Photo: Lucas Boland-ImagnImages The playoffs are halfway through, and it's getting intense. As we know, every championship team needs star power, but even the greatest superstars can't do it alone. Behind every deep playoff run are the players who defend the toughest matchups, crash the glass, move the ball, take charges, and keep possessions alive when the game gets ugly. These aren't the names that light up the box score, but their impact is undeniable. The best role player

by Will Gilhhooly Sportz Nation - 5/22/2026 Photo by K.C. Alfred via The San Diego Union-Tribune Manny Machado already knew what the reporters were going to ask him following the Padres 4-0 rubber match loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers, going 0-4 with one strikeout. Machado’s batting average (has now) dropped to .178 and now has a negative WAR on the year, currently at -0.2 When asked about his offensive struggles postgame by a San Diego reporter, Machado responded very passiv

by Zak Drapeau Sportz Nation - 5/21/2026 *All odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook TM as of 5/21 Most Valueable Player Photo by Michael Owens via Getty Images Joe Burrow (+950) 2026 is Burrow's year I can feel it. The Bengals' investments on defense seem to have paid off with one of the better rosters on paper heading into the season. We've seen what Joe Burrow can do with an average roster but this may be the first time we get to see what he can do surrounded by a pretty good