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Best NBA Betting Picks and Predictions for Monday April 6th | Deadspin.com  Sep 29, 2025; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets player Nikola Jokic (15) takes questions during media day at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images   Five years ago, the Atlanta Hawks surprisingly went to the Eastern Conference finals and nobody saw it coming. This season’s recent run might even be more stunning because who saw Atlanta winning 18 of 20 games at any point in the season?The Hawks continue to soar and are in fifth place in the East and close to sewing up a top-six playoff berth. On Monday night, they host the New York Knicks, the No. 3 team in the East.The Philadelphia 76ers are fighting for top-six territory as they visit the torrid San Antonio Spurs. The Denver Nuggets look to stretch their winning streak to nine while hosting the hot Portland Trail Blazers.NEW YORK KNICKS AT ATLANTA HAWKSIt’s easy to forget Atlanta fell to 27-31 on Feb. 20 when it was steamrolled at home 128-97 by the Miami Heat. The Hawks flipped the switch with 11 straight wins and they are going to be that team nobody wants to face in the playoffs.The earlier trade of Trae Young to the Washington Wizards opened the door for Jalen Johnson to operate freely as top dog and he’s recorded 13 triple-doubles this season. The Hawks and Knicks split two games near the holidays with the road team winning each time.New York has won nine of its past 12 games and is coming off a 136-96 home rout of the Chicago Bulls. OG Anunoby has averaged 28 points over the last two games to give Jalen Brunson (29 total the past two contests) some needed support but Atlanta seems destined to record its 14th straight home victory.Hawks minus 1.5-point spread, -110 (DraftKings) Our Current Best Offers1UnderdogClaim your Special Pick via Code + First Time Deposit up to 0 in bonus!T&Cs apply, 18+2ParlayPlay100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+3OwnersBox100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+4FanDuel Fantasy value with just a + depositT&Cs apply, 18+ PHILADELPHIA 76ERS AT SAN ANTONIO SPURSPhiladelphia is two games behind the Hawks but more interested in holding off the four teams trailing them by two or fewer games to keep the automatic playoff berth. It could be a tough chore for the 76ers as they start a three-game road trip on the heels of being whipped at home 116-93 by the Detroit Pistons on Saturday.Paul George is averaging 25.8 points per game in six contests since returning from suspension and his production will be key if Philadelphia is to make a playoff run. The Spurs will be a good test for the 76ers as they had won 27 of 29 games before Saturday’s 136-134 overtime road loss to the Denver Nuggets.Victor Wembanyama has been making a stellar MVP push and he had 41 points and 16 rebounds and 41 points and 18 boards in back-to-back games last week. San Antonio is three games behind the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference and a real threat to challenge OKC for an NBA Finals berth.Spurs minus 8.5-point spread, -110 (DraftKings)  Our Current Best Offers1UnderdogClaim your Special Pick via Code + First Time Deposit up to 0 in bonus!T&Cs apply, 18+2ParlayPlay100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+3OwnersBox100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+4FanDuel Fantasy value with just a + depositT&Cs apply, 18+ PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS AT DENVER NUGGETSDenver has been streaking down the stretch with a high-octane offense averaging 129.1 points during the winning streak. Three-time MVP Nikola Jokic has clinched averaging a triple-double for the second straight season and is coming off a 40-point outing against the Spurs.Jokic’s passing has been elite over the past seven games as he’s averaging 13.6 assists during the span with six outings of 12 or more. The Nuggets defeated Portland 128-112 in Denver on March 22 when Jokic had 22 points, 14 rebounds and 14 assists.The Trail Blazers are fighting the Los Angeles Clippers for the pivotal No. 8 spot in the West and have won eight of their past 10 games. Jrue Holiday has knocked down seven 3-pointers in each of the past two games and is averaging 28.5 points during the span.Nikola Jokic to record 12-plus assists, +109 (DraftKings) Our Current Best Offers1UnderdogClaim your Special Pick via Code + First Time Deposit up to 0 in bonus!T&Cs apply, 18+2ParlayPlay100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+3OwnersBox100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+4FanDuel Fantasy value with just a + depositT&Cs apply, 18+   #NBA #Betting #Picks #Predictions #Monday #April #6th #Deadspin.com

Best NBA Betting Picks and Predictions for Monday April 6th | Deadspin.com
Best NBA Betting Picks and Predictions for Monday April 6th | Deadspin.com  Sep 29, 2025; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets player Nikola Jokic (15) takes questions during media day at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images   Five years ago, the Atlanta Hawks surprisingly went to the Eastern Conference finals and nobody saw it coming. This season’s recent run might even be more stunning because who saw Atlanta winning 18 of 20 games at any point in the season?The Hawks continue to soar and are in fifth place in the East and close to sewing up a top-six playoff berth. On Monday night, they host the New York Knicks, the No. 3 team in the East.The Philadelphia 76ers are fighting for top-six territory as they visit the torrid San Antonio Spurs. The Denver Nuggets look to stretch their winning streak to nine while hosting the hot Portland Trail Blazers.NEW YORK KNICKS AT ATLANTA HAWKSIt’s easy to forget Atlanta fell to 27-31 on Feb. 20 when it was steamrolled at home 128-97 by the Miami Heat. The Hawks flipped the switch with 11 straight wins and they are going to be that team nobody wants to face in the playoffs.The earlier trade of Trae Young to the Washington Wizards opened the door for Jalen Johnson to operate freely as top dog and he’s recorded 13 triple-doubles this season. The Hawks and Knicks split two games near the holidays with the road team winning each time.New York has won nine of its past 12 games and is coming off a 136-96 home rout of the Chicago Bulls. OG Anunoby has averaged 28 points over the last two games to give Jalen Brunson (29 total the past two contests) some needed support but Atlanta seems destined to record its 14th straight home victory.Hawks minus 1.5-point spread, -110 (DraftKings) Our Current Best Offers1UnderdogClaim your Special Pick via Code + First Time Deposit up to 0 in bonus!T&Cs apply, 18+2ParlayPlay100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+3OwnersBox100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+4FanDuel Fantasy value with just a + depositT&Cs apply, 18+ PHILADELPHIA 76ERS AT SAN ANTONIO SPURSPhiladelphia is two games behind the Hawks but more interested in holding off the four teams trailing them by two or fewer games to keep the automatic playoff berth. It could be a tough chore for the 76ers as they start a three-game road trip on the heels of being whipped at home 116-93 by the Detroit Pistons on Saturday.Paul George is averaging 25.8 points per game in six contests since returning from suspension and his production will be key if Philadelphia is to make a playoff run. The Spurs will be a good test for the 76ers as they had won 27 of 29 games before Saturday’s 136-134 overtime road loss to the Denver Nuggets.Victor Wembanyama has been making a stellar MVP push and he had 41 points and 16 rebounds and 41 points and 18 boards in back-to-back games last week. San Antonio is three games behind the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference and a real threat to challenge OKC for an NBA Finals berth.Spurs minus 8.5-point spread, -110 (DraftKings)  Our Current Best Offers1UnderdogClaim your Special Pick via Code + First Time Deposit up to 0 in bonus!T&Cs apply, 18+2ParlayPlay100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+3OwnersBox100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+4FanDuel Fantasy value with just a + depositT&Cs apply, 18+ PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS AT DENVER NUGGETSDenver has been streaking down the stretch with a high-octane offense averaging 129.1 points during the winning streak. Three-time MVP Nikola Jokic has clinched averaging a triple-double for the second straight season and is coming off a 40-point outing against the Spurs.Jokic’s passing has been elite over the past seven games as he’s averaging 13.6 assists during the span with six outings of 12 or more. The Nuggets defeated Portland 128-112 in Denver on March 22 when Jokic had 22 points, 14 rebounds and 14 assists.The Trail Blazers are fighting the Los Angeles Clippers for the pivotal No. 8 spot in the West and have won eight of their past 10 games. Jrue Holiday has knocked down seven 3-pointers in each of the past two games and is averaging 28.5 points during the span.Nikola Jokic to record 12-plus assists, +109 (DraftKings) Our Current Best Offers1UnderdogClaim your Special Pick via Code + First Time Deposit up to 0 in bonus!T&Cs apply, 18+2ParlayPlay100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+3OwnersBox100% up to 0T&Cs apply, 18+4FanDuel Fantasy value with just a + depositT&Cs apply, 18+   #NBA #Betting #Picks #Predictions #Monday #April #6th #Deadspin.comSep 29, 2025; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets player Nikola Jokic (15) takes questions during media day at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Five years ago, the Atlanta Hawks surprisingly went to the Eastern Conference finals and nobody saw it coming. This season’s recent run might even be more stunning because who saw Atlanta winning 18 of 20 games at any point in the season?

The Hawks continue to soar and are in fifth place in the East and close to sewing up a top-six playoff berth. On Monday night, they host the New York Knicks, the No. 3 team in the East.

The Philadelphia 76ers are fighting for top-six territory as they visit the torrid San Antonio Spurs. The Denver Nuggets look to stretch their winning streak to nine while hosting the hot Portland Trail Blazers.

NEW YORK KNICKS AT ATLANTA HAWKS

It’s easy to forget Atlanta fell to 27-31 on Feb. 20 when it was steamrolled at home 128-97 by the Miami Heat. The Hawks flipped the switch with 11 straight wins and they are going to be that team nobody wants to face in the playoffs.

The earlier trade of Trae Young to the Washington Wizards opened the door for Jalen Johnson to operate freely as top dog and he’s recorded 13 triple-doubles this season. The Hawks and Knicks split two games near the holidays with the road team winning each time.

New York has won nine of its past 12 games and is coming off a 136-96 home rout of the Chicago Bulls. OG Anunoby has averaged 28 points over the last two games to give Jalen Brunson (29 total the past two contests) some needed support but Atlanta seems destined to record its 14th straight home victory.

Hawks minus 1.5-point spread, -110 (DraftKings)

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PHILADELPHIA 76ERS AT SAN ANTONIO SPURS

Philadelphia is two games behind the Hawks but more interested in holding off the four teams trailing them by two or fewer games to keep the automatic playoff berth. It could be a tough chore for the 76ers as they start a three-game road trip on the heels of being whipped at home 116-93 by the Detroit Pistons on Saturday.

Paul George is averaging 25.8 points per game in six contests since returning from suspension and his production will be key if Philadelphia is to make a playoff run. The Spurs will be a good test for the 76ers as they had won 27 of 29 games before Saturday’s 136-134 overtime road loss to the Denver Nuggets.

Victor Wembanyama has been making a stellar MVP push and he had 41 points and 16 rebounds and 41 points and 18 boards in back-to-back games last week. San Antonio is three games behind the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference and a real threat to challenge OKC for an NBA Finals berth.

Spurs minus 8.5-point spread, -110 (DraftKings)

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PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS AT DENVER NUGGETS

Denver has been streaking down the stretch with a high-octane offense averaging 129.1 points during the winning streak. Three-time MVP Nikola Jokic has clinched averaging a triple-double for the second straight season and is coming off a 40-point outing against the Spurs.

Jokic’s passing has been elite over the past seven games as he’s averaging 13.6 assists during the span with six outings of 12 or more. The Nuggets defeated Portland 128-112 in Denver on March 22 when Jokic had 22 points, 14 rebounds and 14 assists.

The Trail Blazers are fighting the Los Angeles Clippers for the pivotal No. 8 spot in the West and have won eight of their past 10 games. Jrue Holiday has knocked down seven 3-pointers in each of the past two games and is averaging 28.5 points during the span.

Nikola Jokic to record 12-plus assists, +109 (DraftKings)

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Sep 29, 2025; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets player Nikola Jokic (15) takes questions during media day at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Five years ago, the Atlanta Hawks surprisingly went to the Eastern Conference finals and nobody saw it coming. This season’s recent run might even be more stunning because who saw Atlanta winning 18 of 20 games at any point in the season?

The Hawks continue to soar and are in fifth place in the East and close to sewing up a top-six playoff berth. On Monday night, they host the New York Knicks, the No. 3 team in the East.

The Philadelphia 76ers are fighting for top-six territory as they visit the torrid San Antonio Spurs. The Denver Nuggets look to stretch their winning streak to nine while hosting the hot Portland Trail Blazers.

NEW YORK KNICKS AT ATLANTA HAWKS

It’s easy to forget Atlanta fell to 27-31 on Feb. 20 when it was steamrolled at home 128-97 by the Miami Heat. The Hawks flipped the switch with 11 straight wins and they are going to be that team nobody wants to face in the playoffs.

The earlier trade of Trae Young to the Washington Wizards opened the door for Jalen Johnson to operate freely as top dog and he’s recorded 13 triple-doubles this season. The Hawks and Knicks split two games near the holidays with the road team winning each time.

New York has won nine of its past 12 games and is coming off a 136-96 home rout of the Chicago Bulls. OG Anunoby has averaged 28 points over the last two games to give Jalen Brunson (29 total the past two contests) some needed support but Atlanta seems destined to record its 14th straight home victory.

Hawks minus 1.5-point spread, -110 (DraftKings)

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PHILADELPHIA 76ERS AT SAN ANTONIO SPURS

Philadelphia is two games behind the Hawks but more interested in holding off the four teams trailing them by two or fewer games to keep the automatic playoff berth. It could be a tough chore for the 76ers as they start a three-game road trip on the heels of being whipped at home 116-93 by the Detroit Pistons on Saturday.

Paul George is averaging 25.8 points per game in six contests since returning from suspension and his production will be key if Philadelphia is to make a playoff run. The Spurs will be a good test for the 76ers as they had won 27 of 29 games before Saturday’s 136-134 overtime road loss to the Denver Nuggets.

Victor Wembanyama has been making a stellar MVP push and he had 41 points and 16 rebounds and 41 points and 18 boards in back-to-back games last week. San Antonio is three games behind the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference and a real threat to challenge OKC for an NBA Finals berth.

Spurs minus 8.5-point spread, -110 (DraftKings)

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PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS AT DENVER NUGGETS

Denver has been streaking down the stretch with a high-octane offense averaging 129.1 points during the winning streak. Three-time MVP Nikola Jokic has clinched averaging a triple-double for the second straight season and is coming off a 40-point outing against the Spurs.

Jokic’s passing has been elite over the past seven games as he’s averaging 13.6 assists during the span with six outings of 12 or more. The Nuggets defeated Portland 128-112 in Denver on March 22 when Jokic had 22 points, 14 rebounds and 14 assists.

The Trail Blazers are fighting the Los Angeles Clippers for the pivotal No. 8 spot in the West and have won eight of their past 10 games. Jrue Holiday has knocked down seven 3-pointers in each of the past two games and is averaging 28.5 points during the span.

Nikola Jokic to record 12-plus assists, +109 (DraftKings)

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#NBA #Betting #Picks #Predictions #Monday #April #6th #Deadspin.com

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What to Know About Trump’s ‘Trade Deals’ as Tariff Deadline Approaches<div data-testid="paragraph-content"><div><p data-testid="paragraph-element" class="rich-text mb-6 font-graphik text-body-large text-black-coffee mt-8 focus-visible:outline focus-visible:outline-black-coffee focus-visible:outline-2 focus-visible:outline-offset-2 focus-visible:shadow-focus-color text-left">“We’ll look at how a country treats us—are they good, are they not so good? Some countries we don’t care, we’ll just send a high number out,” Trump said on Fox News. “Congratulations, we’re allowing you to shop in the United States of America. You’re going to pay a 25% tariff or 35% or 50% or 10%.”</p></div><div><p data-testid="paragraph-element" class="rich-text mb-6 font-graphik text-body-large text-black-coffee mt-8 focus-visible:outline focus-visible:outline-black-coffee focus-visible:outline-2 focus-visible:outline-offset-2 focus-visible:shadow-focus-color text-left">“What does this do long term to trust and confidence [in the U.S.]?” says Mark Cogan, associate professor of peace and conflict studies at Japan’s Kansai Gaidai University, tells TIME. “You’re bullying your way to get what you want, and that reduces trust. To a certain extent, parties will assume eventually that they cannot negotiate with the United States because perhaps the United States is not negotiating in good faith.”</p></div><p><h2 class="font-editorial text-black-coffee text-mobile-h2 lg:text-h2 mb-4">China says its interests must be safeguarded</h2></p><div><p data-testid="paragraph-element" class="rich-text mb-6 font-graphik text-body-large text-black-coffee mt-8 focus-visible:outline focus-visible:outline-black-coffee focus-visible:outline-2 focus-visible:outline-offset-2 focus-visible:shadow-focus-color text-left">Countries seeking quick and favorable deals with the U.S. also face a balancing act with China. </p></div><div><p data-testid="paragraph-element" class="rich-text mb-6 font-graphik text-body-large text-black-coffee mt-8 focus-visible:outline focus-visible:outline-black-coffee focus-visible:outline-2 focus-visible:outline-offset-2 focus-visible:shadow-focus-color text-left">China has attempted to <a href="https://time.com/7298254/china-us-diplomacy-military-intervention-taiwan-israel-iran-war-ceasefire/" title="undefined" target="_self">position itself</a> as a reliable and stable partner, in <a href="https://time.com/7296139/china-iran-israel-us-weapons-mediate-war-peace-oil-diplomacy/" title="undefined" target="_self">contrast</a> with Trump’s erratic style, and to strengthen its relations with other countries. Trump’s tariffs “were accelerating a trend of Chinese businesses looking more and more overseas,” William Figueroa, an assistant professor of international relations at the University of Groningen, previously told TIME.</p></div></div>#Trumps #Trade #Deals #Tariff #Deadline #Approachestrade,Donald Trump,overnight,News Desk

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The Adidas Samba’s Latest Act Comes as a Woven Mule

The complete NFL schedule for each team was released on Thursday night, and now we have a full picture of how things could shape up. There isn’t a lot when it comes to who “won” with their slate of games outside of favorable bye weeks, or easy opening runs to set up the season — but there are definitely a handful of teams who really got screwed over when it comes to their schedules.

These are the four teams that got an added layer of complexity added to their seasons due to scheduling.

The Cardinals will need to reconcile two opposing aims in 2026: Establishing Mike LaFleur as a winning coach, while also trying to ensure they tank the hell out of the season so they can find their quarterback of the future in the 2027 draft, because lol no, Carson Beck isn’t the answer.

It’s all well and good to say “just tank the year, and give LaFleur a season of grace,” but that’s easier said than done when you’re trying to establish a winning culture inside a locker room. The main issue is that there’s no good place on the Arizona slate where you can find them to at least grab a few wins and prove to themselves that the path is working.

An absolutely brutal run kicks the season off due to playing in the NFC West and getting a rough schedule as a result. Look at this opponent run up to the Week 14 bye: Chargers, Seahawks, 49ers, Giants, Lions, Rams, Broncos, Cowboys, Seahawks, Rams, Chiefs, Commanders, Eagles. That is just horrific for a team trying to find a way to win. I don’t know what the Cardinals did to deserve having FIVE divisional matchups before their bye.

No. 2: Los Angeles Chargers

The big thing with the Chargers’ slate is how well rested all of their opponents will be heading into their games. This chart really tells the whole story, with Los Angeles having an incredible 24 fewer days of rest over the course of the season compared to their opponents.

Not only this, but the Chargers have a bye week that falls too early in the season. They will be off Week 7, and still have the bulk of their games ahead of them. It’s especially rough when you factor in that the rest of the AFC West got fairly beneficial schedules for 2026 and that adds more difficulty for them.

No. 3: San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers’ have two international games, kicking off in Australia against the Rams, then heading to Mexico City later in the season. That would be difficult enough with irregular travel adding to the challenges of playing in the NFC West, but San Francisco also had a brutal run after their game against the Vikings in Mexico City, which comes at a critical time when they will be eyeing the playoffs.

From Week 13 until the end of the season here are their opponents in order: Seahawks, Giants, Rams, Chargers, Chiefs, Eagles, Cardinals.

The only gimme on the slate is Arizona, with so many tough games coming on the road to the playoffs. It’s incredibly easy to hit a skid, lose confidence, and limp into the playoffs at best. In addition, the 49ers have some brutal travel with their trip to Australia, as well as heading cross-country to New York and Atlanta. Overall this was just a brutal lineup of games.

This has much less to do with the fact that the Bears face the toughest strength of schedule in the NFL, and far more to do with their game scheduling. Across the 17 game regular season we see Chicago play five games in primetime, two with 4:25 p.m. ET kickoffs, and they play on both holidays. This means that over half the season sees Chicago moving around days, slots, and zones — which is really difficult when you’re trying to build routine and consistency.

Obviously, Ben Johnson is the kind of coach who can get solid performances out of his players, but there’s no doubt this is a tricky way to operate in a season with all the pressure of national games, the attention they bring, and changing up preparation from week to week. Throw that in with a tough opponent slate and it might be tricky for the Bears to have as much success this season.

#NFL #teams #royally #screwed #schedule">4 NFL teams who got royally screwed over by the schedule  The complete NFL schedule for each team was released on Thursday night, and now we have a full picture of how things could shape up. There isn’t a lot when it comes to who “won” with their slate of games outside of favorable bye weeks, or easy opening runs to set up the season — but there are definitely a handful of teams who really got screwed over when it comes to their schedules.These are the four teams that got an added layer of complexity added to their seasons due to scheduling.The Cardinals will need to reconcile two opposing aims in 2026: Establishing Mike LaFleur as a winning coach, while also trying to ensure they tank the hell out of the season so they can find their quarterback of the future in the 2027 draft, because lol no, Carson Beck isn’t the answer.It’s all well and good to say “just tank the year, and give LaFleur a season of grace,” but that’s easier said than done when you’re trying to establish a winning culture inside a locker room. The main issue is that there’s no good place on the Arizona slate where you can find them to at least grab a few wins and prove to themselves that the path is working.An absolutely brutal run kicks the season off due to playing in the NFC West and getting a rough schedule as a result. Look at this opponent run up to the Week 14 bye: Chargers, Seahawks, 49ers, Giants, Lions, Rams, Broncos, Cowboys, Seahawks, Rams, Chiefs, Commanders, Eagles. That is just horrific for a team trying to find a way to win. I don’t know what the Cardinals did to deserve having FIVE divisional matchups before their bye.No. 2: Los Angeles ChargersThe big thing with the Chargers’ slate is how well rested all of their opponents will be heading into their games. This chart really tells the whole story, with Los Angeles having an incredible 24 fewer days of rest over the course of the season compared to their opponents.Not only this, but the Chargers have a bye week that falls too early in the season. They will be off Week 7, and still have the bulk of their games ahead of them. It’s especially rough when you factor in that the rest of the AFC West got fairly beneficial schedules for 2026 and that adds more difficulty for them.No. 3: San Francisco 49ersThe 49ers’ have two international games, kicking off in Australia against the Rams, then heading to Mexico City later in the season. That would be difficult enough with irregular travel adding to the challenges of playing in the NFC West, but San Francisco also had a brutal run after their game against the Vikings in Mexico City, which comes at a critical time when they will be eyeing the playoffs.From Week 13 until the end of the season here are their opponents in order: Seahawks, Giants, Rams, Chargers, Chiefs, Eagles, Cardinals.The only gimme on the slate is Arizona, with so many tough games coming on the road to the playoffs. It’s incredibly easy to hit a skid, lose confidence, and limp into the playoffs at best. In addition, the 49ers have some brutal travel with their trip to Australia, as well as heading cross-country to New York and Atlanta. Overall this was just a brutal lineup of games.This has much less to do with the fact that the Bears face the toughest strength of schedule in the NFL, and far more to do with their game scheduling. Across the 17 game regular season we see Chicago play five games in primetime, two with 4:25 p.m. ET kickoffs, and they play on both holidays. This means that over half the season sees Chicago moving around days, slots, and zones — which is really difficult when you’re trying to build routine and consistency.Obviously, Ben Johnson is the kind of coach who can get solid performances out of his players, but there’s no doubt this is a tricky way to operate in a season with all the pressure of national games, the attention they bring, and changing up preparation from week to week. Throw that in with a tough opponent slate and it might be tricky for the Bears to have as much success this season.  #NFL #teams #royally #screwed #schedule

Iran’s national football team was headed to Turkey on Monday to play a final friendly match before flying to the United States for the 2026 World Cup, the country’s media reported.

“The Iranian national football team… departed this morning for Antalya, Turkey, to play its final friendly match before flying to the United States for the 2026 World Cup,” the Tasnim news agency reported.

It said the squad consisted of 22 domestic-based players alongside their coaching staff.

On Saturday, head coach Amir Ghalenoei said they would also be completing visa applications for the US while in Turkey.

The team’s participation in the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, comes amid a fragile ceasefire between Iran and the US which paused 40 days of war that began on February 28.

The US cut diplomatic ties with Iran in 1980 following the Islamic Revolution and the hostage crisis at the American embassy.

Iran hopes to play two friendlies in Antalya.

The side has already confirmed one match, against Gambia, on May 29, said Sam Mehdizadeh, an Iranian-Canadian who heads a company that sets up friendlies for the team.

READ: Preliminary Iran squad for FIFA World Cup 2026—Sardar Azmoun left out

“No visas have been issued yet,” Mehdi Taj, the Iran football federation head, told Iranian media on Thursday.

Taj said players were expected to undergo fingerprinting in Turkey as part of the visa process but wished to avoid a trip of more than 380 kilometres from Antalya to Ankara.

On Saturday, FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom held a meeting in Turkey with the Iranian federation, describing it as excellent and constructive.

Taj also described Saturday’s meeting as “positive and constructive” without going into details.

When the squad reaches the United States, Iran will set up its base camp in Tucson, Arizona.

The team, which is in Group G, is due to kick off its World Cup campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15 before facing Belgium in the same city and then Egypt in Seattle.

Published on May 18, 2026

#Irans #World #Cup #football #team #leaves #Turkey #reports">Iran’s World Cup football team leaves for Turkey – reports  Iran’s national football team was headed to Turkey on Monday to play a final friendly match before flying to the United States for the 2026 World Cup, the country’s media reported.“The Iranian national football team… departed this morning for Antalya, Turkey, to play its final friendly match before flying to the United States for the 2026 World Cup,” the        Tasnim news agency reported.It said the squad consisted of 22 domestic-based players alongside their coaching staff.On Saturday, head coach Amir Ghalenoei said they would also be completing visa applications for the US while in Turkey.The team’s participation in the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, comes amid a fragile ceasefire between Iran and the US which paused 40 days of war that began on February 28.The US cut diplomatic ties with Iran in 1980 following the Islamic Revolution and the hostage crisis at the American embassy.Iran hopes to play two friendlies in Antalya.The side has already confirmed one match, against Gambia, on May 29, said Sam Mehdizadeh, an Iranian-Canadian who heads a company that sets up friendlies for the team.READ: Preliminary Iran squad for FIFA World Cup 2026—Sardar Azmoun left out“No visas have been issued yet,” Mehdi Taj, the Iran football federation head, told Iranian media on Thursday.Taj said players were expected to undergo fingerprinting in Turkey as part of the visa process but wished to avoid a trip of more than 380 kilometres from Antalya to Ankara.On Saturday, FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom held a meeting in Turkey with the Iranian federation, describing it as excellent and constructive.Taj also described Saturday’s meeting as “positive and constructive” without going into details.When the squad reaches the United States, Iran will set up its base camp in Tucson, Arizona.The team, which is in Group G, is due to kick off its World Cup campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15 before facing Belgium in the same city and then Egypt in Seattle.Published on May 18, 2026  #Irans #World #Cup #football #team #leaves #Turkey #reports

Preliminary Iran squad for FIFA World Cup 2026—Sardar Azmoun left out

“No visas have been issued yet,” Mehdi Taj, the Iran football federation head, told Iranian media on Thursday.

Taj said players were expected to undergo fingerprinting in Turkey as part of the visa process but wished to avoid a trip of more than 380 kilometres from Antalya to Ankara.

On Saturday, FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom held a meeting in Turkey with the Iranian federation, describing it as excellent and constructive.

Taj also described Saturday’s meeting as “positive and constructive” without going into details.

When the squad reaches the United States, Iran will set up its base camp in Tucson, Arizona.

The team, which is in Group G, is due to kick off its World Cup campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15 before facing Belgium in the same city and then Egypt in Seattle.

Published on May 18, 2026

#Irans #World #Cup #football #team #leaves #Turkey #reports">Iran’s World Cup football team leaves for Turkey – reports

Iran’s national football team was headed to Turkey on Monday to play a final friendly match before flying to the United States for the 2026 World Cup, the country’s media reported.

“The Iranian national football team… departed this morning for Antalya, Turkey, to play its final friendly match before flying to the United States for the 2026 World Cup,” the Tasnim news agency reported.

It said the squad consisted of 22 domestic-based players alongside their coaching staff.

On Saturday, head coach Amir Ghalenoei said they would also be completing visa applications for the US while in Turkey.

The team’s participation in the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, comes amid a fragile ceasefire between Iran and the US which paused 40 days of war that began on February 28.

The US cut diplomatic ties with Iran in 1980 following the Islamic Revolution and the hostage crisis at the American embassy.

Iran hopes to play two friendlies in Antalya.

The side has already confirmed one match, against Gambia, on May 29, said Sam Mehdizadeh, an Iranian-Canadian who heads a company that sets up friendlies for the team.

READ: Preliminary Iran squad for FIFA World Cup 2026—Sardar Azmoun left out

“No visas have been issued yet,” Mehdi Taj, the Iran football federation head, told Iranian media on Thursday.

Taj said players were expected to undergo fingerprinting in Turkey as part of the visa process but wished to avoid a trip of more than 380 kilometres from Antalya to Ankara.

On Saturday, FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom held a meeting in Turkey with the Iranian federation, describing it as excellent and constructive.

Taj also described Saturday’s meeting as “positive and constructive” without going into details.

When the squad reaches the United States, Iran will set up its base camp in Tucson, Arizona.

The team, which is in Group G, is due to kick off its World Cup campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15 before facing Belgium in the same city and then Egypt in Seattle.

Published on May 18, 2026

#Irans #World #Cup #football #team #leaves #Turkey #reports

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