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ISL 2025-26: Kerala Blasters goes to AIFF over racial abuse of Fallou Ndiaye during match vs Bengaluru FC  The Indian Super League (ISL) witnessed an episode when Kerala Blasters defender Fallou Ndiaye was racially abused during their match against Bengaluru FC on Sunday.The match between the arch rivals saw tempers flair during the game as the Blasters pipped Bengaluru in their first win of this ISL season. Victor Bertomeu and Franchu scored against the outnumbered Blues, who lost the derby for the first time since September 2023.During the match Ndiaye, who is from Senegal, was subject to racial slurs, videos of which have been widely circulated on social media.“The Club has taken note of an appalling incident which has occurred during our last game, where one of our players was subjected to blatant racist chants,” Kerala Blasters said in a statement.“The Club strongly condemns this act and has formally raised this matter with the relevant ISL and AIFF (All India Football Federation) authorities. We will also pursue appropriate action to protect the integrity of our player. There is no place for racism in our game.”BFC also released a statement condemning the incident, adding that the club is working with relevant authorities to identify the individual involved.“We condemn this behaviour in the strongest way possible. Racism is unacceptable, has no place in sport, and runs completely counter to the values the club stands for,” it read.Incidents of racial abuse have also marred this fixture previously.In the opening fixture of ISL 2023-24, Bengaluru FC forward Ryan Williams had allegedly pinched his nose at Kerala Blasters defender Aibanbha Dohling – one that Aiban’s club had deemed racist, lodging a complaint to the AIFF.Published on Apr 13, 2026  #ISL #Kerala #Blasters #AIFF #racial #abuse #Fallou #Ndiaye #match #Bengaluru

ISL 2025-26: Kerala Blasters goes to AIFF over racial abuse of Fallou Ndiaye during match vs Bengaluru FC

The Indian Super League (ISL) witnessed an episode when Kerala Blasters defender Fallou Ndiaye was racially abused during their match against Bengaluru FC on Sunday.

The match between the arch rivals saw tempers flair during the game as the Blasters pipped Bengaluru in their first win of this ISL season. Victor Bertomeu and Franchu scored against the outnumbered Blues, who lost the derby for the first time since September 2023.

During the match Ndiaye, who is from Senegal, was subject to racial slurs, videos of which have been widely circulated on social media.

“The Club has taken note of an appalling incident which has occurred during our last game, where one of our players was subjected to blatant racist chants,” Kerala Blasters said in a statement.

“The Club strongly condemns this act and has formally raised this matter with the relevant ISL and AIFF (All India Football Federation) authorities. We will also pursue appropriate action to protect the integrity of our player. There is no place for racism in our game.”

BFC also released a statement condemning the incident, adding that the club is working with relevant authorities to identify the individual involved.

“We condemn this behaviour in the strongest way possible. Racism is unacceptable, has no place in sport, and runs completely counter to the values the club stands for,” it read.

Incidents of racial abuse have also marred this fixture previously.

In the opening fixture of ISL 2023-24, Bengaluru FC forward Ryan Williams had allegedly pinched his nose at Kerala Blasters defender Aibanbha Dohling – one that Aiban’s club had deemed racist, lodging a complaint to the AIFF.

Published on Apr 13, 2026

#ISL #Kerala #Blasters #AIFF #racial #abuse #Fallou #Ndiaye #match #Bengaluru

The Indian Super League (ISL) witnessed an episode when Kerala Blasters defender Fallou Ndiaye was racially abused during their match against Bengaluru FC on Sunday.

The match between the arch rivals saw tempers flair during the game as the Blasters pipped Bengaluru in their first win of this ISL season. Victor Bertomeu and Franchu scored against the outnumbered Blues, who lost the derby for the first time since September 2023.

During the match Ndiaye, who is from Senegal, was subject to racial slurs, videos of which have been widely circulated on social media.

“The Club has taken note of an appalling incident which has occurred during our last game, where one of our players was subjected to blatant racist chants,” Kerala Blasters said in a statement.

“The Club strongly condemns this act and has formally raised this matter with the relevant ISL and AIFF (All India Football Federation) authorities. We will also pursue appropriate action to protect the integrity of our player. There is no place for racism in our game.”

BFC also released a statement condemning the incident, adding that the club is working with relevant authorities to identify the individual involved.

“We condemn this behaviour in the strongest way possible. Racism is unacceptable, has no place in sport, and runs completely counter to the values the club stands for,” it read.

Incidents of racial abuse have also marred this fixture previously.

In the opening fixture of ISL 2023-24, Bengaluru FC forward Ryan Williams had allegedly pinched his nose at Kerala Blasters defender Aibanbha Dohling – one that Aiban’s club had deemed racist, lodging a complaint to the AIFF.

Published on Apr 13, 2026

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#ISL #Kerala #Blasters #AIFF #racial #abuse #Fallou #Ndiaye #match #Bengaluru

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Deadspin | Giants looking for offense to turn around in visit to Reds <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28715652.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28715652.jpg" alt="MLB: San Francisco Giants at Baltimore Orioles" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 12, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles pitcher Tyler Wells (68) celebrates with catcher Samuel Basallo (29) after a game against the San Francisco Giants at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>One team struggling on the road encounters one that has fared poorly at home when the San Francisco Giants visit the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday night to tip off a three-game series.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>The Giants have lost three of their last four on the road and the Reds four of their last five at home as the clubs prepare to go head-to-head for the first time this season.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>San Francisco struggled offensively over the weekend in losing a pair at Baltimore after opening the series with a 6-3 win. The Orioles swept the Saturday and Sunday games by identical 6-2 scores.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>The Giants managed just one home run in the two losses, a solo shot by Casey Schmitt in the ninth inning Sunday with the visitors five runs down. San Francisco began the week with the fewest home runs in the majors, having hit just eight in its first 16 games.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>The good news for the Giants is that they’ve had no problem scoring the last two times Robbie Ray (2-1, 2.08 ERA) was on the mound. Not that he’s needed much help, having limited the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies to a total of two runs and six hits in 12 innings, but the San Francisco offense made it a comfortable pitching experience by totaling 13 runs in 7-2 and 6-0 wins, respectively.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>All three of Ray’s starts, including a 3-0 defeat in the second game of the season, have come at home.</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>The 34-year-old left-hander will be making his eighth career start against the Reds, having gone 3-2 with a 4.42 ERA. He has served up six home runs in six career starts at the Great American Ball Park but managed to post a 3-1 record in those games.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-8"> <p>The Giants sat one of their top hitters, Luis Arraez, with a right wrist contusion Sunday. If the injury forces Schmitt to play second base this series, it might give San Francisco manager Tony Vitello a reason to play both his catchers — Patrick Bailey and Daniel Susac — at the same time.</p> </section> <section id="section-9"> <p>“There’s been games where we’ve really swung the bats well, and there’s been games where we’re searching for runs,” Vitello noted to reporters Sunday, a game in which Susac went 1-for-3 and yet saw his average remain at a healthy .636. “So if you’re searching and you’ve got a guy who can swing it a little bit …”</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>San Francisco’s hitters will be up against Reds right-hander Brady Singer (0-1, 7.71) in the series opener. The 29-year-old has been torched for 21 hits and 11 runs (10 earned) in 11 2/3 innings in his first three starts.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>He hasn’t had much success in three career starts against the Giants, going 0-1 with a 7.16 ERA.</p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>Singer has pitched just once at home this season, going four innings in a 6-5, 11-inning win. It was part of a 2-1 home-series win over the Boston Red Sox, a level of success the Reds have not duplicated while losing home sets to the Pittsburgh Pirates and Los Angeles Angels.</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>The Reds also might have a surprise addition to the batting lineup Tuesday with Rece Hinds having been promoted from Triple-A Louisville. Cincinnati created a roster spot by demoting Noelvi Marte, whose 0-for-4 performance in Sunday’s 9-6 loss to the Angels left him at .138.</p> </section><section id="section-14"> <p>“He’s just having a tough time,” Reds manager Terry Francona explained to reporters about Marte. “He looks like he’s trying to hit everything.”</p> </section><section id="section-15"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #Giants #offense #turn #visit #Reds

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Deadspin | Masters T12 vaults Brooks Koepka 40 spots in world rankings <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28707829.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28707829.jpg" alt="PGA: Masters Tournament - Third Round" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">April 11, 2026; Augusta, Ga.; Brooks Koepka tees off during the Masters. Credit: Katie Goodale-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>AUGUSTA, Ga. — Brooks Koepka was one of several high finishers at the 2026 Masters to enjoy a boost up the Official World Golf Ranking on Monday.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Fresh off a tie for 12th at Augusta National Golf Club, Koepka vaulted 40 spots to No. 129. He has now climbed 126 spots since before his return to the PGA Tour at the Farmers Insurance Open in February. </p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>Since he is currently ineligible to play in signature events, the four majors and The Players are particularly important for Koepka. He rose 48 spots after a T13 at TPC Sawgrass the week after a 47-point jump from a T9 at the Cognizant Classic.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>While playing for LIV Golf, Koepka’s ranking had plummeted to No. 425 ahead of last year’s U.S. Open.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>He was one of several players to enjoy significant boosts from a strong Masters finish.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>LIV’s Tyrrell Hatton, who rallied for a T3 at Augusta and was the league’s only player to finish under par, rose eight spots to No. 23. LIV colleague Dustin Johnson did rise from No. 593 to No. 456 with his even-par finish for a T33, while fellow former world No. 1 Jon Rahm actually dropped a spot to No. 31 with his T38 effort.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-7"> <p>The top three in the rankings remained unchanged, with Masters champion Rory McIlroy remaining No. 2 behind Scottie Scheffler and one ahead of Cameron Young, who played in the final group with McIlroy on Sunday. Young ultimately finished T3 along with Justin Rose, who climbed to No. 4 ahead of Tommy Fleetwood.</p> </section> <section id="section-8"> <p>Russell Henley used his spot in that T3 group to vault six spots to No. 6.</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>Another big mover was Jake Knapp. The 31-year-old moved into the top 50 during the final week in the eligibility window to qualify for his second Masters. He then secured a ticket back to Augusta National next year with an 11th-place finish that also pushed him from No. 42 to a career-best 36th in the world rankings.</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>Max Homa also secured a spot in the 2027 Masters field with his T9 that elevated the former United States Ryder Cup member 46 spots to No. 117.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>Among those going in the opposite direction was J.J. Spaun. Coming off a victory the previous week, Spaun missed the cut at Augusta National to drop five spots to No. 10. </p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>Bryson DeChambeau’s triple-bogey finish that cost him a chance to play the weekend didn’t hurt him much in the rankings. He fell only one spot to No. 25 on the heels of winning consecutive events on the LIV Golf circuit.</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>The OWGR figures to see significant movement again next week following the signature event at the RBC Heritage.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-14"> <p>–Derek Harper, Field Level Media</p> </section> </div> #Deadspin #Masters #T12 #vaults #Brooks #Koepka #spots #world #rankings

Deadspin | Preakness pushes date back to 22 days after Kentucky Derby  May 20, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; General view of the winners circle at Pimlico Race Course. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images   In an effort to attract more horses who compete in the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes is pushing back its date in 2027.  The event at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore will be held on May 23, a Sunday, 22 days after the first leg of the Triple Crown is contested at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.  Over the past five years, 82 out of 95 horses that ran in the Kentucky Derby sat out the Preakness.  Bill Knauf, president and general manager of the Maryland Jockey Club, said in a statement, “Moving the Preakness to the fourth weekend in May is a historic announcement. We believe the Preakness and the entire Triple Crown series are positioned for growth and great success. This extra week between the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness opens the Preakness to potential participants who use modern training methods.”  The Preakness also announced a broadcasting extension with NBC and Peacock through 2032. The date change includes moving the Black Eyed Susan Stakes, a top race for 3-year-old fillies, to the fourth Saturday in May.   Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said, “This agreement now means millions more people will be able to tune in and watch this iconic race weekend. It also means that when they view this race … it means that more people will watch and witness the greatest show in the Mid-Atlantic and continue to see Maryland on the world stage, exactly where Maryland belongs.”  While the Preakness’ new date eases the tight window between the first two legs of the sport’s Triple Crown, it tightens the window between the last two. The Belmont Stakes in Elmont, N.Y., is scheduled for June 5, 2027, just 13 days after the Preakness.  Knauf said, “Our focus is to preserve the tradition of horses running back in the Preakness and to enhance participation in the Triple Crown races. We acknowledge the great history of the traditional Triple Crown spacing between races, but recognize that change must always be examined. This is common in all professional sports. Now is the time for the Preakness.”  The Preakness revealed its new plan in the wake of the formation of the Thoroughbred Championship Series, which will feature the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes but not the Baltimore race. The new six-race venture will feature three races at Churchill Downs, two at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., as well as the Belmont.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Preakness #pushes #date #days #Kentucky #DerbyMay 20, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; General view of the winners circle at Pimlico Race Course. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

In an effort to attract more horses who compete in the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes is pushing back its date in 2027.

The event at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore will be held on May 23, a Sunday, 22 days after the first leg of the Triple Crown is contested at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.

Over the past five years, 82 out of 95 horses that ran in the Kentucky Derby sat out the Preakness.

Bill Knauf, president and general manager of the Maryland Jockey Club, said in a statement, “Moving the Preakness to the fourth weekend in May is a historic announcement. We believe the Preakness and the entire Triple Crown series are positioned for growth and great success. This extra week between the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness opens the Preakness to potential participants who use modern training methods.”


The Preakness also announced a broadcasting extension with NBC and Peacock through 2032. The date change includes moving the Black Eyed Susan Stakes, a top race for 3-year-old fillies, to the fourth Saturday in May.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said, “This agreement now means millions more people will be able to tune in and watch this iconic race weekend. It also means that when they view this race … it means that more people will watch and witness the greatest show in the Mid-Atlantic and continue to see Maryland on the world stage, exactly where Maryland belongs.”

While the Preakness’ new date eases the tight window between the first two legs of the sport’s Triple Crown, it tightens the window between the last two. The Belmont Stakes in Elmont, N.Y., is scheduled for June 5, 2027, just 13 days after the Preakness.

Knauf said, “Our focus is to preserve the tradition of horses running back in the Preakness and to enhance participation in the Triple Crown races. We acknowledge the great history of the traditional Triple Crown spacing between races, but recognize that change must always be examined. This is common in all professional sports. Now is the time for the Preakness.”

The Preakness revealed its new plan in the wake of the formation of the Thoroughbred Championship Series, which will feature the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes but not the Baltimore race. The new six-race venture will feature three races at Churchill Downs, two at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., as well as the Belmont.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Preakness #pushes #date #days #Kentucky #Derby">Deadspin | Preakness pushes date back to 22 days after Kentucky Derby  May 20, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; General view of the winners circle at Pimlico Race Course. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images   In an effort to attract more horses who compete in the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes is pushing back its date in 2027.  The event at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore will be held on May 23, a Sunday, 22 days after the first leg of the Triple Crown is contested at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.  Over the past five years, 82 out of 95 horses that ran in the Kentucky Derby sat out the Preakness.  Bill Knauf, president and general manager of the Maryland Jockey Club, said in a statement, “Moving the Preakness to the fourth weekend in May is a historic announcement. We believe the Preakness and the entire Triple Crown series are positioned for growth and great success. This extra week between the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness opens the Preakness to potential participants who use modern training methods.”  The Preakness also announced a broadcasting extension with NBC and Peacock through 2032. The date change includes moving the Black Eyed Susan Stakes, a top race for 3-year-old fillies, to the fourth Saturday in May.   Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said, “This agreement now means millions more people will be able to tune in and watch this iconic race weekend. It also means that when they view this race … it means that more people will watch and witness the greatest show in the Mid-Atlantic and continue to see Maryland on the world stage, exactly where Maryland belongs.”  While the Preakness’ new date eases the tight window between the first two legs of the sport’s Triple Crown, it tightens the window between the last two. The Belmont Stakes in Elmont, N.Y., is scheduled for June 5, 2027, just 13 days after the Preakness.  Knauf said, “Our focus is to preserve the tradition of horses running back in the Preakness and to enhance participation in the Triple Crown races. We acknowledge the great history of the traditional Triple Crown spacing between races, but recognize that change must always be examined. This is common in all professional sports. Now is the time for the Preakness.”  The Preakness revealed its new plan in the wake of the formation of the Thoroughbred Championship Series, which will feature the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes but not the Baltimore race. The new six-race venture will feature three races at Churchill Downs, two at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., as well as the Belmont.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Preakness #pushes #date #days #Kentucky #Derby

After putting up solid numbers for the New England Patriots last year — more on that in a moment — Diggs has signed with the Washington Commanders for the 2026 campaign. According to multiple sources, the veteran WR inked a one-year deal with the Commanders worth up to $12 million. It is something of a homecoming for Diggs, who played his high school football at Good Counsel in Olney and played his college football at Maryland.

With many readers entering fantasy draft season, the question is simple: What are the fantasy implications of Diggs signing with the Commanders?

After playing in just eight games during the 2024 season, as Diggs suffered a torn ACL in Week 8 while playing for the Houston Texans, he signed a three-year deal with the New England Patriots in May of 2025. Diggs appeared in all 17 regular-season games for New England, catching 85 passes for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns in Foxborough. Diggs led the Patriots in targets with 102 — he was the only New England receiver with more than 90 targets — and also led the team in both receptions and receiving yardage.

How he was used in New England could be a window into his usage in Washington. According to charting data from Pro Football Focus, Kayshon Boutte saw the most downfield targets on the Patriots a year ago (21) followed by Mack Hollins with 16. (Pro Football Focus defines these targets as coming 20 yards or more downfield).

Where Diggs led the way was in the short and intermediate areas of the field, often on crossing routes. Again, turning to charting data from Pro Football Focus, Diggs led the Patriots with 77 targets in the short area of the field, defined as throws between the line of scrimmage and nine yards downfield. Hollins was second on the Patriots, with only 30 such targets.

Turning now to the Commanders, last year Deebo Samuel led the team in those targets with 26. But with Samuel now in San Francisco, Diggs will be tasked with working that area of the field, allowing Terry McLaurin to continue stretching defenses in the vertical passing game. That is where McLaurin is at his best, and if you look at his 2024 numbers (when playing with a healthy Jayden Daniels) McLaurin saw a staggering 32 deep targets that season, the most on the Commanders by far.

For context, Noah Brown and Dyami Brown tied for second with nine each.

Another factor to consider is this: Washington’s new offensive coordinator. David Blough steps into the role, replacing Kliff Kingsbury. The expectation is that Blough will lean into the under-center, play-action passing game, a schematic tweak that will create opportunities for Diggs on those crossing routes underneath.

McLaurin will be Washington’s WR1, with Diggs slotting nicely into that WR2 role. He’ll see volume in this system — meaning he offers a nice boost in PPR formats — and while McLaurin could siphon the bulk of touchdowns (remember Diggs had only four a season ago) and Daniels could vulture some as well with his legs, there will be production to be gained by drafting Diggs in the later rounds as a WR3 with WR2 upside.

#Stefon #Diggs #fantasy #football #outlook #Commanders #signing #means">Stefon Diggs fantasy football outlook: What Commanders signing means for 2026  Stefon Diggs finally has a home for the 2026 NFL season.After putting up solid numbers for the New England Patriots last year — more on that in a moment — Diggs has signed with the Washington Commanders for the 2026 campaign. According to multiple sources, the veteran WR inked a one-year deal with the Commanders worth up to  million. It is something of a homecoming for Diggs, who played his high school football at Good Counsel in Olney and played his college football at Maryland.With many readers entering fantasy draft season, the question is simple: What are the fantasy implications of Diggs signing with the Commanders?After playing in just eight games during the 2024 season, as Diggs suffered a torn ACL in Week 8 while playing for the Houston Texans, he signed a three-year deal with the New England Patriots in May of 2025. Diggs appeared in all 17 regular-season games for New England, catching 85 passes for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns in Foxborough. Diggs led the Patriots in targets with 102 — he was the only New England receiver with more than 90 targets — and also led the team in both receptions and receiving yardage.How he was used in New England could be a window into his usage in Washington. According to charting data from Pro Football Focus, Kayshon Boutte saw the most downfield targets on the Patriots a year ago (21) followed by Mack Hollins with 16. (Pro Football Focus defines these targets as coming 20 yards or more downfield).Where Diggs led the way was in the short and intermediate areas of the field, often on crossing routes. Again, turning to charting data from Pro Football Focus, Diggs led the Patriots with 77 targets in the short area of the field, defined as throws between the line of scrimmage and nine yards downfield. Hollins was second on the Patriots, with only 30 such targets.Turning now to the Commanders, last year Deebo Samuel led the team in those targets with 26. But with Samuel now in San Francisco, Diggs will be tasked with working that area of the field, allowing Terry McLaurin to continue stretching defenses in the vertical passing game. That is where McLaurin is at his best, and if you look at his 2024 numbers (when playing with a healthy Jayden Daniels) McLaurin saw a staggering 32 deep targets that season, the most on the Commanders by far.For context, Noah Brown and Dyami Brown tied for second with nine each.Another factor to consider is this: Washington’s new offensive coordinator. David Blough steps into the role, replacing Kliff Kingsbury. The expectation is that Blough will lean into the under-center, play-action passing game, a schematic tweak that will create opportunities for Diggs on those crossing routes underneath.McLaurin will be Washington’s WR1, with Diggs slotting nicely into that WR2 role. He’ll see volume in this system — meaning he offers a nice boost in PPR formats — and while McLaurin could siphon the bulk of touchdowns (remember Diggs had only four a season ago) and Daniels could vulture some as well with his legs, there will be production to be gained by drafting Diggs in the later rounds as a WR3 with WR2 upside.  #Stefon #Diggs #fantasy #football #outlook #Commanders #signing #means

85 passes for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns in Foxborough. Diggs led the Patriots in targets with 102 — he was the only New England receiver with more than 90 targets — and also led the team in both receptions and receiving yardage.

How he was used in New England could be a window into his usage in Washington. According to charting data from Pro Football Focus, Kayshon Boutte saw the most downfield targets on the Patriots a year ago (21) followed by Mack Hollins with 16. (Pro Football Focus defines these targets as coming 20 yards or more downfield).

Where Diggs led the way was in the short and intermediate areas of the field, often on crossing routes. Again, turning to charting data from Pro Football Focus, Diggs led the Patriots with 77 targets in the short area of the field, defined as throws between the line of scrimmage and nine yards downfield. Hollins was second on the Patriots, with only 30 such targets.

Turning now to the Commanders, last year Deebo Samuel led the team in those targets with 26. But with Samuel now in San Francisco, Diggs will be tasked with working that area of the field, allowing Terry McLaurin to continue stretching defenses in the vertical passing game. That is where McLaurin is at his best, and if you look at his 2024 numbers (when playing with a healthy Jayden Daniels) McLaurin saw a staggering 32 deep targets that season, the most on the Commanders by far.

For context, Noah Brown and Dyami Brown tied for second with nine each.

Another factor to consider is this: Washington’s new offensive coordinator. David Blough steps into the role, replacing Kliff Kingsbury. The expectation is that Blough will lean into the under-center, play-action passing game, a schematic tweak that will create opportunities for Diggs on those crossing routes underneath.

McLaurin will be Washington’s WR1, with Diggs slotting nicely into that WR2 role. He’ll see volume in this system — meaning he offers a nice boost in PPR formats — and while McLaurin could siphon the bulk of touchdowns (remember Diggs had only four a season ago) and Daniels could vulture some as well with his legs, there will be production to be gained by drafting Diggs in the later rounds as a WR3 with WR2 upside.

#Stefon #Diggs #fantasy #football #outlook #Commanders #signing #means">Stefon Diggs fantasy football outlook: What Commanders signing means for 2026

Stefon Diggs finally has a home for the 2026 NFL season.

After putting up solid numbers for the New England Patriots last year — more on that in a moment — Diggs has signed with the Washington Commanders for the 2026 campaign. According to multiple sources, the veteran WR inked a one-year deal with the Commanders worth up to $12 million. It is something of a homecoming for Diggs, who played his high school football at Good Counsel in Olney and played his college football at Maryland.

With many readers entering fantasy draft season, the question is simple: What are the fantasy implications of Diggs signing with the Commanders?

After playing in just eight games during the 2024 season, as Diggs suffered a torn ACL in Week 8 while playing for the Houston Texans, he signed a three-year deal with the New England Patriots in May of 2025. Diggs appeared in all 17 regular-season games for New England, catching 85 passes for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns in Foxborough. Diggs led the Patriots in targets with 102 — he was the only New England receiver with more than 90 targets — and also led the team in both receptions and receiving yardage.

How he was used in New England could be a window into his usage in Washington. According to charting data from Pro Football Focus, Kayshon Boutte saw the most downfield targets on the Patriots a year ago (21) followed by Mack Hollins with 16. (Pro Football Focus defines these targets as coming 20 yards or more downfield).

Where Diggs led the way was in the short and intermediate areas of the field, often on crossing routes. Again, turning to charting data from Pro Football Focus, Diggs led the Patriots with 77 targets in the short area of the field, defined as throws between the line of scrimmage and nine yards downfield. Hollins was second on the Patriots, with only 30 such targets.

Turning now to the Commanders, last year Deebo Samuel led the team in those targets with 26. But with Samuel now in San Francisco, Diggs will be tasked with working that area of the field, allowing Terry McLaurin to continue stretching defenses in the vertical passing game. That is where McLaurin is at his best, and if you look at his 2024 numbers (when playing with a healthy Jayden Daniels) McLaurin saw a staggering 32 deep targets that season, the most on the Commanders by far.

For context, Noah Brown and Dyami Brown tied for second with nine each.

Another factor to consider is this: Washington’s new offensive coordinator. David Blough steps into the role, replacing Kliff Kingsbury. The expectation is that Blough will lean into the under-center, play-action passing game, a schematic tweak that will create opportunities for Diggs on those crossing routes underneath.

McLaurin will be Washington’s WR1, with Diggs slotting nicely into that WR2 role. He’ll see volume in this system — meaning he offers a nice boost in PPR formats — and while McLaurin could siphon the bulk of touchdowns (remember Diggs had only four a season ago) and Daniels could vulture some as well with his legs, there will be production to be gained by drafting Diggs in the later rounds as a WR3 with WR2 upside.

#Stefon #Diggs #fantasy #football #outlook #Commanders #signing #means

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