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The Masters 2026 — McIlroy falters, shares lead with surging Young after third round  Rory McIlroy charged back late after squandering a six-stroke edge to share the lead with Cameron Young after a wild third round at the Masters on Saturday.A chaotic afternoon at Augusta National saw both men plunk key shots into water on the back nine but finish level atop the leaderboard on 11-under 205 through 54 holes, one stroke ahead of American Sam Burns.McIlroy, who started the day with a record six-shot lead, carded a one-over-par 73 while Young roared into contention with a scintillating seven-under-par 65.“I didn’t have it today,” McIlroy admitted. “I scrambled a lot on the front nine.”READ | Tiger Woods and the rise and fall of sporting iconsSecond-ranked McIlroy birdied the 14th and 15th holes to regain the lead but found the trees off the 17th tee on the way to a bogey and his one-over round.“This golf course has a way of, when you’re not quite feeling it, you struggle,” McIlroy said. “You have to dig deep.“I still have a great chance,” McIlroy added. “I’m in the final group. That’s where I want to be.“I need to be better tomorrow. If I’m going to win tomorrow I have to be better than I was today.”McIlroy, a five-time major winner, hopes to match Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus and Nick Faldo as the only back-to-back winners of the green jacket.Third-ranked Young, last month’s Players Championship winner, got off to a scorching start with birdies on five of the first 10 holes.Watch every shot from Cameron Young’s third round. #themasterspic.twitter.com/1Ijv9inJCd— The Masters (@TheMasters) April 12, 2026He birdied 13 and 14, his drive at the 13th hitting a tree and landing fortuitously in the fairway, then overcame a watery bogey at 15 by curling in a 27-foot birdie putt at the par-three 16th.As a result, the 28-year-old American has a prime chance for his first major title.“There certainly is no lead that’s safe out here, but Rory loves it here and no one would be surprised if he had shot 65,” Young said.“It’s just one of those times that if he doesn’t, we have to take advantage and I got myself here today.”Burns carded a 68 and was one stroke in front of Ireland’s Shane Lowry.Lowry aced the 190-yard par-three sixth hole on his way to a 68 that left him in fourth on 207, one stroke ahead of Australian Jason Day and England’s Justin Rose.Lowry, the 2019 British Open winner, became the first Masters player with multiple holes-in-one, having aced the 16th in the final round in 2016.“That’s wild,” Lowry said. “You don’t ever expect to make a hole-in-one. I just couldn’t believe it. You’re out there and you’re in the hunt at the Masters and you’re making hole-in-one. It’s pretty cool. It was obviously amazing.”Scheffler ‘in position’ American golfer Scottie Scheffler walks to the 18th green during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on Saturday in Augusta, Georgia.
                                                            | Photo Credit: 
                                Getty Images
                            

                            American golfer Scottie Scheffler walks to the 18th green during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on Saturday in Augusta, Georgia.
                                                            | Photo Credit: 
                                Getty Images
                                                    World number one Scottie Scheffler fired a bogey-free 65 — his lowest career Masters round — to stand four off the lead on 209 alongside China’s Li Haotong, who also found water on his way to shooting 69.“I put myself in position,” Scheffler said. “I just need to get the job done.”McIlroy made double bogey at the 11th when his approach sailed left into a pond and after a bogey at the par-three 12th, his lead had vanished in Amen Corner.McIlroy responded with a 19-foot birdie putt at the 14th and drove the green in two at the par-five 15th to set up a tap-in birdie only for a bogey at 17 to drop him back.“I knew today wasn’t going to be easy,” McIlroy said. “The quality of the chasing pack was very good and a lot of guys played their best golf.”Rose, a three-time Masters runner-up hoping for a green jacket at age 45, went from seven adrift to three back and hopes for a final round like last year when he made 10 birdies.“It’s going to take a special round tomorrow, so there’s a chance, which is great,” Rose said. “I’m going to try to channel a bit of last year and see what happens.”Published on Apr 12, 2026  #Masters #McIlroy #falters #shares #lead #surging #Young

The Masters 2026 — McIlroy falters, shares lead with surging Young after third round

Rory McIlroy charged back late after squandering a six-stroke edge to share the lead with Cameron Young after a wild third round at the Masters on Saturday.

A chaotic afternoon at Augusta National saw both men plunk key shots into water on the back nine but finish level atop the leaderboard on 11-under 205 through 54 holes, one stroke ahead of American Sam Burns.

McIlroy, who started the day with a record six-shot lead, carded a one-over-par 73 while Young roared into contention with a scintillating seven-under-par 65.

“I didn’t have it today,” McIlroy admitted. “I scrambled a lot on the front nine.”

READ | Tiger Woods and the rise and fall of sporting icons

Second-ranked McIlroy birdied the 14th and 15th holes to regain the lead but found the trees off the 17th tee on the way to a bogey and his one-over round.

“This golf course has a way of, when you’re not quite feeling it, you struggle,” McIlroy said. “You have to dig deep.

“I still have a great chance,” McIlroy added. “I’m in the final group. That’s where I want to be.

“I need to be better tomorrow. If I’m going to win tomorrow I have to be better than I was today.”

McIlroy, a five-time major winner, hopes to match Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus and Nick Faldo as the only back-to-back winners of the green jacket.

Third-ranked Young, last month’s Players Championship winner, got off to a scorching start with birdies on five of the first 10 holes.

He birdied 13 and 14, his drive at the 13th hitting a tree and landing fortuitously in the fairway, then overcame a watery bogey at 15 by curling in a 27-foot birdie putt at the par-three 16th.

As a result, the 28-year-old American has a prime chance for his first major title.

“There certainly is no lead that’s safe out here, but Rory loves it here and no one would be surprised if he had shot 65,” Young said.

“It’s just one of those times that if he doesn’t, we have to take advantage and I got myself here today.”

Burns carded a 68 and was one stroke in front of Ireland’s Shane Lowry.

Lowry aced the 190-yard par-three sixth hole on his way to a 68 that left him in fourth on 207, one stroke ahead of Australian Jason Day and England’s Justin Rose.

Lowry, the 2019 British Open winner, became the first Masters player with multiple holes-in-one, having aced the 16th in the final round in 2016.

“That’s wild,” Lowry said. “You don’t ever expect to make a hole-in-one. I just couldn’t believe it. You’re out there and you’re in the hunt at the Masters and you’re making hole-in-one. It’s pretty cool. It was obviously amazing.”

Scheffler ‘in position’

The Masters 2026 — McIlroy falters, shares lead with surging Young after third round  Rory McIlroy charged back late after squandering a six-stroke edge to share the lead with Cameron Young after a wild third round at the Masters on Saturday.A chaotic afternoon at Augusta National saw both men plunk key shots into water on the back nine but finish level atop the leaderboard on 11-under 205 through 54 holes, one stroke ahead of American Sam Burns.McIlroy, who started the day with a record six-shot lead, carded a one-over-par 73 while Young roared into contention with a scintillating seven-under-par 65.“I didn’t have it today,” McIlroy admitted. “I scrambled a lot on the front nine.”READ | Tiger Woods and the rise and fall of sporting iconsSecond-ranked McIlroy birdied the 14th and 15th holes to regain the lead but found the trees off the 17th tee on the way to a bogey and his one-over round.“This golf course has a way of, when you’re not quite feeling it, you struggle,” McIlroy said. “You have to dig deep.“I still have a great chance,” McIlroy added. “I’m in the final group. That’s where I want to be.“I need to be better tomorrow. If I’m going to win tomorrow I have to be better than I was today.”McIlroy, a five-time major winner, hopes to match Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus and Nick Faldo as the only back-to-back winners of the green jacket.Third-ranked Young, last month’s Players Championship winner, got off to a scorching start with birdies on five of the first 10 holes.Watch every shot from Cameron Young’s third round. #themasterspic.twitter.com/1Ijv9inJCd— The Masters (@TheMasters) April 12, 2026He birdied 13 and 14, his drive at the 13th hitting a tree and landing fortuitously in the fairway, then overcame a watery bogey at 15 by curling in a 27-foot birdie putt at the par-three 16th.As a result, the 28-year-old American has a prime chance for his first major title.“There certainly is no lead that’s safe out here, but Rory loves it here and no one would be surprised if he had shot 65,” Young said.“It’s just one of those times that if he doesn’t, we have to take advantage and I got myself here today.”Burns carded a 68 and was one stroke in front of Ireland’s Shane Lowry.Lowry aced the 190-yard par-three sixth hole on his way to a 68 that left him in fourth on 207, one stroke ahead of Australian Jason Day and England’s Justin Rose.Lowry, the 2019 British Open winner, became the first Masters player with multiple holes-in-one, having aced the 16th in the final round in 2016.“That’s wild,” Lowry said. “You don’t ever expect to make a hole-in-one. I just couldn’t believe it. You’re out there and you’re in the hunt at the Masters and you’re making hole-in-one. It’s pretty cool. It was obviously amazing.”Scheffler ‘in position’ American golfer Scottie Scheffler walks to the 18th green during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on Saturday in Augusta, Georgia.
                                                            | Photo Credit: 
                                Getty Images
                            

                            American golfer Scottie Scheffler walks to the 18th green during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on Saturday in Augusta, Georgia.
                                                            | Photo Credit: 
                                Getty Images
                                                    World number one Scottie Scheffler fired a bogey-free 65 — his lowest career Masters round — to stand four off the lead on 209 alongside China’s Li Haotong, who also found water on his way to shooting 69.“I put myself in position,” Scheffler said. “I just need to get the job done.”McIlroy made double bogey at the 11th when his approach sailed left into a pond and after a bogey at the par-three 12th, his lead had vanished in Amen Corner.McIlroy responded with a 19-foot birdie putt at the 14th and drove the green in two at the par-five 15th to set up a tap-in birdie only for a bogey at 17 to drop him back.“I knew today wasn’t going to be easy,” McIlroy said. “The quality of the chasing pack was very good and a lot of guys played their best golf.”Rose, a three-time Masters runner-up hoping for a green jacket at age 45, went from seven adrift to three back and hopes for a final round like last year when he made 10 birdies.“It’s going to take a special round tomorrow, so there’s a chance, which is great,” Rose said. “I’m going to try to channel a bit of last year and see what happens.”Published on Apr 12, 2026  #Masters #McIlroy #falters #shares #lead #surging #Young

American golfer Scottie Scheffler walks to the 18th green during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on Saturday in Augusta, Georgia. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

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American golfer Scottie Scheffler walks to the 18th green during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on Saturday in Augusta, Georgia. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

World number one Scottie Scheffler fired a bogey-free 65 — his lowest career Masters round — to stand four off the lead on 209 alongside China’s Li Haotong, who also found water on his way to shooting 69.

“I put myself in position,” Scheffler said. “I just need to get the job done.”

McIlroy made double bogey at the 11th when his approach sailed left into a pond and after a bogey at the par-three 12th, his lead had vanished in Amen Corner.

McIlroy responded with a 19-foot birdie putt at the 14th and drove the green in two at the par-five 15th to set up a tap-in birdie only for a bogey at 17 to drop him back.

“I knew today wasn’t going to be easy,” McIlroy said. “The quality of the chasing pack was very good and a lot of guys played their best golf.”

Rose, a three-time Masters runner-up hoping for a green jacket at age 45, went from seven adrift to three back and hopes for a final round like last year when he made 10 birdies.

“It’s going to take a special round tomorrow, so there’s a chance, which is great,” Rose said. “I’m going to try to channel a bit of last year and see what happens.”

Published on Apr 12, 2026

#Masters #McIlroy #falters #shares #lead #surging #Young

Rory McIlroy charged back late after squandering a six-stroke edge to share the lead with Cameron Young after a wild third round at the Masters on Saturday.

A chaotic afternoon at Augusta National saw both men plunk key shots into water on the back nine but finish level atop the leaderboard on 11-under 205 through 54 holes, one stroke ahead of American Sam Burns.

McIlroy, who started the day with a record six-shot lead, carded a one-over-par 73 while Young roared into contention with a scintillating seven-under-par 65.

“I didn’t have it today,” McIlroy admitted. “I scrambled a lot on the front nine.”

READ | Tiger Woods and the rise and fall of sporting icons

Second-ranked McIlroy birdied the 14th and 15th holes to regain the lead but found the trees off the 17th tee on the way to a bogey and his one-over round.

“This golf course has a way of, when you’re not quite feeling it, you struggle,” McIlroy said. “You have to dig deep.

“I still have a great chance,” McIlroy added. “I’m in the final group. That’s where I want to be.

“I need to be better tomorrow. If I’m going to win tomorrow I have to be better than I was today.”

McIlroy, a five-time major winner, hopes to match Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus and Nick Faldo as the only back-to-back winners of the green jacket.

Third-ranked Young, last month’s Players Championship winner, got off to a scorching start with birdies on five of the first 10 holes.

He birdied 13 and 14, his drive at the 13th hitting a tree and landing fortuitously in the fairway, then overcame a watery bogey at 15 by curling in a 27-foot birdie putt at the par-three 16th.

As a result, the 28-year-old American has a prime chance for his first major title.

“There certainly is no lead that’s safe out here, but Rory loves it here and no one would be surprised if he had shot 65,” Young said.

“It’s just one of those times that if he doesn’t, we have to take advantage and I got myself here today.”

Burns carded a 68 and was one stroke in front of Ireland’s Shane Lowry.

Lowry aced the 190-yard par-three sixth hole on his way to a 68 that left him in fourth on 207, one stroke ahead of Australian Jason Day and England’s Justin Rose.

Lowry, the 2019 British Open winner, became the first Masters player with multiple holes-in-one, having aced the 16th in the final round in 2016.

“That’s wild,” Lowry said. “You don’t ever expect to make a hole-in-one. I just couldn’t believe it. You’re out there and you’re in the hunt at the Masters and you’re making hole-in-one. It’s pretty cool. It was obviously amazing.”

Scheffler ‘in position’

American golfer Scottie Scheffler walks to the 18th green during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on Saturday in Augusta, Georgia.
| Photo Credit:
Getty Images

lightbox-info

American golfer Scottie Scheffler walks to the 18th green during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on Saturday in Augusta, Georgia.
| Photo Credit:
Getty Images

World number one Scottie Scheffler fired a bogey-free 65 — his lowest career Masters round — to stand four off the lead on 209 alongside China’s Li Haotong, who also found water on his way to shooting 69.

“I put myself in position,” Scheffler said. “I just need to get the job done.”

McIlroy made double bogey at the 11th when his approach sailed left into a pond and after a bogey at the par-three 12th, his lead had vanished in Amen Corner.

McIlroy responded with a 19-foot birdie putt at the 14th and drove the green in two at the par-five 15th to set up a tap-in birdie only for a bogey at 17 to drop him back.

“I knew today wasn’t going to be easy,” McIlroy said. “The quality of the chasing pack was very good and a lot of guys played their best golf.”

Rose, a three-time Masters runner-up hoping for a green jacket at age 45, went from seven adrift to three back and hopes for a final round like last year when he made 10 birdies.

“It’s going to take a special round tomorrow, so there’s a chance, which is great,” Rose said. “I’m going to try to channel a bit of last year and see what happens.”

Published on Apr 12, 2026



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Deadspin | Protas brothers help Capitals handle Penguins <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-900/28687903.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28687903.jpg" alt="NHL: Washington Capitals at Toronto Maple Leafs" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 8, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Washington Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery watches the play against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the third period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Ilya Protas scored his first NHL goal and added two assists and the Washington Capitals helped their playoff chances with a 6-3 win against the Penguins in Pittsburgh on Saturday.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Ryan Leonard scored twice, and Aliaksei Protas and Tom Wilson each had a goal and an assist for the Capitals (41-30-9, 91 points), who remain three points behind Philadelphia for third place in the Metropolitan Division thanks to the Flyers’ dominant 7-1 win over Winnipeg Saturday. Cole Hutson had two assists, and Logan Thompson made nine saves.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>Anthony Mantha, Noel Acciari and Kevin Hayes scored for the Penguins (41-23-16, 98 points), who have clinched second place in the Metropolitan Division. Ryan Shea had two assists, and Arturs Silovs made 25 saves.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>Pittsburgh played without a group of injured veterans, including Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Erik Karlsson, and Kris Letang. Each is considered day-to-day.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>Aliaksei Protas gave the Capitals a 1-0 lead at 1:39 of the second period when he converted a back-door pass from brother Ilya.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>Mantha tied it 1-1 at 2:05, scoring on a wrist shot through traffic from just above the left circle.</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>Leonard put Washington back on top when he scored on a tip-in at the right post. The play was initially ruled a save, but a video review determined the puck crossed the goal line.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-8"> <p>Wilson’s 30th goal made it 3-1 at 8:08 when he knocked in the rebound after Silovs made the save against Ilya Protas.</p> </section> <section id="section-9"> <p>Acciari pulled the Penguins within 3-2 at 11:47, poking in a loose puck from in front of the crease.</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>Leonard answered 11 seconds later when he chipped in the rebound of Hutson’s shot at 11:58 to increase the Capitals’ lead to 4-2.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>Forward Pierre-Luc Dubois crashed into the boards after setting up Leonard and left the game with an upper-body injury.</p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>Hayes got the Penguins within 4-3 with 3:10 left in the middle period when he got the puck coming out of the penalty box, skated in and beat Thompson with a wrist shot from the left faceoff dot.</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>Ilya Protas gave the Capitals some breathing room with a power-play goal at 5:56 of the third period when he tucked a rebound between Silovs’ pads to make it 5-3.</p> </section><section id="section-14"> <p>Alex Ovechkin added an empty-net goal at 16:22 for the 6-3 final.</p> </section><section id="section-15"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #Protas #brothers #Capitals #handle #Penguins

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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