The U.S. has some of the greatest sporting leagues in the world. Staples like the NFL – and the associated college football – stand alongside new and growing spectator events such as Major League Soccer. In autumn, these all converge, and the country’s greatest stars strive to make a name for themselves as sport shifts up a gear. From rookies to established pros, looking at in-form players can help you see the path teams may take as seasons play out.
The NFL’s in-form players
At the time of writing, the NFL is still in its early stages. Yet there have been plenty of standout players across divisions. The first is Christian McCaffrey, of the 49ers. The San Francisco running back recently scored the 100th touchdown of his NFL career. It made him the 29th player in league history to reach triple digits and the third player to reach 50 touchdowns with multiple teams. Not only is he in form, he has displayed a rare consistency.
Christian McCaffrey is the 4th fastest player in @NFL history to reach 100 scrimmage touchdowns. https://t.co/csOqP12gBt
— NFL Legacy (@NFLLegacy) September 24, 2026
It’s still early days for the 49ers, but it’s looking good – with three wins in the NFC West, the prediction market Kalshi has them at 79% for the playoff qualifiers. By using the Kalshi signup details provided, new users are able to benefit from a promo code that provides free credits to place predictions on NFL and other leagues.
Speaking of other sports…
The MLB’s current heavy hitters
Few players in baseball can rival the run Otto Lopez is on. Anyone who watched the Miami Marlins beat the Atlanta Braves, in which Lopez had two hits and one run in five at-bats, would be hard-pressed to argue. He then finished the 2026 season as the MLB’s leader in hits at 191.
With the postseason just starting, Luis Arraez will be another to watch, pending a recovery from an ankle injury. He will miss the start of the best of three, possibly even more. Yet should he return, the Phillies three-time batting champion, who has a career batting average on balls in play of .326, will have a huge impact.
The global stars of the MLS
Global soccer stars do not come any bigger than Lionel Messi. He continues to throw off the shackles of age, and even had a stellar World Cup playing for Argentina. On US soil, the 38-year-old continues to be the best in the world, and best in the league by a country mile. He has had back-to-back MLS MVP Awards and is signed with the Herons for the next season.
Back to back. 🥇🥇
Lionel Messi is the 2025 MLS MVP. The first to ever do it. https://t.co/ETLFc0hNyh— Major League Soccer (@MLS) December 9, 2025
Elsewhere, Thomas Müller joined the Vancouver Whitecaps from Bayern Munich, bringing much-needed experience. Since then, he has helped the team grab a fourth Canadian Championship title and a near miss to Miami in the MLS Cup.
What’s next?
Eyes will now also be on the upcoming NBA season. This is an exciting time for US sports, as leagues meet their peak, others culminate, and some are starting off. Those spectating should settle in, get comfortable, and brace themselves for a huge autumn of sport.
This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. AFP editorial staff were not involved in the creation of this content. If you or someone you know is struggling with a gambling problem, a helpline is available at 1-888-532-3500.
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