When it rains, it pours

The GIST: From the trickiest of plays to tonight’s 8:15 p.m. ET Monday Night Football showdown between the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs and the high-flying Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Week 9 NFL slate has been a true treat.

• But with tomorrow’s 4 p.m. ET trade deadline looming and injuries continuing to mount across the league, the on-field action’s taking a backseat on this Monday morning.

Injury report: The Dallas Cowboys took the biggest injury hit this week — quarterback (QB) Dak Prescott left the squad’s 27–21 loss to the Atlanta Falcons in the third quarter with a hamstring injury (not a hand injury) while superstar wide receiver (WR) CeeDee Lamb suffered a fourth-quarter shoulder injury that left him visibly wincing for the rest of the loss.

• Elsewhere, Atlanta Falcons WR Drake London sustained a hip injury, Philadelphia Eagle A.J. Brown tweaked his knee, and New Orleans Saints WR Chris Olave left the field on a backboard after suffering his second concussion of the season. So scary.

The trade deadline: The NFL trade deadline offers a midseason opportunity for contending squads to add talent before a playoff push (perhaps to fill an injury void) or for weaker teams to trade stronger players in exchange for future draft picks — like how the floundering Tennessee Titans recently traded WR DeAndre Hopkins to the Kansas City Chiefs for a 2025 pick.

• And the rumor mill is already swirling ahead of tomorrow’s deadline. Watch for the WR market to stay hot with New England Patriot K.J. Osborn, Carolina Panther Adam Thielen, and NY Giant Darius Slayton garnering attention.

The GIST: Yesterday’s Brazilian Grand Prix (GP) brought the drama as multiple weather delays, red flags, and investigations characterized a race weekend that also saw a career-best drive from World Drivers’ Championship (WDC) leader Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. When it rains, it pours.

Verstappen thrives in rain-soaked race: The Dutchman began the race in 17th after a disappointing qualifying yesterday morning and an engine penalty, but the chaotic GP was the perfect recipe for Verstappen’s roaring comeback and first race win since June.

• McLaren’s Lando Norris, Verstappen’s WDC rival, finished sixth despite starting the race in pole position (aka first), meaning the Brit couldn’t translate a grid-front start to a win…again.

Alpine earns unexpected pair of podiums: Teammates Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly surprisingly rounded out the podium, finishing second and third, respectively. Prior to this weekend, Alpine had accrued a measly 16 points on the season, but the surprise two-three finish bumped the team up to sixth in the World Constructors’ Championship. Any given Sunday, right?

Looking ahead: Driving for a fourth consecutive WDC, Verstappen boasts a commanding 62-point lead over Norris heading into the final three races of the season. And the McLaren racer is lucky the gap is that small after escaping Brazil with only a fine following the chaos of a potential penalty-worthy infraction. Spicy.

After a year of massive growth, the tip-off for the upcoming collegiate women’s basketball season calls for a huge spectacle. Aflac is meeting the moment with today’s Oui Play games in Paris.

Featuring four powerhouse women’s hoops teams, Aflac Oui Play celebrates how far the game has come in recent years and where it could go next. Magnifique.

• It all starts today at 12 p.m. ET when No. 3 USC takes on No. 20 Ole Miss on ESPN, followed by No. 5 UCLA vs. No. 17 Louisville at 2:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2. How do you say “Let’s ball” in French?

These season-opening matchups are brought to you by Aflac, the supplemental insurance provider that pays cash to help close gaps health insurance can leave behind.

• If illness or injuries threaten your savings, Aflac can help have your back. Just like Paris, supplemental coverage is a great idea.

It’s that magical time of year when fall and winter sports seasons overlap, which means there’s nonstop women’s sports action to take in. We’re back with another Ally Sports Spotlight to ensure you don’t miss a minute.

• 🎓⚽ Ally ACC Women’s Soccer Championship, November 7th and 10th (schedule and viewing info here): The ACC is the most competitive women’s soccer conference in the NCAA, featuring three of last year’s four College Cup contenders. Stacked is an understatement.

• ⚽ NWSL Playoffs quarter-finals, November 8th (schedule and viewing info here): It’s the pinnacle of the NWSL season: the single-elimination playoffs, which culminate in the November 23rd final. Can’t freaking wait.

• 🎓🏀 NCAA women’s basketball: Ally Tipoff, November 10th at 3 p.m. ET (ESPN and ESPN2): Four of the most elite programs in women’s basketball — reigning champ South Carolina, NC State, Virginia Tech, and Iowa — tipping off the season with back-to-back showdowns? College hoops fans have had this one circled on their calendars since April.

Ally’s on a mission to change the game for women’s sports — just like they’re working overtime to help you meet your financial goals. Check out how they’re changing the game for women athletes and learn more about how you can help too. Hint: Step one is tuning in and cheering ’em on.