Good Morning, and welcome to Savage Sports. We’ve had a few days for it to sink in, but the Arizona Diamondbacks are headed to the World Series. Can you believe that? To the two Snakes fans who subscribe to this newsletter, we send you our sincerest congrats. I can’t imagine how satisfying it must be to watch this video compilation of all the doubters who said it wouldn’t happen.

ALSO: Here is an actual image of that one Friday meeting on my calendar blocking me from starting the weekend early. Who schedules meetings on a Friday?! ⬇️

Here's what we got for you today:

• Bills Barely Hold On

• NFL Trade Deadline Rumors

• CFB Key Match-Ups

• World Series Preview

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NFL

Are Josh Allen And The Bills Back On Track?

He’s back, baby. Maybe?

In a performance that seemed almost cathartic, Josh Allen invigorated Buffalo’s listless offense, guiding the Bills to a 24-18 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Highmark Stadium.

Displaying a precision that has been inconsistent at times this season, Allen completed 77.5% of his passes for 324 yards and tossed two touchdowns along with a deflected interception.

Allen’s versatility on the ground added another layer to Buffalo’s offense that was just too much for the Tampa Bay defense.

The game also signaled a tactical shift for the Bills. No longer the team that sputtered against the Jaguars, Giants, and Patriots, Buffalo appeared to show up in a completely different way, using the no-huddle early in the game to set the pace and get off to a fast start.

As the Bills prepare for their face-off against the Cincinnati Bengals, Allen’s revitalized performance should give the Bills mafia some home.

With this newfound energy, the Bills might just be gearing up for a season turnaround or this could just be another up in what has been an up-and-down season so far.

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NFL Trade Deadline Rumor Mill

With the NFL trade deadline looming on Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET, time is running out for teams to bolster their rosters for the season’s stretch run. Based on FOX Sports’ Week 8 Power Rankings, here are the trades that could significantly impact the top 10 teams’ performance.

Philadelphia Eagles: CB Jaylon Johnson (Chicago Bears)

Rationale: While the Eagles’ recent trade for safety Kevin Byard indicates a focus on shoring up the secondary, a reliable third corner remains elusive. Johnson would provide insurance and versatility, enabling James Bradberry to slot in comfortably.

Potential Cost: At least a third-round pick.

Kansas City Chiefs: WR Kendrick Bourne (New England Patriots)

Rationale: Despite Tight End Travis Kelce’s consistency, QB Patrick Mahomes needs a more dynamic supporting cast. Bourne could be the veteran playmaker with big after-the-catch upside.

Potential Cost: Unknown but likely moderate given his underutilization.

San Francisco 49ers: CB Adoree’ Jackson (New York Giants)

Rationale: The 49ers have struggled with nickel coverage. Jackson offers veteran experience and could take over this crucial role.

Potential Cost: A Day 3 pick.

Baltimore Ravens: RB Derrick Henry (Tennessee Titans)

Rationale: Despite good overall rushing stats, the Ravens are overly reliant on QB Lamar Jackson. Henry offers a tantalizing option for a more balanced offense and adds championship caliber. This is a trade I want to see!

Potential Cost: Significant. Expect multiple high draft picks.

Miami Dolphins: DE Leonard Williams (New York Giants)

Rationale: While Miami’s roster seems complete, their defensive line could elevate with Williams.

Potential Cost: Draft capital, but the Giants would need to absorb most of Williams’ salary.

Jacksonville Jaguars: OLB Josh Uche (New England Patriots)

Rationale: The Jags’ inconsistent pass rush needs bolstering. Uche could provide situational effectiveness without hindering the development of other talents.

Potential Cost: A fourth-round pick.

Detroit Lions: DL from Washington Commanders

Rationale: Instead of investing more in an injury-ridden secondary, Detroit could improve its defensive line. This indirectly aids the secondary by intensifying pressure up front.

Potential Cost: Variable, but significant draft capital expected.

Dallas Cowboys: LB Jordan Hicks (Minnesota Vikings)

Rationale: The Cowboys are thin at linebacker, and Hicks offers a reliable, veteran presence.

Potential Cost: A Day 3 pick.

Seattle Seahawks: Edge Justin Houston (Carolina Panthers)

Rationale: The Seahawks need an experienced pass-rusher to supplement their young talents, especially with Uchenna Nwosu out.

Potential Cost: A late-round pick.

Buffalo Bills: CB Donte Jackson (Carolina Panthers)

Rationale: With Tre’Davious White out and a declining defensive efficiency, the Bills must improve their secondary. Jackson would be a strategic fit.

Potential Cost: Moderate draft capital.

College Football

Top 5 Matchups To Watch In Week 9

1. No. 8 Oregon (6-1) at No. 13 Utah (6-1)

Line: Oregon -6.5

Quick Take: This is the headliner of the week, featuring two teams that are not only ranked but also vying for the top spot in their conference. The game has significant implications for the Heisman race and the Pac-12 standings. The QB matchup will be crucial, with Oregon’s Bo Nix being a key player to watch.

2. No. 20 Duke (5-2) at No. 18 Louisville (6-1)

Line: Louisville -4

Quick Take: This is an ACC battle with conference title implications. The game is poised to be a close affair and could be impacted by injuries to key players, including Louisville running back Jawhar Jordan and Duke quarterback Riley Leonard. Whoever wins gets a boost in the conference title race.

3. No. 1 Georgia (7-0) vs Florida (5-2)

Line: Georgia -14.5

Quick Take: Georgia, the top-ranked team, faces a Florida side that has only one win against them in the past six years. Key injuries for Georgia might level the playing field somewhat, but I wouldn’t really expect an upset here.

4. No. 6 Oklahoma (7-0) at Kansas (5-2)

Line: Oklahoma -10

Quick Take: Oklahoma is looking to maintain its undefeated status and CFP hopes, but Kansas is not to be taken lightly. The Sooners have had some close calls recently, which makes this game intriguing.

5. No. 21 Tennessee (5-2) at Kentucky (5-2)

Line: Tennessee -3.5

Quick Take: While not the most glamorous game, both teams are stuck in the middle of the SEC East and are looking to break out. The game is expected to be a close and fiery matchup, making it worthy of attention despite both teams coming off disappointing losses.

MLB PLAYOFFS

World Series Preview

The underdogs are here and it is time for some World Series baseball!

The Arizona Diamondbacks and Texas Rangers bring distinctive strengths to the table. The Diamondbacks’ run has been epitomized by their stunning upset of the Philadelphia Phillies, thanks in part to a bullpen that found its stride late and young players who seem undeterred by the postseason spotlight.

On the other side, the Rangers, guided by seasoned manager Bruce Bochy, offer a potent lineup bolstered by the late-season addition of Evan Carter. They’ve demonstrated depth in their lineup, from Corey Seager to Adolis García, and have some solid starting pitchers in Nathan Eovaldi and Jordan Montgomery.

Although their bullpen has been a point of concern, it’s managed to hold the line so far. The question is, will it continue to bend and not break?

Considering both teams, the Rangers seem to have the more complete team on paper. But then again, that has been the case with every team The Snakes have played so far.

While Arizona’s youthful energy and bullpen depth could carry them far, Texas’ well-rounded offense and starting pitching give them an edge that I think will end the Snakes’ magical run.

The Rangers have depth where it counts, and under Bruce Bochy, they’ve got a leader who knows how to navigate October baseball.

Official Savage Sports Prediction: Texas Rangers In Six

TW0-MINUTE DRILL

• Dusty Baker announces his retirement after 26 seasons.

• Savage Tweet calls out Anthony Davis as the McFlurry Machine at McDonalds.

• The latest on the Michigan sign-stealing investigation. 

• Dame Time! Milwaukee will be tough to beat this year. 

VIDEO OF THE DAY

Okay—this is getting out of hand.

espnnfl

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THE BUZZER

That's a wrap for today. We'll be back on Monday!

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