American League Championship Series
Riddle me this, if both teams are from the same state, is every game everybody’s home field advantage? This year’s ALCS makes me think yes. The best-of-seven series between the Texas Rangers and the Houston Astros is tied at 2-2, with the away teams winning each game. Will this continue? We’ll find out, like, super soon.
Game 5 takes place on Friday at 5:07 pm ET/2:07 pm PT from Globe Life Field in Arlington, where the Rangers, who were up, 2-0, are looking to avoid going down, 3-2. I am also hoping for this, for the obvious reasons, and, also, Corey Seager forever. It will be on FS1.
Game 6 heads back to Houston on Sunday.
National League Championship Series
Meanwhile the National League has been all let’s root, root, root for the home team, with the Philadelphia Phillies taking the first two in Philly, and the Arizona Diamondbacks taking the third at home. Game 4 continues from Chase Field at 8:07 pm ET/5:07 pm PT and will be on TBS.
The starting pitchers are LHP Cristopher Sanchez for Philly and LHP Joe Mantiply for Arizona.
Phillies slugger Bryce Harper has 10 hits, four home runs, and seven RBIs in the postseason. He’s also scored 11 runs and stolen two bases. Shortstop Trea Turner’s 2023 postseason has given Philadelphia 16 hits, three home runs, four RBIs, four stolen bases, and eight runs scored. Sigh. I miss him.
Game 5 takes place on Saturday.
Week 7 NFL Injury Updates
- Chicago Bears QB Justin Fields (thumb) is out for Sunday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
- Giants QB Daniel Jones (neck) is questionable to play on Sunday.
- Browns QB Deshaun Watson (shoulder) practiced on Friday but is still listed as questionable for Week 7.
- Though coming off their bye week, the following 10 – yes, 10 – Packers are on the injury report for Sunday’s game against the Broncos: Doubtful: De’Vondre Campbell Questionable: Aaron Jones, Jaire Alexander, Elgton Jenkins, Quay Walker, Darnell Savage Jr., Devonte Wyatt, Zayne Anderson, Yosh Nijman, Eric Stokes.
- The Detroit Lions are expecting RB Jahmyr Gibbs (hamstring) back for Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens.
Michigan Football
The University of Michigan football program has suspended football analyst Conor Stalions with pay, while the NCAA investigates the school for an alleged sign-stealing operation. Though it is not illegal to decipher and steal the signals of an opponent, it is illegal to scout the teams in person.
On Thursday, Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh said the following in a statement on social media: “I want to make it clear that I, and my staff, will fully cooperate with the investigation into this matter. I do not have any knowledge or information regarding the University of Michigan football program illegally stealing signals, nor have I directed staff members or others to participate in an off-campus scouting assignment. I have no awareness of anyone on our staff having done that or having directed that action. I do not condone or tolerate anyone doing anything illegal or against the NCAA rules. No matter what program or organization that I have led throughout my career, my instructions and awareness of how we scout opponents have always been firmly within the rules. Pursuant to NCAA rules, I will not be able to comment further while this investigation takes place.”
NFL Week 7 Schedule
Thursday
Jacksonville Jaguars (5-2) 31 New Orleans Saints (3-4) 24
Sunday
Buffalo Bills (4-2) at New England Patriots (1-5) – 1 pm ET/10 am PT on CBS
Washington Commanders (3-3) at New York Giants (1-5) – 1 pm ET/10 am PT on CBS
Detroit Lions (5-1) at Baltimore Ravens (4-2) – 1 pm ET/10 am PT on FOX
Las Vegas Raiders (3-3) at Chicago Bears (1-5) – 1 pm ET/10 am PT on FOX
Atlanta Falcons (3-3) ay Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-2) – 1 pm ET/10 am PT on FOX
Pittsburgh Steelers (3-2) at Los Angeles Rams (3-3) – 4:05 pm ET/1:05 pm PT on FOX
Arizona Cardinals (1-5) at Seattle Seahawks (3-2) – 4:05 pm ET/1:05 pm PT on FOX
Green Bay Packers (2-3) at Denver Broncos (1-5) – 4:25 pm ET/1:25 pm PT on CBS
Los Angeles Chargers (2-3) at Kansas City Chiefs (5-1) – 4:25 pm ET/1:25 pm PT on CBS
Miami Dolphins (5-1) at Philadelphia Eagles (5-1) – 8:20 pm ET/5:20 pm PT on NBC
Monday
San Francisco 49ers (5-1) at Minnesota Vikings (2-4) – 8:15 pm ET/5:15 pm PT on ABC/ESPN
