In 2025, the Vikings finished 9-8 and third in the NFC North, but they carry plenty of momentum into 2026 after ending the season on a five-game winning streak. After losing Sam Darnold to the Seahawks last offseason, Minnesota stumbled to a 4-8 start as instability and injuries at quarterback derailed the offense. The big question entering 2026 is which version of the Vikings will show up: the team that struggled through the first three months of the season, or the one that caught fire and closed the year with five straight victories. Let's take a look at the Vikings' over/under win total odds for the 2026 NFL season. This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports. Minnesota Vikings Over 8.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)Under 8.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total) What to know: The Vikings were carried by their defense in 2025. Under coordinator Brian Flores, Minnesota allowed just 19.6 points per game, ranking seventh in the NFL, while finishing third in Defensive DVOA. The offense, meanwhile, struggled throughout the season. The Vikings ranked 28th in total offense (275.0 yards per game) and 26th in scoring (20.2 points per game), creating a stark contrast between one of the league's top defenses and one of its least productive offenses. Looking to improve its offense, Minnesota signed Kyler Murray in free agency. Murray and J.J. McCarthy are currently competing for the starting quarterback job in training camp, with head coach Kevin O'Connell splitting first-team reps and yet to name a starter. Odds: This upcoming season, Minnesota is the +510 fourth choice to win the NFC North, the +2400 10th choice to win the NFC and the +5000 20th choice to win the Super Bowl.

Arsenal have reached an agreement with Newcastle United for the transfer of captain Bruno Guimares after raising their bid to 90m plus add-ons. The Brazilian midfielder has already agreed personal terms on a long-term contract and requested a delay in his pre-season travel to finalize the high-profile move. Gunners close in on Guimaraes agreement Arsenal are on the verge of completing a blockbuster deal for Newcastle midfielder Guimaraes, as per L'Equipe. After seeing initial offers of 70m and 80m turned down by the Magpies, the Gunners raised their proposal to a base fee of 90m plus performance-related bonuses. The 28-year-old Brazil international has already agreed personal terms on a long-term contract running until 2031. He has been eager to complete a dream switch to North London for over a month to feature in Mikel Arteta's midfield. Midfielder delays travel as move nears According to talkSPORT, Guimaraes has asked Newcastle to delay his departure for their pre-season training camp in La Manga to allow the transfer to be finalised. Although Newcastle maintain his schedule was always flexible following the World Cup, sources close to the player confirm his travel plans were shifted to complete the move. The midfielder informed the club hierarchy and former manager Eddie Howe of his desire to leave St James' Park to play Champions League football. With Newcastle failing to qualify for Europe's top competition, the Brazilian captain made his intention to seek a new challenge clear. Newcastle rebuild amid major squad exodus Guimaraes' imminent departure represents another severe blow for Newcastle during a summer of unprecedented squad turnover. The Magpies have already sanctioned high-profile departures for Sandro Tonali to Tottenham Hotspur and Anthony Gordon to Barcelona, while manager Eddie Howe recently stepped down. Newcastle anticipated the Brazilian's exit by completing the signing of Aladji Bamba from Monaco earlier this summer. Meanwhile, Guimaraes' former club Lyon are monitoring negotiations closely, as a 20 per cent sell-on clause will net the French side over 8m from the final fee. The Magpies faces rebuild as Arsenal await Newcastle now faces a major rebuilding job with a heavily depleted squad ahead of the new campaign. The Magpies must swiftly integrate new signings and reshape his midfield options following the loss of key leaders. With final details regarding bonus structures and agent fees nearing completion, Arsenal expect to wrap up the transfer in the coming days. Guimaraes will then undergo his medical examination before joining up with his new team-mates at the Emirates Stadium.

Bob Chesney to set foundation for immediate UCLA football future originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Taking the podium at Big Ten Media Days, UCLA head coach Bob Chesney expressed immense pride in representing the historic Bruins program as he prepares for his debut season in Westwood. Acknowledging his rise from the East Coast ranks, Chesney praised the unwavering belief shown by athletic director Martin Jarmond and Chancellor Frank.Stepping into a massive roster overhaul, Chesney detailed an unprecedented transition involving 63 new players, including 45 transfers who arrived during a compressed window due to the university's quarter system.A foundational priority upon taking the job was securing the return of star quarterback Nico Iamaleava, about whom Chesney noted, "He did not want to go anywhere. This is where he wanted to be, to play"Chesney praised Iamaleava's subsequent leadership growth, noting that the quarterback was unanimously voted to the top of the team's leadership council.Accompanied in Chicago by Iamaleava, safety Cole Martin, and Oklahoma transfer linebacker Sammy Omosigho, Chesney outlined his overarching philosophy for the program.MORE:College football rankings post-spring Top 25Rejecting artificial win-loss limitations, Chesney stated that success in year one is defined by daily discipline, relentless urgency, and comprehensive growth, declaring, "I want to lead the nation in development. That's what I want for this team. I want to lead the nation in them being able to develop not only on the field but also off the field."Chesney also discussed logistical preparations for navigating grueling cross-country travel across multiple time zones, noting that he consulted NFL coaching minds like Sean McVay to optimize travel schedules.With a culture rooted in continuity from his previous stops and a renewed commitment to open practices and community engagement, Chesney made it clear that UCLA is ready to make noise in the Big Ten.MORE:Why the College Football Playoff field should expand to 16More Big Ten newsIllinois 2026 football scheduleMichigan 2026 football scheduleOhio State 2026 football scheduleIndiana 2026 football schedule

The New York Yankees (61-48) head to the North Side on Friday to open a three-game weekend series with the Chicago Cubs (62-47) at Wrigley Field for the final stop on their 10-game road trip.Jul 29, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; New York Yankees designated hitter Ben Rice (22) hits a double against the Chicago White Sox during the first inning at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn ImagesHow to Watch New York Yankees vs Chicago CubsDate: Friday, July 31, 2026Time: 2:00 PM ETChannel: Marquee Sports Network, MLB Network, YES NetworkStream: Fubo (TRY FOR FREE)Chicago returns home after taking three of four from the St. Louis Cardinals, clinching the series on Thursday with a 4-2 win in 10 innings. Alex Bregman, whose heads-up baserunning led to the Cubs first run in the fourth inning, drove in the go-ahead run with a double in the 10th and Ian Happ added an RBI double for an insurance run. Bregman scored from second base in the fourth on a fly-ball out by Happ and Michael Busch singled home a run in the seventh.The Yankees settled for a split with the Chicago White Sox after losing 2-1 in 11 innings on Thursday, their second straight walk-off loss. Ryan Weathers allowed three hits in seven scoreless innings but took a no-decision. New York took a 1-0 lead in the top of the 10th when Trent Grisham singled home a run before the White Sox tied the game in the bottom of the frame and won it with a bases-loaded walk in the 11th.Left-hander Shota Imanaga (7-8) opens the series for the Cubs, entering with a 3.72 ERA and 1.099 WHIP in 21 starts and 121 innings. New York gives the ball to right-hander Will Warren (7-5), who comes in with a 4.41 ERA and 1.412 WHIP in 102 innings over 21 appearances and 20 starts.Live stream New York Yankees vs Chicago Cubs on Fubo: Start your free trial now!With Fubo, you can watch live television without cable on your phone, TV, or tablet. Fubo carries a wide array of sports and entertainment channels, including local sports packages and top national channels like ABC, FOX, CBS, ESPN, FS1, MTV, Comedy Central, and much more. The best part is you can try it out today for free.Regional restrictions may apply. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation.

Chelsea winger Hendle joins Rangers on loanChelseas teenage winger Eva Hendle has joined Scottish Womens Premier League club Rangers on loan for the 2026/2027 season.The Blues announced news of the arrangement via a post on their official club website earlier today.The 18-year-old joined Chelseas academy six years ago and she has successfully negotiated her way towards the senior team. Hendle is yet to make a competitive appearance for The Blues at first team level but she has represented the club in pre-season games.On the international stage, Hendle has represented England at various youth levels up to and including Under-20 level.Speaking to Rangers official media team after joining the club on loan, Hendle said I am really excited; it is a huge club with a great history, and I am buzzing to be a part of it.I was shocked; it happened quite quickly. I had a call with Donald [Gillies] and Leanne [Crichton], and it was all really positive, and I just had a good gut feeling about it, and I went with it, and it has been good so far.Prior to completing her loan move to Rangers, Hendle signed her first professional contract with Chelsea. The player has signed a two-year deal with the South West Londoners.

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - JULY 25: Jackson Holliday #7 of the Baltimore Orioles prepares for a pitch during a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on July 25, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) | Getty ImagesWhats the definition of not going well? How about playing a series against a team that came in on a 12-game losing streak, and getting swept? The series against the Marlins showed that its not just one thing plaguing the Phillies at the moment, its everything. Each loss came in a different fashion, with the one common thread being poor defense.Next, the Phillies will travel to Baltimore to take on an Orioles team that theoretically should provide some opportunities for victories. However, considering how poorly the team has played since the All-Star Game, any future opponents could say the same thing.Opposition research: Jackson HollidayJackson Holliday was a cant miss prospect. The son of a former All-Star and first overall pick of the 2022 draft, Holliday was rated as the top prospect in baseball prior to the 2024 season. When he was called up to the majors in April of that year, it was expected that the middle infielder would become an instant star.For every Phillies fan who complains that the team is too slow to promote their young players, just remember that not every prospect, no matter how touted they are, is going to be succeed immediately upon reaching the majors. Holliday struggled so much that the team quickly demoted him. (For the fans who want to trade every prospect, this is some ammunition for your case.)Jackson Holliday has a negative war. Dare I say bust??? pic.twitter.com/GWemsLeFaM nick (@nickfilaa) April 16, 2024He returned to the majors at the end of July that year, and while he wasnt awful, he certainly didnt look anything like the star that was promised. 2025 was slightly better as he hit 17 home runs, but his defense was subpar and his OPS was only .690.His 2026 season got off to a poor start when he suffered a fractured hamate bone in February that required surgery and delayed the start of his season to mid-May. He started slowly after returning and was batting .200 at the end of June. However, hes had an excellent month of July so far.Jackson July Holliday!Cutting your strikeout rate nearly in half while boosting your wRC+ by 99 points in just 30 days is absurd.June:.179/.253/.373 (.626 OPS)9.3% BB | 30.7% K-2.7 wRAA73 wRC+July:.370/.500/.426 (.926 OPS)21.4% BB | 15.7% K5.6 wRAA172 wRC+ pic.twitter.com/55tVUwxXwv Jason Moore (@mooformoore5) July 30, 2026At age 22, its far too early to write off Hollidays chances of living up to the hype. Hes so talented that it seems like its only a matter of time before he becomes a consistently good player.There have also been rumors that hes on the trade block, but I dont understand how that makes sense. The Orioles shouldnt be buyers, and giving up on a top prospect at age 22 feels insane.Hating on the OriolesI attended one of the Orioles games in Philadelphia last year, and I taunted one of my friends who is an Orioles fan that their team was getting wrecked by Taijuan Walker and Max Kepler. (For some odd reason, Kepler did very well whenever I was in attendance. Obviously, I didnt attend nearly enough games last year.) He said that was pretty much par for the course.The Orioles hoped that after a playoff appearance in 2024, last years down season was just a temporary setback. But it seems like 2025 is far more representative of the state of the franchise since they are currently mired in fourth place and dont appear to be headed back to the postseason.The Orioles roster isnt all that impressive with both the pitching staff and offense being mediocre at best. Two years ago, Gunnar Henderson looked like a real contender for the unofficial title of best shortstop in baseball but hes got a sub-.300 on-base percentage this season. Adley Rutschman hasnt built upon his promising first two seasons. Taylor Ward walks a lot, but he wont come close to approaching the 36 home runs he hit last year. Their best hitter has been free agent import Pete Alonso, but hes signed for four more years, and theres little chance that contract doesnt feel like an albatross by the end.Pete Alonso's #Orioles ContractSigning Bonus: $12.5M2026: $18.5M2027: $31M2028: $31M2029: $31M2030: $31MAlonso also secures an annual 8-team no trade clause, as well as various award bonuses. Spotrac (@spotrac) January 21, 2026The Orioles as a franchise are a lot like the Cincinnati Reds in that they were a powerhouse in the 70s and early 80s and havent really done much of note since then. The closest thing theyve had to relevance since then is when a young fan deflected a ball into the stands for a home run.Today In 1996: 12-year-old Jeffrey Maier causes an uproar when he reaches over the wall and turns Derek Jeter's fly ball into a HR in Game 1 of the ALCS at Yankee Stadium! #MLB#Yankees#Orioles#Postseasonpic.twitter.com/DcPpdpO2h5 Baseball by BSmile (@BSmile) October 9, 2023After sweeping the Tigers in the 2014 NLDS, theyve lost ten straight playoff games. Youd think they could luck their way into at least one playoff win in 12 years, but apparently not.TriviaLast weeks answer: Granny Hamner batted .429 in the 1950 World Series. dirkniblick was correct.This weeks question: In the 1983 World Series between the Phillies and Orioles, who was the only Phillie to hit more than one home run?Additional thought about the seriesIve been out of the country for a few days, and for whatever reason, the Phillies play awful baseball whenever I leave the United States. (I watched game six of the 2022 World Series in Cancun.) I return on Saturday night, so if youre the type who likes to bet on the Phillies to win, Sunday might be your play.As for the other games, considering the funk the Phillies are mired in, its tough to have much confidence. This core has gone through similar stretches in recent seasons, and eventually come out of it, so I dont think this is a permanently broken team or anything. But until they do emerge, maybe everyone should do themselves a favor and take a vacation of their own.

Detroit The highest-ranked player at the Rocket Classic went low on Friday.Cameron Young, No. 3 in the Official World Golf Ranking, came out blazing in the second round and shot a 9-under 61 to tie the course record and vault to the top of the leaderboard halfway through the final playing of the PGA Tour tournament at Detroit Golf Club.Young opened with a first-nine 28, or 7 under, on the strength of six birdies in a row at one point. He even birdied the long, tough, par-4 17th, which yielded only five birdies in Round 1. Already a member of the exclusive 59 Club, he had thoughts of a double dip there until he grinded his way through the second nine, before rolling in a 20-footer for one more birdie at the par-4 eighth hole.Young missed a 17-footer for birdie on his last hole, but it still was a clean, bogey-free card and Young, 29, who already has won twice this season including at The Players Championship, was at 10 under at the halfway point of the tournament. He was one shot ahead of first-round leader Peter Malnati. More: The News' tee-to-green coverage of final Rocket Classic, right hereMatt Wallace joined Malnati at 9 under, after a second-round 64.Former U.S. Open champ J.J. Spaun was at 6 under and four shots back of the lead after a second straight 67, though it could've been better Friday. His round hit a big old pothole (hey, it happens 'round here) with a double-bogey at the par-4 first hole, his 10th of the day.Peter Malnati, who shot his course record-tying 9-under 61 to start the Rocket, teed off Friday afternoon. Fan favorite and 2023 Rocket champ Rickie Fowler, who opened with 63, also had an afternoon tee time.Young and Malnati tied the course record by total shots (61). Jake Knapp set the record with his 61 in 2025, though that round was 11 under on a par-72 layout, before two par-5s were converted to par-4s this year for a par-70.Check back to detroitnews.com throughout the day for complete coverage of the Rocket Classic.tpaul@detroitnews.com@tonypaul1984This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Highest-ranked player at Rocket Classic goes super-low in Round 2

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BOSTON, MA - JULY 25: Pitcher Dylan Cease #84 of the Toronto Blue Jays gets a hug from Vladimir Guerrero Jr. #27 after the final out of his complete game one hitter in their 6-0 win over the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on July 25, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images) | Getty ImagesO, Canada. The St. Louis Cardinals have crossed the border in search of some badly-needed momentum and Toronto just might be a great place to find it as the Blue Jays are reeling. But, if you look at both teams on paper, the Cardinals will need to find their A-game to win the series against the Blue Jays. Here are the scheduled pitching matchups according to MLB.com:Friday night Kyle Leahy vs Dylan CeaseSaturday afternoon Quinn Matthews vs Kevin GausmanSunday afternoon Michael McGreevy vs Max ScherzerIts no secret that Dylan Cease is an all-star with a 7-5 win-loss record and a 2.46 ERA. His last 7 games hes 4-2 and his last outing was a complete game win against Boston on July 25. Kevin Gausman, on the other hand, is struggling. Hes 4-10 overall and 0-6 in his last half dozen starts. His ERA is a hefty 4.51 and his last start was a loss against the Red Sox where he pitched 6 innings and gave up 3 runs. The Max Scherzer of 2026 is not the Max Scherzer of past seasons. Max is 1-4 with a stratospheric 9.49 ERA. Hes 0-2 in his last 3 starts with his last outing being a start where he didnt make it past the 3rd inning. Who are the Toronto Blue Jays players to watch?Vladimir Guerrero Jr. left Tuesdays game versus the Washington Nationals with hamstring tightness. Even when in the lineup, he has not been the same player weve come to know over the years as hes batting .265 with just 6 home runs and none in his home ballpark. Kazuma Okamoto leads the Blue Jays with 24 home runs, 68 RBIs and an average of .231. George Springer has 12 home runs with just 34 RBIs and a slug of .403. Second baseman Ernie Clement is tops for the Blue Jays in batting average as hes hitting .294 as of today. He also has 8 home runs and 35 RBIs. Centerfielder Daulton Varsho has 7 home runs, 26 RBIs and a batting average of just .247. The Toronto Blue Jays are in the cellar of the American League East 14.5 games back of the Tampa Bay Rays and 5.5 games back in the Wild Card with 5 other teams between them and the final WC spot. Theyve lost 6 of their last 10 games and their clubhouse is showing the strain of underperformance. Veteran pitcher Kevin Gausman noted on the Deep Left Field podcast that the team is not nearly as close-knit as they were last year. All-Star Ernie Clement pointed out that the team sorely misses the intangible leadership and personality traits of players that left like Bo Bichette and Chris Bassitt.This weekends series against the Blue Jays should be an opportunity for the St. Louis Cardinals to find some positive momentum, but the trade deadline looms. How many on the Cardinals roster will make the trip to New York once the Toronto series is done? Well find out soon enough.

MADRID, SPAIN - JULY 31: Carlos Esp player of Real Madrid is training at Ciudad Real Madrid on July 31, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Helios de la Rubia/Real Madrid via Getty Images) | Real Madrid via Getty ImagesCarlos Esp described his first day as a Real Madrid player as an unforgettable experience after taking part in his opening training session. Speaking to Realmadrid TV afterward, the striker admitted that the move had unfolded faster than expected, but said he was delighted to begin this chapter.Esp explained that joining Real Madrid created a feeling difficult to put into words. He added that he is determined to work hard, make the most of every opportunity, and give everything for the badge.The forward was impressed by the reception he received from his teammates and coaching staff. He said everyone had treated him warmly and helped him feel comfortable from the moment he arrived. The clubs attention to detail and the quality of the training facilities also stood out during his first day.Training alongside Real Madrids senior players was another special moment for Esp. He praised the support shown by the squad and staff throughout the session.In every opportunity I get, Im going to give my all. Im a target player who likes to be in the box to be ready for any chance. And most importantly, I will give my all forReal Madridand repay the trust the coach places in me, he said, describing his style of play.