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PHOENIX- The Phoenix Mercury roster underwent several changes during the offseason, losing Natasha Cloud and Brittney Griner in trades and seeing Diana Taurasi retire. Still, the team remains optimistic about the upcoming season.
Alyssa Thomas is one of the Mercury’s key additions after a trade with the Connecticut Sun. During her introductory news conference, she expressed excitement and shared her thoughts on the team’s strengths.
“Defensively, I think we’re so versatile… we can get after it and guard people in a lot of different ways. And offensively, I mean, the floor is going to be so spaced… It’s going to be a lot of fun just to be able to push tempo and be surrounded by so many great players [and] so many great shooters,” Thomas said.
Defensive versatility, shooters, fast tempo, the sky is the limit!
defensive versatility, shooters, fast tempo, the sky is the limit
pic.twitter.com/5yx2SSafv5
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) March 16, 2025
The Mercury have a storied history, winning three championships with Taurasi. In the 2024 season, they finished 19-21, placing fourth in their conference. Now, with new additions and losses, can they go the distance?
According to Thomas, the answer is yes.
“I really think the sky is the limit for us. And I hope people aren’t underestimating us because, I mean, we are going to be a really tough team to beat,” she said.
More must-reads:
- Breanna Stewart's injury putting Liberty's championship hopes in jeopardy
- Paige Bueckers joins elite company with rare trifecta
- The 'Switch-hitter single-season HR leaders' quiz
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Breanna Stewart's injury putting Liberty's championship hopes in jeopardy
The New York Liberty's chances of repeating as WNBA champions seem to be dwindling, especially now that an injury is hampering star forward Breanna Stewart. Stewart — a two-time league MVP — left Game 1 of the Liberty's first-round playoff series against the Phoenix Mercury after spraining the MCL in her left knee. She still opted to play in Game 2 in New York on Wednesday night. "They told me structurally that everything looks OK," Stewart said Wednesday morning, via Field Level Media. "So my plan is to go." The sharpshooter struggled to play through pain. In 20 minutes, she had just six points on 2-of-6 shooting and committed three turnovers. With no one else stepping up for the Liberty, the Mercury coasted to an 86-60 victory, tying the best-of-three series at 1-1. Momentum is on Mercury's side heading into Game 3 The Liberty won Game 1 76-69 in overtime, but Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts indicated his team would've won the game had it shot the ball better. Phoenix went 25-of-77 (32.5%) from the field in that matchup. The team made more of those shots on Wednesday night. Phoenix finished 34-of-71 (47.9%) from the field. The Liberty, meanwhile, sputtered offensively. They committed 15 turnovers and shot 19-of-63 (30.2%) from the field. But even more concerning for the Liberty, their other stars failed to deliver. Guard Sabrina Ionescu had nine points on 3-of-13 shooting, and center Jonquel Jones had seven on 3-of-9 shooting. This highlights a worrisome trend for New York. The Liberty's other stars have gone cold in the playoffs Through two games in the series, Ionescu has averaged 12.5 PPG on 29% shooting after logging 18.2 PPG on 40.1% shooting in 38 regular-season games. Jones has recorded seven PPG on 37.5% shooting in the series after registering 13.6 PPG on 49% shooting from the field in 31 regular-season games. The series will head back to Phoenix for Game 3 on Friday. If Stewart can't get healthier before then, the Liberty's championship hopes may be kaput.
Miami Dolphins vs. Buffalo Bills DFS Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em | Week 3
The lights are on at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, NY, as the Buffalo Bills (2–0) host the Miami Dolphins (0–2) in a high-stakes AFC East showdown. This Week 3 clash kicks off Thursday, September 18, at 8:15 p.m. ET, streaming exclusively on Prime Video. The Bills enter the game riding high, with quarterback Josh Allen leading a potent offense that ranks among the league’s best. Buffalo’s defense has also been dominant, allowing just 154 total yards in Week 2. Meanwhile, Miami is searching for answers after a rocky start to the season. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and star wideouts Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle will need to ignite the offense to avoid a dreaded 0–3 start: a mark that historically spells playoff doom. With Buffalo favored by 11.5 points, the Dolphins face an uphill battle, but divisional games often defy expectations. Can Miami pull off a primetime upset, or will the Bills continue their march toward AFC supremacy? Lock of the Game James Cook Buffalo Bills VS. Miami Dolphins (0-2) James Cook against the Miami Dolphins is in a smash spot, at $6.6K on DraftKings and $17.4K on FanDuel. The last few matchups, he’s been dominant against their AFC East rival, either through the ground with multiple touchdowns or as a receiver with at least five catches. Allen is coming off a dud of a game fantasy-wise (with a broken nose) and could rely on the run game to close this one out. Start ‘Em De’Von Achane Miami Dolphins AT Buffalo Bills (2-0) With injuries to the Bills’ defense, De’Von Achane is also a smash start as well at $6.8K on DraftKings and $18.3K on FanDuel. Achane has had success against Buffalo, and despite the Fins’ rough start, he’s been the shining light in their first two games as a receiver and on the ground. Either he or Cook is a must-start in this game, or put both in the same lineup. Tyreek Hill Miami Dolphins AT Buffalo Bills (2-0) This could apply to Jaylen Waddle, who is active coming off a shoulder injury, but based on past matchups, Miami and Buffalo games are normally high scoring. With both defenses not being 100% due to injuries, expect points, whether that is the Bills dominating or the Dolphins having garbage time. The Bills’ secondary could have trouble with Hill, so his $16.5K on FanDuel and $6.7K on DraftKings as a slate breaker over Waddle despite the discount. Sit ‘Em Dalton Kincaid Buffalo Bills VS. Miami Dolphins (0-2) The Bills rotate Dawson Knox in way too much for Dalton Kincaid to be a safe start at $4K on DraftKings and $9.9K FanDuel. Although he can catch a touchdown and make his fantasy day off of that, I would target someone like Khalil Shakir to have a higher floor for a bit more cost. Keon Coleman Buffalo Bills VS. Miami Dolphins (0-2) Keon Coleman is in a similar boat with Kincaid as a volatile boom-bust pass-catcher in Buffalo, priced at $12K on FanDuel and $5.3K on DraftKings. While he boomed in Week 1, the young receiver underdelivered massively in Week 2 due to the game script. With Josh Palmer and Elijah Moore also involved, I am not sure if Coleman will be the top target even if this game becomes a shootout. Fade of the Game Julian Hill/ Tanner Connor Miami Dolphins AT Buffalo Bills (2-0) Even at just $2.5K on DraftKings and Fanduel ($1.8K- Julian Hill, $2.4K- Tanner Connor), don’t start any of the Miami Dolphins tight ends. Julian Hill has no receptions or targets this season, and Tanner Connor just had his first four-target game in Week 2, catching just two, but had none in Week 1.
Fantasy Football Week 3 Start ‘Em and Sit ‘Em – Bench Hill?
The NFL’s Week 3 action begins with the Buffalo Bills taking on the Miami Dolphins on Thursday Night Football. Following Thursday Night Football, Sunday’s slate presents some fun matchups for fantasy football. Ending the Week 3 lineup will be an exciting matchup featuring the Detroit Lions vs the Baltimore Ravens. Who’s worth a start and who’s worth benching this week? Here are five players to start and sit entering Week 3. Five Players to Start 1. Rome Odunze vs. Dallas Cowboys – No. 30 vs WRs (NFL Fantasy) Considering the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants had a thrilling 40-37 showdown last week, definitely start Rome Odunze. Last week, in a 52-21 loss against the Lions, Odunze was targeted 11 times and caught seven passes for 128 yards and two touchdowns. In the Cowboys’ matchup against the Giants, New York’s receivers did very well. Malik Nabers scored 37.70 points. He caught nine passes on 13 targets for 167 yards and two touchdowns. Their secondary wide receiever, Wan’Dale Robinson, scored eight passes on 10 targets for 142 yards and a touchdown. The Bears feature two receivers in Odunze and D.J. Moore, but Odunze has been the alpha between the two early on this season. He can contribute mightily to fantasy teams in Week 3. 2. Drake Maye vs Pittsburgh Steelers – No. 28 vs QBs (NFL Fantasy) After allowing Justin Fields (29.52) and Sam Darnold (15.80) to some solid performances in the first two weeks, starting Drake Maye is a good idea. To start the season the Steelers have let up 200+ yards in the passing game and have struggled to guard the middle of the field. With weapons like Stefon Diggs and DeMario Douglas, Maye could have a big day and potentially throw for multiple touchdowns. Even with the Steelers having Ramsey in the secondary, their safety play has allowed big plays across the field. Until the Steelers fix their defensive miscues, starting the quarterback facing them makes sense. According to StatMuse the Patriots are 8-2 against the Steelers in their last 10 matchups. 3. Jonathan Taylor vs. Tennessee Titans – No. 22 vs RBs (NFL Fantasy) After a 165 yard performance vs the Denver Broncos, Jonathan Taylor will face the Tennessee Titans in a AFC South matchup. His 165 yard game netted him 29.5 points against a good Broncos defense. The Titans are currently giving up an average of 5.4 yards per carry. Seeing these numbers should give fantasy owners plenty of confidence to start Taylor against the Titans. Last time the Colts played the Titans on Dec. 22, 2024, Taylor rushed for 218 yards and three touchdowns. 4. James Cook vs Miami Dolphins – No. 27 vs RB’s (NFL Fantasy) James Cook is another running back on this list that’s coming off another 100+ yard performance. Not only did he score two touchdowns but he rushed for 132 yards vs the New York Jets. The Dolphins are coming off another bad game and are on a short week. With little time to truly fix their run game, Cook can take advantage of a good situation. Though he’s only averaged 37.3 rushing yards vs the Dolphins, there’s optimism he can have his first big game against Miami on Thursday night. 5. Kyle Pitts vs Carolina Panthers – No. 30 vs TEs (NFL Fantasy) With Michael Penix and Kyle Pitts’ chemistry continuing to grow, Pitts is finally inching towards becoming a trustworthy start. Though he hasn’t had a big game yet this season, Week 3 looks to be ideal against the Panthers. His four catches for 37 yards in a 22-6 win may seem disappointing, but there’s hope that he can bounce back. Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride averaged 13.0 yards per catch in Week 1 against the Panthers. Even Jaguars tight end Brenton Strange average 14.8 yards per catch against the Panthers defense. If Pitts gets big receptions in space he could be a threat in fantasy football this week. Five Players to Sit 1. Jacory Croskey-Merritt vs. Las Vegas Raiders – No. 5 vs RBs (NFL Fantasy) Even with his expectation to take more snaps in the absence of Austin Ekeler, sitting him this week may be the best option. The Raiders are only allowing an average of 13.20 points to running backs. Having to face Maxx Crosby should caution fantasy owners from starting Croskey-Merritt. Last week, Chargers backs Najee Harris and Omarion Hampton combine for 10.3 fantasy points. 2. Garrett Wilson vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers – N0. 5 vs WRs (NFL Fantasy) With Justin Fields missing Week 3 due to his concussion, there’s a reason to feel unsure about starting Garrett Wilson. After last weeks disappointing performance against the Bills, Wilson will face a well-rounded Buccaneers secondary. Facing a secondary of Antoine Winfield, Jamel Dean, Tykee Smith, Zyon McCollum and Jacob Parrish makes it a difficult decision to start Wilson. With Tyrod Taylor starting this week, his unstable chemistry with the receiving core as a whole may limit the production of Wilson. 3. Tyreek Hill vs Buffalo Bills – No. 6 vs WRs (NFL Fantasy) With Tua Tagovailoa‘s shaky performance to start the season, sitting Tyreek Hill vs. the Buffalo Bills is best. Despite Jaylen Waddle being questionable, the Bills defense could wreck the game for everyone on Miami. According to StatMuse, Hill has not had over 100 receiving yards against the Bills since starting his Dolphins tenure in 2022. The Bills defense has proven they can contain him and prevent him from having big time games. 4. Matthew Stafford vs Philadelphia Eagles – No. 11 vs QBs (NFL Fantasy) Matthew Stafford against the Philadelphia Eagles is a must avoid matchup. The Eagles have a fierce defense, including Jalen Carter and rookie safety Andrew Mukuba. Last week, Stafford struggled in the first half against the Titans before exploding in the second half in a 33-19 win. In the first two weeks, quarterbacks such as Patrick Mahomes and Dak Prescott have struggled against against the Eagles defense. In Week 2, Mahomes went 16-of-29 for 187 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He had to produce a lot with his legs, which Stafford cannot do. In Week 1, Prescott went 21-of-34 for 188 yards. 5. Ashton Jeanty vs Washington Commanders – No. 6 vs RBs (NFL Fantasy) Ashton Jeanty is worth the consideration of a sit this week. In his first two weeks, Jeanty has not cracked 50 rushing yards on 10+ carries. Since he is still adjusting to the NFL from Boise State, it’s okay to let him set on the bench this week or until he proves to be fantasy worthy.
Dak Prescott responds to Troy Aikman Cowboys Super Bowl comments
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott had an honest response to Troy Aikman‘s latest Cowboys Super Bowl comments. While speaking to reporters on Thursday, Prescott was asked about Aikman saying he wanted Prescott to win more Super Bowls than he and Roger Staubach combined. “I got to get going then. I don’t know if I got that many years left,” Dak Prescott said while laughing, per Jon Machota of The Athletic. “I gotta win now.“ Troy Aikman made the Super Bowl comments during his appearance on 96.7 The Ticket in Dallas on Thursday. “I love Dak,” Aikman said. “There’s nothing I’d rather see than see him go on and win a Super Bowl and win multiple Super Bowls, and win more than me, and Roger (Staubach) and all of us combined, if possible, because he’s that type of guy, and he represents himself and the organization, and really our city so well.” Aikman won three Super Bowls with the Cowboys in the 1990s, while Roger Staubach won two with the team in the 1970s. It’s very unlikely Prescott will win six Super Bowls before his career comes to an end, but he will be beloved by Cowboys fans if he can win one title. Troy Aikman says Dak Prescott is ‘dialed in’ One could make the argument that Prescott would get a lot of love from Cowboys fans if he could get the team to the NFC Championship game. The last time Dallas reached the conference title game was when the team last won the Super Bowl, which was the 1995 season. Prescott is looking to take the Cowboys to the next step when it comes to the playoffs. The former Mississippi State star has reached the postseason five times and posted a 91.8 passer rating with a 2-5 record in seven games. While those aren’t strong numbers, Aikman is all in on Prescott. “He’s always had good energy. He’s always had good body language and all that on the field,” Aikman said. “But in addition to just how well he’s played, I just sense that there’s a confidence about him in the way in which he’s playing that I don’t want to say I haven’t seen it before, but I just feel like he’s really dialed in and feeling good about where this offense is going, the way that it’s playing, and the way he’s playing.”
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