Sports
NBA Teams Positioned to Make Moves Before Trade Deadline
As the NBA trade season approaches, several teams are looking to make significant moves before the February 5 deadline. The Detroit Pistons, currently leading the Eastern Conference with a 20-5 record, are in need of more shooting and a secondary scoring option. They have the flexibility to make a deal, with the ability to put Jaden Ivey on the table in negotiations. The New York Knicks, despite being short on assets, are looking to upgrade their depth to make a serious Finals run. The Orlando Magic, with a unique set of pieces, may try to make a significant upgrade using the contract of Tyus Jones as leverage. The Oklahoma City Thunder, currently performing well, have the option to stand pat or make a move. The Denver Nuggets, with improved depth and flexibility under the second apron, may make marginal moves. The Houston Rockets, dealing with the Fred VanVleet injury, are in need of a point guard and could use VanVleet's salary to facilitate a deal. Other teams, such as the San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Lakers, and Milwaukee Bucks, are also positioned to make significant moves. The Spurs have the assets to make a push for another star, while the Lakers are looking to add pieces around Luka Dončić. The Bucks, with Giannis Antetokounmpo potentially on the trade market, are exploring options for their superstar. These teams will be closely watched as the trade deadline approaches, with potential deals that could shake up the league.
Cowboys' Playoff Hopes Dwindle After 34-26 Loss to Vikings
The Dallas Cowboys' chances of making the 2025 NFL Playoffs have slimmed down to just 1% after a disappointing 34-26 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Despite a strong start, the Cowboys' performance devolved, leading to their second consecutive loss in a must-win scenario. Quarterback Dak Prescott expressed surprise and frustration at the team's performance, acknowledging that every play matters and that the team's confidence had skyrocketed after a three-game win streak. With only three games remaining, the Cowboys would need to win all of them, including a game against the Los Angeles Chargers, and rely on the Philadelphia Eagles losing out to have any chance of making the playoffs. Prescott emphasized the importance of pride and professionalism, stating that as a professional football player, one must give their absolute best regardless of the situation. He encouraged his teammates to take pride in who they are as men and football players, and to remember that their job responsibility entails giving their best every day. The Cowboys' first-year head coach has staked his brand on rebuilding the culture of Dallas football, and Prescott has no plans to fail to uphold that standard. The team will now focus on playing for pride and individual opportunities, with the offseason looming ahead.
Bengals Rally Around Joe Burrow After Shutout Loss to Ravens
The Cincinnati Bengals suffered a 24-0 shutout loss to the Baltimore Ravens, with quarterback Joe Burrow shouldering the blame for the team's poor performance. Despite the loss, Burrow's teammates rallied around him, praising his leadership and work ethic. Burrow, who was coming off two strong games on the road, had a tough day, completing just 22 of 38 passes for 172 yards and an interception. The Bengals' offense struggled to move the ball, converting just 3 of 15 third-down attempts. However, Burrow's teammates, including wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase and left tackle Orlando Brown Jr., were quick to defend him, saying that the loss was not solely his fault. The team is looking to bounce back from the loss and is focused on the final stretch of the season. Burrow, who is known for his confidence and competitiveness, is expected to lead the team in their upcoming game against the Miami Dolphins. The Bengals are still in contention for a playoff spot, and Burrow's performance will be crucial in determining their fate. Despite the tough loss, the team remains optimistic, with Burrow's leadership and the support of his teammates being a key factor in their ability to move forward.
Former University of South Carolina Quarterback Steve Taneyhill Passes Away at 52
Steve Taneyhill, a record-setting University of South Carolina quarterback, has passed away at the age of 52. A native of Altoona, Pa., Taneyhill started four seasons for the Gamecocks from 1992-95, setting school career records with 753 completions and 62 passing touchdowns. He also holds the record for single game pass completions and attempts, and his 29 passing touchdowns during the 1995 season still stands as a school record. Taneyhill was inducted into the University of South Carolina Athletics Hall of Fame in 2006 and was named Freshman of the Year by Sports Illustrated and Football News Freshman All-America in 1992. As a junior in 1994, he led Carolina to its first bowl victory in program history, defeating West Virginia in the Carquest Bowl. He was also team captain of the 1995 squad and led the Gamecocks in passing in all four seasons. After his playing career, Taneyhill went on to become a successful high school coach, leading Chesterfield High School to the South Carolina state championship three straight seasons from 2007-09. He also coached at Union High School for four seasons. Following his coaching career, Taneyhill purchased and operated businesses in Columbia and Spartanburg. Funeral arrangements are pending.
Blackhawks' Connor Bedard to Miss Rest of December with Upper-Body Injury
Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard will be out of the lineup for the rest of December and will be reevaluated in January due to an upper-body injury. The injury occurred during a face-off in the third period of a 3-2 loss to the St. Louis Blues on Friday. Bedard, who leads the Blackhawks with 44 points, was clutching his right shoulder as he left the ice. Coach Jeff Blashill stated that the injury happened prior to a push from Blues center Brayden Schenn and was likely a freak accident. The Blackhawks will need to focus on getting better defensively and scoring more net-front goals in Bedard's absence. Forward Tyler Bertuzzi has been the team's best at scoring from high-danger areas, with 15 of his 16 goals coming from those areas. The team has recalled goalie Laurent Brossoit and defenseman Ethan Del Mastro from the American Hockey League to help fill the gap. Bedard's absence will be a significant loss for the Blackhawks, who are currently three points out of a playoff spot in the Western Conference. However, the team is looking to use this as an opportunity to step up and prove themselves. The Blackhawks begin a three-game road trip on Tuesday against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Bedard is a potential candidate to play for Team Canada at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, with the roster deadline being December 31. The Blackhawks will look to navigate the rest of the month without their star player and hope to have him back in the lineup in January.
NFL Week 14 Recap: Broncos Extend Winning Streak, Rams and Chargers Secure Key Wins
The Denver Broncos extended their winning streak to 11 games with a 34-26 win over the Green Bay Packers, led by quarterback Bo Nix's 302 yards and four touchdowns. The Los Angeles Rams also secured a key win, defeating the Detroit Lions 41-34 behind Matthew Stafford's strong performance. The Kansas City Chiefs, however, suffered a significant blow with the injury of quarterback Patrick Mahomes. The Los Angeles Chargers took advantage of the Chiefs' misfortune, winning 16-13 and securing their first season sweep of the Chiefs in 12 years. The Baltimore Ravens avenged their Thanksgiving night loss to the Cincinnati Bengals with a 24-0 shutout win, while the Jacksonville Jaguars earned their 10th win of the season with a 48-20 victory over the New York Jets. The NFL is also expected to make changes to its refereeing system in the offseason, with a focus on improving performance and flexibility. Meanwhile, the Buffalo Bills had an emotional weekend after a mass shooting occurred near their hotel, but they were able to focus on their game and secure a win. Other notable performances included Philip Rivers' return to the NFL and the Seattle Seahawks' preparation for his unique playing style.
Five Potential Transfer Destinations for QB DJ Lagway
Florida quarterback DJ Lagway has announced his intention to enter the transfer portal on January 2, seeking a fresh start after two challenging seasons with the Gators. The former five-star recruit, who was the top-rated QB and No. 8 overall recruit in the 2024 ESPN 300, is expected to consider opportunities closer to his hometown of Willis, Texas. Despite battling injuries and struggling with 14 interceptions in his last season, Lagway has significant untapped potential. Several programs could be a good fit for him, including the Baylor Bears, where his father played and the offense is led by coordinator Jake Spavital. The LSU Tigers, under new coach Lane Kiffin, are also a potential destination, as Kiffin has experience evaluating Lagway from their past matchups. The Clemson Tigers, who were a finalist for Lagway during his high school recruitment, could also be in the running to replace departing senior Cade Klubnik. Additionally, the Miami Hurricanes and TCU Horned Frogs may consider Lagway as they look to fill their quarterback positions. Ultimately, Lagway's goal is to find an ideal fit where he can develop into a top NFL prospect and get back to winning. These five programs offer a mix of familiarity, strong offenses, and opportunities for growth, making them potential landing spots for Lagway. As he navigates the transfer portal, Lagway will likely prioritize finding a situation that allows him to reach his full potential and compete at a high level. With his talent and experience, he is expected to be a highly sought-after transfer target.
Chiefs' Playoff Hopes End with Patrick Mahomes' Torn ACL
The Kansas City Chiefs' playoff chances have come to an end after a 16-13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, compounded by the devastating injury of quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Mahomes suffered a torn ACL in his left knee during the game, which will require surgical evaluation. The team's decision to try and push the ball downfield instead of opting for a field goal attempt ultimately led to a game-sealing interception by Derwin James. The Chiefs' loss marks the end of several impressive streaks, including their playoff appearance streak since 2014 and Mahomes' streak of starting in the AFC championship game. The injury also raises questions about the team's future, with key players like Travis Kelce considering retirement and the need for revamping the offense. The Chiefs fell to 6-8, officially eliminating them from playoff contention. Other notable injuries around the league include Micah Parsons' reported ACL tear and Davante Adams' hamstring injury. The wide-open season has taken another dramatic turn, leaving fans to wonder what's next for the Chiefs and the rest of the NFL.
Green Bay Packers' Season Outlook Diminishes After Micah Parsons Injury
The Green Bay Packers' expectations for the remainder of the 2025 season have significantly decreased after Micah Parsons suffered a non-contact knee injury. Parsons, the team's best player, is likely out for the year, leaving a gaping hole in the pass rush. The Packers' defense has struggled without Parsons, and the upcoming rematch against Caleb Williams and the Bears does not look promising. The team's pass rush has been abysmal aside from Parsons' contributions, and the pass defense was unable to contain Bo Nix in their previous game. The Packers are hoping that Zach Tom and Christian Watson will be able to play in the upcoming game, but their injuries are still uncertain. If they are unable to play, it could be a long and difficult game for the Packers. The national media has downgraded the Packers' Super Bowl hopes to questionable, and it's unlikely that the team's pass rush will improve significantly in the short term. The Packers are now relying on recent first-round picks, such as Lukas Van Ness and Matthew Golden, to step up and fill the void left by Parsons and Watson. With the injuries piling up, it's probably wise for fans to temper their expectations and be pleasantly surprised if the team is able to pull off any wins.
NFL Week 15 Recap: Mahomes Tears ACL, Broncos Clinch Playoff Spot
The 2025 NFL regular season continued its trend of unpredictability in Week 15, with several thrilling matchups and significant injuries. The Kansas City Chiefs were eliminated from playoff contention after a 16-13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, and superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee. Mahomes was tackled by Chargers defensive lineman Da'Shawn Hand in the fourth quarter, and an MRI later confirmed the injury. The Chiefs' playoff hopes were dashed, ending a 10-year streak of postseason appearances. The Denver Broncos clinched a playoff spot with their 11th consecutive victory, defeating the Green Bay Packers 34-26. The Packers lost star pass rusher Micah Parsons to a non-contact knee injury, believed to be a torn ACL. The Broncos' second-year quarterback Bo Nix had a standout performance, throwing for 302 yards and four touchdown passes. The Buffalo Bills rallied from a 21-0 deficit to defeat the New England Patriots 35-31, preventing the Patriots from clinching the AFC East division title. Josh Allen led the Bills with 193 passing yards and three touchdowns, and the team moved within one game of the Patriots. The Patriots still had a chance to win, but the Bills defense came up big, with Joey Bosa batting down a pass to seal the game.
Vikings Coach Kevin O'Connell Praises McCarthy's Touchdown Run, Criticizes Celebration
The Minnesota Vikings secured a 34-26 win over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night, with quarterback J.J. McCarthy scoring a memorable one-yard rushing touchdown. McCarthy's touchdown run, which involved faking a handoff and rolling to his left, was praised by head coach Kevin O'Connell. However, O'Connell was not pleased with McCarthy's premature celebration, where he performed the "Griddy" dance before reaching the end zone. McCarthy acknowledged that he had been told not to celebrate in such a manner during practice and took responsibility for his actions. Despite the win, the Vikings were eliminated from playoff contention prior to kickoff, making McCarthy's development a key focus for the remainder of the season. The team will be looking for more reasons to celebrate in their final three games, but O'Connell expects his players to do so in a more subdued manner. McCarthy's performance was a highlight of the game, and he will aim to build on this momentum while also being more mindful of his celebrations. The Vikings' win marked their second consecutive victory, and they will look to continue this streak in their upcoming games.
NFL Week 15 Statistical Highlights: Josh Allen and Trevor Lawrence Make History
The 2025 NFL season's Week 15 saw several notable statistical achievements. Josh Allen led the Buffalo Bills to a comeback victory over the New England Patriots, finishing with three passing touchdowns and tying Matthew Stafford for the most offensive touchdowns in the NFL this season with 37. This marks Allen's sixth career season with at least 35 offensive touchdowns, placing him alongside Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, and Drew Brees as the only players with at least six such seasons. Trevor Lawrence made history with a performance that included five passing touchdowns, one rushing touchdown, and 50 rushing yards, becoming the first player in NFL history to achieve these numbers in a single game. The Jaguars' win over the New York Jets was their fifth consecutive victory and seventh in eight games since their bye week. Bo Nix led the Denver Broncos to their 11th consecutive win, tying Peyton Manning and John Elway for the longest winning streak by a Broncos quarterback in a season. Nix finished with 302 passing yards and four touchdowns, securing a playoff berth for the Broncos for the second consecutive year. Patriots rookie TreVeyon Henderson also impressed, scoring two long touchdown runs and tying the record for most rush touchdowns of 50-plus yards by a rookie with four. These performances highlight the exciting developments in the 2025 NFL season, with several players making significant contributions to their teams' successes and pushing historical boundaries in the process.
Packers' Defense Faces Uncertainty After Micah Parsons' Non-Contact Knee Injury
The Green Bay Packers are dealing with a significant blow to their defense after Micah Parsons suffered a non-contact knee injury in the third quarter of their 34-26 loss to the Denver Broncos. Parsons, who was acquired in a blockbuster trade with Dallas in August, has been instrumental to the team's defense, with 39 tackles, 26 quarterback hits, and 12½ sacks in 13 games. The injury occurred when Parsons awkwardly planted his foot while pursuing Broncos quarterback Bo Nix, and he was immediately ruled out of the game. Head Coach Matt LaFleur expressed concern, stating "it doesn't look good," sparking fears of a potential ACL tear. The Packers' locker room was somber after the game, with teammates expressing disappointment and concern for Parsons. Rashan Gary, who checked on Parsons after the injury, said he told him to "keep his head up" and that the team would "finish strong" for him. Despite the potential loss of Parsons, the Packers remain focused on their upcoming games, including a key NFC North matchup against the Chicago Bears in six days. Gary emphasized the need for the team to step up and take advantage of opportunities in the remaining three weeks of the season. The Packers also welcomed back 2023 first-round pick Lukas Van Ness from a foot injury and are nearing the return of Brenton Cox Jr. from a groin injury.
Vanderbilt Quarterback Diego Pavia Finishes Second in Heisman Voting
Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia finished second in voting for the 91st Heisman Trophy, announced during Saturday's award ceremony at New York's Lincoln Center. Pavia, recently honored as SEC Offensive Player of the Year, led the Commodores to a historic 10-2 regular season. He earned 189 first-place votes in a four-way race with finalists Jeremiyah Love, Fernando Mendoza, and Julian Sayin. Mendoza won the award, with Love and Sayin finishing third and fourth, respectively. Pavia's achievement marks a milestone for Vanderbilt, as he is the university's first-ever Heisman finalist. His charismatic play and infectious confidence have inspired fans, contributing to 11 sold-out games at FirstBank Stadium since he took over as starting quarterback in 2024. With a win in the upcoming bowl game, Vanderbilt can match its best two-year win total in school history. Pavia stands second nationally in total offense, third in yards per pass attempt, and fourth in pass efficiency rating. He leads the SEC in these categories and tops the league in touchdown passes and completion percentage. Pavia has guided the Commodores to four wins against ranked SEC opponents and has received the 2025 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award. He is a finalist for the Manning Award and was a finalist for Walter Camp Player of the Year honors. Vanderbilt fans can watch Pavia take the field one more time for the Commodores in the ReliaQuest Bowl on New Year's Eve.
Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes Exits Game with Left Knee Injury, MRI Scheduled
The Kansas City Chiefs suffered a 16-13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, and the team's concerns go beyond the defeat. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes exited the game in the fourth quarter with a left knee injury, which is believed to be a torn ACL. Mahomes will undergo an MRI to determine the severity of the injury. With Mahomes out, backup quarterback Gardner Minshew took over, but his efforts were not enough to secure a win. Minshew threw an interception to Chargers safety Derwin James, essentially sealing the Chiefs' fate. The interception occurred on a second-and-15 play, where Minshew targeted tight end Travis Kelce on a corner route. The Chiefs' playoff hopes are now uncertain, and it is likely that Minshew will start in Mahomes' place while he recovers. Minshew expressed his frustration with the situation, stating that it's been difficult to watch Mahomes from the sidelines. Mahomes finished the game 16 of 28 for 189 yards and an interception, while Minshew was 3-of-5 for 22 yards and an interception in relief. The Chiefs' locker room was subdued after the loss, with added concern for Mahomes' injury. Minshew last made a start as a member of the Las Vegas Raiders in late November of last season. The team is expected to know more about Mahomes' outlook by Monday morning. Minshew has expressed his respect for Mahomes, stating that he has never seen anyone give so much of themselves to the team. He also expressed his confidence in Mahomes' ability to come back and be better than ever. The Chiefs will have to wait and see how Mahomes' injury affects their season, but for now, they are focused on supporting their injured quarterback.
Seahawks Improve to 11-3 with 18-15 Win Over Colts
The Seattle Seahawks overcame a slow start on offense to defeat the Indianapolis Colts 18-15, improving their season record to 11-3. Jason Myers had a standout performance, making six field goals, including a 56-yard game-winner with 29 seconds left in the game. The Seahawks' defense also played a crucial role, limiting the Colts' offense and holding running back Jonathan Taylor to 87 yards on 25 carries. Jaxon Smith-Njigba had a big game, catching seven passes for 114 yards, and Rashid Shaheed contributed with five catches for 74 yards. The win was a testament to the team's resilience and ability to come out on top despite an imperfect day on offense. With this victory, the Seahawks continue to solidify their position in the league, and Myers' career-high 153 points have earned him a new career high, surpassing his 143-point season in 2022.
NFL Week 15 Recap: Bills, Bears Secure Key Victories, Packers Defense Faces Trouble
The NFL's Week 15 saw several significant matchups with playoff implications. The Buffalo Bills came back from a 21-0 deficit to defeat the New England Patriots, keeping their AFC East title hopes alive. The Chicago Bears earned a crucial win over the Cleveland Browns, moving into the second seed in the NFC. Meanwhile, the Green Bay Packers' defense suffered a major blow with the loss of edge rusher Micah Parsons to a torn ACL. The Los Angeles Chargers' defensive coordinator, Jesse Minter, is gaining attention as a potential head coaching candidate after his unit's strong performance against the Kansas City Chiefs. In other news, Matthew Stafford solidified his position in the MVP race with a strong outing against the Detroit Lions, while Drake Maye's chances took a hit after a poor performance against the Bills. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' loss to the Atlanta Falcons has put their playoff hopes in jeopardy, and the Carolina Panthers missed an opportunity to gain ground in the NFC South after losing to the New Orleans Saints. The most intriguing game of Week 16 will be the matchup between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Carolina Panthers, which will have significant implications for the NFC South title. The current MVP rankings have Matthew Stafford in the top spot, followed by Drake Maye, Josh Allen, Jordan Love, and Jonathan Taylor. Overall, Week 15 was marked by unpredictability and significant shifts in the playoff landscape, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the NFL season.
Trail Blazers Snap Losing Streak with 136-131 Win Over Warriors
The Portland Trail Blazers ended a three-game losing streak by defeating the Golden State Warriors 136-131 on Sunday night. Jerami Grant and Shaedon Sharpe led the Trail Blazers with 35 points each. Stephen Curry had a notable performance for the Warriors, scoring 48 points and hitting a season-high 12 3-pointers. This marks the NBA-leading 28th time he's achieved 10 or more 3-pointers in a game. In a closely contested final quarter, the game saw several lead changes. A key moment came when Toumani Camara's alley-oop dunk tied the game at 121, but Curry responded with a 3-pointer and a layup. The Trail Blazers eventually took the lead, with Grant's basket and free throw giving them a one-point advantage. Deni Avdija added two free throws with 19.9 seconds left to extend the lead to 132-129. Despite a late dunk by Moses Moody, Grant's free throws secured the 136-131 win for the Trail Blazers. Curry was playing in his second game after missing five straight due to a left quadriceps contusion. Draymond Green started for the Warriors after missing the previous game for personal reasons. The Trail Blazers will next host the Sacramento Kings on Thursday night, while the Warriors will face the Phoenix Suns on the same night.
Green Bay Packers vs. Denver Broncos: Week 15 Game Details
The Green Bay Packers are set to face the Denver Broncos in Week 15 of the NFL season. The game will take place on Sunday, December 14, at 3:25 p.m. CT at Empower Field at Mile High. CBS will broadcast the game, with Jim Nantz and Tony Romo providing commentary and Tracy Wolfson reporting from the sidelines. The game can also be streamed through NFL Sunday Ticket by YouTube. For radio listeners, the game will be available on the Packers Radio Network, which includes 54 stations in Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, Illinois, and North and South Dakota. Wayne Larrivee will provide play-by-play commentary, with Larry McCarren and John Kuhn serving as analysts. The broadcast will also be available on Sirius Satellite Radio and through the Packers mobile app. Fans can stream the game on Packers.com, and the team's official radio broadcast will be available worldwide to desktop users. The Packers mobile app will also stream the radio broadcast within the Packers' home market. For those outside of the U.S., NFL Game Pass International will provide streaming options. Live chat with Mike Spofford will begin at kickoff.
Saints Stun Panthers with Late Comeback, 20-17
The New Orleans Saints pulled off a stunning comeback victory over the Carolina Panthers, winning 20-17 on Sunday. Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough led two scoring drives in the final five minutes, including a 47-yard field goal by Charlie Smyth in the final seconds. The win prevented Carolina from taking sole possession of first place in the NFC South division. Shough was 24 of 32 for 272 yards and a touchdown, while also rushing for a team-high 32 yards. The Panthers had taken an early 7-0 lead on Rico Dowdle's 4-yard run, but the Saints tied it up with Devin Neal's 4-yard TD run. Carolina retook the lead with a 40-yard field goal by Fitzgerald, making it 10-7 at halftime. In the third quarter, Bryce Young passed for a 32-yard touchdown to Jalen Coker, giving the Panthers a 17-7 lead. However, the Saints fought back, with Shough completing a 12-yard touchdown pass to Chris Olave with 2:29 left in regulation. The Saints' winning kick was set up by a late sack of Bryce Young by Chase Young, which helped give New Orleans the ball back. Shough's final carry was followed by an unnecessary roughness penalty on Lathan Ransom, moving the ball to the Carolina 29 with 9 seconds left. The Saints will host the New York Jets next Sunday, while the Panthers will host Tampa Bay.