USMNT turn page to World Cup knockout round; LaMelo Ball trade grades; Prisco’s Top 100 NFL players

This comprehensive sports briefing, an expanded version of the CBS Sports HQ AM Newsletter, provides an in-depth look at the major headlines shaping the sports world today, from a seismic shift atop the NFL’s player hierarchy to the burgeoning talent in the NBA and the United States Men’s National Team’s crucial World Cup journey.

Five Things to Know This Friday

The sports landscape is buzzing with critical developments across multiple leagues. In the NFL, veteran sports analyst Pete Prisco has unveiled his highly anticipated 2026 Top 100 Players list, featuring a monumental change at the summit and a blockbuster trade that has reshaped Super Bowl expectations. On the hardwood, the 2026 NBA Draft class is already generating significant discussion regarding the Rookie of the Year award, with a clear tier of contenders emerging. Meanwhile, the United States Men’s National Team has successfully navigated the group stage of the FIFA World Cup and now faces its most significant challenge yet in the knockout rounds. The baseball season continues to deliver compelling matchups, and the NHL is set to commence its annual draft, introducing the next generation of hockey stars.

NFL 2026: Myles Garrett Ascends to No. 1 in Prisco’s Top 100 After Blockbuster Trade

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In a stunning revelation that reverberates throughout the National Football League, veteran analyst Pete Prisco has placed defensive end Myles Garrett at the pinnacle of his annual Top 100 NFL Players ranking for the 2026 season. This marks a significant shift, as Garrett unseats reigning NFL MVP Matthew Stafford, who himself climbs dramatically to the second spot despite his age-38 campaign. The move solidifies Garrett’s status as the league’s most dominant force and underscores the audacious strategy of the Los Angeles Rams, who acquired the former Browns superstar in the summer’s most talked-about trade.

Garrett’s ascent to the top spot follows a historic 2025 season where he shattered the NFL’s single-season sack record, cementing his legacy among the all-time defensive greats. His unparalleled ability to disrupt opposing offenses, combining explosive speed with brute strength, has made him an undeniable game-changer. The trade that brought Garrett to the Rams, sending a massive haul of future draft capital and key players back to the Cleveland Browns, was unprecedented for a reigning Defensive Player of the Year. Prisco elaborated on the significance of the move: "Trading away a Defensive Player of the Year the season after he won the award had never happened before this deal. But it works for the Rams. They are all in this year, so they made the move to get Garrett by giving up a haul. That tells you his value. It speaks to why he sits atop my list of the NFL’s best 100 players." The move signals the Rams’ unequivocal commitment to a "win-now" philosophy, assembling a formidable roster designed to contend for the Lombardi Trophy immediately.

The impact of this acquisition on the Rams’ championship aspirations is profound, positioning them as the undisputed Super Bowl favorites. With Garrett leading a revamped defense, the Rams now boast three players within Prisco’s Top 10. Quarterback Matthew Stafford, despite his age, remains an elite passer coming off an MVP season, demonstrating remarkable consistency and leadership. His ability to elevate the players around him, combined with his clutch performance, makes him a formidable presence. Wide receiver Puka Nacua, who burst onto the scene in his rookie year and continued his meteoric rise, now slots in at No. 9, a remarkable jump from No. 63 the previous year. Nacua’s exceptional route-running, strong hands, and uncanny ability to create separation have made him one of the league’s premier pass-catchers. This trio of Garrett, Stafford, and Nacua provides a foundation of superstar talent that few, if any, teams in the league can match.

Further down the list, Prisco also highlighted the return of San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy to the Top 100, landing at No. 75. Purdy’s inclusion is particularly notable given he played only nine games last season due to a series of injuries. His resilience and performance in limited action were enough to convince Prisco of his continued elite status, showcasing his importance to the 49ers’ offensive scheme and their perennial contender status in the NFC. With 75 days remaining until the NFL season opener, these rankings set the stage for what promises to be an electrifying campaign.

NBA Rookie of the Year Predictions: Dybantsa and Boozer Emerge as Early Favorites

The 2026 NBA Draft class, widely regarded as one of the deepest in recent memory, has ignited fervent debate over who will claim the coveted Rookie of the Year award. While the top three picks — Darryn Peterson, AJ Dybantsa, and Cameron Boozer — were all considered legitimate contenders for the No. 1 overall selection, early predictions from CBS Sports NBA experts suggest a narrower path for one of them. Darryn Peterson, despite his undeniable talent and the potential he demonstrated in college, is not favored to win the award by a single expert. The rationale behind this consensus lies in the overwhelming talent pool of his new team, the Utah Jazz. With an established core of veteran players and other promising young talents, Peterson is projected to have fewer opportunities to accrue the necessary statistical volume typically required to secure the Rookie of the Year honor.

This scenario leaves AJ Dybantsa and Cameron Boozer as the clear frontrunners for the award. Dybantsa, known for his explosive athleticism and versatile scoring ability, is expected to step into a prominent role immediately with his new team, offering ample opportunities to showcase his diverse skillset. Boozer, a dominant presence in the paint with a polished offensive game and strong rebounding prowess, is similarly anticipated to be a cornerstone for his franchise from day one. Both players possess the physical tools and basketball IQ to make an immediate impact and accumulate the statistics necessary to stand out in a competitive rookie class.

However, the race is far from a two-horse contest. Three other newcomers are generating buzz and hold favorable odds of +1500 or better to secure some early-career hardware. Among these dark horses, Sacramento Kings guard Darius Acuff Jr. has emerged as a compelling value bet. CBS Sports expert Cameron Salerno went against the grain, uniquely selecting Acuff as his Rookie of the Year pick. Salerno’s analysis points to Acuff’s potential for significant minutes and a high usage rate within the Kings’ dynamic offense, combined with his specific skillset that could translate quickly to NBA production. This contrarian pick highlights the unpredictable nature of rookie seasons and the potential for a player to outperform initial expectations based on team fit and opportunity.

LaMelo Ball Trade Grades: Hornets Move Star Guard to Mavericks in Blockbuster Deal

In a significant offseason move that sent shockwaves through the league, the Charlotte Hornets have reportedly traded star point guard LaMelo Ball to the Dallas Mavericks. The trade, which sees the Mavericks acquiring a dynamic playmaker to pair with their existing superstar Luka Doncic, involved a substantial package sent back to Charlotte, reportedly including multiple future first-round draft picks, a promising young prospect, and expiring contracts.

The move is seen by many as a strategic pivot for the Hornets, signaling a full commitment to a rebuild around their younger assets and future draft capital. Ball, a former All-Star, has consistently showcased his elite passing vision, flashy ball-handling, and improving scoring ability since entering the league. However, his tenure in Charlotte was also marked by persistent injury concerns, which limited his availability and the team’s overall consistency. For the Mavericks, the acquisition of Ball represents a bold play to elevate their championship aspirations. Pairing Ball’s creative offensive game and open-court prowess with Doncic’s incredible scoring and playmaking could form one of the league’s most formidable backcourts, offering a dual-threat attack that would be exceptionally difficult for opposing defenses to contain.

Initial trade grades from various sports outlets have been mixed, yet generally favorable for Dallas, contingent on Ball’s health. Analysts commend the Mavericks for aggressively pursuing a talent that could unlock a new dimension for their offense, despite the significant assets surrendered. The Hornets, while parting with a fan-favorite and a marketable star, are generally seen as making a prudent long-term decision by accumulating draft picks and shedding a large contract, providing them with greater flexibility to reshape their roster. The success of this trade for both franchises will ultimately be determined by Ball’s ability to stay healthy and integrate effectively into the Mavericks’ system, and the Hornets’ ability to capitalize on their newly acquired draft assets.

USMNT Turns Page to World Cup Knockout Round After Strong Group Stage Performance

The United States Men’s National Team has successfully navigated the challenging group stage of the FIFA World Cup, securing their place in the highly anticipated knockout rounds. After a hard-fought campaign that saw them emerge from a competitive group, the USMNT now prepares for their most significant test yet, with the stakes at their absolute highest. Their journey through the group stage was characterized by resilient defensive performances, strategic tactical adjustments from head coach Gregg Berhalter, and crucial moments of individual brilliance from key players.

The team’s opening fixture saw them earn a vital draw against a formidable European opponent, demonstrating their ability to compete at the highest level. This was followed by a commanding victory over an African side, showcasing their offensive capabilities and depth. Despite a narrow loss in their final group match against a South American powerhouse, the team’s accumulated points and goal differential were sufficient to secure passage to the next stage, igniting national pride and optimism.

As the USMNT transitions to the knockout rounds, the focus intensifies. Every match is now a winner-take-all scenario, demanding peak performance and unwavering concentration. The coaching staff is reportedly emphasizing tactical discipline and mental fortitude, preparing the squad for the increased pressure and intensity that defines World Cup elimination games. The players, a blend of experienced veterans and rising stars, appear unified and determined to make a deep run in the tournament. Their upcoming opponent, yet to be definitively determined pending the conclusion of other group stage matches, will undoubtedly present a unique challenge. The USMNT’s ability to maintain their defensive solidity, capitalize on scoring opportunities, and manage the psychological demands of the knockout stage will be critical to their aspirations of advancing further and etching their names into World Cup history.

What We’re Watching This Weekend

The upcoming weekend promises a packed schedule of sports action across the globe, with major events unfolding in football, basketball, baseball, golf, and combat sports.

Friday:

• World Cup: Norway vs. France (3 p.m. ET, Fox), Senegal vs. Iraq (3 p.m. ET, FS1), Uruguay vs. Spain (8 p.m. ET, Fox), Cabo Verde vs. Saudi Arabia (8 p.m. ET, FS1), New Zealand vs. Belgium (11 p.m. ET, Fox), Egypt vs. Iran (11 p.m. ET, FS1).
• Travelers Championship: Second round (3 p.m. ET, Golf Channel).
• NHL Draft: First round (7 p.m. ET, ESPN).
• MLB: Yankees at Red Sox (7:10 p.m. ET, ESPN Unlimited), Phillies at Mets (7:10 p.m. ET, Peacock), Mariners at Guardians (7:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network), Cubs at Brewers (7:45 p.m. ET, Apple TV), Dodgers at Padres (9:45 p.m. ET, Apple TV), Braves at Giants (10:15 p.m. ET, MLB Network).
• NWSL Challenge Cup Final: Current vs. Gotham (8 p.m. ET, Prime Video).
• WNBA: Fire at Sky or Mystics at Sun (7:30 p.m. ET, Ion), Dream at Valkyries (10 p.m. ET, Ion).
• WWE SmackDown: (8 p.m. ET, USA Network).

Saturday:

• NHL Draft: Rounds 2-7 (11 a.m. ET, NHL Network).
• UFC Fight Night: Fiziev vs. Torres (Noon ET, Paramount+).
• WWE Night of Champions: (1 p.m. ET, ESPN Unlimited).
• MLB: Yankees at Red Sox (1:10 p.m. ET, ABC), Reds at Pirates (4:05 p.m. ET, ESPN Unlimited), Royals at White Sox or Phillies at Mets (4:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network), Nationals at Orioles (7:05 p.m. ET, Peacock), Dodgers at Padres (8:40 p.m. ET, MLB Network).
• WNBA: Mercury at Tempo (2 p.m. ET, CBS/Paramount+), Sparks at Fever (8 p.m. ET, CBS/Paramount+).
• Travelers Championship: Third round (3 p.m. ET, NBC).
• Big3: Power vs. Riot (4 p.m. ET, CBS/Paramount+), 305 vs. Amps (5 p.m. ET, CBS/Paramount+).
• World Cup: Panama vs. England (5 p.m. ET, Fox), Croatia vs. Ghana (5 p.m. ET, FS1), Colombia vs. Portugal (7:30 p.m. ET, Fox), Congo DR vs. Uzbekistan (7:30 p.m. ET, FS1), Jordan vs. Argentina (10 p.m. ET, Fox), Algeria vs. Austria (10 p.m. ET, FS1).
• Boxing: Zayas vs. Ennis (8 p.m. ET, DAZN PPV).

Sunday:

• MLB: Reds at Pirates or Diamondbacks at Rays (1:35 p.m. ET, MLB Network), Astros at Tigers (1:40 p.m. ET, Peacock), Phillies at Mets (1:40 p.m. ET, ESPN Unlimited), Athletics at Angels (3:15 p.m. ET, NBC Sports Network), Yankees at Red Sox (7:20 p.m. ET, NBC).
• WNBA: Lynx at Wings (2 p.m. ET, CBS/Paramount+), Aces at Sky (4 p.m. ET, CBS/Paramount+), Liberty at Valkyries (7 p.m. ET, ESPN).
• World Cup: South Africa vs. Canada (3 p.m. ET, Fox).
• NASCAR: At Sonoma (3:30 p.m. ET, TNT).
• Travelers Championship: Final round (4 p.m. ET, NBC).

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