Seattle laid its claim for the NFL throne in the exact way it did during its dominant run toward the NFC’s No. 1 seed: by ferociously pummeling their opponent without mercy.
The Seahawks’ offense had a productive, albeit somewhat ugly game Saturday night against the San Francisco 49ers, but Seattle’s defense (and special teams!) stole the show in this 41-6 divisional round wipeout. Now Seattle is a game away from getting back to the Super Bowl for the first time in over a decade.
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It’s a playoff position star defender DeMarcus Lawrence, who had a strip sack of Brock Purdy late in the second half, hasn’t seen in his career after spending 11 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. His prophetic words from last March about leaving Dallas for Seattle in free agency made a comeback on social media after the Seahawks’ emphatic win. And they’re bound to have some staying power this coming week as the Seahawks prepare for the NFC title game. But what else stuck out for Lawrence that symbolized this tenacious defense was the new necklace he sported postgame with the initials: MOB.
“Yeah, brand new MOB necklace, man,” Lawrence said. “You know, just letting the world know how we coming, you know.”
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In a league where offenses and quarterbacks are the stars of the show, Seattle has built a defense that’s just as compelling as the biggest, flashiest arms in the NFL and they showed that they’re absolutely good enough to ride to a title.
Seattle didn’t even let the 49ers get into the game, doing the same thing it did during the Week 18 regular-season finale when it stifled the 49ers’ running game, which subsequently forced Brock Purdy to be a dropback passer and throw into the teeth of an immovable defense. This weekend, the Seahawks held the 49ers to 28 yards on 11 designed runs in the first half, and again forced the 49ers to play a style of football they don’t want to play.
Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori (3) reacts after recovering a fumble in Saturday night’s blowout against the 49ers. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
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After the Seahawks forced their second turnover on downs of the night to open the third quarter, the offense rewarded the defense with a field goal, and the 21-point deficit was too much against Seattle’s marauding defense.
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This is the kind of performance that No. 1 seeds should have against weaker opponents in their conference. Not that the 49ers are a bad team, they’re just an absurdly injured one. But this level of domination has set the bar incredibly high for the Los Angeles Rams, who defeated the Chicago Bears in overtime on Sunday. In a season when head coach Kyle Shanahan had all the answers as the 49ers’ lineups shifted and became more depleted, the Seahawks were all over everything he tried to throw out. Not only are they talented, they’re incredibly well-orchestrated with second-year head coach Mike Macdonald pulling all the strings on defense.
“That team doesn’t give up big plays. That’s why they’re No. 1 in the league over last two years in not giving up big plays,” Shanahan said of the Seahawks. “And when you get down a lot, it’s going to be tough to get back if you can’t generate those big plays.
The 49ers didn’t even reach the red zone in this game and this was an offense that ranked top-three in most standard and advanced metrics over the back half of the season. It’s not like the Seahawks have been padding their stats against the worst teams that the league has to offer. This status is earned through trial. The only offense to put up over 20 points on Seattle over the final nine weeks of the season has been the Rams (the Titans scored 24 but they had a 90-yard punt return touchdown). They’ve given up 75 points since Week 13 with 37 of those points, legitimately half, coming against the Rams.
Teams need to be as dialed in, talented and well-coached as the Rams to really score against this defense. The run the Seahawks are on will go down in the record books as an all-time finish if they can maintain this level of defensive dominance against one of two of the better offenses in the NFL. In the Rams’ case, they’re probably just the flat-out best offense this season.
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That creates a potentially fascinating third matchup between the Seahawks and their division rival Rams. Matthew Stafford and the Rams are no pushovers at this point, but when Seattle stuffs Shanahan and the 49ers in a locker for the second time in three weeks, it’s hard not to feel like this is the current favorite for the Super Bowl. Seattle’s defense is really that good and it has one of the elite special teams units in the entire league, as shown by Rashid Shaheed’s 95-yard opening kickoff return for a touchdown.
The health of the Rams will likely create a tougher test than what the 49ers were able to muster, but this defense is playing as well as a unit possibly can in the modern NFL, and the Seahawks seem to be getting better each week. No matter who shows up to face the Seahawks next Sunday, the only thing louder than Lumen Field will be the boom this defense brings seemingly every single play.
DENVER — The Denver Broncos have their flaws. But they know how to win close games, so Josh Allen’s first Super Bowl trip will have to wait.
The Broncos shook off giving up a game-tying drive to Allen in the final minute of regulation, which came after Denver had taken a lead with 55 seconds left. In overtime, Denver forced Allen’s fourth turnover of the game on an interception, and two big pass interference calls on the Bills put Denver in position to get a game-winning field goal for a dramatic 33-30 win.
Denver had 11 wins in games decided by eight or fewer points in the regular season. And they’re 1-for-1 doing it in the playoffs.
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The Broncos are going back to the AFC championship for the first time since Peyton Manning was their quarterback, and they went on to win Super Bowl 50. They’ll host the winner of Sunday’s game between the Houston Texans and New England Patriots.
The news altered the odds of the Broncos winning the Super Bowl, going from +325 to +900, according to BetMGM.
On Saturday, Denver’s offense, as usual, wasn’t consistently good. But when it absolutely needed a couple of drives to pull out a win, it happened. And the defense made sure Allen didn’t write a storybook ending in overtime when he had the chance.
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Denver has early miscues
It had been almost 10 full years since Denver got a home playoff game. Peyton Manning led Denver to a win in the AFC championship game over Tom Brady and the New England Patriots the last time the Broncos hosted a playoff game. It had been a while.
Maybe there were some nerves early on. Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin lost a fumble on the first drive, though a Bills offsides penalty wiped out that mistake. But later in the drive receiver Lil’Jordan Humphrey dropped a sure touchdown right in his hands. Humphrey was in for extra snaps because Pat Bryant (who caught three passes on the opening drive but was ruled out during the first quarter) and Marvin Mims Jr. were being evaluated for concussions, and his error cost Denver points. The Broncos settled for a field goal. The Broncos fell behind 7-3 when Mecole Hardman scored a touchdown, his first catch for Buffalo, on nearly the exact same play the Chiefs drew up for him in overtime to win Super Bowl LVIII.
A big hit by linebacker Broncos linebacker Alex Singleton forced a fumble on James Cook, and after that the Broncos went on a drive that ended with a touchdown pass to offensive lineman Frank Crum. It was the first catch of Crum’s career, and he was the first lineman to score a playoff touchdown since Nick Allegretti scored for the Chiefs four years ago.
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Humphrey atoned for his mistake from earlier in the game right before halftime. Nix rolled to his left, planted and found Humphrey open in the end zone for a 29-yard touchdown. That gave Denver a 17-10 lead.
Given the early mistakes, being up a touchdown at halftime would have been a great result for Denver. Then it got better right before the half ended.
Allen was running with the ball after finding nothing downfield, and he was careless holding the ball. It was knocked loose, went backward and the Broncos ended up recovering and being tackled with two seconds on the clock. Wil Lutz came on for a gift 50-yard field goal as the half expired to give Denver a 20-10 lead.
The Broncos couldn’t have expected a gift like that from one of the best players in the NFL. By the time the fourth quarter ended, each team would regret giving away some points in the first half.
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Bills take fourth quarter lead
The Broncos’ defense kept the momentum going into the third quarter. Nik Bonitto had a strip-sack on Buffalo’s first drive of the second half, though Denver’s offense could only get a field goal out of it. Bo Nix later threw a bad interception to defensive tackle Deone Walker at the line, but Denver’s defense got it back two plays after when safety P.J. Locke made a nice play downfield to intercept Allen.
Even with the help, the Broncos’ offense couldn’t put the Bills in an insurmountable hole. Denver had just one first down and 34 yards of offense in the third quarter. Keon Coleman scored a touchdown in the third quarter and Dalton Kincaid had a great touchdown grab in the end zone early in the fourth quarter, and Buffalo led 24-23.
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The Broncos had created four turnovers and still trailed a couple of minutes into the fourth quarter. According to CBS, before Saturday’s game, road teams in NFL playoff history were 1-85 when they had a -3 turnover differential.
After a Broncos three-and-out and a long Bills drive that ended in a field goal, Buffalo led 27-23. That forced a Broncos offense that hadn’t done much in the second half to come up with a touchdown drive in the final minutes. They came through.
Nix made a few nice plays and lofted a 26-yard pass to Mims, who made a great catch in the end zone to give Denver the lead with 55 seconds left. That was enough time for Allen to drive the Bills down to tie it.
A hook-and-ladder play ended up with Ray Davis gaining 24 yards to Denver’s 32-yard line. Allen missed Dawson Knox downfield on third down, and it might have been a touchdown had he hit him. That set up a field goal attempt by Matt Prater, and he hit it with five seconds left to put the game into overtime.
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There has been plenty of debate on the correct strategy for the team that wins the coin toss in a playoff game, with the new rules allowing each team a possession. The Bills won the toss and elected to kick off. The Broncos punted, then on a deep third-down pass by Allen, Broncos cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian wrested it away from Brandin Cooks for an interception. Broncos rookie running back RJ Harvey had some nice moves for a 24-yard gain. A huge pass interference penalty gave Denver 17 yards and got them into Bills territory. Another pass interference penalty inside the 10-yard line made the field goal almost automatic. Lutz hit the 24-yard field goal, ending Buffalo’s dreams of making its first Super Bowl in the Allen era.
The Broncos didn’t play a clean game, especially on offense, but they rarely do. But it has been enough for 15 wins already. One more home win and they’ll be riding that formula to a Super Bowl.
Live coverage is over56 updates
Andy Backstrom
With a Wil Lutz 23-yard field goal, the Broncos have their first playoff win since Super Bowl 50.
Denver is headed to the AFC championship, where it will play the winner of tomorrow’s divisional-round matchup between the Houston Texans and New England Patriots.
Meanwhile, the Bills have once again fallen short of their Super Bowl dreams.
Andy Backstrom
A pair of defensive pass interference penalties — the first on nickel Taron Johnson and the second on cornerback Tre’Davious White — have spelled doom for the Bills.
The first vaulted the Broncos to the Buffalo 36-yard line. The next put them at the 8-yard line.
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Bo Nix zipped a pass to rookie running back RJ Harvey in the flat.
Then Harvey went to work, making defenders miss and galloping forward for a gain of 24 yards.
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What looked like a Brandin Cooks catch turned into a Ja’Quan McMillian interception.
Cooks didn’t have possession before McMillian ripped the ball from him for the pick.
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Bills running back Ray Davis slipped out of the backfield, and Josh Allen found him.
Davis turned the short reception into a nine-yard gain with a dash for the first-down marker.
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Facing a third-and-5, Josh Allen delivered a 13-yard toss to tight end Dalton Kincaid, who secured a catch for a key first down.
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The Bills won the toss, elected to kick and then forced a Broncos punt in just four plays.
Courtland Sutton just missed out on a pair of catches, going low for both and coming up empty.
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Here’s a rules refresher:
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Matt Prater’s still got it. The 41-year-old kicker, who spent 2007-14 with the Broncos, just extended the Bills’ season with a game-tying 50-yard field goal with only five seconds left in the divisional round of the playoffs.
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A bit of trickery has catapulted the Bills into field-goal range.
Buffalo turned to a hook-and-ladder play that saw wide receiver Khalil Shakir flip the ball to running back Ray Davis, who hustled all the way to the Denver 32-yard line.
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Trying to orchestrate a game-winning drive in Denver, Josh Allen is leaving everything out on the field, even the most unconventional of throws.
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Bo Nix lofted a 26-yard pass to wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. for a go-ahead touchdown with less than a minute remaining.
The Broncos targeted cornerback Dane Jackson, who was in for the injured Tre’Davious White.
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On a got-to-have-it drive, Bo Nix is showcasing his best in the clutch.
He patiently waited for an opening on the right side of the field and then scurried for a gain of six, converting a third-and-4 for a critical first down.
Andy Backstrom
Courtland Sutton didn’t have a catch through the first three quarters and change.
The veteran wideout is now coming to life when the Broncos need him most.
He just brought in a 25-yard pass from Bo Nix on third-and-11.
Before that, he made a sideline catch for a drive-opening first down.
Andy Backstrom
It appeared as if Khalil Shakir might have had a catch-and-run touchdown for the Bills, but, turns out, the pass he reeled in actually hit the ground.
Instead, Buffalo collected three points on a 31-yard Matt Prater field goal.
Andy Backstrom
With the Bills facing another third down, the legs of Josh Allen once again came in handy.
He veered right on a quarterback power and followed a big block from tackle Spencer Brown.
Buffalo has rushed for 176 yards, the most Denver has given up all season.
Andy Backstrom
Josh Allen is like a battering ram in short-yardage situations.
He converted another tush push on the Bills’ latest drive, which is chewing significant clock in the fourth quarter.
His 3-yard pickup gave Buffalo a first down at the Denver 28-yard line with less than eight minutes left.
Andy Backstrom
Denver just punted for the second straight drive. The drive before that, it turned the ball over when Bo Nix was picked off.
The Broncos have totaled a mere 30 yards across their past three series.
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Just like that, the Bills are back in front.
After giving up 13 straight points, between the end of the second quarter and the start of the third, Buffalo has stormed back.
Josh Allen wrapped a nine-play, 85-yard drive with a 14-yard strike to tight end Dalton Kincaid, who made the scoring grab over Broncos safety Talanoa Hufanga.
Andy Backstrom
Bills wideout Khalil Shakir turned a quick pass from Josh Allen into a 46-yard gain.
He split a pair of Broncos defenders and sprinted downfield before ultimately being wrangled.
2025 season record: 8-9, (o 7.5 wins), third in NFC South, missed playoffs, 19th in DVOA
Overview
The Falcons won the final game of the regular season to reach a three-way tie in record atop the NFC South. But Atlanta’s win sent Carolina to the playoffs, while the Falcons officially finished third in the division and fired head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot.
The issue with Atlanta over the past two seasons was a clear misevaluation of where the team was and how to build the roster around it. Signing Kirk Cousins and then drafting Michael Penix Jr. might have put the Falcons 0-for-2 at quarterback. Penix, with a long injury history, tore his ACL in November. Trading a 2026 first-round draft pick for James Pearce Jr., who finished third in Defensive Rookie of the Year, was shortsighted at the time and looks worse now, especially with Pearce facing multiple domestic violence-related felony charges. On top of that, there was just weird stuff going on with the Falcons. Wide receivers coach Ike Hilliard was fired midseason as a scapegoat for offensive struggles. Darnell Mooney suffered a broken collarbone in training camp, which wasn’t disclosed publicly until November.
A four-game win streak wasn’t enough to salvage the season. Neither were the individual bright spots, like Drake London and Bijan Robinson. Even the defense impressed in stretches, but it was never enough to make the Falcons feel like a franchise with a coherent plan and path forward.
According to Over The Cap, the Falcons have approximately $24.6 million in effective salary cap space heading into 2026. The Falcons and Kirk Cousins agreed to a modification in the quarterback’s contract to push back the date of his 2027 guarantee until the third day of the league year, so his future will be decided before that date. It’s likely Cousins will be a post-June 1 cut, which would free up about only $2 million in 2026 cap space. A Darnell Mooney release would open up another $8 million in space.
To get cap compliant, the Falcons have a few options in restructures that could include A.J. Terrell, Jessie Bates III, Chris Lindstrom and Jake Matthews.
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Pending free agents
TE Kyle Pitts RB Tyler Allgeier LB Kaden Elliss OL Elijah Wilkinson DL David Onyemata Edge Arnold Ebiketie Edge Leonard Floyd
Pitts had a career year and led the team in targets and yards, though Drake London surpassed Pitts in rate stats, but missed games. A franchise tag could be on the table for Pitts, given how the tight end figure is so much lower than the tag at receiver. But in a salary cap crunch and a new deal for London upcoming, Pitts might be a luxury the new regime decides against paying. Allgeier is in a similar boat, an efficient runner in a tandem with Bijan Robinson, but it’s increasingly difficult to have a second-contract back splitting carries with what might be the best running back in the league.
Positional needs
Quarterback Cornerback Wide receiver
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If Kirk Cousins is not on the roster and Michael Penix Jr. is not ready to start the season — or maybe if he is — the Falcons need someone to play quarterback. Penix and Cousins had nearly identical efficiency stats for the season but much of that comes down to the availability of Drake London. Penix had London on the field for almost all of his dropbacks, while Cousins had the top receiver for just over a third of his. With London, Cousins had 0.04 EPA per play, as opposed to Penix’s -0.02. Having a reliable second receiver would help whoever the quarterback is and London in 2026. The star-and-everyone-else grouping also appears in the secondary. Young safeties have emerged for the Falcons, and rookie Billy Bowman was fun in the slot before getting injured, but having an outside corner opposite A.J. Terrell would improve the defense.
Jones is long, good at the catch point and a willing tackler, traits that project well as CB2 opposite A.J. Terrell. And the best news is he’ll likely be available when the Falcons make their first pick on Day 2.
What could move the fantasy needle in 2026?
Figure out the quarterback spot
Atlanta made two big bets at quarterback in the 2024 offseason and as we head into 2026, I don’t think you can label either as a hit. Perhaps Michael Penix Jr. becomes that guy. However, I’d bet against a new front office and Kevin Stefanski’s coaching staff hanging their hats on that as their answer, considering the soon-to-be 26-year-old quarterback is still unproven and coming off his third ACL reconstruction. I’m not exactly sure what the path forward is for this team, which lacks a Round 1 selection in the upcoming draft, but I doubt either Penix or Kirk Cousins opens the season as the starting quarterback. — Matt Harmon
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Betting nugget
The Falcons barely missed the postseason, finishing at 8-9 in a weak NFC South, but bettors weren’t rewarded for backing Atlanta in games the Falcons were supposed to win. Atlanta went a putrid 2-7 ATS as a favorite. — Ben Fawkes
Venus Williams made history the instant she took the court at the Australian Open on Sunday. She very nearly continued her record-setting run before ultimately falling to Olga Danilović in the first round of the event.
With her match Sunday, Williams became the oldest woman to compete in the Australian Open singles main draw. A little while later, she became the oldest woman to win a set in the Australian Open singles main draw.
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But Williams couldn’t keep that momentum. After taking the first set 7-6 (5), Williams fell 6-3 in the second set.
Just as it looked like Williams’ run was over, she responded with a 4-0 lead in the final set. But Williams couldn’t close things out. She lost steam in the final set, eventually falling to Danilović 6-4 in the third set.
“It was an amazing journey on the court today,” said Williams, who left the stadium with a smile and a wave.
“I’m really proud of my effort today because I’m playing better with each match, getting to the places that I want to get to,” Williams said. “Right now, I’m just going to have to keep going forward and working on myself and working to control my errors.”
Danilović wasn’t taking Williams’ age for granted. Following the win, Danilović called it “a pleasure” to take the court against a legend.
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With the win, Danilović will take on the winner of Coco Gauff and Kamilla Rakhimova.
Carlos Alcaraz, Aryna Sabalenka cruise to wins
The top seeds on both the men’s and women’s sides wasted no time making quick work of their opponents in the first round of the 2026 Australian Open. Carlos Alcaraz picked up an easy win Sunday, beating Adam Walton 6-3, 7-6, 6-2 to advance.
Sabalenka didn’t face much trouble, either, winning 6-4, 6-1 over Tiantsoa Sarah Rakotomanga Rajaonah.
There weren’t many major upsets on the first day of the event. The most notable belonged to No. 20 seed Flavio Cobolli on the men’s side. Cobolli played through the event with an illness, which may explain why he lost 7-6(1), 6-4, 6-1 to Arthur Fery.
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Frances Tiafoe wins for Americans in first round
The first handful of matches at the 2026 Australian Open didn’t go well for the Americans. Of the four Americans to take the court, Frances Tiafoe was the only one to come up with an early win. Tiafoe defeated Jason Kubler 7-6, 6-3, 6-2 to advance.
In addition to Williams’ loss, the Americans also saw Jenson Brooksby fall to No. 10 Alexander Bublik in straight sets and Zachary Svajda fall to Yannick Hanfmann in four sets.
While it was a disappointing result, some of the higher-ranked Americans, including Gauff, Tommy Paul, Amanda Anisimova and Jessica Pegula will take the court for their first-round matchups later Sunday night.
Can Drake Maye lead the Patriots to their first AFC championship game appearance post-Tom Brady? Will CJ Stroud — likely without top wideout Nico Collins — do enough to help an elite defense?
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Ben Fawkes gathered quotes from oddsmakers for all the games and our team of NFL handicappers provides their favorite wagers on the game.
“Currently sitting Patriots laying 3. No movement on the spread in this one. Total opened 42.5, now down to 41 here. While Stroud did turn the ball over against the Steelers, it was Houston’s defense that carried that game. I thought New England’s defense was also impressive against the Chargers. We have taken early money on the ‘dog here with Houston, both on spread and money line.” — Thomas Gable, sportsbook director at The Borgata
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“Both coming off games where their defenses shined. So far the action is more balanced than would be expected, action slightly more on the Patriots. Sharper action on New England.” — Joey Feazel, head of NFL trading at Caesars Sportsbook
Best bets
Matt Russell: Stroud wasn’t running for his life in Pittsburgh, but having seen how rattled he was in the pocket at times, maybe he should have been?
Stroud started the season using his legs, running for more than 20 yards per game in the first seven games of the season, and with two carries for 12 yards, he seemed headed for 20 before suffering a concussion against the Broncos in Week 8. After coming back, Stroud’s running ability took a back seat, but if there was ever a reminder that his internal countdown should include a quick sprint out of the pocket, it’s the tape from Monday’s game.
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If Stroud also took a look at the Chargers-Patriots wild-card game, he likely saw tight coverage from New England, causing Chargers QB Justin Herbert to tuck it and go, with 10 total rushing attempts for 57 yards.
Now deep into the playoffs, it’s time for Stroud to access his modest scrambling ability to extend a drive or two.
Bet: Over 10.5 rushing yards (-120)
Matt Jacob: The question: What are the only teams to score more than 20 points against the Houston Texans this season?
The answer: Seattle, Jacksonville, Las Vegas and Indianapolis.
Ironically, Houston won three of those games, all at home (36-29 vs. the Jaguars; 23-21 vs. the Raiders; and 38-30 vs. the Colts in the regular-season finale). The only time the Texans have allowed more than 20 points on the road? A 27-19 loss at Seattle in Week 7.
Since that contest, Houston has hit the highway six times and given up 13 points (Tennessee), 16 (Indy), 10 (Kansas City), 16 (Chargers) and 6 (Pittsburgh). And in their first three road games of 2025, the Texans held the Rams (14), Jaguars (17) and Ravens (10) to five touchdowns and 41 combined points.
Now comes a trip to New England to face a Patriots team that managed just 16 points in last week’s Wild Card win against the visiting Chargers. In that contest, the Pats squandered multiple scoring opportunities against a defense that is really good — but not even close to Houston’s level.
Bottom line: New England may pull out a victory in this one, but it won’t because the offense explodes for three-plus touchdowns.
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Bet: Patriots under 20.5 total points (+110)
Ed Feng: This game is about an up-and-coming QB in Maye against the NFL’s best defense. In my adjusted passing success rate, Maye is expected to be 8.2% better than league average. Houston is the best pass defense and predicted to perform 8.3% better than league average in passing success rate.
In my best member model, I threw out New England’s preseason prior because Maye’s performance made it irrelevant. I still include the preseason prior for all other teams. My best prediction is New England by 3.8 points at home.
If you only consider data from the current season, Houston, behind the strength of its defense, is rated slightly higher than New England. This would make New England a 2-point favorite.
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Houston’s leading receiver Nico Collins seems unlikely to play after getting carted off the field in Pittsburgh with a concussion. If Stroud can be effective without Collins, Houston is probably the right side based on data from the current season.
The NFC North champion and No. 2-seeded Chicago Bears will host the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday in a divisional round matchup. The Bears trailed 21-3 at halftime against the Green Bay Packers in their wild-card game, but came all the way back to win 31-27. The Rams, as massive 10-point road favorites, came back to beat the feisty Carolina Panthers 34-31.
Is this where the fairy-tale season ends for Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson? Does Matthew Stafford have one more vintage playoff performance in cold weather in him?
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Ben Fawkes gathers insight from oddsmakers for the game, and our team of NFL handicappers provides its favorite wagers on Sunday’s matchup.
“We opened Rams -4.5 and this is currently sitting -3.5. Early money has been on the Bears here. A reaction to the Rams looking the way they did against Carolina and being tested, it’s going to be very cold on Sunday night. The big thing we saw on the Bears was on the in-play wagering last week. People weren’t hesitant to jump in on Chicago.” — Thomas Gable, sportsbook director at The Borgata
“We’ve seen decent one-way action, especially on the moneyline on the Bears. I would assume there will be some Rams money late, but that wasn’t the case last week against Packers. We opened Rams -4, still sitting 4.” — Joey Feazel, head of NFL trading at Caesars Sportsbook
Best bets
Matt Jacob: The Rams’ secondary held Carolina quarterback Bryce Young to one scoring pass in last Saturday’s 34-31 last-minute wild-card victory. It was just the second time in seven games that a quarterback failed to throw multiple touchdowns against Los Angeles.
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This week Los Angeles is tasked with trying to contain red-hot Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, who has thrown exactly two touchdowns in six consecutive games. Those dozen TD passes are among 20 scoring strikes that Williams has racked up in 11 games since the calendar flipped to November. He delivered multiple aerial scores in eight of those outings.
Granted, the weather forecast for Sunday night in the Windy City isn’t exactly quarterback friendly. Still, I banked a winner with this bet last week, and I’m confidently going right back to the well once again.
Bet: Caleb Williams over 1.5 passing TDs (+105)
Matt Russell: The weather might be the best thing Chicago’s defense has going for it. Kyler Gordon gutted his way through last Saturday’s game, but he’s not 100%, and the Bears also lost a key piece in the middle of their defense in TJ Edwards. That’s a bad combination against a Rams offense that is happy to work the body.
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Whether it’s in the run game, or peppering Puka Nacua and an armada of tight ends over the middle, the Rams should matriculate the ball down the field with ease. As a result, it would be ill-advised to take deep shots through the wind, with ball-hawking safety Kevin Byard (the league’s leader in interceptions) on the back end.
Matthew Stafford may go “over” on all his other props, but a long pass completion would require a combination of a complete coverage breakdown and a tackling debacle that we’ll bet doesn’t happen with teams moving a little slower in the cold.
Bet: Matthew Stafford longest pass completion under 37.5 yards (-115)
Indiana coach Curt Cignetti is ready for the national title game.
During the final news conference ahead of Monday’s championship game, both Cignetti and Miami coach Mario Cristobal were asked what it was like for their teams to practice for the final time this season. Cignetti did not mince words about how he wanted his team to be ready.
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“I think leading up to this game, there’s been a lot of pro-Indiana hype, a lot of rat poison out there,” Cignetti said. “I happened to see holy rose thing on social media this morning about our guys hugging each other at the end of practice. It is a close team. I’ve witnessed quite a bit of sentimentalism throughout the week from some of our seniors who we’ve been with quite a long time.
“I think it’s time to sharpen the saw now, throw those warm fuzzies out the door, that sentimentalism. It’s time to go play a game against a great opponent. We’ve got to have a sharp edge going into this game. You don’t go to war with warm milk and cookies.”
If you’re unclear about Cignetti’s holy rose reference, a photographer has sprinkled holy water in the Indiana end zone ahead of each of the Hoosiers’ playoff games so far as the team has beaten its opponents 94-25.
And if you’re a longtime college football fan, you’ll probably also recognize the “rat poison” term from Nick Saban. It’s been one of Saban’s favorite ways of describing how a team can get caught up in its own positive press; Cignetti is a former Saban assistant and worked for the longtime coach at Alabama.
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Cristobal is too. He was also an assistant at Alabama before he became Oregon’s head coach in 2017. He also channeled Saban in his answer to the question as he talked about processes ahead of Monday night’s game.
“Well, [Saturday] was a typical Thursday practice and I think the processes themselves are no different than any other Thursday, but every team is unique,” Cristobal said. “Every one is uniquely special and different and has brought something different to the lives of all the people around them.
“But I don’t see us getting caught up in any nostalgic moments or whatnot. I just really sense that our team was really focused, that they were really intent on carrying out the rest of the day’s processes, knowing the tremendous opportunity that we have. That’s how we closed out the evening, and that’s how we got ready this morning to go and continue our process.”
Aaron Rodgers’ Pittsburgh Steelers era may have come to an end, but his teammates hope there’s still a chance at a return. Steelers players reportedly spoke highly of Rodgers during exit interviews and want the veteran to return to the team for another year in 2026, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Almost all Steelers players praised Rodgers during their exit interviews, and most, if not all, of them want the veteran quarterback to return in 2026. His support among players was universal, and those around the organization pointed out how beloved and respected Rodgers was there.
Despite his age, Rodgers still has some ability left in his arm. While he’s no longer producing near his peak, he can still post a solid touchdown-to-interception ratio and lead a team to wins.
But the market for a 42-year-old quarterback probably won’t be that robust, especially if Rodgers limits his options to possible contenders. The Steelers could still fit that criteria next season. The Minnesota Vikings could also be an intriguing option after J.J. McCarthy’s middling first season as a starter. The Miami Dolphins, Arizona Cardinals and maybe the Atlanta Falcons could be interesting options should they decide to move on from their current starters.
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Of those options, Rodgers has the most familiarity with the Steelers. But Tomlin’s exit could prove to be the deciding factor in Rodgers’ decision, which could lead to the veteran joining yet another franchise as he tries to win one more championship.
The Buffalo Bills have a bone to pick with the NFL. Following a controversial interception in overtime, Bills head coach Sean McDermott went on the offensive, calling out the ruling and the league following the Bills’ 33-30 overtime loss to the Denver Broncos in the divisional round of the playoffs.
Based on Sunday’s reactions to the play, McDermott isn’t the only one who believes the league got it wrong. A number of former NFL players and officials weighed in on the play, with many believing it should not have resulted in an interception.
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The play in question occurred with 7:55 to play in overtime. With the Bills trying to drive down the field for a possible game-winning score, Josh Allen attempted to hit Brandin Cooks deep down the field on a 3rd and 11 pass.
Cooks appeared to catch the ball initially, but had it taken away by Broncos cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian as the pair went to the ground.
The play was ruled an interception fairly quickly, and the Broncos were given possession. The team then drove down the field and kicked a game-winning field goal, eliminating the Bills.
Former NFL cornerback — and current Amazon analyst — Richard Sherman was among those who believe the play should have been ruled a catch. Sherman said he’s never seen a play like that “be called anything but a catch.”
Dan Orlovsky, who spent seven years in the NFL before joining ESPN, claimed the play should have been ruled “a catch every time.”
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Ten-year NFL veteran Marshall Newhouse also had a strong response to the play, saying it should have been ruled a catch or — at worst — an incomplete pass.
The one former player who agreed with the call on the field was former Broncos star Shannon Sharpe, who recited the rule, which states a receiver must maintain possession throughout the catch.
Steratore cited the NFL rulebook, and then explained the exact reason why the play resulted in an interception.
While Steratore states Cooks satisfied the first two qualifications of the rule, he determines Cooks did not maintain the ball long enough to perform a clear “act common to the game.”
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NFL rules analyst Walt Anderson agreed with that assessment, saying the ball was loose once Cooks hit the ground. Anderson argued that the play would have been ruled an incomplete pass if he hit the ground, but since it wound up in McMillian’s arms, it was ruled an interception.
Terry McAulay, another former NFL official, also agreed with the ruling on the field of an interception.
While the NFL rulebook seems to support how the play was called Saturday, some pointed out the league acted differently on a similar call earlier in the season.
During a Dec. 7 contest, Aaron Rodgers was called for an interception after a ball he threw was tipped at the line of scrimmage.
But upon review, officials ruled Rodgers had possession of the ball when he hit the ground. The interception was overturned, with the Steelers retaining possession of the ball. Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk asked what changed between Dec. 7 and Saturday that resulted in the officials calling the play differently.
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McAulay also weighed in on that play, saying that he believed the officials got it wrong earlier in the season. He shared a few tweets he made at the time suggesting the Rodgers play should have been ruled an interception.
By the NFL rulebook, the play was called properly Saturday night. That won’t stop Bills fans from questioning the process, especially after another officiating crew called the play differently a month earlier.
The Denver Broncos’ win over the Buffalo Bills in the divisional round Saturday came at a major cost. Following the win, it was announced quarterback Bo Nix fractured a bone in his ankle on one of the final plays of overtime.
As a result, Nix was ruled out for the rest of the postseason, paving the way for Jarrett Stidham to get the start in the AFC Championship.
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Despite his injury status, Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold was able to play Saturday. He performed well, though wasn’t asked to do much as the Seahawks dismantled the San Francisco 49ers by a score of 41-6.
With Sunday’s games on the horizon, New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez is set to return from a concussion, as he was off the injury report on Friday. But Texans wide receiver Nico Collins remains in concussion protocol and is out for Sunday’s matchup with the Patriots.
There aren’t as many notable players dealing with injuries ahead of the Chicago Bears vs. Los Angeles Rams game. Bears wideout Rome Odunze comes into the contest listed as questionable with a foot injury. He was able to play through the issue against the Green Bay Packers in the wild-card round.
SUNDAY
Texans at Patriots, 3 p.m. ET
Texans: WR Nico Collins (concussion): OUT; WR Justin Watson (concussion): OUT; T Trent Brown (ankle): questionable
Darnold is still listed as “questionable” for the highly anticipated rematch between NFC West rivals. Backup Drew Lock has taken the reps this week to prepare should he be needed against the 49ers.
Sean Leahy
Sean Leahy
Ian Casselberry
Rams guard Kevin Dotson did not have an injury designation after being a full participant in practice on Friday and head coach Sean McVay told reporters that the six-year veteran will start on Sunday night versus the Bears.
Dotson, 29, did not play in the Rams’ final two regular-season games and last weekend’s wild-card playoff matchup with the Panthers due to an ankle injury.
While Darnold is still questionable with an oblique injury, head coach Mike Macdonald said the QB felt better on Friday and is still confident he’ll play this weekend.
The Bills activated Ed Oliver and Curtis Samuel from IR on Friday.
Gonzalez appears good to go against the Texans, while LB Harold Landry is questionable. RB Terrell Jennings is also questionable as he’s in concussion protocol.
The Texans will be without their top wide receiver in Nico Collins this weekend as he continues to recover from a concussion he sustained during Houston’s wild-card win.
Andy Backstrom
Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze is listed as “questionable” with a foot injury for Sunday’s divisional-round playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams.
Odunze caught two passes for 44 yards in a comeback, wild-card win over the Green Bay Packers last week.
In 12 regular-season games, he reeled in 44 passes for 661 yards and 6 touchdowns.
Notably, the Bears didn’t list injury designations for fellow WR DJ Moore, DB C.J. Gardner-Johnson and LT Braxton Jones.
Sean Leahy
Sean Leahy
Andy Backstrom
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold has been added to the injury report with an oblique issue that makes him “questionable” for Saturday’s divisional-round playoff game versus the San Francisco 49ers, but he told reporters Thursday that he still expects to play.
He was asked what percent of him thinks he might not play against the 49ers this weekend at Seattle’s Lumen Field.
“Very low percentage,” he said. “Probably closer to zero.”
Sean Leahy
Warner has been out since Week 6 after dislocating his ankle. The 49ers opened his 21-day practice window this week with an eye on a return for the NFC Championship Game should San Francisco win this week against the Seahawks.
Criss Partee
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen was listed as a full participant in practice on Thursday despite dealing with multiple injuries this week. The Bills will be looking to advance to their second consecutive AFC title game with a win in Denver on Saturday.
Sean Leahy
Gonzalez entered concussion protocol on Sunday night as the Patriots defeated the Chargers during wild-card weekend. He was a limited participant in Wednesday night’s practice and now the team gets a positive update with the corner shedding a red non-contact jersey as a full participant on Thursday.
Criss Partee
New England Patriots defensive lineman Khyiris Tonga is optimistic he’ll be able to play in the team’s divisional round matchup with the Houston Texans. Tonga has been out dealing with a foot injury.
Tarohn Finley
Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins remains in concussion protocol and missed Thursday’s media session, according to the Houston Chronicle’s Jonathan Alexander.
Collins is unlikely to play in Sunday’s divisional round game against the New England Patriots because of the steps needed to clear concussion protocol.
Collins suffered the concussion in Monday’s wild-card 30-6 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Collins had 3 catches for 21 yards in the game before going down.
If Collins cannot go, expect Christian Kirk, Jayden Higgins, and Dalton Schultz to see an increase in targets. Jaylin Noel, Xavier Hutchinson and Cade Stover could also see an increased role.
