. The pair co-leads the team in that category. If Scourton can make up some ground over the next six games, he could be the first rookie since Julius Peppers in 2002 to lead the Panthers in sacks.
Mike Kaye writes about the Carolina Panthers for The Charlotte Observer. He also co-hosts “Processing Blue: A Panthers Podcast” for The Observer. Kaye’s work in columns/analysis and sports feature writing has been honored by the North Carolina Press Association (NCPA). His reporting has also received recognition from the Associated Press Sports Editors (APSE).Kaye previously covered the entire NFL for Pro Football Network, the Philadelphia Eagles for NJ Advance Media and the Jacksonville Jaguars for First Coast News. Support my work with a digital subscription
It doesn’t look like Disney-owned channels including ABC and ESPN will be returning to YouTube TV anytime soon. The Walt Disney Co. pulled its channels from YouTube TV as of midnight on Oct. 30 after the two companies failed to reach new terms on their latest carriage agreement. While big sporting events are often where the rubber meets the road on these channel blackouts, YouTube TV subscribers were unable to see any college football games on ABC or ESPN all weekend, and it looks like anyone hoping to watch tonight’s Monday Night Football game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Dallas Cowboys will suffer the same fate: YouTube TV management has officially rebuffed Disney’s request for a 24-hour restoration of its channels in a blog post — ostensibly to offer coverage of Tuesday’s elections — proposing instead that Disney reactivate the feeds for ABC and ESPN while negotiations continue.
YouTube TV had previously stated that if Disney’s channels remain off the platform for an extended period, customers will receive a $20 monthly credit. That’s all fine and good, but if you’re looking to watch tonight’s game or your favorite shows — including Abbott Elementary, Grey’s Anatomy and Dancing with the Stars, or Wednesday’s NBA games — you’ll need to seek out alternative viewing methods. And unfortunately for YouTube TV’s negotiating position, there are plenty of options.
One of the cheapest ways to watch ESPN is with a Sling Day Pass — for just $5/day, you can tune into any and all ESPN programming, including Monday Night Football, with no other commitments. If you want a full switch from YouTube TV, there’s Hulu + Live TV, DirecTV, or Fubo, where you can watch all the Disney-owned channels. (Remember, unlike a lot of cable plans, you can easily pause or cancel YouTube TV or any of these alternatives, so long as you have month-to-month subscriptions.) If you’re looking for a workaround to watch ESPN, the Disney Channel, ABC and more, here’s are the best options so you won’t miss a moment of sports, news, or entertainment, all pulled from our list of best live TV streaming services to cut cable.
Grab an ESPN bundle so you won’t miss the NFL, NBA or any other games
For $29.99, the ESPN unlimited package includes access to all of ESPN’s linear networks: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SECN, ACCN, ESPNews and ESPN Deportes, plus access to programming on ABC, ESPN+ content, ESPN3, SECN+ and ACCNX. That means fans will get coverage of more than 47,000 live events each year, on-demand replays, original programming and more so you won’t miss a single Monday Night Football game or any weekend college football game on ABC or ESPN’s suite of channels. Plus, you can watch your favorite ABC shows the day after they air.
Right now, for a limited time, you can bundle ESPN unlimited with Disney+ and Hulu and pay $29.99/month for 12 months — that’s like getting those other services free for a year. Even if you’re a current subscriber to Disney+, Hulu or even the bundle, you can still upgrade to this great deal.
Hulu’s live TV tier includes access to live TV channels like ESPN, ABC, NBC, Fox, and access to Disney+ and ESPN select. For a limited time, you can get a hefty discount on the service for 3 months. New and eligible returning subscribers (those who have not been Hulu subscribers in the past month) can sign up for Hulu + Live TV (with ads) for $64.99/month for their first three months. This is an especially great value considering that Hulu and Disney+ increased their prices on Oct. 21.
You’ll also enjoy access to unlimited DVR storage, the ability to stream on multiple devices and more. This special rate ends at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT on Nov. 5.
After the three-month trial period, your subscription will continue at the regular market rate of $89.99, but if you’re looking for an alternative to YouTube TV, now’s the perfect time to take advantage of this deal. (If the YouTube situation is resolved before the weekend is up, you can also just sign up for a 3-day trial of Hulu + Live TV).
Try Fubo free for a week and get $30 your first month
If you’re looking for a stopgap so you won’t miss any major games or shows this weekend, Fubo is offering a free 7-day trial so you can check out everything the platform has to offer, risk-free, and on top of that, you can get $30 off your first month.
Fubo TV gives you access to ESPN, Fox, ABC, CBS, NFL Network, and 100+ more live channels. At $80/month, the live TV streaming service is definitely a big investment but it’s one of the most comprehensive ways to watch live TV including the new NCAA season, the NFL, MLB and more, and still leaves you with major savings compared to a traditional cable package. Fubo subscribers also get 1,000 hours of cloud DVR storage.
Try DirecTV free for 5 days, and get $30 off your first month
DirecTV offers loads of great live channels, which means you can watch thousands of live sporting events, live TV and more with a regular subscription. And right now, for a limited time, you can get a $20 bill credit off your first month when you sign up, plus at least $10 more off per month for your first 24 months with a DirecTV Choice, Ultimate or Premier package — that’s over $250 in savings. You can find information on every package here.
Right now you can also get a free 5-day trial to test out the platform.
You may have heard that Sling offers day, weekend and week passes to its streaming programming for as little as $5 per day. That is an option if you’re looking for just some of the ESPN channels (the Sling Orange tier), but ABC isn’t included. (If you’re just looking to catch one of this week’s big games, like Monday Night Football on ESPN, it’s a great short-term solution.) If you want a longer-term solution, you can get both ESPN and ABC with Sling’s Orange and Blue package ($30 a month to start, $61 thereafter), but you’ll need to add on the Sports Extra package for ESPNU, which requires an additional charge.
Get your local Disney/ABC programming for free
Need your local ABC programming? Your station may have its own free local streaming news channel (many do), you can see if The Roku Channel carries your local station’s news, or download your local news station app if it’s a Nexstar channel.
The other alternative — if you’re within the broadcast radius of a local ABC affiliate — is to get an over-the-air antenna. You can plug in your ZIP code at antennaweb.org to see what channels are in your area. This off-brand unit has worked very well in our initial testing — it’s under $30, and the channels are truly free.
What games are on ESPN/ABC this week?
If you’re wondering what games you might miss as a result of the YouTubeTV/Disney blackout, here’s a list of some upcoming sports you may not want to miss:
Monday, Nov. 3
Monday Night Football: Arizona Cardinals vs. Dallas Cowboys, 8:15 p.m. ET (ESPN/ABC)
Wednesday, Nov. 5
NBA: Minnesota Timberwolves vs. New York Knicks, 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)
NBA: San Antonio Spurs vs. Los Angeles Lakers, 10 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Update Nov. 3 2025, 6:36PM ET: This story has been updated to include YouTube TV’s latest response to Disney’s request to restore its channels for just 24 hours.
As we sat around for the Houston Texans’ bye week for the last 15 days, coming off of two very lopsided wins over Tennessee and Baltimore, the big question that we all pondered — were those two wins real? Was the improvement actual improvement by the Texans or a precipitous drop in opponent quality.
On Monday night, late in the evening In Seattle, we got our answer. The Texans’ two wins in Weeks 4 and 5 were counterfeit. They were fraudulent. If I can quote some mafia Italian, they were FUGAZI. The Texans are the same disorganized, undisciplined, poorly coached outfit that they were in Weeks 1, 2, and 3.
The Seattle Seahawks beat the Texans on Monday night by a score of 27-19, in a game that was only a one score game because the Seahawks seemed to want to let the Texans hang around, with several careless turnovers in the second half. The Texans acted with the killer instinct of a field mouse trying to avoid a hawk.
The Texans now sit at 2-4, but their record is way down the list of issues with this team. Right now, their offense is a disjointed mess, with no solutions in sight. The mistakes this team makes look like bad attempts at TikTok challenges. Their head coach might not be a good head coach. Oh yeah, and now Nico Collins is concussed.
Let’s get to winners and losers:
WINNERS
4. Will Anderson
As this game was sliding into the toilet throughout the second half, the one guy who was still showing up was Will Anderson. When the Texans offense was running stagnant all night, the one guy who went and got the Texans a touchdown was Anderson, on an end zone strip sack of Sam Darnold, and the fumble recovery for the score.
3. Jaxon Smith-Njigba
JSN came into this game leading the league in receiving yards, and this was after nearly the entire NFL had a one game jump on him, having played on Thursday and Sunday. He lived up to the hype, with 8 catches for 123 yards and a touchdown, beating All Pro Derek Stingley in the process.
2. George Springer
We interrupt the coverage of this gawd awful football game to play a little game of “remember when.” Remember when George Springer used to hit home runs like this for the Houston Astros?
Very happy for Springer, and VERY happy that the people of Seattle got to experience some level of soul crushing disappointment on this same day.
1. The Houston Rockets
The Houston Texans suck right now. This is undeniable. They can only beat gimpy, injury riddled teams with crappy quarterback play. If they are playing a team of any substance, even if they win the turnover battle by three (evidently), they can’t win. The Dodgers are in the World Series, while the Astros sit at home. The only saving race in our lives are the Houston Rockets. Kevin Durant’s debut is tonight. A new era begins. As Princess Leia once said, “Help me, Obi Wan Udoka. You’re my only hope.”
LOSERS
4. Nico Collins
I hate putting Nico in this category, because on nights like last night, he is usually the only thing going for the Texans. Unfortunately, Collins had a huge drop in the first half on a play that would have gone for 30 to 40 yards after a catch and run. Ultimately, Collins left the game with a concussion, which on a short week leading up to Week 8, is incredibly problematic.
3. Azeez Al-Shaair
Azeez Al-Shaair is one of the players on defense where subscribing to Ryans’ SWARM mentality gets him in trouble sometimes. The most famous example was the beheading of Trevor Lawrence last season in Jacksonville, but Al-Shaair popped up again in this game with a completely useless and silly (and illegal) dragging to the ground of Sam Darnold out of bounds, on a play that would have forced a Seahawks field goal attempt on fourth down. Instead, the penalty kept the drive alive, and the Seahawks would score a touchdown a few plays later. It was a stupid four point mistake by Al-Shaair. Completely unnecessary.
2. Nick Caley
Wow, where to begin. I could probably write an entire article for Caley’s disappointing return from the bye week. All of the creativity and execution that we saw offensively just before the bye week, it’s like it never happened. It’s like it was a two week fever dream, and now we landed back in Kansas like Dorothy, only instead of a bunch of random farmhands welcoming us home, we have Dare Ogunbowale, Laken Tomlinson, and Braxton Berrios inexplicably as part of our lives. The part of this game that was “peak Caley” was the two attempts to run Woody Marks over the Texans’ abysmal left side of their offensive line on 3rd and 1, and 4th and 1, in Texans territory, in the third quarter. Needless to say, it was embarrassingly unsuccessful. Caley is ruining C.J. Stroud, and the offense feels like it is still at square one. As of right now, Caley is a worse hire than Bobby Slowik, and it’s not even close.
1. DeMeco Ryans
I hate saying this because I am a big fan of DeMeco Ryans, but there is now way you can even squint your way to saying this is even a decently coached football team, let alone well coached. They hurt themselves with silly penalties (10 in all, on Monday), bad play calling, and poor game management. The decision to kick off to the Seahawks just before the two minute warning, down eight points with one timeout left is a fireable offense in the real world. That is amateur hour type stuff. It essentially ended the Texans’ chances of getting the ball back. Ultimately, what actually ended those chances was Tim Settle getting a 15 yard penalty for unnecessary roughness on third down, but I digress. Look, DeMeco Ryans isn’t getting fired, even if this season goes into the toilet. The McNairs believe in him. However, he hasn’t shown a great acumen for hiring key positions, and his decision making this season, in personnel and in-game, has been very questionable.
Long time division rivals clash in Vegas in Monday Night Football action
Los Angeles ChargersCredit: Los Angeles Chargers
In game 1, we saw the LA Chargers successfully fend off the Kansas City Chiefs in a divisional thriller full of big plays and bigger upsets. This week, the divisional feuds continue as the Chargers head to Vegas to face a newly revitalized Raiders team.
It took a few years of navigating drafts and trades, but it appears that this year’s Las Vegas Raiders can pose a serious threat, unlike we’ve seen in recent years.
After a 14-year run with the Seattle Seahawks that includes a Super Bowl victory (Super Bowl XLVIII), future Hall of Fame coach Pete Carroll has made his way to the often-troubled Raiders, bringing with him a work ethic and maturity level that have been sorely missing in the team’s past.
Now in command, he oversees a promising team full of young studs, such as the eruptive tight end Brock Bowers, who is now considered the best player at the position, and the newly drafted running back Ashton Jeanty, who is viewed as one of the best RB prospects in years.
Along with Carroll also comes former Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith, who finished top 5 in total passing yards last season. And to round out this offense on the WR end of things, we have Jakobi Meyers, a player who has flown under the radar quietly while accumulating a career-best season last year for not only surpassing 1,000 yards for his first time, but also catching 129 targets with a mind-blowing 0 drops.
Safe to say the Chargers cannot let their foot off the gas during their next meeting. But as we’ve seen in game 1, Herbert and the Chargers are also playing with a chip on their shoulder after numerous underwhelming years.
If the offense continues to click like it did against the Chiefs, Herbert will have not one, not two but three highly skilled receivers at his disposal in McConkey, Allen, and Johnston. We should also see a breakout game from the Chargers’ own rookie RB Omarion Hampton, who saw a solid amount of carries in game 1, though left much to be desired in terms of yardage gained.
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The key to victory is not resting entirely on the Chargers’ offense but more on the defense, specifically superstar safety Derwin James Jr., as he must apply as much pressure as he can to Geno Smith in hopes of preventing any type of production from Bowers and Meyers.
Could we see two fun shootouts in a row for the Chargers? There’s a high possibility. We’ll see how things play out on Monday night in Vegas, where the high-rollers take all the risk.
Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce in attendance for Game 1 of Yankees-Guardians series
Updated: 11:56 PM EDT Oct 14, 2024
Turns out, Taylor and Travis like to watch a little baseball, too.Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce and his girlfriend, Taylor Swift, are attending Game 1 of the American League Championship Series.Video above: Taylor Swift ‘shimmers’ in her signature red lip in arrival at Arrowhead StadiumThe New York Yankees, who defeated the Kansas City Royals in the American League Division Series, are hosting the Cleveland Guardians to begin the best-of-seven series. The famous couple sat together in a suite down the right-field line, in the second row above postseason bunting and a flag commemorating the Yankees’ 1932 World Series championship.Kelce, a Westlake, Ohio, native who went to high school in Cleveland Heights, sported a dark baseball cap with the words Midnight Rodeo on it. Swift also wore a hat on a 50-degree night in the Bronx.Kelce, who turned 35 on Oct. 5, grew up rooting for Kenny Lofton and Cleveland in the 1990s. Kelce threw a wild ceremonial first pitch before the Guardians’ season opener last year.Swift was also in attendance at last Monday night’s Chiefs game against the New Orleans Saints.It was the second major sporting event for Swift and Kelce in New York City over the past five-plus weeks. The couple also sat in a box to watch the men’s final at the U.S. Open tennis tournament on Sept. 8 in Queens.Kelce and the Chiefs, the two-time defending Super Bowl champions, had a bye this weekend after opening the season 5-0. Their next game is Sunday at San Francisco, a rematch of last season’s Super Bowl.
Turns out, Taylor and Travis like to watch a little baseball, too.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce and his girlfriend, Taylor Swift, are attending Game 1 of the American League Championship Series.
Video above: Taylor Swift ‘shimmers’ in her signature red lip in arrival at Arrowhead Stadium
The New York Yankees, who defeated the Kansas City Royals in the American League Division Series, are hosting the Cleveland Guardians to begin the best-of-seven series.
The famous couple sat together in a suite down the right-field line, in the second row above postseason bunting and a flag commemorating the Yankees’ 1932 World Series championship.
Kelce, a Westlake, Ohio, native who went to high school in Cleveland Heights, sported a dark baseball cap with the words Midnight Rodeo on it. Swift also wore a hat on a 50-degree night in the Bronx.
Kelce, who turned 35 on Oct. 5, grew up rooting for Kenny Lofton and Cleveland in the 1990s. Kelce threw a wild ceremonial first pitch before the Guardians’ season opener last year.
Swift was also in attendance at last Monday night’s Chiefs game against the New Orleans Saints.
Kelce and the Chiefs, the two-time defending Super Bowl champions, had a bye this weekend after opening the season 5-0. Their next game is Sunday at San Francisco, a rematch of last season’s Super Bowl.
Topgolf and Pepsi are helping NFL fans mix up where they want to watch their favorite games this season – and hosting one of Philly’s most legendary players to sweeten the deal.
Ahead of next week’s game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Atlanta Falcons, Pepsi, and Topgolf will allow Eagles fans to meet Philadelphia Eagles legend Brian Westbrook exclusively at Topgolf Philadelphia.
PHOTO: Courtesy of Pepsi
Westbrook will be available for photos and autograph opportunities on Monday, September 16, from 5 to 7 PM ET.
To lock in the chance to master their swing alongside the Eagles’ great, players must RSVP in advance for a free, photo-only reservation or a standard bay reservation. Reservations can be made online.
To fuel game days – and Eagles fans’ Super Bowl aspirations – Pepsi and Topgolf are also:
Launching an exclusive sweepstakes for Topgolf players to have the chance to be automatically entered to win BIG when they play at Topgolf – with prizes including tickets for two to the big game in New Orleans, NFL store gift cards, jerseys, and tickets to regular seasons games. Players need to score on specific shots (5th, 10th, or 15th in standard mode; 5th in quick mode) from now until Oct 31, 2024, to be entered to win.
Offering a $25 game day bundle for the crew only available for Sunday, Monday, and Thursday game days. The epic value comes with a hot honey pepperoni flatbread, pretzel bites, and up to four Pepsi fountain drinks (Pepsi®, Diet Pepsi®, and Pepsi Zero Sugar®) (available 9/1/24-10/31/24).
Brotherly bragging rights will be on the line for coaches on both sides of Monday night’s prime-time matchup between the Cincinnati Bengals and Jacksonville Jaguars.
Bengals head coach Zac Taylor and his younger brother, Jaguars offensive coordinator Press Taylor, will lead their teams against each other in Jacksonville during Week 13’s Monday Night Football game. And there is a trophy at stake. Their father, Sherwood Taylor, created one in 2017 to recognize the winners of the “Taylor Bro Bowl.” Each time the brothers coach against each other in the NFL, the trophy—which usually sits on their father’s desk in Norman, Oklahoma—is updated with engravings commemorating the game.
Not that either of the Taylor brothers is particularly caught up in it.
“It used to be something that was cool,” Press Taylor said at a press conference ahead of the game. “We used to be quality control [coaches] or assistant position coaches, whatever it was. So it was kind of a fun way for our family to be involved and talk a little trash. Now it’s something that only gets brought up really this time of year. We may randomly think about it every so often and see if my dad updated it. But that’s really all it is. Kind of a fun thing for our family.”
Added Zac Taylor: “A lot is made of it. Probably the least is made of it from me and Press. But he’s somebody I’m very proud of.”
Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor looks on during the first quarter against the Houston Texans at Paycor Stadium on November 12, 2023, in Cincinnati, Ohio. Zac and his brother, Press Taylor, will coach against each other on Monday Night Football. Dylan Buell/Getty Images/Getty Images
This marks the fifth meeting between Zac, 40, and Press, 35, in the NFL. The younger Taylor brother holds a 2-1-1 advantage in the series. Their most recent encounter ended in a 23-23 tie in 2020 when Zac was in his second year leading the Bengals and Press was the quarterbacks coach of the Philadelphia Eagles.
Jacksonville (8-3) is a 9.5-point home favorite over Cincinnati (5-6), per DraftKings Sportsbook, heading into this family reunion of sorts. Zac said he and his brother will interact briefly on Monday but wait until after the season to catch up.
But Jacksonville’s campaign might go on a little longer than Cincinnati’s.
The Bengals, losers of three in a row and entering their second full game without quarterback Joe Burrow, are in last place in the AFC North and stand 11th overall in the conference. But Zac Taylor isn’t giving up playoff hopes. Beating the Jags would inch the Bengals closer to a Wild Card position.
“No one is out of it. No one is in,” he said ahead of the matchup. “We’re right where we need to be. We just have to play our best football. Plenty of opportunity in front of us with people we play against that are in similar positions, maybe slightly more favorable.”
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The Jaguars have won seven of their last eight games and enter Monday night as the third seed in the AFC playoff race. Beating the Bengals would tie the Jags with the Miami Dolphins and Baltimore Ravens for the most wins in the conference. And they’d be accomplishing that in front of a relatively new audience.
Jacksonville is making its first Monday Night Footballappearance since 2011, ending the NFL’s longest active drought without a nod in the game. For context, six teams have each played more than 20 times on Monday night since, according to the Associated Press. Jacksonville’s return to the spotlight could be a rewarding one. Along with being heavy favorites over Cincinnati, the Bengals are 3-20 in road MNF games, the worst record in league history, and last won one in 1990, per AP.
In other words, Press Taylor has the historical advantage over his brother heading into the sibling face-off.
“It’s obviously exciting,” Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson said of the team playing on Monday night. “It’s always an electric moment … Monday night is a special night. You’re the only game on, everybody is watching you and you want to put your best foot forward.”
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
As the NFL’s Week 10 matchup for Monday Night Football draws near, football fans are gearing up for a clash between the Denver Broncos and the Buffalo Bills. Here’s what you need to know about the key players and storylines.
Listen live to your choice of the home, away, or national feed on the SiriusXM app. Kickoff is November 13 at 8:15pm.
The Bills’ quarterback, Josh Allen, completed 26 of 38 attempts with a 68.4% completion rate in Week 9. He threw for 258 yards, and also had 2 touchdowns.
James Cook has contributed with 70+ scrimmage yards in three of the past four games.
Leonard Fournette, potentially making his Bills debut, had a career-high 225 rush yards against Denver in 2019.
Stefon Diggs had 6 catches for 86 yards and his seventh touchdown of the season in the last game. Gabriel Davis has been a reliable target with a receiving touchdown in three of four games this season.
Dalton Kincaid had a breakout game in Week 9 with career highs in catches and receiving yards.
Buffalo Bills Home Feed
SiriusXM channel 225 in your vehicle
Channel 803 on the SiriusXM App
Denver Broncos Away Feed
SiriusXM channel 226 in your vehicle
Channel 809 on the SiriusXM App
National Feed
SiriusXM channel 88 in your vehicle
Channel 88 on the SiriusXM App
En Español
SiriusXM channel 227 in your vehicle
Channel 832 on the SiriusXM App
Away: Denver Broncos
Quarterback Russell Wilson has a commendable record on Monday Night Football, with 5 touchdowns and no interceptions in his last 4 starts.
Javonte Williams has only one career game on Monday Night Football, where he had 108 scrimmage yards.
Courtland Sutton has been a reliable target with a touchdown catch in 5 of his past 6 games. Jerry Jeudy has 50+ receiving yards in 5 of the past 6 games.
Alex Singleton aims for his seventh consecutive game with 7+ tackles, while Baron Browning has shown his pass-rushing ability with 2 sacks in his last three games.
Patrick Surtain has been consistent with pass deflections in 4 of the past 5 games.
As the NFL’s Week 7 matchup for Monday Night Football draws near, football fans are gearing up for an exciting clash between the Las Vegas Raiders and the Detroit Lions. Here’s what you need to know about the key players and storylines.
Listen live to your choice of the home, away, or national feed on the SiriusXM App. Kickoff is October 30 at 8:15pm.
Quarterback Jared Goff showcased his arm in Week 7, passing for 284 yards. Goff boasts a 105.9 rating in 20 home starts with the Lions, with 45 touchdowns (43 passing, 2 rushing) against 8 interceptions.
Rookie running back Jahmyr Gibbs finally showcased his skills, setting career highs with 9 receptions and 126 scrimmage yards in Week 7, including his first career rushing touchdown. David Montgomery, who was out due to injury last week, looks to continue his primetime success for his 17th consecutive game with over 50 scrimmage yards under the lights. Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown remains a top target, with a career-high 13 receptions and 102 receiving yards last week. He’s aiming for his third consecutive game with 10+ catches and 100+ receiving yards.
Aidan Hutchinson had his first fumble recovery of the season in Week 7, and he’s the only player with 4+ interceptions and 4+ fumble recoveries since 2022. Isaiah Buggs added his second tackle for loss of the season, while linebacker Alex Anzalone continues his impressive tackle streak with 50 tackles in 2023.
Detroit Lions Home Feed
SiriusXM channel 225 in your vehicle
Channel 810 on the SiriusXM App
Las Vegas Raiders Away Feed
SiriusXM channel 226 in your vehicle
Channel 816 on the SiriusXM App
National Feed
SiriusXM channel 88 in your vehicle
Channel 88 on the SiriusXM App
En Español
SiriusXM channel 227 in your vehicle
Channel 832 on the SiriusXM App
Away: Las Vegas Raiders
Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo has a history of success against Detroit, going 2-0 with 520 passing yards and 3 touchdowns. Backup quarterback Brian Hoyer, in his first start of the season last week, passed for 129 yards. Rookie quarterback Aidan O’Connell secured his first career touchdown pass last week.
Running back Josh Jacobs has been strong, recording 80+ scrimmage yards in 4 of his last 5 games. WR Davante Adams has consistently delivered on the road, with 6+ catches and 55+ receiving yards in each of his four road games this season; look for him to make an impact in Detroit. Jakobi Meyers aims for his fourth consecutive game with 5+ catches, 50+ receiving yards, and a receiving touchdown.
Defensively, Maxx Crosby looks for his sixth consecutive game with 0.5+ sacks. Rookie Tyree Wilson made an impact with his first career sack and forced fumble in Week 7. Linebacker Robert Spillane is seeking his fourth consecutive game with 7+ tackles.
ESPN football analyst Robert Griffin III used a racist slur in his defense of Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts on “Monday Night Countdown.” (Watch the video below.)
Griffin, a former Heisman Trophy winner who played quarterback in seven NFL seasons, had a message for critics of Hurts, who has led the Eagles to a 12-1 record.
“People said that Jalen Hurts couldn’t get it done, he could not break from the pocket, he’s not the quarterback of the future,” Griffin said. “I think he proved all those jigaboos wrong.”
Griffin later tweeted that he meant to say “those Bug-A-Boos.”
“Regardless of my intention, I understand the historical context of the term that came out of my mouth and I apologize,” he wrote.
Griffin has been in hot water before for commentary that went awry. Earlier this season, he compared an allegation of indecent exposure against former receiver Antonio Brown to the defenses of Detroit and Seattle.
“AB showed more D than the Lions and Seahawks did today,” he wrote at the time.
HuffPost couldn’t immediately reach ESPN for comment.
