AI-assisted summary
• The Chicago Bears defeated the Dallas Cowboys 31-14, giving head coach Ben Johnson his first win.
• Quarterback Caleb Williams matched his career high with four touchdowns and posted his best QB rating yet.
• Chicago’s defense forced four turnovers, including three interceptions on Dallas’ final three drives.

CHICAGO — This game is exactly what the Chicago Bears, and their fans, hoped for when they drafted Caleb Williams and hired Ben Johnson.

An explosive offense. An offense that’s fun to watch. An offense that can grind opposing defenses into submission. A defense that’s opportunistic. A defense that doesn’t beat itself.

Most of all, a team that can win.

“We have so many guys that care,” Williams said after Sunday’s 31-14 thrashing of the Dallas Cowboys.

“We always felt that our hard work, our preparation, the long-drive drill, the two-minutes, the moments, the four-minute, situational third downs — all those things, those are going to come,” Williams said. “I know we started off 0-2, but the belief was still there. The trust was still there. It’s just being able to go out there and do it.”

One game is not enough to revive a franchise or declare Williams the quarterback the Bears have been searching for since before he was born. This was against the Cowboys, after all, a team that has given up a whopping 891 yards — 720 of them in the air — and eight touchdowns in the last two games and doesn’t yet have Jadeveon Clowney.

Still, for a team and a fan base starved for any sign of progress, this was a game they desperately needed.

Williams matched his career high with four touchdowns, earning fans free hot dogs Tuesday from The Wieners Circle, while posting his best QB rating (142.6) yet. He finished a game without a sack for the first time since the Bears made him the overall No. 1 pick in the 2024 draft, and Chicago did not have any turnovers or pre-snap penalties.

While Rome Odunze remains Williams’ favorite target, he threw to eight different receivers. Williams was able to get rid of the ball quickly — that he was able to pull off the flea flicker that resulted in a 65-yard touchdown to Luther Burden III is a miracle — and his footwork looked better. He made better decisions and, unlike previous games, most of his misses were to the right area.

The defense, meanwhile, set the tone on Dallas’ first possession. Javonte Williams had rushed for 22 yards and was trying to get out of bounds when Tyrique Stevenson ripped the ball from his hands.

Tom Brady still causing headaches for the NFL a decade after Deflategate | Opinion

The Bears D finished the game with interceptions on each of Dallas’ last three drives, two by Tremaine Edmunds.

“It builds confidence for us, as a team and an organization, to be able to go out here and win these games and feel confident about who we’ve got on this field,” Williams said.  

Chicago fans have been punked by the Bears on a regular basis since 1985. There have been some years when they resembled a real football team — Lovie Smith took the Bears to the Super Bowl in 2006 and had a winning record in five of his nine seasons — but mostly it’s been long stretches of futility.

Particularly lately.

Chicago hasn’t made the playoffs since 2020 and has had a winning record once in the last 12 years. Johnson is the fifth head coach in that time, and Williams is the third QB the Bears have drafted in the first round since 2017.

But Johnson’s success as Detroit’s offensive coordinator, coupled with Williams’ talent and savvy, gave fans optimism that the Bears had finally gotten it right.

Then the season began.

The Bears gagged up an 11-point lead in a loss to the Minnesota Vikings in the season opener, then got flattened by the Detroit Lions last weekend. Things were bad enough for a players’ only meeting before the Cowboys game.

And for The Wieners Circle, a local institution that specializes in hot dogs and sides of snark, to make its bet.

“The first two weeks had not gone the way we wanted to. It’s early, but we’ve got to get the issues fixed and I thought the guys were committed to that here this week,” said Johnson, who was given a game ball for his first win as a head coach.

Again, one game doesn’t make the Bears contenders for the Super Bowl. Or even the division title.

‘We’re behind the eight ball here,’ Johnson cautioned. ‘We’re 1-2 and we’ve got to get back to .500.’

But for one day, at least, the Bears lived up to their promise. After being so bad, for so long, that’s a huge victory.

Follow USA TODAY Sports columnist Nancy Armour on social media @nrarmour.

• Jordan Davis and Will McDonald IV returned blocked field goals for touchdowns.
• Cleveland Browns rallied from 10-point, fourth-quarter deficit to stun Green Bay Packers on Andre Szmyt’s 55-yard game-winning field goal.
• The Los Angeles Chargers improved to 3-0 on Cameron Dicker’s 32-yard field goal as time expired.

We’ve heard the declaration repeatedly for so many years: Special teams makes up one-third of the game.

Did you believe it?

Well, given drama across the NFL on Sunday, that axiom came to life as tried and so true.

Or maybe it’s something better explained by Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles. His squad squandered a 20-point lead and fell behind the New York Jets inside the final two minutes when Will McDonald IV went 50 yards on a scoop-and-score return of his blocked field goal.

Bowles, well, didn’t want to believe it.

“Excuse my language, but you’ve got to be (bleeping) be (bleeping) me,” Bowles said of his real-time reaction to the blocked kick. “Then, after that, you see how much time is on the clock and you calm down and you try to win the game.”

The Bucs (3-0) drove 48 yards to set up Chase McLaughlin’s 36-yard field goal as time expired. On the day, McLaughlin booted five field goals – including two from 50-plus yards – to help Tampa Bay escape another close call. The Bucs are the first team since the 1970 merger to win with a game-winning score in the final minute of regulation in each of their first three games. Whew.

And the tight margin at Tampa was just one reminder of the special teams mantra. Kickers: It’s like you can’t live with them and can’t win without them.

I mean, all of this also happened on Sunday:

➤ The Rams blew a 19-point second-half lead, then had a would-be, 44-yard game-winning field goal blocked by Eagles D-tackle Jordan Davis, who returned it 61 yards for a touchdown on the final play of the 33-26 thriller at the Linc.

➤ The Browns rallied from a 10-point deficit to spring a 13-10 upset of the Packers – aided by Shelby Harris’ blocked field goal, which set up Andre Szmyt’s 55-yard game-winning field goal as time expired.

➤ The Broncos lost on a field goal as time expired for the second consecutive week as Cameron Dicker’s 32-yard kick kept a perfect record intact for the Chargers with a 23-20 nail-biter. A week earlier, Denver lost after being flagged for leverage on a missed field goal. Moving 15 yards closer for the re-kick, the Colts converted. This time, the Broncos were stung by a division rival. Tough losses.

➤ The 49ers beat a division rival, too, with a 35-yard field goal from Eddy Pineiro – his third of the game – as time expired to topple the Cardinals, 16-15.

Talk about close calls. Or angst among the gamblers.

None of this is automatic, even in an age where 50-yard field goals are increasingly (for some) becoming chip shots. Pineiro, after all, joined the 49ers in Week 2 as the replacement for Jake Moody, who had become too shaky to be trusted.

Szmyt, the Browns’ kicker, redeemed himself on Sunday after his 36-yard field goal attempt in crunch time sailed wide right in Week 1, thwarting the chance to upset the Bengals. He made up for it with the longest walk-off field goal in franchise history. Faith restored.

“He knows who he is,” Browns defensive end Myles Garrett said during his postgame news conference. “One moment doesn’t define you. He was just waiting for this opportunity to come again. We knew he was ready.”

The one-third-of-the-game axiom works both ways in another sense. Harris, Cleveland’s veteran defensive tackle, notched the seventh blocked kick of his 11-year career. That’s not coincidence.

“He always does it,” Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said. “Like, he’s very aware of that football and he’s got great anticipation.”

One third of the game? In crunch time, the kicking game seems to be much larger than merely that. The Rams can vouch for it. Davis’ block of Joshua Karty’s 44-yard kick was Philadelphia’s second as it followed an earlier block of a 36-yard attempt by his fellow defensive tackle, Jalen Carter.

Apparently, both of the defensive tackles took advantage of a particular matchup.

“Yeah, Kevin Dotson was …” Rams coach Sean McVay said, referring to the sixth-year guard. “The reality is, is that we’ve got to execute better and credit to them, they made the plays. I’m not going to make any excuses.”

And he won’t dispute that special teams represents a third of the game – at least.

 Contact Jarrett Bell at jbell@usatoday.com or follow on social media: On X: @JarrettBell, on Bluesky: jarrettbell.bsky.social.

Entering the final week of the 2025 Major League Baseball season, playoff berths are still up for grabs with a pair of longtime postseason shoo-ins suddenly in danger of missing out.

The Cleveland Guardians trailed the Tigers by 11 games in the American League Central on Sept. 4, but reeled off a 10-game winning streak and enter Monday, Sept. 22 just one game back in the division as Detroit has lost nine of its last 10. In the National League, the New York Mets had held a postseason spot since early April, but lost two of three over the weekend against the lowly Washington Nationals, falling behind the Cincinnati Reds for the final wild-card spot.

Cleveland hosts Detroit for a three-game set beginning Tuesday at Progressive Field, with the Tigers needing a sweep to clinch the head-to-head tiebreaker. The Guardians’ ascent also shook up the AL wild-card standings with the Boston Red Sox and Houston Astros needing to fight them off as well.

Here’s a look at the latest standings and playoff picture:

Entering Monday, Sept. 22

MLB playoff bracket if season ended today

American League

• Byes: Blue Jays, Mariners
• AL wild card series
  • Guardians at Tigers
  • Red Sox at Yankees

National League

• Byes: Brewers, Phillies
• NL wild card series
  • Reds at Dodgers
  • Padres at Cubs

AL wild card standings

Top three reach playoffs

1. New York Yankees (88-68): +4 games
2. Boston Red Sox (85-71) + 1 game
3. Cleveland Guardians (84-72): holds head-to-head tiebreaker vs. Houston
4. Houston Astros (84-72)
5. Texas Rangers (79-77): 5.5 GB
6. Kansas City Royals (78-78): 6.5 GB

NL wild card standings

Top three reach playoffs

1. Chicago Cubs (88-68): +8 games // clinched postseason berth
2. San Diego Padres (85-71): +5 games
3. Cincinnati Reds (80-76): holds head-to-head tiebreaker vs. Mets
4. New York Mets (80–76)
5. Arizona Diamondbacks (79-77): 1 GB
6. San Francisco Giants (77-79): 3 GB
7. St. Louis Cardinals (76-80): 4 GB
8. Miami Marlins (76-80): 4 GB

AL East

1. Toronto Blue Jays (90-66) – clinched postseason berth
2. New York Yankees (88-68): 2 games back
3. Boston Red Sox (85-71): 5 GB

AL Central

1. Detroit Tigers (85-71)
2. Cleveland Guardians (84-72): 1 GB

AL West

1. Seattle Mariners (87-69)
2. Houston Astros (84-72): 3 GB
3. Texas Rangers (79-77): 8 GB

NL East

1. Philadelphia Phillies (92-64) – clinched NL East title
2. New York Mets (80-76)

NL Central

1. Milwaukee Brewers (95-61) – clinched NL Central title
2. Chicago Cubs (88-68)

NL West

1. Los Angeles Dodgers (88-68) – clinched postseason berth
2. San Diego Padres (85-71): 3 GB

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AI-assisted summary
• The New England Patriots lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers 21-14, committing five turnovers.
• Running back Rhamondre Stevenson fumbled twice, once at the goal line, after a strong performance the previous week.
• Despite the loss, coach Mike Vrabel noted positive aspects of rookie quarterback Drake Maye’s performance.

FOXBOROUGH, MA — The goal line, for an offense, typically means scoring chances. 

For the New England Patriots’ offense Sunday in a 21-14 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, it was the site of calamity – on two separate, equally hurtful occasions. Every time it felt like the Patriots were building momentum, disaster struck. 

The Patriots turned the ball over five times – four fumbles by three different players and one interception – compared to the Steelers’ lone turnover (an Aaron Rodgers interception). The game was there for the taking, except New England quite literally coughed it up. Second-year quarterback Drake Maye outplayed Rodgers, however, by completing 28 of 37 passes for (both to tight end Hunter Henry) and a pick. 

“I’m not going to state the obvious,” Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel said. “We just have to not give them so many chances with the turnovers, take care of those things. There’s a lot to clean up. A lot of good in there, but unfortunately just not enough to get us to win, to get us to really have any sort of advantage in a football game.”

Worse than the Patriots’ mistakes was their timing. Running back Rhamondre Stevenson’s first error of the game happened three plays into the proceedings and less than two minutes had ticked off the clock. With the Patriots trying to tie the game at 14, he fumbled at the goal line early in the third quarter. Maye’s interception came seven seconds before halftime on a pass intended for Kayshon Boutte that Steelers’ defensive lineman Cam Heyward tipped at the line of scrimmage and fell into the hands of Brandin Echols. The play lingered in Maye’s mind as he headed to halftime.

“It stings just knowing we hurt ourselves,” he said, “and that’s what cost us.”

What Vrabel wants his young quarterback to understand, he said, is that winning can’t be accomplished in one play. Moving on to the next one is sometimes just as important.  

“You can’t put the ball in harm’s way at that position,” Vrabel said. “But certainly Drake wasn’t alone.”

Maye’s fumble came in the fourth quarter when Nick Herbig forced the ball out and T.J. Watt recovered it; the Steelers went on their game-winning drive with the ensuing possession. Maye said he saw rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson break open late and he “tried to do something stupid” to get him the ball, thus exposing the pigskin. 

But Vrabel said plenty of positives emerged – Maye’s ability to extend plays, scramble and pick up first downs (he rushed seven times for 45 yards) with his legs while delivering the ball consistently within his progression from the pocket. 

“There’s a lot of good things in there, just some decision making that we need to have be better for him and for himself,” Vrabel said. 

Stevenson, meanwhile, led all running backs last season with seven fumbles. His pair against Pittsburgh confounded his coach. In a 33-27 victory over the Miami Dolphins last week, Stevenson had 54 rushing yards and 88 receiving yards. This week, he cost his team the game. Figuring out how to deal with the yin and yang of his performances is something Vrabel said he can’t decide 20 minutes after the game ended. 

“It’s like you sit there, and we were so excited about him and everybody is excited about him, the fans are, and we know what his capabilities are, and we’ve got to get him back,” Vrabel said. “We need him. We absolutely need him. You see what he was able to do for us last week, his ability to make some plays.

“We need him because he helped us win the game last week, and it was a different story today.” 

It will be the same tale going forward for the Patriots until the turnover troubles are reversed.

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AI-assisted summary
• The Los Angeles Chargers defeated the Denver Broncos 23-20 with a last-second field goal.
• The Chargers are 3-0 for the first time since 2002, with all three wins against AFC West opponents.
• Coach Jim Harbaugh described the team’s turnaround by saying ‘the worm has turned.’

INGLEWOOD, CA – Los Angeles Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh is never short of catchphrases and analogies. But Harbaugh surprisingly didn’t have the words to describe the moment after the Chargers’ 23-20 comeback victory over the Denver Broncos.

“I don’t think I have the vocabulary to really express how great I feel with this win. Just the admiration for our team, for our players and coaches and just everybody,” Harbaugh said postgame. “Three wins in three games. It’s taken everybody.”

It took all three phases for the Chargers to beat Denver on Sunday.

The Broncos scored 17 unanswered points between the second and third quarters. Denver padded its lead to 20-13 advantage into the fourth quarter.

However, Justin Herbert led the Chargers on a game-tying seven-play, 76-yard drive that was capped off by a 20-yard touchdown strike to wideout Keenan Allen. The Chargers’ defense forced the Broncos to a three-and-out on their next possession.

The Chargers offense got the football back with under two minutes remaining. Herbert marched the squad down the field close enough for a game-winning 43-yard field goal by kicker Cameron Dicker that sliced between the uprights as time expired to improve the Chargers to 3-0.

“Not all games are going to be easy. I think we stuck through it and understood the situation of we’re losing at the current moment, but there’s time and downs and opportunity for us to get back out there. The offense took the field, and we knew we had one job. It’s to go move the ball and go score. And that’s exactly what we did,” Herbert said postgame. “Defense got the ball back. They came up with some huge stops all day, and special teams closed it out.”

The Chargers are 3-0 for first time since 2002. Perhaps most importantly, all three wins have come within the AFC West division. The Chargers are the third team since realignment in 2002 to beat division opponents in each of their first three games of a regular season.

Los Angeles sits alone on top of the AFC West.

“It means a lot. That’s like 23 years,” Chargers safety Derwin James said to USA TODAY Sports. “We are trying to become a different team. You can’t turn the worm and become a different team if you don’t take care of the games in front of you. We’re just trying to keep building on it. It’s an amazing team and we’re well coached.”

This year’s Chargers team looks different through three games. The Chargers never trailed against the Kansas City Chiefs. They shut down the Raiders in Las Vegas. In Week 3, they were faced with adversity after they gave up an early 10-point lead and trailed into the fourth quarter. But they were able to rally back in the final quarter and earned a hard-fought win.  

When USA TODAY Sports asked James what Harbaugh’s message was to the team following the win. James replied: “the worm has turned.”

It turns out Harbaugh did have an analogy to describe the 3-0 Chargers.

In a matchup of two of the most storied and historically decorated programs in the history of college football — both with large, rabid fan bases and iconic helmets — Michigan came out on top.

Behind a relentless rushing attack and an aggressive pass rush, No. 20 Michigan defeated Nebraska 30-27 on Saturday, Sept. 20 at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska in the Big Ten opener for both teams.

Watch Michigan vs. Nebraska football live with Fubo (free trial)

Wolverines running back Justice Haynes had his way against the Cornhuskers, rumbling for 149 yards on 17 carries, an output highlighted by a 75-yard touchdown run. It was one of two long touchdown scampers for Michigan, with Jordan Marshall’s 54-yard touchdown in the third quarter pushing his team’s lead to 27-17.

The Wolverines’ defensive line feasted on Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola, sacking the sophomore standout seven times. When he had time in the pocket, Raiola performed well, completing 30 of 41 passes for 303 yards, three touchdowns and an interception.

Michigan freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood completed 12 of 22 passes for 105 yards while adding 61 rushing yards, many of which came on a 37-yard touchdown run in the first quarter.

It was the first loss of the season for Nebraska, which has lost its past five Big Ten openers. The game was the Wolverines’ final contest under interim head coach Biff Poggi, with head coach Sherrone Moore set to return from his two-game suspension after Saturday’s victory.

USA TODAY Sports brought you live updates, scores and highlights from the game. Follow along.

Michigan vs Nebraska live score

This section will be updated throughout the game

Michigan vs Nebraska updates

Michigan vs Nebraska highlights

Final: Michigan 30, Nebraska 27

Michigan recovers the onside kick after the Dylan Raiola touchdown pass and drains the remaining clock to defeat Nebraska 30-27.

Dylan Raiola TD pass gets Nebraska within one score of Michigan

Nebraska’s slim hopes of a win against Michigan remain alive. Dylan Raiola ends a 10-play, 75-yard drive with a 3-yard touchdown pass to Heinrich Haarberg to cut the Wolverines’ lead to 30-27 with 1:34 remaining.

Brandyn Hillman targeting call overturned

As Nebraska drives up the field trying to cut into its deficit, Michigan defensive back Brandyn Hillman is whistled for targeting on a hit on Jacory Barney Jr. on a 21-yard catch that gets the Huskers to the Michigan 3-yard line. Upon video review, though, the penalty is overturned.

Dominic Zvada extends Michigan lead to two scores

It didn’t end with a touchdown, but Michigan plays its latest drive about as well as it could have. The Wolverines go 77 yards in 16 plays while draining 8:46 off the clock, a march that ends with a 21-yard Dominic Zvada field goal to give Michigan a 30-20 lead with 3:54 remaining. Biff Poggi’s team got some big plays along the way, including a 19-yard Justice Haynes run.

It’ll take an unusual series of events for Nebraska to pull off a win.

Dylan Raiola sacked again, leads to Nebraska punt

Dylan Raiola is sacked for the seventh time today by Michigan, this time on a third-and-12 from the Nebraska 27-yard line.

The Huskers punt with 12:53 remaining and the Wolverines will take over at their own 20.

Michigan punts

Nebraska will get the ball back with a chance to tie the game after forcing a Michigan punt. The Huskers’ drive will start at their own 29-yard line with 14:05 remaining.

Nebraska FG gets Huskers within one score of Michigan

A 12-play, 55-yard Nebraska drive ends with a 38-yard Kyle Cunanan field goal to get the Huskers within seven, 27-20, with 14:56 remaining.

Nebraska very nearly got closer, as it appeared Dylan Raiola found Nyziah Hunter for a 20-yard touchdown on a third-and-14, but officials rule that Hunter stepped out of the back of the end zone before coming back on the field to catch the pass.

End of third quarter: Michigan 27, Nebraska 17

Nebraska will open the fourth quarter with a 38-yard field goal attempt that could get it back within a single score of Michigan.

Jordan Marshall TD run extends Michigan’s lead vs Nebraska

For the second time today, a Wolverines running back takes a handoff to the house for a long touchdown. This time, the heroics come courtesy of Jordan Marshall, who blasts through a huge gap his offensive line created and outruns the Nebraska secondary for a 54-yard touchdown scamper.

Michigan now leads 27-17 with 5:40 remaining in the third quarter.

Nebraska punts again

Nebraska goes three-and-out, with an Archie Wilson punt giving Michigan the ball back at its 38-yard line with 6:21 left in the third quarter. The Huskers have negative-one yards across their two second-half possessions.

Dominic Zvada FG puts Michigan ahead of Nebraska

The Wolverines break their tie with Nebraska, going 22 yards in eight plays, setting up a Dominic Zvada 56-yard field goal that would have been good from 65 yards, if not 70. The kick ties a career long.

Since the start of the 2023 season, Zvada has made all nine of his field goal attempts from 50 yards or more.

Nebraska punts

Trapped inside their own 5-yard line, the Huskers aren’t able to do much of anything, going three-and-out and punting. Michigan will take over at its 40-yard line with 10:21 remaining in the third quarter after a 52-yard Archie Wilson punt.

Michigan punts on opening drive

The Wolverines get near midfield on their opening drive of the second half, but Justice Haynes is tackled two yard short of the sticks on a third-and-3, forcing a Michigan punt. Nebraska will take over at its own 3-yard line.

Michigan vs Nebraska halftime stats

Here are how the Wolverines and Huskers measure up in some of the major statistical categories at halftime:

• Total yards: Nebraska 253, Michigan 195
• Pass yards: Nebraska 210, Michigan 41
• Rushing yards: Michigan 154, Nebraska 43
• Plays: Nebraska 42, Michigan 21
• Yards per play: Michigan 9.3, Nebraska 6
• Third downs: Nebraska 2-7, Michigan 0-4
• Time of possession: Nebraska 19:58, Michigan 10:02
• Sacks: Michigan 4, Nebraska 1

Michigan vs Nebraska live stream

The game between the Wolverines and Huskers can be streamed on Paramount+, which requires a subscription, and Fubo, which offers a free trial to potential subscribers.

Halftime: Michigan 17, Nebraska 17

After Dylan Raiola’s Hail Mary touchdown pass, Nebraska and Michigan are tied at 17 at halftime. The Wolverines will get the opening kickoff of the second half.

Dylan Raiola Hail Mary TD ties Nebraska vs Michigan at halftime

Nebraska looked destined to head into halftime with a 7-point deficit, with a fourth-and-11 at its own 48-yard line with one second left in the second quarter. Dylan Raiola, however, had other ideas.

The Huskers’ sophomore quarterback rolls to his right and heaves up a Hail Mary, which ended up in the hands of Jacory Barney Jr. for a 52-yard touchdown with no time left on the clock.

Justice Haynes long TD run puts Michigan back ahead of Nebraska

Immediately after giving up the lead, Michigan takes it back.

On the first play from scrimmage after the Dylan Raiola touchdown pass, Wolverines running back Justice Haynes bursts through the middle of the Nebraska defense for a 75-yard touchdown run to put his team back on top, 17-10.

It’s the fourth touchdown run of at least 50 yards this season for the Alabama transfer.

Dylan Raiola TD pass ties Nebraska vs Michigan

We’ve got a tie ballgame in Lincoln. Nebraska’s third-down struggles end in a big way on its latest drive, with Dylan Raiola connecting with Jacory Barney Jr. for a 26-yard touchdown up the middle.

With the extra point, it’s tied at 10 with 2:01 remaining in the first half.

Michigan punts

The Wolverines pick up a first down on a Justice Haynes 11-yard run, but they’re not able to get past their own 36-yard line. A 49-yard Hudson Hollenbeck punt is returned 20 yards by Nebraska’s Jacory Barney Jr. to the Huskers’ 37.

Nebraska gets on the board with FG

The Huskers are able to turn the Bryce Underwood fumble into points. A Dylan Raiola 21-yard completion to Dane Key gets Nebraska down to the Michigan 21-yard line. On a third-and-3 from the Wolverines’ 14, Raiola is sacked for a 7-yard loss. Michigan already has three sacks only 21 minutes into the game.

Nebraska’s able to salvage the drive with some points, though, getting a 39-yard field goal from Kyle Cunanan.

Bryce Underwood fumbles, Nebraska recovers

Bryce Underwood is able to scamper for a first down on an 8-yard run on third-and-3, but the Michigan quarterback is stripped of the ball by Elijah Jeudy just before going to the turf. Nebraska falls on it and will take over at its own 48-yard line.

Nebraska punts

After a false start turned a third-and-3 into a third-and-8, Dylan Raiola is sacked for an 11-yard loss back at the Nebraska 16-yard line, forcing the Huskers to punt. Michigan will take over at its own 37 after a 47-yard punt from Archie Wilson.

End of first quarter: Michigan 10, Nebraska 0

The first quarter ends with Nebraska facing a third-and-3 from its own 32-yard line.

Wolverines pick off Dylan Raiola, score touchdown off turnover

Two Wolverines defenders key in on a quick out by Raiola. Jyaire Hill misses a potential pick-6, but linebacker Cole Sullivan makes the diving interception.

One play later, Bryce Underwood takes it 37 yards, untouched, up the gut on the QB keeper to get the first touchdown of the game. Michigan leads 10-0.

Michigan misses two TD opportunities, settle for field goal

Michigan will be kicking itself after two straight missed opportunities at touchdowns in Nebraska territory. The first saw the Wolverines attempt a trick play, with wide receiver Semaj Morgan underthrowing a wide-open Donaven McCulley in the end zone.

Two plays later, Underwood’s deep pass to Channing Goodwin bounces off his hands. The Wolverines instead settle for a 46-yard field goal.

Nebraska misses FG

A short punt with a bad bounce for Michigan gives Nebraska the ball at the Wolverines’ 37-yard line.

The Huskers get down to the Michigan 21 before Dylan Raiola is sacked for a 5-yard loss on third-and-7. After that, a Kyle Cunanan 44-yard field goal misses wide right, marking the first time this season he hasn’t connected on an attempt.

Nebraska has twice gotten inside the Michigan 25, but hasn’t come away with any points.

Michigan stuffs Nebraska on fourth down

Nebraska comes up empty-handed on a promising opening drive, getting down to the Michigan 6-yard line. From there, coach Matt Rhule opts to go for it on fourth-and-2, but the Wolverines snuff out a shovel pass from Dylan Raiola to Luke Lindenmeyer, with Lindenmeyer stopped a yard short of the sticks.

Michigan will take over at its own 5.

Nebraska jerseys vs Michigan

The Huskers will be going with their traditional home look against Michigan — white pants, red jerseys and white helmets.

Michigan jerseys vs Nebraska

Michigan will be wearing navy blue pants, white jerseys and the Wolverines’ famed winged helmets Saturday against Nebraska.

Bryce Underwood warms up before Michigan vs Nebraska

The Wolverines’ freshman phenom quarterback gets ready on the field at Memorial Stadium before his team’s game against Nebraska. It’s Underwood’s Big Ten debut.

Dylan Raiola leads Nebraska on the field vs Michigan

Less than an hour before one of the biggest games of his college career, Nebraska sophomore quarterback Dylan Raiola leads his team out on to the field at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln.

Bryce Underwood stats

Three games into his college career, Underwood, the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2025 class, has completed 57.5% of his passes for 628 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. Underwood has added 108 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 14 carries.

Michigan vs Nebraska injury updates

According to the latest Big Ten’s football availability report, here’s the injury outlook for Michigan and Nebraska:

Michigan

• Out: WR I’Marion Stewart, DB Zeke Berry, DB Caleb Anderson, QB Davis Warren, DB Tevis Metcalf, RB Micah Ka’apana, RB Donovan Johnson, RB John Volker, LB Jaydon Hood, OL Giovanni El-Hadi, OL Andrew Babalola, DL Manuel Beigel, TE Hogan Hansen, DE Devon Baxter, WR C.J. Charleston, DL Ike Iwunnah
• Questionable: DB Shamari Earls, QB Mikey Keene, DB Rod Moore, DB Mason Curtis, OL Brady Norton

Nebraska

• Out: WR Janiran Bonner, WR Demitrius Bell, DB Blye Hill, RB Jamarion Parker, LB Trent Uhlir, LB Gage Stenger, DL Malcolm Simpson, OL Julian Marks, OL Nolan Fennessy, DL Tyson Terry, OL Gibson Pyle, TE Mac Markway, WR Jackson Carpenter, DL Conor Connealy
• Questionable: DB Malcolm Hartzog Jr., RB Kenneth Williams, DB Caleb Benning, DB Tanner Terch, LB Derek Wacker, WR Jeremiah Jones

College GameDay Michigan vs Nebraska predictions

During the picks segment on ESPN’s ‘College GameDay,’ four of the show’s five panelists went with Michigan to top Nebraska. Here’s a look at how they voted:

• Desmond Howard: Michigan
• Nick Saban: Michigan
• Pat McAfee: Nebraska
• Matthew Tkachuk (celebrity guest-picker): Michigan
• Kirk Herbstreit: Michigan

What time does Michigan vs Nebraska start?

• Date: Saturday, September 20
• Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
• Where: Memorial Stadium (Lincoln, Nebraska)

What TV channel is Michigan vs Nebraska on today?  

• TV: CBS
• Streaming: Paramount+ ∣ Fubo (free trial)

Michigan vs Nebraska predictions

• Matt Hayes, USA TODAY Network: Michigan
• Jordan Mendoza, USA TODAY: Nebraska
• Erick Smith, USA TODAY: Nebraska
• Paul Meyerberg, USA TODAY: Michigan
• Eddie Timanus, USA TODAY: Michigan
• Blake Toppmeyer, USA TODAY Network: Nebraska

Michigan schedule 2025

Here’s a look at Michigan football’s 2025 results and remaining schedule:

• Saturday, August 30: Michigan 34, New Mexico 17
• Saturday, September 6: No. 24 Oklahoma 24, Michigan 13
• Saturday, September 13: Michigan 63, Central Michigan 3
• Saturday, September 20: at Nebraska *
• Saturday, September 27: BYE
• Saturday, October 4: vs. Wisconsin *
• Saturday, October 11: at USC *
• Saturday, October 18: vs. Washington *
• Saturday, October 25: at Michigan State *
• Saturday, November 1: vs. Purdue *
• Saturday, November 8: BYE
• Saturday, November 15: at Northwestern *
• Saturday, November 22: at Maryland *
• Saturday, November 29: at No. 1 Ohio State *

* Denotes Big Ten game

Nebraska schedule 2025

Here’s a look at Nebraska football’s 2025 results and remaining schedule:

• Thursday, Aug. 28: Nebraska 20, Cincinnati 17
• Saturday, Sept. 6: Nebraska 68, Akron 0
• Saturday, Sept. 13: Nebraska 59, Houston Christian 7
• Saturday, Sept. 20: vs. No. 20 Michigan *
• Saturday, Sept. 27: BYE
• Saturday, Oct. 4: vs. Michigan State *
• Saturday, Oct. 11: at Maryland *
• Friday, Oct. 17: at Minnesota *
• Saturday, Oct. 25: vs. Northwestern *
• Saturday, Nov. 1: vs. USC *
• Saturday, Nov. 8: at UCLA *
• Saturday, Nov. 15: BYE
• Saturday, Nov. 22: at No. 2 Penn State *
• Friday, Nov. 28: vs. Iowa *

* Denotes Big Ten game

To assist with your most difficult lineup decisions, you’ll find my Week 3 fantasy football rankings below (scroll to the bottom for complete rankings). Toggle between standard, half PPR (point per reception), and full PPR to see where players rank in your league’s format.

Our team at the USA TODAY Sports Network also has you covered for all your fantasy football needs. Looking for up-to-date player news? We’ve got it. Need to know who the best starts and sits of the week are? We have an article for that. We also have fantasy defense rankings, kicker rankings and a trade value chart to help with all your trade decisions.

Given the volatility of this league and fantasy football in particular, these rankings will be updated up to a half hour before the Sunday afternoon games kick off. Let’s get to it.

Week 3 fantasy football quarterback rankings: Sleepers

• Colts QB Daniel Jones at Titans – Through two weeks, only Lamar Jackson has scored more fantasy points at quarterback than Jones. The Titans project as a tough matchup, but then again, so did the Broncos in Week 2. Jones is in the QB1 conversation in Week 3.
• Bengals QB Jake Browning at Vikings – After taking over for Burrow in Week 12 of the 2023 season, Browning ranked as the QB9 or better in five of his seven starts. The 29-year-old eclipsed 16 fantasy points in each of his final six starts.
• Seahawks QB Sam Darnold vs Saints – Darnold put up a dud in Week 1, but he rebounded in Week 2 with 295 yards and two scores against the Steelers. A home matchup with the Saints makes the veteran a decent streamer in Week 3.

Week 3 fantasy football running back rankings: Sleepers

• Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco at Giants – In 2024, the Giants gave up the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing backfields. Seventeen backs totaled double-digit half-PPR points against them, including 10 with at least 15 points. Through two games this season, New York has given up the most fantasy points to runners. Pacheco has gotten off to a brutal start in 2025, but this is a perfect ‘get right’ matchup.
• Giants RB Cam Skattebo vs Chiefs – It didn’t take long for the Giants backfield to undergo a seismic shift. Rookie Cam Skattebo led the way in snaps (35) and touches (14) in Week 2, while running just one fewer route than Tyrone Tracy Jr. Given Tracy’s inefficient start, expect that shift to continue in Week 3 against the Chiefs
• Cardinals RB Trey Benson at 49ers – Week 2 saw Benson and James Conner in a near-even timeshare. While Conner led the way in snaps (30 to 25) and carries (11 to 3), Benson outpaced the veteran in routes (16 to 12) and targets (5 to 1). Conner has been one of the least efficient runners in all of football to start the season, and Benson could continue to chip away at the timeshare in Week 3 against the 49ers.
• Commanders RB Chris Rodriguez Jr. vs Raiders – This is for extremely deep leagues only. Prior to suffering a season-ending injury on TNF, Austin Ekeler was dominating the Washington backfield in snaps (36), routes (21) and touches (12). While Jacory Croskey-Merritt should be the primary beneficiary, it’s possible that Rodriguez will get enough touches to be a viable flex play in Week 3.

Week 3 fantasy football wide receiver rankings: Sleepers

• Broncos WR Troy Franklin at Chargers – In Week 2, Franklin led all Denver wideouts in snaps (49), routes (28) and targets (9). This came after finishing second in all those categories in Week 1. The 22-year-old has garnered a 23.4% target share to date, which puts him firmly on the fantasy map. Franklin also faced a Chargers secondary that gave up the fourth-most fantasy points to wideouts over the second half last year.
• Browns WR Cedric Tillman vs Packers – Through two weeks, Tillman sits among the league leaders in snaps and routes, and his 15 targets are nothing to sneeze at. His fantasy day in Week was saved by a touchdown that should have been intercepted, but the fact that he’s getting elite usage makes him a viable flex, even in a tough matchup.
• Titans WR Elic Ayomanor vs Colts – Through two games, Ayomanor ranks second among Tennessee receivers in snap share (78%), route rate (75%) and target share (23.6%). Against the Rams in Week 2, he turned his six targets into 56 yards and a score. With the way the Colts offense has played, Tennessee should be forced to throw plenty in Week 3, making Ayomanor a worthwhile dart throw.
• Giants WR Wan’Dale Robinson vs Chiefs – Through two weeks, only 14 receivers have generated more targets than Robinson (18). The 24-year-old is tied for seventh among wideouts with 14 receptions, and he ranks sixth in receiving yards. Given that the Giants will likely be in a negative game script against the Chiefs, Robinson is a viable play.

Week 3 fantasy football tight end rankings: Sleepers

• Saints TE Juwan Johnson at Seahawks – Johnson leads all tight ends in targets through two weeks. I’m sure everyone saw that coming. He also happens to be the TE3 in half-PPR points. With Foster Moreau and Taysom Hill still on the PUP list, Johnson is a top-eight play at the position.
• Commanders TE Zach Ertz vs Raiders – While Johnson ranks as the TE3 heading into Week 3, Ertz is a spot ahead at TE2. The veteran, who was the TE5 over the final eight weeks last season, is firmly in the TE1 conversation this week. Ertz will face a Raiders defense that ceded 2.3 more half-PPR points per game to tight ends than any other team in the league over their final 10 games of the 2024 season.
• Vikings TE T.J. Hockenson vs Bengals – Hockenson has gotten off to a brutal start this season, totaling just four receptions for 27 yards through two games, but he could turn that around in Week 3. In 2024, no team allowed more fantasy points to tight ends than the Bengals. In fact, they allowed 11 tight ends to rack up double-digit half-PPR points against them.

Week 3 fantasy football rankings: PPR and non-PPR

Wrestlepalooza 2025 was WWE’s first premium live event to stream on ESPN, as the company’s top shows now call the top sports network home. It needed a bang to start the partnership, and WWE did it with a card full of mega stars.

Near the end of his farewell tour, John Cena went against the returning Brock Lesnar. After she made her stunning return, AJ Lee had her first match in more than 10 years, tagging with CM Punk against rivals Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins. Also, the Undisputed WWE Championship was on the line, and a new Women’s World Champion was crowned.

Watch: Wrestlepalooza postshow

Undisputed WWE Championship match: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Drew McIntyre

No trying to feel the match in this one with an aggressive start from both competitors and several changing swings in momentum. Yet McIntyre looked a step ahead of Rhodes, with the champion looking like he was playing defense after McIntyre got some solid shots in. McIntyre landed an Alabama Slam on the steel steps to rattle Rhodes.

The champion eventually recovered and had his first real offensive rhythm, which including a Cody Cutter. He went for a Cross Rhodes that was quickly foiled by McIntyre, who then turned the tide back in his favor. He wanted a Claymore that Rhodes was able to avoid, and he got out of a second attempt. With McIntyre on the ground, Rhodes locked in the Figure Four. The challenger broke it up and got up to rip out one of the turnbuckles. However, he was soon thrown into it.

McIntyre finally landed the Claymore later on just for Rhodes to kick out of the pin attempt. McIntyre was aiming for a Claymore into the announcer’s table but the referee held him back. He still ended up trying it, only for Rhodes to get out of the way and McIntyre to hurt his leg on the table. Hobbled, McIntyre tried a Claymore but couldn’t get it because his leg gave out.

He went down and Rhodes landed the Super Cody Cutter to set up the Cross Rhodes. It landed and Rhodes got the successful pin to retain his championship.

Analysis: The champion isn’t dropping the gold just yet. All the signs pointed to this being the event Rhodes would drop the title or something stunning would happen, but instead it ended with ‘The American Nightmare’ on top. Now it feels like Rhodes will keep the championship for the remainder of the year and into WrestleMania season. It feels like the clock is ticking on McIntyre to get his hands back on gold, so it will have to happen soon or he’ll get lost back in the shuffle.

This match was kinda funky and nothing really eventful happened, but still a quality performance put on by the two. This could be a rivalry that has a few more matches coming up, and that could be when the title change happens.

The Undertaker appears to surprise Stephanie McMahon

The WWE Hall of Famer comes out on his motorcycle and sits next to Stephanie McMahon to tell her she will be inducted into the 2026 WWE Hall of Fame.

AJ Lee and CM Punk vs. Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins

The mind games were going on for Lynch and Rollins as they baited their opponents early, including a slap from Lynch to Punk to start the match. The champions embraced each other and left themselves open to Punk attacking Rollins outside of the ring. When the referee wasn’t looking, Lynch hit Punk, and then Lee did the same to Rollins a few moments later.

After the frenzied start, the match settled in with Rollins on offense against Punk. He was in full control, taunting Lee while getting some kisses from Lynch in between attacks. Rollins would distract the referee so Lynch could get her own shots on Punk.

There were several failed attempt tag attempts for Punk that were thwarted by Rollins. He eventually got it, but Lynch caught the referee’s attention and didn’t see Lee get tagged in. Rollins and Lynch assaulted Punk and the World Heavyweight Champion tried to launch his wife for a high attack, only for Punk to miss. The window for a tag looked to be wide open, but just as Punk got there, Lynch pulled Lee down to prevent it. Rollins then taunted Lee by skipping around his opponents.

That decision proved costly as Punk surprised Rollins with a GTS. Lynch tried to prevent Punk from tagging in, and Punk blew her a kiss as he finally got Lee in the ring. The returning star smiled before going full crazy on Lynch to turn the tide.

It took Rollins to slow down Lee, but she unleashed the same fury to him and teed off on the couple. Punk then got it to help his wife for a sweet sequence. Lee and Punk mirrored each other in the ring as they brought the fight. Lee was able to executed the Black Widow on Lynch while Punk had Rollins in a sharpshooter. Rollins got out of it and he got Lee off his wife, but Lee used the Black Widow on Rollins.

Lynch recovered and broke up the hold on her husband and the champions landed a synchronized Pedigree to try to finish the match. Lee and Punk both kicked out of pin attempts. They tried to finish the match once more, but it failed. Lee was closing in on a win before Rollins tripped her.

Punk then came in with a stomp to his rival, and was beating him down until Lynch slapped Punk. He confronted Lynch and she was able to get Punk in the sharpshooter. Punk reversed it and Rollins came back in time to land the Pedigree and stomp. Rollins was going to get the pin until Lee stomped Rollins. Then came a Manhandle Slam from Lynch on Lee and that nearly was enough to win.

Lee and Punk soon cleared the announcers’ tables to try and land a huge blow, but it was countered by Lynch throwing Lee into Punk. Lynch threw Lee back in the ring and went for the Manhandle Slam, but Lee caught her in the middle for the Black Widow. Lynch tapped out to get Lee and Punk the victory.

Analysis: Not bad for a 10 year break. It wasn’t the perfect performance, but Lee showed she still definitely has the talent that made her such a beloved star. This match had plenty twists and turns and whether you believe it or not, all of the competitors work so well in the ring together. The entertainment was there from start to finish, exactly what people envisioned when Lee made her triumphant return.

Now that Lee is officially back, she can set her eyes on challenging Lynch for her title. Meanwhile, Punk and Rollins may have to take a brief pause since the World Heavyweight Champion will be occupied with the Undisputed WWE Champion at Crown Jewel.

AJ Lee, CM Punk enter ring together

The best entrance music combination in WWE?

‘Cult of Personality’ plays for Punk before ‘Light it Up’ takes over for Lee.

Becky Lynch, Seth Rollins make epic entrance

The championship marriage comes out in style.

Women’s World Championship match: Iyo Sky vs. Stephanie Vaquer

A meeting between two of the best wrestlers on the roster started in strict technical fashion, each trying to get an early leg up on each other. There were plenty of smiles and nods to each other before Sky was the first one to get a real offensive rhythm. Vaquer changed the tone when she had Sky’s arm locked on the turnbuckle. Sky countered the momentum with a backbreaker to Vaquer that left both stars laying on the mat.

When both stars got up, Sky was the one rolling and after doing her signature emote, went flying outside of the ring for another shot at her opponent. Sky tried a power bomb on the apron, and Vaquer reversed it for her own leap outside of the ring. The tide kept turning again back in the ring with shots and counters being traded at a quick pace.

Another rapid sequence unfolded and Sky had the Over-the-Moonsault readied, only for Vaquer to get her knees up. Vaquer was taking any chance to target Sky’s right knee and the pain she handed helped her finally get the Devil’s Kiss in. The crowd did it with her and she followed it with a SVB, but Sky kicked out. Vaquer took to the top rope and Sky got up to meet her to execute the Spanish fly.

Sky was started to feel the victory get closer, even exposing her knee for to land more damage. She tried the Over-the-Moonsault again and it didn’t land after Vaquer rolled out. ‘La Primera’ got up the turnbuckle and did her own Spiral Tap off the top. It landed and she got the pin for her first main roster title.

After the match, Vaquer and Sky showed respect to each other as the new champion celebrated.

Analysis: Another amazing match, what else did you expect? Sky and Vaquer are among the best in the business and they showed their excellent chemistry in what could end up being the match of the night. The momentum changed so frequently and allowed both stars to display their top-tier talent.

A case could have been made for either wrestler to win but Vaquer’s sensational rise continues. She’s achieving so many things at an incredible rate and she’s bound to become one of the faces of the company real soon. This championship reign should be fun to watch as ‘La Primera’ is indeed first in the women’s division.

The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) vs. The Vision (Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed)

There was back-and-forth shots traded to start the match, and The Vision tried to see what they could get away with by using a chair. LA Knight didn’t like that and Jimmy Uso took it, and the referee allowed it as Reed took a shot to the back. It didn’t seem to affect The Vision much as they began to tee off against Jimmy Uso, including reciprocating a shot with the chair.

It was a heavy assault from Breakker and Reed, not allowing Jimmy Uso to tag his brother in. After several missed attempts, it finally landed and Jey Uso went to work on Breakker, using his family’s signature moves in the process. The Usos brought tables into the ring as they were riding the momentum, including delivering a 1D to Breakker. The move has brought them plenty of victories, but Reed came in just in time to break up the pin.

Everyone was laid out in the ring when a finisher bonanza happened, lastly with Jey Uso landed a spear on Breakker. He then did an Uso Splash to try and get the win, only for Breakker to kick out. Uso and LA Knight were arguing over the incident and LA Knight nearly got an inadvertent hit with the chair. During this sequence Uso was badly cut and bleeding.

The Usos were caught off guard, allowing The Vision to seize the moment. Breakker speared his opponents through the table and Reed landed a tsunami on Jimmy Uso to capture the big victory for The Vision.

Analysis: Finally, The Vision picks up a much needed victory. The group have been wrecking havoc, but it needed to start winning matches. Now the momentum can keep on going rather than halting and having to start all over again. The Usos brought back some of the great things that made them one of the best tag teams in WWE history, and it showed they definitely should take another crack at a run together.

A funky match, this one wasn’t bad but wasn’t great either. The pacing was a little bit off, and the cut to Uso made it seem like the ending was rushed rather than let it naturally develop.

The Usos come out to old entrance music

Jimmy and Jey Uso are running back for their tag team match, coming out with their old signature entrance song before they change it up to Jey’s song to Yeet.

LA Knight will be a special guest referee

There will be another star in the ring for the tag team match between The Usos and The Vision as LA Knight will be the special guest referee.

John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar

Feeding off Paul Heyman’s electric introduction, Lesnar immediately attacks and gets Cena on the ground. He throws Cena around the ring while gloating to the fans. There’s also an introduction to Suplex City. Cena nearly turned the tide with a sudden Attitude Adjustment, but Lesnar quickly got out and put him back on the mat.

It took time, but Cena is able to land some shoulder shots to get Lesnar down. He delivers three consecutive AAs, yet Lesnar kicks out. Cena then goes for the five-knuckle shuffle but Lesnar gets up to deliver his own signature move, the F5. He executes two and gets Cena up for a third. After standing over Cena, Lesnar delivers a fourth but doesn’t attempt a pin.

Cena got up only for Lesnar to deliver a fifth and sixth F5 in brutal fashion. He finally went for the pin and got the victory.

Lesnar wasn’t done after the bell rang. He delivered an F5 to the referee and another one to Cena before walking away.

Analysis: All of that build for that. This match was heavily hyped by ESPN, but people seem to forgot Lesnar matches haven’t been great in some time. Much like most of his recent bouts, this one was quick and just a finisher bonanza with Lesnar ending up on top.

It’s hard to see how this match sets anything up, especially with such little dates left for Cena. He had been putting on exceptional performances recently, but this one seemed to be a waste.

Paul Heyman joins Brock Lesnar

The advocate is back for Lesnar, as Heyman introduces his longtime friend after the two had a conversation on SmackDown the night before.

John Cena makes entrance with several kids

It’s a party for the 17-time champion as children join Cena in his iconic entrance.

Pat McAfee arrives

The sports media giant makes trip from ‘College GameDay’ in Miami earlier in the day to Indianapolis. McAfee is accompanied by Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton as will be back on commentary.

Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque begins ESPN era

WWE chief content officer takes the microphone to welcome people ‘to the final form of sports and entertainment’ with the company now on ESPN.

When is WWE Wrestlepalooza 2025?

The event takes place Saturday, Sept. 20.

WWE Wrestlepalooza start time 2025

Wrestlepalooza begins at 7 p.m. ET. The Wrestlepalooza preshow begins at 5 p.m. ET.

Where is WWE Wrestlepalooza 2025?

Wrestlepalooza 2025 will be at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

How to watch WWE Wrestlepalooza 2025

WWE Wrestlepalooza will stream on ESPN’s streaming service. Viewers can sign up for a subscription to the site here. Subscriptions start at $29.99 a month.

ESPN’s streaming service is available through select cable and TV packages, including:

• DIRECTV
• Fubo TV
• Hulu + Live TV
• Spectrum
• Verizon FiOS

If your cable or TV package includes ESPN, steps to activate it can be found here. The event will also be shown at select movie theaters nationwide.

Internationally, Wrestlepalooza will be available on Netflix in most markets.

Stream WWE Wrestlepalooza on ESPN

WWE Wrestlepalooza 2025 preshow: how to watch

The Wrestlepalooza preshow will be available to watch on ESPN and WWE’s social platforms like YouTube and TikTok.

WWE Wrestlepalooza 2025 match card

Matches not in order

• John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar
• AJ Lee and CM Punk vs. Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins
• The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) vs. The Vision (Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed)
• Women’s World Championship match: Iyo Sky vs. Stephanie Vaquer
• Undisputed WWE Championship match: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Drew McIntyre

What will be first match at Wrestlepalooza?

As announced on “The Pat McAfee Show” on Sept. 18, John Cena and Brock Lesnar will be the opening match of Wrestlepalooza.

What match will close Wrestlepalooza?

The Undisputed WWE Championship match between Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre will end the night.

Wrestlepalooza predictions

USA TODAY Sports’ wrestling writers predict what will unfold at Wrestlepalooza. See the full predictions for the entire event here.

John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar

• Jordan Mendoza: John Cena
• Richard Morin: John Cena

AJ Lee and CM Punk vs. Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins

• Jordan Mendoza: AJ Lee and CM Punk
• Richard Morin: AJ Lee and CM Punk

The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) vs. The Vision (Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed)

• Jordan Mendoza: The Vision
• Richard Morin: The Vision

Women’s World Championship match: Iyo Sky vs. Stephanie Vaquer

• Jordan Mendoza: Stephanie Vaquer
• Richard Morin: Stephanie Vaquer

Undisputed WWE Championship match: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Drew McIntyre

• Jordan Mendoza: Drew McIntyre
• Richard Morin: Drew McIntyre

WWE moves to ESPN

Wrestlepalooza marks the start of WWE’s new partnership with ESPN, as it will now stream its premium live events on the platform after previously doing so on Peacock.

According to CNBC, the deal is for five years with an average of $325 million per year. All WWE premium live events will air on ESPN. ‘WWE has an immense, devoted and passionate fan base that we’re excited to super-serve on our new ESPN DTC platform,’ said ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro. ‘This agreement, which features the most significant WWE events of the year, bolsters our unprecedented content portfolio and helps drive our streaming future.’

AJ Lee returns to WWE

It’s time to light it up. 

AJ Lee has made her triumphant return to WWE after she retired from wrestling 10 years ago. Lee made her comeback during the Sept. 5 edition in SmackDown, joining her husband CM Punk in his hometown of Chicago. 

Her return to wrestling is something fans had been hoping and anticipating for years. Known for her unstable persona along with her elite promo skills and signature skip, Lee is considered one of the best wrestlers in the early 2010s. She was consistently at the top of the women’s division and is a three-time Divas Champion, tied for the most reigns in what was once the top women’s title. She retired in 2015.

John Cena farewell tour reaching end

Time is almost up for Cena as his 2025 farewell tour is in its final months. In his last year of in-ring competition, Cena has won the Elimination Chamber and the Undisputed WWE Championship, becoming the first 17-time title holder in WWE history.

Wrestlepalooza will mark the 31st appearance of 2025, and with 36 promised in his final year of wrestling, there are only five shows left for Cena after the show. His career will culminate with Saturday Night’s Main Event on Dec. 13.

His next appearance won’t be until Oct. 11 for WWE Crown Jewel: Perth. Here are the rest of the dates of his final run:

• Oct. 11: WWE Crown Jewel: Perth (Perth, Australia)
• Nov. 10: Raw (Boston, Massachusetts)
• Nov. 17: Raw (New York City, New York
• Nov. 29: Survivor Series (San Diego, California)
• Dec. 13: Retirement Match at Saturday’s Night Main Event (Location TBD)

Vacant Women’s World Championship to be awarded

A new Women’s World Champion will be crowned after Naomi vacated the title due to her pregnancy. She was set to face Vaquer at Clash in Paris but she dropped the championship prior to the event.

Vaquer, who won a title opportunity at Evolution, was still given her chance, and she’ll face Sky, who was the champion before Naomi won it by cashing in her Money in the Bank contract.

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