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SRH vs RR, IPL 2026: Sunrisers Hyderabad takes on Rajasthan Royals in battle of explosive opening pairs Two of the IPL’s most devastating opening duos are set to clash as a Sunrisers Hyderabad side, blowing hot and cold, hosts the unbeaten Rajasthan Royals at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma, arguably the most explosive opening pair in T20 cricket over the past two years, once again set the tone against Punjab Kings on Friday, plundering 105 runs in the PowerPlay and briefly threatening the elusive 300-run mark. However, a double strike that removed ‘Travishek’ in a single over and a middle order that struggled to get going helped PBKS restrict the marauders in orange to a now modest 219.A subpar batting outing only dials up the heat of the spotlight on an undercooked bowling pie. With Pat Cummins sidelined, SRH’s pace unit has often looked toothless and went wicketless against the Kings for 10 overs while conceding 145 runs. In contrast, the relatively inexperienced spin attack offered some resistance, picking up four wickets while giving away 78 runs in 8.5 overs.Rajasthan Royals has seen SRH’s Travishek and raised their own opening firebomb: JaiSurya (Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Suryavanshi), an unintentional homage to a Sri Lankan batting maverick by the same name. The 383 runs the pair has amassed have come at the cost of several proud bowling orders whimpering away.With Dhruv Jurel contributing 176 runs, three of the top four run-scorers currently wear pink and blue.After a forgettable season for its bowlers last year, where they finished with the fewest wickets (65), the worst average (42.15), and the second-highest economy rate, 2026 has been good so far, with the Royals at the top of the pile with 35 wickets in just four games.ALSO READ | Sanju Samson stakes claim to be CSK’s ‘leading man’ with maiden hundred in ‘drenched-in-sweat’ yellow jerseyA resurgent Ravi Bishnoi (nine wickets in 11 games, second in the Purple Cap standings) leads the charge. Jofra Archer and Nandre Burger have been effective with the new ball, while Sandeep Sharma, Tushar Deshpande, and Ravindra Jadeja add valuable depth to the attack.SRH’s inconsistent bowling will need to find both discipline and bite against a Royals side that has looked close to flawless. Fail to seize key moments, and the margin for error could vanish quickly.Because come Monday, a test of nerve beneath the fireworks beckons. One side feeds on chaos, the other on control — and neither would want to blink first. When the dust finally settles, it won’t matter who landed the first blow, but who stood firm when the going got unforgiving.Published on Apr 12, 2026 #SRH #IPL #Sunrisers #Hyderabad #takes #Rajasthan #Royals #battle #explosive #opening #pairs

SRH vs RR, IPL 2026: Sunrisers Hyderabad takes on Rajasthan Royals in battle of explosive opening pairs

Two of the IPL’s most devastating opening duos are set to clash as a Sunrisers Hyderabad side, blowing hot and cold, hosts the unbeaten Rajasthan Royals at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.

Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma, arguably the most explosive opening pair in T20 cricket over the past two years, once again set the tone against Punjab Kings on Friday, plundering 105 runs in the PowerPlay and briefly threatening the elusive 300-run mark. However, a double strike that removed ‘Travishek’ in a single over and a middle order that struggled to get going helped PBKS restrict the marauders in orange to a now modest 219.

A subpar batting outing only dials up the heat of the spotlight on an undercooked bowling pie. With Pat Cummins sidelined, SRH’s pace unit has often looked toothless and went wicketless against the Kings for 10 overs while conceding 145 runs. In contrast, the relatively inexperienced spin attack offered some resistance, picking up four wickets while giving away 78 runs in 8.5 overs.

Rajasthan Royals has seen SRH’s Travishek and raised their own opening firebomb: JaiSurya (Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Suryavanshi), an unintentional homage to a Sri Lankan batting maverick by the same name. The 383 runs the pair has amassed have come at the cost of several proud bowling orders whimpering away.

With Dhruv Jurel contributing 176 runs, three of the top four run-scorers currently wear pink and blue.

After a forgettable season for its bowlers last year, where they finished with the fewest wickets (65), the worst average (42.15), and the second-highest economy rate, 2026 has been good so far, with the Royals at the top of the pile with 35 wickets in just four games.

ALSO READ | Sanju Samson stakes claim to be CSK’s ‘leading man’ with maiden hundred in ‘drenched-in-sweat’ yellow jersey

A resurgent Ravi Bishnoi (nine wickets in 11 games, second in the Purple Cap standings) leads the charge. Jofra Archer and Nandre Burger have been effective with the new ball, while Sandeep Sharma, Tushar Deshpande, and Ravindra Jadeja add valuable depth to the attack.

SRH’s inconsistent bowling will need to find both discipline and bite against a Royals side that has looked close to flawless. Fail to seize key moments, and the margin for error could vanish quickly.

Because come Monday, a test of nerve beneath the fireworks beckons. One side feeds on chaos, the other on control — and neither would want to blink first. When the dust finally settles, it won’t matter who landed the first blow, but who stood firm when the going got unforgiving.

Published on Apr 12, 2026

#SRH #IPL #Sunrisers #Hyderabad #takes #Rajasthan #Royals #battle #explosive #opening #pairs

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Two of the IPL’s most devastating opening duos are set to clash as a Sunrisers Hyderabad side, blowing hot and cold, hosts the unbeaten Rajasthan Royals at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.

Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma, arguably the most explosive opening pair in T20 cricket over the past two years, once again set the tone against Punjab Kings on Friday, plundering 105 runs in the PowerPlay and briefly threatening the elusive 300-run mark. However, a double strike that removed ‘Travishek’ in a single over and a middle order that struggled to get going helped PBKS restrict the marauders in orange to a now modest 219.

A subpar batting outing only dials up the heat of the spotlight on an undercooked bowling pie. With Pat Cummins sidelined, SRH’s pace unit has often looked toothless and went wicketless against the Kings for 10 overs while conceding 145 runs. In contrast, the relatively inexperienced spin attack offered some resistance, picking up four wickets while giving away 78 runs in 8.5 overs.

Rajasthan Royals has seen SRH’s Travishek and raised their own opening firebomb: JaiSurya (Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Suryavanshi), an unintentional homage to a Sri Lankan batting maverick by the same name. The 383 runs the pair has amassed have come at the cost of several proud bowling orders whimpering away.

With Dhruv Jurel contributing 176 runs, three of the top four run-scorers currently wear pink and blue.

After a forgettable season for its bowlers last year, where they finished with the fewest wickets (65), the worst average (42.15), and the second-highest economy rate, 2026 has been good so far, with the Royals at the top of the pile with 35 wickets in just four games.

ALSO READ | Sanju Samson stakes claim to be CSK’s ‘leading man’ with maiden hundred in ‘drenched-in-sweat’ yellow jersey

A resurgent Ravi Bishnoi (nine wickets in 11 games, second in the Purple Cap standings) leads the charge. Jofra Archer and Nandre Burger have been effective with the new ball, while Sandeep Sharma, Tushar Deshpande, and Ravindra Jadeja add valuable depth to the attack.

SRH’s inconsistent bowling will need to find both discipline and bite against a Royals side that has looked close to flawless. Fail to seize key moments, and the margin for error could vanish quickly.

Because come Monday, a test of nerve beneath the fireworks beckons. One side feeds on chaos, the other on control — and neither would want to blink first. When the dust finally settles, it won’t matter who landed the first blow, but who stood firm when the going got unforgiving.

Published on Apr 12, 2026

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Deadspin | O’s lineup takes another hit heading into rubber match with Giants <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-900/28636953.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28636953.jpg" alt="MLB: San Francisco Giants at San Diego Padres" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 1, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; San Francisco Giants pitcher Adrian Houser (12) delivers during the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>When the Baltimore Orioles try to capture the finale against the visiting San Francisco Giants in the rubber game of the three-game series Sunday afternoon, they might be doing with a bit of a makeshift lineup.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>But at least they’ll have some momentum following Saturday night’s 6-2 victory.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>The Orioles lost first baseman/designated hitter Ryan Mountcastle to a foot injury during that game. Before the game, catcher Adley Rutschman went on the injured list with left ankle inflammation.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>“As he was going through (Saturday), it kind of just swelled up on him pretty good. So that’s kind of where we’re at now,” Baltimore manager Craig Albernaz said of Rutschman. “This might sound repetitive, but it sucks. It sucks for any player to get injured, and I’m obviously glad Adley said something to make sure we kind of nip this in the bud.”</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>Albernaz said injuries are part of what comes with the season, even though they’ve been piling up on the Orioles. Baltimore should have Samuel Basallo available behind the plate, while they also called up Maverick Handley from Double-A Chesapeake.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>“The grind of the season,” Albernaz said. “There’s always injuries. Yeah, it’s a lot going on, but I wouldn’t say it’s difficult. To me, it’s making sure guys are prepared to step up when their name is called.”</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>If Mountcastle goes on the IL, that could create a move with Sam Huff getting a call up from Triple-A Norfolk.</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>Whoever the Orioles have in Sunday’s lineup, they’ll be facing Giants right-hander Adrian Houser (0-1, 3.97 ERA). He’s 0-2 with a 4.50 ERA in two all-time starts vs. the Orioles, with one of those outings last June as a member of the Chicago White Sox when he allowed three runs in 6 1/3 innings in a loss in Baltimore.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-9"> <p>The Orioles have left-hander Cade Povich (0-0, 3.18) lined up to be their starter. He’ll make his second appearance of the season after a solid 5 2/3-inning effort last Sunday at Pittsburgh.</p> </section> <section id="section-10"> <p>Povich will meet the Giants for the first time in his career that has included parts of three seasons.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>The Giants had a three-game winning streak end with Saturday’s result.</p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>Even though the Giants held a 10-9 edge in hits, they never led after the top of the second inning. They batted 2-for-14 with runners in scoring position.</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>“It wasn’t just the one play that’s kind of unique and that only pops up every now and then,” manager Tony Vitello said. “It was just kind of a quirky night.”</p> </section><section id="section-14"> <p>Yet starting pitcher Logan Webb took responsibility for putting the team in a bind.</p> </section><section id="section-15"> <p>“I’m not putting the team in a good spot to win,” Webb told the San Francisco Chronicle. “We score a run in the second, I gave it right back. We tied it again, and then I gave up two more. So it was just a bad job by me.”</p> </section><section id="section-16"> <p>San Francisco second baseman Luis Arraez exited in the fifth inning of Saturday’s game with a right wrist contusion.</p> </section><section id="section-17"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #lineup #takes #hit #heading #rubber #match #Giants

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Deadspin | Missing George Springer, Jays send Max Scherzer vs. Twins <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-900/28630244.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28630244.jpg" alt="MLB: Colorado Rockies at Toronto Blue Jays" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Mar 31, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Max Scherzer (31) delivers a pitch against the Colorado Rockies in the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>The Toronto Blue Jays will be dealing with another injury concern Sunday afternoon when they face the visiting Minnesota Twins in the decisive encounter of a three-game series.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Blue Jays designated hitter George Springer suffered a fractured left big toe Saturday during the Twins’ 7-4 victory. Springer fouled a ball off his foot in the third inning and went down in pain, but waved off trainers. He finished the at-bat and grounded out to third before leaving the game.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>Toronto manager John Schneider said Springer was going to have a CT scan. </p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>“Initial X-rays showed a possible, probable small fracture,” Schneider said. “We’ll know more in the next couple of days. Seen Georgie do that a lot of times. Usually, when he gives us that (the wave off) he’s all right.”</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>Schneider said the CT scan likely would determine how much time Springer could miss. </p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>“I know Georgie plays through a lot all the time,” he said. “Fingers crossed but we’ll see what the CT says.” </p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>Schneider said that Springer had fouled a ball off the same toe on Friday.</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>The Blue Jays are slated to go with right-hander Max Scherzer (1-1, 3.38 ERA) on Sunday. Scherzer is 10-2 with a 4.18 ERA in 19 career starts against Minnesota.</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>Scherzer left his start against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday after two innings and 36 pitches because of right forearm tendinitis. He said at the time that he did not expect to miss his next start.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-10"> <p>The Twins are scheduled to start right-hander Taj Bradley (2-0, 1.08). In six games (four starts), Bradley is 2-2 with a 4.88 ERA against Toronto.</p> </section> <section id="section-11"> <p>The Twins scored all their runs Saturday in the third inning against starter Eric Lauer. Brooks Lee started it with a solo shot — his second homer in two games — and Trevor Larnach finished it with a three-run blast. Two walks were also in the mix.</p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>The Twins have homered in 25 consecutive games at Rogers Centre.</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>“Overall, we just had really consistent at-bats in that inning,” Twins manager Derek Shelton said. “We’re having good at-bats, we’re grinding through it. We’re adding in walks.”</p> </section><section id="section-14"> <p>The Twins have faced nine left-handed starters in 15 games, including Lauer. </p> </section><section id="section-15"> <p>“We’re extremely left-handed and it’s a little bit of a challenge for us,” Shelton said. “But we’ve had guys step up. It’s been different guys on different days. Today Larnach got the start against the left-hander and hits a three-run homer. (Matt) Wallner has done very similar to that. </p> </section><section id="section-16"> <p>“We just have to get through this stretch. It’s a little bit unprecedented because I know we get two more (left-handers) in the next series, too. There’s nothing we can do. We have to figure out how to beat guys and so far we’ve done a pretty good job of it.”</p> </section><section id="section-17"> <p>Twins starter Joe Ryan overcame Daulton Varsho’s two-run homer in the first to go seven innings, allowing only one more hit and a hit batter.</p> </section><section id="section-18"> <p>The Twins put infielder Royce Lewis on the injured list with a sprained knee. Ryan Kreidler was recalled from Triple-A St. Paul and started at third base. He was 0-for-4 and made a superb defensive play on a grounder by Nathan Lukes to end the seventh.</p> </section><section id="section-19"> <p>Minnesota also placed Cody Laweryson on the IL, retroactive to April 9, with a right forearm strain and promoted fellow right-handed reliever Andrew Morris from St. Paul.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-20"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section> </div> #Deadspin #Missing #George #Springer #Jays #send #Max #Scherzer #Twins

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After ripping off two 10-game win streaks, things were looking bright on the north side to start the year in Chicago. Unfortunately for them, they aren’t in the NL Central of old; they’re competing in one of the toughest divisions in baseball. The Cubs have rattled off nine straight losses, quickly lost their hold on the division, and now find themselves battling for the final Wild Card spot.

It’s only been 54 games for the Cubs, and they’re still four games over .500, but it might be time to start panicking. Going into this season, you were hoping to have one of the best rotations in the sport, but injuries have ravaged the Cubs, now missing Edward Cabrera, Matthew Boyd, Justin Steele, and Cade Horton. Timetables for potential returns feel quite uncertain, and the offense hasn’t been able to bail them out recently.

Over their last 15 games, they are 2-13, and their offense has been among the worst in the sport. They’re averaging 2.8 runs per game and have been held to three runs or less in 12 of those 15 games.

Predictions markets had the Cubs with a 63.7% chance of winning the NL Central just 17 days ago, but now sit at just 28%. The Brewers still only sit at a 50% chance to win the division, but they’ve opened up a 3.5 game lead on the Cubs and 2.5 game lead over the Cardinals. The whole division is at least 2 games over .500, there’s no easy games during inter-division play.

A healthy rotation or bullpen would be incredible for morale but the lineup needs massive amounts of help. Pete Crow Armstrong, Nico Hoerner, Alex Bregman, Ian Happ, Dansby Swanson, Seiya Suzuki and Moises Ballestros have all been average to well below average months over the month of May, and I’m not sure we will see a ton of improvement.

Chicago has been an incredibly streaky lineup for a while, and I still feel they overperform their expected stats by the time the season ends. I’m not sure I trust this team to catch a Brewers team that has been one of the best teams in baseball over the last two seasons.

Just two weeks ago it felt like they might be a team that throws their hat in the ring for a Tarik Skubal type of arm, now they’ll be in a battle for a final wild card spot. I don’t think the reinforcements will come in quickly enough to salvage this season for the Cubs. Who would’ve guessed that the White Sox would be better suited to contend for a playoff spot for the city of Chicago.

#Chicago #Cubs #Panicking #NineGame #Losing #Streak #Deadspin.com">Chicago Cubs Should Be Panicking During Nine-Game Losing Streak | Deadspin.com After ripping off two 10-game win streaks, things were looking bright on the north side to start the year in Chicago. Unfortunately for them, they aren’t in the NL Central of old; they’re competing in one of the toughest divisions in baseball. The Cubs have rattled off nine straight losses, quickly lost their hold on the division, and now find themselves battling for the final Wild Card spot.It’s only been 54 games for the Cubs, and they’re still four games over .500, but it might be time to start panicking. Going into this season, you were hoping to have one of the best rotations in the sport, but injuries have ravaged the Cubs, now missing Edward Cabrera, Matthew Boyd, Justin Steele, and Cade Horton. Timetables for potential returns feel quite uncertain, and the offense hasn’t been able to bail them out recently.Over their last 15 games, they are 2-13, and their offense has been among the worst in the sport. They’re averaging 2.8 runs per game and have been held to three runs or less in 12 of those 15 games.Predictions markets had the Cubs with a 63.7% chance of winning the NL Central just 17 days ago, but now sit at just 28%. The Brewers still only sit at a 50% chance to win the division, but they’ve opened up a 3.5 game lead on the Cubs and 2.5 game lead over the Cardinals. The whole division is at least 2 games over .500, there’s no easy games during inter-division play.A healthy rotation or bullpen would be incredible for morale but the lineup needs massive amounts of help. Pete Crow Armstrong, Nico Hoerner, Alex Bregman, Ian Happ, Dansby Swanson, Seiya Suzuki and Moises Ballestros have all been average to well below average months over the month of May, and I’m not sure we will see a ton of improvement.Chicago has been an incredibly streaky lineup for a while, and I still feel they overperform their expected stats by the time the season ends. I’m not sure I trust this team to catch a Brewers team that has been one of the best teams in baseball over the last two seasons.Just two weeks ago it felt like they might be a team that throws their hat in the ring for a Tarik Skubal type of arm, now they’ll be in a battle for a final wild card spot. I don’t think the reinforcements will come in quickly enough to salvage this season for the Cubs. Who would’ve guessed that the White Sox would be better suited to contend for a playoff spot for the city of Chicago. #Chicago #Cubs #Panicking #NineGame #Losing #Streak #Deadspin.com

nine straight losses, quickly lost their hold on the division, and now find themselves battling for the final Wild Card spot.

It’s only been 54 games for the Cubs, and they’re still four games over .500, but it might be time to start panicking. Going into this season, you were hoping to have one of the best rotations in the sport, but injuries have ravaged the Cubs, now missing Edward Cabrera, Matthew Boyd, Justin Steele, and Cade Horton. Timetables for potential returns feel quite uncertain, and the offense hasn’t been able to bail them out recently.

Over their last 15 games, they are 2-13, and their offense has been among the worst in the sport. They’re averaging 2.8 runs per game and have been held to three runs or less in 12 of those 15 games.

Predictions markets had the Cubs with a 63.7% chance of winning the NL Central just 17 days ago, but now sit at just 28%. The Brewers still only sit at a 50% chance to win the division, but they’ve opened up a 3.5 game lead on the Cubs and 2.5 game lead over the Cardinals. The whole division is at least 2 games over .500, there’s no easy games during inter-division play.

A healthy rotation or bullpen would be incredible for morale but the lineup needs massive amounts of help. Pete Crow Armstrong, Nico Hoerner, Alex Bregman, Ian Happ, Dansby Swanson, Seiya Suzuki and Moises Ballestros have all been average to well below average months over the month of May, and I’m not sure we will see a ton of improvement.

Chicago has been an incredibly streaky lineup for a while, and I still feel they overperform their expected stats by the time the season ends. I’m not sure I trust this team to catch a Brewers team that has been one of the best teams in baseball over the last two seasons.

Just two weeks ago it felt like they might be a team that throws their hat in the ring for a Tarik Skubal type of arm, now they’ll be in a battle for a final wild card spot. I don’t think the reinforcements will come in quickly enough to salvage this season for the Cubs. Who would’ve guessed that the White Sox would be better suited to contend for a playoff spot for the city of Chicago.

#Chicago #Cubs #Panicking #NineGame #Losing #Streak #Deadspin.com">Chicago Cubs Should Be Panicking During Nine-Game Losing Streak | Deadspin.com

After ripping off two 10-game win streaks, things were looking bright on the north side to start the year in Chicago. Unfortunately for them, they aren’t in the NL Central of old; they’re competing in one of the toughest divisions in baseball. The Cubs have rattled off nine straight losses, quickly lost their hold on the division, and now find themselves battling for the final Wild Card spot.

It’s only been 54 games for the Cubs, and they’re still four games over .500, but it might be time to start panicking. Going into this season, you were hoping to have one of the best rotations in the sport, but injuries have ravaged the Cubs, now missing Edward Cabrera, Matthew Boyd, Justin Steele, and Cade Horton. Timetables for potential returns feel quite uncertain, and the offense hasn’t been able to bail them out recently.

Over their last 15 games, they are 2-13, and their offense has been among the worst in the sport. They’re averaging 2.8 runs per game and have been held to three runs or less in 12 of those 15 games.

Predictions markets had the Cubs with a 63.7% chance of winning the NL Central just 17 days ago, but now sit at just 28%. The Brewers still only sit at a 50% chance to win the division, but they’ve opened up a 3.5 game lead on the Cubs and 2.5 game lead over the Cardinals. The whole division is at least 2 games over .500, there’s no easy games during inter-division play.

A healthy rotation or bullpen would be incredible for morale but the lineup needs massive amounts of help. Pete Crow Armstrong, Nico Hoerner, Alex Bregman, Ian Happ, Dansby Swanson, Seiya Suzuki and Moises Ballestros have all been average to well below average months over the month of May, and I’m not sure we will see a ton of improvement.

Chicago has been an incredibly streaky lineup for a while, and I still feel they overperform their expected stats by the time the season ends. I’m not sure I trust this team to catch a Brewers team that has been one of the best teams in baseball over the last two seasons.

Just two weeks ago it felt like they might be a team that throws their hat in the ring for a Tarik Skubal type of arm, now they’ll be in a battle for a final wild card spot. I don’t think the reinforcements will come in quickly enough to salvage this season for the Cubs. Who would’ve guessed that the White Sox would be better suited to contend for a playoff spot for the city of Chicago.

#Chicago #Cubs #Panicking #NineGame #Losing #Streak #Deadspin.com

Alright everybody, your resident beacon of hope is here who has brought you such hits as the worst deals of free agency and worst potential fits for remaining free agents. Today, I build the worst possible team ahead of the 2026 season.

Now, we won’t be going player-by-player to build a 53-man roster. Instead, we’ll go by position groups on offense and defense to construct a unit that could potentially go 0-17. And don’t worry, I’ll be building the best team in the coming days. Enjoy.

Quarterbacks: Cleveland Browns

What an interesting bunch of apples the Browns’ quarterback room is. One apple has a very successful father apple, who is in the apple Hall of Fame. However, that apple has since grown sour in the eyes of many fans for how he portrays himself since becoming the head coach of an apple school. But there are many cult-like fans of that apple, and those people should be avoided at all costs.

Then there’s the other apple who I’m not going to joke about because he allegedly did some really gross things and I don’t want to make light of that, but he is bad at football and the Browns gave him the largest fully guaranteed contract in NFL history after he allegedly did all of those things. What did $230 million buy them? Since 2022, amongst 77 quarterbacks to play 200 snaps, Watson ranks 69th in success rate. Dillon Gabriel, the third apple of this bunch, ranks dead last in 77th. What an impressively inept collection of bad football and worse PR.

Honorable mention: Arizona Cardinals

Running backs: Jacksonville Jaguars

Travis Etienne left in free agency, signing with the New Orleans Saints. That leaves Bhayshul Tuten and Chris Rodriguez as the team’s top two running backs, respectively. Tuten could end up being a solid starter, but he had less than 100 carries in 2025. The pair of running backs combined for just 807 yards in 2025.

Honorable mention: Denver Broncos

Wide receivers: Miami Dolphins

Their top receiver is 5-foot-8 Malik Washington, who caught 46 passes in 2025. They added TuTu Atwell, who is 5-foot-9 and had six catches last season. Jalen Tolbert towers over them at 6-foot-1 and had 18 catches with the Cowboys a season ago. This could very well enter the conversation of worst receiving groups of all time.

Honorable mention: Carolina Panthers

Tight ends: Miami Dolphins

Genuinely, this offense is going to be so fun to watch because of how bad it will be. Greg Dulcich is their No. 1 tight end – he’d be a No. 3 on a good team. They drafted two tight ends, Rookie Will Kacmarek is a blocker first and not much of a receiving threat while Seydou Traore was a fifth-round pick and it’s unknown what his role or ceiling will be. There is nothing on that offense not named De’Von Achane that will be worth watching, unless you’re the type of person who likes watching a nitroglycerin plant spontaneously combust 17 times.

Honorable mention: Tennessee Titans

Offensive line: Tennessee Titans

Cam Ward was sacked 55 times in 2025, which was tied for the most in the league. Tennessee did next to nothing to improve their struggling unit, with their only moves being to sign long-time backup center Austin Schlottmann and draft Arkansas guard Fernando Carmona in the fifth round.

Honorable mention: Miami Dolphins

Defensive line: Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons ranked 26th in EPA per rush and 24th in success rate against the run. Had they not played six games against NFC South opponents, those numbers would likely be lower. Maason Smith, Zach Harrison, and Brandon Dorlus are projected to be their three starters up front, all of whom ranked outside the top 40 in PFF grades for defensive linemen in 2025.

Honorable mention: Washington Commanders

Edge rushers: Carolina Panthers

The Panthers gave Jaelan Phillips a contract equal to the GDP of the state of North Carolina, signing him to a four-year, $120 million deal – the richest contract of the offseason despite him never recording more than 8.5 sacks in a season, and that 8.5 mark came back in 2021. Nic Scourton is their No. 2, and he had five sacks last year. Now, sacks aren’t everything, of course, but you’d like to have more production from your pass rushers, especially for the hefty price tag on Phillips.

Honorable mention: Tennessee Titans

Linebackers: Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals relied heavily on rookies Demetrius Knight and Barrett Carter in 2025, both of whom were major disappointments. Knight had 18 missed tackles while Carter had 17. Knight ranked 83rd out of 88 qualified linebackers in PFF grades and Carter ranked 85th. While both are entering just their second years in the league, they need to make massive leaps forward.

Honorable mention: Indianapolis Colts

Secondary: Miami Dolphins

I promise this isn’t a bit, the Dolphins are just that bad. You could put the Cardinals here, seeing that they finished with a defensive drop back success rate that was 0.7 percent worse than the Dolphins, but Arizona at least has a promising piece in Will Johnson and a reliable veteran in Budda Baker. I like Chris Johnson, but the rest of Miami’s secondary is full of low-tier non-starters.

Honorable mention: Arizona Cardinals

#Building #worst #NFL #team #season">Building the worst NFL team possible for 2026 season Alright everybody, your resident beacon of hope is here who has brought you such hits as the worst deals of free agency and worst potential fits for remaining free agents. Today, I build the worst possible team ahead of the 2026 season.Now, we won’t be going player-by-player to build a 53-man roster. Instead, we’ll go by position groups on offense and defense to construct a unit that could potentially go 0-17. And don’t worry, I’ll be building the best team in the coming days. Enjoy.Quarterbacks: Cleveland BrownsWhat an interesting bunch of apples the Browns’ quarterback room is. One apple has a very successful father apple, who is in the apple Hall of Fame. However, that apple has since grown sour in the eyes of many fans for how he portrays himself since becoming the head coach of an apple school. But there are many cult-like fans of that apple, and those people should be avoided at all costs.Then there’s the other apple who I’m not going to joke about because he allegedly did some really gross things and I don’t want to make light of that, but he is bad at football and the Browns gave him the largest fully guaranteed contract in NFL history after he allegedly did all of those things. What did 0 million buy them? Since 2022, amongst 77 quarterbacks to play 200 snaps, Watson ranks 69th in success rate. Dillon Gabriel, the third apple of this bunch, ranks dead last in 77th. What an impressively inept collection of bad football and worse PR.Honorable mention: Arizona CardinalsRunning backs: Jacksonville JaguarsTravis Etienne left in free agency, signing with the New Orleans Saints. That leaves Bhayshul Tuten and Chris Rodriguez as the team’s top two running backs, respectively. Tuten could end up being a solid starter, but he had less than 100 carries in 2025. The pair of running backs combined for just 807 yards in 2025.Honorable mention: Denver BroncosWide receivers: Miami DolphinsTheir top receiver is 5-foot-8 Malik Washington, who caught 46 passes in 2025. They added TuTu Atwell, who is 5-foot-9 and had six catches last season. Jalen Tolbert towers over them at 6-foot-1 and had 18 catches with the Cowboys a season ago. This could very well enter the conversation of worst receiving groups of all time.Honorable mention: Carolina PanthersTight ends: Miami DolphinsGenuinely, this offense is going to be so fun to watch because of how bad it will be. Greg Dulcich is their No. 1 tight end – he’d be a No. 3 on a good team. They drafted two tight ends, Rookie Will Kacmarek is a blocker first and not much of a receiving threat while Seydou Traore was a fifth-round pick and it’s unknown what his role or ceiling will be. There is nothing on that offense not named De’Von Achane that will be worth watching, unless you’re the type of person who likes watching a nitroglycerin plant spontaneously combust 17 times.Honorable mention: Tennessee TitansOffensive line: Tennessee TitansCam Ward was sacked 55 times in 2025, which was tied for the most in the league. Tennessee did next to nothing to improve their struggling unit, with their only moves being to sign long-time backup center Austin Schlottmann and draft Arkansas guard Fernando Carmona in the fifth round.Honorable mention: Miami DolphinsDefensive line: Atlanta FalconsThe Falcons ranked 26th in EPA per rush and 24th in success rate against the run. Had they not played six games against NFC South opponents, those numbers would likely be lower. Maason Smith, Zach Harrison, and Brandon Dorlus are projected to be their three starters up front, all of whom ranked outside the top 40 in PFF grades for defensive linemen in 2025.Honorable mention: Washington CommandersEdge rushers: Carolina PanthersThe Panthers gave Jaelan Phillips a contract equal to the GDP of the state of North Carolina, signing him to a four-year, 0 million deal – the richest contract of the offseason despite him never recording more than 8.5 sacks in a season, and that 8.5 mark came back in 2021. Nic Scourton is their No. 2, and he had five sacks last year. Now, sacks aren’t everything, of course, but you’d like to have more production from your pass rushers, especially for the hefty price tag on Phillips.Honorable mention: Tennessee TitansLinebackers: Cincinnati BengalsThe Bengals relied heavily on rookies Demetrius Knight and Barrett Carter in 2025, both of whom were major disappointments. Knight had 18 missed tackles while Carter had 17. Knight ranked 83rd out of 88 qualified linebackers in PFF grades and Carter ranked 85th. While both are entering just their second years in the league, they need to make massive leaps forward.Honorable mention: Indianapolis ColtsSecondary: Miami DolphinsI promise this isn’t a bit, the Dolphins are just that bad. You could put the Cardinals here, seeing that they finished with a defensive drop back success rate that was 0.7 percent worse than the Dolphins, but Arizona at least has a promising piece in Will Johnson and a reliable veteran in Budda Baker. I like Chris Johnson, but the rest of Miami’s secondary is full of low-tier non-starters.Honorable mention: Arizona Cardinals #Building #worst #NFL #team #season

worst deals of free agency and worst potential fits for remaining free agents. Today, I build the worst possible team ahead of the 2026 season.

Now, we won’t be going player-by-player to build a 53-man roster. Instead, we’ll go by position groups on offense and defense to construct a unit that could potentially go 0-17. And don’t worry, I’ll be building the best team in the coming days. Enjoy.

Quarterbacks: Cleveland Browns

What an interesting bunch of apples the Browns’ quarterback room is. One apple has a very successful father apple, who is in the apple Hall of Fame. However, that apple has since grown sour in the eyes of many fans for how he portrays himself since becoming the head coach of an apple school. But there are many cult-like fans of that apple, and those people should be avoided at all costs.

Then there’s the other apple who I’m not going to joke about because he allegedly did some really gross things and I don’t want to make light of that, but he is bad at football and the Browns gave him the largest fully guaranteed contract in NFL history after he allegedly did all of those things. What did $230 million buy them? Since 2022, amongst 77 quarterbacks to play 200 snaps, Watson ranks 69th in success rate. Dillon Gabriel, the third apple of this bunch, ranks dead last in 77th. What an impressively inept collection of bad football and worse PR.

Honorable mention: Arizona Cardinals

Running backs: Jacksonville Jaguars

Travis Etienne left in free agency, signing with the New Orleans Saints. That leaves Bhayshul Tuten and Chris Rodriguez as the team’s top two running backs, respectively. Tuten could end up being a solid starter, but he had less than 100 carries in 2025. The pair of running backs combined for just 807 yards in 2025.

Honorable mention: Denver Broncos

Wide receivers: Miami Dolphins

Their top receiver is 5-foot-8 Malik Washington, who caught 46 passes in 2025. They added TuTu Atwell, who is 5-foot-9 and had six catches last season. Jalen Tolbert towers over them at 6-foot-1 and had 18 catches with the Cowboys a season ago. This could very well enter the conversation of worst receiving groups of all time.

Honorable mention: Carolina Panthers

Tight ends: Miami Dolphins

Genuinely, this offense is going to be so fun to watch because of how bad it will be. Greg Dulcich is their No. 1 tight end – he’d be a No. 3 on a good team. They drafted two tight ends, Rookie Will Kacmarek is a blocker first and not much of a receiving threat while Seydou Traore was a fifth-round pick and it’s unknown what his role or ceiling will be. There is nothing on that offense not named De’Von Achane that will be worth watching, unless you’re the type of person who likes watching a nitroglycerin plant spontaneously combust 17 times.

Honorable mention: Tennessee Titans

Offensive line: Tennessee Titans

Cam Ward was sacked 55 times in 2025, which was tied for the most in the league. Tennessee did next to nothing to improve their struggling unit, with their only moves being to sign long-time backup center Austin Schlottmann and draft Arkansas guard Fernando Carmona in the fifth round.

Honorable mention: Miami Dolphins

Defensive line: Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons ranked 26th in EPA per rush and 24th in success rate against the run. Had they not played six games against NFC South opponents, those numbers would likely be lower. Maason Smith, Zach Harrison, and Brandon Dorlus are projected to be their three starters up front, all of whom ranked outside the top 40 in PFF grades for defensive linemen in 2025.

Honorable mention: Washington Commanders

Edge rushers: Carolina Panthers

The Panthers gave Jaelan Phillips a contract equal to the GDP of the state of North Carolina, signing him to a four-year, $120 million deal – the richest contract of the offseason despite him never recording more than 8.5 sacks in a season, and that 8.5 mark came back in 2021. Nic Scourton is their No. 2, and he had five sacks last year. Now, sacks aren’t everything, of course, but you’d like to have more production from your pass rushers, especially for the hefty price tag on Phillips.

Honorable mention: Tennessee Titans

Linebackers: Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals relied heavily on rookies Demetrius Knight and Barrett Carter in 2025, both of whom were major disappointments. Knight had 18 missed tackles while Carter had 17. Knight ranked 83rd out of 88 qualified linebackers in PFF grades and Carter ranked 85th. While both are entering just their second years in the league, they need to make massive leaps forward.

Honorable mention: Indianapolis Colts

Secondary: Miami Dolphins

I promise this isn’t a bit, the Dolphins are just that bad. You could put the Cardinals here, seeing that they finished with a defensive drop back success rate that was 0.7 percent worse than the Dolphins, but Arizona at least has a promising piece in Will Johnson and a reliable veteran in Budda Baker. I like Chris Johnson, but the rest of Miami’s secondary is full of low-tier non-starters.

Honorable mention: Arizona Cardinals

#Building #worst #NFL #team #season">Building the worst NFL team possible for 2026 season

Alright everybody, your resident beacon of hope is here who has brought you such hits as the worst deals of free agency and worst potential fits for remaining free agents. Today, I build the worst possible team ahead of the 2026 season.

Now, we won’t be going player-by-player to build a 53-man roster. Instead, we’ll go by position groups on offense and defense to construct a unit that could potentially go 0-17. And don’t worry, I’ll be building the best team in the coming days. Enjoy.

Quarterbacks: Cleveland Browns

What an interesting bunch of apples the Browns’ quarterback room is. One apple has a very successful father apple, who is in the apple Hall of Fame. However, that apple has since grown sour in the eyes of many fans for how he portrays himself since becoming the head coach of an apple school. But there are many cult-like fans of that apple, and those people should be avoided at all costs.

Then there’s the other apple who I’m not going to joke about because he allegedly did some really gross things and I don’t want to make light of that, but he is bad at football and the Browns gave him the largest fully guaranteed contract in NFL history after he allegedly did all of those things. What did $230 million buy them? Since 2022, amongst 77 quarterbacks to play 200 snaps, Watson ranks 69th in success rate. Dillon Gabriel, the third apple of this bunch, ranks dead last in 77th. What an impressively inept collection of bad football and worse PR.

Honorable mention: Arizona Cardinals

Running backs: Jacksonville Jaguars

Travis Etienne left in free agency, signing with the New Orleans Saints. That leaves Bhayshul Tuten and Chris Rodriguez as the team’s top two running backs, respectively. Tuten could end up being a solid starter, but he had less than 100 carries in 2025. The pair of running backs combined for just 807 yards in 2025.

Honorable mention: Denver Broncos

Wide receivers: Miami Dolphins

Their top receiver is 5-foot-8 Malik Washington, who caught 46 passes in 2025. They added TuTu Atwell, who is 5-foot-9 and had six catches last season. Jalen Tolbert towers over them at 6-foot-1 and had 18 catches with the Cowboys a season ago. This could very well enter the conversation of worst receiving groups of all time.

Honorable mention: Carolina Panthers

Tight ends: Miami Dolphins

Genuinely, this offense is going to be so fun to watch because of how bad it will be. Greg Dulcich is their No. 1 tight end – he’d be a No. 3 on a good team. They drafted two tight ends, Rookie Will Kacmarek is a blocker first and not much of a receiving threat while Seydou Traore was a fifth-round pick and it’s unknown what his role or ceiling will be. There is nothing on that offense not named De’Von Achane that will be worth watching, unless you’re the type of person who likes watching a nitroglycerin plant spontaneously combust 17 times.

Honorable mention: Tennessee Titans

Offensive line: Tennessee Titans

Cam Ward was sacked 55 times in 2025, which was tied for the most in the league. Tennessee did next to nothing to improve their struggling unit, with their only moves being to sign long-time backup center Austin Schlottmann and draft Arkansas guard Fernando Carmona in the fifth round.

Honorable mention: Miami Dolphins

Defensive line: Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons ranked 26th in EPA per rush and 24th in success rate against the run. Had they not played six games against NFC South opponents, those numbers would likely be lower. Maason Smith, Zach Harrison, and Brandon Dorlus are projected to be their three starters up front, all of whom ranked outside the top 40 in PFF grades for defensive linemen in 2025.

Honorable mention: Washington Commanders

Edge rushers: Carolina Panthers

The Panthers gave Jaelan Phillips a contract equal to the GDP of the state of North Carolina, signing him to a four-year, $120 million deal – the richest contract of the offseason despite him never recording more than 8.5 sacks in a season, and that 8.5 mark came back in 2021. Nic Scourton is their No. 2, and he had five sacks last year. Now, sacks aren’t everything, of course, but you’d like to have more production from your pass rushers, especially for the hefty price tag on Phillips.

Honorable mention: Tennessee Titans

Linebackers: Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals relied heavily on rookies Demetrius Knight and Barrett Carter in 2025, both of whom were major disappointments. Knight had 18 missed tackles while Carter had 17. Knight ranked 83rd out of 88 qualified linebackers in PFF grades and Carter ranked 85th. While both are entering just their second years in the league, they need to make massive leaps forward.

Honorable mention: Indianapolis Colts

Secondary: Miami Dolphins

I promise this isn’t a bit, the Dolphins are just that bad. You could put the Cardinals here, seeing that they finished with a defensive drop back success rate that was 0.7 percent worse than the Dolphins, but Arizona at least has a promising piece in Will Johnson and a reliable veteran in Budda Baker. I like Chris Johnson, but the rest of Miami’s secondary is full of low-tier non-starters.

Honorable mention: Arizona Cardinals

#Building #worst #NFL #team #season

Triple jumper Praveen Chithravel is fed up with his narrow misses in big events and is determined to prove himself at elite international competitions.

Chithravel, whose National record stands at 17.37m, missed out on a medal in the 2022 Commonwealth Games and finished fourth (16.89m) whereas two other Indians, Eldhose Paul (17.03m) and Abdulla Aboobacker (17.02m), claimed gold and silver respectively.

At the 2025 Tokyo World Championships, he managed the eighth spot (16.74m) in Group ‘B’ whereas seventh-placed Chinese Yaming Zhu (16.83m) qualified for the final.

All this rankles Chithravel, who has crossed 17m five times in the last four years.

Also read | Vishal ‘Bolt’ — The boy with bow knees who became India’s fastest quartermiler

“I lost a CWG medal by three cm. I’m impatient (to amend that). Last year, in the World Championships, something unexpected happened. My first jump was more than 17.10m, but it was a foul. In the second jump, I pulled my calf (muscle). In the third jump, I did (16.74m) and didn’t qualify for the final,” said the stylish Chithravel after breaching the CWG qualification mark with 17.08m.

“Thankfully, there is zero pain. Everything is going well. I’m following the process and I’m ready to go for a medal (at the CWG).

“In my first competition of the season, the Indian Open Jumps event, I did 16.78m, then at the Indian Athletics Series in Chennai, I did 16.95m. Now, I did 17.08m. In India, everyone breaks National records. I don’t want to break the National record here. I’m waiting for a good moment.

“I know I’m one of the best athletes in the world. In big events, I want to fight with all the (top) athletes. I want to show who I am, (someone) from India,” said Chithravel, who will turn 25 soon.

Published on May 26, 2026

#Federation #Cup #breaching #CWG #qualification #mark #Praveen #Chithravel #ready #medal">Federation Cup 2026: After breaching CWG qualification mark, Praveen Chithravel is ready to go for a medal Triple jumper Praveen Chithravel is fed up with his narrow misses in big events and is determined to prove himself at elite international competitions.Chithravel, whose National record stands at 17.37m, missed out on a medal in the 2022 Commonwealth Games and finished fourth (16.89m) whereas two other Indians, Eldhose Paul (17.03m) and Abdulla Aboobacker (17.02m), claimed gold and silver respectively.At the 2025 Tokyo World Championships, he managed the eighth spot (16.74m) in Group ‘B’ whereas seventh-placed Chinese Yaming Zhu (16.83m) qualified for the final.All this rankles Chithravel, who has crossed 17m five times in the last four years.Also read | Vishal ‘Bolt’ — The boy with bow knees who became India’s fastest quartermiler“I lost a CWG medal by three cm. I’m impatient (to amend that). Last year, in the World Championships, something unexpected happened. My first jump was more than 17.10m, but it was a foul. In the second jump, I pulled my calf (muscle). In the third jump, I did (16.74m) and didn’t qualify for the final,” said the stylish Chithravel after breaching the CWG qualification mark with 17.08m.“Thankfully, there is zero pain. Everything is going well. I’m following the process and I’m ready to go for a medal (at the CWG).“In my first competition of the season, the Indian Open Jumps event, I did 16.78m, then at the Indian Athletics Series in Chennai, I did 16.95m. Now, I did 17.08m. In India, everyone breaks National records. I don’t want to break the National record here. I’m waiting for a good moment.“I know I’m one of the best athletes in the world. In big events, I want to fight with all the (top) athletes. I want to show who I am, (someone) from India,” said Chithravel, who will turn 25 soon.Published on May 26, 2026 #Federation #Cup #breaching #CWG #qualification #mark #Praveen #Chithravel #ready #medal

Vishal ‘Bolt’ — The boy with bow knees who became India’s fastest quartermiler

“I lost a CWG medal by three cm. I’m impatient (to amend that). Last year, in the World Championships, something unexpected happened. My first jump was more than 17.10m, but it was a foul. In the second jump, I pulled my calf (muscle). In the third jump, I did (16.74m) and didn’t qualify for the final,” said the stylish Chithravel after breaching the CWG qualification mark with 17.08m.

“Thankfully, there is zero pain. Everything is going well. I’m following the process and I’m ready to go for a medal (at the CWG).

“In my first competition of the season, the Indian Open Jumps event, I did 16.78m, then at the Indian Athletics Series in Chennai, I did 16.95m. Now, I did 17.08m. In India, everyone breaks National records. I don’t want to break the National record here. I’m waiting for a good moment.

“I know I’m one of the best athletes in the world. In big events, I want to fight with all the (top) athletes. I want to show who I am, (someone) from India,” said Chithravel, who will turn 25 soon.

Published on May 26, 2026

#Federation #Cup #breaching #CWG #qualification #mark #Praveen #Chithravel #ready #medal">Federation Cup 2026: After breaching CWG qualification mark, Praveen Chithravel is ready to go for a medal

Triple jumper Praveen Chithravel is fed up with his narrow misses in big events and is determined to prove himself at elite international competitions.

Chithravel, whose National record stands at 17.37m, missed out on a medal in the 2022 Commonwealth Games and finished fourth (16.89m) whereas two other Indians, Eldhose Paul (17.03m) and Abdulla Aboobacker (17.02m), claimed gold and silver respectively.

At the 2025 Tokyo World Championships, he managed the eighth spot (16.74m) in Group ‘B’ whereas seventh-placed Chinese Yaming Zhu (16.83m) qualified for the final.

All this rankles Chithravel, who has crossed 17m five times in the last four years.

Also read | Vishal ‘Bolt’ — The boy with bow knees who became India’s fastest quartermiler

“I lost a CWG medal by three cm. I’m impatient (to amend that). Last year, in the World Championships, something unexpected happened. My first jump was more than 17.10m, but it was a foul. In the second jump, I pulled my calf (muscle). In the third jump, I did (16.74m) and didn’t qualify for the final,” said the stylish Chithravel after breaching the CWG qualification mark with 17.08m.

“Thankfully, there is zero pain. Everything is going well. I’m following the process and I’m ready to go for a medal (at the CWG).

“In my first competition of the season, the Indian Open Jumps event, I did 16.78m, then at the Indian Athletics Series in Chennai, I did 16.95m. Now, I did 17.08m. In India, everyone breaks National records. I don’t want to break the National record here. I’m waiting for a good moment.

“I know I’m one of the best athletes in the world. In big events, I want to fight with all the (top) athletes. I want to show who I am, (someone) from India,” said Chithravel, who will turn 25 soon.

Published on May 26, 2026

#Federation #Cup #breaching #CWG #qualification #mark #Praveen #Chithravel #ready #medal

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