Covid continues to work in mysterious ways, and every day seems to bring another unbelievable turn of events. Red Sox outfielder Hunter Renfroe went on WEEI radio and stated that the MLB told the Red Sox to stop testing for Covid, just cure any symptoms the players may have. The MLB says it isn’t true and that they’ve been following protocols all season long. Who do you believe? Meanwhile, Levi Stadium in Santa Clara, the home of the 49ers, won’t require fans to show vaccination papers, as the bottom line wins out. Will fans voluntarily mask up?

The NFL is back, with Covid drama of their own, and the first game is the Bucs vs the Cowboys. Art has some definite ideas about the point spread (as well as for his alma mater USC vs Stanford in college ball) and who looks to be the better bet. The Ravens lost two players due to ACL issues and have recently signed Le’Veon Bell. How quickly can this running back get his timing in sync with a quarterback that he’s never played with before?

Elsewhere, the Dodgers are down by 2 ½ games, and Clayton Kershaw is coming back after being on the injured list for elbow pain since July. Is he just what LA needs to catch up to the Giants, or is this the Giants’ year? And will this be the final season for Al Michaels on NBC?

Email Fred and Art with questions and comments at sportsfred@aol.com