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

Los Angeles Dodgers icon Clayton Kershaw announced his retirement from Major League Baseball on Friday, September 19, 2025, concluding a storied career that cemented his legacy as one of the sport’s all-time great pitchers. The three-time Cy Young Award winner and 2020 World Series champion leaves the game after 18 seasons, all with the Dodgers. Kershaw’s departure marks the end of an era for the franchise and the league, with his career statistics — including an impressive ERA under 2.50, over 200 wins, and more than 3,000 strikeouts — placing him in elite company. The southpaw’s consistent dominance, signature curveball, and unwavering commitment to his craft earned him widespread respect across the baseball world. "It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m grateful for every moment," Kershaw stated in a press conference, expressing gratitude to the Dodgers organization, his teammates, and the fans. "The time felt right to step away and spend more time with my family, but the memories will last a lifetime." His retirement adds a significant narrative to the ongoing MLB season, which sees several teams battling for playoff contention as the regular season draws to a close.

In NFL action, the Buffalo Bills continued their dominant start to the 2025 season, moving to a perfect 3-0 record after defeating the Miami Dolphins in Thursday night’s divisional showdown. The Bills secured a 27-20 victory, with quarterback Josh Allen delivering a commanding performance, throwing for 285 yards and two touchdowns. Despite suffering their third consecutive loss, the Dolphins showcased a marked improvement in their play, particularly on the offensive side. Miami quarterback Tua Tagovailoa displayed renewed poise, completing 70% of his passes for 260 yards and a touchdown, though two crucial interceptions proved costly. The enhanced effort from the Dolphins followed a players-only meeting earlier in the week, signaling a potential shift in team morale and execution, even if the result did not favor them. Buffalo’s defense, however, proved resilient in key moments, stifling Miami’s late-game drives and securing the win. The Bills’ early season success firmly positions them as a formidable contender in the AFC, while the Dolphins face a critical juncture in their season at 0-3, needing to translate their improved performance into wins.

Looking ahead to NFL Week 3, the league is grappling with a significant wave of quarterback injuries, setting the stage for a weekend characterized by backup signal-callers and altered offensive strategies. The Cincinnati Bengals will start Jake Browning in place of their injured starter, while the Minnesota Vikings will turn to Carson Wentz. The New York Jets are also making a change under center, with Tyrod Taylor slated to start. Additionally, the Washington Commanders are monitoring the status of Jayden Daniels, whose participation in practice has been limited due to a knee injury, leaving his availability for Sunday’s game uncertain. These personnel changes are expected to heavily influence game outcomes, betting lines, and fantasy football projections across the board.

Sports analysts are providing comprehensive coverage to assist fans with the complexities of Week 3. Expert picks highlight several intriguing matchups, including a playoff rematch between the Los Angeles Rams and the Philadelphia Eagles, as well as a pivotal clash between the Detroit Lions and the Baltimore Ravens. The prevalence of backup quarterbacks has also led to predictions of potential upsets. Among the favorites identified as vulnerable this week are teams like the Seattle Seahawks, who face a challenging road game, and the Dallas Cowboys, despite their strong start, against a determined opponent. These scenarios underscore the unpredictable nature of the NFL, especially when key players are sidelined.

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For fantasy football enthusiasts, Week 3 presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. Leading sports publications have released their PPR (Points Per Reception) and non-PPR cheat sheets, guiding managers through difficult lineup decisions. Players such as San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey and Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill consistently rank high in confidence ratings for their respective positions. However, the performance of backup quarterbacks could elevate certain skill position players or depress others, requiring fantasy managers to pay close attention to depth charts and recent target shares. This week’s cheat sheets emphasize adaptability, urging managers to consider situational matchups and injury impacts when finalizing their rosters.

The college football season enters Week 4 with a slate of exciting matchups, including several high-stakes conference battles that will begin to shape the national landscape. This week marks a crucial period for teams in the Big Ten, SEC, and Big 12, as conference play intensifies and separates contenders from pretenders. The weekend features three nationally ranked matchups, drawing significant attention from fans and analysts alike.
In the Big Ten, No. 21 Michigan travels to face Nebraska at 3:30 p.m. ET on CBS/Paramount+. While Michigan enters as the favorite, Memorial Stadium in Lincoln is renowned for its formidable home-field advantage, posing a significant test for the Wolverines.
The SEC will host a highly anticipated contest between No. 22 Auburn and No. 11 Oklahoma at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC. This cross-conference showdown carries substantial weight for both teams’ national championship aspirations, with Oklahoma’s potent offense looking to challenge Auburn’s stout defense.
Another top-25 clash pits No. 17 Texas Tech against No. 16 Utah at 12 p.m. ET on FOX. This game is expected to be a defensive battle, with both teams known for their physical play and strategic prowess. The outcome will have significant implications for their respective conference standings and potential rankings climb.

Beyond the marquee matchups, Week 4 offers a plethora of compelling games across the collegiate landscape. No. 15 Tennessee hosts UAB at 12:45 p.m. ET on SEC Network, while No. 6 Oregon faces a tough in-state rivalry game against Oregon State at 3 p.m. ET on Big Ten Network. No. 7 Florida State welcomes Kent State at 3:30 p.m. ET on ACC Network, and No. 13 Ole Miss battles Tulane at the same time on ESPN. Other notable contests include No. 24 Notre Dame hosting Purdue on NBC/Peacock, and a crucial ACC matchup between No. 18 Georgia Tech and Temple. As Saturday progresses, evening games will feature No. 23 Missouri hosting South Carolina on ESPN, and No. 4 Miami (Florida) taking on in-state rival Florida on ABC. The day concludes with No. 25 USC hosting Michigan State at 11 p.m. ET on FOX, a game with potential national implications. These matchups are vital for teams aiming to secure strong positioning in the College Football Playoff rankings later in the season.

In other sports news, track and field sensation Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone recently clocked the second-fastest time ever run in the 400 meters. The Olympic gold medalist and world record holder continued to push the boundaries of her sport, delivering a performance that underscores her exceptional talent and dominance in the event. While the specific venue and time were not detailed, the achievement reaffirms her status as a generational athlete. This feat adds to a growing list of accomplishments for McLaughlin-Levrone, who consistently challenges her own records and sets new standards in track and field. The WNBA playoffs are also heating up, with crucial games scheduled this weekend that will determine which teams advance in their quest for a championship. MLB playoff races remain tight, particularly in the National League, where several teams are vying for wild card spots as the season approaches its final weeks.

Weekend Sports Schedule Overview

Friday, September 19

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

Saturday, September 20

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

Sunday, September 21

NFL:
- The NFL Today 50th anniversary show (12 p.m. ET, CBS)
- Rams at Eagles (1 p.m. ET, FOX)
- Steelers at Patriots (1 p.m. ET, CBS/Paramount+)
- Broncos at Chargers (4:05 p.m. ET, CBS/Paramount+)
- Saints at Seahawks (4:05 p.m. ET, CBS/Paramount+)
- Cowboys at Bears (4:25 p.m. ET, FOX)
- Cardinals at 49ers (4:25 p.m. ET, FOX)
- Chiefs at Giants (8:20 p.m. ET, NBC)
MLB: Cubs at Reds (1:40 p.m. ET, MLB Network), Mariners at Astros (7 p.m. ET, ESPN)
NASCAR Cup Series: New Hampshire (2 p.m. ET, USA Network)
WNBA Playoffs (Game 1): Fever at Aces (3 p.m. ET, ABC), Liberty or Mercury at Lynx (5 p.m. ET, ABC)