MLB Playoffs Deliver Early Thrillers as NFL Power Shifts and WNBA Draft Looms
The MLB postseason opened with a bang as Schlittler and Riley set the tone in style, while the NFL's power structure continues to shift after a wild Week 4. Meanwhile, the WNBA postseason has already produced historic moments, prompting our first look at the 2027 draft class. Here is your daily briefing on the stories that matter in the world of sports.
What to Know from Wednesday's MLB Playoff Openers
The baseball playoffs are officially underway, and the early returns have not disappointed. Schlittler and Riley both delivered standout performances in their respective openers, giving their teams early momentum in what promises to be a hard-fought postseason. With the expanded field, every game carries weight, and the pressure is already showing in tight contests across the league.
Prisco's NFL Power Rankings: A New No. 1 Emerges
Pete Prisco's latest NFL Power Rankings have a new team at the top. The Seahawks' surprising loss to the Commanders cost them the No. 1 spot, dropping them to fifth. The Ravens and Cowboys delivered an instant classic in Rio de Janeiro, a back-and-forth thriller that ended on the final play. Both teams climbed in the rankings, though each faces lingering questions.
Prisco explained the Ravens' three-spot rise: “Beating the Cowboys on the last play really changes how they feel about their start. There is a big difference between 2-1 and 1-2 in the tough AFC North.”
On the Cowboys, he noted: “Losing to the Ravens with one second left is a tough one to take. Now they face a tough turnaround against a desperate Texans team on the road.”
Where the Top Teams Stand After Week 4
- Seahawks (5th) – Still the best one-loss team in the league
- Broncos (6th) – Climbing three spots
- Jaguars (7th) – Also up three
First 2027 WNBA Mock Draft: Who Goes Where?
The WNBA playoffs are underway, and while the final draft order won't be set for weeks, we already know which seven teams will pick first. The last-place Storm and expansion franchises Tempo and Fire are in the mix for top prospects. Our Jack Maloney has released his first mock draft of the cycle, and several teams hold multiple first-round picks.
- Sparks: LSU G MiLaysia Fulwiley, South Carolina F Ashlyn Watkins
- Wings: Ole Miss G Talaysia Cooper, South Carolina F Chloe Kitts
- Sky: South Carolina G Tessa Johnson, France F Sarah Cissé
For those unfamiliar with Cissé, Maloney explains why the Sky are a logical destination: “Chicago has seven players with guaranteed contracts on the roster next season, and that doesn't include Natasha Cloud, DiJonai Carrington, Sydney Taylor, Rachel Banham or the No. 11 pick. There may not be room for multiple rookies on next season's roster, so a draft-and-stash option would make sense here. The 6-2 Cissé was named MVP of FIBA U20 Women's EuroBasket 2026 after leading France to the gold medal.”
Other Key Storylines Across Sports
Several other developments are worth tracking as the week progresses:
- Odell Beckham Jr. is a free agent after being released by the Giants, with four teams emerging as ideal landing spots.
- Jayden Daniels will avoid in-season elbow surgery, though the procedure remains possible after the campaign.
- Deion Sanders is expected to make a quarterback change this week against No. 11 Texas Tech.
- The Premier League formally announced Manchester City's 114 violations, setting the stage for potential massive sanctions.
- The women's flyweight title is one of five major storylines at UFC 332 on Saturday.
- Sebastian Berhalter guided the USMNT to a second win in the September window, though the young nucleus showed growing pains.
- A former Auburn football staffer faces felony charges for allegedly sharing recruiting information with rival schools.
What to Watch Wednesday
Today's slate features a packed schedule across multiple sports:
- UEFA Women's Champions League: Barcelona at Roma, 12:45 p.m. on CBS Sports Network/Paramount+
- MLB: Phillies at Braves, Game 2, 2 p.m. on NBC
- UEFA Women's Champions League: Bayern Munich at Benfica, 3 p.m. on CBS Sports Network/Paramount+
- MLB: White Sox at Astros, Game 2, 5 p.m. on NBC Sports Network
- WNBA: Dream at Mystics, Game 2, 7 p.m. on ESPN
- NHL: Penguins at Flyers, 7:30 p.m. on TNT
- MLB: Red Sox at Yankees, Game 2, 8 p.m. on NBC
- WNBA: Valkyries at Wings, Game 2, 9 p.m. on ESPN
- MLB: Cubs at Padres, Game 2, 10 p.m. on NBC Sports Network
- NHL: Kings at Avalanche, 10 p.m. on TNT
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the new No. 1 team in Prisco's NFL Power Rankings?
The identity of the new top team is revealed in the full Week 4 rankings, which saw the Seahawks drop to fifth after their loss to the Commanders. The Ravens and Cowboys both climbed after their thriller in Rio de Janeiro.
Which teams have multiple first-round picks in the 2027 WNBA Draft?
The Sparks, Wings, and Sky each hold multiple first-round selections. Our mock draft projects LSU's MiLaysia Fulwiley, South Carolina's Ashlyn Watkins, and France's Sarah Cissé among the top prospects.
What are the biggest storylines in the MLB playoffs so far?
Schlittler and Riley opened the postseason in style, while several Game 2 matchups, including Phillies-Braves and Red Sox-Yankees, headline Wednesday's slate.