| 100% | CTR | 3 | One snapping a ball to the QB: Abbr. |
| 45% | SEAL | 4 | One having a ball at the circus? |
| 44% | HIKERS | 6 | Ones on a path to the top? |
| 43% | GOFETCH | 7 | A ball thrower says this to the dog |
| 43% | HIKE | 4 | Snap to a QB |
| 41% | ACCT | 4 | A debit card is linked to one: Abbr. |
| 41% | TKO | 3 | One way to stop a boxing bout: Abbr. |
| 41% | CTO | 3 | One of the heads at a startup: Abbr. |
| 41% | SRS | 3 | Ones soon to leave the ivied halls: Abbr. |
| 41% | KOS | 3 | Sends to the canvas, in a boxing match: Abbr. |
| 41% | CPL | 3 | One answering to a 45-Across: Abbr. |
| 41% | PAWN | 4 | One on the way to a promotion? |
| 40% | PSALM | 5 | "O, sing to the Lord a new song," for one |
| 40% | LINEJUDGE | 9 | One keeping a close eye on the snap |
| 40% | TECHNIQUE | 9 | The method one takes to complete a task |
| 40% | OPER | 4 | Abbr. to the right of a star |
| 40% | TEL | 3 | Abbr. to the left of a number |
| 40% | ETC | 3 | A substitute to limit the number of examples: Abbr. |
| 40% | YEA | 3 | One of the first to raise a hand, usually |
| 40% | JONASSALK | 9 | One of the first to develop a polio vaccination |
| 40% | MATE | 4 | One of a pair of gloves, to the other |
| 40% | ASS | 3 | The law is one, according to a Dickens line |
| 39% | HOLDER | 6 | One kneeling with the ball in a field goal attempt |
| 39% | MICROBEAD | 9 | One of the little plastic balls in a facial scrub |
| 39% | MINOR | 5 | One needing a fake ID to get into the bar |
| 39% | ACTIONITEM | 10 | One of the top things on a to-do list |
| 39% | SNORE | 5 | One way to keep a mate awake in the bedroom |
| 39% | SEAL | 4 | One may have a ball at the circus |
| 39% | DEEP | 4 | Like a fly ball to the warning track |
| 39% | TBAR | 4 | One way to the top of a mountain |