Dodgers go up 2-0 in NLCS on Yoshinobu Yamamoto's gem; NBA's Top 100; Pete Prisco's NFL Power Rankings

Los Angeles, California – The Los Angeles Dodgers asserted their dominance in the National League Championship Series on Tuesday, taking a commanding 2-0 series lead over the Atlanta Braves following a masterful performance by right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Yamamoto delivered a pitching gem, navigating through the Braves’ potent lineup with precision and composure to silence their bats in a critical Game 2 victory. The Japanese ace, making his second start of the postseason, pitched seven scoreless innings, allowing only two hits and striking out nine batters, showcasing the form that made him one of baseball’s most sought-after talents. His performance set the tone for the Dodgers, who capitalized on early offensive opportunities to secure a 4-0 win at Dodger Stadium.

The Braves, who entered the series with one of the most fearsome offenses in MLB, struggled to find their rhythm against Yamamoto’s diverse arsenal. The right-hander effectively mixed his fastball, splitter, and curveball, keeping Atlanta’s hitters off balance and unable to mount any sustained threats. This outing marks a significant turning point for Yamamoto in his inaugural MLB postseason, building on a solid, albeit shorter, Game 1 start in the NLDS. His regular season concluded with a 14-6 record and a 2.78 ERA over 170 innings, firmly establishing him as a cornerstone of the Dodgers’ rotation. The Dodgers’ offense, meanwhile, was sparked by a two-run home run from Freddie Freeman in the first inning against Braves starter Spencer Strider, followed by additional insurance runs in the middle innings. Los Angeles now travels to Atlanta with a significant advantage, needing two wins in the next five games to advance to the World Series. Game 3 is scheduled for Thursday, with the Braves facing immense pressure to defend their home turf and claw their way back into the series.

In other major sports news, the basketball world is buzzing as the 2025-26 NBA season draws within a week, with CBS Sports analysts releasing their highly anticipated annual ranking of the league’s top 100 players. The comprehensive list provides an early look at the pecking order for the upcoming campaign, offering insights into player development, impact, and potential shifts in team dynamics.

The reigning NBA champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, lead all franchises with an impressive seven players featured in the top 100, a testament to their deep roster and successful development strategy. Their championship run last season, culminating in a thrilling Game 7 victory over the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals before ultimately triumphing in the NBA Finals, underscored the collective talent assembled in Oklahoma City. While the Thunder’s collective strength is evident, individual leaps are also highlighted. Forward Amen Thompson of the Houston Rockets emerged as the season’s biggest riser, rocketing up 66 spots to land at No. 35. Thompson’s dramatic ascent reflects his improved offensive game, particularly his shooting efficiency and playmaking, coupled with his already elite defensive capabilities, signaling a potential breakout season for the young star. Conversely, veteran guard Jrue Holiday experienced the most significant slide, falling 47 positions to No. 79. This decline is attributed to a combination of age-related performance dips, increased competition in his position, and perhaps a reduced role within his current team, though his defensive prowess remains a valuable asset.

Related News :

At the pinnacle of the rankings, Nikola Jokić of the Denver Nuggets maintains his status as the league’s top player. Despite his Nuggets squad falling to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Thunder in a hard-fought seven-game series in the previous spring’s Western Conference semifinals, analysts like Sam Quinn continue to place Jokić head and shoulders above the rest. Jokić’s unparalleled combination of scoring, rebounding, and elite passing from the center position, coupled with his consistent MVP-level production, solidified his position at the summit. The elite tier, following Jokić, reportedly includes perennial MVP candidates such as Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Dončić, Jayson Tatum, and the Thunder’s own Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, reflecting a balance of versatile forwards and dynamic guards shaping the league’s competitive landscape. The rankings also serve as a crucial barometer for teams and fans alike, offering a glimpse into the individual talents expected to drive their respective franchises throughout the demanding 82-game season.

Shifting to American football, Week 7 of the NFL season has prompted another significant reshuffling in Pete Prisco’s highly influential Power Rankings. The unpredictability of the current season continued as a new team claimed the top spot, reflecting the ongoing shifts in performance and team strength across the league.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have ascended to No. 1 in Prisco’s latest rankings, a remarkable achievement driven by their strong 5-1 start. Quarterback Baker Mayfield has been central to this success, reportedly in the midst of a potential MVP season. Mayfield’s revitalized performance, characterized by improved decision-making, efficiency, and clutch play, has exceeded expectations, propelling the Buccaneers to the top of the NFC South. Despite navigating a bevy of injuries, particularly on the defensive side, Tampa Bay stands as the sole 5-1 team in the NFC, demonstrating resilience and depth. Their balanced attack, combining Mayfield’s aerial prowess with a surprisingly stout defense, has positioned them as legitimate Super Bowl contenders.

On the other end of the spectrum, the Philadelphia Eagles experienced the most dramatic downturn in this week’s rankings, plummeting 10 spots. This significant drop follows a period of inconsistent play, including a notable loss that exposed vulnerabilities in both their offensive execution and defensive schemes. The Eagles, who entered the season with high expectations, will need to address these issues quickly to regain their footing in a competitive NFC East. Conversely, the Seattle Seahawks demonstrated the largest climb, moving up seven spots. Their rebound comes on the heels of a crucial "get-right win" against the Jacksonville Jaguars, a performance that saw their offense click and their defense make key stops. This victory, following a challenging period, has injected renewed confidence into the Seahawks’ camp and positioned them to contend in the NFC West. Prisco’s top 10 for Week 7 underscores the league’s fluidity, with established contenders and surprising upstarts vying for supremacy. The ranking analysis also delved into the performances of several "reclamation QBs" like Mayfield, Sam Darnold, and Daniel Jones, highlighting their impact on the 2025 MVP race and their respective teams’ fortunes.

Beyond these major developments, Wednesday, October 15, 2025, presents a robust schedule of sporting events across various leagues. The UEFA Women’s Champions League group stage continues with several compelling matchups. Fans can tune in to watch St. Pölten face OL Lyonnes at 12:45 p.m. ET, Wolfsburg challenge Vålerenga at the same time, Paris FC battle Chelsea at 3 p.m. ET, and Barcelona take on Roma in a highly anticipated clash at 3 p.m. ET. Additionally, Twente will play OH Leuven at 3 p.m. ET. These matches are crucial for teams aiming to advance in Europe’s premier women’s club competition, with many available on Paramount+ and CBS Sports networks.

In college football, midweek action features UTEP at Sam Houston at 7 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Network, and Delaware visiting Jacksonville State at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN, offering opportunities for teams to make statements in their respective conferences. Hockey fans have NHL matchups with the Florida Panthers visiting the Detroit Red Wings at 7 p.m. ET on TNT, and the Chicago Blackhawks facing the St. Louis Blues at 9:30 p.m. ET on TNT. The NBA preseason also continues with the Toronto Raptors playing the Boston Celtics at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBA TV, and a Western Conference clash between the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Lakers at 10:30 p.m. ET on ESPN, providing early glimpses of team rosters and player chemistry ahead of the regular season. Finally, baseball’s ALCS Game 3 features the Toronto Blue Jays against the Seattle Mariners at 8:08 p.m. ET on FS1, with both teams looking to gain a crucial advantage in their best-of-seven series.