Clayton Kershaw announces retirement; Bills move to 3-0; NFL, college football previews

Los Angeles, CA / Orchard Park, NY – In a significant development reverberating across the sports landscape, legendary Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw officially announced his retirement from Major League Baseball on Thursday, September 18, 2025, concluding a decorated career that firmly establishes him among the sport’s all-time greats. Simultaneously, the National Football League’s Buffalo Bills continued their formidable start to the 2025 season, securing a 3-0 record with a hard-fought victory over the Miami Dolphins in Thursday Night Football. These headlines precede a weekend packed with pivotal matchups across the NFL and college football, alongside a remarkable track and field achievement.

Kershaw, 37, made his retirement announcement through the Dodgers organization, bringing to a close a 17-season tenure exclusively with the franchise. A three-time Cy Young Award winner, National League MVP, and World Series champion, Kershaw leaves the game with a career earned run average (ERA) of 2.48, over 2,900 strikeouts, and a reputation for unparalleled consistency and competitive fire. His retirement speech, delivered with characteristic humility, thanked teammates, coaches, and the Dodger faithful, emphasizing his desire to spend more time with his family. Kershaw’s departure marks the end of an era for the Dodgers and for baseball, as he consistently performed at an elite level, mastering a devastating curveball and pinpoint fastball that confounded hitters for nearly two decades. His final season saw him contribute effectively in a veteran role, further cementing his legacy as a true cornerstone of the sport.

On the gridiron, the Buffalo Bills solidified their position atop the AFC East by defeating the Miami Dolphins 27-20 in a tense Thursday night encounter. The victory moves the Bills to an unblemished 3-0 record, showcasing their early-season dominance. Despite the loss, the Dolphins, now 0-3, displayed a marked improvement from their previous outings, suggesting that a recent players-only meeting may have ignited a new resolve within the team. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, under increased pressure, delivered a more composed performance, throwing for two touchdowns and showing better command of the offense. However, the Bills’ robust defensive front, led by Von Miller, consistently pressured Tagovailoa, securing two crucial sacks and an interception in the fourth quarter to stifle a potential Dolphins comeback. Buffalo’s offense, spearheaded by Josh Allen, demonstrated efficiency, with Allen connecting on two touchdown passes and adding a rushing score, illustrating the team’s balanced attack. The Dolphins’ improved showing, despite the defeat, offers a glimmer of hope for their fan base, indicating that the team may be turning a corner in their season, even if the wins have yet to materialize.

Beyond these major developments, track and field witnessed an extraordinary feat. American sprinter Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, already a dominant force in the 400-meter hurdles, showcased her versatility by clocking the second-fastest time ever recorded in the flat 400 meters. Competing at the Diamond League Final in Brussels, McLaughlin-Levrone finished with an unofficial time of 48.01 seconds, just shy of the world record. This performance underscores her remarkable athletic prowess and suggests a potential future expansion of her focus beyond her signature event.

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NFL Week 3: A Battle of Attrition and Upset Potential

Week 3 of the NFL season is poised to be defined by its unique quarterback landscape. A rash of injuries has forced several teams to turn to their backup signal-callers, adding an unpredictable element to an already volatile league. The Cincinnati Bengals will start Jake Browning in place of an injured Joe Burrow, who is sidelined with a shoulder issue. The Minnesota Vikings will rely on veteran Carson Wentz as Kirk Cousins recovers from a knee injury. In New York, Tyrod Taylor will lead the Jets offense, with Aaron Rodgers out for the season. Furthermore, the Washington Commanders face uncertainty as rookie sensation Jayden Daniels’ status for Sunday remains questionable due to a knee injury sustained in Week 2. These changes present significant challenges for offensive continuity and defensive game-planning across the league.

The impact of these quarterback changes has significantly influenced expert predictions for Week 3. CBS Sports analysts have released their picks, highlighting several matchups with potential for upsets. Among the five favorites identified as vulnerable, the Kansas City Chiefs, currently 2-0, are seen as susceptible against a surging Jacksonville Jaguars team. The Philadelphia Eagles, also undefeated, could face a stiff challenge from a motivated Los Angeles Rams squad in their playoff rematch. Other potential upsets include the San Francisco 49ers falling to the Arizona Cardinals, given the Cardinals’ surprisingly competitive start, and the Dallas Cowboys facing a tougher test than expected against the Chicago Bears. These projections underscore the belief that Week 3 could deviate from expected outcomes, with backup quarterbacks and motivated underdogs potentially altering the season’s early narrative.

For fantasy football enthusiasts, Week 3 presents critical lineup decisions, particularly with the widespread quarterback changes. CBS Sports’ Dave Richard has provided comprehensive fantasy football cheat sheets for both PPR (points per reception) and non-PPR formats. High-confidence starts in non-PPR formats include running back Jonathan Taylor of the Colts, facing a favorable matchup against a struggling run defense, and wide receiver Puka Nacua of the Rams, whose target volume remains exceptionally high. Conversely, players like New York Jets running back Breece Hall, whose production may be hampered by the change at quarterback, are rated as lower-confidence starts. The cheat sheets emphasize targeting players in favorable matchups and those whose roles are solidified despite team-level instability.

College Football Week 4: Conference Play Intensifies

Week 4 of the college football season marks a crucial period as conference play begins to intensify across the Big Ten, SEC, and Big 12. This weekend’s slate features several marquee matchups that will significantly impact early-season standings and national championship aspirations. Fans will gain a clearer understanding of legitimate contenders and pretenders as teams face tougher competition within their respective conferences.

Three nationally ranked matchups headline the Week 4 schedule, promising high-stakes drama:

No. 22 Auburn at No. 11 Oklahoma (3:30 p.m. ET, ABC): This inter-conference clash pits an SEC contender against a Big 12 powerhouse. Oklahoma, under pressure to perform after a strong start, will look to defend its home turf against an Auburn team aiming to prove its top-25 ranking is warranted. The game’s outcome could significantly impact the playoff picture for both conferences.
No. 21 Michigan at Nebraska (3:30 p.m. ET, CBS/Paramount+): A pivotal Big Ten matchup, this game is crucial for both teams’ conference championship hopes. Michigan, despite its national ranking, faces a tough road environment against a Nebraska team that has shown flashes of potential. The winner will gain an early advantage in the competitive Big Ten landscape.
Florida at No. 4 Miami (Florida) (7:30 p.m. ET, ABC): The highly anticipated in-state rivalry game carries immense weight, particularly for Miami, who is looking to maintain its top-5 ranking. Florida, unranked but always dangerous in this rivalry, aims to play spoiler and make a statement. The game’s atmosphere is expected to be electric, with significant implications for the ACC and national polls.

Other notable games include No. 17 Texas Tech at No. 16 Utah, a compelling cross-conference test for both programs, and No. 9 Illinois at No. 19 Indiana, a Big Ten showdown with potential to shake up the division standings. The weekend also features a number of top-ranked teams facing smaller opponents, providing opportunities for rising stars and potential upsets.

Weekend Sports Broadcast Schedule:

Friday, September 19, 2025

MLB: Cubs at Reds, 6:40 p.m. ET, MLB Network
MLB: Blue Jays at Royals, 7:40 p.m. ET, Apple TV+
WNBA Playoffs: Game 3: Liberty at Mercury, 9 p.m. ET, ESPN
MLB: Phillies at Diamondbacks, 9:40 p.m. ET, MLB Network
NWSL: Racing Louisville at Utah Royals, 10 p.m. ET, Paramount+
MLB: Giants at Dodgers, 10:10 p.m. ET, Apple TV+

Saturday, September 20, 2025

College Football: No. 17 Texas Tech at No. 16 Utah, 12 p.m. ET, FOX
Soccer: Chelsea at Manchester United, 12:30 p.m. ET, USA Network
College Football: UAB at No. 15 Tennessee, 12:45 p.m. ET, SEC Network
MLB: Braves at Tigers, 1:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network
College Football: Oregon State at No. 6 Oregon, 3 p.m. ET, Big Ten Network
College Football: Kent State at No. 7 Florida State, 3:30 p.m. ET, ACC Network
College Football: No. 22 Auburn at No. 11 Oklahoma, 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC
College Football: Tulane at No. 13 Ole Miss, 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
College Football: No. 21 Michigan at Nebraska, 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS/Paramount+
College Football: Purdue at No. 24 Notre Dame, 3:30 p.m. ET, NBC/Peacock
MLB: Nationals at Mets, 4:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network
College Football: Temple at No. 18 Georgia Tech, 4:30 p.m. ET, The CW Network
Wrestling: Wrestlepalooza, 7 p.m. ET, ESPN+
College Football: South Carolina at No. 23 Missouri, 7 p.m. ET, ESPN
MLB: Yankees at Orioles, 7:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network
College Football: No. 9 Illinois at No. 19 Indiana, 7:30 p.m. ET, NBC/Peacock
College Football: Florida at No. 4 Miami (Florida), 7:30 p.m. ET, ABC
College Football: Georgia State at No. 20 Vanderbilt, 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPNU
College Football: SE Louisiana at No. 3 LSU, 7:45 p.m. ET, SEC Network
College Football: Sam Houston at No. 8 Texas, 8 p.m. ET, ESPN+
College Football: Michigan State at No. 25 USC, 11 p.m. ET, FOX