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Week 6 NFL Preview & Capsules

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Photo Cred: USA Today

NEW YORK — Oct. 13, 2026 — This season, 24 games have featured a game-winning score in the final five minutes of the fourth quarter or in overtime, tied for the third-most such games through Week 5 in NFL history. Three teams – Kansas City (4-0), Minnesota (5-0, Week 6 bye) and San Francisco (5-0) – remain undefeated while eight teams that missed the postseason in 2025 have a winning record through the first five weeks.

For Week 6 capsules, click here.

Here’s a look at a few interesting storylines entering Week 6:

  • Washington (1-3-1) at San Francisco (5-0) (Monday night, 8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN/ABC): The 49ers can win each of their first six games of a season for the fourth time in franchise history (1984, 1990 and 2019).
    • San Francisco quarterback Brock Purdy leads the NFL with 13 touchdown passes and ranks second among qualified passers with a 119.3 rating this season. In Week 6, he can become the first quarterback since 2018 (Philip Rivers) with multiple touchdown passes and a passer rating of 90-or-higher in each of his team’s first six games of a season.
    • 49ers linebacker Fred Warner recorded his 20th career forced fumble last week and is one of three players under the age of 30 with at least 20 forced fumbles and 10 interceptions since 2000, joining Lavonte David and Charles Tillman.
    • Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels recorded rushing touchdowns of 38 and 26 yards in Week 5 and became the second quarterback since 1950 with multiple rushing touchdowns of 25-or-more yards in the same game, joining Mike Vick (Dec. 1, 2002).
  • Los Angeles Chargers (0-5) at Kansas City (4-0) (4:25 p.m. ET, CBS): The Chiefs, coming off a Week 5 bye, can begin 5-0 for the fifth time since head coach Andy Reid was hired in 2013. Reid, who also led Philadelphia to a 5-0 start in 2004, can become the third head coach all-time to lead a team to a 5-0 start in six seasons, joining Pro Football Hall of Famers George Halas (10 seasons) and Paul Brown (six).
    • Kansas City running back Kenneth Walker has 621 scrimmage yards and six touchdowns this season and is one of two players in NFL history with at least 175 scrimmage yards in three of his first four games with a franchise, joining Billy Sims (1980 with Detroit). In Week 6, he can become the first running back in 60 seasons (Emerson Boozer, 1967 with the New York Jets) with multiple touchdowns in four of his team’s first five games of a season.

  • Seattle (3-2) at Denver (3-2) (Thursday night, 8:15 p.m. ET, Prime Video): Since the beginning of the 2024 season, the Seahawks have the highest road winning percentage (.842; 16-3) in the NFL while the Broncos have the second-highest home winning percentage (.842; 16-3) during that span.
    • Seattle wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba leads the NFL with 583 receiving yards and seven touchdown receptions entering Week 6. Last week, he became the fourth player in NFL history with at least 100 receiving yards and a touchdown reception in four of his team’s first five games of a season, joining Pro Football Hall of Famers Elroy “Crazylegs” Hirsch (1951 with the Los Angeles Rams), Randy Moss (2007 with New England) and Jerry Rice (1989 with San Francisco).
    • Denver quarterback Bo Nix led the Broncos to 13 unanswered points in the fourth quarter last week in the team’s 23-17 win at the Los Angeles Chargers. Nix has 13 career game-winning drives in the fourth quarter or overtime, tied with Justin Herbert and Matt Ryan for the second-most by a player in his first three seasons since 1970. Only Dak Prescott (14 game-winning drives) has more.
  • Houston (1-4) vs. Jacksonville (4-1) (London, 9:30 a.m. ET, NFL Network): For the third consecutive week, the NFL will play a regular season game in London as the Texans and Jaguars meet at Wembley Stadium. Jacksonville defeated Philadelphia, 19-17, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London last week while Houston earned their first win of the season with a 26-3 win at Tennessee.
    • The Jaguars lead the NFL in rushing defense this season (63.8 yards per game allowed) and became the second team in the Super Bowl era to not allow an opposing player to rush for 40-or-more yards in their first five games of a season, joining the 1969 Dallas Cowboys.
    • This week, Jacksonville can tie the 1998-2000 Baltimore Ravens (23 consecutive games) for the third-longest streak of consecutive games without allowing an opposing player to rush for 75-or-more yards in the Super Bowl era.
    • Houston defensive end Will Anderson leads the NFL with 7.5 sacks and 10 tackles for loss this season and is one of three players with at least 7.5 sacks and 10 tackles for loss in his team’s first five games of a season since 2000, joining Clay Matthews (2010 with Green Bay) and J.J. Watt (2012 with Houston).
  • Buffalo (4-1) at Las Vegas (3-2) (4:25 p.m. ET, CBS): Last week, Bills quarterback Josh Allen became the fourth quarterback all-time with at least 100 wins, including the postseason, in his first nine career seasons, joining Patrick Mahomes (112), Russell Wilson (107) and Tom Brady (101). Allen totaled 331 yards (210 passing, 121 rushing) and two touchdowns (one passing, one rushing) in the win, becoming the first quarterback ever with a rushing touchdown in each of his team’s first five games of a season.
    • Raiders tight end Brock Bowers is one of two tight ends in NFL history with at least 80 receiving yards and a touchdown reception in each of his first three games of a season, joining Rob Gronkowski (2011 with New England). This week, he can become the fifth tight end ever with five receptions, including a touchdown catch, in five consecutive games, joining Pro Football Hall of Famers Tony Gonzalez (six from 2008-09) and Antonio Gates (five in 2010) as well as Travis Kelce (six from 2020-21) and Trey McBride (five in 2025).

  • New York Jets (2-3) at New England (3-2) (1 p.m. ET, CBS): Last week, the Jets recorded eight sacks, the most by any team in a game this season, in the team’s 17-12 victory over Cleveland, including three sacks by rookie EDGE David Bailey. Bailey is one of three players in the last 24 seasons (2003-26) to record three sacks in a game within his first five career games, joining Aidan Hutchinson (three sacks on Sept. 18, 2022 with Detroit) and Elvis Dumervil (three sacks on Oct. 22, 2006 with Denver).
    • In Week 5, New England quarterback Drake Maye became the youngest player ever (24 years, 42 days) and the fourth player all-time with at least 350 passing yards (374), four touchdown passes, a passer rating of 150-or-higher (150.9) and a rushing touchdown in a single game, joining Pro Football Hall of Famer Drew Brees (Dec. 29, 2013 with New Orleans), Ryan Fitzpatrick (Sept. 9, 2018 with Tampa Bay) and Aaron Rodgers (Oct. 20, 2019 with Green Bay).
  • Baltimore (4-1) at Cleveland (3-2) (1 p.m. ET, FOX): The Ravens and Browns are two of eight teams with at least three wins in 2026 that missed the playoffs last season. Cleveland can win each of its first three home games for the third time since 1999 (2004 and 2020) while Baltimore can win each of its first four road games for the second time in franchise history (2020).
    • Baltimore’s Derrick Henry can become the third running back age 32-or-older with a touchdown in each of his team’s first six games of a season, joining Pro Football Hall of Famers Walter Payton (1986 with Chicago) and John Riggins (1983 and 1984 with Washington).
    • Cleveland’s Denzel Boston leads all rookies with 330 receiving yards and leads the NFL with 20.6 yards per reception this season (minimum 10 catches). He is one of five players in the Super Bowl era to record a reception of 25-or-more yards in each of his first five career games, joining Ja’Marr Chase (2021 with Cincinnati), Stefon Diggs (2015 with Minnesota), CeeDee Lamb (2020 with Dallas) and Earl McCullouch (1968 with Detroit).
  • Dallas (2-3) at Green Bay (3-2) (Sunday night, 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC): Last week, Packers wide receivers Christian Watson (six receptions for 143 yards and two touchdowns) and Matthew Golden (six receptions for 123 yards) became the fourth pair of teammates to each average 20-or-more yards per catch on six-or-more receptions in the same game since 2000, joining San Francisco’s Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel (Dec. 10, 2023), Arizona’s Anquan Boldin and Pro Football Hall of Famer Larry Fitzgerald (Sept. 14, 2008) and Indianapolis’ Reggie Wayne and Pro Football Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison (Nov. 10, 2002).
    • Watson (26 for 474; 18.2) and Golden (24 receptions for 397 yards; 16.5) are one of four pairs of wide receiver teammates to average at least 16 yards per catch on 20-or-more receptions in their team’s first five games of a season since 2000, joining Dallas’ Amari Cooper and Michael Gallup in 2019, Green Bay’s James Jones and Jordy Nelson in 2013, the St. Louis Rams’ Torry Holt and Pro Football Hall of Famer Isaac Bruce in 2000.

California Wins in a Thriller Over Virginia Tech

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A very close game ends with California defeating Virginia Tech in Saturday’s matchup at California Memorial Stadium. The Golden Bears won 25-20 after scoring a late touchdown in the fourth quarter. Virginia Tech built an early lead behind quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer and the rushing attack. Cal fought back and took control of the game late. The Hokies regained the lead with over a minute left, but Cal scored the game-winning touchdown on a pass caught by Ashten Emory with 18 seconds remaining.

PFF Grades and Snap Counts from Virginia Tech's 25-20 Loss to Cal - Yahoo Sports

Photo Cred: Yahoo Sports

The Hokies had a chance to respond, driving to Cal’s seven-yard line in just 18 seconds. Grunkemeyer’s pass eventually fell incomplete in the end zone, and the Golden Bears held on to win the game. Virginia Tech started the game by scoring in the second quarter when Ayden Greene caught a 30-yard touchdown pass. Cal responded with a five-yard rushing touchdown by Emory to tie the game at 7-7.

The Hokies regained the lead when Marcellous Hawkins Jr. scored a three-yard touchdown. This capped off a 75-yard drive and gave the lead back to the Hokies. Cal cut into the deficit before halftime when kicker Towns McGough made a 35-yard field goal, leaving Cal trailing by one at halftime. Both teams started to struggle in the third quarter.

McGough scored another field goal from 22 yards. Cal went into the fourth quarter trailing by one point. With four minutes remaining, Cal took its first lead of the game. Backup quarterback Jackson Brousseau threw a three-yard touchdown pass to Carson Perry-Smith. The Golden Bears failed to convert the two-point conversion but still held a 19-14 lead. Virginia Tech responded quickly, scoring on a nine-play drive.

Cal vs. Virginia Tech Thread: Banged-Up Bears Topple Hokies, 25-20 - Yahoo Sports

Photo Cred: Yahoo Sports

Grunkemeyer scored on a one-yard rushing touchdown, giving Virginia Tech the lead. Cal then marched down the field and scored the game-winning touchdown. Grunkemeyer finished the game completing 21 of 31 passes for 288 yards and a touchdown while also scoring a rushing touchdown. Brousseau threw for 321 yards and a touchdown on 29-of-43 passing. Virginia Tech finished the game with 401 total yards, while Cal finished with 403. They will look to get back into the win column against Georgia Tech on Oct. 17.

Dre Greenlaw Suspended One Game

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NEW YORK — Oct. 12, 2026 — San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw has been suspended without pay for one game for an act of unsportsmanlike conduct during Sunday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks.

During the second quarter, Greenlaw used his helmet to headbutt Seattle linebacker Ernest Jones IV, who was not wearing a helmet, violating Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1, which applies to “any act which is contrary to the generally understood principles of sportsmanship.”

Greenlaw will be eligible to return to the 49ers’ active roster on Tuesday, October 20, following the team’s October 19 game against the Washington Commanders.

Under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, Greenlaw may appeal the suspension. Any appeal will be heard and decided upon by either Derrick Brooks, Jordy Nelson, Ron Rivera, or James Thrash, the hearing officers jointly appointed and compensated by the NFL and NFLPA to decide appeals of on-field player discipline.

Gardner-Webb Wins the BBQ Bowl

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The famous BBQ Bowl trophy stays in the small town of Boiling Springs, NC, as the Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs steal a win against the Charleston Southern Buccaneers in Charleston. On a miserable and rainy day, a defensive thriller unfolded that true football fans love to see. Here’s the breakdown of this intense rivalry matchup.

Charleston Southern Buccaneers

The Buccaneers did everything they could to win this game. Their most successful attack came through the ground game. RB Hakeem Watters ran for 102 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries. He was simply unstoppable throughout the game. However, the problem lay in the passing game.

On crucial passing downs, this team was incapable of producing anything positive. QB Lek Powell went 9/17 for only 33 yards and no touchdowns on the night. He was also sacked five times. With rain being a factor, the performance is somewhat understandable. However, if your goal as a team is to win games, this performance is completely unacceptable.

The defense was effective as a unit, with no standout player. The Buccaneers recorded no sacks and only one interception. However, they did force and recover a fumble, and their red-zone defense was simply impeccable. Overall, this team fought valiantly but to no avail. Weather will always be an obstacle, but it can never be an excuse.

Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs

What a gritty and nasty win amid the elements! The offensive side of the ball did just enough to keep the Bulldogs in this game. QB Cole Pennington went 27/47 for 197 yards and a touchdown. It was an inefficient performance, but he ultimately got the yards when it mattered.

Although RB Christian Vann had a fumble, the rushing game was nothing special. However, it opened up the passing game just enough to make the offense effective.

The bright spot for this team was on the defensive side of the ball. As mentioned earlier, the Bulldogs recorded five sacks, each by a different player. The headliner of this defense was once again Tre Yanez. He led the game in tackles, had a sack of his own, and recorded two and a half tackles for loss.

One of the most improbable ways to win a football game is on the back of a safety. After getting the crucial safety, the Bulldogs stopped the Buccaneers on fourth down and never looked back. Incredible goal-line defense and a just-good-enough offense led this team to an unlikely and grimy victory.

Daniels, Simmons Share Davey O’Brien National QB of the Week Accolade

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FORT WORTH, Texas (Oct. 6, 2026) – Florida State’s Ashton Daniels and Missouri’s Austin Simmons have been named Davey O’Brien National Co-Quarterbacks of the Week for week five of the college football season.

In a 38-7 win over Virginia, Daniels carried 17 times for 136 yards (8.0 yards per carry) and a school-record five touchdowns. He added 183 yards through the air. The senior from Buford, Ga., also tied FSU’s single-game points record (30 points) and was named ACC Quarterback of the Week.

Simmons steered Missouri to a dominant 45-17 victory over No. 8 Florida on Saturday. He connected on 23 of 30 pass attempts (.767) for a season-high 340 yards and two touchdowns. The senior from Miami, Fla., was voted the SEC’s Co-Offensive Player of the Week.

This week’s other Great 8 “Davey Double” members were Braden Atkinson (Oregon State), Cameran Brown (Georgia State), CJ Carr (Notre Dame), Anthony Colandrea (Nebraska), Jared Hollins (South Alabama),  Josh Hoover (Indiana), Colton Joseph (Wisconsin), DJ Lagway (Baylor), Gio Lopez (Wake Forest), Amari Odom (Syracuse), Keelon Russell (Alabama), Julian Sayin (Ohio State), Gunner Stockton (Georgia) and Marcus Stokes (Memphis).

The Davey O’Brien Foundation was created in 1977 and is celebrating its 50th anniversary season this year. The National Quarterback Award, the oldest and most prestigious college quarterback award, was first issued in 1981.

Over its time, the Davey O’Brien Foundation has given away more than $1.4 million in scholarships and university grants to help high school and college athletes transform leadership on the field into leadership in life.

In 1938, O’Brien, who wore No. 8 as a star quarterback for TCU, became the first player ever to win the Heisman Trophy, Maxwell Award and Walter Camp Award in the same year. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1955.

2026 Davey O’Brien National Quarterback of the Week Honorees

Week 1: Mason Heintschel, Pitt

Week 2: Drew Mestemaker, Oklahoma State

Week 3: Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss

Week 4: Kamario Taylor, Mississippi State

Week 5: Ashton Daniels, Florida State & Austin Simmons, Missouri

About the Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award

The Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award is presented annually to the nation’s best college quarterback and is the oldest and most prestigious national quarterback award. The Davey O’Brien Award honors candidates who exemplify Davey O’Brien’s enduring character while exhibiting teamwork, sportsmanship and leadership in both academics and athletics. Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, the Davey O’Brien Foundation, which is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, has awarded more than $1.4 million in scholarships and university grants to help high school and college athletes transform leadership on the field into leadership in life. For more information, visit www.DaveyOBrienAward.com.

Kentucky Wildcats Complete Comeback in Overtime Thriller

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Photo Cred: CBS Sports

On Saturday, October 3rd, 2026, the Kentucky Wildcats football team played the University of South Carolina Gamecocks at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, South Carolina. Going into the game, the Wildcats were 3-1 overall and 1-1 in conference play. The Gamecocks were 2-2 overall and 0-2 in the SEC. They were slightly favored going into the matchup.

Kentucky vs South Carolina in NCAA football. See game photos

Photo Cred: The Courier Journal

Kentucky fell behind 17-0 after South Carolina scored two rushing touchdowns and a field goal in the first quarter. With 2:47 remaining in the first half, Kentucky scored a touchdown, their first points of the game, trailing 17-7. The Wildcats then added a 42-yard field goal by Adam Zouagui with 59 seconds left in the half, leaving them down by 7. South Carolina kicker Malik Orsan’s 48-yard field goal attempt barely gave the Gamecocks three more points.

The score was then 20-10 at halftime. Following halftime, Kentucky had a strong opening drive to start the second half.  On the seventh play, Kenny Minchey threw a 17-yard touchdown pass to Kenny Darby, leaving South Carolina up by just three. The Wildcats then took their first lead of the day on a 32-yard touchdown pass late in the third quarter.

However, the Gamecocks quickly responded with a 75-yard scoring drive to retake the lead, 27-24, with 13:14 remaining. Kentucky tied it up with a 29-yard field goal. South Carolina was then forced to punt, giving Kentucky a chance to take the lead. With only 27 seconds remaining, Minchey scrambled for a first down near midfield. However, the Wildcats ultimately ran out of time, sending the game into overtime tied at 27.

Kentucky football score, South Carolina vs UK SEC game stats, channel

Photo Cred: Courier Journal

Kentucky played defense first in overtime, and South Carolina scored a touchdown on its opening possession to take a 34-27 lead. The Wildcats answered when Minchey connected with Henry Boyer for a 6-yard touchdown. Instead of kicking an extra point to tie the game, Kentucky went for two and the win. Minchey threw to Willie Rodriguez, who caught the game-winning two-point conversion, giving Kentucky a 35-34 victory.

Coach Will Stein explained the decision afterward, saying, “You gotta go for it.” Kentucky’s defense struggled to stop South Carolina throughout the game, so they went for the win rather than risking another overtime period. For Kentucky, this was their biggest road comeback in program history.

The Gamecocks dominated the first quarter, and Kentucky fans did not expect this outcome. Kentucky’s comeback was especially significant because the Wildcats had previously gone 0-49 while trailing by more than 14 points under former coach Mark Stoops. Under first-year coach Will Stein, Kentucky is now 1-1 in those situations after overcoming a 17-0 deficit against South Carolina. The Wildcats will return to Kroger Field to play the LSU Tigers on October 10.

Tetairoa McMillan, Deonte Banks & Will Reichard Named Week 4 NFC Players of the Week

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Photo Cred: NFL

NEW YORK — Oct. 7, 2026 — Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, New York Giants cornerback Deonte Banks and Minnesota Vikings kicker Will Reichard are the NFC Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week for games played in Week 4 (October 1, 4-5).

OFFENSE: WR TETAIROA MCMILLAN, CAROLINA PANTHERS

  • McMillan led the NFL in receiving yards (192) and ranked second in receptions (14) in Carolina’s 32-26 win over Detroit in Week 4. He became the fourth player in the last 10 seasons to record at least 14 receptions, 190 yards and multiple touchdowns in a single game. His 14 receptions are tied for the most by a Panthers wide receiver in franchise history in a single game, while his 192 receiving yards are tied for the second-most.
  • This is McMillan’s first career Offensive Player of the Week award. He becomes the first wide receiver in Panthers franchise history to earn the award.
  • McMillan is the second former Arizona wide receiver to earn an Offensive Player of the Week award, joining Vance Johnson (Week 12, 1989).

DEFENSE: CB DEONTE BANKS, NEW YORK GIANTS

  • Banks recorded four tackles, four passes defensed, and returned an interception 98 yards for a touchdown as time expired in the Giants’ 36-24 win over Arizona.
  • This is Banks’ first-career Defensive Player of the Week award. He is the eighth Giants cornerback to win the award and the first since Janoris Jenkins (Week 4, 2019).
  • Banks is the fourth former Maryland cornerback to win Defensive Player of the Week, joining Domonique Foxworth (Week 15, 2009), Tarheeb Still (Week 13, 2024) and Josh Wilson (Week 16, 2008).

SPECIAL TEAMS: K WILL REICHARD, MINNESOTA VIKINGS

  • Reichard converted on all five field goal attempts (from 47, 50, 33, 41 and 29 yards) and accounted for all 15 points in Minnesota’s 15-10 win over Miami. His five field goals made are the most in a game in 2026 and he is the only NFC kicker to convert every kick on five-or-more field goal attempts in multiple games over the past two years.
  • This is Reichard’s first-career Player of the Week award. He becomes the third Vikings player to win Special Teams Player of the Week this season, joining Isaiah Rodgers (Week 2) and Myles Price (Week 3).
  • Reichard is the first former Alabama kicker to win Special Teams Player of the Week.

Drake Maye, Foyesade Oluokun & Matt Araiza Named Week 4 AFC Players of the Week

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Photo Cred: Yahoo Sports

NEW YORK — Oct. 7, 2026 — New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Foyesade Oluokun and Kansas City Chiefs punter Matt Araiza are the AFC Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week for games played in Week 4 (October 1, 4-5).

OFFENSE: QB DRAKE MAYE, NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

  • Maye passed for 269 yards and three touchdowns, including the game-winning touchdown pass with 1:50 remaining, and rushed for 54 yards in New England’s 29-26 win at Buffalo. In Week 4, his 54 rushing yards were the most among AFC quarterbacks and he was the only AFC quarterback to record three touchdown passes in a win.
  • This is Maye’s second career Offensive Player of the Week Award (Week 13, 2025). He becomes the fifth Patriots quarterback to earn the honor multiple times, joining Tom Brady (30-time winner), Drew Bledsoe (six), Matt Cassel (two) and Tony Eason (two).
  • Maye becomes the third former North Carolina player to win Offensive Player of the Week twice, joining Alge Crumpler and Willie Parker.

DEFENSE: LB FOYESADE OLUOKUN, JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

  • Oluokun recorded seven tackles, an interception and a forced fumble in Jacksonville’s 22-17 win at Cincinnati. He is one of two players this season to record at least seven tackles, an interception and a forced fumble in a single game.
  • This is Oluokun’s fourth Defensive Player of the Week award and second with Jacksonville. He becomes the fifth Jaguar to earn the honor multiple times, joining Josh Hines-Allen (three-time winner), Telvin Smith (three), Calais Campbell (two) and Rashean Mathis (two).
    • 2020: Week 9 (Falcons)
    • 2021: Week 16 (Falcons)
    • 2025: Week 1 (Jaguars)
    • 2026: Week 4 (Jaguars)
  • Oluokun joins Ryan Fitzpatrick (eight-time winner, Harvard) as the only former Ivy League players to win a Player of the Week award four-or-more times.

SPECIAL TEAMS: P MATT ARAIZA, KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

  • Araiza punted five times for 238 yards (47.6 yards per punt) and landed all five of his punts inside the 20-yard line in Kansas City’s 30-27 win at Las Vegas. Araiza’s five punts inside the 20-yard line are the most in a single game this season. Holding a three-point lead with under 90 seconds to play, Araiza pinned the Raiders at their own one-yard line, helping Kansas City improve to 4-0 on the season. He also rushed for 12 yards on a successful fake punt in the first quarter.
  • This is Araiza’s first career Player of the Week award. He becomes the fourth Chiefs punter to earn the honor and the first since Tommy Townsend (Week 15, 2022).
  • Araiza becomes the second former San Diego State punter to win a Special Teams Player of the Week award, joining Mike Saxon (Week 6, 1993).

NFL Suspends Two Referees for Unprofessional Conduct

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Two referees are suspended by the NFL after altercations with players on the field. The two referees are line judge Jeff Seeman and referee Adrian Hill. According to NFL.com, “the league suspended line judge Jeff Seeman two games and referee Adrian Hill one game, respectively, for ‘an instance of unprofessional conduct toward a player’ (suspensions were issued by NFL vice president of officiating Ramon George).” Both of these situations are unnecessary and unprofessional. Here’s what happened in both instances.

Seeman was spotted live on camera further down the field using foul language toward Arizona Cardinals star TE Trey McBride. This was in response to McBride’s disagreement over a potential pass interference call. Hill’s incident occurred within the game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Miami Dolphins. LB Eric Wilson accidentally collided with Hill. Hill then proceeded to yell in Wilson’s face afterward. The instances were clearly pointed out by the NFL as unacceptable behavior.

This was a good practice by the NFL to hold these two officials accountable for their actions. Confrontations with players should never go to drastic measures. As an observer of the NFL’s product, the officiating can be viewed as subpar. When interactions with players start going over the line, that is when action must occur.

In its best form, this should be taken as a statement from the NFL that referees are not untouchable for punishment and poor performance. That is a good look for the NFL and a promising move for the future balance of power for the NFL. If any other escalations occur in the future, it can be trusted by the NFL to be taken care of or handled by the NFL’s administration, which is a breath of fresh air for NFL fans.

https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-suspends-two-officials-unprofessional-conduct-with-playersweek-

Joint Statement from the NFL and NFLPA on Sportsmanship

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Photo Cred: USA Today

October 7, 2026 – Football is the greatest game in the world. NFL players are admired by millions of fans, including young people competing at every level of the sport.

The passion, emotion, and personality players bring to the field are a big part of what makes the game special and connects them with fans worldwide. Good sportsmanship is equally important.

To clarify the line between player expression and conduct that may result in discipline, players were reminded this week that the following are prohibited and may result in a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, a fine, or both:

  • Gestures that depict violence, including the use of guns or other weapons, or gang-related signs.
  • Gestures that depict smoking or drug use.
  • Gestures that are sexual in nature.

Conversely, recent celebrations imitating drinking a beverage will not be considered violations or result in discipline. The league-wide guidance provides players with greater clarity on how they can celebrate while remaining within the rules.

When conduct falls into a gray area, the league will contact the player and provide direction before imposing discipline. The player will be advised that continued use of the identified celebration may result in future fines.

Individual and team celebrations are part of the game and help players connect with fans. Providing clear, consistent guidance allows players to express themselves while upholding the principles of sportsmanship that have long been a hallmark of NFL football.