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NFL Week 3 Preview – Key Games & Stats

Image credit: @NFLUKIRE.

Close, high-scoring games have been the norm in the new 2025 NFL season so far as we enter Week 3.

Seventeen games have been decided by a touchdown or less, the most at this point in 12 years, and second-most all-time.

Ten teams have begun the season 2-0 (with at least one undefeated team in each division for the third time since 2002).

L.A. Rams (2-0) at Philadelphia (2-0)

In last season’s NFC Divisional playoffs, the Eagles defeated the Rams, 28-22, as running back Saquon Barkley became the sixth player ever with at least 200 rushing yards (205) and two rushing touchdowns in a postseason game.

Los Angeles can begin 3-0 for the fourth time since head coach Sean McVay was hired in 2017 (2018-19, 2021) while Philadelphia can begin the season with three consecutive victories for the third time in five seasons under head coach Nick Sirianni (2022-23).

Arizona (2-0) at San Francisco (2-0)

Since 1970, the Cardinals have begun 3-0 on five previous occasions (1974, 2012, 2014-15 and 2021). San Francisco has begun a season with three straight wins five times since 1990 (1990, 1995, 1998, 2019 and 2023).

Cardinals defensive lineman Calais Campbell, appearing for Arizona for the first time since 2016, had two sacks in the team’s Week 2 win and became the fourth player age 39-or-older since 1982 to record multiple sacks in a game

San Francisco running back Christian McCaffrey, with a touchdown reception in Week 2, became the third player in NFL history with at least 50 rushing touchdowns and 30 touchdown receptions.

Green Bay (2-0) at Cleveland (0-2)

Green Bay can begin 3-0 for the third time (2019-20) since head coach Matt LaFleur was hired in 2019.

Packers’ running back Josh Jacobs has a rushing touchdown in 11 consecutive games (including the playoffs) since Week 11 of the 2024 season. On Sunday, he can become the fifth player all-time with a rushing touchdown in 12 straight games.

Cincinnati (2-0) at Minnesota (1-1)

Cincinnati can begin a season with three consecutive wins for the first time since 2015. Among players with at least 50 career games played, Minnesota wide receiver Justin Jefferson and Cincinnati wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase have the two highest receiving yards per game averages in NFL history.

Jefferson recorded his 500th career reception last week and Chase had 14 receptions for 165 yards and one touchdown in the Bengals’ Week 2 win and became the fourth player in NFL history with at least 14 receptions in three career games.

N.Y. Jets (0-2) at Tampa Bay (2-0)

Tampa Bay, who began 2-0 for the fifth consecutive season, look to win their first three games of a season for the first time since 2005. The Buccaneers are the first team since the 1970 merger to score a game-winning touchdown in the final minute of each of their first two games of a season.

Indianapolis (2-0) at Tennessee (0-2)

Indianapolis looks to start 3-0 for the first time since 2009. In the first two weeks, the Colts became the first team in NFL history to score on each of their first 10 offensive possessions of a season and the first team in the Super Bowl era to not punt in either of their first two games in a season.

Indianapolis quarterback Daniel Jones is one of four players in NFL history with at least 270 passing yards, a touchdown pass and a rushing touchdown in each of his team’s first two games of a season.

Denver (1-1) at Los Angeles Chargers (2-0)

The Los Angeles Chargers can begin the season with three straight wins for the first time since 2002. With divisional wins over Kansas City and Las Vegas in the first two weeks, the Chargers can become the third team since realignment in 2002 to defeat division opponents in each of their first three games of a season, joining the 2006 Chicago Bears and 2003 Minnesota Vikings.

Detroit Lions (1-1) at Baltimore Ravens (1-1) [Monday]

The two highest scoring teams from Week 2 and two of the most consistently prolific offenses will take the field in Monday night’s game.

Last season, Detroit and Baltimore had the top-two offenses in yards per game while the Lions ranked first and the Ravens ranked third in scoring average.

Gold for Lynch & Silver for McMahon at Sailing Grand Prix Final

Gold for Finn Lynch at Sailing Grand Slam Final in The Netherlands. Credit: Sailing Energy.

Finn Lynch and Eve McMahon have won Gold and Silver medals at the Sailing Grand Slam Final in The Netherlands.

The pair’s success brings Ireland’s tally in the new Grand Slam series to five podium finishes between them.

7 International medals in 2025

A landmark year for Irish sailing has delivered seven international medals, including a World Championship Bronze, five Grand Slam podiums, and a Bronze at the U23 European Championships.

In the ILCA 7 fleet, Finn Lynch (National Yacht Club) and Ewan McMahon (Howth YC) navigated the early rounds in mid-fleet positions before the knockout stages reset the competition.

McMahon exited in the quarter-finals, while Lynch advanced to the final three alongside Italy’s Lorenzo Brando Chiavarini and Britain’s Michael Beckett, the world’s top-ranked sailor.

Golden end to the season

“The final race was a strange one, we had 50-degree shifts in the wind, and I was last on the second lap,” said Carlow sailor Lynch. “But the boys ahead didn’t see a mark change that I spotted, and I managed to slip through for the win. I didn’t have my best week overall, but today I sailed well, and it’s fantastic to end the season with a Gold medal.”

Eve McMahon (Howth YC) dominated much of the ILCA 6 regatta, posting four race wins and holding the overall lead for most of the week. On the final day  her best result was second place, allowing Poland’s Agata Barwinska to edge ahead for Gold.

“Eve sailed brilliantly all week,” said Vasilij Zbogar, Irish Sailing’s ILCA 6 coach. “This new format is very exciting but also unforgiving—there’s no room for mistakes. The Polish sailor just managed to pull ahead on the final day, but a Silver medal is an excellent result. Eve has shown she can deliver consistently at the highest level, and that’s hugely promising for the future.”

Heptathlon Silver for Kate O’Connor at World Championships

Credit @irishathletics.

Kate O’Connor has won silver in the heptathlon at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, with the Dundalk St Gerard’s athlete setting a new Irish record of 6,714 points in the process.

Despite a knee injury during the long jump, O’Connor delivered five personal bests across seven events, including a gutsy 2:09.56 in the decisive 800m.

Another 2025 Medal for O’Connor

O’Connor has enjoyed an incredible 2025 season. She won a bronze in the pentathlon at the European Championships and silver at the World Indoors before setting a national record at the World University Games to claim gold outdoors.

The Tokyo silver medal is the first won by an Irish athlete in a multi-discipline event at the Worlds, and O’Connor is only the sixth Irish athlete ever to reach the podium.

“I expected big things from myself”

Speaking after her silver medal success, the Irish heptathlete said:

“It’s insane, words can’t describe the way that I feel or the year that I’ve had. My indoor season was a complete dream, and I wanted to carry that form into the outdoors. I’ve never come to a championship before and had as much pressure as I’ve had on my shoulders this week. I expected big things from myself, and I knew I was in with a shot of winning a medal.

“I enjoyed every single second of the competition yesterday, but today not so much as I hurt my knee in the long jump, and it was just a real fight to the line in every event. The team around me have filled me with so much confidence today and it was just pure grit and determination that I managed to pull myself through.”

Gold went to Anna Hall (USA) with 6,881 points, while O’Connor’s rivals Taliyah Brooks (USA) and Katarina Johnson-Thompson (GBR) shared bronze on 6,581.

PBs and National Record

Kate O’Connor’s competition included PBs in the 100m hurdles, high jump, 200m, and a superb 53.06m javelin throw, propelling her into medal contention.

National Heptathlon Record Summary (6,714 pts)
100m Hurdles: 13.44 PB
High Jump: 1.86m PB
Shot Put:14.37m
200m: 24.07 PB
Long Jump: 6.22m
Javelin: 53.06m PB
800m: 2:09.56 PB

O’Connor Joins Elite Group

Kate O’Connor now joins Eamonn Coghlan, Sonia O’Sullivan, Gillian O’Sullivan, Olive Loughnane, and Rob Heffernan as an Irish World Championships medallist.

1983 – Eamonn Coghlan, GOLD, 5,000m
1993 – Sonia O’Sullivan, SILVER, 1500m
1995 – Sonia O’Sullivan, GOLD, 5,000m
2003 – Gillian O’Sullivan, SILVER, 20km Walk
2009 – Olive Loughnane, GOLD, 20km Walk
2013 – Robert Heffernan, GOLD, 50km Walk
•025 – Kate O’Connor, SILVER, Heptathlon

Pittsburgh Steelers @ New England Patriots Full Betting Preview

 

 

Pittsburgh Steelers @ New England Patriots

Full Betting Preview

The Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots meet in a clash between two 1-1 teams still figuring out their identities in 2025.

Aaron Rodgers’ first game as a Steeler was a success as he guided them to a win over the Jets, but the reality check came quickly. Pittsburgh were beaten 31-17 at home by Seattle in Week 2, conceding 31 points and looking shaky on defence. T.J. Watt has been relatively quiet so far, and the Steelers’ once-dominant defence has now given up 30+ points in consecutive games for the first time since 1989.

New England took the opposite route to their 1-1 record, starting with a disappointing 20-13 home loss to the Raiders before exploding for a 33-27 road win over Miami. Rookie QB Drake Maye continues to show promise, but the Patriots’ defence has been a mixed bag — they’ve been stout against the run but vulnerable to big plays through the air, and will be without key cornerback Christian Gonzalez this week due to a hamstring injury.

Key Trends

  • Patriots have won just 2 of their last 11 home games.
  • Steelers have won 1 of their last 7 overall.
  • Pittsburgh are 3-5 ATS (against the spread) in their last 8 games as favourites.
  • The under has hit in 5 of the Steelers’ last 6 games.
  • Pittsburgh’s offence has been held to 17 points or fewer in 6 of their last 7 games.

Matchup Breakdown

This game feels like a coin flip. Rodgers should benefit from the absence of Gonzalez in the Patriots’ secondary, and the Steelers have enough offensive weapons to trouble a New England defence that has struggled with missed tackles. However, Pittsburgh’s running game has been non-existent, averaging just 62.5 rushing yards per game, which heaps pressure on Rodgers to make plays.

On the other side, Maye faces a Steelers pass rush that still ranks among the league’s best in pressure rate, even if the sack numbers aren’t there yet. If Pittsburgh can contain Rhamondre Stevenson and force Maye into third-and-long situations, they could limit the Patriots’ scoring opportunities.

Betting Verdict

Neither side can be trusted to cover the spread with confidence, but trends point towards a low-scoring battle. Both teams have been inconsistent offensively, and Pittsburgh’s habit of hitting the under is hard to ignore. Expect Rodgers to do just enough to edge a narrow win.

Best Bet: Under 44.5 Points – 10/11 (Coral, Ladbrokes)
Predicted Score: Steelers 24 – Patriots 20

Latest Odds

Market Odds
Match Winner Steelers 4/5, Patriots Evens
Handicap Steelers -1.5 (10/11), Patriots +1.5 (10/11)
Total Points Under 44.5 (10/11), Over 44.5 (10/11)

 

End of an Era for Portumna as Senior Status Slips Away

End of an Era for Portumna as Senior Status Slips Away

Portumna’s incredible 33-year stay at the top table of Galway hurling has come to an end.
A 0-24 to 2-14 defeat to Ballinderreen at Kenny Park seals their relegation to the Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship for 2026.

It is a landmark moment for one of Galway’s most storied clubs. Portumna have been ever-present
in the senior ranks since winning the Intermediate county title in 1992. Over the following two decades, they became one of the most dominant club sides in Ireland, capturing
six Galway SHC titles (2003, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2013) and an
extraordinary four All-Ireland Club SHC crowns (2006, 2008, 2009, 2014).

Central to that golden era were the legendary Canning brothers – Ollie, Joe, Tony, and Ivan – who became synonymous with Portumna’s rise to national prominence. Joe Canning, widely regarded as one of the greatest hurlers of all time,
was the talisman during their peak years, producing some of the most memorable club final performances ever seen
in Croke Park.

But today’s result represents a changing of the guard. While Portumna have continued to field competitive teams in
recent years, they have struggled to replicate the dominance of their late-2000s heyday. Ballinderreen’s sharp
shooting in Athenry proved too much despite Portumna’s goals keeping them in the contest until the closing stages.

For a generation of hurling fans, Portumna’s fall is a reminder of how quickly fortunes can turn at club level.

Their drop to Premier Intermediate brings the curtain down on one of the most successful chapters in Galway club hurling history – but also offers the chance for a rebuild and potential resurgence.

Shane Sweetnam & James Kann Cruz win $117,000 CSI5* Qualifier in USA

Shane Sweetnam and James Kann Cruz win the $117,000 CSI5* Grand Prix Qualifier at Traverse City Horse Show. Photo © Megan Giese Media / TCHS.

Shane Sweetnam and James Kann Cruz won the $117,000 CSI5* Qualifier on Friday for the 2025 American Gold Cup at Traverse City Show in the US.

Aboard his 2024 Olympic Games mount, Sweetnam topped a 10-horse jump-off set by course designer and fellow Irishman Alan Wade, clocking a winning time of 33.71 seconds..

The US-based Cork-born rider said of his partner, James Kann Cruz,

“We are having a great career together and ‘Gizmo’ is fresh right now, so I wanted to give this class today some respect for $117,000 and try to win it.”

Of his 12-year-old Irish-bred gelding (Kannan x Cruising) owned in partnership with the Gizmo Group, Sweetnam added:

“He’s very sensitive. But if you do the right things, you get a reward for it, so it’s worth it. He feels great and jumped fantastic today, so hopefully we’ll have some luck on Sunday.”

Sweetnam won the American Gold Cup at Traverse City Horse Shows in both 2022 and 2024.

Cian McPhillips Primed for Podium? Bookies Slash Odds Ahead of 800m World Final

“Cian McPhillips Primed for Podium? Bookies Slash Odds Ahead of 800m World Final”

Irish athletics fans have every reason to dream big heading into the men’s 800m final as Cian McPhillips finds himself firmly in medal contention. Bookmakers have dramatically shortened his price, making him 11/10 to win a medal and 6/1 to take gold in what could be a career-defining race.

Latest Odds – Men’s 800m

Athlete To Win a Medal Gold Medal Odds
Emmanuel Wanyonyi (KEN) 1/6 5/4
Marco Arop (CAN) 8/15 4/1
Mohamed Attaoui (ESP) 8/13 4/1
Cian McPhillips (IRL) 11/10 6/1
Djamel Sedjati (ALG) 13/8 10/1
Max Burgin (GBR) 5/2 13/1
Tshepiso Masalela (BOT) 6/1 45/1
Navasky Anderson (JAM) 35/1 175/1

“I’m Ready to Give It Everything” – McPhillips

Speaking after his semi-final, McPhillips said he felt in the shape of his life: “I knew I had the legs to finish strong – I just needed to stay patient and trust my kick. This is the moment you train for. I’m ready to give it everything.”

With the crowd expected to be electric, McPhillips will need to produce another perfectly judged race to stay with the devastating finishing speed of Wanyonyi and the front-running strength of Arop and Attaoui.

The Race to Watch

The men’s 800m final has all the ingredients for a classic. Wanyonyi is a hot favourite, but Marco Arop and Mohamed Attaoui are proven championship performers. If McPhillips times his late surge, he could snatch a historic medal for Ireland and announce himself as one of the sport’s elite half-milers.

The final goes off later today – and all eyes will be on whether Cian McPhillips can deliver one of the great moments in Irish athletics history.

Prediction

  • Gold: Emmanuel Wanyonyi (KEN)
  • Silver: Marco Arop (CAN)
  • Bronze: Cian McPhillips (IRE)

Win or lose, McPhillips has already made a huge statement on the global stage. A medal here could transform Irish middle-distance running for the next decade.

Kate O’Connor on Verge of History – Irish Star Set to Deliver First-Ever Global Medal in Heptathlon

Kate O’Connor on Verge of History – Irish Star Set to Deliver First-Ever Global Medal in Heptathlon

Ireland is just two events away from celebrating an athletics milestone. Kate O’Connor, sitting fourth overall after five of seven gruelling events in the women’s heptathlon, has put herself in prime position to win Ireland’s first ever global outdoor medal in the combined events – and possibly even snatch silver.

After a stellar second day that included a strong long jump (6.22m), O’Connor has accumulated 4,824 points, leaving her right in the mix with just the javelin (11:00) and 800m (13:11) remaining.

Medal Momentum Building

Anna Hall (USA) continues to lead with 5,041 points, and looks set for gold barring disaster. Taliyah Brooks (USA) is second on 4,930 points, with Great Britain’s Katarina Johnson-Thompson (4,874) just ahead of O’Connor.

But history suggests this is where the Irishwoman comes into her own. O’Connor has a personal best of 55.17m in the javelin – comfortably ahead of many of her rivals – which could vault her into a medal position before the final 800m.

With her recent 800m clocking of 2:10.46 at the World University Games, she could seal the deal and climb as high as second overall if she maintains her form.

Thiam Out – Door Wide Open

Two-time Olympic champion Nafissatou Thiam’s withdrawal earlier in the competition has blown the medal race wide open. With Thiam gone, the path is clear for a new name on the podium – and O’Connor is the one taking full advantage.

What It Would Mean

No Irish athlete has ever stood on a World Championships heptathlon podium. O’Connor, who has already broken the Irish record for total points at this stage, is competing in what could become a career-defining day.

A medal here would not just cement her status as Ireland’s greatest ever combined events athlete but could inspire a new generation of young multis athletes across the country.

Predicted Podium

  • Gold: Anna Hall (USA)
  • Silver: Kate O’Connor (IRE)
  • Bronze: Katarina Johnson-Thompson (GBR)

Ireland will be watching closely as the final two events play out. With just hours to go, Kate O’Connor looks ready to make history.

Kate O’Connor Heptathlon Preview: Full Schedule (Irish Times) & Medal Chances

Kate O’Connor Heptathlon Preview: Full Schedule (Irish Times) & Medal Chances

The women’s heptathlon promises to be one of the highlights of the championships, and Irish fans have a real reason to watch closely as Kate O’Connor looks to make history. The 23-year-old from Dundalk is aiming to become the first Irish woman to win a global medal in the event.

American Anna Hall is the clear favourite for gold at 4/7, followed by defending champion Nafissatou Thiam (9/4) and Britain’s Katarina Johnson-Thompson (11/2). Those three are odds-on for medals, but the battle for bronze could be decided by just a handful of points.

“The one thing about winning medals for these events now is that it does increase the pressure, the expectation levels from people watching on,” O’Connor, who begins her heptathlon challenge on Friday morning.

O’Connor’s 6,487-point haul at the World University Games in Germany is the fifth best of 2025, although Olympic champion Nafi Thiam from Belgium and Great Britain’s world champion Katarina Johnson-Thompson have yet to record a score this season.

“I’ve got an idea in my head if things go really, really well, what could happen but I just want to turn up and just enjoy the competition.

“If I could, I would love to string together seven performances that I’m really proud of.”

Kate O’Connor’s Full Schedule (Irish Times)

  • Day 7 – Friday, 19 September
    Kate O’Connor – Heptathlon Events

    • 🏃 100m Hurdles (Heat 1): 13:44PB – 1059pts
    • 🏆 High Jump (Group A): 10:20 (18:20)
    • 💪 Shot Put (Group B): 12:30 (20:30)
    • 🏃‍♀️ 200m (Heat 1): 13:38 (21:38)
  • Day 8 – Saturday, 20 September
    03:30 – Long Jump | 11:00 – Javelin | 13:11 – 800m (final event)

Medal Chances

O’Connor is priced at 9/2 to claim a medal and 50/1 for gold. Her strongest events are the javelin and long jump, where she can claw back points on the leaders. If she stays competitive in the hurdles, high jump and 200m, she could head into the 800m with a real shot at bronze.

Her main rivals for the podium outside the “big three” include Annik Kalin (5/2) of Sweden and Finland’s Saga Vanninen (7/2). Sofie Dokter (NED) and Taliyah Brooks (USA) are also strong competitors.

Prediction

Gold: Likely to be a duel between Hall and Thiam, with Johnson-Thompson a live threat if she produces her best.
Bronze: Wide open – and Kate O’Connor is right in the mix. Expect a thrilling finish with the possibility of an Irish medal on the line in the final 800m.

NFL – Week 2 Review

Four teams – Arizona, Cincinnati, Indianapolis and San Francisco – have begun the season 2-0 after missing the postseason last year, making it the second consecutive season that at least four teams started 2-0 the season after missing the postseason.

The Indianapolis Colts, who scored on each of their seven offensive possessions in Week 1 and their first three offensive possessions in Week 2. They become the first team in NFL history to score on each of their first 10 offensive possessions of the season.

Cowboys overcome 10-point deficit v Giants

The Dallas Cowboys overcame a 10-point deficit and defeated the New York Giants, 40-37, in overtime in Week 2. There were six lead changes in the fourth quarter and overtime.

Dallas kicker Brandon Aubrey converted the third-longest field goal in NFL history, from  64-yard, to tie the game with no time remaining in the fourth quarter. He then scored a 46-yard field goal to win with no time remaining in overtime.

Lions 52-21 winners over the Bears

Detroit quarterback Jared Goff passed for 334 yards with five touchdowns and no interceptions. Running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery each rushed for a touchdown in the Lions’ 52-21 win over Chicago.

Four TD passes for Baltimore’s Jackson

Baltimore quarterback Lamar Jackson, in his 96th career start, had four touchdown passes with no interceptions in the Ravens’ 41-17 win over Cleveland.

Jackson has 11 career games with at least four touchdown passes and no interceptions, surpassing Patrick Mahomes (10 games) and Aaron Rodgers (10) for the most such games by a quarterback in his first 100 career starts in NFL history.

WR Chase stars in Bengals Win

Cincinnati wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase had 14 receptions for 165 yards and one touchdown in the Bengals’ 31-27 win against Jacksonville.

Chase is the fourth player in NFL history with at least 14 receptions in three career games, and has six career games with at least 10 receptions, 150 receiving yards and a touchdown reception.

49ers Win at New Orleans

San Francisco running back Christian McCaffrey had six receptions, 107 scrimmage yards (55 rushing, 52 receiving) and a touchdown reception in the 49ers’ 26-21 win at New Orleans.

McCaffrey became the third player in NFL history with at least 50 rushing touchdowns and 30 touchdown receptions.

Rams 33-19 Winners at Tennessee

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Davante Adams had six receptions for 106 yards and one touchdown and wide receiver Puka Nacua, in his 30th career game, had eight receptions for 91 yards and a 45-yard rushing touchdown in the team’s 33-19 win at Tennessee.

Nacua has 202 career receptions and became the second player in NFL history with at least 200 receptions in his first 30 games.

Rodgers records 508th TD Pass

Pittsburgh quarterback Aaron Rodgers recorded his 508th career regular-season touchdown pass, tied with Pro Football Hall of Famer Brett Favre (508 touchdown passes) for the fourth-most in NFL history. Only Tom Brady (649 touchdown passes), Drew Brees (571) and Pro Football Hall of Famer Peyton Manning (539) have more.

Eagles Edge Super Bowl LIX Rematch

Philadelphia quarterback Jalen Hurts recorded a fourth-quarter rushing touchdown in the Eagles’ 20-17 win at Kansas City in a rematch of Super Bowl LIX. Hurts has 45 career games with a rushing touchdown, including the playoffs, for the third-most such games by a quarterback in NFL history.

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