World Cup 2026 qualifying draw: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland discover opponents

In Week 19 of fantasy basketball, the top pickups include Andrew Nembhard, Aaron Nesmith, Ziaire Williams, Kyshawn George, and Day'Ron Sharpe, who all offer strong potential for production. Nembhard and Nesmith from the Indiana Pacers, Williams from the Brooklyn Nets, and George from the Washington Wizards are recommended for early-week streams, while Sharpe from the Brooklyn Nets is a calculated risk for defensive stats and boards. Additionally, Cole Anthony from the Orlando Magic and Malik...

The Cleveland Browns and Myles Garrett have reached a record contract extension, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history with a deal that averages $40 million per year and includes $123.5 million in guaranteed money. The four-year extension, running through 2030, also includes a no-trade clause, solidifying Garrett's Hall of Fame trajectory and ending a standoff that began when he requested a trade out of Cleveland. Garrett, a four-time All-Pro, had expressed a desire...

Your support enables The Independent to cover important stories like reproductive rights, climate change, and Big Tech, ensuring accurate reporting and in-depth investigations. Donations help fund journalists on the ground, providing balanced coverage across the political spectrum without paywalls. The passing of Olympic boxing champion Dick McTaggart at 89 has led to tributes for his remarkable career, including winning a gold medal at the 1956 Olympics, three Olympic appearances, Commonwealth Games success, and induction into...

Fantasy analyst Matt Harmon breaks down the major free agency deals in the NFL, including Aaron Jones Sr. re-signing with the Vikings, Davante Adams joining the Rams, Zach Ertz staying with the Commanders, Ronnie Stanley extending with the Ravens, Hollywood Brown re-signing with the Chiefs, and Mike Gesicki staying with the Bengals. Harmon provides analysis on each move and discusses the potential fantasy football impact of these transactions. Full Article

Eric Karabell, a senior writer for fantasy sports at ESPN and FSWA Hall of Fame charter member, shares bold predictions for the 2025 MLB season, including players like Jordan Lawlar, Adrian Del Castillo, and Merrill Kelly making standout performances for the Arizona Diamondbacks. He also forecasts surprises for teams like the Atlanta Braves, Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, Colorado Rockies, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Miami Marlins, highlighting potential breakout players, statistical achievements, and team outcomes for...

In the latest round of MLB franchise rankings, the scoring system covers the past 25 years, with points awarded for various postseason achievements and docked for consecutive seasons of 90 losses. The Pirates and Orioles rank low due to limited playoff appearances and prolonged losing streaks, while the Reds and Mariners face challenges but show potential for improvement. The Rockies' 2007 World Series appearance gives them a slight edge over the Mariners in the rankings....