MON SIX

One of the trickiest and most scrutinized elements of composingthe NFL scheduleis figuring out the prime-time slate.

The league has placed a special emphasis on recent years out of maximizing the audience for its most lucrative windows. That shift has only increased the imbalance between the franchises that are fixtures of the standalone slate and those who tend to toil in obscurity. But with this year's schedule release set for Thursday, several organizations could be set for a significant swing in how much attention they're afforded.

USA TODAY Sports took a look atfive teams that deserve more prime-time games in 2026andfive that deserve fewer:

Five NFL teams that deserve more prime-time games

New England Patriots

With schedule-makers left to guess how New England's Year 1 resurgence under Mike Vrabel might take form, the Patriots only received an initial allotment of three prime-time games last season − the same number given to theLas Vegas Raiders,New York GiantsandChicago Bears. Safe to say a boost is coming in 2026.

Even independent of theVrabel controversy that has loomed over the franchisethis offseason, the defending AFC champions should compel plenty of people to tune in whenever they play. NFL MVP runner-up Drake Maye is one of the league's most prolific deep throwers, and there should be widespread interest in how the offense rebounds from its Super Bowl 60 unraveling. If the long-awaited A.J. Brown trade materializes after June 1, the wide receiver's acclimation into the league's No. 2 scoring attack will be one of the most compelling early-season storylines.

New England has plenty of matchups more than worthy of a significant spotlight. The Super Bowl rematch against theSeattle Seahawksshould be one of the most highly rated regular-season contests. Another tilt with theDenver Broncosshould also prove far more entertaining than the sloppy AFC championship game was. Matchups with the Kansas City Chiefs and Chicago Bears offer up excellent quarterback showdowns. Meanwhile, the rivalry with theBuffalo Billshas turned into one of the league's best and most consequential divisional games. Expect the league to push the Patriots early and often in the prime-time slate.

Chicago Bears

From a network's perspective, the Bears have plenty going for them: Caleb Williams' captivating off-schedule plays, an offense that scores in droves and a novelty factor for a massive brand that's had new life breathed into it. Now, the league could be set to go all in on Chicago after hedging somewhat with three prime-time games in 2025.

What makes the Bears even more attractive for standalone windows is the abundance of intriguing matchups. None of the NFC North grudge matches would be out of place in an evening slot, but the clashes with the Packers seem particularly appealing given the thrills that the rivalry produced last year. The road trip to face the Seahawksseems like a strong candidate for the season opener, and the schedule will also include meetings with the Bills andEagles. Don't be surprised if the Bears are topped by only the Cowboys and Chiefs in their prime-time tally.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Far from a mainstream draw, the Jaguars have frequently had to settle for their London dates as their most reliable opportunity to capture a wider national audience. After getting just one prime-time slot last year, however, Jacksonville should reap the rewards of its nine-win improvement with a substantially larger share of the spotlight this fall.

While the two meetings with the Houston Texans might not seem like a ratings winner, the AFC South tilt should be a compelling matchup at least deserving consideration for "Thursday Night Football." Jacksonville could also be paired with typical Sunday and Monday night fixtures, such as the Cowboys, Eagles, Steelers, Giants and Broncos. No matter which games are chosen, Jaguars fans probably will need to get accustomed to staying up late rather than merely getting up early.

Carolina Panthers

The NFL has treated Carolina as little more than an afterthought for marquee matchups this decade, giving them just six in the last six years. Perhaps this is the year for a breakthrough.

The Panthers are coming off an NFC South title and an end to a franchise-record playoff drought. With all eight division winners from 2024 having received at least four prime-time appointments last season, it seems like Carolina is due for a bump in visibility.

A first-place schedule will bring plenty of challenges for the Panthers while also opening lots of broadcast opportunities. A brutal home slate includes the Bears, Lions, Bengals, Ravens, Seahawks and Broncos. Meanwhile, the road schedule features the Eagles, whom the Panthers outbid to land marquee free agent edge rusher Jaelan Phillips.

New Orleans Saints

The last-place finisher in the league's most lackluster division might seem like an odd candidate for this list. New Orleans, however, has plenty going for it after last year being held out of the prime-time lineup for the first time since 2000.

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Going from 5-12 in 2024 to 6-11 last year might not seem like sufficient cause for more consideration in prized broadcast windows. But the Saints have already made significant strides. Chief among them: The quarterback outlook has gone from shaky to stirring, with ascendant second-year signal-caller Tyler Shough proving himself capable of making impressive throws on the move. With running back Travis Etienne Jr. and first-round receiver Jordyn Tyson providing the supporting cast with sorely needed big-play potential, Kellen Moore's offense could make waves in Year 2.

Yet there aren't necessarily many matchups on the slate that scream must-see TV. Maybe one of the NFC South rivalry games would suffice as "Thursday Night Football" fodder. And there are a couple of fun clashes of young quarterbacks with Shough taking on the Giants' Jaxson Dart and Raiders' Fernando Mendoza − depending on when the No. 1 pick takes the starting reins. Regardless, New Orleans deserves better than being blanked for a second year in a row.

Five NFL teams that deserve fewer prime-time games

Atlanta Falcons

With five prime-time games and a standalone window for their Germany matchup in 2025, the Falcons received a major vote of confidence from the league. A breakthrough for Atlanta and quarterback Michael Penix Jr. never materialized, and Arthur Blank cleaned house in response to the disappointment.

Even withnew coach Kevin Stefanski aboard, the Falcons hardly qualify as must-see TV. A quarterback competition between Penix and Tua Tagovailoa likely won't move the needle with viewers or produce much better results through the air. A stagnant Atlanta roster has also been passed up by its competition in the NFC South, with the Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints showing serious signs of growth. It's time to spread the wealth in the division, which can easily be achieved by bumping the Falcons down to a slate befitting a team stuck in neutral.

Miami Dolphins

The NFL made it all the way to Week 16 last year beforeflexing a prime-time matchup, giving the rudderless Dolphins and Cincinnati Bengals the boot. That was perhaps a harbinger of how the league might treat the former this spring after reserving five such slots for the team in 2025.

First-year general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan has left no doubt that Miami is going full bore with its teardown, which has sent away the likes of Tagovailoa, wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, edge rusher Bradley Chubb and more. All that's left in the rubble: various low-cost holdovers, bargain free-agent signings and rookies trying to find their way. And while quarterback Malik Willis provides some panache with his big-play capabilities as a runner and downfield thrower, he's sure to be inhibited by a receiving corps lacking any established options. This looks like a season that will be spent toiling and tweaking before the Dolphins can establish any real competitive credentials. It's probably best for the group to do that away from the limelight.

Washington Commanders

In 2025, the league's schedule-makers embraced a Washington team coming off an unexpected run to the NFC championship game, giving the franchise five prime-time games along with a Christmas slot and a standalone international window. The Commanders went on to lose all seven of those contests, though three of those defeats were only sealed on the last play.

Is that a sign of a rapid re-emergence? With Jayden Daniels getting a fresh slate after a spate of injuries spoiled his sophomore campaign, there's reason to believe Washington should be far more formidable in 2026. Yet the Commanders will be working in two first-time coordinators, with David Blough instituting what likely will be a more methodical offense that emphasizes more under-center work. That's not exactly a scintillating setup for a team that didn't do much from a personnel standpoint to support Daniels, who still lacks a viable No. 2 target alongside Terry McLaurin.

The Commanders should find a more stable resting point between the high of 2024 and last season's nadir. But Washington remains decidedly outside of the NFC's prime class of contenders, and its schedule should reflect that reality.

Arizona Cardinals

Since getting rid of its mandate for every team to be scheduled for at least one prime-time game, the NFL hasn't been shy about keeping some of its duller and less competitive operations out of the spotlight. That could mean trouble for Arizona, which got two prime-time appointments in 2025 but could be blanked this fall.

First-year coach Mike LaFleur might see better fortune on the health front – the Cardinals finished last season with 24 players on injured reserve – and in close contests than predecessor Jonathan Gannon did. Yet the team that finished with the worst point differential in the NFC (-133) remains a long way off from challenging anyone in its division after going 0-6 against NFC West foes last year. No matter whether Jacoby Brissett holds onto the starting quarterback job or gives way to third-rounder Carson Beck, the offense looks bound to be boxed in by its limitations behind center. And while thearrival of Jeremiyah Lovemight spark some mild intrigue, running room likely will be hard to come by – as will any game times outside of Sunday afternoons.

New York Jets

Maybe this seems harsh for a team that was already pushed to the fringes, with their prime-time tally being razed from six in 2024 to two last year. Yet even matching that amount this fall would be generous for a regime that still hasn't conjured a reason for others to tune in.

Gang Green very well might be a more competent operation after absorbing some necessary lessons from Aaron Glenn's turbulent first year at the helm. But are the Jets any more compelling than they previously were? The defense still seems stuck in a transitional phase after dealing away Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams at midseason, and the new pairing of quarterback Geno Smith and coordinator Frank Reich doesn't inspire a ton of confidence for an offensive surge.

The Jets, of course, are too big a brand to be shunted aside completely. But while a "Thursday Night Football" game against an AFC East rival might be reasonable, anything beyond that might be a stretch.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:2026 NFL schedule: Which teams deserve more or fewer prime-time games?

Sorry, I've watched far too much Danhausen saying that this week. It's time for WWE'd first Premium Live Event after WrestleMania, and it's a very weird card.

No Cody Rhodes. No Randy Orton. No CM Punk.

But they're not really needed, and that says a lot about the depth of the WWE right now.

Tonight's show, which will start as a simulcast on ESPN2 and ESPN Unlimited before finishing on just the streaming service, features five matches as well as a huge surprise from John Cena.

We will stay with you from the opening bell to the final slap of the mat as we present our Backlash live blog.

When is Backlash?

Backlash will be held Saturday, May 9.

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What time is Backlash?

Backlash starts at 6 p.m. EST.

Where is Backlash being held?

Backlash will be held at the Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida.

What channel is Backlash on?

The first hour of Backlash will air on ESPN 2.

Where to stream Backlash?

Backlash will stream on ESPN Unlimited.

Backlash match card

• Roman Reigns vs. Jacob Fatu for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship

• Trick Williams vs. Sami Zayn for the WWE United States Championship

• Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker

• IYO SKY vs. Asuka

• Danhausen and a mystery partner vs. The Miz and Kit Wilson

Who will be Danhausen's partner?

It could be anyone. Danhausen is very unpredictable, and he needs someone he could trust. Pepsi Phil, also known as CM Punk, could be his partner, the pair have a history. He could also ask a WWE superstar to join him. Good choices would be R Truth, Joe Hendry or maybe even Mr. Iguana. Or perhaps it could be someone we don't know. It really depends on how much monies Danhausen feels like spending.

Will John Cena be at Backlash?

John Cena will be at Backlash. He took to social media to post this.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press:WWE Backlash results: WWE Backlash lineup, Roman Reigns vs. Jacob Fatu

Israeli Prime MinisterBenjamin Netanyahusaid that theU.S.-Israeli war on Iran"is not over" in an interview with CBS's "60 Minutes" set to air on May 10.

The prime minister alleged that Iran still has nuclear material that could be removed if "you go in, and you take it out," in anexcerpt of the interviewreleased by the show ahead of air.

Netanyahusaid that PresidentDonald Trumptold him that "I want to go in there" and refused to rule out the use of American forces to retrieve the nuclear material.

"I'm not (going to) talk about military means," Netanyahu said. "I think it can be done physically."

Netanyahu additionally said that military goals had not been entirely completed.

"There are still enrichment sites that have to be dismantled. There are still proxies that Iran supports. There are ballistic missiles that they still want to produce," Netanyahu said. "Now, we've degraded a lot of it, but all that is still there, and there's work to be done."

USA TODAY has reached out to the White House for comment on the interview.

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The interview comes on the same day thatIran responded to a U.S. proposalto end the war, according toIranian state media. Details of that response have not been released.

"We will never bow our heads before the enemy, and if talk of dialogue or negotiation arises, it does not mean surrender or retreat," Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian saidin a post on Xon May 10. "Rather, the goal is to uphold the rights of the Iranian nation and to defend national interests with resolute strength."

U.S. Energy Secretary Christopher Wright said the Trump administration hadn’t yet heard "a clear resolution" from Iran during a May 10 appearance on NBC's "Meet the Press."

The interview also comes assupport for Israel in the U.S. is at historic lows.

A Pew Research Center surveypublished April 7found that 60% of all American adults had an unfavorable opinion of Israel, compared with 53% a year earlier and a 20-point shift since 2022. Just 37% of respondents had a favorable view of Israel.

The war has fueled Americans' suspicions that Israel, and particularly Netanyahu, dragged the United States into a protracted conflict in the Middle East. Notably, former Trump ally and conservative commentator Tucker Carlsonrepeatedly called Trump a "slave"to Israel and Netanyahu in interviews.

Contributing: Kathryn Palmer, Karissa Waddick and Eduardo Cuevas – USA TODAY

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:War 'is not over,' Netanyahu says as Iran responds to US proposal

Jimmy Kimmel sent a group text message to his fellow late-night hosts when Melania Trump blasted him on social media

NEED TO KNOW

• John Oliver revealed during a joint interview on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert that Kimmel had a text for his peers when "Melania got mad at him"

• The first lady called on ABC to "take a stand" against Kimmel over a joke he made on his show in April

Jimmy Kimmelreached out to his late-night peers during his latest rift with the White House.

During the Monday, May 11 episode ofThe Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Kimmel was joined by fellow guestsSeth Meyers,John OliverandJimmy Fallonas they helped ring in Colbert's final weeks on air.

At one point in the discussion, Colbert, 61, asked his guests if they ever anticipated to be "doing a job that the president of the United States would have strong feelings about."

"You know what's even weirder? Doing a job that his wife has strong feelings about. That's where it crosses over," Kimmel joked, referring to his recentback-and-forthwith PresidentDonald Trumpand first ladyMelania Trump.

"Most of us have avoided that part," Meyers, 52, said.

As it turns out, Kimmel, 58, texted his fellow late-night hosts via a group chat when the first lady called him out on social media. On Monday, April 27, Melaniaasked for ABC to "take a stand"against Kimmel over what she claimed was "hateful and violent rhetoric" on his show.

"It's an amazing thing to get in a group text, just a text from Jimmy saying, 'Oh boy,' and then a picture of Melania mad at him," Oliver, 49, said. "What a way to start the day."

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"And then I sent a text to you guys. I sent, 'Don't be mad at me but I liked it. I think she's got a point,'" Fallon joked.

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After Colbert asked Kimmel how he feels when he sees the "attention" that comments from the White House cause, theJimmy Kimmel Live!host revealed what the "saddest part of it is."

"I realize in those moments that the only four people who care are sitting right here. It takes 12 hours for the rest of the people in my life to even figure out that anything's going on," he said. "Two hours after that, a guy I used to work with sent me a text. He's like, 'Hey, do you know a real estate lawyer?'"

On Thursday, April 23, Kimmel delivered an "alternative" White House Correspondents' Dinner segment on his show, joking that Melania, 56, had "a glow like an expectant widow." The comment, which came two days before agunman opened fire, prompted backlash from both Melania and her husband, who called on ABC and Disney to fire Kimmel.

"When is ABC Fake News Network firing seriously unfunny Jimmy Kimmel, who incompetently presides over one of the Lowest Rated shows on Television," Trump wrote onTruth Social. "People are angry. It better be soon!!!"

Kimmel said during his April 27 monologue that his comment was "obviously a joke about their age difference and the look of joy we see on her face every time they're together."

"It was a very light roast joke about the fact that he's almost 80 and she's younger than I am," he said. "It was not by any stretch a call to assassination and they know that I've been very vocal for many years, speaking out against gun violence in particular."

Jimmy Kimmel Live!was temporarily pulled from the air in September 2025 after comments he made aboutCharlie Kirk’sdeath in an opening monologue. Hemade his return to the airwavessix days later.

Jimmy Kimmel Live!airs weeknights at 11:35 p.m. ET on ABC. Thefinal episodeof Colbert's show is scheduled for Thursday, May 21. Until then,The Late Show with Stephen Colbertairs weekdays on CBS at 11:35 p.m. ET.

Read the original article onPeople

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — San Antonio'sVictor Wembanyama is playingin Game 5 of the Spurs' Western Conference semifinal series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, after getting ejected early in Game 4 for throwing an elbow.

Spurs Timberwolves Basketball

The Spurs are obviously relieved about that. And if Wembanyama is angry about missing most of Game 4, then even better, Spurs guard Devin Vassell said Tuesday at shootaround.

“I know he was upset not being able to play that game," Vassell said at a shootaround attended by Spurs President Gregg Popovich, Spurs legend Manu Ginobili and former Spurs assistant Brett Brown, among others. "So, I know that he’s going to be ready to go. That’s what we need. We need that upset Vic who’s ready to attack the game for sure.”

It could be easily argued that Tuesday's game — Game 5, playoff series, tied 2-2, with the winner moving one win from a trip to the Western Conference finals — is the biggest of Wembanyama's NBA career.

Vassell wants to see a fiery Wembanyama — within reason, of course.

“We’ve seen it before. We’ve seen when Vic gets upset," Vassell said. "I mean, we just need him to calm his emotions, make sure that he doesn’t let his emotions take over because at the end of the day like I said, he can’t get any flagrants, he can’t get anything like that. So, Vic knows what he's got to do and he’ll be ready.”

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Wembanyama was ejected from theSpurs-Timberwolves game on Sunday nightbecause of the elbow, which he threw early in the second quarter after getting tangled with Minnesota's Naz Reid and Jaden McDaniels while grabbing a rebound. Wembanyama swung his arms and his elbow struck Reid in the face.

Officials looked at the play and upgraded the foul to a Flagrant 2, which comes with an automatic ejection. The NBA, as it always does in those situations, further reviewed the play after the game and decided Monday that the ejection was sufficient. It could have fined or even suspended Wembanyama for Game 5 and beyond if it felt that was warranted.

“I don’t think we even thought about it much at all," Timberwolves guard Mike Conley Jr. told reporters at Minnesota's shootaround session Tuesday. "I think once the ruling came down, it was just like, we expected that and just moved forward. It's one of those things. We don’t want guys to miss games. We want to play against the best. We don't want to have guys missing games like that."

Wembanyama's elbow isn't the Spurs' biggest issue right now. The ankles and knees of two of his teammates are potentially problematic, however.

The Spurs added Dylan Harper to their injury list a few hours before Game 5 on Thursday with left knee soreness. He's listed as questionable, as is point guard De'Aaron Fox — who is dealing with what the Spurs described as right ankle soreness.

AP NBA:https://apnews.com/hub/NBA

WASHINGTON — FormerIndiana footballquarterbackFernando MendozaRSVP'd directly to the White House.

According to President Donald Trump, Mendoza called the President last week to tell him he wouldn’t be able to attend the event at the White House on Monday afternoon honoringIUfootball.

“He’s a big fan of ours, but you wouldn’t believe it because he didn’t show up,” Trump joked on the South Lawn. “I’m not happy, but that’s OK, the reason he didn't is because he’s at spring training…like his first day or something, I said you better go there.”

After going No. 1 overall to Raiders, Mendozatold reporters in Las Vegas last weekhe wouldn’t attend the event since it conflicted with his new team’s offseason training schedule.

"I believe May 11 is the first day of OTAs," Mendoza said. "I don't have the calendar. If it is on the first day of OTAs, I'm at the bottom of the totem poll, I've got to prove myself. I can't miss practice. As a rookie I don't think that's a good look and I want to best serve my teammates. I don't know if I'd be accomplishing that goal."

Indianawaited until after spring practice wrapped up to schedule the visit to Washington D.C. but the timing of the event made it difficult for many former players to attend. The eight Hoosiers who were drafted last month are all in the midst of getting acclimated with their new teams and none of them made it to the event, a fact that came up reportedly during the half hour-long ceremony.

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Trump called out for the likes of Pat Coogan and D’Angelo Ponds as he ran through the 2025 season, only to be told repeatedly the players weren’t in attendance.

Doyel:Mendoza, No. 1 pick in NFL draft, is latest pinch-me moment for Indiana football

“Where’s D’Angelo?” Trump said as IU players yelled out training camp. “Oh, I can’t believe it. No wonder you won.”

Indiana presented Trump with a No. 47 Indiana jersey along with a helmet and football. The President promised players a tour of the oval office before they made the return trip home.

Want moreHoosierscoverage?Sign up for IndyStar's Hoosiers newsletter. Listen to Mind Your Banners, our IU Athletics-centric podcast, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.Watch the latest on IndyStar TV: Hoosiers.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star:Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza calls President Donald Trump, misses visit

Katie Millergave off creepy “Handmaid’s Tale” vibes Sunday by lecturing on “biological destiny” in aMother’s Daypost, and got torched for her take on feminism.

That’s the verdict from critics of the podcaster’s entry on X, which included a glammed-up photoshowing her pregnant belly in a crop top.

Politics:Trump Gets 3 'Fully Functional' Arcade Games Erected At D.C. War Memorial

Miller, who previously worked in the Trump administration, essentially reduced a festive occasion celebrating all moms to a mini-sermon.

She is expecting a fourth child with husband Stephen Miller, the White House deputy chief of staff who’s perhaps best known for promoting the administration’s crackdown on migrants.

“In honor of Mother’s Day, a reminder that peak feminism is having babies,”she wrote. “The most radical thing a woman can do is embrace her biological destiny.”

One viewerforwarded a clip from “The Handmaid’s Tale,” the book-adapted TV series about a society in which women are forced into ****** slavery to procreate. In the footage, Elisabeth Moss’ character, June Osborne, is reminded of her “biological destiny.”

Politics:Trump Has ‘FAKE (********!)’ Freakout Over Female Fox News Host, Dem Lawmaker

“That’s exactly what ran through my mind,”another commenter replied. “Creepy.”

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Miller previously preached “biological destiny” after a recent report came out about the falling birth rate among teens.

“Our biological destiny is to have babies — not slave behind desks chasing careers while our civilization dies,”she wrote in April.

That, too, inspired criticsto connect to the dark visionof Margaret Atwood’s famous story.

News:Meghan McCain Calls Out MAGA’s ‘Harsh’ Message On Women And Motherhood

Miller got slammed again for her social media hooey about Mother’s Day.

“Telling women what they SHOULD be is not feminism, it’s sexist,”one person wrote.

“Peak feminism is being able to choose and not being shamed for one’s choice,” another commented. “You can shitpost on the internet because of feminism, you bellend.”

Check out other responses:

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