Our MLB offseason tracker lists every major transaction completed.   Top 21 Pitchers   Top 20 Pos...

<p><em>Our MLB offseason tracker lists every major transaction completed.</em></p><ul>
<li><strong><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3095161" href="https://thescore.com/news/3095161">Top 21 Pitchers</a> </strong></li>
<li><strong><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3095160" href="https://thescore.com/news/3095160">Top 20 Position Players</a></strong></li>
<li><strong><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3095162" href="https://thescore.com/news/3095162">Full free-agent list</a></strong></li>
</ul><h3>Dec. 2</h3><ul>
<li>
<strong>Cubs</strong> sign SP Matthew Boyd to 2-year, $29M contract</li>
<li>
<strong>Mets</strong> sign RP Grant Hartwig to minor-league contract</li>
<li>
<strong>Rangers</strong> sign C Kyle Higashioka to 2-year contract</li>
</ul><h3>Dec. 1</h3><ul>
<li>
<strong>Mets </strong>sign SP Frankie Montas to 2-year, $34M contract</li>
<li>
<strong>White Sox</strong> sign OF Cal Mitchell to minor-league contract</li>
</ul><h3>Nov. 30</h3><ul>
<li>IF Jason Vosler signs 1-year contract with NPB's Chunichi Dragons</li>
<li>RP Emmanuel Ramirez signs 1-year contract with NPB's Seibu Lions</li>
</ul><h3>Nov. 29</h3><ul>
<li>
<strong>Braves </strong>sign RP Connor Gillispie to 1-year contract</li>
<li>
<strong>Dodgers</strong> sign OF Tommy Edman to 5-year, $74M extension</li>
</ul><h3>Nov. 28</h3><ul>
<li>
<strong>Braves </strong>sign 2B José Devers, RP Ray Kerr, RP Royber Salinas to minor-league contracts</li>
<li>
<strong>Cubs </strong>sign RP Brooks Kriske to minor-league contract</li>
<li>
<strong>D-Backs</strong> sign RP José Castillo to minor-league contract</li>
<li>
<strong>Tigers</strong> sign RP Ricky Vanasco to minor-league contract</li>
</ul><h3>Nov. 27</h3><ul>
<li>
<strong>Blue Jays </strong>sign IF Michael Stefanic to minor-league contract</li>
<li>
<strong>Braves </strong>sign RP Ray Kerr to minor-league contract</li>
<li>
<strong>Mets</strong> sign RP Génesis Cabrera to minor-league contract</li>
<li>
<strong>Padres</strong> sign OF Oscar Gonzalez to minor-league contract</li>
<li>SS Brandon Crawford retires after 14 seasons</li>
<li>RP Casey Sadler retires after 6 seasons</li>
<li>SP Yonny Chirinos signs 1-year contract with KBO's LG Twins</li>
</ul><h3>Nov. 26</h3><ul>
<li>
<strong>Dodgers </strong>sign SP Blake Snell to 5-year, $182M contract</li>
<li>
<strong>Giants</strong> sign C Max Stassi to minor-league contract</li>
<li>
<strong>Mariners</strong> sign P Drew Pomeranz to minor-league contract</li>
<li>OF Jake Cave signs 1-year contract with KBO's Doosan Bears</li>
</ul><h3>Nov. 25</h3><ul>
<li>
<strong>Angels</strong> sign SP Yusei Kikuchi to 3-year, $63M contract</li>
<li>
<strong>Brewers</strong> sign RP Thomas Pannone, SP Jon Duplantier, OF Jared Oliva to minor-league contracts</li>
<li>
<strong>Orioles</strong> sign IF/OF Franklin Barreto to minor-league contract</li>
</ul><h3>Nov. 24</h3><ul><li>
<strong>Twins</strong> sign RP Alex Speas to minor-league contract</li></ul><h3>Nov. 23</h3><ul>
<li>
<strong>Cubs</strong> sign RP Phil Bickford to minor-league contract</li>
<li>
<strong>Dodgers</strong> sign RP Giovanny Gallegos to minor-league contract</li>
<li>
<strong>Giants</strong> sign RP Justin Garza to minor-league contract</li>
<li>
<strong>Mariners</strong> sign RP Yunior Marte to minor-league contract</li>
<li>
<strong>Rangers</strong> sign RP Codi Heuer to minor-league contract</li>
<li>
<strong>Reds</strong> sign RP Reiver Sanmartin to minor-league contract</li>
</ul><h3>Nov. 22</h3><ul>
<li>
<strong>Braves </strong>sign OF Carlos D. Rodríguez to 1-year split contract</li>
<li>
<strong>Guardians </strong>trade RP Peter Strzelecki to <strong>Pirates </strong>for cash</li>
<li>
<strong>Mets</strong> sign 1B Joey Meneses, C Jakson Reetz to minor-league contracts</li>
<li>
<strong>Red Sox</strong> sign RP Bryan Mata, RP Isaiah Campbell to minor-league contracts</li>
<li>
<strong>Reds</strong> trade 2B Jonathan India, OF Joey Wiemer to <strong>Royals </strong>for SP Brady Singer</li>
<li>
<strong>Rockies </strong>sign IF Kyle Farmer to 1-year, $3.25M contract</li>
<li>
<strong>Tigers</strong> claim RP Bailey Horn off waivers from <strong>Red Sox</strong>
</li>
</ul><h3>Nov. 21</h3><ul>
<li>
<strong>Mets </strong>sign RP Hobie Harris to minor-league contract</li>
<li>
<strong>Rangers</strong> sign RP Caleb Boushley to minor-league contract</li>
</ul><h3>Nov. 20</h3><ul>
<li>
<strong>Angels</strong> trade C Matt Thaiss to <strong>Cubs</strong> for cash</li>
<li>
<strong>Guardians</strong> trade RP Eli Morgan to <strong>Cubs</strong> for OF Alfonsin Rosario</li>
<li>
<strong>Phillies</strong> sign IF Rodolfo Castro to minor-league contract</li>
<li>
<strong>Red Sox</strong> sign IF/OF Nate Eaton to minor-league contract</li>
<li>
<strong>Rockies</strong> sign C Jacob Stallings to 1-year, $2M contract</li>
<li>OF Sandro Fabian signs 3-year, $5.8M contract with NPB's Hiroshima Toyo Carp</li>
</ul><h3>Nov. 19</h3><ul>
<li>
<strong>Padres </strong>sign 1B Trenton Brooks to minor-league contract</li>
<li>
<strong>Rays</strong> trade OF Jose Siri to <strong>Mets</strong> for RP Eric Orze; trade 3B/1B Austin Shenton to <strong>Mariners</strong> for cash</li>
</ul><h3>Nov. 18</h3><ul>
<li>
<strong>Brewers</strong> sign SP Deivi García to minor-league contract</li>
<li>
<strong>Giants</strong> sign IF Sergio Alcántra to minor-league contract</li>
<li>
<strong>Mariners</strong> sign RP Jesse Hahn, RP Adonis Medina to minor-league contracts</li>
<li>
<strong>Mets </strong>sign SP/RP Justin Hagenman to 1-year contract; sign OF Rafael Ortega to minor-league contract</li>
<li>
<strong>Pirates</strong> sign RP Yerry Rodríguez to minor-league contract</li>
<li>
<strong>Red Sox</strong> sign C Seby Zavala to minor-league contract</li>
<li>
<strong>Reds</strong> SP Nick Martinez accepts 1-year, $21.05M qualifying offer</li>
<li>
<strong>Twins </strong>sign RP Scott Blewett, 1B Yunior Severino to minor-league contracts</li>
<li>
<strong>White Sox</strong> sign OF Austin Slater to 1-year, $1.75M contract</li>
<li>
<strong>Yankees</strong> sign IF Pablo Reyes to minor-league contract</li>
</ul><h3>Nov. 17</h3><ul><li>
<strong>Tigers</strong> sign OF Jahmai Jones to minor-league contract</li></ul><h3>Nov. 16</h3><ul>
<li>
<strong>Cardinals </strong>sign SS/OF Jose Barrero to minor-league contract</li>
<li>
<strong>D-Backs </strong>sign C Aramis Garcia, SS Connor Kaiser to minor-league contracts</li>
<li>
<strong>Dodgers </strong>sign RP Joe Jacques to minor-league contract</li>
</ul><h3>Nov. 15</h3><ul>
<li>
<strong>Athletics</strong> sign SP/RP Jason Alexander, RP Matt Krook to minor-league contracts</li>
<li>
<strong>Mariners</strong> sign SP/RP Casey Lawrence to minor-league contract</li>
<li>
<strong>Mets</strong> sign IF Donovan Walton to minor-league contract</li>
<li>
<strong>Phillies</strong> sign RP Nicholas Padilla to minor-league contract</li>
<li>SP Cole Irvin signs with KBO's Doosan Bears</li>
<li>RP Mitch White signs with KBO's SSG Landers</li>
</ul><h3>Nov. 14</h3><ul>
<li>
<strong>Angels</strong> sign IF Kevin Newman to 1-year, $2.5M contract</li>
<li>
<strong>Braves</strong> sign IF Charles Leblanc, C Yohel Pozo to minor-league contracts</li>
<li>
<strong>Red Sox</strong> sign RP Justin Wilson to 1-year, $2.25M contract</li>
<li>
<strong>Rockies</strong> sign RP Jack O'Loughlin to minor-league contract</li>
</ul><h3>Nov. 13</h3><ul>
<li>
<strong>Rangers</strong> sign RP Luis Curvelo to major-league contract</li>
<li>
<strong>Twins </strong>sign RP Daniel Duarte to minor-league contract</li>
</ul><h3>Nov. 12</h3><ul>
<li>
<strong>Angels </strong>sign C Travis d'Arnaud to 2-year, $12M contract</li>
<li>
<strong>Astros</strong> sign RP Steven Okert to minor-league contract</li>
<li>
<strong>Athletics </strong>sign IF Alejo Lopez to minor-league contract</li>
<li>
<strong>Cardinals</strong> sign RP Michael Gomez to minor-league contract</li>
</ul><h3>Nov. 11</h3><ul>
<li>
<strong>Athletics </strong>trade IF Nick Allen to <strong>Braves</strong> for RP Jared Johnson</li>
<li>
<strong>Braves</strong> sign RP Enoli Paredes to minor-league contract</li>
<li>
<strong>Orioles</strong> sign IF Vimael Machín to minor-league contract</li>
</ul><h3>Nov. 9</h3><ul>
<li>
<strong>Reds</strong> sign C Alex Jackson to minor-league contract</li>
<li>
<strong>Tigers</strong> sign OF Bligh Madris to minor-league contract</li>
<li>
<strong>Yankees</strong> sign RP Brandon Leibrandt to minor-league contract</li>
</ul><h3>Nov. 8</h3><ul>
<li>
<strong>Guardians</strong> sign RP Parker Mushinski to minor-league contract</li>
<li>
<strong>Rockies </strong>claim RP Jimmy Herget off waivers from <strong>Cubs</strong>
</li>
</ul><h3>Nov. 7</h3><ul>
<li>
<strong>Athletics</strong> sign RP T.J. McFarland to 1-year contract</li>
<li>OF Shin-Soo Choo retires after 24 professional seasons</li>
</ul><h3>Nov. 6</h3><ul>
<li>
<strong>Angels</strong> sign SP Kyle Hendricks to 1-year, $2.5M contract</li>
<li>
<strong>Guardians</strong> sign C Austin Hedges to 1-year, $4M contract</li>
<li>
<strong>Mets</strong> sign RP Rico Garcia to minor-league contract</li>
</ul><h3>Nov. 4</h3><ul>
<li>
<strong>Athletics </strong>claim<strong> </strong>RP<strong> </strong>Anthony Maldonado off waivers from <strong>Marlins</strong>; claim RP Justin Sterner from <strong>Rays</strong>
</li>
<li>
<strong>Blue Jays</strong> claim RP Michael Petersen off waivers from <strong>Marlins</strong>
</li>
<li>
<strong>Braves </strong>exercise $16M option on DH Marcell Ozuna;<strong> </strong>decline options on C Travis d'Arnaud, RP Luke Jackson</li>
<li>
<strong>Brewers </strong>decline option on SP Colin Rea;<strong> </strong>SP Frankie Montas declines option</li>
<li>
<strong>Cubs</strong> claim RP Rob Zastryzny off waivers from <strong>Brewers</strong>
</li>
<li>
<strong>D-Backs</strong> claim RP Seth Martinez off waivers from <strong>Astros</strong>
</li>
<li>
<strong>Dodgers</strong> SP Clayton Kershaw declines option</li>
<li>
<strong>Mariners</strong> OF Mitch Haniger exercises option</li>
<li>
<strong>Mets</strong> decline option on RP Phil Maton; claim IF Luis De Los Santos off waivers from <strong>Blue Jays</strong>; claim RP Kevin Herget from <strong>Brewers</strong>
</li>
<li>
<strong>Orioles</strong> exercise $2.2M option on RP Cionel Pérez, $8M option on 1B Ryan O'Hearn, $8M option on RP Seranthony Domínguez; decline option on RP Danny Coulombe; claim C René Pinto off waivers from <strong>Rays</strong>; claim RP Thaddeus Ward from <strong>Nationals</strong>
</li>
<li>
<strong>Phillies</strong> claim RP John McMillon off waivers from <strong>Marlins</strong>
</li>
<li>
<strong>Pirates</strong> decline option on SP Marco Gonzales; claim OF Trey Cabbage off waivers from <strong>Astros</strong>
</li>
<li>
<strong>Rangers</strong> decline option on RP Andrew Chafin</li>
<li>
<strong>Rays </strong>sign RP Jacob Waguespack to 1-year, $1.3M contract</li>
<li>
<strong>Red Sox</strong> exercise $2.1M option on OF Rob Refsnyder</li>
<li>
<strong>Tigers</strong> trade RP Devin Sweet to <strong>Phillies</strong> for cash</li>
<li>
<strong>Twins</strong> exercise $1.5M option on RP Jorge Alcala</li>
<li>
<strong>White Sox</strong> claim RP Penn Murfee off waivers from <strong>Astros</strong>
</li>
<li>
<strong>Yankees</strong> SP Gerrit Cole remains with team on 4-year, $144M contract he originally opted out of</li>
<li>
<strong>Yankees</strong> trade OF Taylor Trammell to <strong>Astros </strong>for cash</li>
</ul><h3>Nov. 3</h3><ul>
<li>
<strong>Nationals </strong>decline option on 1B Joey Gallo</li>
<li>
<strong>Rangers</strong> SP Nathan Eovaldi declines option</li>
<li>
<strong>Royals</strong> sign SP Michael Wacha to 3-year, $51M contract</li>
<li>
<strong>Yankees</strong> decline option on RP Lou Trivino</li>
</ul><h3>Nov. 2</h3><ul>
<li>
<strong>Brewers</strong> exercise $8M option on SP Freddy Peralta; decline option on C Gary Sánchez; trade IF Owen Miller to <strong>Rockies </strong>for cash</li>
<li>
<strong>Braves</strong> sign SP Reynaldo López to 3-year, $30M extension; sign RP Aaron Bummer to 2-year, $13M contract</li>
<li>
<strong>Cubs </strong>OF Cody Bellinger exercises $27.5M option; decline option on RP Drew Smyly</li>
<li>
<strong>D-Backs </strong>exercise $7M option on SP Merrill Kelly; decline option on RP Scott McGough; OF Joc Pederson declines option</li>
<li>
<strong>Dodgers</strong> exercise $3.5M option on C Austin Barnes, $5M option on SS Miguel Rojas</li>
<li>
<strong>Giants</strong> IF Wilmer Flores exercises $3.5M option</li>
<li>
<strong>Mets</strong> SP Sean Manaea exercises opt-out</li>
<li>
<strong>Orioles </strong>decline option on DH Eloy Jiménez</li>
<li>
<strong>Padres </strong>IF Ha-Seong Kim declines option; RP Wandy Peralta exercises option</li>
<li>
<strong>Rangers </strong>RP David Robertson declines option</li>
<li>
<strong>Reds</strong> RP Emilio Pagán exercises $8M option</li>
<li>
<strong>Yankees</strong> SP Gerrit Cole opts out; decline option on 1B Anthony Rizzo</li>
</ul><h3>Nov. 1</h3><ul>
<li>
<strong>Angels </strong>claim 1B Ryan Noda off waivers from <strong>Athletics</strong>
</li>
<li>
<strong>Brewers </strong>1B Rhys Hoskins exercises $18M option</li>
<li>
<strong>Cardinals</strong> claim SP Roddery Muñoz off waivers from <strong>Marlins</strong>
</li>
<li>
<strong>D-Backs </strong>exercise $15M option on 3B Eugenio Suárez</li>
<li>
<strong>Giants </strong>SP Blake Snell exercises opt-out </li>
<li>
<strong>Mariners </strong>decline option on IF Jorge Polanco</li>
<li>
<strong>Orioles</strong> sign C David Bañuelos to minor-league contract</li>
<li>
<strong>Phillies</strong> trade IF/OF Scott Kingery to <strong>Angels</strong> for cash</li>
<li>
<strong>Rays</strong> exercise $10.5M option on 2B Brandon Lowe</li>
<li>
<strong>Reds</strong> sign RP Brent Suter to 1-year, $2.25M contract, decline option on C Luke Maile; RP Jakob Junis declines option; SP Nick Martinez declines option</li>
<li>
<strong>Yankees</strong> exercise $2.5M option on RP Luke Weaver</li>
</ul><h3>Oct. 31</h3><ul>
<li>
<strong>Athletics </strong>trade OF Daz Cameron to <strong>Orioles </strong>for cash</li>
<li>
<strong>Braves</strong> trade OF Jorge Soler to<strong> Angels</strong> for SP<strong> </strong>Griffin Canning</li>
<li>
<strong>Brewers</strong> decline option on SP Wade Miley</li>
<li>
<strong>Cardinals</strong> decline options on SP Lance Lynn, SP Kyle Gibson, RP Keynan Middleton</li>
<li>
<strong>D-Backs </strong>SP Jordan Montgomery exercises $22.5M option;<strong> </strong>OF Randal Grichuk declines option</li>
<li>
<strong>Dodgers</strong> RP Daniel Hudson retires after 15 MLB seasons</li>
<li>
<strong>Mets</strong> sign P Dylan Covey to 1-year contract</li>
<li>
<strong>Rangers </strong>claim RP Roansy Contreras off waivers from <strong>Angels</strong>
</li>
<li>
<strong>Red Sox </strong>SP Lucas Giolito exercises $19M option</li>
<li>
<strong>Royals</strong> OF Hunter Renfroe, RP Chris Stratton exercise options; decline option on IF Adam Frazier</li>
<li>
<strong>Twins</strong> decline options on OF Manuel Margot, IF Kyle Farmer; 1B Alex Kirilloff retires after 4 MLB seasons</li>
<li>
<strong>White Sox</strong> decline option on 3B Yoán Moncada</li>
</ul>

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 25: Frankie Montas #47 of the Milwaukee Brewers pitches in the bottom of the first inning against the Oakland Athletics at Oakland Coliseum on August 25, 2024 in Oakland, California.

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MLB offseason tracker

With more than a quarter of the 2024-25 campaign in the books, theScore's NBA editors answer some...

<p><em>With more than a quarter of the 2024-25 campaign in the books, theScore's NBA editors answer some of the biggest questions around the league.</em></p><h3>Who's been the most surprising player?</h3><p><strong>Norman Powell:</strong> Steve Ballmer might need to thank Powell with several luxurious gift baskets over the holidays for saving the Clippers' first season at the Intuit Dome from becoming a complete disaster. Not only is the 10th-year guard carrying L.A. offensively with a career-high 23.6 points per game, he's also doing it while shooting a blistering 49.6% from deep on 7.9<strong> </strong>attempts per game.<strong> </strong>For context, here's the complete list of qualified players to shoot at least 45% over an entire season while averaging at least seven threes per game: Stephen Curry. That's it. That's the list. Curry did it twice, but it's never been done by anyone else. That's the kind of historic pace Powell is on, which is exactly what the Clippers need with Kawhi Leonard seemingly nowhere close to returning. - <em>Jonathan Soveta</em></p><p><strong>Ty Jerome:</strong> The 27-year-old has surprisingly been instrumental to the Cavaliers' 18-3 start, averaging 11.8 points, 3.6 assists, two rebounds, and 1.4 steals in less than 20 minutes per game. Jerome has been on fire, shooting 50% on 3-pointers as well as over 60% on 2-point attempts. The NBA journeyman has made the most out of his opportunity after being limited to two games last campaign due to a lingering ankle injury. He's leading the Cavs in bench points, and a Sixth Man of the Year award is possible if Jerome can keep up his hot start. - <em>Donald Higney</em></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><strong>Nikola Vucevic: </strong>Vucevic - and the two years and $41 million left on his deal - was arguably the least valuable asset in the league heading into this season. And while his defense has been underwhelming, which is putting it kindly, he's recouped some trade value for the Bulls. The Montenegrin is averaging over 20 points for the first time as a Bull while shooting career highs from both the field (57.7%) and from deep (46.9%). Vucevic's 7.6 points per game on catch-and-shoot situations represents the second-highest mark amongst centers in the league. Chicago will never recover the assets it gave up to acquire Vucevic, but the club is at least in a situation now where he's moveable. -<em> Thomas Tittley</em></p><h3>Who's been the most disappointing player?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758081/cropped_GettyImages-2186151635.jpg?ts=1732949540" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758081/w220xh124_GettyImages-2186151635.jpg?ts=1732949540 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758081/w320xh180_GettyImages-2186151635.jpg?ts=1732949540 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758081/w640xh360_GettyImages-2186151635.jpg?ts=1732949540 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758081/w768xh432_GettyImages-2186151635.jpg?ts=1732949540 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758081/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2186151635.jpg?ts=1732949540 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">AAron Ontiveroz / Denver Post / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Jamal Murray: </strong>Murray's struggles from last year's playoffs and the Olympics have followed him into this campaign. He's averaging 18.1 points per game, the lowest mark since his sophomore season, and shooting just 42.4% from the field, his worst rate since his rookie year. Murray's 3-point shooting has also dropped to career-worst 33.3%. The Nuggets have a better offensive rating per 100 possessions in the three games Murray missed (38.2) than the 14 contests he's played in (7.86). Struggles like this should concern Denver after inking Murray to a four-year, $208-million max extension in September, keeping him on the Nuggets' books until the 2028-29 campaign.<em> - Joseph Luca Casciaro</em></p><p><strong>Tyrese Haliburton: </strong>Indiana's talismanic guard could be in the midst of a seasonal correction, but Haliburton still has plenty of work cut out for him to erase the memory of his dire start to the year. The Pacers star made less than a quarter of his attempts from distance in nine of his first 15 games of the year and looked a shell of the 3-point-slinging dynamo he'd established himself as since arriving in Indiana midway through the 2021-22 campaign. A forlorn Haliburton told <a href="https://x.com/TonyREast/status/1860171085762977967">reporters</a> after a 12-point loss to the Bucks on Nov. 22 that he had no idea what was holding him back, but he might have in fact zeroed in on something; in the five games since that defeat, the 24-year-old has looked much more like himself, averaging 22 points and 8.8 assists while hoisting 11.2 threes per game and hitting 42.8%. <em>- Soveta</em></p><p><strong>Bam Adebayo: </strong>The extra basketball courtesy of the Olympics could be responsible for his offensive woes, but Adebayo is struggling to score. The Heat center is averaging his fewest points per game (15.7) since the 2019-20 season<strong> </strong>and is shooting his worst percentage from the field over eight campaigns in the Association (42.6%), which is also the worst mark for a center with at least 200 field-goal attempts this season. The three-time All-Star is still making over 60% of his shots from within 5 feet but is shooting under 40% from all other areas on the court. Even with the Heat remaining competitive in the Eastern Conference, Miami could stand to improve its middling offense with a more efficient Adebayo. - <em>Higney</em></p><h3>Which team's hot start is the most sustainable?</h3><p><strong>Golden State Warriors:</strong> The Warriors are 12-7<strong> </strong>with a top-10 offensive rating because they have some of the best depth in the league. Head coach Steve Kerr's system emphasizes ball movement and spacing. As a result, the Warriors lead the league in just about every passing category: They're first in passes made (333), first in secondary assists per game (4.9), and first in potential assists (55.4). The ball hums when Golden State is on offense, resulting in the league's third-highest assist ratio. Nine players on the Warriors are averaging at least seven points per game. This offensive style has allowed them to thrive when Curry has been absent: The Warriors boast a<strong> </strong>3-1 record without the former MVP. - <em>Tittley</em></p><p><strong>Orlando Magic:</strong><em> </em>The Magic have turned a corner and become legit contenders in the East. Franz Wagner is having a breakout season and has taken a leap toward stardom with career highs across the board. The Magic have also been electric at the Kia Center and are the last undefeated team at home this season. Orlando currently sits 15-7, winning 12 of its last 13 games, good enough for third place. The Magic have reached these marks while dealing with injuries: Paolo Banchero has been out since Oct. 30 with a torn right oblique, while Wendell Carter Jr. missed 13 games earlier this year. Once Jamahl Mosley's roster is fully healthy, the Magic should continue their success and reach an even higher peak.<em> - Casciaro</em></p><p><strong>Boston Celtics:</strong><em> </em>Joe Mazzulla's men are again in a tier of their own and showing no signs of slowing down thanks to an easy-to-remember recipe: more threebies, less freebies. The Celtics are attempting <em>and </em>hitting the most 3-pointers per game in NBA history, and those 3-pointers are responsible for a league-high 47.4% of their total points (conversely, they also rank last in percentage of points from twos, which further illustrates where their scoring focus is). And while hot shooting can come and go, their discipline is a variable almost entirely within their control. It's been just as impactful as their 3-point barrage; they average the NBA's fewest<strong> </strong>turnovers at 11.6 while limiting opponents to just 18.4<strong> </strong>free-throw attempts per game - the fourth-best mark in the league. <em>- Soveta</em></p><h3>Who will be the first coach fired?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758082/cropped_GettyImages-2181676061.jpg?ts=1732949598" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758082/w220xh124_GettyImages-2181676061.jpg?ts=1732949598 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758082/w320xh180_GettyImages-2181676061.jpg?ts=1732949598 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758082/w640xh360_GettyImages-2181676061.jpg?ts=1732949598 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758082/w768xh432_GettyImages-2181676061.jpg?ts=1732949598 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/758082/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2181676061.jpg?ts=1732949598 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Todd Kirkland / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Mike Brown: </strong><em> </em>Sacramento's management may look to make a change if the Kings aren't able to gain some traction in the Western Conference. Brown's squad ranks 12th with a<strong> </strong>9-12 record and has won only three out of its last 10 contests. A big area of concern for the Kings has been their bench production, which ranks<strong> </strong>27th in points from reserves after placing 12th last season and ninth during their breakout 2022-23 campaign. Even with cornerstones De'Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis averaging career highs in points over the first quarter of the season, Brown needs to find ways to get other players involved offensively or his job may be in jeopardy. - <em>Higney</em></p><p><strong>Chauncey Billups: </strong>The Portland Trail Blazers are in Year 4 of the Billups project and have yet to see much success. The 48-year-old is 89-178 (33.3%) over that period and has only won more than 30 games in a season once. His teams haven't even made a play-in game, let alone a playoff appearance, during his tenure. The roster hasn't been exceptional since his arrival, and Portland has struggled with some injuries, but Billups has failed to adapt. His teams have been unimaginative on offense, and the results have been underwhelming at best: The Trail Blazers have ranked 27th or worse in offensive rating in three of Billups' four seasons. <em> - Tittley</em></p><p><strong>Nick Nurse: </strong>The 76ers have been a car crash on and off the court: key absences, locker room shoving matches, Tyrese Maxey <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3133387" href="https://thescore.com/news/3133387">ripping</a> Joel Embiid for being late to team meetings, those meetings getting <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3135058" href="https://thescore.com/news/3135058">leaked</a> to the media, and, most recently, Embiid saying he's confused about what the team is trying to execute on the court. The latter seemed to be a direct shot at Nurse. The Sixers sit 27th in the NBA with a 4-14 record and have their second-lowest offensive rating of the Embiid era (105.8). With so much money invested into Maxey, Embiid, and Paul George, it's likely Nurse is the first to go.<em> - Casciaro</em></p>

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Roundball Roundtable: Pleasant surprises, biggest letdowns

This is the fourth in-season edition of theScore's NHL Power Rankings for the 2024-25 campaign. C...

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NHL Power Rankings: Players who must step up

Heading into the 2024-25 regular season, theScore's Kyle Cushman, Mike Dickson, Nick Faris, Sean ...

<p><em>Heading into the 2024-25 regular season, theScore's Kyle Cushman, Mike Dickson, Nick Faris, Sean O'Leary, and Josh Wegman make their picks for the PWHL's playoff teams, major award winners, and Walter Cup Final.</em></p><h3>Playoff teams</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/630399/cropped_GettyImages-2153260436.jpg?ts=1716769619" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/630399/w220xh124_GettyImages-2153260436.jpg?ts=1716769619 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/630399/w320xh180_GettyImages-2153260436.jpg?ts=1716769619 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/630399/w640xh360_GettyImages-2153260436.jpg?ts=1716769619 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/630399/w768xh432_GettyImages-2153260436.jpg?ts=1716769619 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/630399/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2153260436.jpg?ts=1716769619 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Editor</th>
<th>Pick 1</th>
<th>Pick 2</th>
<th>Pick 3</th>
<th>Pick 4</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Cushman</td>
<td>Boston</td>
<td>Montreal</td>
<td>New York</td>
<td>Toronto</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dickson</td>
<td>Boston</td>
<td>Montreal</td>
<td>Ottawa</td>
<td>Toronto</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Faris</td>
<td>Boston</td>
<td>Minnesota</td>
<td>Montreal</td>
<td>Toronto</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>O'Leary</td>
<td>Boston</td>
<td>Minnesota</td>
<td>New York</td>
<td>Toronto</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Wegman</td>
<td>Boston</td>
<td>Minnesota</td>
<td>Montreal</td>
<td>Toronto</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>All six teams got at least one nod to make the postseason. The Boston Fleet and Toronto Sceptres were unanimous picks, while the Montreal Victoire were left off of one ballot. All three teams made the playoffs in the PWHL's inaugural campaign.</p><p>But none of those teams actually won the Walter Cup. Three of five editors selected the defending champions, the Minnesota Frost, to make the playoffs after they narrowly made it into the postseason. The Ottawa Charge and New York Sirens didn't get in and, naturally, got the fewest votes.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Rookie of the Year</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757300/cropped_Media__1_.jpg?ts=1732578505" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757300/w220xh124_Media__1_.jpg?ts=1732578505 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757300/w320xh180_Media__1_.jpg?ts=1732578505 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757300/w640xh360_Media__1_.jpg?ts=1732578505 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757300/w768xh432_Media__1_.jpg?ts=1732578505 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757300/w1080xh607_Media__1_.jpg?ts=1732578505 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Professional Women's Hockey League</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Editor</th>
<th>Pick</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Cushman</td>
<td>Sarah Fillier (New York)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dickson</td>
<td>Sarah Fillier (New York)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Faris</td>
<td>Sarah Fillier (New York)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>O'Leary</td>
<td>Sarah Fillier (New York)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Wegman</td>
<td>Sarah Fillier (New York)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Fillier is the unanimous selection to be the top rookie at the end of the campaign. The 2024 first overall pick came in at No. 9 on <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3126610" href="https://thescore.com/news/3126610">theScore's top 25 PWHL player ranking</a> before even playing a regular-season game.</p><p>Fillier's top competition for the award includes Ottawa's Danielle Serdachny, who was chosen second overall and will be an immediate threat with her size, speed, and skill combination. Look for Hannah Bilka in Boston to draw more offense out of Hilary Knight and get some Rookie of the Year hype, too. And don't overlook Swedish sensation Lina Ljungblom in Montreal, who's expected to start on Marie-Philip Poulin's wing after being named MVP in the Swedish league last season.</p><h3>Defender of the Year</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757883/cropped_GettyImages-2147959688.jpg?ts=1732842045" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757883/w220xh124_GettyImages-2147959688.jpg?ts=1732842045 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757883/w320xh180_GettyImages-2147959688.jpg?ts=1732842045 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757883/w640xh360_GettyImages-2147959688.jpg?ts=1732842045 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757883/w768xh432_GettyImages-2147959688.jpg?ts=1732842045 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757883/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2147959688.jpg?ts=1732842045 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Editor</th>
<th>Pick</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Cushman</td>
<td>Renata Fast (Toronto)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dickson</td>
<td>Erin Ambrose (Montreal)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Faris</td>
<td>Erin Ambrose (Montreal)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>O'Leary</td>
<td>Erin Ambrose (Montreal)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Wegman</td>
<td>Erin Ambrose (Montreal)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Ambrose was the Defender of the Year last season and is favored to win back-to-back titles. The Victoire blue-liner is among the league's best power-play quarterbacks and logs huge five-on-five minutes. Two of Montreal's top defenders - Cayla Barnes and Dominika Laskova - are currently injured, which could mean Ambrose will play an even bigger role out of the gate.</p><p>Fast, the Sceptres' top defender, also got a nod. The 30-year-old embodies Toronto's physical style and has the offensive chops to be one of the scoring leaders among defenders. She'll star on the Sceptres' top power play, anchor their No. 1 penalty-killing unit, and rack up some of the most even-strength minutes in the league.</p><h3>Goaltender of the Year</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/619590/cropped_GettyImages-2022982291.jpg?ts=1709921175" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/619590/w220xh124_GettyImages-2022982291.jpg?ts=1709921175 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/619590/w320xh180_GettyImages-2022982291.jpg?ts=1709921175 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/619590/w640xh360_GettyImages-2022982291.jpg?ts=1709921175 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/619590/w768xh432_GettyImages-2022982291.jpg?ts=1709921175 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/619590/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2022982291.jpg?ts=1709921175 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Danielle Parhizkaran / Boston Globe / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Editor</th>
<th>Pick</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Cushman</td>
<td>Ann-Renee Desbiens (Montreal)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dickson</td>
<td>Aerin Frankel (Boston)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Faris</td>
<td>Aerin Frankel (Boston)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>O'Leary</td>
<td>Emerance Maschmeyer (Ottawa)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Wegman</td>
<td>Kristen Campbell (Toronto)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Campbell won Goaltender of the Year in the inaugural campaign after her superb 12-game winning streak. She isn't our top pick this season, though - Fleet netminder Aerin Frankel leads the way with two votes.</p><p>Frankel had a historic playoff run, highlighted by back-to-back semifinal wins in which she made over 50 saves. If the American continues that form, it'll be tough to deny her the award this season. </p><p>Montreal's Ann-Renee Desbiens and Ottawa's Emerance Maschmeyer also got some love here. Desbiens didn't have the dominant year many expected from her considering her reputation as the best goaltender in women's hockey, and she could be in store for a statement campaign. Maschmeyer played in every Charge game last season and, with a lesser workload, her numbers could soar. </p><h3>Billie Jean King MVP</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/629881/cropped_GettyImages-2018251490.jpg?ts=1716412259" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/629881/w220xh124_GettyImages-2018251490.jpg?ts=1716412259 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/629881/w320xh180_GettyImages-2018251490.jpg?ts=1716412259 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/629881/w640xh360_GettyImages-2018251490.jpg?ts=1716412259 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/629881/w768xh432_GettyImages-2018251490.jpg?ts=1716412259 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/629881/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2018251490.jpg?ts=1716412259 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Mark Blinch / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Editor</th>
<th>Pick</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Cushman</td>
<td>Marie-Philip Poulin (Montreal)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dickson</td>
<td>Sarah Nurse (Toronto)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Faris</td>
<td>Sarah Nurse (Toronto)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>O'Leary</td>
<td>Sarah Nurse (Toronto)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Wegman</td>
<td>Marie-Philip Poulin (Montreal)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Natalie Spooner, last season's runaway MVP, is out as she recovers from knee surgery. Her Sceptres teammate Sarah Nurse is the favorite to step up and claim the award.</p><p>Nurse was dominant down the stretch with 17 points in her last 12 regular-season contests. A broken finger sustained just before the playoffs limited her effectiveness against Minnesota, but the 29-year-old is fully healthy and will be heavily leaned on in offensive situations with Spooner sidelined.</p><p>It wouldn't be a proper MVP discussion without Poulin. Still the best player in the women's game, the Victoire captain joined Spooner as the only two skaters to exceed the point-per-game mark last season. Montreal is expected to be among the league's best again - and Poulin remains a massive part of that. Few things in hockey are as scary as a motivated Poulin, and she certainly has fuel after an early exit in the playoffs at the hands of the Boston Fleet.</p><h3>Walter Cup Final</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/617868/cropped_GettyImages-2018256855.jpg?ts=1708747710" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/617868/w220xh124_GettyImages-2018256855.jpg?ts=1708747710 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/617868/w320xh180_GettyImages-2018256855.jpg?ts=1708747710 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/617868/w640xh360_GettyImages-2018256855.jpg?ts=1708747710 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/617868/w768xh432_GettyImages-2018256855.jpg?ts=1708747710 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/617868/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2018256855.jpg?ts=1708747710 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Mark Blinch / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Editor</th>
<th>Pick</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Cushman</td>
<td>Toronto def. Montreal</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dickson</td>
<td>Toronto def. Boston</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Faris</td>
<td>Toronto def. Montreal</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>O'Leary</td>
<td>Toronto def. New York</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Wegman</td>
<td>Montreal def. Toronto</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The Sceptres are a heavy favorite - four out of five editors picked Toronto to win the Walter Cup, and each projected the team to at least make the final.</p><p>Toronto improved what was already the league's best offense by signing the top free agent, Daryl Watts, this offseason. On paper, the Sceptres' offensive depth looks almost unstoppable - and that's before they get the reigning MVP back in the lineup.</p><p>The Victoire are the only other team to be picked to win the title. There's no denying their core - Poulin, Ambrose, Desbiens, and Laura Stacey - is capable of victory. A lack of trust in its depth cost Montreal in the spring and will again be the biggest area to watch if the Victoire are to make a real run at the Walter Cup.</p><p>The PWHL regular season starts Saturday when the Sceptres take on the Fleet and the Victoire face the Charge.</p>

LOWELL, MA - MAY 29: Minnesota forward Taylor Heise (27) hoists the Walter Cup Trophy after defeating Boston in game 5 of the PWHL Walter Cup Finals on May 29, 2024, at Tsongas Center in Lowell, MA.

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Predicting the Walter Cup champion, major PWHL award winners

NFL Power Rankings are selected by a panel of theScore's football editors.   With Thanksgiving ar...

<p><em>NFL Power Rankings are selected by a panel of theScore's football editors. </em></p><p><em>With Thanksgiving around the corner, we're taking a look at what each team should be thankful for.</em></p><p><strong>Jump to:</strong><br><a href="#ARI">ARI</a> | <a href="#ATL">ATL</a> | <a href="#BAL">BAL</a> | <a href="#BUF">BUF</a> | <a href="#CAR">CAR</a> | <a href="#CHI">CHI</a> | <a href="#CIN">CIN</a> | <a href="#CLE">CLE</a> | <a href="#DAL">DAL</a> | <a href="#DEN">DEN</a> | <a href="#DET">DET</a> | <a href="#GB">GB</a> | <a href="#HOU">HOU</a> | <a href="#IND">IND</a> | <a href="#JAX">JAX</a> | <a href="#KC">KC</a> | <a href="#LAC">LAC</a> | <a href="#LAR">LAR</a> | <a href="#LV">LV</a> | <a href="#MIA">MIA</a> | <a href="#MIN">MIN</a> | <a href="#NE">NE</a> | <a href="#NO">NO</a> | <a href="#NYG">NYG</a> | <a href="#NYJ">NYJ</a> | <a href="#PHI">PHI</a> | <a href="#PIT">PIT</a> | <a href="#SEA">SEA</a> | <a href="#SF">SF</a> | <a href="#TB">TB</a> | <a href="#TEN">TEN</a> | <a href="#WAS">WAS</a></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3><a id="DET" name="DET">1. Detroit Lions (10-1)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 1</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/749800/cropped_GettyImages-2178263375.jpg?ts=1728854799" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/749800/w220xh124_GettyImages-2178263375.jpg?ts=1728854799 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/749800/w320xh180_GettyImages-2178263375.jpg?ts=1728854799 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/749800/w640xh360_GettyImages-2178263375.jpg?ts=1728854799 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/749800/w768xh432_GettyImages-2178263375.jpg?ts=1728854799 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/749800/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2178263375.jpg?ts=1728854799 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Ron Jenkins / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes</strong>. Detroit's head coach and general manager have built a monster. The Lions have become one of the NFL's premier organizations and look like the best team in the league this season.</p><h3><a id="BUF" name="BUF">2. Buffalo Bills (9-2)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 2</em></p><p><strong>Josh Allen</strong>. The unstoppable quarterback has been crucial for Buffalo - the Bills remain a Super Bowl contender when many expected them to regress before the season. Allen has accounted for 23 touchdowns against just five interceptions.</p><h3><a id="PHI" name="PHI">3. Philadelphia Eagles (9-2)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 4</em></p><p><strong>Saquon Barkley</strong>. The 27-year-old running back entered the MVP conversation after a huge performance on Sunday Night Football. Barkley has the most yards from scrimmage through 12 weeks, making the Eagles' offense borderline unstoppable.</p><h3><a id="KC" name="KC">4. Kansas City Chiefs (10-1)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 3</em></p><p><strong>Patrick Mahomes</strong>. The Chiefs have won all eight one-score games they've played this season thanks to their superstar QB, who ranks fourth in EPA/dropback in the fourth quarter. Kansas City has five walk-off victories.</p><h3><a id="BAL" name="BAL">5. Baltimore Ravens (8-4)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 6</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751301/cropped_GettyImages-2175713632.jpg?ts=1729703227" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751301/w220xh124_GettyImages-2175713632.jpg?ts=1729703227 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751301/w320xh180_GettyImages-2175713632.jpg?ts=1729703227 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751301/w640xh360_GettyImages-2175713632.jpg?ts=1729703227 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751301/w768xh432_GettyImages-2175713632.jpg?ts=1729703227 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751301/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2175713632.jpg?ts=1729703227 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Michael Owens / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>The Derrick Henry signing</strong>. Not only did the Ravens take some pressure off Lamar Jackson by adding Henry in the offseason, but the move also raised the team's ceiling and helped Baltimore build a top-three offense.</p><h3><a id="MIN" name="MIN">6. Minnesota Vikings (9-2)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 7</em></p><p><strong>O'Connell pairing with Flores</strong>. Minnesota's defense ranks first in EPA/play and success rate. Head coach Kevin O'Connell's decision to hire Brian Flores as defensive coordinator in 2023 has worked wonders for the franchise.</p><h3><a id="GB" name="GB">7. Green Bay Packers (8-3)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 8</em></p><p><strong>Matt LaFleur</strong>. After Sunday's victory over the 49ers, LaFleur improved his record to 64-30 as Packers head coach. He's become one of the league's best offensive play-callers.</p><h3><a id="PIT" name="PIT">8. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-3)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 5</em></p><p><strong>Mike Tomlin</strong>. The veteran coach deserves a lot of credit for putting Russell Wilson in the starting lineup; the decision helped change Pittsburgh's season. With one more win, Tomlin will secure his 18th non-losing NFL campaign.</p><h3><a id="SEA" name="SEA">9. Seattle Seahawks (6-5)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 15</em></p><p><strong>Mike Macdonald</strong>. Seattle is starting to reap the benefits of having Macdonald call the defense. The Seahawks shut down the Cardinals' high-powered offense Sunday and now sit first in the NFC West.</p><h3><a id="LAC" name="LAC">10. Los Angeles Chargers (7-4)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 12</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757307/cropped_GettyImages-2183515158.jpg?ts=1732583597" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757307/w220xh124_GettyImages-2183515158.jpg?ts=1732583597 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757307/w320xh180_GettyImages-2183515158.jpg?ts=1732583597 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757307/w640xh360_GettyImages-2183515158.jpg?ts=1732583597 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757307/w768xh432_GettyImages-2183515158.jpg?ts=1732583597 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/757307/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2183515158.jpg?ts=1732583597 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Jim Harbaugh's aura</strong>. The Chargers have had talented teams in the past but often failed to make a deep run by losing games in inexplicable ways. The team's culture is different now under Harbaugh, who's brought a new energy to town while creating one of the AFC's best teams.</p><h3><a id="DEN" name="DEN">11. Denver Broncos (7-5)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 13</em></p><p><strong>Facing the NFC South</strong>. Four of Denver's seven triumphs came against NFC South teams, as Sean Payton - who knows a thing or two about that division - coached the Broncos to a sweep of the Saints, Bucs, Falcons, and Panthers in 2024.</p><h3><a id="HOU" name="HOU">12. Houston Texans (7-5)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 9</em></p><p><strong>A weak AFC South</strong>. The Texans have lost three of their last four games but still have a two-game lead atop the South. Houston is the division's only team with a winning record right now.</p><h3><a id="WAS" name="WAS">13. Washington Commanders (7-5)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 10</em></p><p><strong>Jayden Daniels</strong>. He's changed the fortunes of the Commanders franchise. The young quarterback has Washington as the 7-seed of the NFC playoff picture through 12 weeks, drastically exceeding expectations for his rookie season.</p><h3><a id="ARI" name="ARI">14. Arizona Cardinals (6-5)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 11</em></p><p><strong>Kyler Murray</strong>. The 27-year-old is fourth among all signal-callers in QB rating. Despite a poor performance against the Seahawks, Murray has played well and is giving Arizona a chance to win its division.</p><h3><a id="MIA" name="MIA">15. Miami Dolphins (5-6)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 20</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755891/cropped_GettyImages-2185265375.jpg?ts=1731881883" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755891/w220xh124_GettyImages-2185265375.jpg?ts=1731881883 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755891/w320xh180_GettyImages-2185265375.jpg?ts=1731881883 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755891/w640xh360_GettyImages-2185265375.jpg?ts=1731881883 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755891/w768xh432_GettyImages-2185265375.jpg?ts=1731881883 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755891/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2185265375.jpg?ts=1731881883 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Rich Storry / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Tua Tagovailoa's health</strong>. Miami has had ups and downs but has looked very good since Tagovailoa's return. The signal-caller has completed 76% of his passes with 11 touchdowns to one interception since clearing the concussion protocol Oct. 27.</p><h3><a id="LAR" name="LAR">16. Los Angeles Rams (5-6)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 14</em></p><p><strong>Young pass-rushers</strong>: Braden Fiske and Jared Verse have 81 pressures and 10.5 sacks combined. The two rookies have helped the Rams' defense produce the league's highest pressure rate (41.2%) this season.</p><h3><a id="ATL" name="ATL">17. Atlanta Falcons (6-5)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 17</em></p><p><strong>Being first in their division</strong>. Atlanta is 4-1 in divisional games this season and is the front-runner to win the NFC South. Despite back-to-back losses, the Falcons have plenty of time to get their season back on track.</p><h3><a id="TB" name="TB">18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-6)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 18</em></p><p><strong>Baker Mayfield</strong>. The 29-year-old is third among quarterbacks in touchdown passes and completion percentage after 12 weeks. Due to Mayfield's performance, Tampa Bay's offense ranks fifth in EPA/play.</p><h3><a id="CIN" name="CIN">19. Cincinnati Bengals (4-7)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 19</em></p><p><strong>The Burrow-Chase duo</strong>. Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase have been unstoppable. The star QB leads the NFL with 27 touchdown passes this season, while the receiver tops his position with 1,056 receiving yards and 12 TD receptions.</p><h3><a id="SF" name="SF">20. San Francisco 49ers (5-6)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 16</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/752060/cropped_GettyImages-2177303060.jpg?ts=1730066779" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/752060/w220xh124_GettyImages-2177303060.jpg?ts=1730066779 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/752060/w320xh180_GettyImages-2177303060.jpg?ts=1730066779 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/752060/w640xh360_GettyImages-2177303060.jpg?ts=1730066779 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/752060/w768xh432_GettyImages-2177303060.jpg?ts=1730066779 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/752060/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2177303060.jpg?ts=1730066779 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Michael Owens / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>George Kittle</strong>. The veteran tight end has 642 receiving yards and eight touchdowns in nine games this year. He's been a bright spot for a 49ers offense that hasn't lived up to the hype.</p><h3><a id="IND" name="IND">21. Indianapolis Colts (5-7)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 21</em></p><p><strong>Easy schedule</strong>. The Colts have the NFL's lowest strength of schedule in their remaining games, according to <a href="https://www.tankathon.com/nfl/remaining_schedule_strength">Tankathon</a>. Indy is two games below .500, but its schedule includes a matchup against Denver - the AFC's current No. 7 seed - so making the playoffs remains possible.</p><h3><a id="CHI" name="CHI">22. Chicago Bears (4-7)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 23</em></p><p><strong>Caleb Williams</strong>. The first overall pick shined against the Vikings on Sunday, totaling 373 yards and two touchdowns against a strong defense. Chicago's offense is in good hands.</p><h3><a id="DAL" name="DAL">23. Dallas Cowboys (4-7)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 25</em></p><p><strong>CeeDee Lamb</strong>. Even with inconsistent quarterback play, Lamb has produced solid numbers. The 25-year-old is under contract long term and will be the focal point of Dallas' offense for years to come.</p><h3><a id="NE" name="NE">24. New England Patriots (3-9)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 22</em></p><p><strong>Drake Maye's development</strong>. The rookie quarterback has shown positive signs in his first NFL games despite a subpar supporting cast. Maye's nine big-time throws are tied for the 12th-most in the league since his Week 6 debut, according to PFF.</p><h3><a id="NYJ" name="NYJ">25. New York Jets (3-8)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 24</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754713/cropped_GettyImages-2181610482.jpg?ts=1731286747" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754713/w220xh124_GettyImages-2181610482.jpg?ts=1731286747 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754713/w320xh180_GettyImages-2181610482.jpg?ts=1731286747 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754713/w640xh360_GettyImages-2181610482.jpg?ts=1731286747 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754713/w768xh432_GettyImages-2181610482.jpg?ts=1731286747 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754713/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2181610482.jpg?ts=1731286747 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Joe Sargent / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Chance to rebuild</strong>. It sounds like the Jets are willing to start a full rebuild by bringing in a new head coach, general manager, and quarterback to replace 40-year-old Aaron Rodgers. They could certainly benefit from going in a different direction. </p><h3><a id="CAR" name="CAR">26. Carolina Panthers (3-8)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 26</em></p><p><strong>Owning their first-round pick</strong>. Chicago used Carolina's first-round selection on Caleb Williams in April, but the Panthers now have the chance to use their top pick in 2025. This roster desperately needs young talent.</p><h3><a id="NO" name="NO">27. New Orleans Saints (4-7)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 27</em></p><p><strong>A new coaching staff in 2025</strong>. The Saints have a small chance of making the playoffs, but fans can get excited about a fresh start next year. New Orleans' next coaching hire could provide hope for long-term success.</p><h3><a id="CLE" name="CLE">28. Cleveland Browns (3-8)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 30</em></p><p><strong>Division wins</strong>. It's extra special to beat an archrival, and two of Cleveland's three wins this year came against Baltimore and Pittsburgh. The Browns most recently came back versus the Steelers with fan favorite Nick Chubb scoring the game-winning touchdown in snowy conditions.</p><h3><a id="TEN" name="TEN">29. Tennessee Titans (3-8)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 31</em></p><p><strong>AFC South. </strong>The Titans have had a bad 2024 campaign despite aggressive offseason moves, but at least the rest of the division isn't pulling away. The Jaguars, Colts, and even the Texans have disappointed to a certain degree.</p><h3><a id="JAX" name="JAX">30. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-9)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 29</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/610244/cropped_GettyImages-1885302367.jpg?ts=1704661102" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/610244/w220xh124_GettyImages-1885302367.jpg?ts=1704661102 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/610244/w320xh180_GettyImages-1885302367.jpg?ts=1704661102 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/610244/w640xh360_GettyImages-1885302367.jpg?ts=1704661102 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/610244/w768xh432_GettyImages-1885302367.jpg?ts=1704661102 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/610244/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1885302367.jpg?ts=1704661102 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Mike Carlson / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>The season is almost over</strong>. Trevor Lawrence isn't fully healthy, Doug Pederson will likely be fired, and Jacksonville has a real shot at getting the No. 1 pick for the third time in five years. It's already time for the Jaguars to think about 2025.</p><h3><a id="NYG" name="NYG">31. New York Giants (2-9)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 28</em></p><p><strong>A chance at the first overall pick</strong>. New York would have the No. 2 selection in the 2025 draft if the season ended today. With Daniel Jones off the roster, the Giants will be looking for their quarterback of the future.</p><h3><a id="LV" name="LV">32. Las Vegas Raiders (2-9)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 32</em></p><p><strong>Brock Bowers</strong>. It's been a disappointing campaign for the Raiders, but they might already have a top-three tight end in Bowers. The first-round rookie leads all TEs with 74 catches and 744 yards while also scoring three TDs.</p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/29181359/related

NFL Power Rankings - Week 13: What each team should be thankful for

Major League Baseball's offseason is well underway, but it's been another slow burn as every big ...

<p>Major League Baseball's offseason is well underway, but it's been another slow burn as every big free agent and trade candidate has yet to move. Here, we offer 11 predictions that we believe could happen this winter.</p><h3>Soto spurns Yankees for crosstown Mets</h3><p>Juan Soto's fit with the Yankees was perfect, as he ended the 2024 season as an MVP finalist and formed a fearsome duo with Aaron Judge to lead the franchise to its first AL pennant since 2009. Despite the success, Soto made it clear that he wants to cash in via free agency. The Yankees can outspend anyone if Hal Steinbrenner is determined to keep the player. However, the owner doesn't quite have the same attitude when it comes to spending money as his late father, George. Mets owner Steve Cohen has no such qualms, routinely dipping well into the luxury tax. Soto represents a massive opportunity for the Mets to strike a blow against their city rivals while adding a generational offensive talent. The Mets find a way to land Soto on a 13-year, $600-million megadeal. <em>- Josh Goldberg</em></p><h3>Sasaki joins Dodgers to form Japanese super trio</h3><p>This feels almost inevitable. Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Roki Sasaki playing on the same team? It'll be a dream turned reality when the Dodgers sign the 23-year-old after he's posted to MLB in the new year. With money not the deciding factor, Los Angeles can add the pitching phenom, who'll shore up the club's starting rotation and give it the best chance of becoming baseball's next dynasty. - <em>Bryan Mcwilliam</em></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Crochet swaps Sox, ends up in Boston</h3><p>The Red Sox need an ace, but owner John Henry has typically shied away from handing out massive deals to pitchers age 30 or older. The rebuilding White Sox, meanwhile, need all the prospects they can get. Boston dips into its deeply talented farm system and swings a deal for Garrett Crochet before signing the 25-year-old to a long-term extension. - <em>Ben</em> <em>Wrixon</em></p><h3>Cardinals trade Arenado, Helsley to Yankees</h3><p>The Yankees swing a deal to acquire third baseman Nolan Arenado and closer Ryan Helsley from the St. Louis Cardinals, addressing a pair of needs. Arenado isn't the All-Star-caliber player he once was. His power numbers declined in each of the last three seasons, but he's still an elite defender who hardly strikes out. With three years and roughly $64 million remaining on his contract, it's an easier price tag for New York to swallow. Bringing in Arenado allows the Yankees to move Jazz Chisholm Jr. to either second base or center field, further aiding a defense that struggled in the postseason. Helsley is coming off a season in which he was NL Reliever of the Year. He'll slide into New York's closer's role, allowing Weaver to be a setup man. <em>- Brandon Wile</em></p><h3>Burnes stuns by signing with Angels</h3><p>Coming off another strong campaign with the Orioles, Corbin Burnes is one of baseball's most dependable starting pitchers. Angels general manager Perry Minasian said the club plans to be aggressive heading into 2025, and the team adding Burnes to a rotation that finished 28th in ERA last season would be a massive coup. Considering Burnes grew up in California, Minasian and the Angels find a way to get it done, landing the right-hander on a seven-year, $210-million contract. <em>- Goldberg</em></p><h3>Orioles sign Fried to replace Burnes</h3><p>The Orioles badly need to add a No. 1 starter with Burnes departing via free agency. With Kyle Bradish, who finished fourth in 2023 AL Cy Young voting, likely not returning until the end of next season after undergoing Tommy John surgery in June, enter Max Fried. The two-time All-Star has posted a 2.87 ERA since 2021. Fried slots ahead of Zach Eflin and Grayson Rodriguez to give Baltimore a solid top of the rotation to compete in the tough AL East. - <em>Tom Ruminski</em></p><h3>Mariners sign Bregman to shift AL West power balance </h3><p>The Mariners finally land the impact infield bat they desperately need by poaching third baseman Alex Bregman away from their AL West rival. His all-around skill set and championship pedigree won't come cheap, but Seattle has shown a past willingness to spend on the right player. Bregman joins Julio Rodríguez, Randy Arozarena, and Cal Raleigh in a revamped Mariners' lineup that finally has enough punch to support MLB's best starting rotation. - <em>Wrixon</em></p><h3>Alonso strikes it big in Houston</h3><p>After letting Bregman walk, the Astros take that money and buy an expensive upgrade at the other corner infield spot when they sign Pete Alonso to a nine-figure contract. Minute Maid Park - soon to be Daikin Park - is a perfect landing spot for the power-hitting Alonso, who's ultimately lured to Houston by the prospect of launching balls into the very short Crawford Boxes 81 times a year. Alonso will stabilize what's been a revolving door at first base for the Astros and is an obvious upgrade over Jon Singleton. Alonso's signing signals that Houston isn't ready to shut the door on this remarkable era for the franchise just yet and serves as a precursor to other big moves this winter. <em>- Simon Sharkey-Gotlieb</em></p><h3>Blue Jays land Bohm from Phillies</h3><p>It feels like the relationship between Alec Bohm and the Phillies has reached a point where both parties would benefit from a change. The Blue Jays represent that fresh start when they acquire him from Philadelphia after failing to get involved in the bidding war for Bregman. Bohm, who has two years of team control left, fits Toronto's competitive window and gives them another right-handed power bat. His .779 OPS last season would have ranked second on the club, while his 44 doubles would've tied him for the team lead. <em>- Wile </em></p><h3>Phillies open wallet for Snell, Santander</h3><p>The Phillies haven't been afraid to spend in recent years, and they'll do it again this winter by luring two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell to Philadelphia. Adding Snell allows the reigning NL East champions to run out a top-tier starter every night. However, Dave Dombrowski isn't done there. He also inks Anthony Santander, whose 44 home runs last season matched the output of outfielders Nick Castellanos, Brandon Marsh, and Austin Hays. Santander has some warts, and the defensive fit isn't perfect with Castellanos and Kyle Schwarber also on the roster, but Philadelphia needs to add to the team to get the most out of a title window. <em>- Sharkey-Gotlieb, Ruminski</em></p><h3>Tigers add Teoscar, Bieber, Manaea in FA spree </h3><p>The Tigers were one of the better stories in 2024, and ownership builds on that momentum by committing to surrounding an emerging young core with veteran talent. The offense gets the middle-of-the-order bat it desperately needs by signing Teoscar Hernández. Reigning Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal also gets help on the rotation, with Detroit signing Sean Manaea and Shane Bieber. Neither player requires the nine-figure salaries of some top arms, allowing Detroit to ink both. Bieber is coming off Tommy John surgery and won't jump into the rotation until later in the season. <em>- Wile </em></p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/29170102/related

11 MLB offseason predictions

A month into the 2024-25 campaign, here's a look at 10 candidates who have made the strongest ear...

<p>A month into the 2024-25 campaign, here's a look at 10 candidates who have made the strongest early cases for the NBA's prestigious individual regular-season accolade.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="MVP RANKINGS: GILGEOUS-ALEXANDER (Copy) (Copy) (Copy)" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-Pni9T" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Pni9T/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="81" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>FG%</th>
<th>3PT%</th>
<th>FT%</th>
<th>REB</th>
<th>AST</th>
<th>PTS</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>16</td>
<td>51.1</td>
<td>42.2</td>
<td>73.8</td>
<td>8.1</td>
<td>9.1</td>
<td>23.6</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>At 39 years old, LeBron continues to showcase his excellence. His scoring has slowed down a bit, but he's still averaging over 20 points a night and has found new ways to impact the game. Logging 35.4 minutes a contest, the King is third in the Association in assists per outing and is shooting a career-high 42.2% from three. LeBron is one of just three players this campaign to record 350-plus points, 100-plus rebounds, and 100-plus assists, according to <a href="https://x.com/statmuse/status/1859986697955541304">StatMuse</a>.</p><p>The NBA's all-time leading scorer also broke his own record earlier this year, becoming the oldest player in league history to achieve three consecutive triple-doubles - which he followed up with <em>another</em> triple-double to record four straight for the first time in his career.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="MVP RANKINGS: A EDWARDS (Copy)" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-tPhRq" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/tPhRq/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="81" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>FG%</th>
<th>3PT%</th>
<th>FT%</th>
<th>REB</th>
<th>AST</th>
<th>PTS</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>16</td>
<td>47.2</td>
<td>43.8</td>
<td>77.9</td>
<td>5.2</td>
<td>3.9</td>
<td>27.9</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Edwards has taken another leap toward stardom this season. He's putting up career-high averages in points (27.9), minutes (37.2), field goal percentage, and 3-point percentage (43.8). And he's reaching these new highs despite his usage rating decreasing from 32.3% in 2023-24 to 30.3%. The 23-year-old has an insane 61.2 true shooting percentage and a career-best 114.5 offensive rating per 100 possessions.</p><p>He's also contributing 32<strong>%</strong> of his team's points, his highest total in his five years with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Edwards currently sits first in the NBA for 3-pointers made with 78, ninth in points per game, and tied for sixth in field goals made per game with 9.9.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="MVP RANKINGS: G ANTETOKOUNMPO (Copy)" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-AVRAR" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/AVRAR/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="84" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>FG%</th>
<th>3PT%</th>
<th>FT%</th>
<th>REB</th>
<th>AST</th>
<th>PTS</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>16</td>
<td>60.8</td>
<td>21.4</td>
<td>60.2</td>
<td>11.9</td>
<td>6.4</td>
<td>32.4</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The Milwaukee Bucks' early struggles aren't a result of a lack of production on Antetokounmpo's end. The two-time MVP is playing arguably the best basketball of his career, pacing the league in scoring and sitting sixth in boards. He's shooting a personal-best 51% on long mid-range jumpers, which ranks in the 88th percentile among big men, per <a href="https://cleaningtheglass.com/stats/player/96#tab-shooting_accuracy">Cleaning the Glass</a>.</p><p>Antetokounmpo made history last season as the first NBA player to average 30-plus points on 60% shooting over a single season, and he's on pace to repeat the unique accomplishment. The Greek Freak went off for an NBA season-high 59 points, 14 boards, seven assists, three blocks, and two steals against the Detroit Pistons earlier this month, marking the ninth 50-point, 10-rebound performance of his career. Only Wilt Chamberlain and Elgin Baylor have achieved the feat more.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="MVP RANKINGS: L DONCIC (Copy)" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-nZMv1" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/nZMv1/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="81" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>FG%</th>
<th>3PT%</th>
<th>FT%</th>
<th>REB</th>
<th>AST</th>
<th>PTS</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>14</td>
<td>43.5</td>
<td>32.4</td>
<td>78.3</td>
<td>7.6</td>
<td>7.6</td>
<td>28.1</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Although Doncic is out with a wrist injury, the Dallas Mavericks star is already off to a strong start to the campaign. The 25-year-old ranks in the top 10 in both points (28.1) and assists (7.6) to kick off the young season, keeping Dallas on pace with the rest of the Western Conference contenders after reaching the Finals last season.</p><p>While his current stats pale in comparison to last year's performance, it's reasonable to expect Doncic to pick up the production as the campaign progresses. He was the Association's leading scorer last season and finished in the top three in the two seasons prior. Hopefully, the shots will drop more efficiently when he returns.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="MVP RANKINGS: GILGEOUS-ALEXANDER (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) (Copy)" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-aIKmF" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/aIKmF/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="81" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>FG%</th>
<th>3PT%</th>
<th>FT%</th>
<th>REB</th>
<th>AST</th>
<th>PTS</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>13</td>
<td>47.5</td>
<td>43.7</td>
<td>95.5</td>
<td>5.5</td>
<td>6.5</td>
<td>22.0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Curry is producing near 50/40/90 splits just over a month into the season and could surpass Steve Nash as the oldest NBA player to accomplish the feat. The 36-year-old remains essential to the league's seventh-best offensive unit: The Golden State Warriors are scoring 13.4 <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/team/1610612744/onoffcourt-summary?dir=D&amp;sort=DIFF_OFF_RATING">more</a> points per 100 possessions when Curry's on the court. He <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/players/off-screen?PerMode=PerGame">leads</a> his peers with 4.1 points per contest off screens and ranks third in free-throw percentage and 14th in steals (1.6 per game).</p><p>The Warriors star is still reliable down the stretch, <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/players/traditional?CF=PLAYER_NAME*E*curry&amp;Period=4">tallying</a> 6.2 points on 46.3% shooting in the fourth quarter. Head coach Steve Kerr's decision to roll with a 12-man rotation is keeping Curry fresh and should pay dividends near the end of the campaign when the 10-time All-Star is leaned on for extended minutes.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="MVP RANKINGS: D MITCHELL (Copy)" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-qUMDI" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/qUMDI/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="72" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>FG%</th>
<th>3PT%</th>
<th>FT%</th>
<th>REB</th>
<th>AST</th>
<th>PTS</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>17</td>
<td>47</td>
<td>41.1</td>
<td>83.3</td>
<td>4.4</td>
<td>3.7</td>
<td>24.4</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Mitchell isn't the only one responsible for the Cleveland Cavaliers' franchise-best start, but he has been one of its most significant contributors. He leads the squad in scoring, but the five-time All-Star also boasts the best defensive rating of any Cavs player at 105.5 points allowed per 100 possessions. Cleveland's team mark in the same category is at its worst when Mitchell sits (115.8).</p><p>Some of that comes down to frequently playing alongside other formidable defenders like <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93865" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93865">Isaac Okoro</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96054" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96054">Evan Mobley</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/53393" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/53393">Jarrett Allen</a>. However, Mitchell does lead Kenny Atkinson's squad with 2.7 deflections per game, which likely <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/team/1610612739/players-misc?dir=D&amp;sort=PTS_FB">fuels</a> his team-high four fast-break points per contest.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="MVP RANKINGS: J TATUM (Copy)" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-qza9z" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/qza9z/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="72" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>FG%</th>
<th>3PT%</th>
<th>FT%</th>
<th>REB</th>
<th>AST</th>
<th>PTS</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>17</td>
<td>45</td>
<td>37.4</td>
<td>80.7</td>
<td>8.2</td>
<td>5.9</td>
<td>28.9</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Serious MVP consideration has perennially eluded Tatum because of compelling cases by other candidates and the overall effectiveness of the Boston Celtics' roster. However, the 26-year-old seems intent on making it as difficult as possible to deny him the prize in his eighth season.</p><p>The four-time All-NBAer is scoring at one of the best rates of his career (second only to his 30.1 points per game in 2022-23), and he's also noticeably focused on making the right reads for his teammates this year. His 5.9 assists per game represent a career high, but it's especially notable that he already has two games in the first month with double-digit dimes; Tatum had just one 10-assist outing last season and has never recorded more than <a href="https://stathead.com/basketball/player-game-finder.cgi?request=1&amp;comp_type=reg&amp;year_min=2021&amp;match=player_game&amp;team_game_max=84&amp;season_end=-1&amp;timeframe=seasons&amp;order_by_asc=0&amp;team_game_min=1&amp;player_game_max=9999&amp;comp_id=NBA&amp;season_start=1&amp;player_game_min=1&amp;order_by=date&amp;player_id=tatumja01&amp;year_max=2021&amp;cstat%5B1%5D=ast&amp;ccomp%5B1%5D=gt&amp;cval%5B1%5D=10">three</a> over an entire campaign.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="MVP RANKINGS: GILGEOUS-ALEXANDER (Copy)" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-YdNh1" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/YdNh1/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="84" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>FG%</th>
<th>3PT%</th>
<th>FT%</th>
<th>REB</th>
<th>AST</th>
<th>PTS</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>16</td>
<td>50</td>
<td>33.7</td>
<td>89.6</td>
<td>5.1</td>
<td>6.3</td>
<td>28.7</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>SGA is pushing to become the second Canadian after Nash to be named MVP. He's pacing the Thunder in points per game and assists while adding 1.1 blocks and 1.8 steals per game. And Gilgeous-Alexander already set a new career high this season when he dropped 45 points in a victory over the Los Angeles Clippers.</p><p>The 26-year-old is currently<strong> </strong>second in the NBA with the highest plus/minus this season with a +170 through 16 games of action. He's also scored the fourth-most points among guards this campaign with 459<strong>.</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="MVP RANKINGS: GILGEOUS-ALEXANDER (Copy) (Copy)" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-aJPG2" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/aJPG2/2/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="81" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>FG%</th>
<th>3PT%</th>
<th>FT%</th>
<th>REB</th>
<th>AST</th>
<th>PTS</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>15</td>
<td>55.6</td>
<td>40.6</td>
<td>78.1</td>
<td>11.1</td>
<td>2.8</td>
<td>30.1</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>AD is playing out of his mind this season as the focal point of the Los Angeles Lakers' offense. He's averaging 30-plus points for the first time in his career while showcasing his defensive abilities with 1.3 steals and 1.9 blocks per game. He has a career-high 63.8 true shooting percentage and a usage rate of 31.6%, his highest since joining the Lakers.</p><p>The 31-year-old has improved his 3-point shooting percentage by 13.5% from last campaign and leads L.A. with 3.7 points in clutch time. He's led the Lakers to a 10-6 record, and the team is 7-2 when AD scores 30 or more.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="MVP RANKINGS: N JOKIC (Copy)" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-CCijp" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/CCijp/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="81" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>FG%</th>
<th>3PT%</th>
<th>FT%</th>
<th>REB</th>
<th>AST</th>
<th>PTS</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>12</td>
<td>56.8</td>
<td>56.3</td>
<td>83.5</td>
<td>13.9</td>
<td>11.3</td>
<td>30.3</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Jokic is looking to join LeBron James and Bill Russell as the only players to win four MVP awards in five campaigns. Denver's superstar leads the Association in rebounds and triple-doubles (7)<strong> </strong>and sits second in both assists and 3-point percentage. He's also averaging more points, boards, and dimes this season than in any of his previous three MVP campaigns, and could very well become the first player in NBA history to lead the league in points, rebounding, and assists.</p><p>Jokic continues to be the fulcrum of the Nuggets' offense. They score a <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/team/1610612743/onoffcourt-summary?dir=D&amp;sort=DIFF_OFF_RATING">whopping</a> 34.4 more points per 100 possessions when the All-Star center is on the floor.</p>

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<p><em>NBA Power Rankings are selected by a panel of theScore's basketball editors.</em></p><p>This week, we're assessing matters after one month of regular-season play as the contenders and pretenders sort themselves out in the standings.</p><p><strong>Jump to:</strong><br><a href="#ATL">ATL</a> | <a href="#BKN">BKN</a> | <a href="#BOS">BOS</a> | <a href="#CHA">CHA</a> | <a href="#CHI">CHI</a> | <a href="#CLE">CLE</a> | <a href="#DAL">DAL</a> | <a href="#DEN">DEN</a> | <a href="#DET">DET</a> | <a href="#GSW">GSW</a> | <a href="#HOU">HOU</a> | <a href="#IND">IND</a> | <a href="#LAC">LAC</a> | <a href="#LAL">LAL</a> | <a href="#MEM">MEM</a> | <a href="#MIA">MIA</a> | <a href="#MIL">MIL</a> | <a href="#MIN">MIN</a> | <a href="#NOP">NOP</a> | <a href="#NYK">NYK</a> | <a href="#OKC">OKC</a> | <a href="#ORL">ORL</a> | <a href="#PHI">PHI</a> | <a href="#PHX">PHX</a> | <a href="#POR">POR</a> | <a href="#SAC">SAC</a> | <a href="#SAS">SAS</a> | <a href="#TOR">TOR</a> | <a href="#UTA">UTA</a> | <a href="#WAS">WAS</a></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3><a id="CLE" name="CLE">1. Cleveland Cavaliers (15-1)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: </em>3</p><p>No one expected the Cavaliers to win 15 straight to kick off the season, but Donovan Mitchell and Co. are rolling under new head coach Kenny Atkinson. A strong start at both ends of the court bodes well for playoff success.</p><h3><a id="OKC" name="OKC">2. Oklahoma City Thunder (11-4)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: </em>1</p><p>OKC continues to stay hot. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is surging and Jalen Williams is shining in a career year. J-Dub is currently averaging career bests in points (21.2), rebounds (6.6), assists (5.1), steals (2.2), and blocks (0.9).</p><h3><a id="GSW" name="GSW">3. Golden State Warriors (10-3)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: </em>5</p><p>Head coach Steve Kerr is running a 12-man rotation that values ball movement and shooting, and it's working. The Warriors assist on 69% of their field goals, resulting in the league's fifth-best offensive rating (116.7).</p><h3><a id="BOS" name="BOS">4. Boston Celtics (12-3)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: </em>2</p><p>Payton Pritchard has been a key part of the Celtics' hot start. The Oregon product is among the leading candidates for Sixth Man of the Year with career highs in points (15.3 per game) and 3-point percentage (42.3%).</p><h3><a id="PHX" name="PHX">5. Phoenix Suns (9-6)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: </em>4</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756193/cropped_GettyImages-2184667807.jpg?ts=1732027389" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756193/w220xh124_GettyImages-2184667807.jpg?ts=1732027389 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756193/w320xh180_GettyImages-2184667807.jpg?ts=1732027389 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756193/w640xh360_GettyImages-2184667807.jpg?ts=1732027389 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756193/w768xh432_GettyImages-2184667807.jpg?ts=1732027389 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756193/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2184667807.jpg?ts=1732027389 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jordan Johnson / National Basketball Association / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Suns are missing Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, yet they have the league's second-best winning percentage in clutch games (7-2). An ability to win tight contests is why they boast a 9-6 record but have a negative point differential.</p><h3><a id="LAL" name="LAL">6. Los Angeles Lakers (10-4)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: </em>8</p><p>The initial returns on JJ Redick have been encouraging. The first-year head coach has injected some creativity into the Lakers' offense and seems to be getting the most out of LeBron James and Anthony Davis.</p><h3><a id="HOU" name="HOU">7. Houston Rockets (10-5)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: </em>14</p><p>Ime Udoka's side boasts the league's third-best defensive rating at 105.2. The Rockets' effort on that end is helping to make up for the NBA's third-worst 3-point percentage (32.4%).</p><h3><a id="DEN" name="DEN">8. Denver Nuggets (8-5)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: </em>13</p><p>Nikola Jokic might as well be a one-man team. The Joker is single-handedly willing this team to victory while averaging a career high in points <strong>(</strong>29.7) and leading the NBA in rebounds (13.7) and assists (11.7).</p><h3><a id="MEM" name="MEM">9. Memphis Grizzlies (8-7)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: </em>9</p><p>The rookie tandem of Jaylen Wells and Zach Edey has stepped up for the Grizzlies as they grapple with persistent injury concerns. Edey and Wells are averaging 22.6 combined points, while Edey is tied with Yves Missi<strong> </strong>for the best rebounding rate among rookies (6.9).</p><h3><a id="ORL" name="ORL">10. Orlando Magic (9-6)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: </em>11</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756195/cropped_GettyImages-2184877854.jpg?ts=1732027462" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756195/w220xh124_GettyImages-2184877854.jpg?ts=1732027462 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756195/w320xh180_GettyImages-2184877854.jpg?ts=1732027462 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756195/w640xh360_GettyImages-2184877854.jpg?ts=1732027462 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756195/w768xh432_GettyImages-2184877854.jpg?ts=1732027462 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756195/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2184877854.jpg?ts=1732027462 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Kate Frese / National Basketball Association / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Magic have managed to stay afloat in the wake of Paolo Banchero's oblique injury, thanks largely to Franz Wagner's play. The German is averaging 26.3 points and 5.8 assists in Banchero's absence.</p><h3><a id="SAC" name="SAC">11. Sacramento Kings (8-7)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: </em>12</p><p>De'Aaron Fox went scorched-earth and dropped a franchise-record 60 against the T-Wolves before Keon Ellis had a career-best 33 the very next game. Unfortunately for the injured Kings, they lost both games.</p><h3><a id="NYK" name="NYK">12. New York Knicks (8-6)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: </em>7</p><p>The Knicks need better interior defense from Karl-Anthony Towns. Opponents are shooting a whopping 73.1% against Towns inside six feet, the worst mark of any 7-footer to defend at least 50 such attempts so far.</p><h3><a id="MIN" name="MIN">13. Minnesota Timberwolves (8-6)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: </em>10</p><p>T-Wolves fans envisioned a better start after last season's breakthrough run to the West final. Minnesota recently dropped back-to-back contests to the rebuilding Blazers, while Julius Randle is still working his way back into form.</p><h3><a id="DAL" name="DAL">14. Dallas Mavericks (8-7)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: </em>6</p><p>Luka Doncic's defensive effort has been called into question throughout his career. Those concerns remain after he gave up a game-winning dunk to the Jazz. However, the Mavs are still a top-six<strong> </strong>team in defensive rating.</p><h3><a id="LAC" name="LAC">15. Los Angeles Clippers (8-7)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: </em>20</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756196/cropped_GettyImages-2185512445.jpg?ts=1732027610" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756196/w220xh124_GettyImages-2185512445.jpg?ts=1732027610 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756196/w320xh180_GettyImages-2185512445.jpg?ts=1732027610 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756196/w640xh360_GettyImages-2185512445.jpg?ts=1732027610 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756196/w768xh432_GettyImages-2185512445.jpg?ts=1732027610 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756196/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2185512445.jpg?ts=1732027610 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Harry How / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Clippers have been mediocre, so let's take a moment to toast James Harden's historic career. He's 14th all time in assists (7,764), 19th in scoring (26,186), and he recently passed Ray Allen for second in 3-pointers (2,977).</p><h3><a id="SAS" name="SAS">16. San Antonio Spurs (7-8)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: </em>18</p><p>Victor Wembanyama is shooting 3.1 more attempts from deep compared to last season, connecting on 33.9% of those. The Spurs are allowing him to develop his shot, but he could also stand to shoot from literally anywhere else.</p><h3><a id="IND" name="IND">17. Indiana Pacers (6-8)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: </em>15</p><p>The Pacers need Tyrese Haliburton to quickly rediscover his 3-point shot. He's shooting just 32.3% on wide-open threes this season.</p><h3><a id="MIA" name="MIA">18. Miami Heat (6-7)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: </em>16</p><p>Tyler Herro is averaging a career-high 24.2 points on 48.6% shooting, but Jimmy Butler has regressed. He's generating his lowest point-per-game average (17.7) since joining Miami and is shooting 21.4<strong>%</strong> from three. That's not a typo.</p><h3><a id="ATL" name="ATL">19. Atlanta Hawks (7-8)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: </em>19</p><p>The Hawks' overall defense might not stand out, but the team has taken a step in the right direction. Atlanta has the 10th-best field-goal percentage allowed within five feet and is second in total steals.</p><h3><a id="DET" name="DET">20. Detroit Pistons (7-9)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: </em>23</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756197/cropped_GettyImages-2185307144.jpg?ts=1732027721" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756197/w220xh124_GettyImages-2185307144.jpg?ts=1732027721 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756197/w320xh180_GettyImages-2185307144.jpg?ts=1732027721 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756197/w640xh360_GettyImages-2185307144.jpg?ts=1732027721 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756197/w768xh432_GettyImages-2185307144.jpg?ts=1732027721 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756197/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2185307144.jpg?ts=1732027721 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Patrick Smith / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Detroit has seven wins through 16 games, a mark the Pistons didn't reach until Game 44 last campaign. Jaden Ivey has flourished as a starter, averaging a career-high 18.5 points in 32.3 minutes a night.</p><h3><a id="BKN" name="BKN">21. Brooklyn Nets (6-9)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: </em>21</p><p>The Nets have given some of the top teams a run for their money. That's a great sign for Jordi Fernandez as he looks to establish a culture and identity that'll carry over beyond this season. It could be worse.</p><h3><a id="CHI" name="CHI">22. Chicago Bulls (6-9)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: </em>22</p><p>The Bulls have lost seven of their last 10 games and continue to pay Lonzo Ball $21.3 million to sit out with lingering injuries. Luckily, Coby White continues to improve, as he's averaging a career-high 19.9 points.</p><h3><a id="CHA" name="CHA">23. Charlotte Hornets (5-9)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: </em>27</p><p>LaMelo Ball is getting the ball a lot. His usage percentage (37.16%) this season ranks 12th all time, joining the efforts of Russell Westbrook (2016-17) and James Harden (2018-19). Still, the Hornets are an incredibly flawed team.</p><h3><a id="POR" name="POR">24. Portland Trail Blazers (6-8)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: </em>28</p><p>Portland has responded since Chauncey Billups blasted the team's effort in a 45-point loss to Memphis. Donovan Clingan had an eight-block display versus the T-Wolves, just one shy of the team's single-game rookie mark (Bill Walton).</p><h3><a id="MIL" name="MIL">25. Milwaukee Bucks (5-9)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: </em>26</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756198/cropped_GettyImages-2184822306.jpg?ts=1732027747" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756198/w220xh124_GettyImages-2184822306.jpg?ts=1732027747 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756198/w320xh180_GettyImages-2184822306.jpg?ts=1732027747 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756198/w640xh360_GettyImages-2184822306.jpg?ts=1732027747 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756198/w768xh432_GettyImages-2184822306.jpg?ts=1732027747 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756198/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2184822306.jpg?ts=1732027747 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">John Fisher / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Maybe this will help assuage the early panic felt by Bucks fans: Five of Milwaukee's nine losses have come against the Cavs, Celtics, and Knicks, plus that controversial finish against the Hornets. We're grasping at straws.</p><h3><a id="NOP" name="NOP">26. New Orleans Pelicans (4-11)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: </em>17</p><p>The Pelicans can't seem to catch a break, with several key contributors on the shelf for an extended period. New Orleans will lean heavily on Brandon Ingram over the next few weeks to keep its season alive.</p><h3><a id="PHI" name="PHI">27. Philadelphia 76ers (2-11)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: </em>25</p><p>Paul George has struggled since returning, averaging under 20 points (16.7) for the first time since his sophomore season. Additionally, Joel Embiid has played three games and is shooting a career-worst 32.4% from the field.</p><h3><a id="UTA" name="UTA">28. Utah Jazz (3-11)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: </em>30</p><p>The Jazz are last in the Western Conference with a 3-11 record while sitting 26th in offensive rating (108.2) and 29th in defensive rating (118.9). Keyonte George is shooting an abysmal 36.6% from the field. Yikes.</p><h3><a id="TOR" name="TOR">29. Toronto Raptors (3-12)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: </em>24</p><p>The Raptors have been a tough watch, recording a league-worst 1-6 mark in clutch games. Injuries to Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley haven't helped either. Nobody said a rebuild would be easy. </p><h3><a id="WAS" name="WAS">30. Washington Wizards (2-11)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: </em>29</p><p>It's not all bad for the Wizards. Despite a 2-11 record so far, they've trailed by at least 20 in nine of their games and own the league's worst point differential at minus-14.8. Oh, I guess it is all bad. Sorry.</p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/29104905/related

NBA Power Rankings: Cavs, Celtics surge as East foes flop

The 13 players who received qualifying offers from their respective teams had until Tuesday's 4 p...

<p>The 13 players who received qualifying offers from their respective teams had until Tuesday's 4 p.m. ET deadline to decide whether or not to accept the one-year, $21.05-million deal for 2025.</p><p>Players who accepted the offer returned to their team on a one-year, $21.05-million contract for 2025, while those who declined will remain free agents and be attached to draft-pick compensation. Those players can still re-sign with their 2024 team, but any club signing a player attached to a qualifying offer forfeits a 2025 draft pick to the team that lost the player. The draft pick is determined by <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBPipeline/status/1858999365043650886">several factors</a>, including the value of the contract signed, if the signing team exceeded the competitive balance tax in 2024, and if the team receives revenue sharing.</p><p>Of the 13 eligible free agents that were tendered qualifying offers, only one - Cincinnati Reds pitcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4479" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4479">Nick Martinez</a> - accepted.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Position</th>
<th>Team</th>
<th>Decision </th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Willy Adames</td>
<td>SS</td>
<td>Brewers</td>
<td>Declined</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Pete Alonso</td>
<td>1B</td>
<td>Mets</td>
<td>Declined</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Alex Bregman</td>
<td>3B</td>
<td>Astros</td>
<td>Declined</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Corbin Burnes</td>
<td>SP</td>
<td>Orioles</td>
<td>Declined</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Max Fried</td>
<td>SP</td>
<td>Braves</td>
<td>Declined</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Teoscar Hernández</td>
<td>OF</td>
<td>Dodgers</td>
<td> Declined</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sean Manaea</td>
<td>SP</td>
<td>Mets</td>
<td>Declined</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nick Martinez</td>
<td>SP</td>
<td>Reds</td>
<td>Accepted</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nick Pivetta</td>
<td>SP</td>
<td>Red Sox</td>
<td>Declined</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Anthony Santander</td>
<td>OF</td>
<td>Orioles</td>
<td>Declined</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Luis Severino</td>
<td>SP</td>
<td>Mets</td>
<td> Declined</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Juan Soto</td>
<td>OF</td>
<td>Yankees</td>
<td> Declined</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Christian Walker</td>
<td>1B</td>
<td>D-Backs</td>
<td>Declined</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Only 14 players have accepted qualifying offers since the system was introduced in 2012.</p>

HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 02: Alex Bregman #2 of the Houston Astros flies out against the Detroit Tigers in the fourth inning during Game Two of the Wild Card Series at Minute Maid Park on October 02, 2024 in Houston, Texas.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/29095168/related

Qualifying offer roundup: Who accepted, declined $21.05M deal

NFL Power Rankings are selected by a panel of theScore's football editors.   This week, we're loo...

<p><em>NFL Power Rankings are selected by a panel of theScore's football editors. </em></p><p><em>This week, we're looking at players who need to step up down the stretch of the regular season.</em></p><p><strong>Jump to:</strong><br><a href="#ARI">ARI</a> | <a href="#ATL">ATL</a> | <a href="#BAL">BAL</a> | <a href="#BUF">BUF</a> | <a href="#CAR">CAR</a> | <a href="#CHI">CHI</a> | <a href="#CIN">CIN</a> | <a href="#CLE">CLE</a> | <a href="#DAL">DAL</a> | <a href="#DEN">DEN</a> | <a href="#DET">DET</a> | <a href="#GB">GB</a> | <a href="#HOU">HOU</a> | <a href="#IND">IND</a> | <a href="#JAX">JAX</a> | <a href="#KC">KC</a> | <a href="#LAC">LAC</a> | <a href="#LAR">LAR</a> | <a href="#LV">LV</a> | <a href="#MIA">MIA</a> | <a href="#MIN">MIN</a> | <a href="#NE">NE</a> | <a href="#NO">NO</a> | <a href="#NYG">NYG</a> | <a href="#NYJ">NYJ</a> | <a href="#PHI">PHI</a> | <a href="#PIT">PIT</a> | <a href="#SEA">SEA</a> | <a href="#SF">SF</a> | <a href="#TB">TB</a> | <a href="#TEN">TEN</a> | <a href="#WAS">WAS</a></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3><a id="DET" name="DET">1. Detroit Lions (9-1)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 2</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756141/cropped_GettyImages-2170702168.jpg?ts=1731987837" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756141/w220xh124_GettyImages-2170702168.jpg?ts=1731987837 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756141/w320xh180_GettyImages-2170702168.jpg?ts=1731987837 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756141/w640xh360_GettyImages-2170702168.jpg?ts=1731987837 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756141/w768xh432_GettyImages-2170702168.jpg?ts=1731987837 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756141/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2170702168.jpg?ts=1731987837 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Brandon Sloter / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>A pass-rusher needs to emerge opposite trade-deadline acquisition Za'Darius Smith. <strong>Josh Paschal</strong>, a 2022 second-rounder, is a prime candidate.</p><h3><a id="BUF" name="BUF">2. Buffalo Bills (9-2)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 4</em></p><p><strong>Amari Cooper </strong>is enjoying the "Josh Allen Experience," but he still needs to prove he's a worthy WR1. After returning from a wrist injury, he'll look to build on his kinship with the Bills' offense.</p><h3><a id="KC" name="KC">3. Kansas City Chiefs (9-1)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 1</em></p><p>There was a lot of hype for <strong>Xavier Worthy</strong> after the NFL draft, but his production has been iffy. He's only topped 50 yards in a game twice this season.</p><h3><a id="PHI" name="PHI">4. Philadelphia Eagles (8-2)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 5</em></p><p>The Eagles could stand to get more production from <strong>Nolan Smith</strong>. The 2023 first-rounder is tied for second on the team with 3.5 sacks this campaign.</p><h3><a id="PIT" name="PIT">5. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-2)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 8</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756142/cropped_GettyImages-2184665587.jpg?ts=1731987922" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756142/w220xh124_GettyImages-2184665587.jpg?ts=1731987922 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756142/w320xh180_GettyImages-2184665587.jpg?ts=1731987922 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756142/w640xh360_GettyImages-2184665587.jpg?ts=1731987922 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756142/w768xh432_GettyImages-2184665587.jpg?ts=1731987922 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756142/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2184665587.jpg?ts=1731987922 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Steelers have improved their offensive consistency but need <strong>Najee Harris</strong> down the stretch. The running back has been up and down this season, recording 438 rushing yards in his last five games versus 270 yards in his first five.</p><h3><a id="BAL" name="BAL">6. Baltimore Ravens (7-4)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 3</em></p><p>Kicker <strong>Justin Tucker</strong>, known for his near-automatic scoring ability, is having a career-worst 2024. He's 72% on the season, ranking him near the bottom of the league.</p><h3><a id="MIN" name="MIN">7. Minnesota Vikings (8-2)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 6</em></p><p><strong>Sam Darnold</strong> needs to play closer to his performance at the beginning of the season. He has five touchdowns against five interceptions over the last three games after throwing 14 touchdowns and five interceptions in the Vikings' first seven contests.</p><h3><a id="GB" name="GB">8. Green Bay Packers (7-3)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 7</em></p><p><strong>Lukas Van Ness</strong> has to emerge as a legitimate pass-rush threat. The Iowa product has one sack on 151 pass-rushing snaps, per PFF.</p><h3><a id="HOU" name="HOU">9. Houston Texans (7-4)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 10</em></p><p>Pro Bowler<strong> Laremy Tunsil</strong>'s penalties are still haunting the Texans. He's been flagged 16 times this season.</p><h3><a id="WAS" name="WAS">10. Washington Commanders (7-4)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 9</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756153/cropped_GettyImages-2182409057.jpg?ts=1731989202" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756153/w220xh124_GettyImages-2182409057.jpg?ts=1731989202 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756153/w320xh180_GettyImages-2182409057.jpg?ts=1731989202 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756153/w640xh360_GettyImages-2182409057.jpg?ts=1731989202 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756153/w768xh432_GettyImages-2182409057.jpg?ts=1731989202 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756153/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2182409057.jpg?ts=1731989202 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Scott Taetsch / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Commanders rank 30th in the NFL in rushing defense, and <strong>Daron Payne</strong> has just one tackle for loss after posting 13 last campaign and 18 in 2022.</p><h3><a id="ARI" name="ARI">11. Arizona Cardinals (6-4)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 11</em></p><p>The Cardinals rank in the bottom 10 in rushing yards per game despite Kyler Murray's explosiveness and James Conner's generally consistent production. <strong>Trey Benson</strong> can add another dimension to Arizona's run game.</p><h3><a id="LAC" name="LAC">12. Los Angeles Chargers (7-3)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 14</em></p><p>Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston have been consistent producers for the Chargers. Fellow wide receiver <strong>Josh Palmer</strong> can't say the same, with only one touchdown to his name.</p><h3><a id="DEN" name="DEN">13. Denver Broncos (6-5)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 16</em></p><p>The Broncos play better when <strong>Javonte Williams </strong>is at his best. Although his season numbers have been inconsistent, the team responds when he makes an impact.</p><h3><a id="LAR" name="LAR">14. Los Angeles Rams (5-5)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 15</em></p><p><strong>Blake Corum</strong> is the Rams' second-leading rusher, but he's tallied only 101 yards on the ground this season.</p><h3><a id="SEA" name="SEA">15. Seattle Seahawks (5-5)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 18</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756154/cropped_GettyImages-2185449580.jpg?ts=1731989329" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756154/w220xh124_GettyImages-2185449580.jpg?ts=1731989329 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756154/w320xh180_GettyImages-2185449580.jpg?ts=1731989329 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756154/w640xh360_GettyImages-2185449580.jpg?ts=1731989329 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756154/w768xh432_GettyImages-2185449580.jpg?ts=1731989329 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756154/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2185449580.jpg?ts=1731989329 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Thearon W. Henderson / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Geno Smith</strong> is tied for 19th in passing touchdowns and tied for the most interceptions thrown this season despite leading the league in passing yards per game.</p><h3><a id="SF" name="SF">16. San Francisco 49ers (5-5)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 12</em></p><p>The 49ers' offense has an unlimited ceiling when <strong>Christian McCaffrey</strong> is at his best. He's gone over 100 scrimmage yards in each of his two contests since returning from injury. However, McCaffrey's averaging 3.7 yards per carry.</p><h3><a id="ATL" name="ATL">17. Atlanta Falcons (6-5)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 13</em></p><p><strong>Matthew Judon</strong> has just 2.5 sacks and four tackles for loss since the Falcons traded for him in August.</p><h3><a id="TB" name="TB">18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-6)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 17</em></p><p>Every member of the Bucs' defense needs to elevate their game, so we'll put the onus on <strong>Antoine Winfield Jr.</strong>, one of the leaders. He has no interceptions and just two pass deflections in six contests after signing a contract in the offseason that made him the highest-paid safety in NFL history.</p><h3><a id="CIN" name="CIN">19. Cincinnati Bengals (4-7)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 19</em></p><p><strong>Geno Stone </strong>and the Bengals' defense haven't gotten anything going. PFF ranks Stone as the 86th safety out of 89, and he only has one interception after posting seven last season.</p><h3><a id="MIA" name="MIA">20. Miami Dolphins (4-6)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 20</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756155/cropped_GettyImages-2185413532.jpg?ts=1731989393" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756155/w220xh124_GettyImages-2185413532.jpg?ts=1731989393 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756155/w320xh180_GettyImages-2185413532.jpg?ts=1731989393 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756155/w640xh360_GettyImages-2185413532.jpg?ts=1731989393 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756155/w768xh432_GettyImages-2185413532.jpg?ts=1731989393 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756155/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2185413532.jpg?ts=1731989393 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Megan Briggs / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Jaylen Waddle</strong> has been practically nonexistent this campaign for the Dolphins, with minimal receptions and only one touchdown.</p><h3><a id="IND" name="IND">21. Indianapolis Colts (5-6)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 24</em></p><p><strong>Anthony Richardson </strong>had a career game against the Jets, but he still needs to improve his focus before the Colts face the No. 1-ranked Lions.</p><h3><a id="NE" name="NE">22. New England Patriots (3-8)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 22</em></p><p>Drake Maye needs <strong>any of his wide receivers </strong>to step up and be a reliable target. DeMario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, and Kendrick Bourne have three touchdowns combined this season.</p><h3><a id="CHI" name="CHI">23. Chicago Bears (4-6)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 23</em></p><p>The Bears aren't doing <strong>Caleb Williams</strong> many favors with their offensive system, but the No. 1 overall pick hasn't thrown a touchdown in four games.</p><h3><a id="NYJ" name="NYJ">24. New York Jets (3-8)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 21</em></p><p><strong>Aaron Rodgers</strong> has three wins in his two-year Jets career. The team is 1-5 under interim coach Jeff Ulbrich and needs prime Rodgers back to make any impact in the AFC East.</p><h3><a id="DAL" name="DAL">25. Dallas Cowboys (3-7)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 26</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756156/cropped_GettyImages-2182047655.jpg?ts=1731989498" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756156/w220xh124_GettyImages-2182047655.jpg?ts=1731989498 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756156/w320xh180_GettyImages-2182047655.jpg?ts=1731989498 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756156/w640xh360_GettyImages-2182047655.jpg?ts=1731989498 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756156/w768xh432_GettyImages-2182047655.jpg?ts=1731989498 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756156/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2182047655.jpg?ts=1731989498 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Rico Dowdle</strong> had just 28 yards on 10 carries against the Texans after Mike McCarthy named him the lead back.</p><h3><a id="CAR" name="CAR">26. Carolina Panthers (3-7)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 27</em></p><p>It could be a long time until <strong>Bryce Young </strong>gets another opportunity to start NFL games if he doesn't step up down the stretch.</p><h3><a id="NO" name="NO">27. New Orleans Saints (4-7)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 28</em></p><p>The Saints are still alive in the NFC South. <strong>Derek Carr</strong> needs to continue taking care of the football while throwing to an unheralded group of wide receivers.</p><h3><a id="NYG" name="NYG">28. New York Giants (2-8)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 29</em></p><p><strong>Evan Neal</strong> started his first game of the season against the Panthers in Germany. The 2022 seventh overall pick could be playing for a chance to continue his career.</p><h3><a id="JAX" name="JAX">29. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-9)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 25</em></p><p>The <strong>entire Jaguars team</strong> has struggled. Jacksonville will likely fire head coach Doug Pederson soon to try to create some offensive and defensive spark.</p><h3><a id="CLE" name="CLE">30. Cleveland Browns (2-8)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 30</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756143/cropped_GettyImages-2180185836.jpg?ts=1731988025" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756143/w220xh124_GettyImages-2180185836.jpg?ts=1731988025 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756143/w320xh180_GettyImages-2180185836.jpg?ts=1731988025 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756143/w640xh360_GettyImages-2180185836.jpg?ts=1731988025 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756143/w768xh432_GettyImages-2180185836.jpg?ts=1731988025 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756143/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2180185836.jpg?ts=1731988025 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Diamond Images / Diamond Images / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Browns' defense has been ugly, and <strong>Ogbo Okoronkwo</strong> hasn't been able to make a difference. He still needs to fill in the gap that Za'Darius Smith left behind.</p><h3><a id="TEN" name="TEN">31. Tennessee Titans (2-8)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 31</em></p><p><strong>Will Levis </strong>and the Titans have struggled offensively this season. The second-year quarterback is showing some promise, throwing one interception in the past two games after recording seven picks in his first five contests.</p><h3><a id="LV" name="LV">32. Las Vegas Raiders (2-8)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 32</em></p><p>The Raiders are last in the league for rushing yards per game with 75.2. <strong>Zamir White</strong> needs to fill the shoes left by Josh Jacobs.</p>

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NFL Power Rankings - Week 12: Players who must step up

The 2024-25 NBA campaign isn't yet a month old, but it's never too early to assess what we've see...

<p><em>The 2024-25 NBA campaign isn't yet a month old, but it's never too early to assess what we've seen so far. Here, theScore's NBA editors answer some of the biggest questions around the league.</em></p><h3>Which team has been the biggest disappointment?</h3><p><strong>Milwaukee Bucks:</strong> The Bucks have looked miserable despite having most of their rotation available, outside of Khris Middleton. The 33-year-old won't remedy all that plagues the team once he returns, but he can help alleviate one pressing concern: the Bucks' porous defense around star Damian Lillard. The Bucks allow 117.4 points per 100 possessions with the eight-time All-Star on the court but boast a much stingier 107.3 rating when he sits. That's illustrative of a lineup failing to cover for his defensive shortcomings in exchange for his indisputable value on offense. Some of that comes down to effort - which Giannis Antetokounmpo already called out this month - and some of it's coaching. Either way, it doesn't look good for Doc Rivers, who's now 21-28 with Milwaukee. - <em>Jonathan Soveta</em></p><p><strong>Philadelphia 76ers: </strong>The Sixers finally seemed primed to contend for a championship after winning the Paul George sweepstakes in free agency - building an enviable Big Three with George, former MVP Joel Embiid, and reigning Most Improved Player Tyrese Maxey. Instead, the Sixers are in the basement of the East from the jump due to predictable injury concerns dogging Embiid and George. But now Maxey is in the midst of a multi-week hamstring injury, pushing the trio's debut together back further into November. Availability is the most important factor for success in the playoffs, and Philadelphia is on track to miss out entirely if its stars can't consistently stay on the court.<strong> </strong><em>- Donald Higney</em></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><strong>Minnesota Timberwolves:</strong> The new-look T-Wolves' record is unacceptable based on their strength of schedule. Only the Indiana Pacers, Boston Celtics, and Sacramento Kings have gotten an easier ride through the first few weeks of the season, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/stats/rpi/_/sort/SOS">ESPN's Strength of Schedule Index</a>. They got back on track against a Kings squad missing DeMar DeRozan and Malik Monk, but the process doesn't look right. How is a team with Julius Randle, Rudy Gobert, and Anthony Edwards 24th in shot attempts at the rim? Even more troubling, the club is 15th in shooting percentage near the basket. Spacing is an issue that has resulted in a reliance on outside shooting. Chris Finch might not have the answers to solve this riddle. - <em>Thomas Tittley</em></p><h3>Which team has been the biggest surprise?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755633/cropped_GettyImages-2185043334.jpg?ts=1731730991" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755633/w220xh124_GettyImages-2185043334.jpg?ts=1731730991 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755633/w320xh180_GettyImages-2185043334.jpg?ts=1731730991 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755633/w640xh360_GettyImages-2185043334.jpg?ts=1731730991 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755633/w768xh432_GettyImages-2185043334.jpg?ts=1731730991 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755633/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2185043334.jpg?ts=1731730991 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jason Miller / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Golden State Warriors: </strong>The Warriors came into this season with low expectations after losing Klay Thompson, Chris Paul, and Dario Saric in free agency. The team replaced them with Buddy Hield, De'Anthony Melton, and Kyle Anderson in an effort to stay competitive. The Dubs struck gold with Hield, who's having the best shooting season of his career with averages of 46.9% from three and 49.4% from the field to resemble the perfect "Splash Buddy" for Stephen Curry. Meanwhile, Curry is still putting up great numbers at 36 years old, averaging 22.7 points, 6.4 assists, and 5.1 rebounds. The Warriors sit fourth in offensive rating (118.4) and hold impressive victories over the Boston Celtics and Oklahoma City Thunder. - <em>Joseph Luca Casciaro</em></p><p><strong>Cleveland Cavaliers:</strong> No one expected this kind of start from Cleveland. Now 15-0, the Cavaliers are one of just two teams - the other being the Warriors - that sit in the top six of both offensive and defensive rating through the first three weeks and change. Kenny Atkinson has transformed Cleveland into a juggernaut that dissects opponents in open play. The Cavs have the lowest percentage of points scored through free throws, with only 13.4% of their offensive output coming from the line. Yet they boast a healthy 48.9-37.7 scoring split coming from twos and threes, respectively, and lead the league in points off opponents' turnovers with 22.3 per game. Whether it's sustainable is worth questioning, as no team has ever shot 50% from the field with a minimum 40% clip from deep for an entire season. - <em>Soveta</em></p><p><strong>Houston Rockets:<em> </em></strong>Based on early returns, Ime<strong><em> </em></strong>Udoka's squad looks primed to return to the playoffs for the first time since the Disney bubble. Coming out the gates with a 10-4 start, the Rockets have built an offense with multiple contributors and a defensive identity predicated on physicality and eliminating transition opportunities. Despite some shooting struggles from the backcourt of Jalen Green and Fred VanVleet, seven players are averaging double-digit scoring. On the other end of the court, the Rockets have the third-best defensive rating per 100 possessions (105.4) and are one of three teams to limit opposing squads to less than 110 points per game - joining the Thunder and Orlando Magic. Houston, we don't have a problem. - <em>Higney</em></p><h3>Who's been the best offseason acquisition?</h3><p><strong>Dyson Daniels:</strong> The Atlanta Hawks stole Daniels from the New Orleans Pelicans this offseason, giving up Dejounte Murray, who broke his hand in the first game of the campaign, while also acquiring Larry Nance Jr. and two future first-round picks. Daniels has been nothing short of spectacular, averaging a career-best 15 points - up from his previous high of just 5.8 - and 3.3 assists. Daniels has impressed on offense, but he's become a favorite to nab a spot on an All-Defensive squad. The young Australian has been a menace on the perimeter, recording a league-high 44 steals in 12 games - no other player has more than 28 steals. Unsurprisingly, Daniels also leads the NBA in deflections per contest (7.5). <em> - Tittley </em></p><p><strong>Zach Edey:</strong> The Grizzlies seem to have found their center of the future in Edey. The 7-foot-4, 305-pound Canadian has fit perfectly into the Grizzlies' system, allowing former Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr. to shift to power forward. The two-time Naismith Player of the Year sits fourth in rookie scoring with 11.1 points per game and 6.9 rebounds on 65.8% true shooting. He also recorded the third-highest scoring outburst from a rookie this season when he dropped 25 points and 12 boards against the Brooklyn Nets on Nov. 4.<em> - Casciaro</em></p><p><strong>Buddy Hield:</strong> Hield has slotted in almost perfectly for a Warriors franchise that desperately needed another dependable floor-spacer next to Stephen Curry once Klay Thompson's departure was all but finalized. The Bahamian guard's red-hot long-range shooting has resembled Thompson's during the former Splash Brother's 3-point peak. Hield's 46.9% clip from three is tied for the NBA's <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/players/traditional?CF=FG3A*GE*8&amp;dir=A&amp;sort=FG3_PCT">second-best</a> mark among all players with at least eight such attempts per game. It's also a significant reason why a much different Golden State squad is keeping pace with the Thunder at the top of the West. The Warriors' only losses this season were the two games in which Hield failed to hit multiple threes. - <em>Soveta</em></p><h3>Which player has taken the biggest leap?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751082/cropped_GettyImages-2176275514.jpg?ts=1729599298" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751082/w220xh124_GettyImages-2176275514.jpg?ts=1729599298 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751082/w320xh180_GettyImages-2176275514.jpg?ts=1729599298 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751082/w640xh360_GettyImages-2176275514.jpg?ts=1729599298 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751082/w768xh432_GettyImages-2176275514.jpg?ts=1729599298 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751082/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2176275514.jpg?ts=1729599298 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Brock Williams-Smith / National Basketball Association / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>LaMelo Ball:<em> </em></strong>Ranking fifth in the Association in points per game, Ball has begun the season on a scorching scoring streak. The Hornets guard has recorded 30 points in eight of 13 outings, including matching a career high with 38 points against the 76ers. Ball is making a career-best 4.6 triples per game and is second in the league in total threes made (60). His total efficiency is elevated; he's posting a career-high 53.3% effective field-goal percentage. Charlotte relies on Ball's creation, giving him the 12th-highest <a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/leaders/usg_pct_season.html">usage rate</a> ever in a single season thus far. The 23-year-old has been known as a scorer throughout his young career but has now increased his output and efficiency in the early stages of the campaign. - <em>Higney</em></p><p><strong>Nikola Jokic:</strong> It might sound crazy to include the three-time MVP among the most improved players, but the 29-year-old has been nothing short of spectacular to start the season. Jokic dragged the Nuggets to a respectable 7-5 record despite dropping their first two games. The bronze medalist from the Paris Olympics is averaging career bests in points (29.7), assists (11.7), rebounds (13.7), steals (1.7), blocks (1.0), 3-point attempts (3.9), 3-point percentage (56.4%), and free-throw attempts (7.0).<strong> </strong>This insane output is the only reason Denver's record is above .500. To truly grasp how much the Serbian is impacting winning, let's look at Denver's on-off statistics: Not a single bench player on the Nuggets has a positive plus-minus per 100 possessions, while Jokic has the league's second-best plus-minus at plus-36.8 per 100 possessions. - <em>Tittley</em></p><p><strong>Norman Powell:</strong> Powell has spent the bulk of his time with the Clippers coming off the bench, but he's stepped into the starting five with Kawhi Leonard missing the beginning of the season. He's started all 14 games this campaign after starting only 11 contests over the last two years combined. Powell is averaging a career-high 23.3 points in 34 minutes per game.<strong> </strong>He's also adding 2.5 assists, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.1 steals while shooting 48.3% from the field and 46.9% from three. Powell has already scored 30-plus points three times this season, a feat he didn't achieve once last year. Less than a month in, the Clippers wing is an early favorite for MIP.<strong> - </strong><em>Casciaro</em></p>

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Roundball Roundtable: Warriors, Cavs raise eyebrows

This is the third in-season edition of theScore's NHL Power Rankings for the 2024-25 campaign. Ch...

<p><em>This is the third in-season edition of theScore's NHL Power Rankings for the 2024-25 campaign. Check back for updated rankings every other Monday.</em></p><p><em>In this edition, we look at the best new addition for each team so far.</em></p><p><strong>Jump to:</strong><br><a href="#ANA">ANA</a> | <a href="#BOS">BOS</a> | <a href="#BUF">BUF</a> | <a href="#CAR">CAR</a> | <a href="#CBJ">CBJ</a> | <a href="#CGY">CGY</a> | <a href="#CHI">CHI</a> | <a href="#COL">COL</a> | <a href="#DAL">DAL</a> | <a href="#DET">DET</a> | <a href="#EDM">EDM</a> | <a href="#FLA">FLA</a> | <a href="#LAK">LAK</a> | <a href="#MIN">MIN</a> | <a href="#MTL">MTL</a> | <a href="#NJD">NJD</a> | <a href="#NSH">NSH</a> | <a href="#NYI">NYI</a> | <a href="#NYR">NYR</a> | <a href="#OTT">OTT</a> | <a href="#PHI">PHI</a> | <a href="#PIT">PIT</a> | <a href="#SEA">SEA</a> | <a href="#STL">STL</a> | <a href="#SJS">SJS</a> | <a href="#TBL">TBL</a> | <a href="#TOR">TOR</a> | <a href="#UTA">UTA</a> | <a href="#VAN">VAN</a> | <a href="#VGK">VGK</a> | <a href="#WPG">WPG</a> | <a href="#WSH">WSH</a></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3><a id="WPG" name="WPG">1. Winnipeg Jets (15-3-0)</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756002/cropped_GettyImages-2182509496.jpg?ts=1731908748" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756002/w220xh124_GettyImages-2182509496.jpg?ts=1731908748 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756002/w320xh180_GettyImages-2182509496.jpg?ts=1731908748 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756002/w640xh360_GettyImages-2182509496.jpg?ts=1731908748 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756002/w768xh432_GettyImages-2182509496.jpg?ts=1731908748 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756002/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2182509496.jpg?ts=1731908748 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jonathan Kozub / National Hockey League / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><em>Previous rank: 1</em></p><p><strong>Scott Arniel. </strong>He's been with Winnipeg for a while, but elevating Arniel to head coach was a great choice. The Jets are as complete as any team in the league in the early going.</p><h3><a id="CAR" name="CAR">2. Carolina Hurricanes (13-4-0)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 4</em></p><p><strong>Jack Roslovic. </strong>We <em>had </em>to go with the guy who has nine goals - all at even strength - in his first 18 games with the Hurricanes. He's under contract for just $2.8 million this season.</p><h3><a id="FLA" name="FLA">3. Florida Panthers (12-5-1)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 2</em></p><p><strong>Nate Schmidt. </strong>The reigning Stanley Cup champions understandably didn't shake things up much this offseason, but let's hear it for Schmidt. He joined the Panthers after the Jets bought him out, and the veteran defenseman has since posted six points in 17 games while averaging 14:24 minutes of ice time.</p><h3><a id="WSH" name="WSH">4. Washington Capitals (12-4-1)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 7</em></p><p><strong>Logan Thompson. </strong>The Capitals shored up their goaltending by acquiring Thompson for cheap over the summer, and he's only lost one of eight starts. His hot start comes in a contract year and with Canada needing someone to take the reins in goal at the 4 Nations Face-Off.</p><h3><a id="DAL" name="DAL">5. Dallas Stars (11-5-0)</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756003/cropped_GettyImages-2183795367.jpg?ts=1731908818" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756003/w220xh124_GettyImages-2183795367.jpg?ts=1731908818 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756003/w320xh180_GettyImages-2183795367.jpg?ts=1731908818 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756003/w640xh360_GettyImages-2183795367.jpg?ts=1731908818 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756003/w768xh432_GettyImages-2183795367.jpg?ts=1731908818 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756003/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2183795367.jpg?ts=1731908818 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><em>Previous rank: 8</em></p><p><strong>Ilya Lyubushkin. </strong>The rearguard has been a pleasant surprise for the Stars, munching up 17:28 minutes of ice time per game as a pillar of Dallas' penalty kill, which ranks fifth in the league with an 85.4% success rate. Lyubushkin also already has five points through 16 games. His career high is 15.</p><h3><a id="MIN" name="MIN">6. Minnesota Wild (11-3-3)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 6</em></p><p><strong>Yakov Trenin. </strong>It was slim pickings over here simply because the Wild barely have any cap space. Trenin has exactly one assist in 17 games, but he ranks second on the team with 49 hits.</p><h3><a id="VGK" name="VGK">7. Vegas Golden Knights (11-5-2)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 5</em></p><p><strong>Tanner Pearson. </strong>Vegas didn't bring in many new names over the summer after a huge trade deadline, but Pearson has provided reliable depth with seven points across 17 games in a limited role. </p><h3><a id="TOR" name="TOR">8. Toronto Maple Leafs (11-6-2)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 13</em></p><p><strong>Anthony Stolarz. </strong>This honor also could have gone to someone on the Leafs' revamped blue line, but Stolarz has been brilliant as their No. 1 goaltender. The veteran owns a 7-3-2 record and sparkling .927 clip while ranking second in goals saved above average (9.61) and third in goals saved above expected (10.22). </p><h3><a id="NYR" name="NYR">9. New York Rangers (11-4-1)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 3</em></p><p><strong>Sam Carrick. </strong>He isn't the flashiest name, but he's been a reliable fourth-line center for the Rangers. Carrick has four points in 16 games while averaging just over 10 minutes of ice time, and he's won 57.4% of his faceoffs. He also owns an expected goals rate of 58.5%, and New York has outscored opponents 7-3 with him on the ice at five-on-five.</p><h3><a id="NJD" name="NJD">10. New Jersey Devils (12-7-2)</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/752724/cropped_GettyImages-2181368577.jpg?ts=1730352023" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/752724/w220xh124_GettyImages-2181368577.jpg?ts=1730352023 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/752724/w320xh180_GettyImages-2181368577.jpg?ts=1730352023 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/752724/w640xh360_GettyImages-2181368577.jpg?ts=1730352023 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/752724/w768xh432_GettyImages-2181368577.jpg?ts=1730352023 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/752724/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2181368577.jpg?ts=1730352023 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jeff Vinnick / National Hockey League / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><em>Previous rank: 10</em></p><p><strong>Stefan Noesen. </strong>He was supposed to be a depth signing, but the 31-year-old has chipped in nine goals and seven assists for the Devils so far.</p><h3><a id="LAK" name="LAK">11. Los Angeles Kings (10-6-3)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 12</em></p><p><strong>Warren Foegele. </strong>We went with him over Darcy Kuemper largely because the goalie is facing his second injury absence. The Kings faced criticism in the offseason for not doing enough to add a scoring touch to their forward group, but Foegele has been solid with 10 points in 19 games on the third line.</p><h3><a id="VAN" name="VAN">12. Vancouver Canucks (9-5-3)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 11</em></p><p><strong>Kevin Lankinen. </strong>The goalie has been something of a lifesaver for the Canucks, who are still without Thatcher Demko. Lankinen is responsible for all but one of Vancouver's nine wins and owns a .902 save percentage to go along with a 2.71 goals against average.<strong> </strong>Not too shabby for a September bargain pickup.</p><h3><a id="TBL" name="TBL">13. Tampa Bay Lightning (9-6-1)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 9</em></p><p><strong>Jake Guentzel. </strong>The Bolts' marquee addition has come as advertised, fitting in seamlessly on the top line while contributing 17 points in 16 games.</p><h3><a id="EDM" name="EDM">14. Edmonton Oilers (9-7-2)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 14</em></p><p><strong>Jeff Skinner. </strong>We were tempted to put Matt Savoie, but he hasn't played an NHL game this season. The Oilers brought back a host of familiar faces last summer, so Skinner is one of our very few options. He has three goals and six points in 18 games.</p><h3><a id="SEA" name="SEA">15. Seattle Kraken (9-9-1)</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/752527/cropped_GettyImages-2181195679.jpg?ts=1730257184" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/752527/w220xh124_GettyImages-2181195679.jpg?ts=1730257184 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/752527/w320xh180_GettyImages-2181195679.jpg?ts=1730257184 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/752527/w640xh360_GettyImages-2181195679.jpg?ts=1730257184 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/752527/w768xh432_GettyImages-2181195679.jpg?ts=1730257184 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/752527/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2181195679.jpg?ts=1730257184 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Vitor Munhoz / National Hockey League / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><em>Previous rank: 24</em></p><p><strong>Brandon Montour. </strong>Seattle's major blue-line addition is settling in quite well. The 2024 Stanley Cup champion ranks second on the Kraken with 11 points in 17 contests while averaging a team-leading 23:45 minutes of ice time.</p><h3><a id="COL" name="COL">16. Colorado Avalanche (9-9-0)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 17</em></p><p><strong>Calvin de Haan. </strong>The Avalanche have used dozens of new players this season due to injuries, but De Haan, an under-the-radar signing on July 1, earns the nod thanks to an impressive 56.38% expected goals rate at five-on-five.</p><h3><a id="OTT" name="OTT">17. Ottawa Senators (8-8-1)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 15</em></p><p><strong>Travis Green. </strong>The Senators have shown structural improvements at five-on-five under their new head coach, ranking fifth among all teams in shot attempts for (53.8%) and sixth in expected goals for (53.9%). There have been some hiccups - Ottawa's .896 team save percentage is 26th - but Green is helping right the ship.</p><h3><a id="BOS" name="BOS">18. Boston Bruins (8-8-3)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 16</em></p><p><strong>Cole Koepke. </strong>The Bruins made two major acquisitions in Elias Lindholm and Nikita Zadorov, but we're going with the fourth-liner instead. Koepke has four goals and eight points (all at even strength, tied for the second most on the team) in 19 games while averaging only 11 minutes of ice time.</p><h3><a id="BUF" name="BUF">19. Buffalo Sabres (8-9-1)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 28</em></p><p><strong>Ryan McLeod. </strong>There were plenty of critics of Buffalo's decision to give up prospect Matt Savoie in the McLeod trade, but McLeod ranks third on the Sabres with six goals and has added six assists.</p><h3><a id="PHI" name="PHI">20. Philadelphia Flyers (8-8-2)</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753543/cropped_GettyImages-2182018419.jpg?ts=1730757838" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753543/w220xh124_GettyImages-2182018419.jpg?ts=1730757838 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753543/w320xh180_GettyImages-2182018419.jpg?ts=1730757838 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753543/w640xh360_GettyImages-2182018419.jpg?ts=1730757838 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753543/w768xh432_GettyImages-2182018419.jpg?ts=1730757838 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753543/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2182018419.jpg?ts=1730757838 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Richard T Gagnon / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><em>Previous rank: 31</em></p><p><strong>Matvei Michkov. </strong>The Russian rookie came with plenty of buzz, but he's lived up to the hype. The 19-year-old is the current Calder front-runner with six goals and 15 points in 16 games.</p><h3><a id="CGY" name="CGY">21. Calgary Flames (9-6-3)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 21</em></p><p><strong>Kevin Bahl. </strong>Honorable mention goes to Justin Kirkland here, but Bahl has been solid on the top pair with Rasmus Andersson. The Flames have outscored teams 13-10 with the duo on the ice at five-on-five, and Bahl has chipped in offensively with six assists in 18 games. </p><h3><a id="NYI" name="NYI">22. New York Islanders (7-7-4)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 25</em></p><p><strong>Maxim Tsyplakov. </strong>The Islanders lured Tsyplakov from the KHL over the summer, and he's fit well in New York's top six. He's contributed 10 points and 50 hits in 18 games.</p><h3><a id="UTA" name="UTA">23. Utah Hockey Club (7-7-3)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 22</em></p><p><strong>Mikhail Sergachev. </strong>Utah's blue line has been obliterated by injuries, but luckily Sergachev has remained in one piece. He's tied for third on the team with 12 points in 17 contests while leading with 25:31 minutes of average ice time.</p><h3><a id="STL" name="STL">24. St. Louis Blues (8-10-1)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 18</em></p><p><strong>Philip Broberg.</strong> Yes, he's currently hurt, but the defenseman has been a breath of fresh air for St. Louis. The 23-year-old has two goals and nine points in 12 games and was averaging 20:25 minutes of ice time before suffering an apparent leg injury Nov. 2.</p><h3><a id="DET" name="DET">25. Detroit Red Wings (7-9-1)</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/749665/cropped_GettyImages-2177436011.jpg?ts=1728786935" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/749665/w220xh124_GettyImages-2177436011.jpg?ts=1728786935 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/749665/w320xh180_GettyImages-2177436011.jpg?ts=1728786935 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/749665/w640xh360_GettyImages-2177436011.jpg?ts=1728786935 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/749665/w768xh432_GettyImages-2177436011.jpg?ts=1728786935 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/749665/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2177436011.jpg?ts=1728786935 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Dave Reginek / National Hockey League / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><em>Previous rank: 19</em></p><p><strong>Cam Talbot. </strong>He's the primary reason Detroit isn't further down the standings, posting a .927 save percentage in his first 10 games.</p><h3><a id="PIT" name="PIT">26. Pittsburgh Penguins (7-10-3)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 23</em></p><p><strong>Joel Blomqvist. </strong>Pittsburgh isn't making the rookie's life easy, but he's logged a .904 save percentage in eight games and is the only Penguins goalie to post a positive GSAA (1.26) and GSAx (0.92) at all strengths this season. Not bad for a guy who's just starting his career.</p><h3><a id="CBJ" name="CBJ">27. Columbus Blue Jackets (6-9-2)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 27</em></p><p><strong>Sean Monahan. </strong>His impact on and off the ice in Columbus is immeasurable. Monahan is tied for the team lead with six goals and second with 13 points in 17 games, and he has undoubtedly been key in helping the Jackets and their fans through the deaths of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau.</p><h3><a id="ANA" name="ANA">28. Anaheim Ducks (6-8-2)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 26</em></p><p><strong>Brian Dumoulin. </strong>The veteran defenseman has posted five assists in 16 games while averaging 19:16 minutes of ice time. He's also a team-leading plus-5 on the season, which is no small feat given Anaheim's minus-11 goal differential. At the very least, Dumoulin can fetch the Ducks a decent return in the coming months if he keeps it up.</p><h3><a id="SJS" name="SJS">29. San Jose Sharks (5-10-4)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 32</em></p><p><strong>Tyler Toffoli. </strong>Macklin Celebrini is the main reason to watch the Sharks, but limited availability bumped him out of top spot on our list. Toffoli just flat-out produces everywhere he plays and ranks second on San Jose with 14 points in 19 games.</p><h3><a id="MTL" name="MTL">30. Montreal Canadiens (6-10-2)</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751661/cropped_GettyImages-2179575999.jpg?ts=1729868503" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751661/w220xh124_GettyImages-2179575999.jpg?ts=1729868503 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751661/w320xh180_GettyImages-2179575999.jpg?ts=1729868503 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751661/w640xh360_GettyImages-2179575999.jpg?ts=1729868503 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751661/w768xh432_GettyImages-2179575999.jpg?ts=1729868503 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751661/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2179575999.jpg?ts=1729868503 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><em>Previous rank: 29</em></p><p><strong>Lane Hutson. </strong>Technically he isn't a stranger to the Habs as he got into two games late last season, but we'll make an allowance. Patrik Laine hasn't played a regular-season game yet, OK? Hutson has racked up 11 assists in 18 outings while averaging 23 minutes of ice time as a rookie defenseman.</p><h3><a id="NSH" name="NSH">31. Nashville Predators (6-10-3)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 20</em></p><p>😬. OK, we have to choose someone. None of Nashville's splashy acquisitions are playing up to expectations, but we'll pick Jonathan Marchessault because he has ... three goals and 10 points in 19 games. Sure.</p><h3><a id="CHI" name="CHI">32. Chicago Blackhawks (6-11-1)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 30</em></p><p><strong>Teuvo Teravainen. </strong>Yes, this is his second stint with the Blackhawks, but his first ended all the way back in 2016. Chicago's offense has slumped lately and head coach Luke Richardson is frequently changing his lines, but Teravainen showed some chemistry with Connor Bedard earlier in the campaign.</p>

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NHL Power Rankings: Each team's best newcomer

Eleven of theScore's editors voted for their picks for MVP, Cy Young, Rookie of the Year, and Man...

<p><em>Eleven of theScore's editors voted for their picks for MVP, Cy Young, Rookie of the Year, and Manager of the Year, ahead of the BBWAA's awards rollout beginning Monday. Ballots include the top five players/managers for each award, with 14 points given for a first-place vote, nine points for a second-place vote, eight points for a third-place vote, and so on.</em></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="AL MVP" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-XPYdm" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/XPYdm/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="404" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Judge's transcendent season relegated Witt to runner-up despite a campaign that would have been good enough to win outright in many other years. The Yankees slugger should win his second MVP award after hitting 58 home runs and posting a higher wRC+ (218) than his 62-homer 2022 campaign.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="NL MVP" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-HaYaj" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/HaYaj/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="412" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Ohtani did more than enough to convince any detractors who don't love the idea of giving the MVP to a full-time DH. The Dodgers star became the first member of the 50-50 club and looks like a shoo-in to join Hall of Famer Frank Robinson as the only players to win MVP in both leagues. Meanwhile, Lindor was the catalyst for the Mets' turnaround.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="AL Cy Young" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-R9WqP" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/R9WqP/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="553" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Skubal won the AL Triple Crown after leading in wins, ERA, and strikeouts. Ragans and Lugo spearheaded a shocking turnaround in Kansas City en route to a postseason berth. Clase authored one of the best regular seasons by a closer and set the Guardians' record for career saves.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="NL Cy Young" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-6POq9" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/6POq9/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="530" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Sale had a renaissance season after coming to Atlanta from Boston in a trade. The veteran left-hander's been knocking on the door for an elusive Cy Young for years and finally looks poised to win it. Wheeler finished runner-up in 2021 and will likely come up just shy again. Skenes deserves a mention for his brilliant debut campaign; it seems only a matter of time before he wins what could be multiple Cy Youngs in what's shaping up to be a sensational career.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="AL Rookie of the Year " aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-siABi" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/siABi/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="511" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Cowser led all AL rookies in home runs and fWAR, and provided strong defense in the outfield for the Orioles. Gil tailed off after a hot start, but his strong overall body of work will position him nicely in an open race for the award.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="NL Rookie of the Year" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-pgJyp" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/pgJyp/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="501" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>It would be easier if there were separate NL rookie awards for top pitcher and position player, considering how tight the competition between Skenes and Merrill was. Skenes posted a minuscule 1.96 ERA, 4.3 fWAR, and 11.5 K/9 in 133 spectacular innings. Merrill had the edge in fWAR (5.3), and combined excellent defense with power (24 home runs) and speed (16 stolen bases). There's isn't a wrong answer, but Skenes' sheer dominance from the moment he stepped on a major-league mound earned him the nod in our vote.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="AL Manager of the Year" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-yStGW" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/yStGW/2/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="495" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Stephen Vogt had the impossible job of replacing Terry Francona in Cleveland and the rookie manager guided the Guardians to a 92-win season (a 16-win turnaround from 2023) and an AL Central title. A.J. Hinch helped the Tigers to their first winning season in eight years and first postseason appearance since 2014. This was the closest vote of our major awards.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="NL Manager of the Year" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-SG3pY" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/SG3pY/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="579" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Pat Murphy was tasked with leading Milwaukee after Craig Counsell's surprise departure to the Cubs and the Corbin Burnes trade to Baltimore, and all the Brewers did was win 93 games and the NL Central. Mike Shildt and Carlos Mendoza were finalists in their first year with their respective clubs.</p>

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MLB Final Awards: Handing out our hardware

Indiana and Curt Cignetti agreed to an eight-year contract extension through 2032 that contains a...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/303" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/303">Indiana</a> and Curt Cignetti agreed to an eight-year contract extension through 2032 that contains an average annual compensation of $8 million, the program announced Saturday.</p><p>The deal also contains an additional annual $1 million retention bonus.</p><p>"Since arriving on campus, Coach Cignetti has been the architect of one of college football's greatest turnarounds and has shown the world that IU is also a football school," Indiana president Pamela Whitten said in a <a href="https://iuhoosiers.com/news/2024/11/16/football-cignetti-inks-eight-year-contract-thru-2032">statement</a> Saturday.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>In addition to improved terms, Cignetti's new contract also contains assurances around infrastructural support for the program, according to the <a href="https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/college/indiana/2024/11/16/indiana-football-coach-curt-cignetti-agrees-new-contract-extension-raise-10-0-start-iu-hoosiers/76345126007/">Indy Star's Michael Niziolek and Zach Osterman</a>.</p><p>The extension comes after Cignetti has led the Hoosiers to a perfect 10-0 start to the season. It's the first 10-0 start in the program's history and also the football team's first 10-win campaign ever.</p><p>Indiana's hot start led to the program being ranked fifth in the latest College Football Playoff rankings.</p><p>Cignetti was hired following the 2023 season after Indiana fired Tom Allen. Cignetti previously coached at James Madison, where he posted a 19-4 record in the Dukes' first two seasons at the FBS level.</p>

EAST LANSING, MI - NOVEMBER 02: Indiana Hoosiers head coach Curt Cignetti during a college football game between the Michigan State Spartans and the Indiana Hoosiers on November 2, 2024, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, MI.

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Indiana, Cignetti agree to 8-year extension after 10-0 start

Welcome to the first edition of theScore's MLB Power Rankings for the offseason. Rankings take in...

<p><em>Welcome to the first edition of theScore's MLB Power Rankings for the offseason. Rankings take into consideration where each roster stands heading into the winter. </em></p><p><strong>Jump to:</strong><br><a href="#ARI">ARI</a> | <a href="#ATH">ATH</a> I <a href="#ATL">ATL</a> | <a href="#BAL">BAL</a> | <a href="#BOS">BOS</a> | <a href="#CHC">CHC</a> | <a href="#CWS">CWS</a> | <a href="#CIN">CIN</a> | <a href="#CLE">CLE</a> | <a href="#COL">COL</a> | <a href="#DET">DET</a> | <a href="#HOU">HOU</a> | <a href="#KC">KC</a> | <a href="#LAA">LAA</a> | <a href="#LAD">LAD</a> | <a href="#MIA">MIA</a> | <a href="#MIN">MIL</a> | <a href="#MIN">MIN</a> | <a href="#NYM">NYM</a> | <a href="#NYY">NYY</a> | <a href="#PHI">PHI</a> | <a href="#PIT">PIT</a> | <a href="#SD">SD</a> | <a href="#SF">SF</a> | <a href="#SEA">SEA</a> | <a href="#STL">STL</a> | <a href="#TB">TB</a> | <a href="#TEX">TEX</a> | <a href="#TOR">TOR</a> | <a href="#WSH">WSH</a></p><h3>1. <a id="LAD" name="LAD">Los Angeles Dodgers</a>
</h3><p>The defending champs enter the offseason looking like they'll be even stronger in 2025. A lot can change before Opening Day, but Tyler Glasnow, Tony Gonsolin, and Dustin May are expected to be healthy, while Shohei Ohtani should be ready to pitch again. The club has a number of key veterans out of contract in Walker Buehler, Jack Flaherty, Kiké Hernández, Teoscar Hernández, and Blake Treinen, so filling out those areas will likely be the focus. But you can never count out this front office from making a big splash.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>2. <a id="PHI" name="PHI">Philadelphia Phillies</a>
</h3><p>The Phillies enter the winter with a star-studded roster and almost all their core pieces returning. Yet it's fair to expect they'll be active after their shocking early postseason exit. Owner John Middleton isn't shy about spending and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3119164" href="https://thescore.com/news/3119164">said last week</a> he expects payroll to increase. While the most pressing need is in the bullpen, don't be surprised if Philadelphia makes a big move.</p><h3>3. <a id="SD" name="SD">San Diego Padres</a>
</h3><p>The Padres have an enviable amount of top-end talent but need depth to keep up with the Dodgers. Retaining Jurickson Profar or replacing his production won't be cheap, yet San Diego's shown a willingness to spend in recent years. The Joe Musgrove injury will likely necessitate signing another pitcher or two.</p><h3>4. <a id="NYY" name="NYY">New York Yankees</a>
</h3><p>The Yankees have plenty of holes to fill after their first trip to the World Series in 15 years. The future of Juan Soto is the biggest storyline in New York, but key bullpen pieces like Clay Holmes and Tommy Kahnle also need new contracts. The team also must address second base and first base with Gleyber Torres and Anthony Rizzo departing.</p><h3>5. <a id="ATL" name="ATL">Atlanta Braves</a>
</h3><p>Atlanta will get a boost next season with Spencer Strider and Ronald Acuña Jr. returning from injury, but it wouldn't be shocking to see Alex Anthopoulos be aggressive after the Braves finished second in the division and were swept in the wild-card round. The club must add a pair of frontline starters with Max Fried's potential departure and durability concerns with Strider and Chris Sale.</p><h3>6. <a id="NYM" name="NYM">New York Mets</a>
</h3><p>What we know: the Mets' payroll will again be gigantic, and owner Steve Cohen seems willing to stop at nothing in order to lure Soto across town. But there are other major areas of concern for the Mets this winter, too: Pete Alonso's a free agent and seeking his own megadeal. Whatever happens with Soto, they need to either re-sign Alonso or have a plan to replace his bat. Adding several starting pitchers and at least one more outfielder (not including Soto) should also be priorities.</p><h3>7. <a id="HOU" name="HOU">Houston Astros</a>
</h3><p>Houston enters its most important offseason in years after falling short of the ALCS for the first time since 2016. There won't be any clear-cut solutions if Alex Bregman signs elsewhere, meaning the Astros have to consider a reunion if they intend to compete. The organization's remained successful despite letting star after star walk, but potentially losing Bregman feels different.</p><h3>8. <a id="BAL" name="BAL">Baltimore Orioles</a>
</h3><p>Corbin Burnes was supposed to be the final piece of the puzzle for the Orioles. Instead, the ace is a free agent after Baltimore underwhelmed in the playoffs for a second straight year. The club needs to find a way to replace the four-time All-Star if his contract demands are too lofty. Anthony Santander will be another player in high demand on the market after finishing second in the AL with 44 home runs. This offseason will go a long way in determining if Baltimore can take the next step.</p><h3>9. <a id="ARI" name="ARI">Arizona Diamondbacks</a>
</h3><p>Arizona enters the winter in solid shape despite underachieving in 2024, and will likely take advantage of its starting pitching depth by moving an arm. The offense needs to be addressed as the club faces numerous departures: Christian Walker's free agency leaves a big hole at first base, while the power bats of Josh Bell, Joc Pederson, and Randal Grichuk (66 combined home runs) all must be replaced.</p><h3>10. <a id="MIL" name="MIL">Milwaukee Brewers</a>
</h3><p>The Brewers have never been big spenders in free agency, so it feels safe to assume shortstop Willy Adames will get his megadeal elsewhere, and replacing his 32 homers at a premier position won't be easy. Trading closer Devin Williams is likely also on the table for executive of the year Matt Arnold, who always tries to maximize each player's value to keep Milwaukee competitive on a modest payroll.</p><h3>11. <a id="SEA" name="SEA">Seattle Mariners</a>
</h3><p>The Mariners desperately need hitters to support their elite pitching staff. They're liable to keep falling short in the competitive AL postseason race until they complement Julio Rodríguez, Cal Raleigh, and Randy Arozarena with reliable bats that can put the ball in play. Anything less than at least one middle-of-the-order bat will be a huge whiff for Jerry Dipoto.</p><h3>12. <a id="DET" name="DET">Detroit Tigers</a>
</h3><p>The Tigers' surprising core will return in 2025 - does that mean now's the time to make a big move? Detroit's shocking playoff berth undoubtedly caught the attention of many free agents, and the AL Central's very much for the taking. If the Tigers can add some impact pieces to this young core - another frontline starter behind likely AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal, or at least another bat to fortify a sneaky-good lineup - they could be a team to beat in 2025 and beyond.</p><h3>13. <a id="CLE" name="CLE">Cleveland Guardians</a>
</h3><p>The Guardians already brought back veteran catcher Austin Hedges, who's a solid backstop behind Bo Naylor. Cleveland needs to add several arms to upgrade its rotation with Shane Bieber, Matthew Boyd, and Alex Cobb hitting free agency. Cleveland starters posted the fourth-worst fWAR in baseball in 2024.</p><h3>14. <a id="BOS" name="BOS">Boston Red Sox</a>
</h3><p>Boston's "full throttle" approach stalled out last winter, but it looks like the Red Sox are finally ready to spend with the big clubs again. Boston needs a top-tier starting pitcher, several late-inning relievers, and a middle-of-the-order power bat. The organization's loaded with talent in the minors and has a strong young core to build around - now's the time to splurge in free agency.</p><h3>15. <a id="TEX" name="TEX">Texas Rangers</a>
</h3><p>Almost everyone underperformed after winning the World Series, including mainstays Adolis García, Marcus Semien, and Jonah Heim. If the front office believes a bounce back is in the cards, it'll need to add pitching, pitching, and more pitching. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like the club is going to spend big this winter. Luckily for the front office, the 2023 title likely buys some time to figure things out.</p><h3>16. <a id="TB" name="TB">Tampa Bay Rays</a>
</h3><p>The Rays don't have a free agent after exercising Brandon Lowe's option. Tampa Bay could bounce back in 2025 with a healthy Shane McClanahan, Jeffrey Springs, and Shane Baz anchoring the rotation. The club's front office should look for power bats after finishing 28th in the majors with 147 homers. The uncertainty surrounding where the team will play next season may create issues attracting free agents.</p><h3>17. <a id="KC" name="KC">Kansas City Royals</a>
</h3><p>The Royals had an excellent offseason last winter, but much more is needed if they want to take the next step. Re-signing Michael Wacha fortifies a very strong rotation, and the attention now must be on the lineup. Bobby Witt Jr. is a legitimate superstar but needs more help than Salvador Perez. Signing a power bat is essential.</p><h3>18. <a id="MIN" name="MIN">Minnesota Twins</a>
</h3><p>The Twins celebrated their first playoff series win since 2002 by sitting relatively idle last winter, outside of inking Carlos Santana to a one-year deal. The result was a flawed team that missed the playoffs. Minnesota can't afford to sit out the winter again if it's serious about contending. Replacing Santana and Max Kepler is a must, and the front office should also be working to add pitchers, especially relievers. However, the pending sale of the club hangs over the team right now.</p><h3>19. <a id="CHC" name="CHC">Chicago Cubs</a>
</h3><p>The Cubs need to make an impact addition after a disappointing third-place NL Central finish. Cody Bellinger not opting out of his deal - at least for 2025 - is something the front office needs to take advantage of, especially with the club's only key departure being Kyle Hendricks. A big bat or proven starting pitcher could inject some life into this team.</p><h3>20. <a id="SF" name="SF">San Francisco Giants</a>
</h3><p>A healthy Robbie Ray could soften the blow of Blake Snell leaving in free agency. However, the Giants should still add another quality arm to the rotation if they hope to compete in the NL West. San Francisco will also be in the market for a corner outfielder with Michael Conforto and Mark Canha seeking new contracts.</p><h3>21. <a id="TOR" name="TOR">Toronto Blue Jays</a>
</h3><p>The Blue Jays are adamant they're still in their competitive window and plan to be aggressive this winter. It's going to be a difficult needle to thread as both Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette enter their final year under team control. The starting pitching is solid, but the offense and bullpen need significant work. Toronto's reportedly in on Soto, and how the club pulls that off while also extending either of its stars and fixing the bullpen remains to be seen.</p><h3>22. <a id="STL" name="STL">St. Louis Cardinals</a>
</h3><p>John Mozeliak is embarking on his final offseason in charge and that could result in a huge change of direction for the franchise. Paul Goldschmidt is poised to move on, as are starters Lance Lynn and Kyle Gibson. It's not out of the question that one or more of Nolan Arenado, Sonny Gray, and Miles Mikolas are dealt, although Arenado and Gray both have no-trade clauses. After years of making offseason splashes to try and prop open this window, the Cardinals are ready to give the kids a shot.</p><h3>23. <a id="CIN" name="CIN">Cincinnati Reds</a>
</h3><p>Cincinnati fell massively short of 2024 expectations after many pegged them a dark horse. The Reds need to bolster their emerging core - highlighted by dynamic Elly De La Cruz - with veteran talent on both sides of the ball to take the next step. Whether the front office is willing to pay for that talent is the real question.</p><h3>24. <a id="PIT" name="PIT">Pittsburgh Pirates</a>
</h3><p>The Pirates need to find some power bats this winter if they truly want to make some noise in the NL Central. Bryan Reynolds's 24 homers led an offense that recorded baseball's sixth-fewest round-trippers while posting the fourth-lowest slugging percentage. The bullpen will need another high-leverage reliever or two with Aroldis Chapman testing the market.</p><h3>25. <a id="WSH" name="WSH">Washington Nationals</a>
</h3><p>Washington's put together an excellent stable of young talent. While this group may seem ready to take the next step, it won't be easy in the NL East. Still, the Nats have surprised with their past spending habits, and they have payroll room now that Patrick Corbin's contract is finally off the books. Don't be shocked if Washington tries to augment its core by shopping in free agency's upper tiers.</p><h3>26. <a id="ATH" name="ATH">Athletics</a>
</h3><p>The Athletics officially left Oakland and enter another period of uncertainty. When the organization lands in Vegas is unknown, and the club will play in a minor-league stadium in West Sacramento until then. The A's have started to show they have a solid young core, but how much will ownership commit to spending with an uncertain amount of revenue coming in? And how does the club attract free agents in its current situation?</p><h3>27. <a id="LAA" name="LAA">Los Angeles Angels</a>
</h3><p>The Angels have been surprisingly aggressive during the offseason's early stages. Los Angeles traded for 2023 All-Star Jorge Soler, signed catcher Travis d'Arnaud, and added right-hander Kyle Hendricks. Unfortunately, a lot more heavy lifting is needed to turn around a 99-loss team.</p><h3>28. <a id="COL" name="COL">Colorado Rockies</a>
</h3><p>The Rockies remain a noncompetitive mess. The team's priority should be developing its young players by ensuring they have clear paths to playing time. However, signing a few players to one-year deals could give Colorado a few chips to trade away during the season. Getting out of Kris Bryant's contract would be a win in and of itself.</p><h3>29. <a id="MIA" name="MIA">Miami Marlins</a>
</h3><p>Peter Bendix continues to put his stamp on the organization, hiring manager Clayton McCullough earlier in the week. Bendix spent a lot of last season moving players out and will likely continue that process this winter. Starters Sandy Alcantara and Jesús Luzardo could be dangled as major trade pieces to help build a future foundation.</p><h3>30. <a id="CWS" name="CWS">Chicago White Sox</a>
</h3><p>The big question on the South Side is when GM Chris Getz trades Garrett Crochet. Luis Robert Jr. is also a candidate to be moved. The White Sox have countless holes coming off their historic 121-loss season, and they're not going to fix this overnight, no matter how many prospects they acquire. Getting the Crochet trade right is their most important task.</p>

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MLB Power Rankings: Where each team stands heading into the offseason

The races for the league's most prestigious individual awards are starting to heat up with the 20...

<p>The races for the league's most prestigious individual awards are starting to heat up with the 2024 NFL season past its halfway mark, including the MVP and Defensive Player of the Year honors.</p><p>Here's a look at the five best candidates for the main awards.</p><h3>Coach of the Year</h3><p><strong>5. Jim Harbaugh, Chargers</strong></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Chargers aren't yet AFC powerhouses like the Chiefs, Ravens, and Bills, but Harbaugh is building a very competitive team. At 6-3, Los Angeles comfortably owns the conference's No. 6 seed. It felt like the Chargers were years away from contending when they hired Harbaugh in the offseason, but the veteran coach and his staff have done a solid job at installing a new system around quarterback Justin Herbert while getting the most out of their defensive unit.</p><p><strong>4. Kevin O'Connell, Vikings</strong></p><p>Nobody <em>actually </em>thought before the season that the Vikings would be 7-2 with a top-10 scoring offense and defense after 10 weeks. But here they are. O'Connell's offensive scheme has put veterans like quarterback Sam Darnold and running back Aaron Jones in a position to succeed. That, combined with Brian Flores' impressive defensive unit, explains why the Vikings have one of the NFC's best records after a 7-10 season in 2023.</p><p><strong>3. Dan Campbell, Lions</strong></p><p>The Lions may be football's best team, and Campbell deserves a lot of credit for that. One of the league's most aggressive head coaches, Campbell has helped turn Detroit into a juggernaut, as the club is 8-1 after winning 12 games last year. The 2024 Lions don't have many weaknesses and have been must-watch TV due to their aggressiveness and creativeness under Campbell and his staff.</p><p><strong>2. Dan Quinn, Commanders</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753759/cropped_GettyImages-2182747603.jpg?ts=1730841017" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753759/w220xh124_GettyImages-2182747603.jpg?ts=1730841017 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753759/w320xh180_GettyImages-2182747603.jpg?ts=1730841017 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753759/w640xh360_GettyImages-2182747603.jpg?ts=1730841017 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753759/w768xh432_GettyImages-2182747603.jpg?ts=1730841017 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753759/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2182747603.jpg?ts=1730841017 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Luke Hales / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Overachieving is the key word when it comes to the Coach of the Year race, and Quinn has done it at a great level in 2024. The Commanders boast a top-five offense under Quinn, while their defense ranks 12th in points and 14th in yards allowed, up from 32nd in 2023. Coming off a four-win campaign, Washington is<strong> </strong>7-3 and a surprise NFC contender with rookie Jayden Daniels at QB.</p><p><strong>1. Mike Tomlin, Steelers</strong></p><p>Tomlin is only two victories away from securing another winning campaign and extending the record for the most consecutive non-losing seasons to begin a coaching career (17). Only this time, he may have his most dangerous team in the post-Ben Roethlisberger era. Tomlin's defense remains extremely solid and the offense improved with Russell Wilson, who became the starter in Week 7 over Justin Fields in a widely criticized decision. But Tomlin was right about his QBs, and his outfit is now 7-2 after recently beating Quinn's Commanders.</p><h3>Defensive Rookie of the Year</h3><p><strong>5. Braden Fiske, Rams</strong></p><p>It's impossible to replace Aaron Donald, but Fiske has stood out as a member of L.A.'s defensive line. The second-round pick ranks in the top three for total pressures among rookies and posted the best game of his young NFL career in Week 9, dominating the Seahawks with two sacks and two tackles for loss to help the Rams claim a crucial win.</p><p><strong>4. Edgerrin Cooper, Packers</strong></p><p>Cooper has earned more snaps as the season's progressed. It's only a matter of time until he becomes Green Bay's most reliable off-ball linebacker. The 22-year-old has amassed 44 tackles (five for loss), 2.5 sacks, and two pass breakups. He was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week after finishing Week 9 - his first NFL start - with nine tackles, one sack, one QB hit, and one forced fumble.</p><p><strong>3. Quinyon Mitchell, Eagles</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754895/cropped_GettyImages-2182773147.jpg?ts=1731377583" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754895/w220xh124_GettyImages-2182773147.jpg?ts=1731377583 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754895/w320xh180_GettyImages-2182773147.jpg?ts=1731377583 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754895/w640xh360_GettyImages-2182773147.jpg?ts=1731377583 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754895/w768xh432_GettyImages-2182773147.jpg?ts=1731377583 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754895/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2182773147.jpg?ts=1731377583 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Mitchell Leff / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Mitchell's freshman campaign lacks flashy plays, and he's yet to register an interception. That said, the Toledo product has been a reliable member of the Eagles' secondary thanks to his standout coverage skills. He's recorded 30 tackles and eight pass breakups while allowing an 80.3 passer rating on 40 targets.</p><p><strong>2. Laiatu Latu, Colts</strong></p><p>Latu is a work in progress against the run, but the No. 15 pick - who was the first defender taken in 2024 - is one of Indy's most disruptive pass-rushers. He ranks third among rookies in total pressures, according to TruMedia. Latu has also posted two sacks, one pass breakup, and two forced fumbles, including a crucial one in the fourth quarter in a win against the Bears in Week 3.</p><p><strong>1. Jared Verse, Rams</strong></p><p>Verse has been the NFL's best rookie defender, and it's not close. The 19th overall pick is already a cornerstone of a rebuilding Rams defense, as he leads all first-year players in pressures and sacks. The promising edge rusher has racked up 37 tackles (11 for loss), 14 QB hits, 4.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles in nine games.</p><h3>Offensive Rookie of the Year</h3><p><strong>5. Bo Nix, Broncos</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753387/cropped_GettyImages-2182086227.jpg?ts=1730681033" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753387/w220xh124_GettyImages-2182086227.jpg?ts=1730681033 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753387/w320xh180_GettyImages-2182086227.jpg?ts=1730681033 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753387/w640xh360_GettyImages-2182086227.jpg?ts=1730681033 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753387/w768xh432_GettyImages-2182086227.jpg?ts=1730681033 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753387/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2182086227.jpg?ts=1730681033 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">AAron Ontiveroz / Denver Post / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Broncos fans should be happy with what they've seen from Nix. Yes, he'll have roller-coaster performances. However, the first-round QB has shown improvement after a shaky first month in the NFL. Nix accounted for six touchdowns (five passing) against just one interception in his last three games. He also posted a passer rating of at least 115 on two occasions in that span.</p><p><strong>4. Malik Nabers, Giants</strong></p><p>Nabers is the best player in a Giants offense that clearly limits his potential. The No. 6 pick tops all rookie WRs with 61 catches and 607 receiving yards (tied with Brian Thomas Jr.) despite missing two games with a concussion. The former LSU star was a stronger OROY contender early on after posting two 100-yard outings in his first four games, but he hasn't topped that mark since September.</p><p><strong>3. Brian Thomas Jr., Jaguars</strong></p><p>Don't let Jacksonville's disappointing season fool you: Thomas has been the sport's most consistent rookie wideout after 10 weeks. The first-rounder leads all first-year players with 607 receiving yards while ranking second with five TD catches (behind Marvin Harrison Jr.). Thomas also ranks ninth in the league in yards per reception (16.4) and second in yards per target, via TruMedia.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754957/cropped_Yd_target.jpg?ts=1731424755" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754957/w220xh124_Yd_target.jpg?ts=1731424755 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754957/w320xh180_Yd_target.jpg?ts=1731424755 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754957/w640xh360_Yd_target.jpg?ts=1731424755 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754957/w768xh432_Yd_target.jpg?ts=1731424755 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754957/w1080xh607_Yd_target.jpg?ts=1731424755 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption">Most yards per target this season (min. 50 targets) <span class="article-segment--image-attribution"> </span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>2. Brock Bowers, Raiders</strong></p><p>Bowers is another standout rookie who's managed to succeed despite playing in a subpar offensive unit. In addition to being a solid run-blocker, the former Georgia stud places second among first-year pass-catchers and seventh overall with 57 receptions. Bowers' 580 receiving yards lead all tight ends this year.</p><p><strong>1. Jayden Daniels, Commanders</strong></p><p>Daniels is running away with this award. For the second straight year, a quarterback taken second overall enters the second half of the season as the heavy favorite to claim Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. Daniels, like C.J. Stroud last year, has enjoyed a magical start to his career and established himself as one of the league's premier young QBs while making history along the way (more on that in the MVP section).</p><h3>Defensive Player of the Year</h3><p><strong>5. Will Anderson, Texans</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/752865/cropped_GettyImages-2181940222.jpg?ts=1730421991" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/752865/w220xh124_GettyImages-2181940222.jpg?ts=1730421991 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/752865/w320xh180_GettyImages-2181940222.jpg?ts=1730421991 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/752865/w640xh360_GettyImages-2181940222.jpg?ts=1730421991 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/752865/w768xh432_GettyImages-2181940222.jpg?ts=1730421991 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/752865/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2181940222.jpg?ts=1730421991 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Cooper Neill / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Anderson has basically missed Houston's last two games after injuring his ankle early in Week 9. But the second-year edge rusher was nearly unstoppable before that, racking up 11 tackles for loss, 10 QB hits, and 7.5 sacks. Anderson had at least one sack in five of his first eight games, including a three-sack in Week 6. He was also the AFC Defensive Player of the Month in October.</p><p><strong>4. Xavier McKinney, Packers</strong></p><p>McKinney's first season with Green Bay has been a major success. The explosive defensive back has recorded one interception in six different games and played every defensive snap while totaling 42 tackles, seven pass breakups, and one sack. Thanks to McKinney, the Packers already have more takeaways this year (19) than they did in all of 2023 (18).</p><p><strong>3. Dexter Lawrence, Giants</strong></p><p>Most nose tackles would be happy with nine sacks in a five-season span. Lawrence has nine in 10 games this year. He's arguably the sport's most disruptive interior lineman and is on track to earn a first-team All-Pro berth for the first time after consecutive second-team selections in 2022 and '23.</p><p><strong>2. Trey Hendrickson, Bengals</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754959/cropped_GettyImages-2183900589.jpg?ts=1731426640" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754959/w220xh124_GettyImages-2183900589.jpg?ts=1731426640 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754959/w320xh180_GettyImages-2183900589.jpg?ts=1731426640 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754959/w640xh360_GettyImages-2183900589.jpg?ts=1731426640 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754959/w768xh432_GettyImages-2183900589.jpg?ts=1731426640 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754959/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2183900589.jpg?ts=1731426640 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Cooper Neill / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Cincinnati's defense has mostly struggled in 2024, but things would've been worse if not for Hendrickson. The 29-year-old leads the NFL in sacks (11), tackles for loss (12), and pressures (52), according to PFF. The three-time Pro Bowler - who set a career high with 17.5 sacks last season - could flirt with 20 sacks this year if he keeps up with his pace.</p><p><strong>1. T.J. Watt, Steelers</strong></p><p>It's impossible to imagine the Steelers boasting an excellent defense without Watt. A former winner and perennial DPOY contender, Watt remains a premier edge rusher who's elite against the run and can impact the game in more ways than any other NFL defender. His 6.5 sacks in nine games may be relatively low by his standards, but he's totaled 16 QB hits, 10 tackles for loss, and four forced fumbles - the most in the league. Three of Watt's sacks, as well as two forced fumbles and one recovery, happened in the fourth quarter this year when Pittsburgh needed it the most.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754961/cropped_Sacks_FFnew.jpg?ts=1731427420" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754961/w220xh124_Sacks_FFnew.jpg?ts=1731427420 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754961/w320xh180_Sacks_FFnew.jpg?ts=1731427420 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754961/w640xh360_Sacks_FFnew.jpg?ts=1731427420 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754961/w768xh432_Sacks_FFnew.jpg?ts=1731427420 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754961/w1080xh607_Sacks_FFnew.jpg?ts=1731427420 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption">Sacks x Forced fumbles since 2019 (via TruMedia) <span class="article-segment--image-attribution"> </span></figcaption></figure><h3>MVP</h3><p><strong>5. Jared Goff, Lions</strong></p><p>Goff quarterbacked a wild Week 10 comeback that was marked by his five interceptions. The uncharacteristically bad game in what's otherwise been an excellent season hurts his MVP case, but it shouldn't end the race for him. From Weeks 3-9, he posted an 82.8% completion rate with a 140.1 passer rating, the highest marks in any six-game span in NFL history. The veteran QB will need the Lions' offense to be flawless again to move up in these rankings.</p><p><strong>4. Jayden Daniels, Commanders</strong></p><p>The Commanders haven't had a winning season since 2016 but have already won seven games in 2024 while boasting a top-five offense. Multiple factors have led to this seismic change, but Daniels is the biggest one. The new franchise QB has amazed NFL fans with spectacular moments like his Hail Mary TD pass in Week 8 and set multiple rookie records, including for single-game completion percentage (91.3%). Overall, the No. 2 pick has completed 68.7% of his passes with nine touchdown passes to two interceptions. Daniels has also added 464 yards and four TDs rushing.</p><p><strong>3. Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs</strong></p><p>Mahomes hasn't played his best football,<strong> </strong>and his 12 TDs to nine INTs show that. He's actually completing 69.9% of his passes - which would be a career single-season high - but that's also because of his low average depth of target. Still, Mahomes remains the sport's most clutch QB and is in charge of the NFL's only undefeated team. He leads the league in EPA/dropback on third- and fourth-down situations, via TruMedia.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754967/cropped_EPA_%2B_yards_attempt.jpg?ts=1731429429" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754967/w220xh124_EPA_%2B_yards_attempt.jpg?ts=1731429429 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754967/w320xh180_EPA_%2B_yards_attempt.jpg?ts=1731429429 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754967/w640xh360_EPA_%2B_yards_attempt.jpg?ts=1731429429 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754967/w768xh432_EPA_%2B_yards_attempt.jpg?ts=1731429429 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754967/w1080xh607_EPA_%2B_yards_attempt.jpg?ts=1731429429 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption">Yards/attempt x EPA/dropback (3rd and 4th down) <span class="article-segment--image-attribution"> </span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>2. Josh Allen, Bills</strong></p><p>Allen is the heart and soul of a Bills offense that once again ranks among the league's best units. The star signal-caller - who leads the NFL in big-time throws, according to PFF - has accounted for 21 TDs (17 passing) while throwing four INTs. If not for a couple of poor performances, including one against our MVP favorite, Allen would've had a shot at being No. 1.</p><p><strong>1. Lamar Jackson, Ravens</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754184/cropped_GettyImages-2183604084.jpg?ts=1731038476" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754184/w220xh124_GettyImages-2183604084.jpg?ts=1731038476 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754184/w320xh180_GettyImages-2183604084.jpg?ts=1731038476 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754184/w640xh360_GettyImages-2183604084.jpg?ts=1731038476 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754184/w768xh432_GettyImages-2183604084.jpg?ts=1731038476 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754184/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2183604084.jpg?ts=1731038476 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Scott Taetsch / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>New year, same Lamar. The NFL's best dual-threat quarterback, Jackson is the sport's most efficient passer right now. He leads the league in TD passes, passer rating, yards per pass attempt, EPA/play, and rushing yards among QBs. He's second for passing yards. If the season ended today, there's no question Jackson would take home his third career NFL MVP award, the second in a row.</p>

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NFL award rankings: Race heating up for MVP, rookie honors, more

<p><em>NFL Power Rankings are selected by a panel of theScore's football editors. </em></p><p><em>This week, we're looking at reasons for every team to be hopeful.</em></p><p><strong>Jump to:</strong><br><a href="#ARI">ARI</a> | <a href="#ATL">ATL</a> | <a href="#BAL">BAL</a> | <a href="#BUF">BUF</a> | <a href="#CAR">CAR</a> | <a href="#CHI">CHI</a> | <a href="#CIN">CIN</a> | <a href="#CLE">CLE</a> | <a href="#DAL">DAL</a> | <a href="#DEN">DEN</a> | <a href="#DET">DET</a> | <a href="#GB">GB</a> | <a href="#HOU">HOU</a> | <a href="#IND">IND</a> | <a href="#JAX">JAX</a> | <a href="#KC">KC</a> | <a href="#LAC">LAC</a> | <a href="#LAR">LAR</a> | <a href="#LV">LV</a> | <a href="#MIA">MIA</a> | <a href="#MIN">MIN</a> | <a href="#NE">NE</a> | <a href="#NO">NO</a> | <a href="#NYG">NYG</a> | <a href="#NYJ">NYJ</a> | <a href="#PHI">PHI</a> | <a href="#PIT">PIT</a> | <a href="#SEA">SEA</a> | <a href="#SF">SF</a> | <a href="#TB">TB</a> | <a href="#TEN">TEN</a> | <a href="#WAS">WAS</a></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3><a id="KC" name="KC">1. Kansas City Chiefs (9-0)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 1</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754894/cropped_GettyImages-2172765814.jpg?ts=1731377517" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754894/w220xh124_GettyImages-2172765814.jpg?ts=1731377517 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754894/w320xh180_GettyImages-2172765814.jpg?ts=1731377517 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754894/w640xh360_GettyImages-2172765814.jpg?ts=1731377517 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754894/w768xh432_GettyImages-2172765814.jpg?ts=1731377517 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754894/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2172765814.jpg?ts=1731377517 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Kevin Sabitus / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Isiah Pacheco is nearing a return.</strong> Kansas City is 21st in rushing yards per game, and Pacheco can help take the offense to another level.</p><h3><a id="DET" name="DET">2. Detroit Lions (8-1)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 2</em></p><p><strong>The Lions can win ugly.</strong> Detroit battled through turnovers and an inefficient rushing performance to pick up its eighth win of the season against the Texans.</p><h3><a id="BAL" name="BAL">3. Baltimore Ravens (7-3)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 3</em></p><p><strong>Lamar Jackson is the MVP of the league through 10 weeks.</strong> He's playing the best football of his career, and the Ravens' offense ranks first in EPA/play and success rate.</p><h3><a id="BUF" name="BUF">4. Buffalo Bills (8-2)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 4</em></p><p><strong>Matt Milano's 21-day practice window was opened Monday.</strong> The veteran will help stabilize the linebacker position and raise the ceiling of a defense that's played well heading into Week 11.</p><h3><a id="PHI" name="PHI">5. Philadelphia Eagles (7-2)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 6</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754895/cropped_GettyImages-2182773147.jpg?ts=1731377583" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754895/w220xh124_GettyImages-2182773147.jpg?ts=1731377583 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754895/w320xh180_GettyImages-2182773147.jpg?ts=1731377583 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754895/w640xh360_GettyImages-2182773147.jpg?ts=1731377583 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754895/w768xh432_GettyImages-2182773147.jpg?ts=1731377583 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754895/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2182773147.jpg?ts=1731377583 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Mitchell Leff / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Philly's young corners are playing well.</strong> Rookies Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean haven't allowed a touchdown in coverage this season.</p><h3><a id="MIN" name="MIN">6. Minnesota Vikings (7-2)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 5</em></p><p><strong>T.J. Hockenson is back.</strong> The tight end already has over half as many receiving yards (99) in two games as Josh Oliver (182) has in nine.</p><h3><a id="GB" name="GB">7. Green Bay Packers (6-3)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 7</em></p><p><strong>Jayden Reed's emergence.</strong> The 2023 second-rounder is averaging 17.2 yards per reception and 68.9 yards per game after averaging 12.4 and 49.6, respectively, as a rookie.</p><h3><a id="PIT" name="PIT">8. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-2)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 11</em></p><p><strong>Russell Wilson has played at a high level since taking over as the starting quarterback.</strong> Wilson ranks sixth in EPA/play among 39 signal-callers who've played at least 100 snaps this season.</p><h3><a id="WAS" name="WAS">9. Washington Commanders (7-3)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 8</em></p><p><strong>Marshon Lattimore's pending debut.</strong> Adding a four-time Pro Bowler to the roster will only help down the stretch.</p><h3><a id="HOU" name="HOU">10. Houston Texans (6-4)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 10</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754460/cropped_GettyImages-2172707382.jpg?ts=1731187058" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754460/w220xh124_GettyImages-2172707382.jpg?ts=1731187058 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754460/w320xh180_GettyImages-2172707382.jpg?ts=1731187058 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754460/w640xh360_GettyImages-2172707382.jpg?ts=1731187058 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754460/w768xh432_GettyImages-2172707382.jpg?ts=1731187058 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754460/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2172707382.jpg?ts=1731187058 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Cooper Neill / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Nico Collins is set to return from a hamstring injury that sidelined him for five games.</strong> He was leading the league in receiving yards before suffering the ailment.</p><h3><a id="ARI" name="ARI">11. Arizona Cardinals (6-4)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 12</em></p><p><strong>Winning is becoming a habit.</strong> Only the Chiefs (nine), Lions (seven), Bills (five), and Eagles (five) have longer active winning streaks than the Cardinals (four).</p><h3><a id="SF" name="SF">12. San Francisco 49ers (5-4)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 13</em></p><p><strong>Christian McCaffrey tallied over 100 scrimmage yards in his return from injury.</strong> The reigning Offensive Player of the Year averaged 5.6 yards per touch in his season debut.</p><h3><a id="ATL" name="ATL">13. Atlanta Falcons (6-4)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 9</em></p><p><strong>Kirk Cousins can lead late wins.</strong> The free-agent acquisition's three fourth-quarter comebacks pace the league.</p><h3><a id="LAC" name="LAC">14. Los Angeles Chargers (6-3)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 15</em></p><p><strong>Jim Harbaugh has the Chargers in a playoff spot in his first year as head coach.</strong> Los Angeles is finding success before the new head boss can make significant roster changes.</p><h3><a id="LAR" name="LAR">15. Los Angeles Rams (4-5)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 14</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754928/cropped_GettyImages-2179760100.jpg?ts=1731384592" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754928/w220xh124_GettyImages-2179760100.jpg?ts=1731384592 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754928/w320xh180_GettyImages-2179760100.jpg?ts=1731384592 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754928/w640xh360_GettyImages-2179760100.jpg?ts=1731384592 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754928/w768xh432_GettyImages-2179760100.jpg?ts=1731384592 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754928/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2179760100.jpg?ts=1731384592 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Ric Tapia / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Jared Verse is the Defensive Rookie of the Year favorite.</strong> The first-round edge rusher has 4.5 sacks, 11 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery to lead the chase for the top defensive rookie.</p><h3><a id="DEN" name="DEN">16. Denver Broncos (5-5)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 16</em></p><p><strong>Denver is competing earlier than expected.</strong> Sean Payton has this team playing competitive football in Bo Nix's first year as a starter.</p><h3><a id="TB" name="TB">17. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-6)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 17</em></p><p><strong>Mike Evans hopes to return after the team's Week 11 bye.</strong> Baker Mayfield will appreciate having Evans back on the field as the Bucs get ready for a soft remaining schedule.</p><h3><a id="SEA" name="SEA">18. Seattle Seahawks (4-5)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 18</em></p><p><strong>The NFC West crown is still within reach.</strong> Seattle is only a few games back of the division-leading Arizona Cardinals despite sitting last in the division. </p><h3><a id="CIN" name="CIN">19. Cincinnati Bengals (4-6)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 20</em></p><p><strong>Joe Burrow is playing at an All-Pro level.</strong> He leads the league in completions, passing yards, and touchdowns heading into Week 11.</p><h3><a id="MIA" name="MIA">20. Miami Dolphins (3-6)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 23</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753302/cropped_GettyImages-2182699754.jpg?ts=1730660327" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753302/w220xh124_GettyImages-2182699754.jpg?ts=1730660327 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753302/w320xh180_GettyImages-2182699754.jpg?ts=1730660327 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753302/w640xh360_GettyImages-2182699754.jpg?ts=1730660327 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753302/w768xh432_GettyImages-2182699754.jpg?ts=1730660327 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753302/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2182699754.jpg?ts=1730660327 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Bryan M. Bennett / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Miami has the third-easiest schedule remaining in the NFL based on opponent win percentage.</strong> The Dolphins are only two games back of the Broncos, who currently own the seventh seed in the AFC.</p><h3><a id="NYJ" name="NYJ">21. New York Jets (3-7)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 19</em></p><p><strong>Garrett Wilson is fourth in receiving yards.</strong> If the Rodgers-Adams era doesn't work out, the Jets have a stud receiver for the next quarterback to work with.</p><h3><a id="NE" name="NE">22. New England Patriots (3-7)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 27</em></p><p><strong>New England's offense has looked much better with Drake Maye over the last few weeks.</strong> The 2024 third overall pick looks like he'll be the signal-caller of the future.</p><h3><a id="CHI" name="CHI">23. Chicago Bears (4-5)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 21</em></p><p><strong>Offensive changes appear imminent.</strong> Offensive coordinator Shane Waldron is likely to be fired after head coach Matt Eberflus vowed to make changes.</p><p><em>Editor's note: Waldron <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3126428" href="https://thescore.com/news/3126428">was fired</a> Tuesday morning after this article was published. </em></p><h3><a id="IND" name="IND">24. Indianapolis Colts (4-6)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 22</em></p><p><strong>Josh Downs, Alec Pierce, and Adonai Mitchell look to be a solid wide receiver trio for the future.</strong> Whoever is the starting quarterback for the Colts next season will have weapons at his disposal.</p><h3><a id="JAX" name="JAX">25. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-8)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 26</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754898/cropped_GettyImages-2182382385.jpg?ts=1731377855" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754898/w220xh124_GettyImages-2182382385.jpg?ts=1731377855 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754898/w320xh180_GettyImages-2182382385.jpg?ts=1731377855 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754898/w640xh360_GettyImages-2182382385.jpg?ts=1731377855 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754898/w768xh432_GettyImages-2182382385.jpg?ts=1731377855 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754898/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2182382385.jpg?ts=1731377855 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Jacksonville will likely fire Doug Pederson after another disappointing season.</strong> With the quarterback and other talented offensive players already in place, Jaguars fans can hope a new head coach will turn their fortunes around.</p><h3><a id="DAL" name="DAL">26. Dallas Cowboys (3-6)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 24</em></p><p><strong>Jerry Jones could finally make changes.</strong> The Cowboys owner did nothing to improve the team last offseason after claiming to be "all-in" on 2024. A season like this should force his hand.</p><h3><a id="CAR" name="CAR">27. Carolina Panthers (3-7)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 30</em></p><p><strong>Bryce Young has won some games.</strong> The Panthers have recorded back-to-back victories for the first time since the beginning of the 2021 campaign with Young under center.</p><h3><a id="NO" name="NO">28. New Orleans Saints (3-7)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 32</em></p><p><strong>The Marshon Lattimore trade.</strong> It'll be a long and painful process, but the Saints appear to have accepted that it's time to start recovering from continually trying (and failing) to extend a competitive window.</p><h3><a id="NYG" name="NYG">29. New York Giants (2-8)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 25</em></p><p><strong>The Daniel Jones era is likely nearing its conclusion.</strong> Giants fans can look forward to starting over at the game's most important position, potentially as soon as New York's next game.</p><h3><a id="CLE" name="CLE">30. Cleveland Browns (2-7)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 28</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/750772/cropped_GettyImages-2179797497.jpg?ts=1729448361" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/750772/w220xh124_GettyImages-2179797497.jpg?ts=1729448361 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/750772/w320xh180_GettyImages-2179797497.jpg?ts=1729448361 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/750772/w640xh360_GettyImages-2179797497.jpg?ts=1729448361 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/750772/w768xh432_GettyImages-2179797497.jpg?ts=1729448361 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/750772/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2179797497.jpg?ts=1729448361 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Nick Cammett / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>The Deshaun Watson era is likely over.</strong> That albatross of a contract remains, but the Browns will likely look to go in a different direction at quarterback next season with an early first-round pick.</p><h3><a id="TEN" name="TEN">31. Tennessee Titans (2-7)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 29</em></p><p><strong>Tennessee would have the third overall pick in the 2025 draft if the season ended today.</strong> The organization can select a new quarterback after the Will Levis experiment, which is trending toward being a failure.</p><h3><a id="LV" name="LV">32. Las Vegas Raiders (2-7)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: 31</em></p><p><strong>Las Vegas is in prime position to select one of the top quarterbacks in the 2025 draft.</strong> A new offensive coordinator with a young, talented signal-caller could help propel this organization to relevancy.</p>

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NFL Power Rankings - Week 11: Every team's reason for hope

Here are the top free agents this offseason broken down by position. Teams will be added once pla...

<p><em>Here are the top free agents this offseason broken down by position. Teams will be added once places sign. </em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/739026/cropped_GettyImages-2163651927.jpg?ts=1722382895" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/739026/w220xh124_GettyImages-2163651927.jpg?ts=1722382895 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/739026/w320xh180_GettyImages-2163651927.jpg?ts=1722382895 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/739026/w640xh360_GettyImages-2163651927.jpg?ts=1722382895 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/739026/w768xh432_GettyImages-2163651927.jpg?ts=1722382895 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/739026/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2163651927.jpg?ts=1722382895 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Maddie Malhotra/Boston Red Sox / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Catchers" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-iWSRk" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/iWSRk/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="977" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/554242/cropped_GettyImages-1243834243.jpg?ts=1702162727" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/554242/w220xh124_GettyImages-1243834243.jpg?ts=1702162727 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/554242/w320xh180_GettyImages-1243834243.jpg?ts=1702162727 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/554242/w640xh360_GettyImages-1243834243.jpg?ts=1702162727 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/554242/w768xh432_GettyImages-1243834243.jpg?ts=1702162727 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/554242/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1243834243.jpg?ts=1702162727 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Rob Tringali / Major League Baseball / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="First basemen" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-0nNjq" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/0nNjq/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="802" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/546219/cropped_GettyImages-1435691020.jpg?ts=1669852100" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/546219/w220xh124_GettyImages-1435691020.jpg?ts=1669852100 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/546219/w320xh180_GettyImages-1435691020.jpg?ts=1669852100 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/546219/w640xh360_GettyImages-1435691020.jpg?ts=1669852100 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/546219/w768xh432_GettyImages-1435691020.jpg?ts=1669852100 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/546219/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1435691020.jpg?ts=1669852100 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Elsa / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Second basemen" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-NwKfU" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/NwKfU/3/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="582" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/604766/cropped_GettyImages-1741633993.jpg?ts=1701733990" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/604766/w220xh124_GettyImages-1741633993.jpg?ts=1701733990 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/604766/w320xh180_GettyImages-1741633993.jpg?ts=1701733990 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/604766/w640xh360_GettyImages-1741633993.jpg?ts=1701733990 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/604766/w768xh432_GettyImages-1741633993.jpg?ts=1701733990 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/604766/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1741633993.jpg?ts=1701733990 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Daniel Shirey / Major League Baseball / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Third basemen" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-OlQxH" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/OlQxH/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="494" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/615151/cropped_GettyImages-1711460217.jpg?ts=1707142993" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/615151/w220xh124_GettyImages-1711460217.jpg?ts=1707142993 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/615151/w320xh180_GettyImages-1711460217.jpg?ts=1707142993 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/615151/w640xh360_GettyImages-1711460217.jpg?ts=1707142993 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/615151/w768xh432_GettyImages-1711460217.jpg?ts=1707142993 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/615151/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1711460217.jpg?ts=1707142993 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">John Fisher / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Shortstop" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-ajbco" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/ajbco/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="362" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/750708/cropped_GettyImages-2179680750.jpg?ts=1729711616" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/750708/w220xh124_GettyImages-2179680750.jpg?ts=1729711616 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/750708/w320xh180_GettyImages-2179680750.jpg?ts=1729711616 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/750708/w640xh360_GettyImages-2179680750.jpg?ts=1729711616 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/750708/w768xh432_GettyImages-2179680750.jpg?ts=1729711616 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/750708/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2179680750.jpg?ts=1729711616 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Maddie Meyer / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Outfielders" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-lIdDJ" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/lIdDJ/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="1214" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/739782/cropped_GettyImages-2164850969.jpg?ts=1722805550" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/739782/w220xh124_GettyImages-2164850969.jpg?ts=1722805550 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/739782/w320xh180_GettyImages-2164850969.jpg?ts=1722805550 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/739782/w640xh360_GettyImages-2164850969.jpg?ts=1722805550 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/739782/w768xh432_GettyImages-2164850969.jpg?ts=1722805550 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/739782/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2164850969.jpg?ts=1722805550 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Justin Berl / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Designated hitter" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-Gn6Hm" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Gn6Hm/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="241" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/631540/cropped_GettyImages-2155463402.jpg?ts=1717550931" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/631540/w220xh124_GettyImages-2155463402.jpg?ts=1717550931 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/631540/w320xh180_GettyImages-2155463402.jpg?ts=1717550931 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/631540/w640xh360_GettyImages-2155463402.jpg?ts=1717550931 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/631540/w768xh432_GettyImages-2155463402.jpg?ts=1717550931 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/631540/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2155463402.jpg?ts=1717550931 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Mark Blinch / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Starting pitcher" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-F0FcB" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/F0FcB/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="1225" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/750059/cropped_GettyImages-2177169554.jpg?ts=1729023241" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/750059/w220xh124_GettyImages-2177169554.jpg?ts=1729023241 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/750059/w320xh180_GettyImages-2177169554.jpg?ts=1729023241 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/750059/w640xh360_GettyImages-2177169554.jpg?ts=1729023241 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/750059/w768xh432_GettyImages-2177169554.jpg?ts=1729023241 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/750059/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2177169554.jpg?ts=1729023241 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Orlando Ramirez / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Relief pitcher" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-Gbaky" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Gbaky/11/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="1424" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure>

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - MARCH 28: Corbin Burnes #39 of the Baltimore Orioles pitches in the third inning against the Los Angeles Angels on Opening Day at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on March 28, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland.

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Top MLB free agents at each position

NBA Power Rankings are selected by a panel of theScore's basketball editors.  With two weeks of r...

<p><em>NBA Power Rankings are selected by a panel of theScore's basketball editors.</em></p><p><em>With two weeks of regular-season hoops in the rearview, we're jumping to conclusions with one overreaction for every team. Get ready for some hot takes.</em></p><p><strong>Jump to:</strong><br><a href="#ATL">ATL</a> | <a href="#BKN">BKN</a> | <a href="#BOS">BOS</a> | <a href="#CHA">CHA</a> | <a href="#CHI">CHI</a> | <a href="#CLE">CLE</a> | <a href="#DAL">DAL</a> | <a href="#DEN">DEN</a> | <a href="#DET">DET</a> | <a href="#GSW">GSW</a> | <a href="#HOU">HOU</a> | <a href="#IND">IND</a> | <a href="#LAC">LAC</a> | <a href="#LAL">LAL</a> | <a href="#MEM">MEM</a> | <a href="#MIA">MIA</a> | <a href="#MIL">MIL</a> | <a href="#MIN">MIN</a> | <a href="#NOP">NOP</a> | <a href="#NYK">NYK</a> | <a href="#OKC">OKC</a> | <a href="#ORL">ORL</a> | <a href="#PHI">PHI</a> | <a href="#PHX">PHX</a> | <a href="#POR">POR</a> | <a href="#SAC">SAC</a> | <a href="#SAS">SAS</a> | <a href="#TOR">TOR</a> | <a href="#UTA">UTA</a> | <a href="#WAS">WAS</a></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3><a id="OKC" name="OKC">1. Oklahoma City Thunder (7-0)</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753705/cropped_GettyImages-2182347478.jpg?ts=1730823003" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753705/w220xh124_GettyImages-2182347478.jpg?ts=1730823003 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753705/w320xh180_GettyImages-2182347478.jpg?ts=1730823003 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753705/w640xh360_GettyImages-2182347478.jpg?ts=1730823003 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753705/w768xh432_GettyImages-2182347478.jpg?ts=1730823003 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753705/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2182347478.jpg?ts=1730823003 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Zach Beeker / National Basketball Association / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><em>Previous rank: </em>2</p><p><strong>Send Isaiah Hartenstein back to NYC:</strong> OKC is rolling without the free-agent addition, dominating teams with depth and youth. Maybe the Thunder didn't need to sign him; they're 12th in rebounds per game.</p><h3><a id="BOS" name="BOS">2. Boston Celtics (7-1)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: </em>1</p><p><strong>Boston is going to repeat:</strong> The Celtics have looked nearly unstoppable with their scorching 3-point shooting, deep bench, and Jayson Tatum playing the best basketball of his career. Call this one a tepid take.</p><h3><a id="CLE" name="CLE">3. Cleveland Cavaliers (8-0)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: </em>12</p><p><strong>Donovan Mitchell is a legit MVP candidate: </strong>Spida has guided the Cavaliers to the best record in the East, and he's shooting the lights out with career-best returns from the field (48%) and beyond the arc (40%).</p><h3><a id="PHX" name="PHX">4. Phoenix Suns (6-1)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: </em>7</p><p><strong>Give KD 40 shots a night:</strong> Phoenix can't go wrong by trusting Kevin Durant. He didn't just save the Suns in the fourth versus the 76ers on Monday, he shot a ludicrous 14-of-20 (70%) all game. He deserves double the attempts.</p><h3><a id="GSW" name="GSW">5. Golden State Warriors (6-1)</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753706/cropped_GettyImages-2182977391.jpg?ts=1730823054" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753706/w220xh124_GettyImages-2182977391.jpg?ts=1730823054 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753706/w320xh180_GettyImages-2182977391.jpg?ts=1730823054 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753706/w640xh360_GettyImages-2182977391.jpg?ts=1730823054 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753706/w768xh432_GettyImages-2182977391.jpg?ts=1730823054 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753706/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2182977391.jpg?ts=1730823054 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Tim Warner / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><em>Previous rank: </em>16</p><p><strong>Buddy Hield is better than Klay:</strong> The Warriors have begun this season 6-1, but instead of a Splash Brother, they've got a Splash Buddy. Hield is averaging 21.9 points per game and shooting 50% from beyond the arc.</p><h3><a id="DAL" name="DAL">6. Dallas Mavericks (4-3)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: </em>6</p><p><strong>Klay completes the puzzle:</strong> The Mavericks hit a home run with the acquisition of Thompson, who's averaging 14.7 points and cashing 39% from deep. His shooting and experience should help Dallas make a push.</p><h3><a id="NYK" name="NYK">7. New York Knicks (3-3)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: </em>3</p><p><strong>The rim defense stinks:</strong> Karl-Anthony Towns is the only Knicks big man who gets any meaningful minutes, so it's probably not ideal that he has a 2.2% block rate or that opponents are shooting 79.6% at the rim against him.</p><h3><a id="LAL" name="LAL">8. Los Angeles Lakers (4-3)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: </em>17</p><p><strong>JJ Redick is the answer:</strong> Redick seems to be the coach that will take the Lakers to the next level. Between his play-calling and making Anthony Davvis the focal point of the offense, L.A. should be back in contention despite a roster with many holes.</p><h3><a id="MEM" name="MEM">9. Memphis Grizzlies (4-4)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: </em>11</p><p><strong>Jay Huff's the real deal:</strong> The fourth-year center out of Virginia has been a pleasant surprise, providing some low-post scoring, floor spacing, and shot-blocking off the bench for the Grizzlies. He's also had a few nasty dunks.</p><h3><a id="MIN" name="MIN">10. Minnesota Timberwolves (4-3)</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753707/cropped_GettyImages-2181833312.jpg?ts=1730823076" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753707/w220xh124_GettyImages-2181833312.jpg?ts=1730823076 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753707/w320xh180_GettyImages-2181833312.jpg?ts=1730823076 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753707/w640xh360_GettyImages-2181833312.jpg?ts=1730823076 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753707/w768xh432_GettyImages-2181833312.jpg?ts=1730823076 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753707/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2181833312.jpg?ts=1730823076 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">David Berding / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><em>Previous rank: </em>8</p><p><strong>Mike Conley is over the hill:</strong> The history of small guards pushing 40 is not promising. Conley, 37, is off to a horrific start, averaging a career-low 7.9 points while shooting just 30<strong>%</strong> from the field. No, that number isn't a typo.</p><h3><a id="ORL" name="ORL">11. Orlando Magic (3-5)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: </em>13</p><p><strong>Magic are trash without Paolo Banchero:</strong> After starting the campaign 3-2, the Magic have gone 0-3 since Banchero suffered a torn oblique. Breaking news: Orlando needs its star to take the next leap as a team.</p><h3><a id="SAC" name="SAC">12. Sacramento Kings (4-3)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: </em>18</p><p><strong>Keegan Murray has peaked:</strong> The Iowa product has been a great complementary piece for the Kings, providing an efficient floor-spacing threat. But he may never be more than that. And that's fine.</p><h3><a id="DEN" name="DEN">13. Denver Nuggets (4-3)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: </em>4</p><p><strong>Denver needs to trade Jamal Murray:</strong> Shooting just 37%, Murray hasn't looked like the $208-million star the Nuggets need. Nikola Jokic called out the team's lack of outside threats, and a Murray deal is their best chance to improve the roster.</p><h3><a id="HOU" name="HOU">14. Houston Rockets (4-3)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: </em>21</p><p><strong>Pump the brakes on Reed Sheppard:</strong> A preseason Rookie of the Year pick, Sheppard is averaging a scant 3.1 points on 9.3 minutes per game for a Rockets team blessed with heaps of young talent. Early days, but still.</p><h3><a id="IND" name="IND">15. Indiana Pacers (3-4)</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751774/cropped_GettyImages-2181068562.jpg?ts=1730823126" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751774/w220xh124_GettyImages-2181068562.jpg?ts=1730823126 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751774/w320xh180_GettyImages-2181068562.jpg?ts=1730823126 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751774/w640xh360_GettyImages-2181068562.jpg?ts=1730823126 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751774/w768xh432_GettyImages-2181068562.jpg?ts=1730823126 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/751774/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2181068562.jpg?ts=1730823126 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Elsa / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><em>Previous rank: </em>9</p><p><strong>Tyrese Haliburton needs an intervention: </strong>After garnering early-season MVP chatter a season ago, Haliburton's numbers are down. He's shooting 38.2% from the field and put up zero points versus the Knicks.</p><h3><a id="MIA" name="MIA">16. Miami Heat (3-3)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: </em>15</p><p><strong>Jimmy Butler's washed:</strong> The Heat star's scoring is on pace to drop for the second straight season. Butler's 3-point percentage and free-throw percentage have also both dramatically decreased from the year prior. Yikes.</p><h3><a id="NOP" name="NOP">17. New Orleans Pelicans (3-5)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: </em>14</p><p><strong>Fall injuries will cost Pels in spring:</strong> Eight games in, the Pelicans are already down four rotation players: Dejounte Murray, CJ McCollum, Herb Jones, and Trey Murphy. When New Orleans misses the playoffs, this stretch will be why.</p><h3><a id="SAS" name="SAS">18. San Antonio Spurs (3-4)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: </em>20</p><p><strong>Don't feed Wemby outside the paint:</strong> Victor Wembanyama is effectively unstoppable around the rim, but his field-goal percentage craters beyond 16 feet. The solution? Ignore the 7-foot-3 phenom until he improves.</p><h3><a id="ATL" name="ATL">19. Atlanta Hawks (3-5)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: </em>23</p><p><strong>The Trae Young era is over:</strong> The Hawks guard is averaging 23.9 points and is once again leading the league in assists, yet the club is still hovering around .500. He's taken Atlanta as far as possible and it's time to move on.</p><h3><a id="LAC" name="LAC">20. Los Angeles Clippers (3-4)</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753708/cropped_GettyImages-2180668025.jpg?ts=1730823288" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753708/w220xh124_GettyImages-2180668025.jpg?ts=1730823288 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753708/w320xh180_GettyImages-2180668025.jpg?ts=1730823288 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753708/w640xh360_GettyImages-2180668025.jpg?ts=1730823288 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753708/w768xh432_GettyImages-2180668025.jpg?ts=1730823288 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/753708/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2180668025.jpg?ts=1730823288 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Harry How / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><em>Previous rank: </em>19</p><p><strong>Move back home:</strong> Until finally beating the Spurs on Monday, the Clippers were 0-4 in games at their brand-new Intuit Dome. The obvious remedy is to reunite as roomies with the Lakers until they're ready to move out again.</p><h3><a id="BKN" name="BKN">21. Brooklyn Nets (4-4)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: </em>29</p><p><strong>Cam Thomas will win scoring title:</strong> The Nets' No. 1 option has always been labeled a "microwave scorer". Brooklyn doesn't have many (or any) offensive weapons outside of Thomas, so he should continue to get the green light.</p><h3><a id="CHI" name="CHI">22. Chicago Bulls (3-4)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: </em>22</p><p><strong>Treys or bust in the Windy City:</strong> The Bulls have stumbled into a 3-4 record with some absurd shooting performances. Only the Celtics are making more triples than the Bulls' 16.4 per game.</p><h3><a id="DET" name="DET">23. Detroit Pistons (3-5)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: </em>28</p><p><strong>Jaden Ivey will be MIP:</strong> Ivey's sophomore season left people questioning his skills, but he is changing that discourse. He's averaging a career-high 19.6 points while shooting 47% from the field and 39% from three.</p><h3><a id="TOR" name="TOR">24. Toronto Raptors (2-6)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: </em>24</p><p><strong>RJ Barrett is an All-Star:</strong> The Canadian wing looks like an entirely different player to begin his first full season in his hometown, making noticeable strides not just as a scorer but as a facilitator, too. He's on pace for his first All-Star nod.</p><h3><a id="PHI" name="PHI">25. Philadelphia 76ers (1-5)</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/752291/cropped_GettyImages-2179743378.jpg?ts=1730823355" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/752291/w220xh124_GettyImages-2179743378.jpg?ts=1730823355 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/752291/w320xh180_GettyImages-2179743378.jpg?ts=1730823355 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/752291/w640xh360_GettyImages-2179743378.jpg?ts=1730823355 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/752291/w768xh432_GettyImages-2179743378.jpg?ts=1730823355 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/752291/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2179743378.jpg?ts=1730823355 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Mitchell Leff / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><em>Previous rank: </em>5</p><p><strong>Season's over, see y'all next year:</strong> Despite getting Paul George back against the Suns, the 76ers dropped to 1-5, and there's still no sign that Joel Embiid is close to returning. Call it a day and regroup next October.</p><h3><a id="MIL" name="MIL">26. Milwaukee Bucks (1-6)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: </em>10</p><p><strong>Trade Giannis now:</strong> The Bucks sit at the bottom of the East and show no signs of improving. Giannis Antetokounmpo, 29, wants to compete in the prime of his career. (Milwaukee won't do this, but imagine if it did.)</p><h3><a id="CHA" name="CHA">27. Charlotte Hornets (2-5)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: </em>25</p><p><strong>LaMelo Ball is a liability:</strong> When he's on the court, Ball is putting up video game numbers. The problem is that he can't stay on the floor in crunch time - he fouled out of three of his first seven contests.</p><h3><a id="POR" name="POR">28. Portland Trail Blazers (3-5)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: </em>26</p><p><strong>Why isn't Scoot Henderson starting? </strong>The Blazers are starting a bigger lineup to begin the season and bringing the former No. 3 pick off the bench. With no chance of being a good team, why is Portland limiting his minutes?</p><h3><a id="WAS" name="WAS">29. Washington Wizards (2-4)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: </em>30</p><p><strong>Alex Sarr is a bust:</strong> Six games into his career, the French big is looking like a terrible draft choice at second overall. Sarr is averaging 9.8 points, seven boards, and shooting just 36.2% as a 7-footer.</p><h3><a id="UTA" name="UTA">30. Utah Jazz (1-6)</a></h3><p><em>Previous rank: </em>27</p><p><strong>Lauri Markkanen's contract was a mistake:</strong> The Jazz are atrocious, and the Spurs, Warriors, Kings, and Heat were reportedly interested in the Finnish sniper before he signed his new deal. Now he can't be moved this season.</p>

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NBA Power Rankings: Early overreactions for every team

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