Matt Bowen is a fantasy football and NFL writer for ESPN. He joined ESPN in 2015, writes regularly for ESPN+ and spent multiple years on “NFL Matchup.” After graduating from the University of Iowa, Matt played safety in the NFL for St. Louis, Green Bay, Washington and Buffalo over seven seasons.
It’s still very early in the fantasy football season, so let’s not deal in absolutes just yet. Sure, we can have a take on a player, a system, a coach. I get that. But at this point, I want to talk more about observations; what the tape and the numbers are telling us. And I do have plenty of those.
For the most part, the quality of football we watched in the league last week improved. Offenses had a stronger sense of rhythm and scoring was up (23.8 points per game). It’s an ideal time to discuss wide receivers with higher ceilings than expected. More volume, more production. There’s also a rookie tight end who is being schemed up to post numbers for your lineup. On the other hand, there are also players struggling to establish a role, and others who can’t seem to get on track early in the season.
We fantasy managers need to find some answers, or make some key roster decisions … and soon. Here are my fantasy observations ahead of Week 3 in the NFL.
The Eagles need answers in the passing game
It’s been a rough start for the Eagles’ passing game. Through two weeks, Philly has a total of 238 yards passing, which ranks 31st in the league. And the Week 2 tape vs. Kansas City tells a story. There’s no schemed vertical element to see here. Lots of slants and unders. The Eagles must expand the route tree for A.J. Brown (4.8 fantasy PPG) and DeVonta Smith (7.0), using formation/alignment and pre-snap movement to create more big plays, plus catch-and-run opportunities. Let’s set up Jalen Hurts to throw to the second and third level of the field, like we saw in the Super Bowl.
Smith-Njigba has commanded a target share of 42.3% through the Seahawks’ first two games. That’s a big number. Yes, I want him to play a much larger role in the red zone (zero end zone targets so far), but we can’t question the volume and production here. Smith-Njigba has caught 17 of 22 targets to start the season, racking up 227 receiving yards. The route running pops, and so does the competitiveness after the catch. He can finish as a top-10 WR if the touchdown numbers start to climb.
Herbert is averaging 23.3 points per game, plus he has at least two touchdown throws and 30 yards rushing in both games. He does have a tough matchup against the Broncos in Week 3, but he is driving the ball with accuracy, completing 72.1% of his throws, and he’s also looking to create with his legs. I like what I’m seeing here. Herbert will be a fringe QB1 for me Sunday.
Henderson is averaging only 8.4 PPG. Not what we anticipated when his ADP jumped this summer. Sure, he must show more in pass protection to stay on the field as a third-down option in the Patriots’ offense. Hey, that’s tough work in the league, and Henderson isn’t playing against Purdue anymore. But don’t forget about Rhamondre Stevenson in this discussion. The veteran No. 1 back in New England is averaging 13.0 PPG, and he has caught seven of eight targets for 100 yards. That said, there is room for two backs in New England, so be patient with the rookie. He’s dynamic.
Subpar defenses in Dallas and Chicago
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Why Yates sees ‘boom potential’ for George Pickens in Week 3
Field Yates explains why he loves George Pickens’ fantasy upside vs. the Bears in Week 3.
The Week 3 Cowboys-Bears matchup features two defenses still looking for some sense of an identity. Dallas is allowing 6.4 yards per play (29th), while Chicago ranks dead last at 7.1. And both defenses are giving up more than 30 points per game.
The Cowboys simply lack impact players, especially after trading Micah Parsons to Green Bay. I still don’t get that move. The Bears, meanwhile, have a pass rush that can’t get home, plus they are banged up in the secondary. Not good.
I love how Colts head coach Shane Steichen schemes for Warren in the route tree. Warren has posted double-digit points in each of his first two pro games, with at least seven targets in each. Steichen is setting him up as a multilevel target for quarterback Daniel Jones — with room to run after the catch (55.5 YAC%). I have Warren as an upper-tier TE1 for Sunday’s game vs. Tennessee.
I have Odunze in the WR2 range this week. Sure, the matchup against Dallas does help, but Odunze looks like the No. 1 for the Bears, while DJ Moore‘s usage is slipping. On tape, Odunze’s route running is much more detailed in his second pro season, and the volume is up in Ben Johnson’s system. Odunze is averaging 23.8 PPG and he has at least one touchdown and nine targets in each game. Breakout season here? Maybe.
Stafford is averaging 15.5 PPG and he’ll have streaming upside based on matchups this season. He can still throw rockets when he has a clean platform. Based on the tape, however, Stafford’s mobility is declining because of lower-body/hip tightness. This could be a result of the back injury he worked though during camp, but it is something to monitor if you roster Puka Nacua or Davante Adams.
If you roster Joe Burrow (which I do in multiple leagues), is Browning a waiver wire answer? In deeper leagues, I could see it. Browning is a very aggressive thrower. There is some Brett Favre to his game. In relief of Burrow last week, Browning had 17.74 points, throwing for 241 yards and two touchdowns, and he added on a 1-yard rushing score. However, he also threw three picks. In Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, Browning does have premier options in the route tree. Remember, in 2023 when Browning started six games for an injured Burrow, he averaged 19.1 PPG. It might be a roller coaster with Browning in the lineup, but he does have some upside in a pass-heavy Bengals system.
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Why Quinshon Judkins is a top-25 RB option for Week 3
Field Yates ranks Quinshon Judkins as a top-25 RB for Week 3 with fantasy upside, though a potential suspension still looms.
Judkins scored 10.1 points in his first pro game against the Ravens in Week 2, rushing for 61 yards on 10 carries and catching all three targets for 10 yards. He looked good on the tape, too. Judkins is a north-south runner with the burst and contact balance to produce in the Cleveland run game. If you drafted Judkins late, you might have landed a potential RB2/flex. Let’s see.
This is exactly what we expected from McMillan as a pro. Run the deep in-breakers, produce on quicks underneath and win the isolation matchups outside with his 6-foot-4 frame. McMillan is averaging 13.9 PPG and he has seen 19 targets over two games. He’s the clear No. 1 for Bryce Young in Carolina, which keeps him in the WR2 mix.
Loveland has run 37 routes over the first two weeks, yet he has just two receptions on three targets. Look, I’m all-in on Loveland’s traits. He can hit every branch of the route tree. Plus, he has the quickness to shake man coverage. If your roster allows it, I would grab another tight end on the wire and hold on to Loveland. He has sizable upside in Ben Johnson’s offense once he adjusts to the pro game. But if you have injuries already or drafted Loveland as your TE1 in a 12-team league? I get it. You might have to cut him loose.
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-09-14/Election-of-Macao-s-8th-Legislative-Assembly-commences-1GEPq0Jae2c/img/eafccc63a1834c749ebec680e00ea1e8/eafccc63a1834c749ebec680e00ea1e8.png' alt='A view of the Legislative Assembly of the Macao Special Administrative Region. /VCG'
The election for the eighth Legislative Assembly of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) commenced on Sunday morning.
Voting started at 9 a.m. and is scheduled to conclude at 9 p.m. local time. The preliminary results are expected to come out early Monday morning.
The eighth legislature will comprise 33 seats: 14 members elected by direct vote, 12 by indirect means, and seven appointed by the chief executive of the Macao SAR within 15 days of the final election results.
This year’s election has 37 polling locations.
The Legislative Assembly of the Macao SAR serves as the region’s legislative body. Its members are permanent residents of the SAR, and except for the first term (stipulated otherwise), each term lasts four years.
In 2024, the Macao SAR amended its Legislative Assembly Election Law, improving the candidate qualification review process to further implement the principle of “patriots administering Macao” within the legal framework, while also refining stages of the election process to ensure that the election is conducted in a fair, just, clean and orderly manner.
“Our brains are similar to our bodies in that they need constant challenge and stimulation,” Lythgoe says. “Once the brain becomes efficient at [your daily activity] then it gets ‘lazy’ again and doesn’t form new neural connections. Constantly repeating the same mental challenges leads us into a passive familiarity where we can lose our creativity and mental speed.”
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An older study published in Behavioural Brain Research explains that new neurons in the brain can die unless we engage in some form of “effortful learning experience” to incorporate them into circuits used for learning. To maintain our cognitive abilities we need to challenge the brain with different mental tasks each day.
The next time you complete your morning crossword with ease, consider whether you could try a harder version, a different puzzle or a new activity or skill (such as learning a new instrument or language) to strengthen your brain.
3. Wearing the wrong shoes
As we age it becomes more important to consider if the shoes we’re wearing support our health and stability.
“As we get older it’s common to suffer from different foot issues, and therefore some people tend to opt for larger, looser-fitting footwear, or resort to slippers,” Lythgoe says. “Unfortunately, larger and looser doesn’t provide the support our feet need, and increases our risk of foot issues and falls.”
Lythgoe recalls seeing the effects of poorly fitting footwear during her tenure in general practice. “As we age it becomes harder for blood to flow to the legs. Feet can be impacted by this, especially with footwear that puts added pressure on that area of the body,” she says.
“And unnoticed or unmanaged wounds can quickly create bigger issues. Incorrect footwear can also increase our risk of ulcers, falls, back and nerve issues.”
Footwear should be supportive, low-heeled, have a wide toe box where required, and a slip-resistant sole, which will improve and support overall mobility, Lythgoe says.
If you’re after comfort, ditch the slippers in favour of well-fitting runners that offer support.Credit: stock
4. Using earphones too often
While we all love listening to music on the go or tuning into a podcast, wearing earphones for long periods of time can lead to a range of problems, including “listening fatigue and concentration difficulties, which makes it harder for the brain to perform and streamline thinking”, says Dr Amit Arora, consultant geriatrician and president-elect of the British Geriatrics Society.
A 2022 review highlighted the rise in hearing loss among young people who used personal listening devices. In 2022 the World Health Organisation revealed that more than 1 billion people aged 12 to 35 risk losing their hearing due to prolonged exposure to loud music.
Normal conversation tends to register at 50 to 60 decibels, while modern earphones can reach levels comparable with a rock concert at 100 decibels, Arora says.
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“Whilst most people won’t listen to their music or a podcast at this maximum level, even prolonged exposure at a slightly lower volume can contribute to tinnitus or sensorineural hearing loss, which can cause longer-term problems,” he says.
He advises using earphones at a lower volume with frequent breaks to minimise damage.
5. Asking someone else to open the stiff jar
Some of us struggle with grip strength from a young age, finding it impossible to open a new jam jar or relying on others to carry a heavy and thin-handled shopping bag. However, as we age, grip strength is a “great indicator of overall body strength”, Lythgoe says.
“Various studies demonstrate that good grip strength can lower our risk of cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline and frailty,” she says.
One study by researchers at the University of California found an association between grip strength and dementia diagnoseswith it being most pronounced for vascular dementia. Meanwhile, a 2024 study conducted by the British Geriatrics Society found an association between poor grip strength and sarcopenia, which they used to monitor patients living with Parkinson’s disease.
“To improve your grip strength, try carrying groceries, repeatedly push yourself out of a chair, or do more purposeful weightlifting exercises,” says Lythgoe. “Whilst I appreciate this can be challenging for those with inflammatory or degenerative conditions, doing nothing with your grip strength is more dangerous, so remember to start slow and build slowly.”
Good grip is important to maintain as we age, so don’t immediately pass the jar to someone else to open.Credit: Stock
6. Always drawing the curtains
Having your curtains open can be uncomfortable on those hot and stuffy days when it feels like the sun is bursting through the windows. However, keeping your curtains closed at all times can profoundly impact your mental and physical health.
“The sun has an important part to play in our whole body’s health, as moderate sun exposure – even those lovely, warming rays that come through the window – can help to improve our cell and cardiovascular health,” Lythgoe says.
An expert review in Photochemical and Photobiological Sciences highlighted that regular sun exposure can lower blood pressure and reduce risks of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and obesity. It also appears to benefit the immune system by potentially reducing inflammation. Meanwhile, a number of studies point to a positive association between sunlight exposure and mental health.
7. Only wearing sunscreen when it’s sunny
While research supports the importance of a daily vitamin D dose, we also need to ensure our skin is protected in the sun. The health risks of sun damage are well-established, ranging from skin cancer to premature ageing.
“Even on cloudy days or when you’re sitting by a window indoors, an SPF 30 cream is recommended,” Arora says. “Unshielded ultraviolet [UV] rays degrade the collagen and elastin fibres in the skin, which can lead to uneven pigmentation, fine lines, wrinkling and sometimes raise the long-term risk of more harmful conditions like melanoma, a skin cancer.”
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Direct exposure to the sun can also increase the risk of developing cataracts, Arora says. UV rays can damage the proteins in the eye’s lens, causing them to break down and clump together, leading to vision loss.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that 15 million people in the world are blind due to cataracts – of these, some 10 per cent may be a result of UV ray exposure.
Arora recommends using an SPF 30 or higher whenever possible, and wearing sunglasses with UV 400 protection to protect the skin and eyes.
While access to vitamin D is important, make sure it is balanced to provide sufficient UV protection with sunscreen and a hat.Credit: Getty Images
8. Not brushing your tongue
We all understand the importance of a clean and healthy mouth. But what about our tongues?
“If you don’t care for your tongue, deposits of bacteria and food can result in bad breath, gum disease, gingivitis and even potentially gut problems,” Arora says. “Recent research has suggested that an unhealthy tongue can lead to changes in the gut microbiome – the organisms in our bowels.
“A good helpful-to-harmful bacteria ratio helps our bowels function well, but when that relationship is disrupted it can cause problems. It’s less commonly known that looking after our tongue specifically is as important as brushing and flossing our teeth.”
About 700 species of bacteria live in the mouth. Generally this is a good thing as some of these bacteria have been found to help break down food and limit the growth of disease-causing bacteria. However, when these bacteria turn ‘bad’ they can infect the gums, causing inflammation, bleeding and disease.
Gum disease has even been linked to cardiovascular problems, Arora says. He advises regularly brushing the tongue with a toothbrush to gently and efficiently clean the mouth.
The Telegraph, London
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Apple’s flagship store in Mumbai, expected to draw massive crowds on Friday for the launch of the iPhone 17 series, turned into a scene of commotion. Customers had queued outside the BKC Apple store since last night to grab the newly launched devices, but were shocked when the situation escalated into a physical fight.
A viral video circulating on social media shows punches being exchanged and abusive words hurled as tempers flared among those in line. The scuffle reportedly broke out between 7 am and 8 am on Friday, forcing security staff to intervene and restore order.
Though the exact cause remains unclear, a customer alleged the fight started after “someone from behind tried to break the queue”, sparking heated arguments.
The video also shows two individuals locked in a physical clash, slapping and punching each other, while others in line tried unsuccessfully to separate them until security stepped in.
Apple launches iPhone 17 and other devices across India
The latest Apple release on Friday includes the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro Max, AirPods 3, Watch Series 11, Watch SE3, and Watch Ultra 3. All the new devices were unveiled on September 9, 2025, during Apple’s ‘Awe Dropping’ event.
While many waited eagerly to enter Apple’s flagship BKC store, some people at the outlet already had the new products. Customers who managed to buy the devices expressed disappointment with inadequate security outside the store.
Meanwhile, a similar rush was reported outside the Apple outlet at Select Citywalk Mall in Saket, New Delhi. According to ANI, buyers waited overnight to get their hands on the latest iPhone models.
Amid the craze for the flagship iPhone range, several people were seen waiting outside Apple stores for the gates to open to be among the first to purchase the new series.
Though the iPhone 17 series is in the spotlight for its features, the crowd management and customer security have reportedly fallen short of expectations.
Mike Clay is a senior writer for fantasy football and the NFL at ESPN. Mike is a member of the FSWA Hall of Fame. His projections power the ESPN Fantasy Football game, and he also appears on “Fantasy Football Now” and the Fantasy Focus Football podcast.
Welcome to The Playbook for Week 3, which kicks off Thursday with the Dolphins at the Bills.
This column features score projections, over/unders, win probabilities, and, of course, easily digestible fantasy advice for seasonlong leagues and DFS. This guide should help you with all sorts of decision-making, including sit/start decisions, last-minute waiver adds and lineup choices.
Additionally, we have folded the Shadow Reports, previously a separate column, into the game-by-game breakdowns here. Using our play-by-play data, we’re able to identify defensive schemes and where each wide receiver and cornerback lines up on each play. By tracking these WR/CB matchups, including potential shadow situations, we can offer the best projections, rankings, sit/start advice and waiver wire suggestions each week.
All of this advice is centered on 12-team PPR leagues with relatively standard scoring and lineup settings (1 QB, 2 RB, 3 WR, 1 flex, 1 K, 1 D/ST), although I’ll often mention “shallow” or “deep” leagues for some starters. The charts show all players who have been projected for at least 6.0 fantasy points this week, as well as all D/STs. “Matchup” is automatically determined using a proprietary metric that factors in raw and volume-adjusted fantasy points allowed to each position by the opposing defense this season.
(Editor’s note: Projections and rankings will align almost perfectly, but sometimes when a projection is close, a player might be ranked slightly higher or lower because of other factors, including upside or risk. This column is subject to updates during the weekend, although at the very minimum, rankings will be updated on the site and projections will always be updated inside the game leading up to kickoff.)
Fantasy scoop: This game is loaded with fringe starting options at wide receiver. We’re certainly firing up Hill, who went for 109 yards on seven targets and has a passable (albeit lower than we’d like) 21% target share. Jaylen Waddle‘s 18% target share is still too low, but it’s up slightly from last season and helped him to a solid 5-68-1 showing last week. He’s on the WR3 radar in a game in which Miami will have to throw the ball plenty.
Fantasy scoop: On the other side, Keon Coleman crashed back to earth last week (3-26-0), which was partly a product of the matchup (vs. Sauce Gardner and Brandon Stephens) but also due to a big dip in usage (49% snap share and 12% target share after 87% and 24%, respectively, in the opener). He’s a fringe WR3 in a good matchup against Miami’s shaky secondary. Khalil Shakir‘s target share is way down this season (from 23% in 2024 to 16% in 2025), which has limited him to 76 yards in two games. Not much of a threat near the goal line, Shakir is an uninspiring flex.
Fantasy scoop:Quinshon Judkins made his pro debut in Week 2 and played more than expected. The second-round rookie soaked up 10 carries and three targets on 19 snaps. Game script allowed Jerome Ford to lead the Cleveland backfield in snaps (35) for the second week in a row, but he was limited to six carries to go along with his six targets. Dylan Sampson crashed back to earth after a strong Week 1, totaling four carries and three targets on 17 snaps. Judkins played well (71 yards), and his role only figures to increase, although Ford appears to be a real threat for passing down work, with Sampson also likely to chip in here or there. Judkins might work his way into the RB2 mix at some point soon, but he’s safest as a fringe flex this week against a Packers defense that has held opposing backs to 2.4 yards per carry (second lowest) so far this season.
Shadow Report:Michael Pittman Jr. is a candidate to draw shadow coverage from L’Jarius Sneed. Sneed shadowed Courtland Sutton when he was on the field in Week 1, then full-time shadowed Davante Adams on his perimeter routes in Week 2. Both Sutton (granted, Sneed was limited in that game) and Adams put together strong stat lines, but a healthy Sneed is one of the game’s top cover corners, so this matchup is not to be completely disregarded. Pittman doesn’t draw shadows as often as some No. 1 receivers, although Pat Surtain II did travel with him at times in Week 2, which helps explain his 4-40-0 receiving line. Pittman is already a fringe flex option, so he’s safest left on your bench in Week 3.
Fantasy scoop:Joe Burrow is out for three-plus months, which means Jake Browning will take over as Bengals quarterback. Browning played a majority of the snaps in seven games in place of Burrow in 2023. Browning averaged 19.1 fantasy PPG those weeks, which was fourth best among QBs during the span. The Bengals were very pass-heavy with Burrow under center in 2023 (12% pass rate over expected) and, while still pass-first, they were more balanced with Browning (+4%). He totaled 14 TDs and 7 INTs in those seven games and adds just enough with his legs to place him in the QB2 mix going forward. Chase was limited to a 29-383-1 receiving line in six games with Browning (12.2 FF PPG) in 2023, but that was prior to his big 2024 breakout and he was very productive with Browning under center last week (14-165-1). Tee Higgins produced 15-328-3 in five games (13.2 PPG) with Browning in 2023 and is now more of a WR3/flex. Browning is obviously a downgrade from Burrow, but he averaged 267 passing yards per game in 2023 and threw at least one TD pass in all seven of those games. Brown and Chase remain lineup locks.
Fantasy scoop: Minnesota will be without J.J. McCarthy and Aaron Jones this week. McCarthy’s absence shouldn’t affect the passing game much, as, at this point his young career, he might not be much better than replacement Carson Wentz (McCarthy totaled 301 yards, two TDs and three INTs during Weeks 1-2). Jefferson and Hockenson can remain in lineups. Jones’ injury means Mason should be in lineups. The 26-year-old has minimal competition for snaps (Zavier Scott is next up on the depth chart), is a terrific rusher (career 5.2 YPC ranks third and 2.5 YAC ranks first among RBs with 200-plus carries since he entered the league) and was actually used a bit as a receiver last week (career-high 14% target share). Mason will be very busy against a Bengals defense that has allowed the second-most fantasy points and a league-high three TDs to opposing RBs.
Fantasy scoop: It was expected that second-round rookie TreVeyon Henderson was going to take lead back duties from Rhamondre Stevenson in New England this season. That hasn’t happened … at least not yet. After out-snapping Henderson 45-23 in Week 1, Stevenson held a 36-16 edge last week. In addition to dominating the snaps, Stevenson holds an 18-8 edge in carries, 9-8 edge in targets and 33-26 edge in routes. Henderson has played well when called on (4.6 YPC, and he caught all eight of his targets for 54 yards) and his role only figures to grow, but at least for now, he should be relegated to the fantasy bench. Stevenson (169 yards on 25 touches this season) is seeing just enough work to place him in the flex discussion against a Steelers defense that allowed 16-plus fantasy points to both Breece Hall and Kenneth Walker III.
Fantasy scoop: Eagles wide receivers are off to a very slow start, but don’t panic just yet. As noted last week, Brown and DeVonta Smith were slowed by Dallas’ extremely zone-heavy scheme in the opener. The team made an effort to get them going in Week 2, and while Brown was held to an ugly 27 yards, he was peppered with nine targets (41% share). Smith was slightly better, totaling 53 yards on six targets. Pass volume has been down (45 total pass attempts) and all five of the offensive TDs have come on the ground (compared to 58% in 2024). Both receivers remain featured pieces of a good Eagles offense. Brown is still a lineup lock and Smith is best viewed as a fringe WR3.
Shadow Report: Adams can expect to see shadow coverage from Quinyon Mitchell. Philly’s top corner traveled with George Pickens in Week 1 and, though it wasn’t the entire game, he shadowed Hollywood Brown on six of his first seven perimeter routes last week. Why Adams and not Nacua? Similar to CeeDee Lamb, Nacua spends a lot of time in the slot, whereas Pickens and Adams primarily align out wide. Mitchell, one of the game’s top young corners, will see a ton of Adams, whereas Nacua will work often against Cooper DeJean in the slot. The Rams’ top two receivers will still be extremely busy (they both have a 33% target share this season), so even in what might be a harder matchup than usual, they remain top fantasy options.
Shadow Report: Evans is a candidate for shadow coverage courtesy of Sauce Gardner. Gardner did not shadow against Buffalo’s wide receiver rotation last week, but did the last time he faced a clear No. 1 perimeter target: DK Metcalf in Week 1. Gardner was on Metcalf on all 29 of his perimeter routes, holding Seattle’s top receiver to 12.3 fantasy points. Shadowed in both Week 1 (A.J. Terrell Jr.) and Week 2 (Derek Stingley Jr.), Evans is off to a slow start, totaling a 10-107-0 receiving line on 19 targets. Gardner presents a tough matchup, though Evans’ 29% target share is enough to keep him squarely in the WR2 mix.
Fantasy scoop:Austin Ekeler is out for the season, which opens the door for Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez to handle the Washington backfield. Croskey-Merritt (34 snaps, 14 carries, 15 routes, 2 targets this season) is the top bet to lead the unit in snaps and carries moving forward. However, McNichols (26 snaps, four carries, 10 routes, zero targets) is likely to take on a sizable chunk of Ekeler’s passing down role, and Rodriguez (inactive in Weeks 1-2) is a capable short-yardage/goal line option. The Raiders have locked down RBs pretty well (fifth-fewest fantasy points allowed), so while Croskey-Merritt is the top fantasy option of the unit, he’s best left on benches in Week 3.
Shadow Report: The Raiders have surrendered the fourth-most fantasy points to wide receivers, which is hardly a surprise considering their shaky cornerbacks room. That’s good news for McLaurin, Samuel and rookie Jaylin Lane, who will face off with Eric Stokes, Kyu Blu Kelly and Darnay Holmes this week. Upgrade the Washington WR room.
Fantasy scoop: Is Year 5 the charm for Kyle Pitts? The fantasy results haven’t been spectacular (7-59-0 and 4-37-0 receiving lines), but the 24-year-old has a career-high 21% target share through two games. He’s been on the field for 78% of Atlanta’s snaps and has run a route on 82% of the team’s pass plays, both of which are also career-high marks. Pitts’ usage is enough to put him in the fringe TE1 mix, especially against a Carolina defense that has allowed a league-high 188 yards to tight ends through two games.
Shadow Report: McMillan is a good bet to draw shadow coverage from Terrell this week, assuming of course that he is able to play. Terrell, who left Sunday’s game with a hamstring injury, shadowed Mike Evans in Week 1 and has a history of traveling with most clear No. 1 perimeter receivers. That’s the case for McMillan, who has aligned out wide on 84% of his routes and leads Carolina with 19 targets (22% share). Terrell did a nice job on Evans in Week 1, but especially considering his injury, there’s minimal reason for concern here. McMillan is a fringe WR2.
Fantasy scoop:Nick Chubb has settled in as Houston’s clear lead back, and that was further confirmed by Dameon Pierce being a healthy scratch on Monday night. Chubb handled 12 carries and a pair of targets on 24 snaps, which allowed him to gain 72 yards and one TD. Chubb was, however, limited to 52% of the snaps (he played 49% in Week 1), deferring the other 48% to Woody Marks and Dare Ogunbowale. Chubb is running the ball fairly well, but he remains in a timeshare and without much of a role as a receiver. He’s a flex option against the Jaguars. Marks (three carries and one target in Week 2) should see an expanded role as the season progresses, especially as a receiver, so he’s not the worst end-of-bench stash.
Shadow Report: Thomas is a good bet to see Derek Stingley Jr. shadow coverage this week. Houston’s top corner traveled with Davante Adams in Week 1 and Mike Evans in Week 2, aligning against them on a combined 44 of their 49 perimeter routes. Adams managed 7.2 fantasy points and Evans was limited to 10.6. Thomas and Stingley faced off in Week 13 last season, and though Thomas had a decent fantasy day (87 scrimmage yards and one TD on five touches), he caught just two of seven targets when covered by Stingley. Thomas posted a 5-76-1 receiving line in the Week 4 meeting, though he wasn’t shadowed in that game. Thomas is off to a very slow start to 2025 (69 yards and a rushing TD on six touches), but his target share remains strong (27%). Even in a tough matchup, he should be in lineups as a fringe WR1.
Fantasy scoop:Troy Franklin was quiet as a situational player throughout his rookie season and even in Week 1, but perhaps we saw the start of a breakout season on Sunday. The 2024 fourth-round pick played 85% of the snaps, was targeted nine times (30% share) and totaled 100 yards and one TD on nine touches. Franklin’s big game and Denver’s wide-open No. 2 WR slot are enough to make Franklin worthy of a waiver add, though it’s worth noting that he played only 58% of the snaps in Week 1. A return to irrelevance is possible, especially with Sutton, Marvin Mims, Pat Bryant and, perhaps someday, Evan Engram in the mix, but it’s also possible the second-year receiver goes down as one of the surprise breakouts of 2025. He’s a deep league flex against the Chargers.
Shadow Report: I wouldn’t call it a lock, but Quentin Johnston could draw Pat Surtain II shadow coverage this week. Surtain tends to shadow clear No. 1 perimeter targets, as he did full time against Calvin Ridley in Week 1 and part time against Michael Pittman Jr. in Week 2. Johnston might not be Los Angeles’ top target, but with McConkey and Allen in the slot so often, Johnston (81% perimeter), who has three TDs in two games, might get the Surtain treatment. We’ve seen that in the past, with Surtain shadowing Mike Williams over Allen (2022) and Joshua Palmer over McConkey (2024). Granted, Allen, Williams and Palmer were sidelined, but Surtain did shadow Johnston full time in Week 17 back in 2023, and Johnston totaled 29 yards on five targets in the game. Johnston’s strong play and Los Angeles’ pass-heavy offense are enough to keep him in the WR3 discussion, but the bust risk is higher than usual this week.
Fantasy scoop: Week 2 gave us little additional clarity on the Seattle backfield. Zach Charbonnet remained the “1A” back and now holds an edge over Ken Walker III in snaps (64 to 43), carries (27 to 23) and routes (22 to 16), with Walker leading in targets (four to zero). Charbonnet’s lead back role hasn’t led to production, as he has totaled 57 yards and one TD on 27 carries (2.1 YPC) and has yet to see a target. Walker struggled in Week 1 but exploded for 118 yards and one TD on 14 touches in Week 2. The production very well could lead to a larger role moving forward, but keep in mind that his share of the snaps, routes and targets were all lower in Week 2 than they were in Week 1. For now, this remains a situation best avoided, but Walker’s strong showing is enough to make him the preferred RB2/flex of the two.
Shadow Report: With two weeks in the books, the Seahawks have allowed the fewest fantasy points to receivers, including the second fewest to the perimeter. Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed and the rest of the New Orleans wide receiver room should be downgraded against Riq Woolen, Devon Witherspoon (if he returns from injury) and Josh Jobe.
Fantasy scoop: Both quarterbacks in this game should be considered strong starting options, if not full-on lineup locks. Both defenses are off to horrific starts, with Dallas allowing 30.3 fantasy points to Russell Wilson and 24.3 points to Jalen Hurts, and Chicago surrendering 22.2 points to J.J. McCarthy and 34.0 points to Jared Goff. Williams sits 10th among QBs in fantasy points and fourth in rushing yards. The good matchup vaults him up the Week 3 rankings. Dak Prescott is fresh off a 361-yard effort against the Giants and is a back-end QB1 this week.
Shadow Report: Upgrade Chicago’s receivers against a Dallas defense that has allowed the third-most fantasy points to wide receivers, as well as the most to the perimeter. Odunze and Moore will see plenty of Trevon Diggs and Kaiir Elam on the boundary, with Olamide Zaccheaus facing off with DaRon Bland or, if Bland remains out, Reddy Steward in the slot. With Bland out last week, Giants slot man Wan’Dale Robinson went for 142 yards and a score on 10 targets, so Zaccheaus will be a deep sleeper if Bland remains sidelined.
Shadow Report: Chicago’s top corner, Jaylon Johnson, is out for the season and slot man Kyler Gordon missed both Weeks 1-2 with a hamstring injury. Chicago’s man-heavy defense has, in turn, allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to wide receivers. This week, Lamb and Pickens stand to benefit against Tyrique Stevenson, Nahshon Wright (Johnson’s replacement) and either Gordon or Nick McCloud. Upgrade the Dallas receivers.
Fantasy scoop: Harrison is coming off a rough Week 2 outing in which he was limited to 27 yards on five targets. This, of course, comes after he posted a 5-71-1 receiving line on six targets in Week 1. Harrison’s 21% target share isn’t going to cut it for a player expected to be an elite offensive player, but the good news is that he’s been on the field for 90% of Arizona’s pass plays and overall pass volume will increase. The Cardinals haven’t had to throw much, as they’ve led on 70% of their offensive snaps (third highest), but, once adjusted for game script, they have the league’s fourth-pass-heaviest offense. Harrison needs to be better to justify “lineup lock” status, but he is worthy of WR3 status against the 49ers.
Fantasy scoop: After Tyrone Tracy Jr. dominated the Giants’ backfield in Week 1, it was Cam Skattebo who took control last week. The rookie soaked up 11 carries and three targets on 33 snaps (18 routes), compared to five carries and five targets on 27 snaps (17 routes) for Tracy and one carry and one target on four snaps (one route) for Devin Singletary. A hot-hand approach seems to be the game plan for New York, which means neither back can be trusted this week against the Chiefs.
Fantasy scoop: Mark Andrews has fallen off the fantasy radar. Once a superstar, Andrews has managed just 7 yards on four targets through two games. And that’s despite having played 78% of the snaps and with Isaiah Likely out of the lineup. Andrews figures to hit for the occasional touchdown (he had 11 in 2024), but his dwindling target share has made him unusable in fantasy. He should be buried on your bench for the time being.
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-09-14/news-1GFkRBYyB1u/img/9690ead47ccf4168bd621fc4e14567b7/9690ead47ccf4168bd621fc4e14567b7.jpeg' alt='Chinese and U.S. delegations convene for economic and trade talks in Madrid, September 14, 2025. /CMG'
The Chinese and U.S. delegations convened on Sunday for talks on economic and trade issues in the Spanish capital, Madrid.
In the coming days, the two sides will discuss issues such as U.S. unilateral tariff measures, the abuse of export controls and TikTok, a spokesperson with China’s Ministry of Commerce said on Friday.
The Chinese delegation is headed by Vice Premier He Lifeng, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.
China’s position on the TikTok issue is clear and consistent, the spokesperson said. China is firmly committed to safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of its enterprises and will handle the TikTok issue in accordance with relevant laws and regulations.
“I got screwed out of an Emmy,” he said on The Celebrity Apprentice a decade later, reflecting on the loss. “Everybody thought I was gonna win it. When they announced the winner, I stood up before the winner was announced and I started walking for the Emmy. And then they announced the most boring show on television, The Amazing Race.”
The Apprentice was nominated a second time in 2005 and did not win. Trump himself was nominated in 2006 and did not win. And to add insult to apparent injury, The Celebrity Apprentice was never even nominated. To put those non-numbers in context, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Barack Obama and Al Gore have two Emmys each.
Trump firing a contestant in a season of The Apprentice.Credit: Screenshot
Hillary Clinton, mercifully, has no Emmys, but she does have a Grammy. Which, to the casual political ear, sounds enough like an Emmy to create problems. And Obama, on top of his two Emmys, has a Nobel Peace Prize, which is of course a whole other problem and a discussion for another day.
That disaffection has laid the groundwork for a slowly disintegrating relationship between the famous billionaire and president-in-waiting and the Hollywood fame machine.
From 2016 Trump took aim at Saturday Night Livewhich was featuring Alec Baldwin in sketches about him. In 2018 he fired a missive at “the unfunny lamestream media” and singled out talk show hosts Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Fallon. At a rally in 2020 he referred to “the deep state, the radical left, the Hollywood crazies”. And at a campaign rally in 2024 he referred to “the Hollywood crazies, the liberal elites who lecture you about values while they poison our country”.
All of that is difficult to juxtapose with the fact that Trump played himself in Home Alone 2: Lost in New Yorkepisodes of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (with then-wife Marla Maples), The Nanny (with now-arch-nemesis Rosie O’Donnell) and Sex and the Citythe film Zoolander (with current wife Melania) and a handful of other films and TV shows.
Whatever Trump is, he’s not uncomfortable in front of the TV or film camera. He even featured in a sketch on stage at the Emmys, playing the husband in a performance of the theme from Green Acres with Will & Grace’s Megan Mullally. The same Emmys he still periodically rails against.
Back in 2002 Bill Maher’s show Politically Incorrect was axed by ABC, the same network that has iced Kimmel, due to a controversial remark. Maher was off-air for eight months before Real Time with Bill Maher launched on HBO. And in 2007 broadcaster Don Imus was fired by CBS Radio and MSNBC for offensive remarks and also spent eight months in broadcast purgatory.
Jon Stewart hosts the Trumped-up edition of the Daily Show.Credit:
In 2013 Alec Baldwin’s MSNBC series Up Late was axed after he used an anti-gay slur in a confrontation with a photographer. It never returned. In 2018 Megyn Kelly questioned whether “blackface” was racist and lost her NBC show. (She later apologised.) And in 2021 the CBS show The Talk was put on hiatus after co-host Sharon Osbourne defended British TV host Piers Morgan. The show returned but Osbourne did not.
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The list of people whose off-the-cuff or calculated offences have led to them being sidelined is long: Morgan, Roseanne Barr, Jeremy Clarkson and, in Australia, Sam Newman and Ron Casey. So where does that leave Jimmy Kimmel? His remarks don’t match some of those low benchmarks for offence, but they still provoked substantial anger.
As Hollywood grapples with the answer to that question, the country’s satirist-in-chief Jon Stewart opened The Daily Show with an anxious editorial in front of a Trump Oval Office-style, gilt-edged do-over of his set.
“Some naysayers may argue that this administration’s speech concerns are merely a cynical ploy, a thin gruel of a ruse, a smoke screen to obscure an unprecedented consolidation of power and unitary intimidation, principleless and coldly antithetical to any experiment in a constitutional republic governance,” Stewart said. “Some people would say that. Not me, though. I think it’s great!”
The Bombay High Court on Friday received a bomb threat email, the second in a week, which turned out to be a hoax after a thorough search, an official said, reported news agency PTI.
An email about a bomb blast in the Bombay High Court premises in south Mumbai was received on the official ID early in the morning, he said, reported PTI.
Teams from the bomb detection and disposal squad (BDDS) and dog squad carried out a complete search, but nothing suspicious was found, the official said.
The court began functioning according to its regular timing, he said.
The Bombay High Court had received a similar threat email on September 12, which led to the suspension of hearings for a few hours.
The police had registered a case against unidentified persons at the time.
The police had registered an FIR at Azad Maidan Police Station under section 353(1), 353(2) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which aims to address acts of public mischief by criminalising the publication of false information or alarming news through electronic means, or intends to create feelings of ill-will between different groups, or pushes soldiers of the Army, Navy, or Air Force to disregard their duty.
On September 12, the Delhi High Court received an email threat warning of a bomb in and around the court premises, which led to panic and disruption of the court proceedings.
Following the threat, all benches of the High Court rose immediately, and lawyers, litigants, and staff were evacuated from the premises. Later. the security forces, including Delhi Police and bomb disposal squads, swiftly cordoned off the area. Additionally, as a precautionary measure, firefighter vehicles and ambulances were also deployed in the area. The teams with sniffer dogs also searched the premises.
This threat email was addressed to the staff of the High Court, claiming that Pakistan and Tamil Nadu will collude for holy blasts.
“Pakistan Tamil Nadu collude for Holy Friday blasts. 3 bombs were planted in the judge`s room/court premises. Evacuate by 2pm,” said threat`s subject line.
The letter further added that the bomb will detonate shortly after Mid-Day Islamic Prayers. “The assets within the Police have been sown since 2017, for this Holy Friday. As a sample, today`s blast in your Delhi High Court will clear the doubt of previous bluffs. Judge Chamber will detonate shortly after Mid-Day Islamic Prayers,” claimed the letter.
Currently, the Delhi Police has registered an FIR over this matter today, and the Police have initiated an investigation into this matter and are looking into the source of the email.
The pregame tunnel once again turned into a red carpet runway in Week 3, with NFL stars making their entrances well before kickoff.
From seasoned vets to rookies, players showed out in looks that ranged from sharp suits to effortless streetwear. Tailored pieces, flashy jewelry and pops of team color set the tone before the opening whistle — proving that style is very much part of the pregame ritual for many teams.
Some kept it sleek, others leaned into casual comfort, and a few went all-out with fits as bold as their on-field play.
Here are the most stylish arrivals from Week 3.
Thursday night’s fits
Both quarterbacks showed off their team pride ahead of the AFC East showdown on “Thursday Night Football.” Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen rocked a hat designed by a patient at Buffalo’s Oishei Children’s Hospital. Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa kept it classic with a team hat and hoodie.
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-09-14/DPRK-condemns-joint-U-S-South-Korea-Japan-military-drills-1GFdCNJKNdm/img/a7112db821434310a29b52ec0a1ea3cf/a7112db821434310a29b52ec0a1ea3cf.png' alt='Members of Japan Ground Self-Defense Force's Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade landing during the joint military exercise Iron Fist 23 with U.S. Marines at Manda Beach, Tokunoshima Island, Japan, March 3, 2023. /VCG'
Senior officials of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Saturday condemned upcoming military drills by the United States, South Korea and Japan, the official Korean Central News Agency reported Sunday.
Seoul will launch two simultaneous drills on Monday, including Freedom Edge, a trilateral outdoor multi-domain exercise with the United States and Japan, and Iron Mace, a tabletop drill simulating a nuclear-attack response with the United States, South Korean media reported.
Kim Yo Jong, vice department director of the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK), said the “Guidelines for Nuclear Deterrence and Nuclear Operations on the Korean Peninsula” fabricated by the United States and South Korea are a dangerous idea.
She said the DPRK will regard it as an unfiltered demonstration of their anti-DPRK confrontational stance and a “succession” of confrontational policy.
The reckless show of strength made by the three countries in real action near the DPRK will inevitably bring bad results to themselves, she added.
Pak Jong Chon, vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission of the WPK, said Iron Mace is a “nuclear war rehearsal aimed at using nuclear weapons against the DPRK from A to Z,” while Freedom Edge is the most comprehensive and offensive war drill for aggression in its scale, content and nature.
The reckless military moves of the three countries pose a grave challenge to the security interests of our state and a major danger of undermining regional stability and escalating military tension, he said.
Pak stressed that if the hostile forces persist in their muscle-flexing, the DPRK will respond to them with “counteraction in a very clear and intensified way.”
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