This is an article version of the CBS Sports HQ AM Newsletter, the ultimate guide to every day in sports. The 2026-27 NBA season is just one day away. It is so close that lineup decisions are already locked in -- like the Spurs committing to Dylan Harper as a starter and the Knicks using their final roster spot on James Wiseman.
This is our last chance to lock in preseason predictions, so with all the information available to us at the end of the offseason, we locked in our picks for all of the biggest league awards. While Victor Wembanyama is the popular pick for MVP, we found better value in a superstar a little bit further down the odds board. Wembanyama is not the best bet for Defensive Player of the Year, either, because of his implied 77% chance of winning.
So why not take a shot on Bam Adebayo, whose odds are much longer at +4000 but who is a bona fide rim protector on a top-five defense? Our Sam Quinn explained why Adebayo is the smarter pick. Check out the rest of the picks to see our selections for Rookie of the Year, Coach of the Year, Sixth Man of the Year and Most Improved Player.
Our Tom Fornelli explained how no regular-season game will ever be meaningless even if the soon-to-be-expanded College Football Playoff makes it feel that way. Take Tennessee's rivalry win over Alabama, for example. No CFP worries can extinguish the flames in the cigars of Volunteer fans as they celebrate a win on the Third Saturday in October.
The Vols might even make the playoff this year thanks to their revitalized defense. Texas, on the other hand, might be wishing that the 24-team playoff was in effect this year, because without sweeping changes in Austin, the Longhorns might not be a top-12 team at season's end. Saturday's loss to Florida was their second in a row to an unranked team.
Our John Talty says Steve Sarkisian has to swallow his pride and overhaul the offense. There is cause for concern at another powerhouse program even after a victory. How do you receive just a "B-" grade for defeating a top-five team on the road?
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