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Alright, you ready for this? Willson Contreras, that Red Sox slugger, just had his MLB suspension for that crazy June 30 brawl against the Washington Nationals cut down by two games! Yeah, from a brutal seven games to five, according to ESPN’s Jesse Rogers. You’d think that’s a huge win, right? A chance for him to get back on the field sooner? Not so fast, because this whole mess still puts a massive question mark over his upcoming Home Run Derby debut.

The Brawl That Blew Up the Diamond and Benched Everyone

Remember that benches-clearing incident on June 30? Man, it was wild, a total powder keg, with MLB themselves describing it as “actions initiating and during the benches-clearing incident.” Turns out, Contreras and Nationals pitcher Cade Cavalli were right in the thick of it, the main protagonists. Cavalli apparently shouted at Contreras right before they clashed, igniting the whole thing into a full-blown on-field brawl. Initially, both guys got slapped with seven-game suspensions for their parts. But after some appeals, both Cavalli and Contreras managed to get their bans knocked down to five games. Cavalli, for his part, already started his five-game sideline stint on Tuesday. It wasn’t just those two either. Red Sox outfielder Nate Eaton saw his suspension reduced from three games to two, and he also started Tuesday. Then there’s Nationals pitcher Miles Mikolas, who appealed his five-game ban before he started serving it on Monday. So, yeah, a whole lot of guys got benched for that dust-up, and you gotta wonder about the lingering frustration.

A Bruised Foot, a Foul Ball, and the Derby Dilemma

Now, here’s where it gets really gnarly for Contreras and any Red Sox fan watching. Even with the suspension reduced, Contreras isn’t just sitting out because of the brawl itself. Nope. He was already sidelined for Thursday’s matchup against the Chicago White Sox due to some lingering soreness. What’s the deal? He took a nasty foul ball right off his left foot on Wednesday in the third inning! Talk about brutal timing. He had to exit that game in the bottom of the third, and honestly, who wouldn’t? While he tried to play it cool after, saying he wasn’t “concerned about anything worse than a bruise” and expected to take it day-to-day, a foot injury for a power hitter is no joke. The Red Sox organization has to be crossing their fingers, hoping this forced five-game break actually lets his foot heal up properly, giving him some recovery time.
This crazy timeline means Contreras is going to miss the first game after the All-Star break, too. MLB.com’s Ian Browne reports he can finally return to the lineup on July 17, for the second game of a doubleheader against the Tampa Bay Rays. That’s a good target, sure. But the biggest immediate worry, the thing that’s got everyone buzzing? Just yesterday, MLB announced Contreras was making his Home Run Derby debut next Monday during All-Star Week in Philadelphia! This foul ball and his subsequent foot situation could absolutely derail that dream, throwing a huge wrench into his big moment. His participation, the entire spectacle of him stepping up to the plate, all hangs on how well that foot heals up this weekend. Can you imagine the pressure? Let’s hope for the best.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.

Alright, 12s! The “NFL Top 100 players of 2026” reveals are still coming fast and furious, and this week we got another name that’s definitely making waves: Denver Broncos defensive lineman Zach Allen. He just landed at No. 73 on the list, and while he’s not rocking green and blue, his serious climb demands attention, especially since our NFC West rivals down in Arizona are set to face him this upcoming season.

Zach Allen’s Massive Leap and Disruptive Play

This isn’t just some casual ranking, folks. Allen was No. 90 last year, so a jump to 73? That’s a massive 17-spot leap, proving exactly how much he dominated the league last season! He played all 17 games, which is huge for a D-lineman, especially one who earned his first ever Pro Bowl selection, and was a first-team All-Pro. Let that sink in for a second: *first-team All-Pro*. He was already second-team in 2024, showing he’s been on the rise, but that leap to the absolute top tier speaks volumes about his consistent impact and elite game. The numbers back it up big time, too: 38 total tackles, a solid seven sacks, four tackles for loss, and an insane 47 quarterback hits! Forty-seven! And he’s batting balls down too, with six tipped passes. It’s clear this dude is everywhere on the field, causing chaos for opposing offenses.
Even his teammates and opponents are gushing about him. Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain said watching Allen rush is “like watching ballet on grass , the moves he does, the counters, the swim moves.” And Broncos tackle Garett Bolles said Allen “does it all , chasing guys down, getting in their face, batting balls down, making sure running backs can’t get through their lanes.” Even Chiefs guard Trey Smith, who has to block him, straight up said Allen “has become one of the best defensive tackles in the NFL.” That’s respect, right there.

Rival Watch: What This Means For the NFC West

So, why are we Seattle fans talking about a Denver D-lineman so much? Because knowing who’s a bona fide threat across the league is part of being a true 12, and this guy is absolutely a big one. Our division rivals, the Arizona Cardinals, are gonna get a direct look at Allen and that Broncos defense when they host them in Week 7. It’s always good to scout the competition, even if it’s our competition’s competition, right? And get this: Allen actually spent his first four seasons with the Cardinals after being drafted in the third round in 2019, before he signed with the Broncos three years ago. So he’s got history in that stadium, and you know he’ll be looking to make an even bigger statement against his old team.
This ongoing “NFL Top 100” reveal also highlighted some other names this week from the 80-71 range. We saw a couple of Arizona Cardinals make the cut themselves, with outside linebacker Josh Sweat coming in at No. 78 and safety Budda Baker at No. 75. It just shows you the level of talent that’s getting recognized across the league. Allen’s massive move up the list is a clear signal that defensive tackles are making a huge impact, and we’ll definitely be keeping an eye on how he and the rest of the Top 100 perform when the games really start to matter this upcoming season.
The NFL season is right around the corner, and these rankings just build the anticipation. We’re hyped to see all the action unfold across the league. Go Hawks!

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.

Alright, WNBA fans, we’ve officially hit the halfway point of the 2026 season, and while some award races feel wrapped up tighter than a drum, one major pick has experts seriously split. A’ja Wilson? Yeah, she’s the unanimous choice for MVP, but when it comes to who’s the league’s top defender, the debate is just getting started.

Wilson’s MVP Numbers Are Just Bonkers

Look, if you’ve watched a single minute of basketball this season, A’ja Wilson’s MVP pick is a no-brainer. Our experts, Lindsay Gibbs, Isabel Gonzalez, and Jack Maloney, all picked her unanimously, and honestly, who could argue? This woman is averaging a league-high 25.7 points per game, shooting a ridiculous 52.4% from the field. And it’s not just scoring, folks. She’s third in the league in rebounds with 9.4, first in blocks with 2.0, first in PER at 32.2, and second in win shares with 3.9. Gibbs put it perfectly: there’s “no touching A’ja Wilson once again.” She’s on pace for what could be her fifth MVP title, and only an injury or some wild voter fatigue could possibly stop her.

It’s not just Wilson running away with things, either. The Rookie of the Year race is practically locked down, with Olivia Miles as the unanimous pick. And for Most Improved Player, Jessica Shepard is similarly “lappin the field,” according to Gibbs. Both Miles and Shepard are playing so well, they should “firmly be on the outskirts of the MVP conversation” themselves. That’s how dominant these early-season performances have been!

Who’s the League’s BEST Defender? Experts Can’t Agree!

While the MVP and ROY picks were clear, the Defensive Player of the Year award is where the experts couldn’t find common ground. Just like last season, when A’ja Wilson and Alanna Smith shared the award, there’s no single standout this time around. Lindsay Gibbs went with Natasha Howard of the Minnesota Lynx, calling her the “best defender on the team with the top defensive rating” at the season’s midway point. But Isabel Gonzalez and Jack Maloney both threw their weight behind A’ja Wilson for DPOY as well. Talk about a tough choice when the MVP is also in contention for the top defensive honor!

And let’s not forget the incredible bench play! Janelle Salaün is a unanimous pick for Sixth Player of the Year, balling out for the Golden State Valkyries with 12.3 points per game. She just dropped 26 points and 6 rebounds last Wednesday night, shooting 70% from the field and an insane 5 of 6 from deep. On the coaching side, Cheryl Reeve earned Coach of the Year, leading the Lynx to first place without Napheesa Collier. That’s a true “masterclass” in leadership.

So, as the WNBA heads into the second half, we’re watching closely. Can A’ja Wilson keep up this insane pace and maybe even snag a DPOY? Will these unanimous picks hold strong? You know we’ll be tuned in for every moment of this incredible season!

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.

Alright, football junkies, listen up! Kevin O’Connell, head coach for the Vikings, just dropped some serious truth bombs about what it truly takes to get to the top in this league, and honestly, every single NFL fan should be dialed in and paying attention. With Vikings training camp officially kicking off later this month, all eyes are going to be laser-focused on their quarterback battle. O’Connell isn’t holding back; he’s making it crystal clear that competition isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s the absolute mission.

The Only Way to Reach Peak Performance

During his recent appearance on The Dan Patrick Show, O’Connell absolutely didn’t mince words when he was grilled about whether the QB competition between Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy was genuinely an open one. He flat out declared that he’s never even heard of a “closed competition.” That’s the kind of direct, honest talk that we, as passionate fans, absolutely love to hear. For O’Connell, the absolute best way for any team to truly hit their ultimate goals and reach their peak standard is through “a daily attempt to have guys push each other.” Think about that for a second: that constant drive, that relentless hunger to be better than the guy next to you every single day, that’s precisely what forges champions in this grueling sport. And O’Connell knows this truth deep down, from personal experience. He pointed to his own history, having dealt with “seven or eight quarterbacks in four years.” The undeniable proof is in the pudding, folks. The two glorious seasons where his designated starter actually played the *whole entire* season? They didn’t just win a few games, they absolutely racked up impressive records of 13 and 14 wins. That, my friends, is not a mere coincidence; that’s a direct, undeniable result of achieving stability and consistently high-level play at arguably the most important position in all of football. Every single fan in the Emerald City, every 12, knows a strong, consistent quarterback makes all the monumental difference between a good season and a truly great one.

Who’s Rising to the Challenge?

So, with that competitive fire burning bright, who’s actually stepping up and delivering? O’Connell made sure to give props to both guys who are currently vying intensely for that coveted starting spot. He confirmed that Kyler Murray “has come in and done a great job,” which tells you everything you need to know about his dedication and effort. And J.J. McCarthy? O’Connell noted that he “has benefited from it,” and has also put together “a really good spring.” It sounds like that daily push and high-stakes environment is already working its magic, bringing out the best in both signal-callers. Plus, it’s not just a two-man show; they’ve got Carson Wentz right there in the room, a true “veteran quarterback,” who has absolutely seen it all and can only add valuable experience and a further layer to that already intense competitive environment. O’Connell’s ultimate endgame for this critical position is brilliantly simple: he wants the quarterback to undeniably be “a driving force behind us winning by doing their job, by hopefully activating the great players they get to play with.” It’s not merely about individual glory; it’s about elevating everyone around them and making the entire team better.

What’s Next for the QB Crew?

With training camp now looming large on the horizon, the pressure to perform is incredibly real and palpable. O’Connell shared back in June that there’s already a meticulously laid-out plan to name the Week 1 starter early enough, ensuring that chosen player has ample time to fully prepare and be ready to lead. It’s not about dragging things out until the absolute last minute; it’s about giving that guy the undisputed reins and letting him run with it. The stakes here are undeniably clear: O’Connell is laser-focused on getting his team back to those impressive 13 and 14-win seasons, and it all, absolutely all, starts with this pivotal quarterback competition. We, as fans, will certainly be watching very closely to see which player ultimately takes the decisive lead, because a strong and unified QB room doesn’t just lead to more wins, it truly defines entire seasons.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.

Alright, Seattle, buckle up! The 2026 World Cup is absolutely roaring right now, and two titans of the game, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe, have just pulled off something incredible: they’ve both hit a staggering 20 goals in World Cup history. Yeah, you heard that right, twenty! They’re active players, still out there on the pitch, and already sitting at the very top of the all-time goalscoring leaderboard. This isn’t just about individual stats; it’s about pure, unadulterated football history being written before our very eyes.

Messi’s Historic Push to the Top

Let’s talk about the legend himself, Lionel Messi. Heading into this 2026 tournament, the “Little Boy From Rosario” had already netted 13 goals across five previous World Cups. You know the story: he finally hoisted that elusive World Cup trophy with Argentina in 2022, scoring two goals in that epic final and a whopping seven goals overall in the tournament. He was already immortal. But Messi wasn’t done. In Argentina’s first group stage match of this 2026 World Cup, he absolutely tore apart Algeria’s Atlas Lions, putting not one, not two, but *three* goals past them! That hat trick wasn’t just his first ever in a World Cup, it also tied him with Miroslav Klose as the all-time leading goalscorer at 16 goals.
But wait, there’s more. Just days later, in Argentina’s second group stage clash against Austria, Messi solidified his place in history. After a missed penalty kick just minutes prior, he turned in a vintage finish in the first half, scoring the goal that gave him the outright record. Now, with the tournament still very much underway, Messi stands alone, officially credited with 20 goals across his incredible 30 matches and six World Cup appearances.

Mbappe’s Unbelievable Pace to Tie the Record

And then there’s Kylian Mbappe, the French phenom. While Messi’s journey to 20 goals has spanned six tournaments and 30 matches, Mbappe has matched that incredible 20-goal tally in a mind-bogglingly short amount of time: just 20 matches and only three tournaments (2018, 2022, 2026)! Seriously, think about that insane pace. This guy is a goal-scoring machine. He famously helped France win the World Cup in 2018, and he’s been relentless ever since. His 13th goal of the tournament, which feels like ages ago with him now at 20, came in France’s 2026 World Cup opener against Senegal. It’s a stark reminder of how quickly he’s piling up the numbers.
What a time to be a football fan, right? We’re watching two of the greatest players ever battle it out for individual glory while simultaneously chasing the biggest team prize in the sport. The 2026 World Cup is just getting spicy, and with both Messi and Mbappe currently sitting at 20 goals, the race for the Golden Boot, and ultimately the trophy, is absolutely electric. Who’s going to pull ahead next? You’d be crazy to miss it!

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.

Hold onto your hats, Seattle, because the 2026 World Cup Golden Boot race is absolutely bonkers, and right now, it’s Kylian Mbappe holding the top spot, not just for his incredible goal tally, but thanks to his clutch playmaking. While he’s tied with Lionel Messi at a stunning eight goals each, it’s Mbappe’s two assists that are making all the difference, putting him in pole position as the tournament heats up.

Mbappe’s Relentless Drive and Crucial Assists

This dude is on fire, pure and simple. Mbappe didn’t waste a second getting started, putting a brace past Senegal right out of the gate. Then he casually notched another goal against Iraq, followed by a *third* double in the Round of 32 against Sweden! You can’t make this stuff up. He then nailed a crucial penalty against Paraguay in the last 16, showing ice in his veins, before adding yet another goal in the quarter-finals against Morocco, even after missing a spot-kick earlier in that game. Eight goals, folks. But here’s the kicker: those two assists? They could be the game-changer if he stays level with his rivals. Every pass, every setup, it all matters with the Golden Boot on the line.

Messi’s Record-Breaking Resilience

Of course, you can never count out the GOAT. Lionel Messi kicked things off with an opening hat-trick against Algeria. A hat-trick! He then bagged two more goals against Austria in a game where he showed pure grit, bouncing back from a penalty miss to break the all-time World Cup scoring record. Absolutely insane! He even got another one off the bench against Jordan, proving he’s dangerous any time he’s on the pitch. And because he’s Messi, he inevitably scored in both of Argentina’s narrow knockout wins over Cape Verde and Egypt, bringing his total to eight goals for the tournament. But with only one assist to his name, he’s currently sitting just behind Mbappe, despite the identical goal count.

The Challengers and What Matters Most

The race isn’t just a two-horse show, either. Erling Haaland is absolutely gunning for it, having scored for the 14th straight international game when he put two past Brazil in the Round of 16. That brings him to seven goals, but with zero assists, he’s got some ground to make up. Then there’s Harry Kane, who literally saved England with a double against DR Congo and followed that up with a goal and an assist against Mexico. He’s sitting on six goals, with Jude Bellingham also climbing into contention with his third and fourth goals of the tournament in that same Mexico game. This is where it gets spicy: if players are tied on goals, the first tie-breaker is always the number of assists. If it’s *still* a tie, then it goes down to minutes played and the goals-per-minute ratio. Every single touch, every single minute on the pitch, matters more than ever.
This Golden Boot chase is wild, and with Mbappe’s two assists giving him the edge right now, every game from here on out is going to be packed with high stakes. Will Messi find another assist to pull level, or will Haaland or Kane make a furious late push? We’ll be watching every kick!

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.

Alright, hoop heads, get ready because the NCAA just dropped some absolute bombs that are gonna change the very fabric of March Madness as we know it! Forget everything you thought you knew about those opening tournament games, because the men’s Division I basketball tournament is blowing up to a whopping 76 teams for the upcoming season, and it’s bringing some serious shake-ups to the early rounds. Wichita, Kansas, is officially joining Dayton, Ohio, as a host city for opening-round games in 2027 and 2028, which means our beloved “First Four” is completely reimagined.

Your Bracket Just Got 12 Games Wild

Yeah, you heard that right, our familiar “First Four” setup, which used to feature four games in Dayton, determining which four teams advanced from the eight lowest-seeded automatic qualifiers and at-large programs, is GONE. Instead, we’re getting a massive 12 opening-round games! Dayton’s UD Arena will still get six of those matchups, but Wichita’s InTrust Bank Arena is stepping in to host the other six. All 12 of these new-look opening games will feature the 24 lowest seeds from both automatic qualifiers and at-large teams. Keith Gill, chair of the Division I men’s basketball committee, summed it up perfectly, saying, “Like Dayton, Wichita is a basketball-crazed community that we expect will embrace the reimagined start of the tournament.” He’s not wrong, that passion is what makes March Madness special!

Wichita’s Central Location Was A Game-Changer

So why Wichita, you ask? Well, it wasn’t just pulled out of a hat. The NCAA picked Wichita from seven other cities west of the Mississippi River, including places like Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Des Moines, Iowa. Turns out, Wichita’s central geographic location was a huge factor, making it easier to funnel teams from all over the country to the opening round and then onto the first-round sites. Plus, InTrust Arena has a solid track record, having hosted first- and second-round NCAA tournament games in both 2018 and 2025. It just makes sense. Oh, and for those wondering, the women’s NCAA tournament is also expanding to 76 teams, but their opening games will be played on campus at the designated first and second-round host sites.

The Bubble Just Got A Little Bigger

Beyond the new tournament format, the NCAA also announced a tweak to its “Wins Above Bubble” (WAB) standard. For the last couple of seasons, the WAB baseline was set at the team ranked 45th by the NCAA Evaluation Tool (NET). That 45th spot basically represented the average “bubble” team. But now, with more at-large teams getting into the dance, the new WAB baseline is shifting to the team ranked 55th. That’s a huge deal for teams fighting for those last few spots! The NET formula itself, which considers everything from game results to offensive and defensive efficiency, isn’t changing, but that higher WAB baseline means a few more teams will be sweating it out until Selection Sunday. Get ready for some wild bubble watch drama!
This expanded tournament and the WAB adjustment mean every single game, especially for teams on the edge, just got that much more critical. We’re talking about more chances for upsets, more Cinderella stories, and a whole lot more chaos for our brackets. Bring it on, March!

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.

Alright, Seattle. Let’s talk about something in the world of soccer that gets more arguments going than who has the best coffee. Few things are as divisive as that stutter-step penalty kick, the one where a player feints and slows their run, trying to trick the goalkeeper into moving the wrong way. It’s a contentious move, especially when players miss, and it totally subverts what you think of as proper technique in the beautiful game.

Brazil’s “Paradinha”: The Original Keeper Nightmare

This wild maneuver, known as “paradinha” or “little stop” in Portuguese, didn’t just pop up out of nowhere. Its origins trace back to Brazil’s lush plains, where the country’s legendary players perfected it. Get this: Pele himself, in his autobiography “My Story,” claimed he invented it! But even the King of Soccer gave credit where it was due, recalling a 1959 training session. He said he saw Didi invent this “new trick,” running up to the ball, stopping just before kicking, then looking up to see where the keeper moved. In that split second, Didi would judge the kick and beat the keeper. Pele thought it was a “brilliant idea,” even if it was “slightly on the edge of the rules” because you’re supposed to kick before the keeper moves. Sound familiar? Goalkeepers back then started complaining it wasn’t fair, and honestly, can you blame them? The stutter-step first came into effect on Brazil’s sides of the late 1950s and early 1960s, with Pele as one of its first practitioners.

Superstars Are Bungling It, But It’s Still En Vogue

Fast forward more than 70 years, and this bit of choreography still draws some of the biggest names in the game. We’re talking superstars like Neymar Jr., Paul Pogba, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Kylian Mbappe all admiring it. But here’s the kicker: it’s got a checkered reputation now. Why? Because even the best, like Mbappe and Brazilian midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, have totally bungled their attempts at this contentious dance. Imagine the pressure, the style, the chicanery, all bundled into one move, and then… *thwack*… you miss. Ouch. Nevertheless, don’t expect it to disappear. This move is likely to remain en vogue because when it works, it pairs pure style with substance, letting players show off not just their football gifts but their cleverness, too.
So there you have it, Seattle. The stutter-step penalty, born in Brazil with Pele as one of its first practitioners, is still here, still sparking debate. Whether you love the audacity or hate the “unfairness” of the “little stop,” it’s a part of modern soccer. Get ready to keep seeing it, because this divisive dance isn’t going anywhere.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.

Okay, seriously, if you’re sleeping on tight ends for your 2026 fantasy draft, you need to wake up right now. Last season, these guys snagged a mind-blowing 231 touchdowns. That’s the most the league has seen since 2013! And get this, their collective target share hit an all-time high at 23.8%. This isn’t just a trend, it’s a full-blown revolution, and if you’re not ready for it, your fantasy team is going to be left in the dust.

The TE Boom Is Real, Folks!

Why is this happening? It’s simple, really. Defenses are playing safeties deep, trying to counter those insane wide receivers we all love. But what do brilliant offensive coordinators do? They lean into multiple tight ends, making it easier to run the ball and, more importantly, creating absolute mismatches all over the field. Think about it: these guys are bigger and stronger than most safeties, but still faster than most linebackers. That’s a “cheat code” setup just waiting to happen! We’re also seeing a steady stream of ridiculously athletic tight ends pouring into the NFL, and many of them are just scratching the surface of their potential. For every established talent like Trey McBride or Brock Bowers, there’s an Isaiah Likely or Chig Okonkwo ready to explode. The talent pool is deep, and teams are ready to lean on them. That’s why you’re seeing fantasy managers willing to take shots on guys like McBride and Bowers by the end of Round 2, and even snatching up Colston Loveland and Tyler Warren by the end of Round 5, maybe even sooner for Loveland!

Finding Your Weekly “Cheat Code”

Most fantasy leagues ask you to start just one tight end. While there are plenty of guys you could make a case for starting, only a select few truly have that week-winning upside. These are your “cheat codes.” The golden rule for spotting them? Shop for a tight end you genuinely believe can finish first or second on his own team in targets. Seriously, that’s the blueprint! This guy should be averaging at least six targets per game. Less than that? It’s going to hurt their numbers. More? Absolutely awesome. Obviously, in half-PPR leagues, more catches are always better, though last year only 11 tight ends averaged more than four catches per game.
Digging into the numbers, only seven of the top 12 qualifying tight ends, those who played eight or more games, actually averaged at least six targets per game. Across the entire NFL, only 10 tight ends hit that six-plus target average. Guys like Dalton Schultz, Juwan Johnson, and Jake Ferguson didn’t crack the top 12, with Ferguson just 0.1 points per game behind Hunter Henry for that 12th spot. Talk about tight! We’ve seen some incredible streaks, too. George Kittle had an insane run, averaging at least 10.7 half-PPR points for eight straight years, though he’s coming off a tough Achilles injury from January. McBride and Bowers have both been consistently great, averaging at least 12 half-PPR points for two straight seasons. And for the king of consistency, Travis Kelce has been averaging at least nine half-PPR points for an unbelievable 12 straight years!
So, as you’re gearing up for your draft, remember these names and these numbers. Don’t be the buddy who misses out on a true cheat code just because you stuck to old habits. The league has changed, and your draft strategy needs to catch up if you want to be hoisting that fantasy championship trophy!

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.

The 2026 World Cup is already in full swing, folks, and things are getting absolutely WILD out there! Can you even believe it’s July 9th and we’re already deep into the quarterfinals? This entire epic tournament, hosted across 16 cities spanning the United States, Mexico, and Canada, kicked off back on June 11th, and every single game has been nothing short of electric. Now, with the stakes sky-high and the competition red-hot, we’ve got a massive matchup coming up this Friday: Belgium vs. Spain in what’s sure to be a nail-biter. But here’s the truly wild part for us die-hard fans: we can actually get in on the action in a totally new way, thanks to Kalshi, the Official Prediction Market Partner of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Think about it, Seattle, this isn’t just watching anymore.

Trading Every Turn of the Tournament with Kalshi

Alright, so you’re probably wondering, “What exactly *is* this ‘trading’ thing?” Well, Kalshi is letting you *trade* event contracts on any game in this year’s tournament. Seriously, they’re talking about the second game of the quarterfinals, Belgium vs. Spain on Friday, and you could be actively involved, trading on specific outcomes as the game unfolds. Kalshi’s whole deal revolves around offering Yes/No event contracts, which, if you’re new to this, sounds pretty straightforward, right? They’ve even put together a comprehensive guide to help everyone, from casual watchers to hardcore soccer fanatics, understand how these prediction markets actually work. The guide details everything you need to know, from the pricing structures to explanations of the most popular markets available. They even break down pricing for every group match, plus the big-ticket markets like predicting who’s gonna win the whole World Cup trophy or who’ll snag the coveted Golden Boot award. This isn’t just about picking a winner anymore; it’s about diving deep into the game’s every twist, turn, and potential outcome. Talk about making every moment count!

How to Get In The Game with a Sweet Bonus

Okay, so now you’re probably thinking, “How do I even start with this whole trading thing?” Good news, my friend! Kalshi’s rolled out a pretty sweet deal for new users. You can claim a $15 trading bonus after you make your very first $15 worth of trades. Getting started is pretty simple, too. All you gotta do is download the Kalshi app, then sign up with your basic info like your name, address, phone number, and SSN. (They need to verify you, it’s the standard drill for these platforms, you know?) The absolutely crucial thing to remember is using the Kalshi referral code **CBSSPORTS** when you register to lock in that bonus offer. Once you’re signed up and ready, just tap that green “Deposit Cash” button, pick your preferred deposit method, and follow the prompts. They’ve made it super convenient with a ton of options, including Apple Pay, Google Pay, Venmo, PayPal, Cash App, debit cards, bank transfers, wire transfers (just a heads up, there’s a minimum $1,000 for those), and even crypto deposits. Just remember, you need to actually trade at least $15 in contracts for that $15 bonus to be applied to your account. It’s a killer way to get a real taste of the action without feeling like you’re diving headfirst into the deep end.
So, here we are, right in the thick of the World Cup quarterfinals, and this Friday’s Belgium vs. Spain match is gonna be absolutely legendary. If you’ve been looking for that next-level way to engage with the biggest soccer tournament on the planet, checking out Kalshi and their prediction markets could be exactly what you need. It’ll make every single play, every goal, every save, matter even more. Don’t you dare miss that quarterfinal showdown!

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.