Giants’ Saquon Barkley details the always unique Philadelphia experience

New York Giants RB Saquon Barkley explains what it’s like to be an opposing player against the Eagles in Philadelphia.

Everyone and anyone knows the reputation of Philadelphia sports fans — especially Eagles fans, who have earned fame by throwing snowballs at Santa Claus, showering the field with batteries, punching police horses and, of course, a seemingly limitless amount of brawls.

Eagles fans also tend to raise their children in the same vein, teaching them words that some adults have never heard before, while also showing them how to fly a bird at opposing fans and players.

New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley got his first taste of Philly a year ago, as did his Father, who very nearly exchanged blows with a group in the stands.

On Monday night, Barkley will be back in Philly for the second time in his career and he doesn’t anticipate much will change.

“Every parking lot is different, but you might see different types of hand gestures when you go to Philly. But that’s Philly,” Barkley told reporters on Thursday. “I remember my Dad went to the game last year and my Dad had to take a step back and remember he’s my Father. We don’t want to be on the front cover in New York. A fan might have said something he didn’t really agree with, but I think my Dad handled that in the right way.

“Those fans… They’re Philly. That’s how Philly is. It’s fun. It’s always fun to go out there and play against them, so hopefully we go out there and get a win.”

Barkley then elaborated on the shock that comes from hearing a six-year-old spew vile tripe at players.

“It’s who it comes from, I will say that’s not expected,” Barkley said with a smile. “You might see a kid… It’s unique, but it’s fun. That’s football and that’s what Philly is known for and the type of people that they are.

“But you can use it against them also, too. If you can get things going, you can get the crowd going in a different direction.”

With the Eagles’ playoff hopes waning, expect Philly fans to be tuned up to 100 on Monday night.

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Clash on the Dunes: Andy Ruiz Jr. vs. Anthony Joshua 2 – When, where and odds

The much anticipated Andy Ruiz Jr. vs. Anthony Joshua rematch is here, will Joshua be able to seek revenge after his June loss?

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The boxing world and sports bettors are in for another treat this weekend, as Andy Ruiz Jr. and Anthony Joshua meet in a much-anticipated rematch.

It was just back on June 1st when they last met, which ended with the underdog Ruiz Jr. knocking out Joshua in the seventh round. Ruiz Jr. defied the 11:1 odds against him and came out on top… and, yet, the champion is the underdog again!

Ruiz (33-1, 22 KOs) has won his last four fights and brings the WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO heavyweight championships on the line, while Joshua (22-1, 21 KOs) looks for revenge against the only boxer who has ever beat him.

Ruiz Jr. vs Joshua 2 betting odds and lines

Photo Credit: Al Bello/Getty Images

Per BetMGM, Joshua (-250) enters as the favorite to win the rematch.

New Jersey BetMGM Joshua vs. Ruiz 2 Prop Bet

Bet $1, WIN $100 in free bets if either Anthony Joshua or Andy Ruiz Jr. get knocked down during their fight Saturday, December 7, 2019. Bet Now!
New customer offer, visit BetMGM for terms and conditions

New to sports betting? -250 odds gives Joshua an implied 71.43% chance to win, which is 2/5 in fractional. A $10 wager on Joshua to win returns just a $4 profit.

Meanwhile, Ruiz Jr. enters as the +188 underdog vs. Joshua, per BetMGM. That’s a 34.72% implied chance of victory. And it’s much more profitable on the betting side, as a $10 wager here returns an $18.80 profit if Ruiz Jr. can make lightning strike twice in six months.

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BetMGM has the odds of this one being a draw at +3300. As for the predicted length of time, the oddsmakers don’t like this one going the full 12 rounds, which has +275 odds on it. Anything less than 12 is the heavily favored oddsmaker point of view, coming in at -400.

Andy Ruiz Jr. vs. Anthony Joshua 2 viewing information

When is the Ruiz Jr. and Joshua 2 boxing rematch?

Saturday, December 7, 2019

Where are Ruiz Jr. and Joshua fighting?

Diriyah, Saudi Arabia at the Diriyah Arena

What time is the Ruiz Jr. vs Joshua fight?

The event is scheduled to start at 11 a.m. ET with the main event scheduled for 3:45 p.m. ET.

Where can I watch Ruiz vs. Joshua 2?

This one comes at you via live stream on DAZN. Subscribe to DAZN now.

Where can I bet on Ruiz vs. Joshua 2?

If you’re in New Jersey, hit up BetMGM and take part in their special boxing prop bet.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Anthony Joshua vs. Andy Ruiz Jr. odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Anthony Joshua vs. Andy Ruiz Jr. heavyweight boxing matchup, with boxing betting odds, picks and best bets

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Anthony Joshua and Andy Ruiz Jr. will go toe-to-toe for the world WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO heavyweight championship titles in a rematch of last summer’s stunner at New York’s Madison Square Garden. This time the two will duel in a 15,000-seat open-air stadium in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, dubbed “Clash on the Dunes.” The fight is Saturday with the main event expected to start around 3:45 p.m. ET. This one comes at you via live stream on DAZN.

Joshua vs. Ruiz Jr.: What you need to know

Joshua (22-1-0, 21 KOs) is back in the ring looking for revenge after his shocking seventh-round loss at Ruiz Jr. (33-1-0, 22 KOs) in June.

Joshua was heavily favored in the first bout, but he was unable to make it through seven rounds. Ruiz Jr. pulled off an upset of historic proportions, similar to Buster Douglas stunning Mike Tyson, Hasim Rahman taking down Lennox Lewis, and Corrie Sanders upending Wladimir Klitschko.

Ruiz Jr. beat Joshua with speed, hurting him early and going in for the kill after some tentativeness and a lack of recovery on the Briton’s part. Joshua was wounded early in the fight, and he seemed to get rattled early due to Ruiz’s lightning speed and the fact he was hurt and unable to recover.

Ruiz might not be an Adonis as far as his physical attributes, and some might expect his cardio not to be up to snuff, but once he gets into the ring he’s all business — and every bit physically fit. In fact, his outstanding speed is a bit surprising considering he appears to be out of shape at first glance.

Special New Jersey BetMGM Joshua vs. Ruiz 2 Prop Bet

Bet $1, WIN $100 in free bets if either Anthony Joshua or Andy Ruiz Jr. get knocked down during their fight Saturday, December 7, 2019. Bet Now!
New customer offer, visit BetMGM for terms and conditions

Joshua vs. Ruiz Jr. odds, picks, tips and best bets

Per BetMGM, Joshua (-250) is a moderate favorite to return the favor against Ruiz Jr. (+188) on the 3-way betting line, with a draw (+3300) also a choice. You might want to avoid that, however, as it is extremely unlikely.

This has trilogy written all over it, and there are already some rumblings from the Ruiz camp that if Joshua scores the win, they would want a Joshua-Ruiz Jr. III bout. Expect that to happen.

Joshua is likely going to be a little more measured and less reckless than the first fight, and you can bet he spent a lot of time on his defense. That might help the fight go a little deeper, although he will still be champing at the bit looking to repay Ruiz for the embarrassing defeat in June, too.

Joshua (+350) at full distance might not be a terrible play, but a wager on Joshua winning in Rounds 7-12 (+250) is a much better bet, and gives you more opportunity. He’ll get the knockout, and his belts back, and you can expect we’ll get a third installment of this series, too.

If you like Joshua for the KO/TKO/technical decision or DQ victory, BetMGM, you’ll have to lay a little money, but not much at (-125).  A win on points by Joshua fetches a return of +350, which is a bit enticing, too. It’s a good bet, as mentioned above, to take the knockout instead, however. Joshua should be focused, determined and ready to return the favor. BetMGM has a special prop bet for those looking for the victory via KO or TKO, too.

If you feel the fight will go 12 rounds, with either fighter winning on points (+275), it is a bit of an intriguing play, but it went just seven last time, and Joshua should fire out of the box looking to end it sooner rather than later.

Are you new to sports betting? A $10 wager on Joshua straight up at -250 to win outright would return a $4.00 profit. 

My recommendations are playing JOSHUA IN ROUNDS 7-12 (+250), while BETTING HIM STRAIGHT UP on the 3-way fight result line at (-250). I have a hard time seeing Ruiz betting him in two consecutive bouts, especially since that would eliminate the need for a third fight in this series. And let’s face it, boxing loves drama, and there would be none with another Ruiz win.

If you want some action on this title bout or other boxing matches, place your wagers at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and analysis, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Strength of schedule could be a big boon for Bengals in top-overall pick hunt

The last month of the season could end up helping the Bengals in draft order.

The schedule might end up helping the Cincinnati Bengals when it comes to the race for the first pick in the 2020 NFL draft.

Cincinnati is the only single-win team in the NFL but seems to have some momentum. The New York Giants, the only two-win team, have complicated things through ineptitude though.

But looking at the rest of the schedule, those Giants might just bumble their way into another win or two. They get the struggling Eagles twice, as well as Miami and Washington.

Based on strength of schedule provided by Mike Clay of ESPN, the Giants have the easiest remaining stretch:

Cincinnati’s stretch over the last month isn’t as simple, hence it ranking 23rd above. Two divisional games against Cleveland seem tricky, Miami has been winning lately and New England is New England.

Provided the Bengals don’t win out, the sheer nature of the schedule elsewhere could help guarantee the No. 1 pick in 2020.

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Special feature: 10 unforgettable heavyweight rematches

Will the rematch between Andy Ruiz Jr. and Anthony Joshua join the most-memorable sequels in history? That’s no easy task.

The rematch between Andy Ruiz Jr. and Anthony Joshua on Saturday is as compelling as it gets because of their first fight.

Ruiz, a replacement opponent known as much for his paunch as his ability, pulled off one of the great upsets by putting Joshua down four times and stopping him in Round 7 on June 1 at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Can Ruiz do it again in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, the site of the rematch? Or will Joshua have made the necessary adjustments and avenge his career-changing setback?

Of course, we can only imagine whether Ruiz-Joshua II will live up to the original. Some sequels are as good or better than the first fight, some fall short.

Here are 10 heavyweight rematches – or third fights – that remain in our consciousness for reasons unique to each of the fights.

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4, Page 5, Page 6, Page 7, Page 8, Page 9, Page 10, Page 11

Three takeaways from Oklahoma City’s 107-100 loss to Pacers

Steven Adams had another strong start, OKC dropped another close game, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to struggle from the field.

Oklahoma City fell at home on Wednesday night to the Indianapolis Pacers by a score of 107-100.

Three takeaways from the loss:

Steven Adams got off to another strong start 

Much like he did in the two previous games against the New Orleans Pelicans, Adams got off to a hot start.

He scored the Thunder’s first four points and eight for their first 11.

Twelve of his team-high 20 points came in the first quarter, and he finished the night a perfect 8-8 from the field and 4-4 from the free-throw line.

It’s the second time in his career that he’s been perfect from the floor with eight or more field goals.

Another close game, but another close loss

Oklahoma City looked to have turned the corner at the end of last week and through the weekend when they were finally able to pull out two close wins over the Pelicans by a combined eight points.

The Thunder led Indianapolis 50-49 at the half and were within a point of the Pacers five different times throughout the fourth quarter without being able to tie the game or pull ahead.

Eight of the Thunder’s 12 losses this year have come by seven points or less.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to struggle 

Although Gilgeous-Alexander scored 16 points in the loss to the Pacers, he shot only 7-of-19 from the floor.

That comes on the heels of poor shooting performances against the Pelicans where he shot a combined 9-of-30 in two wins over New Orleans.

SGA’s hot start has cooled off considerably, though it is certainly too soon to call it a sophomore slump.

Watch: Panthers QB Kyle Allen talks about Ron Rivera’s belief in him

Interim head coach Perry Fewell told reporters yesterday that Allen is going to continue starting at quarterback. 

Ron Rivera clearly made a lasting impression on his players. From top to bottom, the Carolina Panthers have all been talking about how Rivera impacted them as human beings the last few days. Watch quarterback Kyle Allen talk about Rivera’s belief in him at Thursday’s press conference.

Interim head coach Perry Fewell told reporters yesterday that Allen is going to continue starting at QB.

For the year, Allen is 5-5. He’s completing 61.5% of his passes and has totaled 2,457 yards. Allen has thrown 15 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

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Seahawks DE Ziggy Ansah limited to start week with shoulder stinger

Seattle Seahawks defensive end Ziggy Ansah began the work week limited in practice after suffering a shoulder stinger against the Vikings.

Seattle Seahawks defensive end Ziggy Ansah suffered a minor setback Monday night against the Minnesota Vikings. He was limited to start the practice week on Wednesday.

“He had a stinger in the game,” coach Pete Carroll told reporters. “Just got to make sure he’s okay.”

While the stinger impacts the same shoulder Ansah had operated on over the offseason, Carroll can’t be certain if there’s a correlation with the new injury.

Coming off a Monday night game, the Seahawks had a light practice on Wednesday consisting of only a walkthrough. While the participation report was estimated as though a full practice had taken place, it was at least encouraging Ansah was able to take the field.

“He looks like he’s doing okay so far,” Carroll said. “We won’t know for a couple days if he’s clear and all that.”

Defensive end Jadeveon Clowney was also listed as limited on Wednesday but is expected to play Week 14.

Ansah, Clowney and the rest of the Seahawks have a few more days to recover before heading down to Los Angeles to face the Rams Sunday night.

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Stefan Struve on ending retirement: ‘If you’re doing so well, why not compete a couple more times?’

Stefan Struve retired in February. At UFC DC on Saturday, he’ll take on Ben Rothwell.

WASHINGTON – The last time [autotag]Stefan Struve[/autotag] was seen inside the UFC cage was in February. After he submitted Marcos Rogerio de Lima in the second round, he took off his gloves and placed them in the center of the canvas.

That was going to be his last fight, the Dutch heavyweight announced on the microphone.

But that won’t be “it” for the Dutch fighter. At Saturday’s UFC on ESPN 7, Struve (29-11 MMA, 13-9 UFC) will make the walk to the UFC cage once again – the first fight on his new deal.

But the question remains: Why did Struve retire in the first place? At a pre-fight media day held Thursday, Struve described a number of factors that led to his decision.

“At first when I made that decision, I felt really good,” Struve told MMA Junkie. “I felt no urge to get back in there. It was real nice. Then, I got the appetite back. Ultimately, what led to the decision was the years before the last fight were pretty frustrating for me. Three losses, shoulder surgery, hand surgeries, problems with my back. I fought fights where I was fighting more against myself than I was able to showcase my skills.”

While the long-term battles wore him down, it was the short term struggle with opponent de Lima that caused him to make an impulsive decision. Struve was dropped in the opening seconds, but somehow survived. Frustrated with his performance, Struve didn’t take the proper time to assess his future.

“It took a lot out of me, especially after all the stuff that had happened before that,” Struve said. “I was just done at that point. It was just me being honest. I felt like if I would go in there a couple months later with that focus, it wouldn’t be a good result. It would be putting myself in unnecessary danger.”

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But now Struve is feeling good. His time away from competition has left him feeling rejuvenated and enthusiastic. While he hasn’t been fighting for a paycheck, Struve said he has still been training on a day-to-day basis. A longer, thoroughly-considered thought process led him to his return.

“I just needed some time off, you know – to really dig deep into my own mind to see what’s going on, just being away from everything a little bit,” he said. “I wasn’t even under contract with the UFC. I had nothing going. There was no pressure for a fight or whatever.

“… After four or five months, I was like, ‘I’m doing so well still against these top level guys. I’m feeling so good and I’m having fun with it.’ There’s nothing really at this moment that I would like to put my energy (into) and go for. If you’re doing so well, why not compete a couple more times? You’ve fought up to a level and a point where the paychecks are real good. If you feel good, then why not? Let’s do it.”

Struve will take on another longtime UFC veteran in Ben Rothwell (36-12 MMA, 6-6 UFC) on the UFC on ESPN 7 main card.

UFC on ESPN 7 takes place Saturday at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. The main card airs on ESPN following prelims on ESPN and early prelims on UFC Fight Pass/ESPN+.

Check out Stuve’s full UFC DC pre-fight interview in the video above.

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