AP
Here are the AP’s top sports stories that have moved or are planned to move today. All times U.S. Eastern. For up-to-the minute information on AP’s coverage, visit AP Newsroom’s Coverage Plan. Sports content can be found at http://newsroom.ap.org/page/APSports.
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UPCOMING
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BKN--LEBRON-BY THE NUMBERS
DESCRIPTION: The annual look at James’ stat collection, including where he ranks and if it’s even possible for him to keep climbing up the NBA’s various all-time leaderboards. By Basketball Writer Tim Reynolds.
UPCOMING: By 10/19/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT, Text, Photo
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FBN--ON FOOTBALL-COMEBACKS
DESCRIPTION: Deshaun Watson owned the fourth quarter again. Caleb Williams was nearly flawless in his return from injury. Aaron Rodgers is still making late-game magic.
UPCOMING: By 10/19/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT, Text
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FBC--T25-COLLEGE FOOTBALL POLL-ANALYSIS
DESCRIPTION: Just when you thought the SEC and Big Ten were the biggest and baddest conferences in the land, along comes the Big 12 with three teams in the top 10 of The Associated Press Top 25 and the ACC with the No. 1 team. By College Football Writer Eric Olson. 750 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 10/19/2026 6:10 a.m. EDT, Text, Photo
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BKN--NBA-SEASON PREVIEW
DESCRIPTION: New York is the reigning champion, Oklahoma City and San Antonio are the favorites, Philadelphia might have the most talent and there are a slew of other teams thinking they’re good enough to win it all. And if the last eight years – with eight different champions -- have proven anything, it’s that all things are possible. By Basketball Writer Tim Reynolds
UPCOMING: By 10/19/2026 11:00 a.m. EDT, Text, Photo
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FBC--MICHIGAN-QUARTERBACK
DESCRIPTION: Michigan coach Kyle Whittingham is expected to provide an update on his plans at quarterback and whether he’s sticking with Bryce Underwood as the starter or giving Tommy Carr the first snap against No. 6 Indiana. By Larry Lage. 350 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 10/19/2026 11:00 a.m. EDT, Text
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BKC--T25-MENS POLL
DESCRIPTION: The AP releases its preseason Top 25 men’s college basketball poll. By Dave Skretta. Text, file photos, agate list. Noon Eastern release.
UPCOMING: By 10/19/2026 12:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo, DigitalPlans
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CAR--NASCAR-PHOENIX-LARSON
DESCRIPTION: Kyle Larson looked nearly invincible through six races in NASCAR’s postseason race before Sunday’s debacle in Phoenix. Now there’s seven drivers within striking distance for the top spot with three races remaining, starting with Talladega next weekend. By David Brandt. 600 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 10/19/2026 2:00 p.m. EDT, Text
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BKN--NBA-BETTING
DESCRIPTION: The New York Knicks are the reigning champions, but LeBron James’ trade to Philadelphia has made the 76ers the betting favorites in the Eastern Conference.
UPCOMING: By 10/19/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT, Text
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BKL--WNBA FINALS
DESCRIPTION: Gabby Williams and the Valkyries host the Atlanta Dream in Game 2 of the WNBA Finals. Game starts at 8 p.m. EDT By Janie McCauley. — With separates on merit
UPCOMING: By 10/19/2026 11:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo
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BBO--ALCS-GUARDIANS-RAYS
DESCRIPTION: ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Freddy Peralta takes the mound for the Rays, who lead the series 3-2 and need one more victory over the Guardians to capture their third AL pennant. By Rob Maaddi. 600 words, photos. Game scheduled to start at 8:08 p.m. EDT.
UPCOMING: By 10/19/2026 11:30 p.m. EDT, Text
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FBN--COMMANDERS-49ERS
DESCRIPTION: Washington Commanders plays San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. By Pro Football Writer Josh Dubow. 700 words, more on merit.
UPCOMING: By 10/19/2026 11:30 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo
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NEW AND DEVELOPING
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FBN--COWBOYS-PACKERS
Jordan Love, Green Bay’s defense lead the way in Packers’ 23-13 victory over Cowboys
SUMMARY: Jordan Love threw a touchdown pass and also scored on a 1-yard keeper as the Green Bay Packers held Dallas’ high-powered offense in check and beat the Cowboys 23-13 in a penalty-filled game. Love went 23 of 41 for 276 yards to help the Packers improve to 11-1-1 in their last 13 meetings with the Cowboys. The Packers have won three straight. Green Bay intercepted Dak Prescott twice to thwart scoring opportunities. The game featured 22 penalties, including 11 by each team.
WORDS: 866 - MOVED: 10/19/2026 1:27 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:76b3537ccebff45864e2d11a51f24862&mediaType=text
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BBO--ALCS-RAYS-GUARDIANS
Rasmussen shines as Rays beat Guardians 3-1 in Game 5 to take a 3-2 ALCS lead
SUMMARY: Drew Rasmussen allowed one run over seven innings for his second postseason win, Tampa Bay’s offense kept on constant pressure and the Rays beat the Cleveland Guardians 3-1 to take a 3-2 lead in the AL Championship Series. The Rays will try to capture their third AL pennant and first since 2020 on Monday at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. Since the LCS expanded to seven games in 1985, road teams winning Game 5 for a 3-2 lead have won the series four of five times. Game 7 if needed would be Tuesday. The World Series starts Friday at NL champion Milwaukee.
WORDS: 932 - MOVED: 10/18/2026 10:53 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1a854911afce1965cf7998b8c55dd98e&mediaType=text
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FBN--BILLS-GARDNER-JOHNSON
Bills’ C.J. Gardner-Johnson apologizes after his ejection for spitting at a Raiders player
SUMMARY: Buffalo Bills safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson has apologized to his teammates after being ejected from Sunday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders for spitting on an opponent just before halftime. Gardner-Johnson says he let his emotions take over and he needs to be better. Officials ejected Gardner-Johnson for unsportsmanlike conduct following an exchange with a group of Raiders players, including tight end Brock Bowers. Referee Shawn Smith told a pool reporter that the umpire saw Gardner-Johnson spitting. Bills coach Joe Brady says such an incident “can’t happen” and “is going to be addressed.”
WORDS: 514 - MOVED: 10/18/2026 9:55 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:70a10c5006c7f4bd74a14367efc558ce&mediaType=text
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FBN--STRUGGLING RAMS
Super Bowl favorite Rams’ latest loss has Sean McVay searching for ways ‘not to beat ourselves’
SUMMARY: Sean McVay says the Los Angeles Rams have to find a way not to beat themselves. The preseason Super Bowl favorites are 2-4 after an 18-16 loss to the visiting Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. The Rams were done in by erratic play on offense and defense, haphazard special teams, inopportune penalties, untimely penalties and bad decisions. Six days earlier, the Rams lost by three points at home to the Buffalo Bills, and left tackle Alaric Jackson was suspended for postgame fisticuffs. His absence hurt the Rams against the Cardinals, who repeatedly sent pass rushers at Jackson’s replacement.
WORDS: 834 - MOVED: 10/18/2026 9:22 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:6e780f30b2a4f0238b6fc2c517d9a7e9&mediaType=text
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FBN--CARDINALS-RAMS
Cardinals upset Rams 18-16 on Chad Ryland’s 6th field goal as time expires
SUMMARY: Chad Ryland kicked his sixth field goal, a 43-yarder as time expired, and the Arizona Cardinals rallied for a stunning 18-16 victory over the Los Angeles Rams. Punter Ethan Evans kicked the go-ahead extra point after Colby Parkinson caught a touchdown pass from Matthew Stafford with 47 seconds to play for the vaunted Rams, who struggled all day before mounting a desperate final scoring drive. But the Cardinals immediately moved 36 yards into field goal range on Jalen Brooks’ long reception and an unnecessary roughness penalty on Josh Wallace. Three snaps later, Ryland buried his final kick to seal a shocking upset for Arizona.
WORDS: 932 - MOVED: 10/18/2026 9:14 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5af63ca9deeb998b5e8a63632a876f36&mediaType=text
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US--TRUMP-GOLF COURSE
Trump says he will close historic DC golf course for 15 months of renovations
SUMMARY: President Donald Trump says he plans to close a historic golf course in the nation’s capital for 15 months and redevelop it despite an ongoing court challenge to his long-ought renovation. Trump posted on social media about his plans to have the East Potomac Golf Course close starting Nov. 15 to make it, in his words, “one of the Best and Most Spectacular Golf Courses anywhere.” But a judge last week ordered a halt to his redevelopment plans until at least Oct. 26. And there’s another court hearing in the case scheduled for Monday.
WORDS: 903 - MOVED: 10/18/2026 8:23 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ef8daa134bb6c7c08fd528d98aa3e77f&mediaType=text
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BKN--KINGS-SIMMONS
Kings guard Ben Simmons tears his Achilles tendon in practice
SUMMARY: Ben Simmons tore his right Achilles tendon in practice, ending his comeback attempt this season with the Sacramento Kings before the season even started. The Kings said Simmons hurt himself during a live drill and will need to undergo surgery three days before the season opener Wednesday night on the road against the Los Angeles Clippers. Simmons signed a one-year deal with Sacramento this summer as he tried to revive his career.
WORDS: 425 - MOVED: 10/18/2026 8:17 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8a7892a1cf04681286dfd16e2bbd6f43&mediaType=text
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FBC--T25-COLLEGE-FOOTBALL-POLL
Miami is No. 1 in AP Top 25 for 1st time since ’02, No. 2 BYU’s ranking best since ’84 title season
SUMMARY: Miami is now No. 1 in The Associated Press Top 25 for the first time since 2002. No. 2 BYU has reached its highest ranking since its 1984 national championship season. Notre Dame and Georgia remain in the top five despite close losses. This week, five of the top seven teams lost, marking a first in the AP poll’s 90-year history. Miami and BYU benefited most from the chaos, joined by Ohio State in a tightly packed top three.
WORDS: 903 - MOVED: 10/18/2026 7:42 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:337c6bb6c1c58e83c36ab7742d2b8d41&mediaType=text
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CAR--NASCAR-PHOENIX
Reddick wins in Phoenix as NASCAR Cup Series championship tightens after miserable day for Larson
SUMMARY: Tyler Reddick earned his sixth win of the NASCAR season at Phoenix Raceway, boosting his position in the Cup Series championship standings. On Sunday, Reddick’s No. 45 Toyota overtook Chase Briscoe with 17 laps to go. Kyle Larson, the leader, had a rough day, finishing 34th after hitting the wall due to a flat tire. Larson’s lead is now just five points over Christopher Bell as they head to Talladega next week. Denny Hamlin and others remain in contention. Joey Logano won both stages, collecting 20 points. The Cup Series continues with three races left in the season.
WORDS: 734 - MOVED: 10/18/2026 7:26 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:2577a5e6e713fa034af6f7c70de75779&mediaType=text
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FBN--GIANTS-QUARTERBACK CHANGE
John Harbaugh says no Giants QB decision yet after J.J. McCarthy replaces Jameis Winston
SUMMARY: J.J. McCarthy took over as the New York Giants’ quarterback after Jameis Winston threw his second interception of the game early in the fourth quarter against New Orleans, then led them on three scoring drives to get within seven points in the final minute. McCarthy threw for 243 yards in just over 11 minutes, including a TD pass to Isaiah Likely after getting picked off on his first possession. Coach John Harbaugh said after the Giants’ 34-27 loss to the Saints that it was too early to say whether Winston or McCarthy would start next weekend at Houston.
WORDS: 471 - MOVED: 10/18/2026 6:49 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:27e475e1b2d76189ed975241576de6af&mediaType=text
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FBN--RAVENS-BROWNS
Deshaun Watson leads drive for winning field goal and Browns rally for 13-10 victory over Ravens
SUMMARY: Deshaun Watson connected with Jerry Jeudy for 33 yards to set up Andre Szmyt’s 37-yard field goal on the final snap, and the Cleveland Browns rallied past the Baltimore Ravens 13-10. Browns first-year coach Todd Monken picked up an improbable victory over the Ravens, for whom he spent the previous three seasons as offensive coordinator. Cleveland relied on its defense for long stretches and got just enough playmaking from Watson in the end. The Ravens had Tyler Huntley at quarterback for the second straight week because Lamar Jackson has an ankle injury. Baltimore scored on its first two possessions but did nothing from there.
WORDS: 866 - MOVED: 10/18/2026 5:52 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b50a38e84bf49a075d9854e6248d3433&mediaType=text
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BKN--THUNDER-SHAI’S QUEST
OKC’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander could join rare club of back-to-back-to-back NBA MVPs this season
SUMMARY: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder has a shot at winning his third consecutive NBA MVP award this season. Only three players have ever achieved that feat. Despite his focus on team success and championships, Gilgeous-Alexander’s individual performance stands out. He leads the NBA in scoring over the past two seasons and has received more than 75% of first-place MVP votes. Thunder general manager Sam Presti has praised his work ethic and emotional awareness. If the Thunder remain contenders, Gilgeous-Alexander will likely be a top MVP candidate again, emphasizing leadership over individual accolades.
WORDS: 778 - MOVED: 10/18/2026 3:13 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8fc313cabe0c18e0e2a7e1719472b2e3&mediaType=text
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BKL--WNBA FINALS
Valkyries star Gabby Williams counts possessions, keeps track of everything to lead late in games
SUMMARY: Late in games, Gabby Williams starts counting. She constantly computes math in her head, all while handling the pressure of being the one to regularly take big shots for the Golden State Valkyries. Better Williams than coach Natalie Nakase, that’s for sure. She doesn’t do math. The Dream had been outstanding down the stretch during their first two series, both sweeps, to reach the franchise’s fourth finals. Yet Atlanta is still yet to win a finals game. Coach Karl Smesko can’t wait for his team to find a way to bounce back Monday night in Game 2.
WORDS: 646 - MOVED: 10/18/2026 3:07 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:56598fc08f0a6feb1ae4ecb7b4faf5f5&mediaType=text
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FBN--TEXANS-JAGUARS
Fairbairn’s last-second 49-yard FG gives Texans 34-31 win over Jaguars at Wembley Stadium
SUMMARY: Ka’imi Fairbairn kicked a 49-yard field goal as time expired, C.J. Stroud threw three touchdown passes and the Houston Texans beat the Jacksonville Jaguars 34-31 on the slick grass of Wembley Stadium. Cam Little’s 60-yard field goal had tied the game at 31-31 with just under two minutes left after Travis Hunter intercepted Stroud’s pass in the end zone. Hunter also hauled in a 7-yard touchdown pass at the other end — becoming just the fifth player in the Super Bowl era, including the playoffs, to both score a touchdown and intercept a pass in the same game. Marvin Harrison Jr. made his debut for the Texans as Houston earned back-to-back wins to gain ground on the AFC South-leading Jaguars.
WORDS: 821 - MOVED: 10/18/2026 2:51 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:634ab82bc8c4f20ef55541777ce3b1f7&mediaType=text
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SOC--ENGLISH ROUNDUP
Goal from halfway line helps surprise package Brighton win 5-0 as Arsenal leaves it late at Forest
SUMMARY: A breathtaking 50-meter strike stood out among the goals scored by Brighton in its 5-0 win over Crystal Palace, the latest statement victory from this season’s surprise package in the Premier League. Arsenal just needed one goal, a late one from substitute Noni Madueke, to see off Nottingham Forest 1-0. Manchester United ended a turbulent week by scrapping out a 1-1 draw at fierce rival Leeds. Bournemouth beat 10-man Sunderland 2-0.
WORDS: 664 - MOVED: 10/18/2026 2:03 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a811682daa3d770dce32344a262f3ea0&mediaType=text
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SOC--BRIGHTON-SPECTACULAR GOAL
Diego Gomez scores from halfway line for Brighton to revive memories of David Beckham’s famous goal
SUMMARY: Diego Gomez hit it like Beckham when he scored a goal from the halfway line in the Premier League in Brighton’s 5-0 win over Crystal Palace. The Paraguay international collected the ball just inside his own half and advanced just into Palace’s half before launching a 50-meter shot over goalkeeper Walter Benitez and into the net for a spectacular goal in the seventh minute of the match at Amex Stadium. Gomez’s goal revived memories of a strike from a similar range from David Beckham when playing for Manchester United against Wimbledon on the opening day of the 1996-97 Premier League season. It is one of English soccer’s most famous goals and thrust Beckham into the spotlight.
WORDS: 213 - MOVED: 10/18/2026 2:02 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:0ab638e09363c9e7ec4c16b7a6746851&mediaType=text