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Fantasy football 2025: Week 6 trade value chart

Sport 2 Mins Read

Now that the season is nearly a third of the way through, there are only two ways to improve your rosters — waiver wire and trades.

Evaluating a fantasy trade can be a daunting task. Most managers value their players more than they’re actually worth. That’s where the Week 6 fantasy football trade value charts come in.

The charts can be used as your very own fantasy football trade analyzer in standard, half-PPR (point per reception) and full PPR leagues. Someone sends you an offer? Simply pull out a calculator (on your phone, you don’t need an actual calculator) and plug in the values for each player. Don’t worry, six-points-per-passing-touchdown and superflex leagues are covered as well.

Important note: If you’re offered an uneven trade (i.e., a 2-for-1 or 3-for-1), include the values for the players you’d be moving to the bench or dropping within your calculation. Example: If someone in your league offers you Cam Skattebo, Romeo Doubs, and David Njoku (combined value of 79) for Jonathan Taylor (72), it might look like you’re getting the better end of it. However, if you’re bumping down, say, AJ Barner and Kimani Vidal (combined value of 26) in the process, it’s a net negative deal for you.

The rankings are based on how players should be valued in 12-team leagues. Players are sorted in order of their half-PPR values.

Quarterback trade value chart

(Note: ‘6/TD’ is for leagues that award six points for passing touchdowns and ‘SFLEX’ stands for superflex.)

Running back trade value chart

Wide receiver trade value chart

Tight end trade value chart

Overall Week 6 fantasy football rest-of-season rankings

Note: These values are for 12-team, one-QB leagues with half-PPR scoring.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

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Investing

Canada One Mining: Positioned for Significant Copper Discovery in  British Columbia

Investing 2 Mins Read

Canada One Mining (TSXV:CONE, OTC:COMCF, FSE:AU31) is an emerging explorer focused on the Quesnel porphyry belt, one of Canada’s most prolific critical mineral districts. Its flagship Copper Dome project, adjacent to the 45,000 t/day Copper Mountain mine (702 Mt at 0.24 percent copper, 0.09 grams per ton gold, 0.72 grams per ton silver), offers brownfield porphyry copper potential with strong discovery upside.

The flagship Copper Dome project is a 12,800-hectare, 100-percent-owned land package located just 1.5 km south of Hudbay Minerals’ Copper Mountain mine and 18 km from Princeton, British Columbia. With year-round road access, grid power, water supply, and nearby services, the project requires no camp or helicopter support and sits within a three-hour drive of Vancouver.

Positioned in the lower Quesnel porphyry belt—one of Canada’s most prolific porphyry copper districts—Copper Dome offers compelling exploration potential. Backed by a fully permitted, five-year drill program, the project is poised to deliver near-term results and game-changing catalysts.

Company Highlights

  • Flagship Copper Project in Tier-1 Jurisdiction: 12,800 ha Copper Dome land package, adjacent to Hudbay’s Copper Mountain mine, one of Canada’s most prominent copper operations.
  • Discovery Thesis: Porphyry cluster-style deposit potential; Copper Mountain deposit analogs average ~150 to 200 Mt.
  • Logistics Advantage: Year-round access, no camp/helicopters; 3 to 3.5 hrs from Vancouver; pine-beetle-thinned cover aids access.
  • Technical Uplift: Transitioning to four-acid digestion (industry standard) vs. the historical three-acid will, on average, return materially high metal values especially where minerals are more resistant to dissolution.
  • Near-term Catalysts: Five-year drill permits in place; upcoming geophysics, geochemistry and drill programs across multiple porphyry copper/gold zones.
  • Multiple Assets in Canada: In addition to Copper Dome, Canada One’s other exploration assets include the historical small-scale, past-producing Goldrop property and the Zeus gold project.
  • Valuation Upside: Market cap just below C$3 million provides significant leverage to discovery and exploration success.
  • Capital Strategy: Management will not finance below $0.10; interim self-funding to minimize dilution.
  • Experienced Leadership: Management team is supported by resource veterans such as Dave Anthony, head of the company’s advisory board, past COO of Barrick Africa and current CEO of Assante Gold Corporation (TSX:ASE) with a $1.7 billion market capitalization.

This Canada One Mining profile is part of a paid investor education campaign.*

Click here to connect with Canada One Mining (TSXV:CONE) to receive an Investor Presentation

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

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Investing

5 Small-cap Biotech ETFs to Watch in 2025

Investing 4 Mins Read

Thanks to exchange-traded funds (ETFs), investors don’t have to be tied to one specific stock. When it comes to biotech ETFs, they give sector participants exposure to many biotech companies via one vehicle.

ETFs are a popular choice as they allow investors to enter the market more safely compared to investing in standalone stocks. A key advantage is that even if one company in the ETF takes a hit, the impact will be less direct.

All other figures were also current as of that date. Read on to learn more about these investment vehicles.

1. ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF (ARCA:SBIO)

AUM: US$95.57 million

Launched in December 2014, the ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF tracks small- and mid-cap biotech stocks that have one or more drugs in either Phase II or Phase III US FDA clinical trials. Its holdings must have a market cap between US$200 million and US$5 billion.

There are 102 holdings in this biotech fund, with about 40 percent being small- and micro-cap stocks. Its top holdings include Cytokinetics (NASDAQ:CYTK) at a weight of 3.62 percent, Merus (NASDAQ:MRUS) at 3.51 percent and Avidity Biosciences (NASDAQ:RNA) at 3.43 percent.

2. Tema Oncology ETF (NASDAQ:CANC)

AUM: US$82.42 million

The Tema Oncology ETF provides exposure to biotech companies operating in the oncology industry. Launched in August 2023, it includes companies developing a range of cancer treatments, including CAR-T cell therapies and bispecific antibodies.

There are 51 holdings in this biotechnology fund, of which just over half are small- to mid-cap stocks. Among its top holdings are Revolution Medicines (NASDAQ:RVMD) at a weight of 6.29 percent, Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) at 5.47 percent and Genmab (NASDAQ:GMAB) at 5.32 percent.

3. Direxion Daily S&P Biotech Bear 3x Shares (ARCA:LABD)

AUM: US$78.98 million

The Direxion Daily S&P Biotech Bear 3x Shares ETF is designed to provide three times the daily return of the inverse of the S&P Biotechnology Select Industry Index, meaning that the ETF rises in value when the index falls and falls in value when the index rises. Leveraged inverse ETFs are designed for short-term trading and are not suitable for holding long-term. They also carry a high degree of risk as they can be significantly affected by market volatility.

Unlike the other ETFs on this list, LABD achieves its investment objective through holding financial contracts such as futures rather than holding individual stocks.

4. ProShares Ultra NASDAQ Biotechnology (NASDAQ:BIB)

AUM: US$62.42 million

The ProShares Ultra NASDAQ Biotechnology ETF, launched in April 2010, is leveraged to offer twice daily long exposure to the broad-based NASDAQ Biotechnology Index, making it an ideal choice “for investors with a bullish short-term outlook for biotechnology or pharmaceutical companies.” However, analysts also advise investors with a low risk tolerance or a buy-and-hold strategy against investing in this fund due to its unique nature.

Of the 260 holdings in this ETF, the top biotech stocks are Vertex Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:VRTX) at a 5.05 percent weight, Amgen (NASDAQ:AMGN) at 5.01 percent and Gilead Sciences (NASDAQ:GILD) at 4.93 percent.

5. Tema Heart and Health ETF (NASDAQ:HRTS)

AUM: US$51.68 million

Launched in November 2023, the Tema GLP-1 Obesity and Cardiometabolic ETF tracks biotech stocks with a focus on diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular diseases. The fund was renamed on March 25 from Tema Cardiovascular and Metabolic ETF, and again on June 27 from the GLP-1 Obesity and Cardiometabolic ETF.

There are 47 holdings in this biotechnology fund, with about 75 percent being large-cap stocks and 22 percent mid-cap. About three-quarters of its holdings are based in the US. Its top biotech holdings are Eli Lilly and Company at a 8.47 percent weight, AstraZeneca (NASDAQ:AZN) at 4.39 percent and Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT) at 4.58 percent.

Securities Disclosure: I, Meagen Seatter, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

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Oil and Gas Price Update: Q3 2025 in Review

Investing 10 Mins Read

The oil market struggled in Q3 as prices continued to soften under mounting supply pressure.

Following moderate gains in H1, prices contracted through Q3, ending the quarter lower than their July 1 start positions.

Brent crude started the period at US$67.10 per barrel and finished at US$65.90, a 1.7 percent decline. Similarly, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) entered the 90 day session at US$65.55 per barrel, slipping to US$62.33 by September 30.

In its recently released energy, oil and gas report for the third quarter, Deloitte attributes the summer price slump to rising global oil inventories and OPEC+ easing production cuts sooner than expected.

“OPEC+ recently announced a 137 million barrels per day (MMbbl/d) production quota increase for October, beginning the reversal of 1.65 MMbbl/d of voluntary cuts that were originally set to stay in place through 2026,” it reads.

Supply has also exceeded demand in the US by 1.6 MMbbl/d between May and August, according to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), fueling projections of further stock builds for the remainder of the year.

“We expect inventory builds will average 2.1 MMbbl/d in the second half of 2025 and will remain elevated through 2026, putting significant downward pressure on oil prices,” the EIA notes in its September short-term energy forecast.

WTI price performance, December 31, 2024, to October 6, 2025.

Oil prices under pressure amid rising inventories, sluggish demand

Such gains are unusual for the shoulder season, when demand typically dips to around 103 million to 104 million barrels per day, compared to 106 million in summer and winter, Schachter pointed out.

On the flip side, global oil demand in the third quarter remained subdued, with growth projections of approximately 700,000 barrels per day (bpd) for both 2025 and 2026, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).

This marks a significant slowdown compared to the 2.8 percent growth observed in 2024.

The IEA attributes this deceleration to factors such as high interest rates, economic uncertainties and structural shifts in energy consumption patterns. Looking ahead, the organization projects a modest rebound in global oil demand, with an anticipated increase of 700,000 bpd in 2026. However, this growth is contingent upon factors such as economic stabilization, energy policy developments, and potential shifts in global trade dynamics.

“Demand is weaker. Inventories are high, OPEC is raising production, and so we have all of that, and we think that we’re going to see WTI below US$60,” said Schachter, adding that he expects to see WTI values sink to the US$56 to US$59 range in the fourth quarter.

Geopolitical tensions drive oil price volatility

Much of the oil price volatility exhibited in the third quarter was driven by geopolitical factors, according to Igor Isaev, Doctor of Technical Sciences, and head of Mind Money’s Analytics Center.

‘Prices have swung sharply, driven by a complex interplay of geopolitical flashpoints, punitive trade policies and structural changes in supply dynamics. From Tehran to Texas, the forces shaping global energy are no longer cyclical — they’ve become groundbreaking, unveiling symptoms of a broader recalibration of energy security and sovereignty.”

As Isaev explained, while these forces aren’t new, they have been especially impactful amid heightened global strife.

“At the heart of recent volatility lies a familiar trio: tariffs, conflict and fragility. US-China trade tensions have resurfaced in the form of targeted energy tariffs, while carbon border adjustments in Europe have added further complexities to global flows,” the expert explained. “Meanwhile, geopolitical instability in Iran, Venezuela, Russia and parts of Africa continues to inject a risk premium into every barrel.”

Despite all the market turbulence, Isaev noted that one steady factor persists — US shale’s balancing act. Once the industry’s great disruptor, shale now serves more as a pressure valve during supply crunches than a growth engine.

However its flexibility is waning. Higher interest rates, escalating service costs and maturing geology, particularly in the Permian Basin, have shifted producers’ focus from expansion to efficiency, he said.

“Its role heading into 2026 will be stabilizing, but not leading.”

For Schachter, the weak price environment falls below the incentive price for US shale producers.

Currently, shale production remains resilient, hitting 13.5 million barrels per day the first week of October, up 200,000 barrels from last year, he said. Producers continue to tap high-quality, tier-one reserves using advanced techniques like longer-reach, multi-leg wells and improved completions, keeping some operations profitable even at US$61.

Oil and gas M&A volume slows, but values surge

As uncertainty abounds companies continue to shy away from deal making. An August report from Wood Mackenzie notes that deal activity in 2025 is down 10 percent, to only 85 sector wide by mid-August.

“The number of deals has been declining progressively since 2022, making this the seventh consecutive half-year drop, with volumes now well below the ten-year average,” the firm’s analysis reads.

Despite the volume decline, values are on the rise.

“At US$71 billion, the overall value of disclosed deals was higher than the half-year average for the last five years, and a huge 80% higher than the unusually low total for the previous half year,” the report continues.

One of the largest deals announced during the quarter was Crescent Energy’s (NYSE:CRGY) acquisition of Vital Energy (TSXV:VUX,NYSE:VTLE), an all-stock deal valued at US$3.1 billion.

The deal will birth one of the 10 largest independent oil and gas producers in the US. The combined company will operate across major basins, including the Eagle Ford, Permian and Uinta.

Although deal volumes have retracted, both Isaev and Schachter anticipate majors heading to market in an effort to bolster their market share.

“M&A activity in North America is likely to accelerate,” said Isaev. “Consolidation will be driven not by land grabs, but by strategic repositioning — especially in LNG, CCS and low-carbon petrochemicals. I expect deals prioritizing operational efficiency, reserve quality and transition alignment over immediate revenue effect.”

For Schachter, majors play a pivotal role in securing today’s oil supply, as well as in funding the innovation for future oil production. “You’re always going to see the big boys go after the medium boys,” he said. “Once you find a good asset, you want to control more and more of it, so you buy other people up. So I think consolidation will be there.”

He went on to note that new technology will open up more plays offshore in the Gulf of Mexico.

“We haven’t really talked a lot about discoveries in the Gulf of Mexico for a long time; I think there will be new technology that will be applied to drilling,’ Schachter commented.

Accessing these offshore assets will not be cheap, as he estimates the wells there could cost upwards of US$50 million wells compared to under US$10 million for an onshore well.

“So that’s going to require the big boys to do that. But the prizes can be there, as we found with Guyana,” said Schachter, pointing to the Caribbean nation’s growth from no output to over 600,000 barrels per day currently.

Gas demand weakens as LNG expansion fuels potential Asian growth

After a sharp rebound in 2024, global natural gas demand slowed notably in the first half of 2025 as high prices, tight supply and economic uncertainty curbed consumption.

That was particularly true in Asia, where both China and India posted year-on-year declines.

Starting the third quarter at US$3.43 per million British thermal units, natural gas values contracted through July and August sinking to a year-to-date low of US$2.73 on August 20, 2025.

Values have since regained lost ground ending the three month period in the US$3.35 range.

Natural gas price performance, December 31, 2024, to October 6, 2025.

As noted in the IEA’s Q3 gas market report, Europe’s LNG imports are on track to hit record highs this year, driven by storage needs and reduced Russian pipeline flows.

Meanwhile, China’s imports are falling amid weaker demand and competition for cargoes, and ongoing geopolitical tensions, including the Israel-Iran conflict, have added volatility and uncertainty to an already fragile market.

Isaev underscored the importance of geography and regional tensions in relation to the gas market.

“In the natural gas arena, the pivot is predominantly geographic. European demand has somewhat rebounded, driven by colder winters and a continued retreat from Russian pipeline gas,’ he said.

Asia, by contrast, has seen softer industrial demand and increased reliance on domestic coal. For Canadian and US producers, this shift presents a strategic opening,” Isaev continued.

He went on to explain that LNG export infrastructure expansion, from BC to the US Gulf Coast, and long-term contracts with European buyers are “becoming geopolitical tools as much as commercial deals.”

While Schachter sees moderate European demand growth due to sluggish economic expansion, the longer-term surge is expected from Asia. As he pointed out, countries such as Japan, South Korea, China and Vietnam, which lack domestic reserves, will increasingly import LNG from sources like Australia, Papua New Guinea, the Gulf Coast and Canada.

‘And prices (in Asia) might be US$11 to US$12 compared to US$3.50 in the US,” said Schachter.

Looking ahead, the EIA forecasts that LNG supply growth is expected to surge in 2026 — led by new output from the US, Canada and Qatar — easing market pressures and potentially reigniting demand across Asia.

Oil and gas market forecast for Q4

Moving into the rest of 2025 and early 2026, Schacter warned that weather remains a key wildcard for energy markets.

He recommended watching whether winter will be mild or unusually cold, as Arctic fronts could spike oil and natural gas prices. Early forecasts, including those from the Farmers’ Almanac, suggest a colder-than-normal winter, though factors like El Niño could influence outcomes and add further uncertainty.

The oil and gas sector veteran, who will be hosting his annual Catch the Energy conference in Calgary in mid-October, also cautioned that global geopolitical risks remain a key market driver. Any disruptions in strategic chokepoints like the straits of Malacca or Hormuz, which could block crude shipments, have the potential to push oil prices higher.

‘And if we do, that’s going to be very, very good for the industry.”

Isaev pointed to OPEC+ tactical production, US shale prioritizing capital discipline over output growth, and LNG shipments to Europe and Japan being increasingly influenced by geopolitical dynamics, as key trends to watch.

“When you factor in the ongoing tensions in the Middle East and West Africa, along with the regulatory shifts surrounding carbon pricing and exploration permits, it’s evident that 2025 isn’t just going to be volatile — it’s a year for strategic realignment,” he said. “The advantage will go to those who can skillfully navigate this complexity, foresee critical turning points and invest their capital with both accuracy and creativity.”

Securities Disclosure: I, Georgia Williams, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

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Investing

Metro Mining

Investing 5 Mins Read

Investor Insight

Metro Mining is one of the few pure-play upstream bauxite companies globally listed on a stock exchange. As a direct exposure to the aluminum sector, Metro offers investors a unique opportunity to benefit from rising global demand driven by industrial applications and growth areas such as electrification, batteries, renewable energy, and lightweight transportation solutions.

Overview

Metro Mining (ASX:MMI) is a low-cost, high-grade Australian bauxite producer with its 100-percent-owned Bauxite Hills mine located 95 km north of Weipa on the Skardon River, Queensland. The mine forms part of a tenement package covering ~1,900 sq km.

Bauxite Hills Mine

As at 31 December 2024, Bauxite Hills contained 114.4 Mt of ore reserves, supporting an ~11-year mine life, with additional mineral resources extending mine life by roughly five years.

Following the infrastructure expansion commissioned in late 2023, the operation is ramping up production during 2025 and remains on track to deliver 6.5 to 7 WMtpa by year end. This positions Metro as one of the lowest-cost global bauxite producers.

The aluminum sector continues to see rising demand growth of around 3 to 4 percent annually, supported by EV manufacturing, renewable energy infrastructure, battery production and lightweight transportation. Market conditions have been strengthened by instability in Guinea, where government actions and weather disruptions have curtailed exports, creating supply uncertainty and reinforcing the importance of reliable Australian producers.

Company Highlights

  • Metro Mining’s flagship asset, the Bauxite Hills mine (BHM) in Skardon River, located 95 km north of Weipa in Cape York Peninsula Queensland, benefits from proximity to Asian markets, short haul distances, and a highly scalable, low-cost marine transportation system, ensuring industry-leading operating margins.
  • Production ramp-up continuing in 2025 following infrastructure expansion in late 2023. August 2025 shipments reached 753,101 WMT, up 6 percent year-on-year, with year-to-date production of 3.4 Mt, keeping the company on track for its 6.5 to 7 million WMT per annum CY2025 target.
  • Targeting a delivered bauxite cost below US$30 per dry ton CIF China, positioning the company firmly within the lowest quartile of global producers.
  • End of Q2 2025: Cash balance of AU$28.7 million, secured debt of US$56.6 million, and full-year hedged position at 0.63 US$:A$.
  • Ore reserves of 77.7 Mt underpinning ~11 years of mine life, with additional mineral resources providing ~five more years
  • Metro Mining maintains robust environmental and social governance, evidenced by receiving the Association of Mining and Exploration Companies’ 2024 Environment Award.

Key Project

Bauxite Hills Mine (Queensland, Australia)

Metro Mining’s flagship asset, the Bauxite Hills mine, is located on the Skardon River, about 95 kilometres north of Weipa in Queensland. The mine is underpinned by 114.4 Mt of ore reserves as at 31 December 2024, providing approximately 11 years of production, with further Mineral Resources extending mine life by around five years.

Bauxite Hills is a straightforward, low-cost DSO operation. The orebody requires no blasting, with only ~0.5 metres of overburden to remove, and short average haul distances of nine kilometres. Ore is screened to below 100 millimetres and hauled to the barge loading facility, where it is transported via tugs and barges to offshore transhippers for loading onto Capesize vessels bound for Asian markets. This efficient marine logistics chain enables Metro to remain in the lowest quartile of global cost producers.

Production continues to build steadily. In Q2 2025, the mine shipped a record 1.9 Mt, generating site EBITDA of AU$54 million and a margin of AU$32 per tonne. In August 2025, shipments reached 753,101 tonnes, a six percent increase from the prior year, with 3.4 Mt shipped year-to-date, putting the mine firmly on track to meet its 2025 target of 6.5 to 7 Mt.

Metro has established offtake agreements with leading global alumina and aluminum producers, including Chalco, Emirates Global Aluminium, Xinfa Aluminium and Shandong Lubei Chemical. To support growth beyond 2025, debottlenecking and optimisation studies are underway to enable potential expansion to 8 Mtpa beyond 2026.

The company is also advancing exploration in surrounding lateritic bauxite terraces. Drilling campaigns are planned across EPM 27611, EPM 16755, EPM 25879 and EPM 26982 during the second half of 2025, with approximately 150 holes scheduled.

In addition, Bauxite Hills hosts a significant kaolin deposit beneath the bauxite ore. Metro is progressing a feasibility study to assess extraction potential, market strategies and product testing, with applications in ceramics, paper, paints and industrial uses.

Management Team

Simon Wensley – CEO and Managing Director

Simon Wensley is a proven industry leader with extensive experience in mining operations and strategic growth. He spent 20 years at Rio Tinto in various operational, project and leadership roles across commodities, including iron ore, industrial minerals, bauxite, alumina, coal and uranium.

Douglas Ritchie – Non-Executive Chair

Douglas Ritchie brings more than 40 years’ experience in resources, previously holding senior leadership roles at Rio Tinto, including CEO of Rio Tinto Coal Australia, chief executive of the Energy Product Group, and group executive of strategy.

Nathan Quinlin – CFO

Nathan Quinlin is experienced in financial strategy and cost optimization, previously serving as finance and commercial manager at Glencore’s CSA mine, managing finance, risk management and life-of-mine planning.

Gary Battensby – General Manager and Site Senior Executive

Gary Battensby has extensive experience in managing large-scale metalliferous mining operations, budget control and regulatory compliance. He previously oversaw teams of up to 350 staff and operations with substantial CAPEX and operational responsibilities.

Vincenzo De Falco – General Manager, Marine Supply & Logistics

With over 15 years of global experience in the shipping and maritime industry, including at IMC and Louis Dreyfus Armateurs, Vincenzo De Falco is leading the Metro Marine Team to manage BHM transhipping logistics, including new Floating Crane Terminal (Ikamba) as well as Tug Mandang.

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

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Sport

NFL fines Jerry Jones for middle finger gesture in Cowboys vs. Jets

Sport 2 Mins Read

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones was seen raising his middle finger during Dallas’ 37-22 win over the New York Jets on Sunday at MetLife Stadium. The 82-year-old will pay a hefty price for doing so.

The NFL is fining Jones $250,000 for his gesture, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports.

Jones was asked about his actions during his weekly spot on 105.3 The Fan in Dallas on Tuesday. The octogenarian owner insisted his gesture was ‘inadvertent.’

‘That was unfortunate. That was kind of an exchange with our fans out in front of us,’ Jones said Tuesday on 105.3 The Fan in Dallas, per ESPN. ‘There was a swarm of Cowboys fans out in front – not Jets fans, Cowboys fans. The entire stadium was brimming with enthusiasm of the Cowboys and certainly late in the game.

‘[The gesture] was inadvertent on my part because that was right after we made our last touchdown, and we were all excited about it. There wasn’t any antagonistic issue or anything like that. I just put up the wrong show on the hand. That was inadvertently done. I’m not kidding. If you want to call it accidental, you can call it accidental. But it got straightened around pretty quick. I had a chance to look at it. It got straightened out pretty quick, but the intention was ‘thumbs up,’ and basically pointing at our fans because everybody was jumping up and down excited.’

This isn’t the first time an NFL owner has been fined for raising his middle finger to fans. In 2009, Bud Adams – then the owner of the Tennessee Titans – was given a $250,000 fine for making an obscene gesture after his team beat the Buffalo Bills 41-17.

Adams apologized for his actions at the time in a statement.

‘I got caught up in the excitement of a great day, but I do realize that those types of things shouldn’t happen,’ Adams said, per ESPN. ‘I need to specifically apologize to the Bills, their fans, our fans and the NFL.

‘I obviously have a great deal of respect for [Bills owner] Ralph Wilson and the history we have shared. I also understand there will probably be league discipline for my actions and I will accept those.’

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

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Panthers raise Stanley Cup banner, then down Blackhawks: Highlights

Sport 10 Mins Read
  • Florida Panthers’ quest for third consecutive championship opens with win vs. Chicago Blackhawks.
  • Newcomers help Pittsburgh Penguins defeat New York Rangers on opening night of the 2025-26 NHL season.
  • The first fight of the 2025-26 NHL season featured Nick Foligno of the Chicago Blackhawks vs. A.J. Greer of the Florida Panthers.

The Florida Panthers raised their Stanley Cup banner on the opening night of the 2025-26 NHL season and showed the efficiency they need to push for a third consecutive championship.

The Panthers downed the Chicago Blackhawks, 3-2, on Oct. 7, dominating early by outshooting them 17-3 and in the first period and 37-19 for the game. Only the play of Chicago goalie Spencer Knight, traded by the Panthers last season, kept the game close.

Though the Blackhawks tied the game in the second period, Jesper Boqvist batted the puck out of the air in the third period to give Florida a 3-2 lead it wouldn’t relinquish.

The Panthers showed they had the depth they need with Aleksander Barkov out seven to nine months and Matthew Tkachuk out until December or longer.

And they avoided more injuries as Sam Reinhart and Evan Rodrigues left briefly and A.J. Greer was slow getting up at one point. But all finished the game.

Exclusive book: Relive the Panthers’ latest Cup

The Pittsburgh Penguins shut out the New York Rangers, 3-0, in the second game of the opening night ESPN tripleheader behind offseason acquisition Arturs Silovs. Another newcomer, Justin Brazeau, scored twice, the first one on a Rangers defensive breakdown that left him alone in front.

Coach Mike Sullivan, in his Rangers debut, fell to his former team, now led by first-time NHL head coach Dan Muse.

In the final game of the NHL’s season-opening tripleheader, the Colorado Avalanche defeated the Los Angeles Kings, 4-1.

Here are highlights from the NHL’s opening night:

Avalanche vs. Kings highlights

Final score: Avalanche 4, Kings 1

Martin Nečas scored two goals as the Colorado Avalanche picked up a season-opening road win over the Kings in Los Angeles.

Artturi Lehkonen and Sam Malinski scored a goal apiece for Colorado, which is hoping its embarking on a ninth consecutive playoff season.

Rangers vs. Penguins highlights

Final score: Penguins 3, Rangers 0

Big night by Justin Brazeau, who had two goals in his Penguins debut. His first, late in the first period, was the game-winner. He then added an empty-netter, as did Blake Lizotte. Goalie Arturs Silovs also had a solid Penguins debut, recording a 25-save shutout.

All of the pregame focus was on new Rangers coach Mike Sullivan facing his former team, but Dan Muse ended up with the win in his NHL head coaching debut.

End of second period: Penguins 1, Rangers 0

The Rangers looked better in that period but they can’t get the puck past Arturs Silovs. He made a big save on Mika Zibanejad to keep the Rangers scoreless.

End of first period: Penguins 1, Rangers 0

Pretty evenly played period. Rangers could have escaped with a tie, but gave up a Justin Brazeau goal because of a defensive breakdown off a faceoff.

Who is Justin Brazeau?

Justin Brazeau, the Penguins scorer, signed a two-year contract and is in his first year in Pittsburgh. The 6-6 forward previously had played with the Minnesota Wild and Boston Bruins. He had 16 goals in 95 games heading into the season.

Score update: Justin Brazeau gives Penguins lead

A Rangers defensive breakdown leads to Justin Brazeau’s goal with 32 seconds left in the first period. He’s left alone in front, takes a pass from Evgeni Malkin and makes a nice move to beat Igor Shesterkin.

Rangers vs. Penguins prediction

4-3 Rangers. Coach Mike Sullivan gets a win against his former team.

Panthers vs Blackhawks highlights

Final score: Panthers 3, Blackhawks 2

The Panthers showed a lot of speed to get past the Blackhawks in the opener. Chicago goalie Spencer Knight was called upon often and kept his team in the game. But though the Blackhawks scored first and tied the game in the second, Florida’s depth won out. Blackhawks forward Frank Nazar will be dangerous this season.

Panthers win

The plastic rats fly onto the ice as the Panthers open their defense of their Stanley Cup title with a 3-2 victory against the Blackhawks.

Spencer Knight goes to the bench

It took a while but the Blackhawks goalie is finally able to get to the bench for an extra skater.

Less than five minutes left

Chicago’s Spencer Knight makes a glove save on Brad Marchand to keep the score 3-2 Florida.

Score update: Panthers take lead

Mackie Samoskevich chips a pass to Jesper Boqvist, who bats in out of the air and past Spencer Knight at 9:40. Panthers 3, Blackhawks 2

Blackhawks power play

Luke Kunin called for high-sticking. Chicago 0-for-2 so far. Florida kills it off. Ryan Donato makes several nice moves but is stopped by Sergei Bobrovsky.

Third period underway

Score tied 2-2.

End of second period: Panthers 2, Blackhawks 2

The Blackhawks played better that period after getting badly outshot in the first period. Teuvo Teravainen tied the game early and drew a couple penalties, but the Blackhawks couldn’t convert on the power play. The Panthers played briefly without Sam Reinhart and Evan Rodrigues after they were hit by pucks, but they returned. A.J. Greer was slow to get up late in the period.

Sam Reinhart injury update

He’s back on the ice after getting stitched up.

Blackhawks power play

Seth Jones goes off for slashing. Panthers kill it off. Sergei Bobrovsky makes a shoulder save on Connor Bedard.

Panthers injury updates

Evan Rodrigues is back on the ice. Coach Paul Maurice tells ESPN that Reinhart is getting sewn up and should be back soon.

Evan Rodrigues injury update

The Florida forward is helped off the ice after being hit by a puck in the leg. He joins teammate Sam Reinhart in the dressing room.

Blackhawks power play

Brad Marchand is called for holding the stick. Florida kills it off but Sam Reinhart heads off after being hit by a puck in the face.

Score update: Blackhawks tie it up

The Blackhawks come out strong in the second period with two breaks up ice. Teuvo Teravainen scores on the second chance off a 2-on-1 break with Frank Nazar. Nazar picks up his second point of the game.

Second period underway

2-1 Florida.

End of first period: Panthers 2, Blackhawks 1

Fun period, but it showed why the Panthers are Cup winners and the Blackhawks are expected to finish near the bottom of the league. Florida had a 17-3 edge in shot, but ex-Panthers goalie Spencer Knight is keeping it close with some big saves. Anton Lundell hit the post late to keep it a one-goal game. A.J. Greer has a goal and a fight. Needs an assist for a Gordie Howe hat trick.

First fight of the season

Chicago’s Nick Foligno vs. Florida’s A.J. Greer.

Score update: Carter Verhaeghe puts Florida ahead

Verhaeghe gets the puck at the side of the crease and beats Spencer Knight on the power play. 2-1 Panthers.

Panthers go on power play

Artyom Levshunov goes to the penalty box again, this time for tripping Brad Marchand.

Score update: Panthers tie game

The Panthers fourth line comes through as A.J. Greer scores on a rebound at 11:06. 1-1.

Score update: Blackhawks take lead

Chicago’s Frank Nazar gets a breakaway and beats Sergei Bobrovsky at 10:03. He just signed a big extension and is in the mix for Team USA at the Olympics. 1-0 Blackhawks.

Panthers go on power play

Artyom Levshunov is called for slashing. Blackhawks kill it off. Panthers get one shot on goal.

Game update: Scoreless so far

No score through the first five minutes. Connor Bedard hit the crossbar. Spencer Knight stopped a Panthers 2-on-1 break.

Puck drops

The 2025-26 NHL season is underway.

Blackhawks lineup

Panthers lineup

Panthers’ Stanley Cup banner raised

Panthers players watch as the 2025 Stanley Cup banner goes to the rafters. Now, it’s on to the 2025-26 season and an attempt for a third consecutive championship.

Panthers on the ice

Aaron Ekblad carries the Stanley Cup out onto the ice. Injured Aleksander Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk are on the bench in street clothes.

When is NHL opening day 2025?

The 2025-26 NHL season opens on Tuesday, Oct. 7 with three games:

  • Chicago Blackhawks at Florida Panthers, 5 p.m. ET
  • Pittsburgh Penguins at New York Rangers, 8 p.m. ET
  • Colorado Avalanche at Los Angeles Kings, 10:30 p.m. ET

How to watch, stream NHL opening night

  • TV: ESPN
  • Streaming: Games can be streamed on ESPN Unlimited and on Fubo, which offers a free trial for new subscribers.

Watch NHL games on Fubo

Where to watch Blackhawks vs. Panthers

The game is being shown on ESPN.

Blackhawks’ Spencer Knight makes homecoming

Goalie Spencer Knight will be playing in Amerant Bank Arena for the first time since he was traded to the Blackhawks on March 1. The 2019 first-round pick was sent to Chicago, along with a first-round pick, trade for defenseman Seth Jones.

T.J. Oshie joins ESPN studio panel

‘Finally got a good-looking guy on the panel,’ Marchand interrupted, laughing. ‘It’s nice having someone good to look at.’

NHL 2025-26 points projections

NHL teams’ home openers

The Panthers, Rangers and Kings are holding their home openers on Oct. 7. Here’s when the other 29 teams will hold theirs.

  • Anaheim Ducks: Oct. 14 vs. Penguins
  • Boston Bruins: Oct. 9 vs. Blackhawks
  • Buffalo Sabres: Oct. 9 vs. Rangers
  • Calgary Flames: Oct. 11 vs. Blues
  • Carolina Hurricanes: Oct. 9 vs. Devils
  • Chicago Blackhawks: Oct. 11 vs. Canadiens
  • Colorado Avalanche: Oct. 9 vs. Mammoth
  • Columbus Blue Jackets: Oct. 13 vs. Devils
  • Dallas Stars: Oct. 14 vs. Wild
  • Detroit Red Wings: Oct. 9 vs. Canadiens
  • Edmonton Oilers: Oct. 8 vs. Flames
  • Minnesota Wild: Oct. 11 vs. Blue Jackets
  • Montreal Canadiens: Oct. 14 vs. Kraken
  • Nashville Predators: Oct. 9 vs. Blue Jackets
  • New Jersey Devils: Oct. 16 vs. Panthers
  • New York Islanders: Oct. 11 vs. Capitals
  • Ottawa Senators: Oct. 13 vs. Predators
  • Philadelphia Flyers: Oct. 13 vs. Panthers
  • Pittsburgh Penguins: Oct. 9 vs. Islanders
  • St. Louis Blues: Oct. 9 vs. Wild
  • San Jose Sharks: Oct. 9 vs. Golden Knights
  • Seattle Kraken: Oct. 9 vs. Ducks
  • Tampa Bay Lightning: Oct. 9 vs. Senators
  • Toronto Maple Leafs: Oct. 8 vs. Canadiens
  • Utah Mammoth: Oct. 15 vs. Flames
  • Vancouver Canucks: Oct. 9 vs. Flames
  • Vegas Golden Knights: Oct. 8 vs. Kings
  • Washington Capitals: Oct. 8 vs. Bruins
  • Winnipeg Jets: Oct. 9 vs. Stars

Panthers vs. Blackhawks prediction

5-2 Florida. The Panthers are two-time champions and have plenty of talent, even without Aleksander Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk in the lineup. The Blackhawks are rebuilding and will be a lottery team.

Panthers championship rings details

The Panthers received championship rings Monday, Oct. 6, and they pulled another rat trick.

Like the rings from 2024, the latest edition includes an engraved rat, a nod to the fans’ tradition of throwing plastic rats onto the rink after victories.

The Panthers received the rings in a private event at War Memorial Auditorium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and they feature more than vermin. The rings, handcrafted in white and yellow gold, include more than 450 diamonds and genuine rubies, according to a press release issued by the Panthers. – Josh Peter

Panthers injury updates

The Panthers are missing two key players as they open defense of their back-to-back titles.

Captain Aleksander Barkov will miss seven to nine months after he had knee surgery in September. He was injured during practice and had his ACL and MCL repaired.

The Panthers also are missing Matthew Tkachuk, who had offseason surgery to repair a torn adductor muscle and a hernia. He’s out until ‘December-ish,’ general manager Bill Zito said.

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Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon exposed a leadership flaw, made bad

Sport 6 Mins Read

  • Cardinals running back Emani Demercado fumbled before crossing the goal line, negating a 72-yard touchdown run.
  • Coach Jonathan Gannon was seen berating and appearing to strike Demercado on the sideline after the mistake.
  • The incident drew comparisons to how Colts coach Shane Steichen handled a similar blunder by receiver Adonai Mitchell a week prior.

Go ahead, induct Emani Demercado into the Hall of Shame for the disastrous gaffe on Sunday that went a long way toward another L for the Arizona Cardinals.

Surely, the third-year running back had to feel terrible about casually flipping the football to the turf before crossing the goal line – Fumble! Touchback! – that wiped out a would-be 72-yard TD run. He joins the likes of Leon Lett, DeSean Jackson, Jonathan Taylor, Danny Trevathon and others, including Indianapolis Colts receiver Adonai Mitchell, who just a week earlier committed a similar blunder.

Yet the teaching moments from this faux pas don’t start and end with Demercado.

Did you see the reaction of Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon?

Not only did Gannon berate Demercado on the sideline, he appeared to strike the player in his midsection, which would be crossing the line in a most shameful way.

Gannon revealed quite the leadership flaw in making a bad mistake even worse by going ballistic. If it’s proven what it looked like, that he in fact put his hands on Demercado during his tirade, the NFL – cracking down this season on player taunting and crass gestures in TD celebrations, in the name of sportsmanship – should be consistent in its messaging and drop the hammer on Gannon as a statement about unacceptable workplace behavior.

And I’d think the NFL Players Association (NFLPA), which typically stands up for its membership in a wide range of matters, would be appalled by the incident.

In 2022, the league fined then-Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Bruce Arians $50,000 for slapping his safety, Andrew Adams, on the helmet as he reacted to a melee on the field during an NFC wild card playoff game against the Eagles. So, there’s some precedent.

Granted, coaches (and players) have erupted with heated in-your-face exchanges for decades. But if there was indeed a body blow, it goes to another level. And remember: The NFL legislates the sidelines just as much as the field on game days. If it can fine Arians, dock 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa for photo-bombing a postgame national TV interview while wearing a MAGA hat (days before the 2024 election, drawing an $11,255 fine for a uniform violation) and was moved to discipline Eagles security chief Dom DiSandro for using a cellphone on the sideline during a preseason game (it fined “Big Dom” a whopping $75,000 for the violation committed in August), then the Cardinals coach is clearly in the league’s jurisdictional range for some action.

Sure, Gannon apologized to Demercado and to the team during a meeting on Monday, saying he woke up on the day after “and didn’t feel great about it.”

What bad optics. In public. From the head coach, the so-called leader of men.

“Obviously, I tried to be emotionally stable and calm, because my job is to solve problems during a game and kind of lead the charge on that,” Gannon said during a Monday press conference. “So, it’s not really who I am or who I want to be, and I told the guys that today. So, it’s a mistake by me. It’s just like everybody in there. Everybody made some type of mistake yesterday, which culminates into why we didn’t win the game. And we can’t let it happen moving forward.”

Lessons for all, indeed, from a debacle that saw the Cards blow a 15-point fourth-quarter lead.

Want real leadership from Cardinals? Look to Paris Johnson, Jr.

It was ironic that as Gannon charged toward Demercado, the running back was being consoled by left tackle Paris Johnson, Jr. Johnson, a former first-round pick, and Demercado were in the same rookie class in 2023.

Gannon, it turns out, should have taken a cue from Johnson, who apparently carries 313 pounds of leadership on his 6-foot, 6-inch frame.

“I wanted to be one of the first people to find him on the sideline, to tell him, ‘Hey, wipe it off. Let’s keep going,’ ” Johnson told reporters afterward. “I just wanted to make sure that he heard that from somebody up front and he’s not catching looks and stares and people mumbling left and right. I didn’t want him to hear any of that, be around any of that. I didn’t want to create that energy around him, you know.”

And then Gannon came in for a blow up. Some energy.

Sure, it’s professional football, not Pop Warner. Adversity happens. Blowups can ignite. Coaches can get salty. Ask anybody who ever played for (my man) Bill Parcells, including a frequent target, Phil Simms. Late in his career on his final stop with the Dallas Cowboys, Parcells had a dust-up with Antonio Bryant during a practice session. After the receiver took off his pads and jersey and proceeded to leave practice, Parcells reportedly picked up the gear and threw it at Bryant and said something to the effect that he still had a good fight left in him.

No, old-school Parcells would not have taken kindly to Demercado’s mistake.

For Colts, Adonai Mitchell’s goalline blunder a teaching moment

Then again, Colts coach Shane Steichen – who coached with Gannon on Nick Sirianni’s staff with the Eagles before landing a head coaching job – seemingly handled Mitchell’s mishap in textbook fashion for this day and age. Steichen had a one-on-one meeting with Mitchell, who was also flagged for a holding penalty that wiped out a 53-yard TD run from Taylor in the Colts’ Week 4 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Steichen had Mitchell open the next-day team meeting by taking accountability yet also let the emerging wideout know that his big blunder – Mitchell lost the grip on the ball as he stretched out before crossing the goal line for a 75-yard TD – would not be his defining moment. Well said.

Still, Mitchell, and now Demercado, provided fresh material for a “gaffe reel” that every coach in the NFL should show its players about what not to do as you approach the goal line with an apparent TD.

You’d think pro athletes would know better by now. But the fact that these cases of premature celebrations or casual flips of the football keep happening suggests that not everybody has, well, received the memo.

After all, a week after Mitchell’s misfortune, who would have thought that another electric touchdown would be doused by some foolishness from Demercado?

Hey, just know the NFL schedule-makers have struck again. The Cardinals take their three-game losing streak to Indianapolis this weekend. Anybody for a photo op? Demercado and Mitchell will be on the same field. And their coaches, too.

Remember, a boneheaded mistake is one thing. What also matters is how you react.

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

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Shedeur Sanders says traded Joe Flacco ‘helped me a lot’

Sport 2 Mins Read

Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders was decidedly chattier about Joe Flacco being traded to the Cincinnati Bengals than he was about the team’s decision to name Dillon Gabriel its starting quarterback.

Sanders acknowledged Flacco told him about the trade earlier in the day during an interview with Fox 8 News. What was the Colorado product’s reaction to it?

‘I was like, ‘Dang. That happened quick,” Sanders said of the trade. ‘It was crazy.’

Sanders also credited the 40-year-old quarterback with serving as a mentor to him during his rookie NFL season.

‘He was definitely somebody I leaned on for wisdom,’ Sanders said of Flacco. ‘I feel like he helped me a lot.’

Sanders will likely lean on some of that wisdom as he prepares to embrace his new role as Cleveland’s backup quarterback.

As for Flacco, he will get a chance to battle for the starting job in Cincinnati just over a week after Cleveland benched him in favor of Gabriel.

The Bengals have struggled offensively since losing Joe Burrow to a significant turf toe injury. Flacco could replace Jake Browning – who has completed 64.5% of his passes for 757 yards, six touchdowns and eight interceptions – as soon as this week if he can quickly ingratiate himself into Cincinnati’s offense.

And Sanders is happy to see his former teammate get that chance, even if it is with a divisional rival.

‘Everybody has their own destinies and have their own plans they have in life,’ Sanders said. ‘So, I’m just happy for him.’

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