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Manchester United close in on Champions League qualification, Carrick says work still pending  Manchester United’s 2-1 win over Brentford on Monday put it on the brink ​of Champions League qualification but interim manager Michael ‌Carrick said they must keep pushing to ​finish as high up the ⁠Premier League table as possible.The victory lifted United to third place on 61 points, 11 clear of sixth-placed ‌Brighton & Hove Albion, with four games remaining.With the top five qualifying for ‌the Champions League next season, United needs ‌two ⁠more points to seal its return ⁠to Europe’s elite competition after a two-year absence.“The Champions League is one thing, but it’s not something that we ​should be over-celebrating ‌either,” former United midfielder Carrick told reporters.“We want to be finishing high up the league really, and we want to be challenging ‌high up in the league and trying ​to get more points so our season doesn’t get to a close ⁠when that happens.“We have put ourselves in good position, but there’s still more work to be ‌done,” added Carrick, who took charge in January with United in sixth spot after Ruben Amorim’s dismissal.Casemiro was on the scoresheet on Monday and while supporters have called on the club to keep him for another year, ‌Carrick said the midfielder’s situation was clear.“From both sides ​it’s pretty clear. Probably the situation and the clarity of it has helped ⁠everything,” he added.“It means a lot to him ⁠and credit to him because of the situation that it is, he’s given ‌absolutely everything as well and had some big moments for us.”United next faces fourth-placed ​Liverpool on Sunday.Published on Apr 28, 2026  #Manchester #United #close #Champions #League #qualification #Carrick #work #pending

Manchester United close in on Champions League qualification, Carrick says work still pending

Manchester United’s 2-1 win over Brentford on Monday put it on the brink ​of Champions League qualification but interim manager Michael ‌Carrick said they must keep pushing to ​finish as high up the ⁠Premier League table as possible.

The victory lifted United to third place on 61 points, 11 clear of sixth-placed ‌Brighton & Hove Albion, with four games remaining.

With the top five qualifying for ‌the Champions League next season, United needs ‌two ⁠more points to seal its return ⁠to Europe’s elite competition after a two-year absence.

“The Champions League is one thing, but it’s not something that we ​should be over-celebrating ‌either,” former United midfielder Carrick told reporters.

“We want to be finishing high up the league really, and we want to be challenging ‌high up in the league and trying ​to get more points so our season doesn’t get to a close ⁠when that happens.

“We have put ourselves in good position, but there’s still more work to be ‌done,” added Carrick, who took charge in January with United in sixth spot after Ruben Amorim’s dismissal.

Casemiro was on the scoresheet on Monday and while supporters have called on the club to keep him for another year, ‌Carrick said the midfielder’s situation was clear.

“From both sides ​it’s pretty clear. Probably the situation and the clarity of it has helped ⁠everything,” he added.

“It means a lot to him ⁠and credit to him because of the situation that it is, he’s given ‌absolutely everything as well and had some big moments for us.”

United next faces fourth-placed ​Liverpool on Sunday.

Published on Apr 28, 2026

#Manchester #United #close #Champions #League #qualification #Carrick #work #pending

Manchester United’s 2-1 win over Brentford on Monday put it on the brink ​of Champions League qualification but interim manager Michael ‌Carrick said they must keep pushing to ​finish as high up the ⁠Premier League table as possible.

The victory lifted United to third place on 61 points, 11 clear of sixth-placed ‌Brighton & Hove Albion, with four games remaining.

With the top five qualifying for ‌the Champions League next season, United needs ‌two ⁠more points to seal its return ⁠to Europe’s elite competition after a two-year absence.

“The Champions League is one thing, but it’s not something that we ​should be over-celebrating ‌either,” former United midfielder Carrick told reporters.

“We want to be finishing high up the league really, and we want to be challenging ‌high up in the league and trying ​to get more points so our season doesn’t get to a close ⁠when that happens.

“We have put ourselves in good position, but there’s still more work to be ‌done,” added Carrick, who took charge in January with United in sixth spot after Ruben Amorim’s dismissal.

Casemiro was on the scoresheet on Monday and while supporters have called on the club to keep him for another year, ‌Carrick said the midfielder’s situation was clear.

“From both sides ​it’s pretty clear. Probably the situation and the clarity of it has helped ⁠everything,” he added.

“It means a lot to him ⁠and credit to him because of the situation that it is, he’s given ‌absolutely everything as well and had some big moments for us.”

United next faces fourth-placed ​Liverpool on Sunday.

Published on Apr 28, 2026

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Deadspin | 2026 NFL Draft Grades: Raiders, Browns score near perfect <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-900/28809223.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28809223.jpg" alt="NFL: Las Vegas Raiders Press Conference" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 24, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (center) poses with jersey with general manager John Spytek (left) and head coach Klint Kubiak at introductory press conference at Intermountain Health Performance Center after being selected as the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>With the 2026 NFL Draft in the books, we’re ready to check the work of all 32 teams. </p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>The good news for the teams who paid the price to pick early in this year’s draft is many of them made of the most of the opportunity. </p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>Our analysts break down the work of every team’s front office and assign a letter grade with rapid reaction to the draft class of every club. </p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>As always with assessments based on projections of evolving talent and schemes, the curve can be steep. It typically takes at least two full seasons to grasp the why behind these selections, and not all planted seeds bear fruit. </p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>Arizona Cardinals</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>Grade: B- </p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>The selection of RB Jeremiyah Love (Notre Dame) at No. 3 inspires hand-wringing given the history of teams finding backs later in the draft. Our top need for Arizona was a quarterback, but none were worth the No. 3 pick with Fernando Mendoza gone. The No. 2 need was pass rusher. The only proven high-end edge in this draft was Texas Tech’s David Bailey, who went off the board one spot ahead of Love. We don’t argue the talent as a big-play running back but the wisdom of making the pick with offers to move back and fill multiple needs.</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>Atlanta Falcons</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>Grade: B+</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>With no first-round pick due to the 2025 draft-day trade to acquire pass rusher James Pearce Jr., the Falcons were able to find value with cornerback Avieon Terrell (Clemson) at No. 48 overall and electric Georgia WR Zachariah Branch (4.36 40) in the third round.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>Baltimore Ravens</p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>Grade: A-</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>There wasn’t an easier assignment to make pre-draft than the O-line hungry Ravens and Penn State’s Olaivavega Ioane with the 14th overall pick. Second-rounder Zion Young (Missouri) is a player we thought Dallas might reach for earlier in the draft. He has all the tools to make an instant impact opposite Trey Hendrickson.</p> </section><section id="section-14"> <p>Buffalo Bills</p> </section><section id="section-15"> <p>Grade: B</p> </section><section id="section-16"> <p>Trading back served the Bills well. The picks that stand out today as stellar values are fifth-rounders — safety Jalon Kilgore (South Carolina) and DT Zane Durant (Penn State) — but the first two are likely to have the most immediate impact in No. 35 pick T.J. Parker, an edge rusher from Clemson, and 62nd pick Davison Igbinosun, a cornerback from Ohio State).</p> </section><section id="section-17"> <p>Carolina Panthers</p> </section><section id="section-18"> <p>Grade: B-</p> </section><section id="section-19"> <p>There would have been a serious shot at top-10 grades if OT Monroe Freeling had gone back to Georgia for his senior season. He’s a great pick at No. 19 and No. 49 pick Lee Hunter (Texas Tech) could be the ideal prospect at nose tackle because of his enormous frame and light feet. There is not a wide receiver around with more enticing size, ability and speed in combination than Tennessee’s Chris Brazzell II, the 83rd overall pick.</p> </section><section id="section-20"> <p>Chicago Bears</p> </section><section id="section-21"> <p>Grade: B-</p> </section><section id="section-22"> <p>Kudos to the Bears for the fortune of being in position to draft safety Dillon Thieneman 25th overall. The Oregon product can do a lot to stabilize a shaky secondary. Iowa C Logan Jones (57th) helps recalibrate the front five behind Garrett Bradbury, but if he’s not a starter, why not swing for a bigger need such as pass rusher?</p> </section><section id="section-23"> <p>Cincinnati Bengals</p> </section><section id="section-24"> <p>Grade: B+</p> </section><section id="section-25"> <p>If not for his decline in production last season with the Giants, we’d feel better about sacrificing the No. 10 pick to New York for nose tackle Dexter Lawrence. If he comes in motivated and one of the Bengals’ top picks learns to fly — No. 41 overall pick Cashius Howell is all energy but lacks perfect size — this looks a lot better.</p> </section><section id="section-26"> <p>Cleveland Browns</p> </section><section id="section-27"> <p>Grade: A-</p> </section><section id="section-28"> <p>Based on Field Level Media analysis of the prospects Andrew Berry called to welcome to Cleveland, the Browns’ draft is another home run. The first-round selection of offensive tackle Spencer Fano (Utah) and wide receiver KC Concepcion (Texas A&M) was only the start of a gold-star weekend for the Browns. No. 39 pick Denzel Boston (Washington) is a borderline No. 1 receiver most expected to be in the top 30 picks, and safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (Toledo) went 58th, about 40 spots lower than we projected based on his value and versatility.</p> </section><section id="section-29"> <p>Dallas Cowboys</p> </section><section id="section-30"> <p>Grade: A</p> </section><section id="section-31"> <p>Ohio State safety Caleb Downs was one of the six “undisputed” blue-chip prospects by our count and Dallas was wise to sacrifice a couple mid-round picks to draft the versatile playmaker. We can’t argue with the traits of edge Malachi Lawrence (UCF). He’s not a ready-made pass rusher. We do expect him to win consistently. Acquiring LB Dee Winters (49ers) for a fifth-round pick and selecting Michigan edge Jaishawn Barham gives the Cowboys the makings of a seriously strong defense.</p> </section><section id="section-32"> <p>Denver Broncos</p> </section><section id="section-33"> <p>Grade: C+</p> </section><section id="section-34"> <p>A proven commodity in Jaylen Waddle is better than the Broncos would have been able to do with the 30th overall pick traded to the Dolphins. </p> </section><section id="section-35"> <p>Detroit Lions</p> </section><section id="section-36"> <p>Grade: B</p> </section><section id="section-37"> <p>Offensive tackle Blake Miller (Clemson) is a turnkey starter to replace Taylor Decker, and edge Derrick Moore (Michigan) was an on-brand selection in the second round.</p> </section><section id="section-38"> <p>Green Bay Packers</p> </section><section id="section-39"> <p>Grade: B</p> </section><section id="section-40"> <p>This year’s top pick — and the 2027 selection in the first round — went to Dallas in the Micah Parsons deal. Parsons flashed Defensive Player of the Year production before a season-ending injury at Denver. As he works his way back, the Packers should be a legitimate contender. South Carolina CB Brandon Cisse (52nd overall) was worthy of first-round attention.</p> </section><section id="section-41"> <p>Houston Texans</p> </section><section id="section-42"> <p>Grade: C</p> </section><section id="section-43"> <p>Question that pick of OG Keylan Rutledge (Georgia Tech) in the first round? We do, too. Not because Rutledge was an unreasonable pick. But there was no queue forming to take him — or any interior offensive lineman — at this point in the draft and trading up to get him was an overpay. GM Nick Caserio did acquit himself nicely in the second round, adding Ohio State NT Kayden McDonald.</p> </section><section id="section-44"> <p>Indianapolis Colts</p> </section><section id="section-45"> <p>Grade: C</p> </section><section id="section-46"> <p>Sauce Gardner said himself, he’s the first-rounder for the Colts in 2026. Acquired at the trade deadline last season, Gardner’s season imploded due to a calf injury. Will he be back in 2026 to the All-Pro cover corner he was in 2022 and 2023?</p> </section><section id="section-47"> <p>Jacksonville Jaguars</p> </section><section id="section-48"> <p>Grade: C-</p> </section><section id="section-49"> <p>There wasn’t a lot of wow in the Jaguars’ draft, especially after the move up to take Travis Hunter second overall in 2025. When you weigh the cost of the 2026 first-rounder against Hunter’s value to the franchise so far, this is a dud.</p> </section><section id="section-50"> <p>Kansas City Chiefs</p> </section><br/><section id="section-51"> <p>Grade: A</p> </section> <section id="section-52"> <p>Doubt Andy Reid at your own peril. We’re flag-waving fans of the move up to snag LSU CB Mansoor Delane at No. 6, and 29th pick DT Peter Woods (Clemson) has top-15 talent and tools. Edge R Mason Thomas has the chance to be a huge hit in this defense. </p> </section><section id="section-53"> <p>Las Vegas Raiders</p> </section><section id="section-54"> <p>Grade: A</p> </section><section id="section-55"> <p>QB Fernando Mendoza (Indiana) was the no-brainer No. 1 pick but less-heralded picks could be the difference in the franchise’s turnaround. Multi-positional OL Trey Zuhn III and CB Jermod McCoy — a first-round talent who missed last season because of a January 2025 ACL injury — at pick No 101 are the type of selections that build a foundation for a turnaround if they click.</p> </section><section id="section-56"> <p>Los Angeles Chargers</p> </section><section id="section-57"> <p>Grade: B-</p> </section><section id="section-58"> <p>Edge Akheem Mesidor (Miami) can breathe new life into the Chargers’ pass rush. Odafe Oweh is gone and Khalil Mack is closing in on retirement. The best work was done later in the draft, particularly with their four picks invested in the offensive line. </p> </section><section id="section-59"> <p>Los Angeles Rams</p> </section><section id="section-60"> <p>Grade: D+</p> </section><section id="section-61"> <p>We don’t like to fail anyone around here. The Rams went with QB Ty Simpson from Alabama at a point where at least three consensus first-round level players were still on the board. Simpson’s grade was closer to No. 44 overall, and our reaction was pretty similar to Sean McVay’s. But if you look at this as a “bonus pick” and view offseason trade acquisition Trent McDuffie as the first-round score, we can understand those who are applauding GM Les Snead for the overreach. </p> </section><section id="section-62"> <p>Miami Dolphins</p> </section><section id="section-63"> <p>Grade: C</p> </section><section id="section-64"> <p>This draft was always going to be about volume for the Dolphins, who exited the first round with two likely starters who could just as easily be first-year projects: 12th pick OT Kadyn Proctor (Alabama) and 27th overall pick CB Chris Johnson (San Diego State). LB Jacob Rodriguez (Texas Tech) has the makings of a second-round gem. Nobody had WR Caleb Douglas anywhere near the top 100 when the Red Raiders’ wideout was selected 75th overall.</p> </section><section id="section-65"> <p>Minnesota Vikings</p> </section><section id="section-66"> <p>Grade: C-</p> </section><section id="section-67"> <p>We stand to be corrected on the investment of the 18th pick in the draft on massive Florida DL Caleb Banks, but the Vikings could’ve moved back or found a reasonable facsimile in the second or third round. We’re fully on board with second-round LB Jake Golday (Cincinnati) and big fans of fourth-round pick Jakobe Thomas (Miami).</p> </section><section id="section-68"> <p>New England Patriots</p> </section><section id="section-69"> <p>Grade: C+</p> </section><section id="section-70"> <p>The 28th pick in the draft was Utah OT Caleb Lomu, who is flexible and has guard experience. GM Eliot Wolf moved up in the draft for Lomu and then traded to get Gabe Jacas (Illinois) in the second round. </p> </section><section id="section-71"> <p>New Orleans Saints</p> </section><section id="section-72"> <p>Grade: B</p> </section><section id="section-73"> <p>Maybe Arizona State WR Jordyn Tyson proves us wrong and he’s the perfect fit. But at No. 8 overall, Tyson still feels like a risk considering his durability concerns and the similar knock on current Saints No. 1 WR Chris Olave. Georgia TE Oscar Delp stands out of a potential steal in the third round.</p> </section><section id="section-74"> <p>New York Giants</p> </section><section id="section-75"> <p>Grade: A-</p> </section><section id="section-76"> <p>Most believed Arvell Reese of Ohio State would be long gone before the No. 5 pick, where the Giants landed him, five picks before selecting Francis Mauigoa, a powerful tackle at Miami. Based solely on upside and fit, the Giants aced the first round. As the draft chugged along, we kept waiting for anything close to a replacement for DT Dexter Lawrence — traded to the Bengals for the No. 10 pick last week — to be on the radar. </p> </section><section id="section-77"> <p>New York Jets</p> </section><section id="section-78"> <p>Grade: A</p> </section><section id="section-79"> <p>Jets GM Darren Mougey came away with three potential Pro Bowl players in the first round. It’s a haul the franchise can celebrate knowing there are more premium picks coming next season. Edge David Bailey of Texas Tech was the best pure pass rusher in the draft; TE Kenyon Sadiq (Oregon) is the only elite player at his position in the draft and we liked Omar Cooper Jr. (Indiana), the 30th pick overall, as much or more than a few of the receivers drafted in the first half of the round. Cooper’s Hoosiers teammate D’Angelo Ponds is a speed merchant with a nose for the ball and represents a serious value as the 50th overall pick.</p> </section><section id="section-80"> <p>Philadelphia Eagles</p> </section><section id="section-81"> <p>Grade: B</p> </section><section id="section-82"> <p>We’re not in position to sling arrows at Howie Roseman’s roster-building technique, but moving up for a slot receiver — Makai Lemon — in the first round was more difficult to understand with multiple talented receivers still available late in the first round.</p> </section><section id="section-83"> <p>Pittsburgh Steelers</p> </section><section id="section-84"> <p>Grade: C-</p> </section><section id="section-85"> <p>Round of applause for landing one of the best finishers in the draft class, Arizona State OT Max Iheanachor. Since we don’t have anything nice to say about the QB pick, we’re not going to say anything at all on the Drew Allar selection. Fine, we will. Tools are there. Upside is really difficult to see unless the plan is to park him for two years and hope it all comes together.</p> </section><section id="section-86"> <p>San Francisco 49ers</p> </section><section id="section-87"> <p>Grade: B-</p> </section><section id="section-88"> <p>After multiple trades back, the 49ers stood pat with the first pick in the second round and selected Ole Miss WR De’Zhaun Stribling. He’s a big-bodied receiver to pair with Mike Evans, signed in free agency, and 2025 first-rounder Ricky Pearsall. </p> </section><section id="section-89"> <p>Seattle Seahawks</p> </section><section id="section-90"> <p>B</p> </section><section id="section-91"> <p>Leave it to GM John Schneider to pump his tried and true approach of trading out of the first round in the buildup to the draft only to confiscate our No. 2-ranked ballcarrier, Notre Dame RB Jadarian Price with the final pick in the first round. Price can be the Kenneth Walker III replacement immediately if necessary.</p> </section><section id="section-92"> <p>Tampa Bay Buccaneers</p> </section><section id="section-93"> <p>Grade: A</p> </section><section id="section-94"> <p>All the Warren Sapp feels around the selection of falling edge Rueben Bain Jr. (Miami) at No. 15 sparked a run of winning selections. Missouri LB Josiah Trotter (46th) and Bain’s college teammates, CB Keionte Scott (116th), enter the NFL with starter-plus ability. </p> </section><section id="section-95"> <p>Tennessee Titans</p> </section><section id="section-96"> <p>Grade: A-</p> </section><section id="section-97"> <p>Suddenly QB Cam Ward, the No. 1 pick in the 2025 draft, has an arsenal of weapons. Round 1 picks WR Carnell Tate from Ohio State (No. 4) and 31st overall pick, edge Keldric Faulk of Auburn, are tempo-setters and check boxes at need positions.</p> </section><section id="section-98"> <p>Washington Commanders</p> </section><section id="section-99"> <p>Grade: B</p> </section><section id="section-100"> <p>Most felt Ohio State LB Sonny Styles (No. 7) was a top-five talent after his NFL Scouting Combine showcase. In the heart of every great Dan Quinn defense there is a linebacker with coach-on-the-field tendencies. Clemson slot WR Antonio Williams (No. 71) is better than advertised. </p> </section><section id="section-101"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #NFL #Draft #Grades #Raiders #Browns #score #perfect

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

Two former Iranian women footballers said Thursday they were “proud” to have been granted Australian citizenship after being branded traitors at home for refusing to sing the national anthem before a game.

Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh were members of a group of seven from Iran’s delegation who asked for Australia’s protection following the high-profile protest during the women’s Asian Cup in March.

With their demands for protection an embarrassment for Iran’s leaders but lauded by US President Donald Trump, five later changed their minds and returned home.

Pasandideh and Ramezanisadeh stayed, however, and were granted Australian citizenship at a ceremony on Wednesday overseen by interior minister Tony Burke.

“Yesterday was a truly special and unforgettable day for me. I feel proud and deeply grateful to become an Australian citizen,” Ramezanisadeh said in a statement.

“After everything we’ve been through and all the challenges we faced, this moment means more than words can express,” Pasandideh added.

A week after seeking asylum, the pair was pictured smiling and training with Australian club Brisbane Roar, which on Wednesday congratulated the pair.

“What they have been through since February is more than most people deal with in a lifetime,” a spokesman for the club said.

“To see them arrive at this point is something everyone here at Brisbane Roar is glad to have had a small part in,” they added.

“Queensland is their home now. If they ever want to pull on a training top and come back out with us, the door will always stay open.”

ALSO READ: Iran women football players thank Australian government for protection

The plight of the rest of the team remains unclear since their return to Iran.

AFP reporters saw them cross into their homeland from Turkey on a bus wearing the national team tracksuits and with their hair covered.

Soon after, Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said on X that the players and their support team were “children of the homeland and the people of Iran embrace them”.

By returning, they had “disappointed the enemies (of Iran) and did not surrender to deception and intimidation by anti-Iran elements”, he added.

Published on Aug 06, 2026

#Iranian #women #footballers #granted #Australian #citizenship">Former Iranian women footballers granted Australian citizenship  Two former Iranian women footballers said Thursday they were “proud” to have been granted Australian citizenship after being branded traitors at home for refusing to sing the national anthem before a game.Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh were members of a group of seven from Iran’s delegation who asked for Australia’s protection following the high-profile protest during the women’s Asian Cup in March.With their demands for protection an embarrassment for Iran’s leaders but lauded by US President Donald Trump, five later changed their minds and returned home.Pasandideh and Ramezanisadeh stayed, however, and were granted Australian citizenship at a ceremony on Wednesday overseen by interior minister Tony Burke.“Yesterday was a truly special and unforgettable day for me. I feel proud and deeply grateful to become an Australian citizen,” Ramezanisadeh said in a statement.“After everything we’ve been through and all the challenges we faced, this moment means more than words can express,” Pasandideh added.A week after seeking asylum, the pair was pictured smiling and training with Australian club Brisbane Roar, which on Wednesday congratulated the pair.“What they have been through since February is more than most people deal with in a lifetime,” a spokesman for the club said.“To see them arrive at this point is something everyone here at Brisbane Roar is glad to have had a small part in,” they added.“Queensland is their home now. If they ever want to pull on a training top and come back out with us, the door will always stay open.”ALSO READ: Iran women football players thank Australian government for protectionThe plight of the rest of the team remains unclear since their return to Iran.AFP reporters saw them cross into their homeland from Turkey on a bus wearing the national team tracksuits and with their hair covered.Soon after, Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said on        X that the players and their support team were “children of the homeland and the people of Iran embrace them”.By returning, they had “disappointed the enemies (of Iran) and did not surrender to deception and intimidation by anti-Iran elements”, he added.Published on Aug 06, 2026  #Iranian #women #footballers #granted #Australian #citizenship

Iran women football players thank Australian government for protection

The plight of the rest of the team remains unclear since their return to Iran.

AFP reporters saw them cross into their homeland from Turkey on a bus wearing the national team tracksuits and with their hair covered.

Soon after, Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said on X that the players and their support team were “children of the homeland and the people of Iran embrace them”.

By returning, they had “disappointed the enemies (of Iran) and did not surrender to deception and intimidation by anti-Iran elements”, he added.

Published on Aug 06, 2026

#Iranian #women #footballers #granted #Australian #citizenship">Former Iranian women footballers granted Australian citizenship

Two former Iranian women footballers said Thursday they were “proud” to have been granted Australian citizenship after being branded traitors at home for refusing to sing the national anthem before a game.

Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh were members of a group of seven from Iran’s delegation who asked for Australia’s protection following the high-profile protest during the women’s Asian Cup in March.

With their demands for protection an embarrassment for Iran’s leaders but lauded by US President Donald Trump, five later changed their minds and returned home.

Pasandideh and Ramezanisadeh stayed, however, and were granted Australian citizenship at a ceremony on Wednesday overseen by interior minister Tony Burke.

“Yesterday was a truly special and unforgettable day for me. I feel proud and deeply grateful to become an Australian citizen,” Ramezanisadeh said in a statement.

“After everything we’ve been through and all the challenges we faced, this moment means more than words can express,” Pasandideh added.

A week after seeking asylum, the pair was pictured smiling and training with Australian club Brisbane Roar, which on Wednesday congratulated the pair.

“What they have been through since February is more than most people deal with in a lifetime,” a spokesman for the club said.

“To see them arrive at this point is something everyone here at Brisbane Roar is glad to have had a small part in,” they added.

“Queensland is their home now. If they ever want to pull on a training top and come back out with us, the door will always stay open.”

ALSO READ: Iran women football players thank Australian government for protection

The plight of the rest of the team remains unclear since their return to Iran.

AFP reporters saw them cross into their homeland from Turkey on a bus wearing the national team tracksuits and with their hair covered.

Soon after, Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said on X that the players and their support team were “children of the homeland and the people of Iran embrace them”.

By returning, they had “disappointed the enemies (of Iran) and did not surrender to deception and intimidation by anti-Iran elements”, he added.

Published on Aug 06, 2026

#Iranian #women #footballers #granted #Australian #citizenship

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