#matchups

#matchups

There might have been a lot of hope from Patriots fans for their wild card round opponent to be the Chargers, as many viewed them as the team to give them the best chance of continuing their postseason, but that doesn't mean it will be an easy game, especially for Drake Maye going against a tough defense. Days before the game, the Patriots are favored by bettors, even by a small margin, yet analysts' predictions aren't the same.

With its new 18-team format, the UEFA Women's Champions League is into the second gameweek and there are some exciting matchups to be found. In the early games, Valarenga host Wolfsburg, while OL Lyonnes will take on St Polten. Then Chelsea will hope to improve on their slow start against Paris FC, Barcelona take on Roma, and two of the surprise packages from the first week, OH Leuven and Twente, face each other.

We have you covered with everything you need to know. Our NFL Nation reporters take you inside the locker room with the best thing they heard this week, and ESPN Research provides a key stat to know and a betting nugget for each contest. Plus, analytics writer Seth Walder makes a bold prediction for each matchup, and fantasy analyst Eric Moody shares fantasy football intel.

These are games that have massive teams in them. They are happening in a massive competition. There will be famous players in famous kits in famous stadiums. There will be Champions League branding. They will play the Champions League theme tune. They will use the Champions League ball, taking its cues this season from the night sky and featuring hand-drawn zodiac signs in gold that symbolise heroic deeds and heavenly destiny.

The opening night of the 2025-26 NBA season will feature the Houston Rockets at the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder and the Golden State Warriors at the Los Angeles Lakers.

The reigning king, Slim Reaper, is absent, leading to a four-man Light Heavyweight Tournament with contenders ready to claim the vacant title.