What Happens in Vegas 👀

09/14/2021

By: Jeff Yoder

Good Morning,

The Las Vegas Raiders opened the gates to fans for the first time since moving to the desert, and what an occasion it was. Meanwhile, the San Francisco Giants are the first team to punch their ticket to October, and the Champions League returns today. Fall sports are in full gear.

Letter Rip!

_________________________________________________________________________________________

NFL

What Happens in Vegas 

Photo: Christian Peterson / Getty Images

Raiders Welcome Fans to New Stadium With Crazy Monday Night Win Against Ravens (33-27, OT)

 

The Raiders made their official Las Vegas debut in 2020, but no fans allowed in Sin City through all of last season pushed the unofficial christening of Allegiant Stadium to Week 1 of the 2021 season — and on Monday Night Football, no less. And that welcoming party did not disappoint. QB Derek Carr led a furious 4th-quarter comeback before the home team pulled a stunning overtime thriller. The NFL’s Week 1 just closed with a bang.

 

How the Game Was Won: The Raiders and Ravens entered the 4th quarter with just 27 combined points before both teams tallied 33 points in the 4th Q and overtime. Las Vegas — after trailing 14-0 — rallied to force overtime at 27-all before a wild OT session. Two turnovers, including a Raiders interception in the end zone, turned into a “who has it last” finish. In the end, it was QB Derek Carr connecting with WR Zay Jones for a 31-yard walk-off touchdown. Welcome home, Vegas!

 

QB Comparison

QB Derek Carr (LV): 34/56, 435 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT

QB Lamar Jackson (BAL): 19/30, 321 total yards, 1 TD,

 

Other MNF Top Performers

RB Josh Jacobs (LV): 10 carries, 34 yards, 2 TDs

TE Darren Waller (LV): 10 receptions, 105 yards, 1 TD

WR Marquise Brown (BAL): 6 receptions, 69 yards, 1 TD

 

Watch: Raiders Top Ravens in MNF Thriller (33-27, OT)

 

Additional Storylines

FOX Sports: Top Moments: Raiders Survive Ravens in Wild OT Finish

Clutch Points: Derek Carr Completes Raiders’ Epic Comeback on MNF

_________________________________________________________________________________________

MLB

Giant Hopes for October

Photo: Ezra Shaw / Getty Images

San Francisco Giants Are First MLB Team to Clinch Playoff Berth

 

The biggest surprise of the 2021 MLB season is the first team to clinch a spot in October — the San Francisco Giants. San Fran ripped off a 9-1 victory over the Padres on Monday night at Oracle Park, extending their win streak to eight games and nabbing the first spot in the playoffs. It’s also the earliest date in the calendar that the Giants (90-54) have clinched a playoff berth in franchise history, and the first time they were the first team with a postseason ticket since 1987. All nine runs came from just eight hits last night while six different pitchers combined to give up seven hits, one run and 11 strikeouts. With 16 days to October, the first of ten is officially in.

 

Watch: Giants Become 1st MLB Team to Clinch Playoff Berth

 

MLB Playoff Race

 

American League

AL East: Rays (89-55)

AL Central: White Sox (82-61)

AL West: Astros (84-59)

Wild Card: Blue Jays (81-63)

Wild Card: Yankees (80-64)

In the Hunt: Red Sox (81-65), Mariners (78-66), Athletics (77-66)

 

National League

NL East: Braves (76-66)

NL Central: Brewers (89-55)

NL West: Giants (94-50)

Wild Card: Dodgers (92-53)

Wild Card: Reds (75-69)

In the Hunt: Padres (74-69), Cardinals (74-69), Phillies (72-71), Mets (72-73)

 

Full MLB Standings

 

Additional Storylines

MLB: How They Got Here: Giants Beat Deep Odds to Reach Playoffs

Video: Vlad Guerrero Jr. Clobbers 45th Homer to Take Lead in HR Race

_________________________________________________________________________________________

SOCCER

The Champions League Returns

Photo: Richard Julliart / Getty Images

2021-22 UEFA Champions League Actions Begins With Matchday 1 Today

 

Buckle up, soccer fans. The UEFA Champions League is back! After a year where Chelsea made history as the champs back in June, this year’s competition is a fresh slate after superstar movement stole the show this summer. Lionel Messi is now at PSG. Cristiano Ronaldo joined Manchester United. And the best teams in Europe are back at it again. Here are today’s matchups with more action again tomorrow.

 

Champions League Schedule (Matchday 1)

Sevilla vs. RB Salzburg (12:45 pm ET)

Man. United vs. Young Boys (12:45 pm ET)

Lille vs. Wolfsburg (3:00 pm ET)

Atalanta vs. Villareal (3:00 pm ET)

Chelsea vs. Zenit (3:00 pm ET)

Juventus vs. Malmo (3:00 pm ET)

Barcelona vs. Bayern Munich (3:00 pm ET)

Dynamo Kyiv vs. Benfica (3:00 pm ET)

 

Additional Storylines

DraftKings: Champions League Odds: Manchester City & PSG Favorites to Win in 2021-22

CBS Sports: Champions League Preview: Ronaldo, Messi to Make New-Team Debuts, And 4 Other Matchday 1 Storylines

_________________________________________________________________________________________

SPONSORED

Noom

A Healthier You Starts From the Inside

 

No matter where you are in life, a healthier you isn’t as far away as you think. It’s time to meet Noom, a psychology-based program that empowers you to think and doesn’t force you to suffer. By better understanding yourself, your brain, and the science of choice, Noom helps you fix your unhealthy lifestyle from the inside. Their support system includes a personal specialist, fitness and nutrition guides, as well as group chats with real people to keep you motivated.

 

Retrain your brain so your healthy habits last a lifetime.

 

Try Noom Today

_________________________________________________________________________________________

THE STORYLINES

⚽️  The Champions League Power Rankings

On Tuesday the Champions League resumes with 32 of Europe’s best teams battling for continental supremacy. Who is in the best shape as the competition returns? We assess the runners and riders. (CBS Sports)

 

🏈  32 Things We Learned From Week 1

From touching 9/11 tributes to injury comebacks, Week 1 in the NFL had plenty to celebrate. There were new features overreactions aplenty throughout the league. Single digit numbers, Aaron Rodgers concerns and much more… (USA Today)

 

🎾  Sudden Stardom & Deep Connections

Viewers of the U.S. Open embraced the young finalists in women’s singles, a pair of teenagers who seemed as if they had been around forever. The story of Emma Raducanu (18) and Leylah Fernandez (19) brought two players together for one unforgettable finale. (NY Times)

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

SHARE SPORTS

Share The Sportsletter with family and friends using your unique Team ID and you’ll get rewarded with team gear as you rack up points and climb the ranks!

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Support The Sportsletter

_________________________________________________________________________________________