This is the first November edition of The Lineup, a newsletter recapping many of the most important developments in the world of sports.
NFL Updates
The MVP Race, by Josh Crysler
Halfway through the 2024 NFL season, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson looks poised to win the NFL MVP award for the second consecutive season. Jackson has led the Ravens to a 7-3 start, is second in the league in passing yards and tied for the league lead in touchdown passes while also leading all quarterbacks in rushing yards. Jackson is elite as both a passer and a runner, and his dual-threat ability complemented by running back Derrick Henry makes the Ravens the most dynamic offense in the NFL.
Buffalo Bills’ quarterback Josh Allen is also in the MVP race. He has led the Bills to an 8-2 record through ten games, throwing for 17 touchdowns and just four interceptions. Despite lacking a true No. 1 receiver, Allen has taken another step forward in his development this season by improving his decision-making and cutting down on turnover-worthy plays. As Allen continues to battle Jackson, he is on pace for one of the best individual seasons of his career.
Despite the Cincinnati Bengals being a disappointing 4-6, Joe Burrow deserves consideration in the MVP race for his performance through ten games. Burrow leads the league in passing yards, and is tied for the league lead in touchdown passes. While his supporting cast has consistently let him down this season, Burrow is quietly having an MVP-caliber season.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ quarterback Baker Mayfield is a dark horse candidate for MVP. Mayfield is tied with Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow for the league lead in touchdowns (24) and is top-five in passing yards despite the loss of his two top receivers, Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, to injuries. Mayfield is having the best statistical season of his career and has repeatedly put his team in a position to win games. If the Bucs can string some wins together following the bye week and Mayfield continues his current statistical trajectory, he will gain momentum as a legitimate MVP contender.
Offensive Player of the Year Race, by Patrick Sypher
At the moment, the Offensive Player of the Year race is a tight competition between the two most explosive running backs in the league, Derrick Henry and Saquon Barkley. Both were offseason additions made by teams that believed they were well-rounded enough to pay a running back big money. These bets have paid off, as Barkley’s Eagles are the No. 2 seed in the NFC with an 8-2 record while Henry’s Ravens are the No. 4 seed in a competitive AFC with a 7-3 record.
Henry’s downhill running style has played extraordinarily well in Baltimore’s scheme, allowing him to reach a total of 1,120 yards and 12 touchdowns on his 184 carries. The Eagles run a zone-blocking scheme, relying far more on Barkley’s vision and quick-cutting ability. Thus far, the superstar running back has thrived, racking up 1,141 scrimmage yards and eight touchdowns.
Although those two are the frontrunners for the award, it is important to keep some of the league’s best wide receivers in mind. Minnesota Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson has once again been the go-to player on the 7-2 Vikings’ offense with 831 receiving yards and a league-leading 31.7% target share. His former LSU teammate, Jamarr Chase of the Cincinnati Bengals, has racked up a league-leading 981 receiving yards, a sizable portion of which came on his electrifying 264-yard performance against the Ravens last week.
Defensive Player of the Year Race, by Patrick Sypher
As usual, the Defensive Player of the Year race is dominated by defensive linemen. Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher, T.J. Watt, is currently the leader in the race. He has constantly stepped up in big moments, getting sacks on crucial third downs and stripping the ball out of the hands of opposing quarterbacks to force turnovers. Watt is so technically sound that whenever he gets one-on-one opportunities, it is almost always a death sentence for opposing offenses. Because Pittsburgh often rushes five players, offenses do not often have any other choice.
While Watt is currently the front-runner, New York Giants nose tackle Dexter Lawrence has been the most impressive defender in the NFL this year. As a nose tackle, Lawrence faces a lot of double teams and is usually a much larger factor against the run than the pass. Yet, he is currently second in the NFL with nine sacks, which is very uncommon for someone who plays his position. The Giants currently lead the NFL in sacks with 36 and Lawrence is a huge reason why, absolutely disrupting the flow of opposing quarterbacks in the pocket and giving opportunities for the other defenders to get clean-up sacks.
The Bengals’ defense hasn’t been great this year, but Trey Hendrickson has been a bright spot for them. The biggest difference between Hendrickson and Watt and Lawrence is that he is a one-man show. Hendrickson is single-handedly carrying Lou Anarumo’s defense, leading the league in sacks (11) and pressures (49).
Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year Races, by Mike Duda
This year’s Offensive and Defensive Rookies of the Year races have numerous viable candidates. For example, Houston Texans cornerbacks Calen Bullock and Kamari Lassiter lead rookies in interceptions and boast opposing QB ratings of less than 60 when targeted. Moreover, Indianapolis Colts defensive end Laiatu Latu recorded two sacks, two forced fumbles, two tackles for losses and seven QB hits thus far. However, Los Angeles Rams outside linebacker Jared Verse notched double the amount of sacks (4.5) and QB hits (14), the same number of forced fumbles, and over quintuple the number of tackles for loss (11) than Latu in fewer games. This makes the former 15th overall pick the obvious choice for Defensive Rookie of the Year.
An even clearer selection for Rookie of the Year plays on the offensive side of the ball: Washington Commanders’ quarterback Jayden Daniels. Among first-year quarterbacks, he ranks first in fewest interceptions thrown, second in passing touchdowns and first in passing yards. He also tops all rookies, regardless of position, in rushing touchdowns while sitting third in rushing yards (first amongst rookie quarterbacks).
Outside of the signal caller position, Las Vegas Raiders’ tight end Brock Bowers continues an extremely impressive season where he could record the most rookie receptions and receiving yards amongst tight ends in the league’s history. Additionally, wide receivers Malik Nabers, Brian Thomas and Marvin Harrison Jr. lead the rookie class in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns, respectively. Historically, the Associated Press has granted 10 quarterbacks the award in the last 20 years, and the former second overall selection in Daniels turned a historically bad team into a 7-3 squad thus far, making Daniels the obvious option for Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Coach Firings, by Jake Zappala
With Week 11 of the NFL season approaching, coaching staffs around the league continue to transform in hopes of salvaging the 2024-25 season. The most recent firing was Bears’ offensive coordinator Shane Waldron. Waldron carried high expectations for a Caleb Williams-led team with increased offensive firepower. Now on a three-game losing streak, the Bears have fallen to 4-5, putting them in last place in the competitive NFC North.
Before Waldron’s firing, the New Orleans Saints cut ties with head coach Dennis Allen. After starting the season strong, putting up over 90 points in the first two games, the Saints have since fallen to 3-7. Allen finished his time as a Saint with an 18-25 record. Following his departure, the team squeaked out a win over the Falcons on Nov. 10, earning a much-needed victory.
Returning to offensive coordinators, the Las Vegas Raiders moved on from OC Luke Getsy a few weeks ago. After 10 weeks of challenges and a clear rebuild, the Raiders decided to part ways with Getsy. Facing uncertainty at quarterback and losing their best player to a trade, Las Vegas is focused on finishing strong. The 2-7 Raiders take on the 3-6 Dolphins on Nov. 17.
As these teams navigate mid-season changes, the stakes are higher than ever. For the Bears, staying afloat in the NFC North will be critical to maintaining playoff hopes, as well as cooling looming locker room tensions between veteran players and Caleb Williams. For the Saints, this squad is focused on rebuilding team morale amid a disappointing season that started so hot. For the Raiders, closing out strong could set a foundation for next year’s campaign and the future of Antonio Pierce.
Trade Deadline Recap, by Justin Schwartz
Another NFL Trade Deadline has come and gone. This year was not as active as it has been in years past, but there were still some big moves made.
This year’s deadline saw a lot of star receivers get moved in hopes of bolstering their rosters for a playoff run. One of the biggest splashes was the Jets trading a third-round pick to the Raiders for Davante Adams. With this move, Adams reunited with quarterback Aaron Rodgers, looking to relive their Green Bay days and help the Jets get back on track.
The Chiefs also made a splash by trading a fourth-round pick to the Titans for DeAndre Hopkins, who they hope can be the dependable target the Chiefs have lacked all season. The Bills stuck their hands in as well, trading a third-round pick and sixth-round pick to the Browns for Amari Cooper to bolster an already solid receiving core. Other notable receiver trades include Mike Williams to the Steelers and Diontae Johnson to the Ravens.
Teams that weren’t expected to be buyers at the beginning of the season made some big moves as well. The Washington Commanders made a splash by trading a third-, fourth- and sixth-round pick for Saints DB Marshon Lattimore, strengthening their defense for a potential playoff run. The Cardinals made a move for a playoff run as well, adding edge rusher Barron Browning from the Broncos.
Other notable trade deadline moves include DB Tre’Davious White to the Ravens, edge rusher Za’Darius Smith to the Lions, and OT Cam Robinson to the Vikings.
NHL Updates
Rangers and Devils Atop the Metro, by Jonny Martirano
So far this year, the Hudson River teams—the New Jersey Devils and New York Rangers—have been two of the top teams in the NHL and Metropolitan Division.
As of Nov. 13, the Devils have a record of 11-6-2 in 19 games played and are ranked number one in the Metro and No.2 league-wide. The Rangers are 9-4-1 in 14 games played, ranked fourth in the Metro and No. 10 in the entire league.
The Devils are led by center and team captain Nico Hischier on the ice, who has tallied 10 goals and 17 points on the season. His 10 goals are two shy from the league lead. Forwards Jesper Bratt and Jack Hughes have also been huge for the Devils this year, with 21 and 19 points respectively. Bratt’s 21 points lead the team.
The story of the Blueshirts’ season has been their goaltending. Goaltenders Igor Shesterkin and 38-year-old Jonathan Quick have been stellar in net for New York. Shesterkin is 6-4-1 with a 2.85 GAA and .913 SV%. Quick is 3-0 with one shutout, along with a 1.17 GAA and a .964 SV%.
On the offense, Artemi Panarin leads the team in all categories with 10 goals, 12 assists and 22 points, and is top-10 in the NHL in goals and points.
The Devils and Rangers are set to face off on Dec. 2 at Madison Square Garden for their first matchup of the season.
NBA Updates
Joel Embiid’s Controversies, by Alex Leppo
To start off the 2024-’25 NBA season, Philadelphia 76ers superstar Joel Embiid has taken up major headlines.
Throughout the majority of his career, Embiid has struggled with injuries. Since making his NBA debut, Embiid has missed nearly 48% of possible regular season games. The oft-injured superstar had yet to play this season until making a subpar debut on Tuesday, as he had previously not played any meaningful basketball since the Olympics when he won Gold for Team USA while dealing with left knee management since late October.
Embiid’s absence to start the season raised suspicions by the league office, resulting in the organization being fined $100,000. Comments made by 76ers President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey and head coach Nick Nurse also resulted in additional fines.
Alongside the injury drama, Embiid also got into a physical altercation with a reporter. After a disappointing 124-107 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, Embiid angrily shoved and threatened 76ers columnist Marcus Hayes. The situation escalated in response to comments made by Hayes regarding Embiid’s late brother and his son.
According to the Associated Press, Embiid responded by saying, “The next time you bring up my dead brother and my son again, you are going to see what I’m going to do to you and I’m going to have to … live with the consequences.”
Hayes reportedly offered an apology that Embiid did not accept. A couple of days after the incident occurred, it was reported that Embiid was suspended three games without pay for his actions. Hayes was not punished.
As Embiid seeks to put his setbacks behind him, he made his season debut on Tuesday, Nov. 12 against the New York Knicks. The center went 2/11 from the field, scoring 13 points across 26 minutes in a 111-99 Philadelphia loss.
A Few Teams Off to Great Starts, by Tommy Jacobellis
We are now a few weeks into the NBA season and no team has been more surprising than the undefeated Cleveland Cavaliers. Led by their backcourt of Donavan Mitchell and Darius Garland, they look like the team to beat early on this season and are only the sixth team ever to start a season 13-0. Head coach Kenny Atkinson has pushed the right buttons so far for the Cavs.
The next few NBA heavyweights shouldn’t come as much of a surprise, as the defending champion Boston Celtics and upstart Oklahoma City Thunder each have 10 wins apiece. The reigning champs have picked up right where they left off. Jayson Tatum has led the way averaging 30 points, but it has been a full team effort as there are five Celtics currently averaging double figures.
Following last season’s one-seed showing in the western conference, the Oklahoma City Thunder look regrouped and hungry to make a deeper playoff run this season. This young team now has much more experience led by MVP candidate Shai Gilgious-Alexander and the explosive Chet Holmgren, although Holmgren did just go down with a hip fracture that will cost him 8-10 weeks
Rounding out the early top five of the NBA season are the Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors. Both teams are led by deadly veteran stars and future Hall of Famers in Steph Curry and Kevin Durant. The Warriors are looking to make it back to the promised land and earn their fifth championship in 10 years on the strength of the league’s deepest bench. The Suns, led by Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, seek to get Phoenix their first ring in franchise history in head coach Mike Budenholzer’s first season.
MLB Updates
The Future of Juan Soto, by Tommy Mullen
At 26 years old, Juan Soto is one of the most highly touted free agents Major League Baseball has ever seen. He is everything a team could ask for in a player. He’s young, hits for power, gets on base at a historic rate and has a plus arm in the outfield.
He’s already been to the World Series twice and won it in 2019 with the Nationals. He is a four-time all-star, five-time silver slugger and a batting champion. Soto has accomplished more before he turns 30 than most players in a full 10-15-year big league career.
In December 2023, he and outfielder Trent Grisham were acquired by the Yankees in exchange for five players who would return to his former team, the San Diego Padres. Last season, he had arguably the best season of his career, hitting .288 with a .989 OPS, hitting 41 home runs and 109 RBIs. He also led the Yankees to their first American League pennant in 15 years.
Comparable to Alex Rodriguez, Bryce Harper and Shohei Ohtani’s free agencies, Soto is poised to get record-setting money for an outfielder. Along with the Yankees wanting to retain the superstar; the Mets, Blue Jays, and Red Sox are just some of the teams involved in the sweepstakes.
Free Agency Analysis, by Stephen Zaglin
With the 2024 MLB season coming to a close, the upcoming free agency class promises to be as exciting as ever. With players like Soto, Corbin Burnes and Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki potentially available, let’s go over some of the top free agents, their best fits and what they could make on the open market.
Corbin Burnes, SP
Burnes, who was traded to the Orioles last winter, is the best pitcher available who has experience pitching in the big leagues. A Cy Young winner in 2021 with Milwaukee, Burnes has fallen off slightly. Last season, he struck out hitters 2% better than the average pitcher, compared to 50% better in that 2021 season. Despite that, Burnes still ranked in the top 10 in innings, ERA and strikeouts. He still promises to command a six or seven-year deal upwards of $200 million. His best fits include the Dodgers, Red Sox, and Orioles.
Rōki Sasaki, SP
The Japanese-born flame thrower Rōki Sasaki, who has lit up the Nippon Professional Baseball League since his debut in 2021, has the potential to dominate the major leagues, similar to another Japanese-born pitcher who dominated in both leagues (Shohei Ohtani). The difference between Sasaki and Ohtani is how young the former is. At only 23 years old, Sasaki has already thrown a perfect game and can throw in the triple digits, and while his ERA did take a step back last season, it was still 30 percent better than the league average. Since it was recently reported that Sasaki will be posted before the 2025 season, he would likely take a similar route to what Ohtani did, where he would sign a minor league deal and eventually make it to real free agency 6 years later. His best fits include the Dodgers, Mets and Yankees.
Willy Adames, SS
After a strong season in 2024, Adames promises to become one of the highest-paid shortstops in this free-agent class. Reliable players at this position and age (Age 29 going into 2025) don’t grow on trees. Adames set career highs in homers (32), RBIs (112), and fWAR (4.8). The downside to his play last season was in the field, where he is usually one of the better in the league; he was rated below average by defensive runs saved. However, with Adames being comfortably the best player at his position in this free agency class, he promises to be wanted by a lot of teams. He should fetch at least six years and upwards of $150 million. His best fits include the Braves, Giants and Tigers.
Pete Alonso, 1B
The Polar Bear is among the most interesting and “polar”-izing names at the top of this free-agent class. On the surface, you may struggle to see why someone would want to sign him. Alonso will be 30 next season, is strictly a first baseman/designated hitter and doesn’t add much defensively. These facts will almost certainly stray some teams away from investing in him. Despite that, Alonso has been one of the best power hitters in baseball since his debut in 2019. He has had 30 or more homers every season since and is a great clubhouse leader. He also finished the 2024 postseason with an OPS close to 1.000. Alonso, whether he resigns with the Mets or goes elsewhere, will likely get a deal for five or six years upwards of $130 million. His best fits include the Mets, Mariners and Astros.
Alex Bregman, 3B
Bregman has been among baseball’s best and most consistent third basemen since his debut in 2016. Since 2020, he has had the sixth-best WAR at the position. Even with all of these positives, there are some reservations that teams may have about Bregman, similar to Alonso. While Bregman looked like himself the last couple of months of the 2024 season, it was still a down season by his standards. He finished with the lowest on-base percentage of his career since 2016. His walk rate, usually high during his best seasons (as high as 17%), plummeted to a tied-for-career low of 6.9%. While Bregman is still a fantastic fielder, he will be a year older than Alonso coming into next season, and some may argue he is on the wrong side of 30. Even with that, Bregman will have his list of suitors and could command a deal in the 6 or 7-year range, totaling between $185 and $190 million. His best fits include the Astros, Nationals and Tigers.
Edited by Adian Lavin, Marley Pope, Dan Aulbach and Luke Sassa
Graphic by Jaylen Rizzo
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