The WNBA semifinals were fun to watch. Las Vegas needed five games to eliminate Indiana while Phoenix won a thriller series against Minnesota in four. The Mercury lost only two games in two playoff matchups. The team that wins this year’s championship deserves the praise and accolades. It’s time to break down which one has the best chance of winning another championship.
#2 Las Vegas Aces v. #4 Phoenix Mercury
Kahleah Copper (with ball) versus Jackie Young (0) will be the matchup to watch all series.
This should be a fun finals. Las Vegas and Phoenix have multiple All-Stars, MVPs, bench depth and top talent on their rosters. Both coaches get a lot of out of the roster talent and adapt well each quarter.
However, there’s no debate which team has more advantages. From pre-season to late August, the Aces have the Mercury’s number. Las Vegas coach Becky Hammon stays a few steps ahead of Phoenix coach Nate Tibbetts. Aces center A’ja Wilson dominates play on-court and media accolades and awards off-court compared to Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas. Las Vegas’ mid-season addition of forward NaLyssa Smith is the perfect counter to Phoenix’s mid-season signing of guard DeWanna Bonner. Hammon has better depth with guards Dana Evans and Jewell Loyd, center Kiah Stokes and forward Kiersten Bell than Tibbetts’ guard Alexa Held and forward Kathryn Westbeld.
One advantage the Mercury have is former finals MVP guard and forward Kahleah Copper. Copper played some of her best career basketball in a previous finals appearance with former All-Stars back in 2021. Despite her skillset, the veteran guard trio of Loyd, Jackie Young and former finals MVP Chelsea Gray will slow Copper down at some point in the series. Phoenix will go as far as Kahleah Copper and forward Satou Sabally can carry them before Las Vegas’ finals experience kicks in and closes the series.
Las Vegas’ Chelsea Gray (left) and A’ja Wilson have been the best duo this postseason.
Prediction: Las Vegas Aces beat the Phoenix Mercury 4-2 and win their third ever WNBA Championship trophy
What an exciting week four! There were more blocked kicks, a rookie runningback had a three touchdown day, the Giants got their first win of the season against the undefeated Chargers and two other teams remain undefeated after four games. The last Sunday of September delivered surprising results and some exciting divisional matchups. So, let’s take a look at what stood out at the end of the month.
Winners: Drake Maye and the New England Patriots Offense
Anyone who watched New England’s offense this month, knows they mostly played well. Some attribute the good play to the Patriots playing worse defenses. Regardless of the takes, the dominant home win against Carolina was the third straight week New England’s offense has played well.
The Patriots started their offensive barrage in the second quarter. Drake Maye’s five yard touchdown run turned out to be the game winning score. Maye also completed 14 of 17 passes for 203 yards and two touchdowns. His two scoring passes were New England’s last two of the game.
Maye is playing better because the running game has improved. While four running backs combined for over 100 yards, none of them, including Rhamondre Stevenson, fumbled the ball. TreVeyon Henderson and Antonio Gibson had two rushing touchdowns before halftime and solidified an easy win.
Many believe the Patriots are still a dark horse playoff team. An offense playing better combined with a solid defense and good special teams makes New England interesting to watch the next two months.
Matthew Stafford and Puka Nacua
This site predicted Los Angeles would be a serious playoff contender to start the regular season. After September, it’s safe to say the Rams could be a Super Bowl pick if quarterback Matthew Stafford and star wide receiver Puka Nacua stay healthy.
Stafford had a classic Sunday performance against the undefeated Colts. He completed 29 of 41 passes for 375 yards, three touchdowns and a 123.5 passer rating. All three of Stafford’s touchdowns either gave Los Angeles a lead or tied the game at some point. While Indianapolis sacked the veteran quarterback three times, the defense struggled to rattle him and couldn’t disrupt Stafford’s reads.
The receiver Matthew Stafford trusts most is three year star Puka Nacua. Rams general manager Les Snead knew in the offseason that Nacua was more valuable than former phenom Cooper Kupp. After trading Kupp to Seattle, Nacua became the de facto number one receiver, and has been on a roll to start the season. Sunday he had 13 catches (on 15 targets) for 170 yards and the game tying touchdown late in the fourth quarter.
Los Angeles could be the hardest team to play against this season. Matthew Stafford plays better each year under center and it’s possible Puka Nacua breaks some league receiving records this season.
Chicago Bears
Many believed that Chicago was in another cycle of agony after week two. A blowout win against Dallas in week three was nice, but a road game in Las Vegas was the litmus test on where the Bears were in both confidence and progress.
Chicago succeeded where they failed in week one. The defense set the tone early with first half interceptions by Kevin Byard III against Raiders quarterback Geno Smith. While there is still room for improvement on all sides of the ball, the Bears offense had another good game. Sophomore quarterback Caleb Williams threw a second half touchdown to Rome Odunze and runningback D’Andre Swift had the game winning score. There were some trick plays called by rookie head coach Ben Johnson and the receiver trio of Cole Kmet, Olamide Zaccheaus and DJ Moore combined for 125 yards.
The best part for Chicago is their record. After a quick 0-2 hole, two straight wins gets the bears to 2-2 before their bye week. The Bears also have an easier schedule than most teams before Thanksgiving. They could be a fun watch the next few months.
Travis Etienne Jr.
It’s been a while since Travis Etienne Jr. was in the winners column. He earned that Sunday after he ran all over the 49er’s defense.
Etienne Jr. ran 19 times for 124 yards and a touchdown in a surprise road win in San Francisco. His one score gave Jacksonville their first lead of the game. The Jaguars never trailed after.
Many analysts believe head coach Liam Coen was hired to stabilize the passing game and further develop struggling franchise quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Coen’s specialty is providing a balanced offense that creates a strong running game. Travis Etienne Jr. is the most important offensive player for Coen after September. The Jaguars offense will go as far as he can throughout the regular season.
Losers: Brandin Cooks
New Orleans put up a valiant effort in Buffalo and came close to winning the game several times. The closest was on a pivotal fourth quarter drive where Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler found receiver Brandin Cooks wide open in the end zone between two defenders.
Cooks couldn’t catch Rattler’s pass in open coverage despite the odd review angles and the referees ruling it a touchdown. The referees quickly revised that Brandin Cooks didn’t maintain control and the touchdown was called back. New Orleans had to settle for a field goal and cut the deficit to two.
That play changed the game. Buffalo went four plays the next possession and scored a touchdown. The Bills added a field goal their next possession, and the Saints last possession ended in a lost fumble.
Cooks has been a solid veteran receiver for a while on different teams. It stings the game got away after a reverse call on an almost game changing touchdown.
Whoever believed the AFC west was the best and most competitive division in the NFL
Before week one, many viewers believed the whole AFC west division could and would make the entire postseason. Even yours truly wrote in great detail how all four teams were superior to the other teams that could finish in second and third place in the other three divisions. After Sunday, it’s clear the AFC west could have two teams make the playoffs. It also appears Kansas City is on their way to win another division title.
Las Vegas currently is a mess with one win after four games. The offensive line is porous and quarterback Geno Smith has thrown seven interceptions compared with three touchdowns. His aggressive play cost the Raiders two wins after a solid week one performance. Veteran head coach Pete Carroll is known for improving defenses, but so far Las Vegas looks worse in the secondary and has been out-played in all but one game. There is little hope both the offense and defense can improve with the number of quality opponents they play the next two months.
Los Angeles is in a worse position. After the Chargers won all but one game before October, their reward is the loss of several star players to injured reserve. Multiple linebackers including pass rusher Khalil Mack won’t play the rest of the year. Los Angeles lost their second starting tackle Joe Alt in a brutal road loss to New York Sunday. Runningback Najee Harris is done for the year with an Achilles injury. The Chargers had some season ending injuries before the regular season began, and the number of bodies on IR keeps growing. It won’t surprise anyone when the offense stagnates and the defense plays worse because of the losses to important starters and star playmakers.
We don’t know how Denver will fare against Cincinnati to close out week four, but the Broncos have been underwhelming the first month of the season. Yes, two close losses aren’t cause for concern, but sophomore quarterback Bo Nix has seemingly been in a daze. Head coach Sean Payton’s confused about the early season issues after last season’s second half successes. One has to think Denver will be the one team outside of Kansas City that will improve.
As for the Chiefs, the return of receiver Xavier Worthy instantly makes Kansas City the best team in the AFC west. In two weeks, Rashee Rice will be back from suspension. Head coach Andy Reid can then call the plays he’s held on to since pre-season since the offense isn’t lacking playmakers at receiver. Not many people thought this division would look finished before October. Funny how the NFL works.
Baltimore Ravens
Head coach John Harbaugh continues to gloss over game planning against serious opponents. Sunday was a loss for everyone involved with the Ravens organization for not addressing the Harbaugh messes throughout the previous years.
Kansas City dominated the Ravens for three out of four quarters. The Chiefs hadn’t played well most of the 2025 calendar year, and yet one wouldn’t have known that if they watched Sunday’s blowout. Baltimore gave up 35+ points in three of their four September games. They might have the NFL’s worst defense after posting the worst defensive stats in franchise history.
The offense also feels it. Since the defense can’t stop anyone (outside of Cleveland), the Ravens are pressured to score each possession. That leads to odd errors like runningback Derrick Henry averaging one fumble per game, questionable interceptions in certain coverages, and the offensive line giving up a few sacks per game.
Anyone who’s watched game film knows that while Baltimore has a lot of All-Pro talent, the coaching staff is awful and the players keep regressing. Injuries to offensive captain (and former league MVP) Lamar Jackson, defensive captain Roquan Smith, and anchor defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike make this a day and week to forget for many…unless the organization is serious about making long-term changes.
Matthew Golden
Sunday night’s game in Dallas ended in a stunning tie and probably a doctor’s visit for Green Bay special teams returner Matthew Golden. Golden had a first half punt return where he got drilled at the Packer 40 yard line by Dallas linebacker Marist Liufau.
Matthew Golden should be good this week but he must remember not to spin right after catching the ball on a return. Otherwise he’ll be the victim of another early-2000s era tackle.
It’s been a thrilling WNBA season. All kinds of records were broken on and off the court. There’s been a lot of praise over the rookies and veterans. Most teams were competitive throughout the year. Now for the playoffs.
The first round should be a quick but fun time. Four teams must advance to the second round by two games in a three game series. It’s time to pick which four have the best chances to extend their championship run.
#8 Golden State Valkyries v. #1 Minnesota Lynx
Minnesota’s Courtney Williams (10) is a threat on both sides of the court against opposing guards.
There are three lopsided first round series, starting with Golden State and Minnesota. The Lynx thrashed the Valkyries twice in the last two weeks. Golden State fans should applaud the team for making the playoffs their first season in the WNBA. Natalie Nakase’s also the favorite to win coach of the year. Still, Minnesota will go full throttle and the Valkyries don’t have the roster to contend with them.
Prediction: Lynx win series 2-0
#7 Seattle Storm v. #2 Las Vegas Aces
One of the best first round series matchups will be Las Vegas’ Jackie Young (0) v. Seattle’s Gabby Williams (5)
There’s no question who should win this series. The 16 straight game winning Aces versus the struggling Storm. The dominant Las Vegas center A’ja Wilson has more blocks on Seattle center Ezi Magbegor than any other WNBA player. This will get ugly fast.
Prediction: Aces win series 2-0
#6 Indiana Fever v. #3 Atlanta Dream
Guard depth is an advantage Atlanta has over Indiana. Shatori Walker-Kimbrough doesn’t have pressure to fill in for Allisha Gray or Jordin Canada when they need rest.
This series would be more interesting if the Fever had their injured guards healthy. Atlanta must finish the series fast and try to stay ahead of the remaining veteran playoff teams. Indiana won’t go quietly with how well guard Kelsey Mitchell and forward Damiris Dantas play. Their lack of playoff experience and overall talent make the Fever a quick out.
Prediction: Dream win series 2-0
#5 New York Liberty v. #4 Phoenix Mercury
Breanna Stewart and the Liberty can pick up where they left off after last year’s championship run.
The only first round series that should go all three games. Both New York and Phoenix won by blowouts in their regular season matchups. Don’t expect that to continue this series.
There’s a high probability the series winner goes to the championship. The Mercury have forwards Satou Sabally and Alyssa Thomas, guards Kahleah Copper and DeWanna Bonner and centers Natasha Mack and Kalani Brown. The Liberty have forward Breanna Stewart and center Jonquel Jones back at full health. Guards Natasha Cloud and Sabrina Ionescu, and forwards Leonie Fiebich, Isabelle Harrison and Emma Meesseman round out a fantastic roster.
Coaching is always a factor since Sandy Brondello’s won titles in both cities. However, Phoenix has the better overall, determined roster. The chemistry between Thomas, Bonner, Sabally and Copper will be too much for the smaller Liberty. Jonquel Jones’ inconsistent play this season should be something to remember, especially in the second half of each game.
Except for the inevitable injury or two, the first week of the NFL regular season is usually mild. It was anything but mild on Sunday. Week one is seen by some as a fluke week, while others see it as a prelude of what will come once teams settle in. Here are my winners and losers from Sunday’s games.
Winners:Aaron Rodgers
The 21 year veteran quarterback had an abysmal two years in New York. In what many consider his last gasp at both a championship run and starting job at quarterback, Aaron Rodgers signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers in the offseason. Week one was a revenge game against his previous team–the New York Jets, and Rodgers gave his viewers a vintage performance.
Aaron Rodgers completed 22 of 30 passes for 244 yards, four touchdowns and a 136.7 passer rating. Two of Rodgers’ scores were lead changes, and two came a minute apart to start the fourth quarter. His control of the two minute offense gave the Steelers an extra 39 yards before Chris Boswell kicked the game winning 60 yard field goal.
Many analysts still believe Pittsburgh will have a hard time scoring more than 24 points a game given the lack of offensive talent around Aaron Rodgers, but a 34 point performance against what is considered one of the league’s better defenses in New York should make some question the Steelers ceiling.
The Pete Carroll and Geno Smith-led Las Vegas Raiders
The reunion for head coach Pete Carroll and quarterback Geno Smith was big news in the offseason. Las Vegas’ first game to start the 2025 season was on the road against a re-booted New England. Many viewers believed the game would be close, but the Raiders would find a way to pull out the win. Those were correct predictions.
Geno Smith found Tre Tucker for the first touchdown of the game. Smith finished 24 of 34 for 362 yards and a 102.8 passer rating. The new Raiders quarterback posted a franchise debut record in yards and passer rating. Smith also led a balanced attack and Las Vegas won the time of possession battle.
Defense is Carroll’s specialty. Vegas held the Patriot running backs to under three yards a carry and New England’s passing game to under 300 yards. Sophomore quarterback Drake Maye threw one interception and was sacked four times. The Patriots offense was suffocated after the first quarter.
Pete Carroll became the oldest head coach in league history to coach a game (73 years and 357 days) and the first head coach in NFL history to win all four of his team debuts (via Sportscenter with Scott Van Pelt). Carroll’s defense is predicted to continue improvement. If the offense stays as balanced and the defense continues to fluster opposing offenses, this could be the start of something special in Sin City.
Daniel Jones
Analysts will and have judged Indianapolis’ win against Miami as an all-around disaster for the Dolphins. That take ignores how historical the Colts offense was in a dominant performance. Led by new starting quarterback Daniel Jones, Indianapolis became the first team to score on every offensive possession since 1978.
Jones completed 22 of 29 passes for 272 yards, a touchdown and a 115.9 passer rating. He also ran seven times for 26 yards and two scores. Jones’ two consecutive touchdowns in the second quarter sealed an easy win.
NFL Network panelists discussed how Daniel Jones’ time in Minnesota wound up helping and re-programming some of the stability and basics under center. The newfound confidence seems to have paid off.
Los Angeles Rams defense
If one were told Los Angeles’ offense would score just 14 points against Houston, the assumption would be the Rams lost. Not only would that be wrong, but the result wound up a resounding Los Angeles win.
The Rams’ defense feasted on Houston’s offense. Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud IV completed 19 passes for 188 yards and an interception. Los Angeles’ front seven sacked Stroud three times while the secondary confused him and messed up reads to his receivers. Outside of three field goals in the first half, the Texans couldn’t do anything right.
While Houston’s defense mostly stifled the Rams’ offense, it was the Los Angeles defense that won the game. The Rams’ offense could be slow to start a lot of games this year, but now they know the defense will show up and play hard.
Losers: Tennessee Titans second half offense
For some reason, Tennessee kept offensive coordinator Nick Holz after last season’s failures. Someone should have informed the Titans front office that a team usually relieves coordinators after they end up with the number one pick. Otherwise, there are results like Sunday’s in Denver.
Tennessee’s rookie quarterback and first overall pick Cam Ward was ok in his regular season debut. He didn’t make many mistakes but he definitely didn’t do anything special. Ward’s conservative play did give the Titans a lead most of the game, but Holz didn’t put him in better positions or utilize offensive strengths when the Broncos faltered.
After Denver took a 13-12 lead, Tennessee had two good chances to get a scoring drive before the Broncos could extend their lead. On the first, two penalties forced a punt. The second resulted in Denver fumbling a punt return and the Titans were gifted with an extended possession at the Bronco 24 yard line. A two yard run by Tony Pollard would be the only play with positive yardage. Ward was sacked twice for 27 yard losses after Pollard’s two yard run. Tennessee punted, and Denver went on to score the last touchdown of the game.
The Titans will have a rough season and few weeks when they’ll be favored to win any games. Sunday was one of the best opportunities to leave with a victory. It could have been done if there was a better run offense.
Cleveland Browns
For anyone who has read Winners and Losers before, or are familiar with the NFL for any reasonable length of time, it’s well known that with rare exceptions, the Cleveland Browns are losers. They lose in ways that defy belief and expectations. While the in-state loss to division rival Cincinnati felt familiar, it doesn’t excuse how sloppy, unprepared and deflating it was for Cleveland.
The Bengals did everything possible to lose the game. The only reason Cincinnati didn’t lose, was because the Browns made worse mistakes. Undrafted kicker Andre Szmyt missed an extra point and a potential game winning field goal. Veteran quarterback Joe Flacco had an interception after a pass intended for Jerry Jeudy bounced off another receiver’s hands deep in Cleveland territory. Flacco’s second interception doomed any chance for the Browns to get the last score of the game.
Cleveland head coach Kevin Stefanski’s issues this year range from who will be quarterback every week to if the kicker can make an extra point. It could be a long, rough year for Browns fans…again.
John Morton
Anyone who has watched the NFL the last few years knew the hottest offensive coordinator and assistant coach was Detroit’s Ben Johnson. When the Chicago Bears hired Johnson to be their next head coach this offseason, many expected the Lions offense would have some drop-off, especially to begin the regular season. Few expected a week one crater.
Detroit was overwhelmed almost the whole game in Green Bay. While new defensive addition Micah Parsons played less than half of the defense’s snaps, the Packers bullied the Lions in every way possible. Goff was sacked four times, intercepted once, and constantly hit until near the end. Detroit’s lone touchdown came in garbage time when Green Bay led by 21 points.
The most concerning part might be the Lions offensive line. They missed Frank Ragnow and Kevin Zeitler. The Packers took advantage of those losses and applied constant pressure. There was a point at which the NFL Network and beat reporters said Green Bay’s defensive front didn’t look like four men…it looked like seven.
There is no need yet to panic over Detroit. This is the Lions first road loss since the 2024 NFC championship game. Many knew the Packers would improve this season, and this was before getting Micah Parsons from Dallas. Offensive coordinator John Morton has a lot of work to do, but the Lions schedule is brutal. It may take a longer time for the offense to look anywhere near elite this season.
John Harbaugh
Spring has Groundhog Day, October third has Mean Girls, and these articles bring in the new NFL year with John Harbaugh in the Losers section. It’s a tradition unlike any other.
U.S. audiences were treated to Baltimore demolishing Buffalo Sunday night–they thought. After Ravens running back Derrick Henry ran for a 46 yard touchdown, Baltimore’s 15 point lead with 11:50 remaining all but assured a decisive week one win. While Bills receiver Keon Coleman scored a touchdown the following possession, the Ravens had an eight point lead with four minutes remaining. Enter coach Harbaugh.
One might think in a close scoring game where the result would matter further into the season, Harbaugh would have a better game plan than running the football the remaining four minutes. Quarterback Lamar Jackson ran for a first down the first play after Coleman’s touchdown. Buffalo expected another run the following possession. Henry also needed some rest and should’ve sat out a few more possessions. Harbaugh decided Henry should carry the ball next. That led to a nine yard loss and a fumble recovered by Bills defensive lineman Ed Oliver.
After Buffalo scored a touchdown (and missed the two point conversion), all Baltimore had to do was run down the remaining 1:51 in the game. But no. The Ravens ran two run plays and a pass for seven yards that took 25 seconds off the clock. The Bills got the ball back and won with a last second field goal.
Harbaugh’s continuous blunders, time mismanagement and inability to make the hard decisions somehow remain accepted and overlooked. The second most tenured coach in the league with one team somehow defies expectations by blowing double digit leads and leaving with losses. Given how Harbaugh has yet to learn from his mistakes, expect Baltimore to make the same errors with little to no accountability. Another head coach could never get away with this if they tried.
The future looks bright in the NFC. Philadelphia had a resounding Super Bowl win this past February against the AFC best Chiefs. At one point, they led 40-6 in the title game. The Eagles weren’t just the best team in the Super Bowl, they were the best team in a stacked, resurgent conference. Detroit had their franchise best record in 2024. The Commanders hype is real. Tampa Bay, Los Angeles, and Green Bay will be more dangerous this year. Playoff hopefuls Atlanta, Chicago, Arizona and Seattle have the talent and coaching to take on and beat some serious title contenders. Every division race will be a slugfest and have a lot of drama.
Sadly, not all the teams mentioned above will make the playoffs since there are seven spots. It’s time to break down which seven teams in the conference have the best chance to reach the playoffs this season. There are a lot of quality teams, so expect a thrilling journey to the end of the season and some surprises based on this years draft and last years film.
East: Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Commanders
Jalen Hurts is one of six current starting quarterbacks to have won the Super Bowl.
What a statement 2024-2025 season from Philadelphia. Serious analysts didn’t have the Eagles making the playoffs unless they were a lower seed after the late, 2023-2024 falloff. Owner Jeffrey Lurie, general manager Howie Roseman and head coach Nick Sirianni responded with the franchise’s best season this century, adding a second Super Bowl trophy in a decisive win against Kansas City. Since the Eagles’ most important players are signed through the next few seasons and Roseman added more roster depth in the offseason, Philadelphia will remain the top name in their division, conference, and the league.
“Scary Terry” McLaurin was finally re-signed to a favorable three year, $96 million extension Monday. That’s bad news for opposing defenses facing the Commanders this year.
The Eagles won’t have it easy with the young, determined Commanders team behind them. Washington had a great chance to win the east last year but didn’t have the experience compared to the Super Bowl champions. Year two of sophomore quarterback Jayden Daniels, defensive captain Bobby Wagner and head coach Dan Quinn should close the gap with their division rivals. Both teams will have their share of struggles after making the conference championship last season, but Philadelphia has more depth to counter serious contenders. Washington did extend franchise receiver Terry McLaurin Monday, so the offensive production shouldn’t drop or disappoint…unlike some teams in this article.
South: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Another year, another season Tampa Bay’s offense will overwhelm opposing defenses.
While Carolina should continue building off of late 2024’s progress, New Orleans will be one of the NFL’s worst teams this year. Just like last year’s prediction, the division will be a two team race between Atlanta and Tampa Bay.
There is a lot to love with the Falcons. Michael Penix Jr. was fantastic and Atlanta barely missed the division title last year. Head coach Raheem Morris has a lot more to work with and knows which players to push for better production.
However, Tampa Bay stays ahead top to bottom.
Head coach Todd Bowles finds ways to get the best out of every Buccaneers player. Tampa has the superior offense, defense and special teams. The Buccaneers do have the harder schedule all but one month of the regular season, but that’s expected for one of the NFC’s best veteran teams. There’s also more game film of Penix Jr., so teams will find weaknesses this year. Count on Tampa Bay’s Bowles to find some.
North: Green Bay Packers, Detroit Lions
This will be the most important season of quarterback Jordan Love’s career.
Minnesota doesn’t inspire confidence with quarterbacks J.J. McCarthy and Carson Wentz behind center. Letting Sam Darnold walk in free agency was a big mistake. The Vikings could go from losing to two teams all of 2024, to a fall to the bottom of the north.
Chicago has a good case to sneak into the playoff discussion. The Bears could very well steal a playoff spot from a deserving contender like Atlanta or any of the west teams not in first place. Chicago’s first half of the season is more likely to be marred by mistakes, forcing them to play catch up and just miss out. Still, there should be a lot of optimism and good games for the Bears.
For the serious contenders, there are big expectations for Green Bay this year. Yes, wide receiver Christian Watson will be out most of the season with last year’s torn ACL, but it’s up to head coach Matt LaFleur and quarterback Jordan Love to show why they’re paid big money and get touted as offensive gurus and leaders. While the Packers have a brutal schedule, there are some weeks or months they could go on a hot run and leave the other three teams behind. If that happens, LaFleur and Love must stay determined and not hold back.
The biggest question for the NFC is how deadly Detroit’s offense will be without offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.
Despite drawing the NFL’s hardest and worst schedule, Detroit is in the conversation for the 2026 playoffs. The Lions will have nine road games, and all but one will be against playoff favorites. Detroit went undefeated on the road last year, but no one believes it can happen again this season. The Lions also lost their top coordinators to head coaching jobs in the offseason. There will be an obvious drop in offensive production, but both general manager Brad Holmes’ bullseye drafting and nearly the whole defense returning from injured reserve will keep Detroit in the playoff conversation all year. Don’t be surprised if the Lions follow the old, Tom Coughlin-led New York Giants route and get hot the second half of the season. Should that happen, there might not be a team that could stop Detroit from going all the way.
West: Los Angeles Rams, Seattle Seahawks
It should be another great season for Rams running back Kyren Williams (23).
Easily the hardest division to decide which teams make the playoffs, the west could have just one team (the division winner) or three teams play in the postseason. All but one made necessary roster changes and all coaches have evolved in their schemes. It also helps the west that all four teams have some of, if not the easiest schedules this season. It will be disappointing if somehow only one of the four teams makes the playoffs.
San Francisco is probably the weakest due to their roster turnover, lack of offensive talent and lack of depth on the defensive line. Arizona could have success, but questions remain about the offense and head coach Jonathan Gannon’s coaching after two inconsistent seasons.
While Los Angeles has some similar issues as the Cardinals, the differences are at head coach, quarterback and offensive line. The trio of Matthew Stafford, Jimmy Garoppolo and Stetson Bennett IV gives the Rams more room to adapt to any offensive system. General manager Les Snead again delivered in the draft and coach Sean McVay is a former Super Bowl champion who still finds ways to get the most out of unexpected and underrated players. The division race will be close, but Los Angeles gets the nod because they have better coaching and a more veteran roster than do the other three teams.
There’s irony in Sam Darnold going to Seattle after franchise star cornerback Devon Witherspoon spooked him last year.
Seattle can make it a close race all season. Mike MacDonald’s defense will be a top five unit in the league with star-studded names and depth on the defensive line and secondary. Offensive improvement starts with the offensive line. It appears general manager John Schneider doubled down on that in the draft, and with MacDonald’s philosophy of running the football to establish dominance and time of possession advantages, the Seahawks are poised to be a pain for more than just their division rivals.
Total 2024-2025 regular and postseason NFC picks: 8-5
Let us briefly look at the American Football Conference and a complex 2024. From close division winning races to Kansas City’s continued conference championship domination, the biggest takeaway was the continued west division arms race. Meanwhile, the other three divisions could have any team come out on top and no wild card team make the playoffs. The remaining three teams that don’t win a division title could be in the west.
As the Chiefs go for another title run in a conference that again improved at every position, at least two other teams outside the AFC west are favored to challenge the reigning conference champions and make the Super Bowl. Time to break down which seven teams in the AFC have the best chance of reaching the playoffs for 2026.
East: Buffalo Bills
Reigning MVP Josh Allen (17) should again lead one of the NFL’s best offenses to another division title.
Reminiscent of the old AFC east days, this year’s division should have a clear winner and three duds. New York looks like a hot mess and Miami has all the signs of a continued downward spiral. New England is a nice wild-card choice for those optimistic in both new head coach Mike Vrabel and sophomore quarterback Drake Maye’s progression. Yet, the Patriots don’t have the talent to last a whole season in the playoff conversation. This leaves the Bills as the lone, easy choice.
Buffalo’s defense will be the big question mark for how far they go in the postseason. For now, the Bills are experienced and good enough to punch their playoff ticket.
South: Houston Texans
Derek Stingley Jr. is confident he and the rest of Houston’s secondary will silence every offense on their schedule.
As in the east, the south unfortunately has at least two teams easily eliminated before the regular season begins. Tennessee will be undermanned and overpowered almost every week and Indianapolis has no answer at quarterback. Jacksonville may surprise many with offensive growth and improved play, but the real team to watch is Houston.
The Texans went all-in on re-tooling the offense and defense after a disappointing 2024-25 regular season. Although Houston played well in the postseason, injuries and lack of depth at receiver, linebacker and secondary were concerns in the offseason. Receivers Christian Kirk and Braxton Berrios provide the needed receiver depth. Nick Niemann, Darrell Taylor and E.J. Speed beef up an anemic linebacker core. Finally, the Texan secondary will be one of the best and deepest in the NFL with their additions of C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Jalen Mills. Both join a stacked cornerback and safety group that includes Derek Stingley Jr., Ronald Darby, Jaylen Reed, Jimmie Ward, Jalen Pitre, Calen Bullock and Kamari Lassiter.
North: Baltimore Ravens
Another season for (left to right) Lamar Jackson, Isaiah Likely and Zay Flowers means more growth and a better chance of getting to a Super Bowl.
There’s a theme here. Cleveland does not inspire confidence with their quarterback situation. Cincinnati’s porous defense weighs down any chances of success. Pittsburgh’s investment in a 41 year old quarterback to lead a further depleted offense is a case of wishful thinking and a probable recipe for disaster. Baltimore easily stands out from the other three.
As long as Lamar Jackson is healthy and under center, none of the other three teams have a chance at winning the north. While the Ravens didn’t lose or gain much talent in the offseason, the offensive line, Jackson and receivers like Isaiah Likely, Zay Flowers, Mark Andrews and Rashod Bateman have another full season to play together. Baltimore has to win more than just one playoff game with this core group.
West: All of them/Kansas City Chiefs, Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Chargers, Las Vegas Raiders
Until a team de-thrones them, Kansas City remains the favorite to win their division and conference.
The AFC West will be the toughest division in either conference this season. The other three divisions don’t boast many challenges outside of last year’s division winners. This leaves a rare, unique, and plausible opportunity for all four western teams to clinch a playoff spot.
Two easy picks are the AFC’s top team Kansas City Chiefs and the rising Denver Broncos. As long as Kansas City’s head coach Andy Reid has defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, face of the franchise quarterback Patrick Mahomes II and edge rusher Chris Jones, the Chiefs remain the favorite to clinch another division title.
Yet they cannot underestimate Denver head coach Sean Payton, sophomore quarterback Bo Nix, reigning defensive player of the year Pat Surtain II and receivers Marvin Mims Jr. and Courtland Sutton. The Broncos will be one of the few teams that can go blow-for-blow on all sides of the ball with the Chiefs. Both regular season rivalry games will be must-watch T.V. because they could determine which team takes the west.
Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert won’t be asked to do too much again this season with a deeper running game.
As Kansas City and Denver strive to surpass last year’s results, Los Angeles will try and keep their early playoff hopes alive. Preseason injuries on the offensive line are already a red flag. Rashawn Slater is out until next autumn and Mekhi Becton already dealing with an undisclosed injury shows the Chargers have to lean more on the running game. Luckily for them, head coach Jim Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman have emphasized the running game remains a priority heading into week one. Re-signing receiver Keenan Allen and adding defensive depth with cornerback Donte Jackson will matter deeper into the season.
Finally, the last team serious analysts consider a valid wild-card contender and division factor will be the Las Vegas Raiders. The first head coach hired in Tom Brady’s co-ownership tenure was Pete Carroll. Carroll and general manager John Spytek traded for Seattle quarterback Geno Smith, signed runningback Raheem Mostert and safety Jeremy Chinn in free agency, and drafted Boise State phenom runningback and one of last season’s Heisman Trophy candidates Ashton Jeanty in the first round. The defense lost a number of players in the offseason, but Carroll’s coaching expertise with linebackers and the secondary will improve a unit that got better last year despite a lackluster offense giving up some wins. The offense has more long-term talent at every position. That should make the defense more fun to watch.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby has a laugh with new head coach Pete Carroll. Both expect more growth on defense this year.
Total 2024-2025 regular and postseason AFC picks: 8-5
Aces star center A’ja Wilson shrugs after she scored 29 points on her 29th birthday August eighth in Seattle.
For most of this season, the unanimous MVP pick has been Minnesota’s Napheesa Collier. Collier is a shut-down defender, an elite scorer and the Lynx’s team leader on every side of the ball. Without Napheesa Collier’s leadership, Minnesota is not seen as a championship contender despite the complimentary players, great coaching and first place record. Collier’s importance can’t be stressed enough.
So when she injured her ankle against the Las Vegas Aces on August 3rd, shockwaves rippled throughout the league. Collier will remain out another week as the Lynx stay on autopilot and try to keep hold of the top playoff seed. The conversation now pivots to who else could win Defensive Player of the Year and MVP. Many will ask and guess which other top players should be considered for the league’s top awards. The longer Collier stays out, the more likely voters go in another direction and choose someone else.
Defensive player of the year could go back to Minnesota’s newly acquired forward DiJonai Carrington. Not only was she the Dallas Wings’ best defender until her trade, she has elevated the Lynx defense since Collier’s absence. Seattle’s Ezi Magbegor and Gabby Williams have kept the Storm competitive in the playoff race as long as possible because of their improved defense. Opposing offenses hate going to the basket when Magbegor’s in the paint, and Williams is a menace one-on-one.
MVP talks may also shift to Phoenix’s Alyssa Thomas, who has recorded five triple doubles this season (with four in August). The Mercury are a roller coaster since the signing of DeWanna Bonner, so the Thomas take may not go far. The biggest name that currently stands out for MVP is Las Vegas’ A’ja Wilson. Voters could choose her for both MVP and DPoY.
A month ago, many were hoping Wilson wouldn’t injure herself with how many games the Aces had after the All-Star break. Not only has A’ja Wilson been on another level since play resumed, she’s finally getting needed help from the coaches and role players. Las Vegas has played like their former champion selves with how their offense shreds opposing defenses. They can keep up with almost every team on a nightly and weekly basis (except Minnesota) after their recent wins against New York and Phoenix.
Wilson’s performances this month show she’s not just a valid candidate for MVP, but still the league’s best player. Wilson’s 29 point performance on her 29th birthday (August eighth) led to a win in Seattle that gave the Storm their fourth straight loss and the Aces a top eight playoff seed. Two days later against lowly Connecticut, Wilson recorded the league’s first ever 30 point, 20 rebound game. Las Vegas had to fight for the victory, but there was never a doubt which team would win.
The Aces have won seven straight and nine of their last ten games. One factor that should help determine who wins MVP is how both teams would look without their stars. The Aces are not a playoff contender without A’ja Wilson. The Lynx boast one of the WNBA’s best players in Napheesa Collier, but anyone who has watched Minnesota closely knows the most important person on that team is coach Cheryl Reeve. The Lynx still haven’t lost a game since Collier injured her ankle in a 50+ point win against Las Vegas over two weeks ago. If Wilson missed over two weeks of the regular season, the Aces could be one of the worst teams to watch in professional sports.
There is balance and even irony here after Napheesa Collier tried closing the MVP race gap when A’ja Wilson won the award last year, because this year it’s Wilson trying to do the same to Collier. The most important factors will be how much longer Collier sits out and how Minnesota plays after a loss without her. If Las Vegas and Wilson keep winning pivotal games against the other top three teams before September, then the MVP conversation and pick may be a toss-up. Not to mention the other six teams will be upset the Aces are the worst team to play right before the playoffs. Only a well-built, well-coached and organized team could win a series against Las Vegas right now.
Reigning WNBA MVP center A’ja Wilson is second in points and rebounds, fourth in steals, third in blocks and double-doubles, and first in stocks and 30 point games this season.
Time for the final monthly power rankings of the regular season. Some teams will have tiebreakers based on how they perform on a neutral site.
#13 Connecticut Sun (last ranking: 13)
There is no doubt that this season has been one kick to the jewels after another for Connecticut. If it’s not being embarrassed each night and going in the record books for the wrong reasons, the growing takes about a bidding war regarding the Sun staying in Hartford versus moving to Boston dominate headlines. This may be one of the worst seasons a professional U.S. sports team has recorded in a long time.
#12 Dallas Wings (last ranking: 12)
There have been a lot of front office blunders and mis-managment this season. Very few understand why DiJonai Carrington was traded. Unanimous rookie of the year Paige Bueckers continues to play with an injured back. Coach Chris Koclanes seemingly has no idea what he’s doing nor can he utilize the best out of his forwards and centers. I would normally say the offseason would help, but with Dallas messing up more than one offseason, one has to wonder how much worse things can get.
#11 Chicago Sky (last ranking: 10)
Center Kamilla Cardoso has quietly been one of the best bigs since play resumed. Not only is she leading the team each game, she looks more confident and determined. Despite how well she has played, Chicago’s front office did nothing at the trade deadline and didn’t sign a meaningful player. How is it Indiana signed Odyssey Sims by August tenth when Chicago had at least two weeks to make the move? The Sky haven’t scored 80+ points since Angel Reese last played. Coach Tyler Marsh has no answers for how to improve the offense in the second half of each game and the schedule doesn’t get any easier.
#10 Washington Mystics (last ranking: 6)
Originally, the main article in these power rankings was supposed to be a proper conversation about Washington’s improvement since last season’s abysmal start. Then the Mystics traded Brittney Sykes to Seattle and last year’s first round pick Aaliyah Edwards to Connecticut. In the short-term, those moves torpedoed a lot of good feelings and serious playoff chances. What saves the Mystics from being worse than the three teams listed above is their front office’s long-term commitment to building a championship caliber roster via the draft and free agency. Washington drafted two talented rookie guards to build around and have made them the franchise faces. Now the Mystics have to add the proper forward and center depth around them this offseason.
#9 Seattle Storm (last ranking: 4)
In a complete and shocking reverse from last rankings, Seattle has tumbled since the All-Star break. Part of the fall is due to the trade for Brittney Sykes at the trade deadline and coaching. However, I see a more glaring problem: the Storm have an old starting five. Seattle’s double overtime loss to Los Angeles August second may go down as their most important game of this season and possibly this decade given how it exposed the team’s exhaustion against a younger, more inexperienced Sparks each minute. The Storm went from a dark-horse title contender to a probable, easy out if they make the playoffs. That is the biggest shock of the season.
#8 Los Angeles Sparks (last ranking: 11)
On the flip, Los Angeles’s double over-time home win against Seattle on August 2 may be the start of something special with this roster. The decision to give Cameron Brink a minutes restriction was a great call after her recent ankle scare in New York August 12. Brink looks fantastic after missing a year of play, and the starters are a handful for any team. Azura Stevens is an underrated three-point shooter and former Aces Dearica Hamby and Kelsey Plum compliment last year’s first round pick Rickea Jackson well. Outside of games against the Liberty, Mercury, and a weird loss to the Mystics, Los Angeles could roll into a lower playoff seed as one of the most dangerous teams this postseason.
#7 Indiana Fever (last ranking: 7)
Until they signed Odyssey Sims, injuries to Aari McDonald and Sydney Colson reduced Indiana to one starting guard. McDonald was also in the most improved player conversation after injuries to Kayla Thornton and Angel Reese. Many are left nervously wondering who else goes down to season ending injuries by next month, after guard Sophie Cunningham suffered what looked like a serious knee injury Sunday in Connecticut.
#6 Golden State Valkyries (last ranking: 9)
It’s a shame Kayla Thornton is lost for the rest of the regular season after suffering a knee injury after the All-Star game. It took a few weeks for Golden State to find a suitable replacement. Luckily they have something special with guard Tiffany Hayes. Hayes has played well this month as she’s second in team points and third in assists. The Valkyries drafted some great players their first year and coach Natalie Nakase could be a coach of the year finalist if Golden State hangs on to their current playoff position.
#5 Las Vegas Aces (last ranking: 8)
A’ja Wilson’s MVP-caliber play aside, two changes have made Las Vegas a better, more competitive team: trading for Dallas forward NaLyssa Smith, and coach Becky Hammon relegating Jewell Loyd to the bench.
Smith is already the second best rebounder on the Aces and gives her new teammates a cushion on defense. Her ability to take care of the opposing offense’s top scorer puts Wilson in better defensive positions and analyze how the offense can take advantage in transition.
The second change had to happen before September. Loyd’s play got worse each game and she had to be benched at some point. Then Loyd herself requested that she come off the bench. Having Jewell Loyd watch and analyze what’s going on to start each game, make adjustments and then substitute in could be the difference from Vegas going home early to favored for a deep playoff run.
#4 Phoenix Mercury (last ranking: 2)
I have Phoenix above Las Vegas because they would have the advantage of winning a full series. The Aces struggled most of their last game against the Mercury and many believe forward Kahleah Copper would have a similar, if not better performance (she usually plays well in the postseason). However, Phoenix has been one of the more inconsistent teams since play resumed. One could say the Mercury are trying to figure out how to play veteran DeWanna Bonner with the starters, but that doesn’t explain why they look great for a few games and awful the next one or two. For a team that has one of the most talented rosters in the WNBA, Phoenix has been a disappointment.
#3 New York Liberty (last ranking: 3)
The same can be said with New York, but their excuse is Breanna Stewart hasn’t and probably won’t play this month because of a leg injury. Whenever the Liberty were hot, a crucial player went out for a month with an injury. It’s a shame too because without the injuries, New York could be the league’s best team.
#2 Atlanta Dream (last ranking: 5)
My predictions for Coach of the Year are between Natalie Nakase, Cheryl Reeve, and Karl Smesko. Smesko’s work with Atlanta catapulted the Dream from playoff outlier to second best. Atlanta is the best rebounding team and hard to stop at the three-point line. The Dream also caught a big break considering star guard Jordin Canada is sidelined for two weeks with a hamstring injury. Atlanta can’t afford to be without Canada the whole playoffs.
#1 Minnesota Lynx (last ranking: 1)
It is almost unfair how good Minnesota is despite Napheesa Collier’s ankle injury. Almost. Not even 24 hours after Collier was went down, the Lynx went all-in and picked up the ambitious Dijonai Carrington from Dallas. Minnesota is more aggressive on defense and veteran guard Kayla McBride has stepped up on offense. It is hard to fathom how the Lynx wouldn’t make the championship with how they adapt each game.
Forward Dijonai Carrington was thrilled to be traded to Minnesota since she stated her desire was to win a championship.
What a fun season first half. Ratings are climbing and there is more demand. Unlike last season, most awards will be toss-ups. Whoever wins the MVP, Rookie of the Year or Most Improved Player award will be talked about for at least half a year. The eight team playoff race should also have an exciting finish. The bottom three spots will be up for grabs and could be determined by which star players miss significant time in the second half of the season. Here are some main questions and talking points that stand out most with the second half of the regular season starting tonight.
Which team has the best chance of winning the championship this year? Could the New York Liberty repeat as champions?
Minnesota and Phoenix are two of the WNBA’s best teams after the All-Star break. It wouldn’t be a surprise if they faced off in the 2025 championship.
If New York wants to repeat their title run, they need star players like center Jonquel Jones fully healthy and role players like Isabelle Harrison scoring and out-rebounding opposing offenses. The Liberty have been streaky but were good enough to be the second best team at the break.
The two teams that have a good chance to reach and win the championship are Minnesota and Phoenix. Despite the number of games the Lynx played the last three weeks, they’re still the league’s best team. Forward Napheesa Collier is (currently) a lock for league MVP and is the first Lynx player to lead the WNBA in scoring since Maya Moore. Cheryl Reeve remains the league’s best coach and gets the most out of a roster where the second best player is veteran guard Kayla McBride.
Yet the Mercury could be the most dangerous team entering the second half. They signed one of the league’s best all-time scorers in DeWanna Bonner not even a week after Indiana waived her. For now, the 16 year veteran comes off the bench (even with Satou Sabally out with an ankle injury). Many expect she’ll be a starter at some point before the playoffs. The starting five of Bonner, Sabally, Kahleah Copper, Alyssa Thomas and Kalani Brown can overwhelm opponents and make Phoenix the most dangerous team entering August.
National media still struggles to cover the WNBA objectively on almost every level
Sports media’s obsession with certain WNBA stars like Caitlin Clark still alienates real and new fans of the sports. The launch of Courtney Williams and Natisha Hiedeman’s StudBudz livestream All-Star weekend could be the push towards refreshing content the league needs to promote from their stars and colorful personalities.
Multiple things can be true: a good amount of the sudden, spike of interest in the WNBA is because of Indiana Fever star point guard Caitlin Clark getting drafted number one overall last year. The last two drafts have introduced stars at multiple positions in multiple cities. There’s also a bias in reporting on certain players, teams and games that have made watching much of the last two seasons difficult.
Say whatever you want about Chicago’s star forward Angel Reese, she is in the news for every possible reason. Audiences know when she doesn’t play well versus when she dominates. Clark was said and promised to be a lot of things during and after last year’s rookie season. Her struggles ranging from dribbling weaknesses to her road game shooting accuracies have silenced major sports outlets like ESPN, FoxSports and CBS. In fact, ESPN’s Andraya Carter made a weird pivot to start July by saying the face of the league (which was said to be Clark) should be a player who’s shown staying power and won championships.
How fascinating that when the topic is the WNBA, actual sports broadcasters, journalists and analysts suddenly don’t know how to do their jobs. They can skip over certain players struggling as much as they’re not praising certain rookie players, improved teams or other issues plaguing the league’s progress. Number one pick of this year’s draft Paige Bueckers has surprisingly become the best player on the Wings (despite how veteran guard Arike Ogunbowale was consistently the best scorer and most well known name for the franchise). Sadly, the media doesn’t cover how well Bueckers plays because she doesn’t feed into certain narratives. Many new fans who would love to hear about Washington rookies Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron. Veteran stars like Kahleah Copper should be as celebrated and talked about on a level similar to A’ja Wilson. Unfortunately, the league and media covering them either lack incentives to promote certain players or seemingly try to sabotage the product put out.
This is why the launch of the recent Twitch livestream StudBudz by Minnesota Lynx players Courtney Williams and Natisha Hiedeman last weekend was important and a rousing success. Not only were the shenanigans, fun, light-hearted or engaging interviews with numerous All-Stars a refreshing watch, they wound up going viral and talked about everywhere in the U.S. sports world. No one would ever do or replicate something as fascinating and must-watch worthy in the NBA. This is what the WNBA needs and should have more focus on instead of traditionally nonchalant (and often woefully ill-informed) outlets spouting their own biases with women’s sports.
The hardest award to determine will be Most Improved Player
Forward Kayla Thornton (5) has been Golden State’s best player this season and is a favorite to be nominated for most improved player.
The WNBA’s Most Improved Player award has a lot of competition this year. All but three women will miss out despite improved stats and contributions to their team’s successes. Right now serious analysts have Chicago’s Angel Reese, Golden State’s Kayla Thornton and Seattle’s Gabby Williams as the top three choices. These three are the top reasons why their teams stay in the playoff race.
Angel Reese has taken a big step forward after last year’s season ending wrist injury. Reese has improved her shut-down defense and rebounding presence while improving her shooting and free-throw accuracy. Reese has also refined her passing to open teammates and has more control over the team’s offensive rhythm and her shot selection.
Kayla Thornton is Golden State’s motor each game. The brand new Valkyries leading scorer, rebounder and defender came off a 2024 championship determined to repeat or at least drag her team into the playoffs. She was one of the WNBA’s most underrated players and impressed viewers in the All-Star game.
Last power rankings gave Gabby Williams the credentials showing why she will be nominated. She is top four in every major stat category for her team. The Storm is also the fourth best team and has more than enough to win a series against New York, Connecticut and Minnesota. That starts with Williams’ multi-faceted play.
Whoever wins this award will be a bigger name next season for both their teams and national ratings. All three teams will be wise to continue building around these stellar stars in the offseason.
The biggest story of the season is under-reported…and could determine what happens the next few years
WNBA player leadership had a daunting task at the recent CBA meetings in Indianapolis. Right now the players (led by President Nneka Ogwumike) and the owners (led by commissioner Cathy Engelbert) are far apart on negotiations.
The WNBA’s two seasons of incredible, new-found popularity have upended a lot of previous discussions about how much revenue share, media rights, free agency, balance and control for both the league’s top corporate promoters and players should share. Three years ago, every side knew the gradually rising popularity would guarantee more rights and proper funding from the owners and league’s front office. It probably wouldn’t have been as bitter a fight given how all sides knew there was a lot at stake for the league.
Gone are those days. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert’s timid ineptitude at every level of attempting to run an increasingly popular sport continues to hold the league back, even against the wishes of various owners. The players now have more support from the public, partly due to the talented bigger names recently added to the league the last few seasons. Right now, the impasse could be similar to the 2011 NFL CBA talks and what led to lockouts in the NHL back in 2004 and 2012. It may be devastating for the WNBA to have a partial or full lockout after the league has grown this much the last three years.
(From top left to bottom right) WNBA players Caitlin Clark, Nneka Ogwumike, Angel Reese and Breanna Stewart wear shirts advocating for better pay and rights in the All-Star pre-game warmups last Saturday. The move instantly grabbed the mainstream media’s attention.
Now, it’s time for the monthly power rankings. These show where all 13 teams currently stand. Some teams will have tiebreakers based on how they could perform on a neutral site.
#13 Connecticut Sun (last ranking: 13)
Future Hall of Fame center Tina Charles was asked if she considers retirement after 2025. The 15 year veteran responded that she thinks about it everyday. If Charles didn’t consider it before signing with Connecticut last offseason, she definitely has each game with the Sun.
#12 Dallas Wings (last ranking: 12)
Paige Bueckers will easily win rookie of the year. She leads Dallas in points per game (almost three more than her dangerous scorer teammate Arike Ogunbowale), assists and steals. Opposing defenses already struggle to defend Bueckers. If the Wings can add more help at forward and center in the offseason, there might not be a limit to Paige Bueckers’ game.
#11 Los Angeles Sparks (last ranking: 10)
The move to cut forward Satou Sabally after the last rankings was published was weird. Although the move didn’t spark too much of a change, the Sparks remain difficult to read. They cannot get past Chicago but can beat Indiana and a resurgent Washington. I guess when the mentality is to outscore the other team with little defense, it simplifies things.
#10 Chicago Sky (last ranking: 11)
Chicago’s two wins over Los Angeles and a throwaway loss against Atlanta gives them the top ten edge. The loss against the Dream has only one major takeaway: if Ariel Atkins and Angel Reese are out, center Kamilla Cardoso has to play better and be the main star. Cardoso is the highest drafted player on the Sky and was out-hustled by 12 year veteran Brittney Griner the entire game. Perhaps there was some exhaustion given how Cardoso came back from the AmeriCup tournament, but she can’t have another performance like that as the star again.
#9 Golden State Valkyries (last ranking: 7)
Some readers probably thought I was too harsh with the WNBA’s newest team starting off well and how it wouldn’t last, but I wasn’t wrong. The Valkyries are 1-5 in their July games. Fortunately, Golden State finishes the month with Dallas, Connecticut and Atlanta. If they don’t win two of the three, August could be worse.
#8 Las Vegas Aces (last ranking: 8)
Yikes, what a drop! Vegas went from the WNBA’s top team for two years to a three way tie with Indiana and Washington for the 6-8 spot in the rankings.
If the Aces miss the playoffs, missing out on signing DeWanna Bonner after she was waived by the Fever will be a big reason. Center A’ja Wilson is going to have to drag Vegas through five games to end July and she’ll need all the available help. It will be difficult for her to be at 100% all of August.
#7 Indiana Fever (last ranking: 6)
The only reason Indiana hasn’t cratered is because of their bench scoring. Guards Sophie Cunningham, Aari McDonald and forward Damiris Dantas have been underrated in how the Fever steal wins from quality teams like Atlanta. Whether healthy or injured, franchise star point guard Caitlin Clark has cost Indiana a better season. She has a lot to work on by next year or there may be some uncomfortable conversations.
#6 Washington Mystics (last ranking: 9)
Amazing what a year can do for a team. Washington started off the 2024 season winless after one month of play. One year later they’re in the best position to start August on a playoff run against the more favored Aces and Fever. While rookies Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen will make more mistakes during this run, guard Brittney Sykes and center Stefanie Dolson should cancel a good number of them out with their production and drive. Serious basketball fans must watch the Mystics soon.
#5 Atlanta Dream (last ranking: 4)
If we eliminate the easy home win against Chicago, Atlanta has lost three of their last four games. Probably the best example of what the Dream can’t afford to do is what happened in their July 12th loss to Indiana. All-Stars Allisha Gray and Brionna Jones combined for 12 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Atlanta’s best players were embarrassed by a younger, more determined Fever. They can’t afford to lose games against teams fighting to clinch lower playoff seeds.
#4 Seattle Storm (last ranking: 5)
Seattle is a dark horse to reach and win the WNBA finals. Like Los Angeles, they have been inconsistent in a July split with Connecticut, wins against Minnesota and losses versus Golden State. If the Storm can get on a roll and not be a mystery box every night, this could be the most dangerous team this postseason.
#3 New York Liberty (last ranking: 3)
It took a longer time than expected for New York to play at a high level without center Jonquel Jones for a month. Her return this week and the recent signing of veteran champion forward Emma Meesseman will make the Liberty a more fun and interesting team to watch. No matter what happens this week, their first game of the season against Minnesota will be must-watch t.v.
#2 Phoenix Mercury (last ranking: 2)
I had Phoenix at number one until both Kahleah Copper and Satou Sabally went down with leg and ankle injuries. The timing of signing DeWanna Bonner couldn’t have been better. Bonner not only comes off the bench and plays solid minutes, but she’s easing in as a starter before the playoffs start. This potential run could mean a lot for the Mercury given what veteran forwards Alyssa Thomas and Sabally said about the incoming lockout becoming more real (the latter going as far as calling the league’s new proposal, “a slap to the face”).
#1 Minnesota Lynx (last ranking: 1)
For anyone questioning why Minnesota remains number one, consider they played eight games in 13 days before the All-Star break and won six. The rest came at the best time for the Lynx. One thing Minnesota can add by next month is a center or quality rebounder. If the Lynx can find or trade for one, they will be the unquestionable favorite to win the championship.
MVP favorite Napheesa Collier found out how Sky forward Angel Reese can shut her down in the paint. Collier returned the favor the following game with 29 points in their second win of the season against Chicago.
Sky center Kamilla Cardoso’s (10, black) having a rocky start to her sophomore season. Despite her personal best performance against Los Angeles June 24th, she’ll be playing overseas the next month, seriously changing how Chicago can play without a dual threat center.
It’s been a rough time for the Chicago Sky. They fizzled out of a playoff run after last year’s All-Star break and haven’t recovered. Once Chicago was eliminated, the takes, criticisms, and opinions poured in on how they should improve. Most were fair and honest with coaching, adding depth and better roster pieces, and even changing the focus from star forward Angel Reese to third overall pick center Kamilla Cardoso. Sky management had half a year to seriously look at and fix the issues holding the team back from a better and more successful season.
The result? Chicago is easily one of the worst WNBA teams this year.
To the organization’s credit, they did try to address a lot of last season’s issues that made the playoffs an afterthought. The Sky brought back and signed former franchise legend and point guard Courtney Vandersloot to usher a more stable backcourt transition in free agency. They also drafted guard Hailey Van Lith and forward Maddy Westbeld in this year’s draft. Van Lith would take over once she felt ready and grew her game next to two talented sophomore stars. Chicago also added guard depth signing Ariel Atkins and Kia Nurse. Those moves were meant to give Vandersloot and Van Lith a cushion. It would be rough to make a 14 year veteran and a rookie create and lead the offense a whole season.
Add in new coach Tyler Marsh and this was supposed to be a team contending for one of the eight playoff spots. While growing pains were expected, the Sky are awful in a list of categories. The offense is bottom three in the league from points per game to free throw percentage. Chicago is last in turnovers per game (17.8, yikes) and bottom five in assist-to-turnover ratio (1.2) Next month’s schedule doesn’t get easier. They’re 4-1 against three of the four worst teams (Chicago has the third worst overall record) but winless against the top eight playoff contenders. The Sky can pick up some wins the next couple of weeks, but they have four games in July against Minnesota. Don’t be surprised if the Lynx leave with four wins and make Chicago look like one of the most inept teams this season.
There were complaints that the Sky made too many unnecessary changes by not bringing back leading scorer and talented point guard Chennedy Carter in the offseason. Carter made it known she didn’t want to come back unless coach Teresa Weatherspoon stayed. That wasn’t going to happen either because Weatherspoon was fired for a terrible end to the season for which she had no answers. (Yes, injuries were part of the season-ending slump but Weatherspoon was often out-coached), There were also reports suggesting she lost the locker room by playing favorites. Despite negative reactions from Weatherspoon’s firing, it was inevitable if there were internal problems and locker room leaks. As any sports fan understands, those problems don’t disappear because an offseason arrives. It grows the next season if not properly addressed.
This is what makes a lot of Chicago’s issues mind-boggling. The Sky never planned for what would happen if Courtney Vandersloot went down to a season ending injury. Hailey Van Lith is now the de facto starter, and while she may turn out to be a great player for the franchise, she’ll have a much different experience each game that she could’ve had better time preparing for if the team added better guard depth. Pundits want Chicago to make peace with Chennedy Carter and bring her back to the Sky. Carter isn’t going to come back anytime this year or next. Even if she could, her troubled past with multiple teams has been seen as too much of a liability. These same pundits also complain about the coaching change. Tyler Marsh might not be the right coach for this specific team/roster, but Weatherspoon wouldn’t do any better with this mess since she had no answers for how to make rookie center Kamilla Cardoso a consistent threat on offense and couldn’t get the most out of last year’s guard depth.
If the Sky added a coach with similar styles and experience like LSU’s Kim Mulkey or South Carolina’s Dawn Staley, this may be a much better, organized and disciplined team. It’s unfortunate both Cardoso and franchise star forward Angel Reese may not have the best chance of having that until next season.
If Chicago was serious about establishing a winning culture, they’d hire LSU’s Kim Mulkey by the All-Star break. Her success with Angel Reese and rookie Hailey Van Lith, plus added respect from Kamilla Cardoso could quickly fix most of the Sky’s on-court issues.
It’s time for the inaugural jdsportscorner WNBA power rankings. As I’ve done with the previous NBA & NHL rankings, these will show where all 13 teams currently stand. Some teams will have tiebreakers based off of how they’d perform on a neutral site.
#13 Connecticut Sun
Tina Charles is a top 25 WNBA player all-time, but if your current best player is a 15 year veteran playing close to 40 minutes a night, there’s a problem. The inconsistent Marina Mabrey is Connecticut’s second best player and now out at least three weeks with an injured left knee. This will be a long and stressful season for Sun fans, who also aren’t happy the team is in current discussions to relocate within the next few years.
#12 Dallas Wings
2025 first overall pick Paige Bueckers became the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 200 points and 50 assists last Sunday. Dallas won’t have a great year due to how little defense they play, but the Bueckers pick is an instant success and should make the Wings a fun watch the next few seasons.
#11 Chicago Sky
Chicago picked up a much needed home win against the Sparks yesterday. Although this was the last game center Kamilla Cardoso will play with Chicago until near mid-July, (she will compete in the AmeriCup Tournament with Team Brazil starting June 28th) news that guard Moriah Jefferson could come back by the start of next month could make the Sky a more interesting team to watch. Chicago desperately needs a guard who can facilitate, play good defense, and take offensive pressure off Ariel Atkins and rookie Hailey Van Lith. We’ll also see how well team leader Angel Reese plays with no talented center taking pressure off her on both sides of the court.
#10 Los Angeles Sparks
Give Los Angeles credit for building a better roster than what they had two years ago. Unfortunately last year’s second overall pick Cameron Brink is still injured and guard Odyssey Sims has been out for personal reasons. That means the offense has to be almost perfect since the defense is a mess. Once both return, the starting five of Brink, Sims, Dearica Hamby, Rickea Jackson and Kelsey Plum can add another serious playoff contender to the western conference.
#9 Washington Mystics
The Sky are not the subject of the first power rankings article if they weren’t outscored 68-46 after a dominant first quarter and blew a 12 point first half lead against Washington on June 17th. Brittney Sykes’ 32 points were the major reason for a comeback, and further shows how desperate Chicago is to get better guards.
#8 Las Vegas Aces
Guards Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray each have 50 assists after a month into the season. Vegas is last in assists and that’s because they don’t have playmakers outside of Young, Gray or league MVP center A’ja Wilson. Jewell Loyd is a solid guard, but she’s not an upgrade over Kelsey Plum. Forward Cheyenne Parker-Tyus is out for two more months because of pregnancy. Management has to get aggressive and sign someone like the newly, released DeWanna Bonner or make a trade for a few more complimentary players.
#7 Golden State Valkyries
It’s best to tune out the pundits and sports takes saying Golden State’s off to a great start in their first WNBA season. Six or seven teams look mediocre and earlier today, the Valkyries made an eyebrow raising move cutting guard Aerial Powers after she played well alongside Kate Martin. A rookie franchise is prone to making a lot of mistakes, but Golden State cutting top players doesn’t help their playoff chances.
#6 Indiana Fever
Are the Fever this good, or are the other seven teams that disappointing? It’s hard to get a read on Indiana as June ends, but it does feel like a team that could be dangerous after the All-Star break. Stephanie White is still learning and teaching a younger, more talented roster that will be around for a while. The Fever have to make sure no more injury concerns pop up this season.
#5 Seattle Storm
Gabby Williams makes Seattle a more complete team. She is the only Storm player who is top four in points scored (third), total rebounds (third), assists (second), steals (first), blocked shots (fourth) and three-point shots made (first). Seattle’s playoff and championship hopes depend on how well Williams plays.
#4 Atlanta Dream
The trio of Allisha Gray, Brionna Jones and Rhyne Howard gives Atlanta lots to love, but the free agent signing of Brittney Griner could be one of the most underrated additions last offseason. Griner’s defensive presence and veteran leadership makes the Dream one of the best defensive and rebounding teams in the WNBA.
#3 New York Liberty
First New York squeaked out some wins against Atlanta, Golden State and Indiana. Then they lost Jonquel Jones for almost two months to a right ankle sprain and their last three of four games. If the Liberty aren’t careful, that hot start to the season might be their highlight of 2025.
#2 Phoenix Suns
Kahleah Copper’s return instantly makes Phoenix a top three team in both the league and these rankings. Copper gives the Mercury an overwhelming edge to bully opponents in the paint on both sides of the court and the needed talent to put less skilled teams away early in games. Don’t be surprised if the trio of Kahleah Copper, Alyssa Thomas and Satou Sabally make a run for the number one seed the next few months.
#1 Minnesota Lynx
Coach Cheryl Reeve and forward Napheesa Collier entered this season mad at losing the last game of the 2024 WNBA Finals. Collier is easily the league’s MVP choice a month into the season. Hopefully her back injury isn’t too serious because the Lynx are playing their best basketball since the mid-2010s dynasty days.
Napheesa Collier’s the first Lynx since Maya Moore to lead the league in scoring during the regular season.
The NBA conference finals went faster than many expected. Oklahoma City dominated Minnesota in five games while Indiana won a thriller series against New York in six. The Thunder lost only four games in three western conference matchups. Whoever wins this year’s championship deserves the praise and accolades. It’s time to break down which team has the best chance of winning their first franchise championship in the NBA’s 78th season.
#4 Indiana Pacers v. #1 Oklahoma City Thunder
This is the first thrilling NBA finals matchup we’ve had since Golden State won their last championship in 2022. Both teams are young, have fast-paced offenses and improved defenses. The Thunder have more depth while the Pacers have better coaching.
In both regular season games between Oklahoma City and Indiana, two things stood out: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored at least 33+ points, and forwards Luguentz Dort and Jalen Williams combined for 30+ points. There were roster changes and coverage improvements since both games were between late January and late March. Pacers star point guard Tyrese Haliburton struggled shooting the ball in both games finishing with 50% accuracy or less and scored a total of 22 points.
If there is anyone who can elevate the Pacers in an unlikely finals run, it is coach Rick Carlisle. Back in 2011, Carlisle’s Mavericks won their first and only franchise title in what many believe is one of the most well-earned championships of all time against the star-studded Miami Heat. Unlike those Mavericks, the Pacers never beat their finals opponent in the regular season. If Carlisle steals a few wins against Oklahoma City, Haliburton has to play better, forward Pascal Siakam and center Myles Turner have to play their best on both ends of the court and bench players like Obi Toppin and T.J. McConnell need to win their matchups against Cason Wallace and Jaylin Williams.
Unlike last year’s finals, the favored team won’t have it easy. Oklahoma City coach Mark Daigneault doesn’t have experience coaching in the NBA finals compared to the Pacers’ Rick Carlisle. This series could have a rough patch for the young, mostly inexperienced Thunder. Regardless of probable hiccups, Oklahoma City showed how to clamp and shut down Indiana’s stars. If the Thunder win this series, they’ll go into the offseason with a championship trophy, lots of draft capital and a parade to plan. Oklahoma City’s first franchise championship will make them the envy of the league and general manager Sam Presti one of, if not the best general manager in American sports this century.
Prediction: Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Indiana Pacers 4-2 and win their first ever Larry O’Brien Trophy
JD's Sportscorner 