Harshest Punishments In Sports History: How Does The Clippers Ruling Compare?

The Los Angeles Clippers and owner Steve Ballmer just learned that circumventing the salary cap carries a steep price tag. After concluding its investigation into Kawhi Leonard’s side deals, the NBA delivered a decisive ruling that proves no franchise is above the league's rulebook. According to ESPN, the NBA is stripping the Clippers of five first-round picks and slapping owner Ballmer with a $30 million fine. Ballmer will also serve a one-year suspension, leaving the Clippers without control over a first-round pick until 2034. Leonard escaped the harshest discipline, but he was still ordered to pay $700,000 in restitution over improper benefits received by his uncle, Dennis Robertson. The NBA has also banned Robertson from conducting any future business within the league. This isn't just a slap on the wrist as it’s one of the steepest penalties ever handed down in pro sports. For a young Clippers team on the brink of rebuilding, losing half a decade’s worth of first-round draft capital is an absolute death blow. With the hammer officially dropped on the Clippers, let’s dive into the history books. These are the most memorable and impactful sports punishments handed out in history. Winning Super Bowl XLIV gave Saints head coach Sean Payton the breakout moment he needed to earn respect around the league. But that reputation took a hit when an investigation revealed a scandal brewing behind their magical season. The victory was soon tarnished when an investigation exposed a bounty program led by defensive coordinator Gregg Williams to intentionally injure opponents. Payton covered it up, resulting in a $500,000 fine and the Saints being stripped of two second-round picks. However, the league's hammer didn't stop swinging at the top. The league hit Payton with a full, unpaid one-year suspension for 2012 and suspended Williams indefinitely. General manager Mickey Loomis was also held accountable, serving an eight-game suspension without pay. With the Clippers' latest punishment now out there, it’s worth going back to the Minnesota Timberwolves scandal involving Joe Smith. Starting in 1999, Smith signed three consecutive low-salary, one-year contracts with the Timberwolves. This raised concerns, which eventually led to the discovery of an under-the-table agreement to circumvent salary cap rules. Once the investigation concluded, the Timberwolves were fined $3.5 million, owner Glen Taylor and general manager Kevin McHale were suspended. The Timberwolves, similarly to the Clippers, were stripped of five first-round draft picks. After winning the 2017 World Series, the Houston Astros seemed like the talk of the league and baseball's next dynasty. However, after an MLB investigation revealed they illegally stole signs from opposing teams, public scrutiny and backlash only intensified. The Astros were fined the maximum of $5 million and stripped of their first- and second-round picks in the 2020 and 2021 MLB Drafts. On top of that, general manager Jeff Luhnow and manager A.J. Hinch were also suspended for one year, prior to their firings. Despite widespread backlash across the sport, the Astros went on to win the World Series again in 2022. They may have cheated in the past, but winning it all without stealing signs proved just how talented and well-built the Astros roster truly was. To no one's surprise, the New England Patriots were a lock for this list. Head coach Bill Belichick was no stranger to league discipline, but his involvement in Spygate remains the most notorious stain on the Patriots historic dynasty. Early in the season, a Patriots video assistant was caught illegally filming the New York Jets' defensive signals from an unauthorized location on the sideline. Because this violated NFL rules, Belichick and the organization faced league discipline. Belichick was fined $500,000 and the Patriots organization was fined $250,000. Not only were the fines massive, but the team was also stripped of their 2008 first-round pick. Following the Astros, the Boston Red Sox were also caught stealing signs during their 2018 World Series winning season. The punishment was far lighter compared to the Astros, but still impactful. Replay operator J.T. Watkins received a one-year suspension, and the team forfeited its 2020 second-round draft pick. Following the investigation, manager Alex Cora was also suspended for one year, but his penalty was from his role in the Astros scandal. Since the scandal, the Red Sox have made the playoffs only three times, struggling to regain their former league dominance that fans have come to get accustomed to watching. One of the most impactful punishments involved the SMU Mustangs. Investigators discovered that administrators and boosters were paying football players under the table and this came even while they were already on probation for previous recruiting violations. The "death penalty" label comes from the sheer severity of the punishment. The NCAA canceled the Mustangs 1987 season, and the heavy restrictions on scholarships and recruiting forced the school to cancel the 1988 season as well. The severity of the punishment effectively silenced the program for two consecutive seasons. With 55 scholarships stripped over four years, the roster was systematically gutted, triggering a collapse that took them more than two decades to recover from. As well-respected as the Atlanta Braves are in baseball today, they aren't without their fair share of controversy. From 2015 to 2017, MLB investigators caught the Braves circumventing international signing rules and bonus caps. For a Braves franchise built on international scouting, the penalty could not have been more damaging. The Braves lost 13 top international prospects, including prized shortstop Kevin Maitan, setting back their international pipeline for years. From top to bottom, the fallout for the Braves organization extended far beyond the field. General manager John Coppolella received a lifetime ban from MLB and the Braves were forced to forfeit a 2018 third-round draft pick. It only got worse as the strict bonus limits effectively shut the team out of the international market through the 2021 season. Pete Carroll departed USC for the Seattle Seahawks in 2010, executing a perfectly timed exit. This came just months before the NCAA hit the Trojans football program with severe 'lack of institutional control' sanctions. The investigation centered on star running back Reggie Bush receiving improper benefits from sports marketers. Following the probe, the football program was hit with a two-year bowl ban and the loss of 30 football scholarships over three years. The Trojans were also placed on four years of probation and forced to vacate 14 wins from the 2004 and 2005 seasons, including their national title win. Bush faced severe fallout as well, forfeiting his 2005 Heisman Trophy. College football has undergone major reforms regarding athlete protection and mandatory reporting policies. This was largely driven by the fallout from former Penn State assistant coach Jerry Sandusky. Penn State was hit with historic sanctions after university and athletic department leaders conspired to cover up Sandusky's crimes rather than report him to law enforcement. This resulted in one of the most severe punishments in college football history. The punishment included a $60 million fine, a four-year postseason bowl ban and the loss of 40 scholarships. The Nittany Lions football program was also forced to vacate 112 victories from 1998 through 2011. Sandusky is currently serving time in prison for his crimes at Penn State. He is serving a 30-to-60-year sentence in a Pennsylvania state prison following his 2012 conviction on 45 counts of child sexual abuse. Dolphins owner Stephen Ross was at the center of a six-month, league-wide NFL investigation for tampering. The start of the investigation was actually sparked by a lawsuit from former Dolphins head coach Brian Flores. The lawsuit revealed that the Dolphins had illegal contact with quarterback Tom Brady and Sean Payton while both were under contract with other teams. Given how high-profile the story was, it came as no surprise when the league handed down harsh penalties. The Dolphins were stripped of a 2023 first-round pick and a 2024 third-round pick, while Ross was suspended and fined $1.5 million. While it remains unclear whether Brady or Payton was planning a team-up, the punishment is one of the most severe in history.

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AFC North Predictions: Who Takes The Steelers Spot As The Top AFC North Team?

The Steelers reign as the AFC North title winners, but two teams are emerging as stronger candidates to win one of the most competitive divisions in football this season, at least according to "First Things First." From the questions surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers' Aaron Rodgers and the Cleveland Browns' Deshaun Watson, and the healthy talent returning on both the Baltimore Ravens' and Cincinnati Bengals' rosters, the AFC North seems to be unpredictable this season. However, Nick Wright, Chris Broussard and Danny Parkins were in unison on who the top two teams in the division will be. Here are their picks for the AFC North. Nick Wright's AFC North Prediction Nick Wright put the Cleveland Browns at the bottom and the Ravens at the top, leaving last year's AFC North winners at third. Wright did not hold back when it came to the Browns, emphasizing that its quarterback situation does not benefit them or its record. "I think they’re going to be 4-13. I think it’s the worst quarterback situation in the NFL. … I’d be very surprised if they win six games," Wright said on Wednesday's edition of First Things First. In terms of the Steelers, the return of Rodgers could go South for new head coach Mike McCarthy, especially with Rodgers turning 43 years old this year. "I think they finish 6-11, but what is Aaron Rodgers going to look like once the weather turns cold? … He turns 43 this year," Wright said. "I would be surprised if, during that stretch that Drew Allar doesn't start a game or two … I do not think Aaron Rodgers will be the starting quarterback all year." Wright believes that Cincinnati will fall into the same cycle as last year: win nine games and miss the playoffs. Even with quarterback Joe Burrow back in full force with wide receivers Tee Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase, Wright is not buying any of the hype surrounding its offense. "Winning only nine games and missing the playoffs. It’s basically what they do every year… I think they will have the ninth-best offense in the NFL." For Wright's No. 1 team, the Ravens, he sets the bar high for quarterback Lamar Jackson and new head coach Jesse Minter. Wright predicts that Baltimore will also land the No. 1 seed in the AFC. "I would be shocked if they don’t start 6-0. If they don’t just sweep this conference. I am predicting that the Baltimore Ravens will be the No. 1 seed in the AFC," Wright continued. "I think Minter is a breath of fresh air this year. I think Lamar might win his third NFL MVP. They might be a regular season juggernaut." Chris Broussard's AFC North Prediction Chris Broussard and Wright shared the same predictions from top to bottom. However, there's a twist that came with the Bengals. For Broussard, the Browns were the clear choice for fourth place, especially with their offseason decision on starting quarterback Deshaun Watson. "I’m stunned that Deshaun Watson has won the job. He hasn’t played well… He better go out and win those first two road games," Broussard said. Broussard also turned heads when he made his prediction about the Steelers season, noting it could be their first losing season in over two decades. "This will be the first losing season for the Steelers since 2003. We’re going to find out that Mike Tomlin was really holding that thing together…I think Mike McCarthy is a good coach, but the last two years he was with Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay…they went 8-10-1…with a team that had the potential to win 13 games," Broussard said. Rodgers left every NFL fan waiting for his offseason decision to return to Pittsburgh, retire or sign with someone new. However, joining forces with McCarthy adds a new element to the Steelers' success this season. Broussard's prediction for the Bengals is that they do make the playoffs, but won't win the division. "They get to the playoffs. I’m expecting a nice year from them, I’m expecting Burrow to be healthy," Broussard said. "The defense is just going to be solid… I think the offense is going to be one of the best in the league." And none other than Broussard's favorite NFL team, the Ravens, took place as the AFC North winners. "I am EXCITED about this season," Broussard said. Danny Parkins' AFC North Prediction Parkins followed suit with the Browns in last place, thanks to their lack of talent at quarterback. "Very obvious. They’re going to play three quarterbacks this season… They’re going to move to Shedeur Sanders early, and then they’re going to have no other move, and they’ll be in trouble," Parkins said. "I think that they’re one quarterback away from making things interesting." The Steelers placed third, noting that their regular season ended with eight wins and Rodgers will be ‘fine’ this season. "I think they’re going to be fine. I think Aaron Rodgers is going to go out with a whimper, they’ll be an eight-win team," Parkins said. However, Parkins split off from Broussard and Wright's predictions and placed the Ravens second, but still making the playoffs. Parkins detailed that Minter could be a good hire on paper, but won't know much until the season rolls around. "I think it’s going to take 12 wins to win this division. … My thing with Baltimore is, I think Jesse Minter is a good hire, but we don’t know," Parkins said. "We have a head coach who’s never been a head coach, you have an offensive coordinator who’s never been a playcaller." Parkins labeled the Bengals as his team to win the division. However, even with the talented offense Cincinnati has, the Bengals top the Ravens by a very small amount. "As for Cincinnati, when Joe Burrow, Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase play, they’re 12-6 over the last two seasons and averaging 29 points per game, and they added a ton to their defense. So, on the thinnest of margins, I have the Bengals over the Ravens," Parkins said.

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Will Aaron Donald Play At Hall Of Fame Level Again After Return? Scouts Differ

The odds-on favorite to win the Super Bowl got even better on Sunday, with Aaron Donald rejoining the Los Angeles Rams as he ended his retirement after two years. But should we expect Donald to play at the level that won him three Defensive Player of the Year awards this season? We asked several scouts around the NFL if they think Donald will have a tremendous impact for the Rams this season and what we should expect from the 10-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle. The answers we got varied, with some expressing confidence that he'll play at a high level again while others believe we should lower our expectations for Donald. Here's more about what we learned from our conversations with scouts and people around the league about what to expect from Donald this season. Eric D. Williams: Yes, he’s 35 years old and hasn’t struck a man in anger with pads on in two seasons. Still, according to scouts I spoke to, they expect Aaron Donald to have the same type of impact the three-time Defensive Player of the Year had when he left the game after the 2023 season. "If one man can do it – it’s AD," one longtime scout told me. "He still trains like a player. He’s got a strong appetite for Ball! He will be a rotational player, but the snaps will be significant!" Another scout noted the amount of time Donald spent working out before returning to the field last week. Donald said he spent 14 weeks of intense workouts with personal trainers before determining he was in good enough shape to rejoin the Los Angeles Rams. "I thought this would be the time he would return," the scout told me. "It looks like they kept tabs on his conditioning too, with several workouts. I’d say he’s a sub-package, plug-and-play guy the first two weeks and then can be an every-down guy after that. "There will probably be some rust, and the wear and tear may show some. But he’s still a difference maker and leader." However, not everyone I spoke with offered a glowing perspective on Donald’s return. "My guess is he is a good player, but not great anymore," a league source told me. "I think he plays around 35 to 40% of the defensive snaps for the Rams this year. "To me, it’s more about his age than missing time. How many great 35-year-old defensive players are there in the NFL right now?" Donald has played at least 67% of his team's defensive snaps in each season of his NFL career, including 81% of the Rams' defensive snaps in his last season, per Pro Football Reference. But some older defensive linemen turn into one-down players as they reach the later portions of their career. Von Miller, for instance, played just 37% of the Washington Commanders' defensive snaps last season at age 36. Ralph Vacchiano: The rich got a little richer when Aaron Donald returned to the Los Angeles Rams this week. But not everyone is convinced that the addition of the future Hall of Famer is the luxury that it seems. "Look, he’s an all-time great player," an NFL scout told me. "He’s probably still great. I wouldn’t bet against him. But he’s not immune to reality. He’s 35. He retired three years ago. It’s not easy to play at that age. It’s even harder being away for so long." "Wait and see," another NFL scout told me via text. "The guy was a monster. Is he still? I need to see it first." Donald last played in 2023 when he had a respectable eight sacks in 16 games, and his last double-digit sack season was 2021 when he had 12.5. But it certainly seems like he has a chance to reach those numbers again playing on a defensive line with Myles Garrett, the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year who set an NFL record with 23 sacks last season. "If he’s healthy, you can’t block them both. It’s a problem for everybody," the first scout told me. "But it’s the health I’m worried about. He’ll say he’s in phenomenal shape. I’m sure he looks it. But working out for a few years is different than playing football for a few years. It just is. "And he’s going to feel it."

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Three Things Texas QB Arch Manning Must Prove Before The 2027 NFL Draft

Texas quarterback Arch Manning enters his redshirt junior season as the most celebrated and scrutinized quarterback in the country and thus is the most intriguing NFL prospect. But he's not a shoo-in to be the No. 1 overall pick of the 2027 NFL Draft. There is no denying Manning’s appeal. He’s supremely talented, boasting an ideal blend of size, arm talent and mobility with the Hall of Fame bloodlines every QB-needy NFL franchise would seemingly love to build its team around. But is it as simple as Manning, whose 2026 season kicks off Saturday against Texas State, "just staying healthy" before earning the distinction of being the top pick next spring? To put it bluntly, no. In a class this gifted, no one can afford to simply rest on their résumé. Not Manning nor Ohio State phenom receiver Jeremiah Smith nor any of the top QBs. But, if Manning can improve in three particular areas, I believe he will follow in his famous uncles’ footsteps and hear his name called first on draft day. 1. Improve In The Quick Game Like most quarterbacks drawing attention from NFL scouts, Manning will ultimately get drafted because of his ability to accurately throw the football long distances. It is easy to assume that if a quarterback is accurate on longer passes, he’ll also be precise on shorter throws. That was not the case with Manning last year, however. In fact, he was arguably at his worst on the shortest throws — a flaw that simply must be corrected if he is to earn an early first-round selection next spring. The so-called quick game — i.e. slants, bubble screens, pop passes — is as fundamental to the modern era of football as shooting 3-pointers is to modern basketball. These routes have gained importance in recent years with today’s elite pass-rushers and all the exotic scheming and blitzing done to pressure quarterbacks immediately. Signal-callers absolutely must be able to get the ball in and out of their hands efficiently. When operating out of the shotgun — as Manning typically did in 2025 — quarterbacks are taught to first secure the snap and then simultaneously turn their feet in the direction of the intended receiver while spinning the ball to allow their fingers to grip the laces. Once the ball is comfortably in their grasp, a quick, strong throw should be out long before the pass rush has any chance to get home. Experienced quarterbacks can make these throws seem like little more than extended handoffs, collecting and distributing in one fluid motion. Manning is as quick as you’ll see in this regard. In fact, he’s quicker than most. However, his technique was off and therefore so was his accuracy. Manning didn’t consistently pair his upper and lower body last season, failing to either grip the laces or turn his feet properly (or both), resulting in the ball spraying erratically. These issues were further exacerbated by a sloppy sidearm release that left potential pass-catchers struggling to pick up the ball in flight. With less distance for the ball to cover, receivers had a hard time locating and corralling throws that came in at the head or knee level just as often as they did near the chest, as intended. Manning’s inconsistent accuracy forced receivers to adjust, contributing to a whopping 22 charted drops by Texas receivers, per PFF. It also disrupted opportunities to create yards after the catch. Fortunately, this is a coachable skill that a lot of young quarterbacks struggle with. Manning did improve in this area over the course of last season, eventually showing both greater poise and precision. I expect he will be even better in his second year as the Longhorns’ starter. 2. Work Through His Progressions Better Too often last year, Manning stared down his primary target and either tried to throw him open or resorted to scrambling. While he was fairly successful at improvising, the competition will be much better in the NFL. It is difficult to convey Manning’s struggles in this area with statistics, but consider this: Per Pro Football Focus, Manning had 10 passes batted down at the line of scrimmage last year. Of all the quarterbacks selected in the NFL Draft in April, only fellow first-year starter Ty Simpson had this many throws knocked down — and that's with the 6-foot-1 Simpson attempting 69 more passes at Alabama last year than the 6-foot-4 Manning did for Texas. It is the same story if we compare Manning to the rest of this year’s loaded quarterback class. There were four other quarterbacks to make the first round in my way-too-early 2027 mock draft from April, and none of them cracked double-digits in this category. The same goes for Notre Dame’s CJ Carr (four), Miami’s Darian Mensah (seven) and Oklahoma State’s Drew Mestemaker (eight), who are also receiving first-round buzz heading into this season. Now, just as Manning's receivers deserve some of the criticism for the aforementioned drops, at least partial blame for batted down passes belongs to his blockers. But Manning greatly contributed to these deflections at the line of scrimmage by too often telegraphing his throws. This allowed rushers to time their leaps and, sometimes, tip his passes for their teammates to potentially intercept. Part of Manning’s appeal to NFL teams is his prototypical height and lightning-quick release. Frankly, there is only one excuse for a quarterback of Manning’s size and arm talent to have this many passes knocked down in Steve Sarkisian’s shotgun-based offense, and that is inexperience. NFL teams will forgive Manning’s "rookie mistakes" if they were, indeed, just that. But to be the No. 1 overall pick next spring, Manning must prove he can scan the entire field, efficiently moving from his primary target to second or third options while protecting the ball. 3. Just Win, Baby (Including On The Road) Fans would be amazed at how much value NFL teams place on wins as a starting QB. It isn’t that professional scouts fail to recognize the impact that a leaky defense, turnovers by others or a porous offensive line might play in determining the outcome of a game. They know that football is the ultimate team sport and, while quarterback is the most important position on the field, he’s still just one of 22 players in a given play. But a QB meriting strong consideration for a first-round pick — especially No. 1 overall — must demonstrate the ability to uplift his teammates. Never mind the Heisman hype; he simply needs to be great when the lights shine brightest. Manning will surely be under that spotlight (and microscope) while trying to lead a Texas program to its first national title in 21 years. A lot of Fernando Mendoza’s skeptics quieted down last year once he guided the Indiana Hoosiers past Ohio State in the Big Ten title game, much less past Alabama, Oregon (for a second time) and Miami in the College Football Playoff. Mendoza completed 70.0% of his passes with 10 touchdowns against just two interceptions in those five games. For the year, he completed 72.0% of his throws with 41 touchdowns against six interceptions. In other words, his performance was largely the same all year long, regardless of opponent. Now contrast that with Manning, who was picked off in all three of Texas’ losses last year and completed 58.8% of his passes against Oregon, Florida and Georgia with a 4:4 touchdown-to-interception ratio. (It is worth noting that each of those losses came on the road.) He threw 22 touchdowns with just three interceptions while completing 62.2% of his passes in his 10 other starts. Manning won’t have many opportunities this fall to slay any perceived road demons, at least not during the regular season, making his performance in a select few contests that much more important. Only three games on the Longhorns' schedule — at Tennessee, at Missouri and at LSU — are outside the state of Texas. That's not to say UT's schedule will be comfortable, however. Matchups against fellow preseason top-10 teams such as Ohio State, Oklahoma, Texas A&M and Ole Miss are sure to challenge Manning and Co. How he responds will not only define the 2026 Longhorns but very likely the top of the 2027 NFL Draft.

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Colts GM Chris Ballard Rips NFL Players Returning To College: ‘Stupidest’ Thing Ever

A slew of lawsuits clearing the way for waived NFL players to re-enter college football has sent shockwaves across the sport. Reaction first poured in from top college coaches like LSU’s Lane Kiffin, Texas’ Steve Sarkisian and Oregon's Dan Lanning. Now, NFL executives are joining the fray, led by Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard, who didn't mince words when asked for his thoughts by reporters on Tuesday. "No, that’s the stupidest shit I’ve ever heard," Ballard said. "Your entire life, you fight to get up to the NFL. OK, but now we’re gonna go back? That makes a lot of freakin’ sense." The Colts' 53-man roster is locked in with no players attempting a return to college. Meanwhile, former Tampa Bay Buccaneers edge rusher Jack Pyburn tried heading back to LSU before the Kansas City Chiefs stepped in to claim him off waivers. While he was one of the biggest names publicly expressing interest in playing for Kiffin, he won't be heading back to LSU after all. Instead, he stayed in the NFL after putting together a dominant preseason for the Buccaneers, where he recorded four sacks in three games. After being waived during the NFL preseason, defensive tackle Zxavian Harris and tight end Dae’Quan Wright attempted to return to college football to play for Kiffin at LSU. As of now, their eligibility is caught in a legal battle over a new SEC policy. The SEC’s new policy bans certain former pros from returning to college sports, threatening severe penalties for programs like LSU that break the rule. It’s a move that highlights just how chaotic this entire situation has become. Public scrutiny surrounding Kiffin and LSU's portal moves has yet to shake the locker room. Starting tight end Trey'Dez Green is embracing the added talent and told reporters that he’s staying focused on whatever helps the team win, even if it means sharing reps with Wright. Ballard is the first NFL general manager to speak out so bluntly, but when Rams coach Sean McVay was asked about NFL players returning to college last week he said: "I feel like I took a freakin' gummy."

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Rams Are Super Bowl Favorites, But Historical Betting Trend Says Beware

The Los Angeles Rams have had just about the perfect offseason. After coming up just short in a heartbreaking NFC Championship Game loss to the eventual Super Bowl-champion Seattle Seahawks, the Rams have gone all in once again. Los Angeles acquired reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett in a blockbuster trade that sent Jared Verse and three draft picks to Cleveland. The Rams then acquired Super Bowl-winning cornerback Trent McDuffie for their 2026 first-round pick, before capping off the offseason by bringing franchise sack leader Aaron Donald back from retirement. Sheesh. And it's not like the Rams were far away before those additions. Los Angeles was arguably the second-best team in the NFL last season, losing twice in Seattle by a combined five points. The Rams also had one of the league's most dominant offenses, leading the NFL in scoring (30.5 PPG), total offense (394.6 YPG), net passing offense (268.1 YPG), passing touchdowns (46), total first downs (396) and fewest sacks allowed (23). They also ranked seventh in rushing offense (126.6 YPG, 4.63 YPC) and fourth in fewest giveaways (15). Now, that team adds arguably the best defensive player in football in Garrett, one of the league's top cornerbacks in McDuffie, and one of the greatest defensive players of the past decade in Donald, who helped lead the Rams to a Super Bowl title four years ago. This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports. With a loaded roster comes massive expectations, and the betting market has taken notice. Heading into Week 1, the Rams are clear favorites at +500 to lift the Lombardi Trophy in their home stadium in February. The Seahawks and Bills have the next-best odds at +1100, a remarkably wide gap considering the regular season hasn't even begun. That should be a great sign for a Los Angeles team that has gone all in, right? Well, history tells a much different story. According to senior sports betting analyst Ben Fawkes, over the past 30 years, the preseason Super Bowl favorite has entered the season at +500 or shorter odds 20 times. Those teams went 0-for-20. According to Sports Odds History, here's the full list: 2024: KC +5002021: KC +4502020: KC +4502019: NE +4002017: NE +2752015: SEA +4502014: SEA +4502011: NE +5002009: NE +4502008: NE +3502007: NE +2502005: IND/NE/PHI +5002004: PHI +5002002: STL +3502001: STL +4002000: STL +3001999: MIN +4501998: GB +2501997: GB +2501996: SF +250 The Rams certainly look like a Super Bowl favorite on paper, but if they are going to finish the job in 2026, they'll have to buck a betting trend that has held up for three decades. So, can Los Angeles finally break the curse? Let's check out the Rams' full 2026 odds at FanDuel Sportsbook as of Sept. 1.

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Ranking The 10 Best 2027 NFL Draft Prospects — Who Aren't Quarterbacks

No one knows for sure how things might change during the upcoming college football season, but early indications are that the 2027 NFL Draft will be the strongest in years. Quarterbacks — such as Texas’ Arch Manning, Oregon’s Dante Moore and Ohio State's Julian Sayin — have dominated the early buzz because, well, they’re quarterbacks brimming with talent and potential. But the beauty of next year's draft class is that it could offer several franchise-altering prospects at other positions, as well. I’ve ranked the top 10 non-QBs heading into the season and, as you’d expect, all of them have a realistic chance at being a first-round pick next spring. Frankly, the top seven players would have been selected on Day 1 this year. As a bonus, I've included a pro comparison for each prospect. Grading offensive linemen is more about fit and grit than analytics, but Green checks in with the numbers that even a stat geek can appreciate. The 6-foot-5, 324-pounder is a three-year starter dating back to his true freshman season at Oklahoma. He allowed just two sacks in 751 pass drops last year, his first at the premium left tackle position after spending his first two seasons inside at left guard, where he routinely delivered pancake blocks. Green is a talented pass blocker, as well as a spark plug in the running game. He gains impressive depth in his kick-slide and has the lateral agility and core strength to handle counters. I’m eager to see if he is even smoother in Year 2 at tackle. Between his girth, grip-strength, competitiveness and previous experience at guard, Green should offer his future NFL team plenty of roster flexibility. Pro comp: Dion Dawkins, Buffalo Bills Lacy went from a backup at Missouri to leading the entire country with 24 rushing touchdowns at Ole Miss last year. He is sudden and slippery, consistently zipping around and past would-be tacklers. His elusiveness generates plenty of highlight-reel worthy plays, but Lacy is also quite effective in short yardage, showing impressive leg drive, balance through contact and sheer determination to grind out the tough yards, too. Along with his frequent trips to the end zone, the 5-foot-11, 205-pounder led the nation with 335 touches in 2025. There is no denying that Lacy was aided by the creative playcalling of former Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin. With Kiffin now in Baton Rouge, scouts are curious to see if Lacy can duplicate his remarkable sophomore campaign. Pro comp: TreVeyon Henderson, New England Patriots Robinson wasn’t quite as flashy as the aforementioned Lacy last year, but he was close, earning FWAA Freshman Defensive Player of the Year honors with four interceptions, tying for tops in the talent-rich SEC. Robinson is every bit the athletic phenom you’d expect as a former five-star recruit out of IMG Academy. He has a tight, low backpedal and easy hip turn to track receivers downfield, showing impressive balance and burst out of his breaks and legitimate recovery speed when necessary. He’s also a surprisingly scrappy tackler. A rarity for a young cornerback, Robinson’s hands might be even better than his feet. Robinson can get a bit grabby downfield, but refs often let him compete because he locates the ball well, showing impressive hand-eye coordination to either catch it himself or rake it out of the hands of the intended receiver at the final moment. Interceptions against state rival Georgia Tech and this one versus Charlotte show Robinson’s rare body control and extension to make tough grabs look easy. Pro comp: Trent McDuffie, Los Angeles Rams With all due respect to star quarterback Dante Moore, Washington is both literally and figuratively the biggest reason why Oregon has a chance to match Indiana from a year ago and win its first national championship in program history. He is the centerpiece of arguably the best defensive line in college football. Washington would have been a first-round pick last year but was one of several Ducks who chose to stay north for one more winter rather than migrate to the NFL. He is surprisingly quick and agile for someone listed at 6-foot-4, 330 pounds, and he already possesses NFL power, stacking and discarding would-be blockers like paper plates at a summer barbeque. And just ask No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza about Washington’s bull rush. Pro comp: Kenny Clark, Dallas Cowboys If you thought the hype built up around Arch Manning last year was intense, just wait until this season, with the Longhorns set to stampede for a national title and dominate the first round of the 2027 draft. Coleman — the first of three Longhorns in this article — was lured to Austin from Auburn, where he caught a combined 93 receptions for 1,306 yards and 13 touchdowns over his first two seasons, despite a limited supporting cast. The stats on Coleman are good, but the tape is even better. He is already an established playmaker whose film screams first-round pick. His star could shine from another galaxy, however, now that he's working with Manning and Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian, one of the best offensive minds in the sport at any level. The 6-foot-3, 200-pound Coleman has the size and athleticism of a future No. 1 NFL receiver. He is an effortless mover who accelerates in a flash and changes directions fluidly. Better yet, he offers exceptional body control and sticky hands to make acrobatic catches even with defenders draped over him. Pro comp: George Pickens, Dallas Cowboys Cornerback is not universally regarded as one of the premium positions by NFL teams. Otherwise, Moore might rank even higher on this list, as his profile is spectacular. He is coming off of a unanimous All-American campaign as a true sophomore in which he recorded five interceptions and was a finalist for not only the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation’s top defensive back, but the Bronko Nagurski Award as the best overall defender in college football. Listed at 6-foot-2, 197 pounds, Moore has intimidating size for a cornerback. He has a smooth turning motion, seamlessly transitioning out of his backpedal into full gallop. He locates the ball well for a young player, instantly reading underneath routes and showing impressive downhill quickness to trigger back toward the quarterback. Moore has broken up and/or intercepted more passes (25) than he has allowed first downs (23) over his first two seasons of college football, and he's also a physical hitter, having forced three fumbles. These numbers are all the more impressive when considering Notre Dame often asked him to travel with the opponents’ top receiver, including playing out of the nickel. Pro comp: Christian Gonzalez, New England Patriots No disrespect to former Texas OT Kelvin Banks Jr. — the No. 9 overall pick by the New Orleans Saints in 2025 — but the Longhorns might have upgraded with the 6-foot-7, 325-pound Goosby succeeding Banks at left tackle. Pro Football Focus pinned three sacks (out of 492 reps in pass protection) on Goosby last year, but I don’t know that he was truly at fault for any of them. His tape was as clean as any blocker in the 2026 draft, and remember, there were nine blockers drafted in the first round this past spring. Goosby is still just growing into his body, but he already moves with such an exciting combination of grace and force that it is easy to project him as a future Pro Bowler, if not All-Pro. He eases off the snap in pass protection, sliding laterally and keeping himself square to the rusher. Goosby surges low and hard as a run blocker, as well, showing impressive bend, balance and power to move defenders in the running game. Pro comp: Laremy Tunsil, Washington Commanders Stewart promises to be one of the most scrutinized non-quarterbacks of this draft class because he is remarkably gifted yet has not generated the eye-popping production his talent portends. He checks in at a prototypical 6-foot-5, 250 pounds, with long arms, which he already effectively uses to lock out and shed would-be blockers, as well as lasso ballcarriers from behind. As a pass-rusher, Stewart is sudden off the snap and has excellent core flexibility to dip under the reach of offensive tackles, greasing the edge and closing in a flash. He’s recorded 11.5 sacks over his first two seasons of SEC football, but his frequent pressures suggest his production could be twice that. Stewart’s blend of size and athleticism are exciting build blocks. He’s already quite strong and is technically sound with some refined pass rush techniques. He’s just growing into his frame and game, projecting as a future All-Pro caliber edge. Pro comp: Robert Quinn (retired) Similar in many ways to 2026 No. 5 overall selection Arvel Reese, Simmons is a malleable monster capable of starring off the edge or as an off-ball linebacker. He is as swift on the perimeter as any rusher in this class, accelerating off the ball like a receiver getting into his route. He isn’t just explosive, he’s flexible, slithering his way through waves of blockers. Watch his anticipation on this snap. The quarterback (and left tackle) had no chance. Moreover, Simmons is shockingly strong at 6-foot-3, 240 pounds. Like all great speed rushers, Simmons generates impressive power with the momentum he gains off his rush, often bulldozing through blockers nearly 100 pounds larger. He has recorded 21 sacks over his first two seasons — despite starting just 13 games. Simmons’ physical gifts are undeniable and will almost certainly earn him a top-five selection whenever he chooses to enter the draft. He isn’t a prospect without flaws, however. He’s been penalized a dozen times in just two collegiate seasons, with most of his penalties coming from mental errors, such as lining up in the neutral zone or unnecessary late hits on the quarterback. Even with the occasional hiccup, Simmons has the look of a future franchise cornerstone. Pro comp: Von Miller, Dallas Cowboys It is difficult to discuss Smith and not venture into hyperbole. Ohio State’s track record for producing superstar NFL wide receivers has been well documented and Smith’s production over his first two years in Columbus is unprecedented even among them. His 2,558 receiving yards and 27 touchdowns during his first two seasons on campus aren't just records for an Ohio State receiver; they top all pass-catchers in Big Ten history. Along with current and future Hall of Famers Calvin Johnson, Julio Jones, Derrick Henry, Myles Garrett and Penei Sewell, Smith is one of a handful of players I’ve evaluated over my career who I believe were capable of playing in the NFL as true freshmen. At a rocked up 6-foot-3, 223 pounds, Smith can simply bully most defensive backs at the college level. His size and strength make him an ideal weapon in the red zone, where he shows good timing and hand-eye coordination to play above the rim. And he’s a legitimate vertical threat who accelerates smoothly and tracks the ball well over his shoulder. Smith is also excellent on slants and crossing routes, utilizing his frame to keep himself between the defender and the ball and showing good vision to rack up yardage after the catch. It is remarkable how many times he outruns pursuit angles or slips between defenders seemingly in position to stop him. We’ve often heard the expression "runaway freight train" used to describe running backs, but the characterization also applies to Smith at receiver. Comparisons to past size-speed phenoms such as the aforementioned Johnson, Jones and DK Metcalf will be common throughout the draft process. The scary part about Smith is that he’s already further along as a route-runner than any of these receivers were coming out of college. Pro comp: Julio Jones (retired)

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