Sports
NFL QB stock report, Week 15: Does ‘unstoppable’ Josh Allen have MVP locked up?
Even in defeat, Josh Allen has the NFL marveling over his unique ability to dominate a game.
The Buffalo Bills superstar, MVP favorite and No. 1 quarterback in these rankings for a second straight week steamrolled the Los Angeles Rams defense Sunday, completing 22 of 37 passes for 342 yards and three touchdowns while leading the rushing attack with 82 yards and three more trips to the end zone. In doing so, he became the first player in NFL history to tally three scores each through the air and on the ground in the same game. Allen led the Bills to four consecutive touchdown drives to close the game, nearly erasing a 17-point, fourth-quarter deficit before falling 44-42.
The Athletic’s Week 15 QB rankings
| RK. | QB | Last Wk. | SZN, High | SZN, Low |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Josh Allen |
1 |
1 |
4 |
|
2 |
Lamar Jackson |
2 |
1 |
4 |
|
3 |
Patrick Mahomes |
3 |
1 |
3 |
|
4 |
Joe Burrow |
4 |
3 |
6 |
|
5 |
Jared Goff |
5 |
5 |
16 |
|
6 |
Jordan Love |
6 |
6 |
12 |
|
7 |
Baker Mayfield |
7 |
7 |
17 |
|
8 |
Brock Purdy |
9 |
6 |
12 |
|
9 |
Jalen Hurts |
8 |
8 |
18 |
|
10 |
C.J. Stroud |
10 |
3 |
10 |
|
11 |
Jayden Daniels |
11 |
10 |
22 |
|
12 |
Justin Herbert |
12 |
6 |
16 |
|
13 |
Geno Smith |
14 |
13 |
20 |
|
14 |
Matthew Stafford |
15 |
7 |
20 |
|
15 |
Sam Darnold |
16 |
11 |
28 |
|
16 |
Kyler Murray |
13 |
7 |
18 |
|
17 |
Tua Tagovailoa |
17 |
13 |
21 |
|
18 |
Russell Wilson |
18 |
17 |
30 |
|
19 |
Drake Maye |
19 |
19 |
23 |
|
20 |
Bo Nix |
20 |
20 |
29 |
|
21 |
Bryce Young |
21 |
21 |
31 |
|
22 |
Kirk Cousins |
22 |
11 |
22 |
|
23 |
Caleb Williams |
23 |
19 |
28 |
|
24 |
Aaron Rodgers |
24 |
5 |
24 |
|
25 |
Anthony Richardson |
25 |
20 |
28 |
|
26 |
Jameis Winston |
27 |
26 |
28 |
|
27 |
Mac Jones |
NR. |
27 |
27 |
|
28 |
Will Levis |
28 |
24 |
32 |
|
29 |
Cooper Rush |
30 |
29 |
31 |
|
30 |
Aidan O’Connell |
31 |
30 |
31 |
|
31 |
Drew Lock |
32 |
31 |
32 |
|
32 |
Jake Haener |
NR. |
32 |
32 |
The Rams survived Allen’s onslaught by brilliantly managing the game when he was tethered to the sideline. They blocked a punt for a touchdown, converted 11 of 15 third downs and didn’t punt until the fourth quarter.
It was the 32nd time in his career Allen produced a passer rating of at least 108 in a game — and the first one of those games he lost. He also fell to 18-2 in games when he’s had a hand in at least four touchdowns.
It just goes to show how much the Rams — or any other opponent — must do right on offense and special teams to withstand Allen’s barrage.
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“He is so talented and clearly capable of taking over a game,” said an offensive coach who recently played against the Bills. “Just have to find a way to hang on and make them earn everything, try to prevent the big plays. But he was unstoppable at times.”
Allen has completed 64.1 percent of his passes this season for 3,033 yards, 23 touchdowns and five interceptions. He also has 416 rushing yards and nine touchdowns. He even was credited with a receiving score in Week 13 against the San Francisco 49ers, bringing his total touchdown tally to 33.
It might come as a surprise, but Allen’s passing numbers are down from recent seasons. He has produced the third-highest completion percentage of his career, but his yards per game (233.3) would be his fewest since 2019. He is on pace to throw exactly 30 touchdown passes, which would rank fourth among his seven seasons.
And it’s not because he’s running more. His 32 rushing yards per game would be his fourth highest, although his nine scores on the ground are tied for his second most.
The real root of his success, according to a longtime defensive coach who has faced the Bills this season, has been a reduction in turnovers. He has been intercepted on only 1.3 percent of his passes, which would be a career best, and he’s gone seven games without a pick.
“He’s playing extremely fast,” the defensive coach said. “If you look at the turnovers and how he’s playing while protecting the ball, that’s the key to his success this season. What’s held him back over the last three years from being completely dominant are the turnovers. (This year), he’s operating on time and in rhythm. He’s making good decisions, has been in charge of more from a protection standpoint while still delivering big-time plays like everyone is accustomed to him making.
“He’s an extremely tough cover on third down, in the red area and in two-minute because of his legs. His red-area production is through the roof this year. He was always tough to defend down there, but he’s avoiding the turnovers, which was happening too much for a player of his caliber.”
Allen, who has never won an MVP award, delivered in crunchtime in Week 11 to give Kansas City its only loss. After the Chiefs cut the Bills’ lead to 23-21 midway through the fourth quarter, Allen converted two third downs before a 26-yard touchdown run on fourth-and-2. Until that point, Lamar Jackson looked like a runaway MVP candidate.
On 4th & 2 with 2:27 left in regulation, Josh Allen dropped back before breaking off a 26-yard TD run.
Allen had just a 1.2% chance of scoring a touchdown once he tucked the ball to run. It was Allen’s first scramble TD run against the Chiefs in his career.
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— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) November 18, 2024
More importantly, though, Allen’s difference-making ability has the Bills looking like legitimate Super Bowl contenders. They have to be much better on defense than they showed in Los Angeles, something they’ll have a chance to show this weekend when they visit the 12-1 Detroit Lions. If the Bills can knock off a second top seed favorite behind Allen’s strong play, postseason expectations will be through the roof in Buffalo.
“He can beat you so many ways,” an executive said. “If you let him sit in the pocket, he will pick you apart. If you blitz him, he will stand in and not flinch, or he will beat you with his legs. He is so big and strong that defenders fall off him. He is fun to watch. So much poise and command on the field.”
Another defensive coach said, “It’s brutal” to both prepare for Allen and then to adjust the plan during the game.
“Even when you have something dialed up, he can make a spectacular play off script and scramble out of trouble,” the second defensive coach said. “You have to continuously change looks pre- and post-snap. You also have to keep him contained in the pocket. If you don’t, you’ll have no shot.”
So yeah, Allen has an answer for everything — at least when he’s on the field.
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Still in command
Jayden Daniels’ red-hot start propelled the Washington Commanders into the playoff race and accelerated the new regime’s rebuild far quicker than anticipated.
So it was mildly surprising when the rookie quarterback and the Commanders limped to a three-game losing streak in November. They snapped the skid with a blowout victory against the Tennessee Titans, and they’re coming out of their bye week with a trip to the New Orleans Saints on tap. From there, they’ll have an opportunity to avenge two of those losses when they take on the Philadelphia Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys, with another important game against the Atlanta Falcons in between.
They’ll continue to rely on the No. 2 pick, so their bye-week adjustments will be paramount.
Though there’s been a natural inclination to wonder whether defenses have caught up to offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury’s scheme — a popular point of criticism when he was the Arizona Cardinals coach — a couple of executives believed that was overblown.
More likely, it was just a rookie quarterback who, for the first time in his young career, hit the proverbial wall.
“Each defense presents its own challenges, and some schemes match up better than others,” an assistant coach observed. “It’s probably more of him trying to figure things out on a week-to-week basis.”
It’s a natural progression for all young quarterbacks. Once there’s enough tape, defenses find new ways to attack, then it’s on the QB to counter. In that sense, it was a great time for a bye week.
Daniels also has faced more pressure. He’s been sacked 12 times in his last four games, and he’s thrown four interceptions over that stretch. He was sacked 17 times with two interceptions in his first nine games.
“Function of the offense,” an executive said. “Takes pressure, and the turnover-worthy throws increase.”
Suffice it to say, Daniels’ early success wasn’t a ruse. Rival coaches and executives believe he’ll be just fine after plateauing for a few weeks.
It’s gonna be Maye
Drake Maye and the New England Patriots were also on a bye last week, but this quote was too good not to use.
“He’s such a stud,” an executive said. “They absolutely nailed that pick. They were patient in the draft, waited and got their guy. That was awesome. He’s got such a powerful arm. That arm is the real deal. He’s a leader, just a great person. They got the right guy.”
It took longer than the Patriots would have liked, but it surely looks like they’ve found their next franchise quarterback.
Injury notes
Saints quarterback Derek Carr has a significant fracture in his left hand and is expected to miss at least several weeks, according to a league source. The Saints have not publicly named their starter, so Jake Haener made his debut in the rankings because he replaced Carr on Sunday.
Las Vegas Raiders QB Aidan O’Connell suffered a bone bruise in his knee, according to a league source. He hasn’t been ruled out this week, so he remained in the rankings.
Dropped out: Carr (left-hand fracture, concussion), No. 26 last week; Trevor Lawrence (concussion), No. 29 last week.
(Photo: Katelyn Mulcahy / Getty Images)
Sports
James Harden arrested in Houston on misdemeanor weapons charge after NBA playoff exit: report
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Two weeks after being eliminated from the NBA playoffs, James Harden was reportedly arrested in Houston, where he used to play, early Saturday morning.
The California Post, citing court records, said the 11-time All-Star was placed in custody on a misdemeanor charge of unlawful carrying of weapons.
Harden allegedly “unlawfully, intentionally and knowingly” had a handgun in his vehicle, the records said, according to the outlet.
Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden controls the ball against New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson during the second half of Game 3 in the Eastern Conference finals in Cleveland on May 24, 2027. (Sue Ogrocki/AP)
The firearm “was in plain view” and “not carried in a holster.”
The outlet reported that Harden was at a local hookah lounge with friends before his arrest.
Harden’s Cleveland Cavaliers were recently swept by the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Knicks are one win away from their first NBA title since 1973.
“The Cleveland Cavaliers are aware of the arrest of James Harden this morning and are in the process of gathering additional information,” the Cavs said in a statement. “We are in contact with James and his representation and will continue to monitor developments as they become available. At this time, we will have no further comment.”
Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden disputes a call during the second half of Game 3 in the Eastern Conference finals against the New York Knicks in Cleveland on May 24, 2027. (Sue Ogrocki/AP)
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The Cavs acquired Harden in a trade with the Los Angeles Clippers to boost their playoff push, and they earned the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference.
Harden averaged 20.5 points per game after the trade, understandably taking a back seat to Donovan Mitchell. He averaged 25.4 points per game in L.A., but the Clippers failed to make the playoffs, as they scored the sixth-fewest points per game in the NBA.
The Post said Harden is due back in court on June 22 for arraignment.
Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden reacts to a call during the first half of Game 4 in the Eastern Conference finals against the New York Knicks in Cleveland on May 25, 2026. (Sue Ogrocki/AP)
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Harden played for the Houston Rockets from 2012 until 2021, when he was traded to the Brooklyn Nets. He was named the MVP of the 2017-18 season and led the NBA in scoring each season from that year through 2019-20. In that span, he averaged nearly 34 points per contest.
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The U.S. men’s soccer team chose an incredible day to have an incredible day.
Crucially, the United States aced its only chance to make a first impression, kicking off this colossal World Cup it’s co-hosting with Mexico and Canada with a 4-1 victory over Paraguay.
Consider it a save for the tournament, three points for soccer in America and maybe even a win for uniting the States.
The Americans on the pitch did all that, including making sure a sellout crowd of 70,492 fans got their money’s worth for their exorbitantly high-priced seats to watch football under Friday Night Lights at SoFi Stadium.
U.S. forward Folarin Balogun, right, celebrates with Sergino Dest and Chris Richards after scoring during a World Cup win over Paraguay on Friday at SoFi Stadium.
(Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)
It was not a clean sheet. And it wasn’t an elixir for all the issues — visas, tickets, transportation — that ailed the tournament in its buildup.
But the opening statement by the United States confirmed what we thought might be true. Only one thing could save this soccer tournament: soccer.
The U.S. delivered a performance to change the conversation — for the next few weeks and maybe longer.
Making history to alter history.
The United States scored multiple goals in a World Cup first half for the first time since 2002.
It got two of them from Folarin Balogun, the Brooklyn-born, England-raised forward of Nigerian descent who became just the second USMNT player to score two goals in a World Cup game and the first since 1930.
Got a perfect match from Chris Richards, the afro-rocking defender with the long, loping strides, who was 83 for 83 on his passes. That’s better than any player at a World Cup since 1966.
And if possession is nine-tenths of the law of attraction, know that the Americans possessed the ball 71% of the first half, most in the first half of a World Cup game in the modern era.
Landon Donovan, star of the 2002 team that reached the World Cup quarterfinals — a record that still stands — posted on X: “From start to finish, that was the most enjoyable day of soccer I’ve ever experienced.”
That’s the stuff that will get the American people going. Get us invested, get us behind them. That could convert even devout casuals.
Americans love a good underdog story. We also want the best, the finest, the biggest — and this, with its expanded field of 48, is the biggest version of the biggest and best tournament in the world.
And the only thing we love more than winning is dominating. The United States did that Friday against a Paraguayan team that had allowed only 10 goals in 18 World Cup qualifying matches, and whom the United States beat 2-1 in a tense match in November.
Fans cheer during the U.S. win over Paraguay in their World Cup opener Saturday at SoFi Stadium.
(Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)
That was Mauricio Pochettino and his players helping us help them.
“The fans, amazing,” said Pochettino, the team’s accomplished Argentine coach. “On behalf of the whole team, a massive thank you to the fans. Because the energy that they [gave] to the team was amazing. We can do amazing things if the fans are in this as well.”
Friday was so good for soccer in America.
And so good for America. The kind of butt-kicking that’s chicken soup for a nation’s soul.
Maybe it’s idealistic and naive, or apple-pie-in-the-sky wishful thinking, but I believe that they can win. (And by win, I mean make the quarterfinals again.)
There’s no removing politics from this World Cup, but wouldn’t it be fun to all rally behind a team together? Can’t you see the country coalescing behind the right wingers and left wingers on the pitch? Picture people celebrating the freedom inherent in Pochettino’s system? Cheering the all-for-one and one-for-all of this team of dual nationals and Americans raised abroad — or in Alabama?
Postmatch, Pochettino refused to single out any one player, instead giving reporters a recitation of his roster: “[Christian Pulisic] was amazing [setting up two goals]. Balogun was amazing, of course. Tim Ream was amazing, of course. Chris Richards was amazing, yes. Weston McKennie, he was amazing, amazing. Antonee Robinson, Alex Freeman, amazing. Sergiño Dest, amazing …”
Like they put it on the @USMNT Instagram account: “Together as Won.”
U.S. soccer, amazing.
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The wait is over. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is coming to 16 different cities across Canada, Mexico and the United States this summer, and you’ll be able to catch all the action with FOX Sports, America’s English-language home for the 48-team soccer bonanza.
Here is the full broadcast schedule for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and how you can watch every game:
How to Watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will run from June 11–July 19, 2026. Spread across three countries, the tournament will culminate with the final on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. All 104 tournament matches will air live across FOX and FS1 with every match streaming live and on-demand within both the FOX One and the FOX Sports apps.
JUMP TO: Group Stage | Knockout Rounds | World Cup Final
2026 World Cup Group Stage Schedule:
June 11, 2026
June 12
June 13
June 14
June 15
June 16
June 17
June 18
June 19
June 20
June 21
June 22
June 23
June 24
- Group B: Watch Switzerland vs Canada — BC Place Vancouver (3 p.m. ET, FOX, FOX One)
- Group B: Watch Bosnia vs Qatar — Seattle Stadium (3 p.m. ET, FS1, FOX One)
- Group C: Watch Brazil vs Scotland — Miami Stadium (6 p.m. ET, FOX, FOX One)
- Group C: Watch Morocco vs Haiti — Atlanta Stadium (6 p.m. ET, FS1, FOX One)
- Group A: Watch Mexico vs Czechia — Mexico City Stadium (9 p.m. ET, FOX, FOX One)
- Group A: Watch South Korea vs South Africa — Monterrey Stadium (9 p.m. ET, FS1, FOX One)
June 25
- Group E: Watch Ecuador vs Germany — New York New Jersey Stadium (4 p.m. ET, FOX, FOX One)
- Group E: Watch Curaçao vs Ivory Coastt — Philadelphia Stadium (4 p.m. ET, FS1, FOX One)
- Group F: Watch Tunisia vs Netherlands — Kansas City Stadium (7 p.m. ET, FOX, FOX One)
- Group F: Watch Japan vs Sweden— Dallas Stadium (7 p.m. ET, FS1, FOX One)
- Group D: USA vs Türkiye – Los Angeles Stadium (10 p.m. ET, FOX, FOX One)
- Group D: Watch Paraguay vs Australia — San Francisco Bay Stadium (10 p.m. ET, FS1, FOX One)
June 26
- Group I: Watch Norway vs France — Boston Stadium (3 p.m. ET, FOX, FOX One)
- Group I: Watch Senegal vs Iraq — Toronto Stadium (3 p.m. ET, FS1, FOX One)
- Group H: Watch Uruguay vs Spain — Guadalajara Stadium (8 p.m. ET, FOX, FOX One)
- Group H: Watch Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia — Houston Stadium (8 p.m. ET, FS1, FOX One)
- Group G: Watch New Zealand vs Belgium — BC Place Vancouver (11 p.m. ET, FOX, FOX One)
- Group G: Watch Egypt vs Iran — Seattle Stadium (11 p.m. ET, FS1, FOX One)
June 27
- Group L: Watch Panama vs England —New York New Jersey Stadium (5 p.m. ET, FOX, FOX One)
- Group L: Watch Croatia vs Ghana — Philadelphia Stadium (5 p.m. ET, FS1, FOX One)
- Group K: Watch Colombia vs Portugal — Miami Stadium (7:30 p.m. ET, FOX, FOX One)
- Group K: Watch DR Congo vs Uzbekistan — Atlanta Stadium (7:30 p.m. ET, FS1, FOX One)
- Group J: Watch Argentina vs Jordan — Dallas Stadium (10 p.m. ET, FOX, FOX One)
- Group J: Watch Algeria vs Austria — Kansas City Stadium (10 p.m. ET, FS1, FOX One)
2026 World Cup Schedule: Knockout Round
Round of 32
June 28
June 29
June 30
July 1
July 2
July 3
Round of 16
July 4
July 5
July 6
July 7
Quarterfinals
July 9
July 10
July 11
Semifinals
July 14
July 15
World Cup Final
July 19
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The World Cup will run from June 11–July 19, 2026. Spread across three countries, the tournament will culminate with the final on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. All 104 tournament matches will air live across FOX and FS1 with every match streaming live and on-demand within both the FOX One and the FOX Sports apps.
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