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

Los Angeles, CA – The Los Angeles Dodgers established a dominant 2-0 series lead in the National League Championship Series on Tuesday night, with Japanese ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto delivering a pitching masterpiece that silenced the Atlanta Braves offense in a decisive Game 2 victory. Yamamoto, making his second start of the postseason, carved through the formidable Braves lineup, allowing just three hits and no runs over seven dominant innings, striking out nine batters and issuing only one walk. His performance anchored a 3-0 shutout win for the Dodgers, who now head to Truist Park for Game 3 with significant momentum. The Dodgers offense provided just enough support, with Freddie Freeman’s two-run double in the third inning and a solo home run from Mookie Betts in the fifth proving sufficient against a Braves team that struggled to find an answer for Yamamoto’s diverse arsenal. The right-hander, who posted a stellar 15-4 record with a 2.85 ERA during the regular season, has quickly become a cornerstone of the Dodgers’ postseason aspirations, demonstrating the high-stakes potential that prompted his lucrative offseason signing. The Braves, meanwhile, face a challenging road ahead, needing to win four of the next five games to advance to the World Series, a feat that will require their potent lineup to rediscover its regular-season form.

In other baseball news, the American League Championship Series is set to continue today with Game 3 as the Toronto Blue Jays travel to take on the Seattle Mariners. The series balance and individual team performances leading up to this crucial matchup will be key factors for both sides aiming for a World Series berth.

Beyond the diamond, the basketball world is buzzing as the 2025-26 NBA season approaches, and CBS Sports analysts have released their annual ranking of the league’s top 100 players. With the new season just a week away, the comprehensive list provides an in-depth look at the talent landscape across the NBA. The reigning NBA champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, unsurprisingly lead all teams with an impressive seven players featured in the top 100, a testament to their deep roster and successful championship campaign.

Among the most notable movements in this year’s rankings is the significant ascent of Amen Thompson, who has surged 66 spots to claim the No. 35 position. Thompson’s meteoric rise reflects a year of exceptional development and increased impact on the court, with analysts highlighting his improved shooting efficiency, defensive versatility, and playmaking abilities. His enhanced performance suggests he is poised to become an even more integral part of his team’s success in the upcoming season. Conversely, veteran guard Jrue Holiday experienced the most substantial decline, falling 47 spots to No. 79. This dip may be attributed to various factors, including age, a slight decrease in statistical output, or a shift in team role, prompting questions about his long-term impact in the league’s elite tier.

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At the very pinnacle of the rankings, Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets maintains his status as the undisputed top player in the NBA. Despite his Nuggets squad falling to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Thunder in a thrilling seven-game second-round playoff series last spring—a series many consider one of the most compelling in recent memory—Jokic’s individual brilliance remains unparalleled. CBS Sports analyst Sam Quinn underscored this sentiment, asserting that Denver’s versatile big man is "head and shoulders above the rest," citing his unique combination of scoring, passing, rebounding, and overall court vision that consistently elevates his team’s performance. The top tier of players, alongside Jokic, includes perennial MVP candidates and perennial All-Stars such as Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Doncic, Stephen Curry, and Jayson Tatum, all of whom continue to define excellence in the modern NBA, setting the stage for another season of intense competition and individual brilliance.

On the gridiron, the NFL landscape continues its weekly churn of shifts and surprises, as Pete Prisco’s Week 7 Power Rankings have introduced yet another new No. 1 team. This week, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have ascended to the top spot, a remarkable achievement driven by what Prisco describes as a potential MVP-caliber season from quarterback Baker Mayfield. Despite navigating a series of early-season injuries to key players, the Buccaneers have defied expectations, emerging as the sole 5-1 team in the NFC, showcasing resilience and strategic depth. Mayfield’s resurgence, characterized by improved decision-making, a high completion percentage, and a favorable touchdown-to-interception ratio, has been pivotal in Tampa Bay’s unexpected dominance. The team’s strong defensive unit, which has consistently ranked among the league’s best in points allowed and turnovers forced, has also played a crucial role in their ability to maintain a winning record amidst adversity.

Conversely, the Philadelphia Eagles experienced the most significant tumble in this week’s rankings, plummeting 10 spots. This sharp decline reflects recent struggles, including defensive lapses in critical moments, an offense that has at times lacked consistency, and a series of challenging matchups that have exposed vulnerabilities. Their fall from grace highlights the precarious nature of maintaining elite status in the highly competitive NFL. In stark contrast, the Seattle Seahawks staged the week’s most impressive climb, surging seven spots after a "get-right win" against the Jacksonville Jaguars. This victory, fueled by a revitalized defensive effort and efficient offensive execution, allowed the Seahawks to regain momentum and reassert their playoff aspirations after a challenging period. Their ability to adapt and perform under pressure will be crucial as they navigate the remainder of their schedule.

The top 10 teams in Prisco’s Week 7 NFL Power Rankings reflect a dynamic and unpredictable season:

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-1)
Kansas City Chiefs (5-1)
San Francisco 49ers (5-1)
Baltimore Ravens (4-2)
Buffalo Bills (4-2)
Dallas Cowboys (4-2)
Miami Dolphins (4-2)
Detroit Lions (4-2)
New York Jets (4-2)
Cleveland Browns (4-2)

The remainder of the sporting week offers a packed schedule across various leagues. The UEFA Women’s Champions League group stage continues today with a series of pivotal matchups broadcast on Paramount+. Reigning champions and perennial powerhouses will be looking to solidify their positions, with St. Pölten facing a formidable challenge against Olympique Lyonnais at 12:45 p.m. ET. Simultaneously, Wolfsburg will travel to take on Vålerenga, a match available on CBS Sports Golazo Network and Paramount+, promising an intriguing clash of styles. Later in the afternoon, Paris FC will test their mettle against Chelsea at 3 p.m. ET, while Barcelona, a team known for its attacking prowess, will face Roma at 3 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Network and Paramount+. Rounding out the European action, Twente will compete against OH Leuven, also at 3 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Golazo Network and Paramount+.

Beyond European football, college football features two midweek clashes tonight: UTEP visits Sam Houston at 7 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Network, and Delaware takes on Jacksonville State at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN, with both games holding potential conference implications. The NHL schedule includes the Florida Panthers battling the Detroit Red Wings at 7 p.m. ET on TNT, followed by the Chicago Blackhawks facing the St. Louis Blues at 9:30 p.m. ET on TNT, as teams jockey for early-season positioning. NBA preseason action continues with the Toronto Raptors playing the Boston Celtics at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBA TV, and the Dallas Mavericks going up against the Los Angeles Lakers at 10:30 p.m. ET on ESPN, offering fans a glimpse of new rosters and rising stars before the regular season officially commences.