Blog

  • Fox Sports radio host Doug Gottlieb stepping away from show to focus on college coaching duties for Green Bay

    Nationally syndicated sports radio host Doug Gottlieb is stepping away from his job with Fox Sports to focus on his head coaching gig with the Green Bay Phoenix.

    “These kids owe a fully dedicated coach. You only get one shot at this thing. If there’s any ounce of fatigue, or lack of preparation … I gotta be here for these kids,” Gottlieb said at a postgame news conference.

    Advertisement

    Gottlieb became the head coach of Green Bay last season, and the team went 4-28 in his first year. So far, 13 games into the 2025-26 season, the Phoenix have already surpassed last year’s win total and sit at 6-7. Meanwhile, Gottlieb continued to host his national show on Fox Sports Radio, Monday through Friday, from 3-6 p.m. ET.

    His agreement with the university has allowed him to coach the team while continuing his full-time radio show. Because of his radio schedule, Gottlieb had to modify the team’s schedule and even record shows from his campus office. Ultimately, balancing both became too overwhelming.

    “I’ve been doing this for a long time,” Gottlieb said. “But these kids [deserve] a fully dedicated coach.”

    While stepping back from radio, fans of Gottlieb’s show aren’t completely lost as he plans to keep producing podcasts from his home studio. Gottlieb has been a regular daily host for Fox since 2017, after a lengthy tenure with ESPN.

    Advertisement

    In 2002, Gottlieb started his radio broadcasting career in Oklahoma City after playing college basketball in the late 1990s and professionally for a few years, both in the United States and overseas. Gottlieb played college ball at Notre Dame but was dismissed for his alleged role in a 1996 credit card fraud incident. He then bounced to Golden West College before finishing his collegiate career at Oklahoma State in 2000.

    Basketball has always been Gottlieb’s first love, despite his long and successful career on the national radio airwaves.

  • NBA MVP rankings: The race for the most valuable player award is heating up

    As a number of teams tip off their 28th game of the NBA season on Thursday night, we have officially hit the one-third mark of this campaign, so what better time — after the league crowned its Cup champion on Tuesday — to take stock of an MVP race that is as stacked with top-end talent as it has ever been.

    The title picture is coming into clearer view, as the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder (24-2) remain clear favorites. They are followed by a number of teams out West that are still trying to convince themselves they can win four games in a series against a team that has lost two all season, namely the Denver Nuggets (19-6), San Antonio Spurs (18-7), Los Angeles Lakers (18-7) and Houston Rockets (16-7).

    (Bruno Rouby/Yahoo Sports Illustration)

    (Bruno Rouby/Yahoo Sports Illustration)

    In the Eastern Conference, the Detroit Pistons (21-5) and New York Knicks (18-7) are the only teams to have claimed contender status, and the MVP discussion reflects the top of the standings on both sides.

    Advertisement

    Remember, too, that Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is nursing a calf injury, is scheduled to miss his 11th game of the season on Thursday, and one can miss only 17 games before he is ineligible for the award. (Victor Wembanyama has missed a chunk of games, as well, but at least he has returned to the court.)

    Let’s do this.

    Honorable mention: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks; Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics; Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors; Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves; Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers; Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers; Alperen Şengün, Houston Rockets.

    6. Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons

    As the best player on the Eastern Conference’s first-place team, Cunningham warrants mention in this conversation. The Pistons are a surprising top seed, if only because we expected so much from the New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers, and Cunningham is their driving force. Quite literally. He is among the league’s leaders in drives, prodding his way to his spots, where he can either pull up over a smaller defender, find Jalen Duren rolling to the basket or spread it out to a shooter. He beats you in many ways.

    Advertisement

    If there is a nit to be picked, it is that Cunningham was slightly more efficient from the field last season, when he placed seventh in the MVP discussion. He is shooting 32.7% on 6.4 3-point attempts per game, down from a career-best clip of 35.6% last season. Even when at his best, he is a league-average shooter. That is the final piece to a basketball puzzle that is almost as complete as anyone else’s in the league.

    5. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs

    We are running out of ways to laud Wembanyama, who as an athletic 7-foot-4 specimen is capable of things on a basketball court that others simply are not. He can score inside and outside, over everyone, but it is his defense that truly separates him. He all but blocks out the sun with his 8-foot wingspan.

    Advertisement

    When Wembanyama is on the court, the Spurs are allowing 104.3 points per 100 possessions, which would rank second to the West-leading Thunder’s defense if averaged over a full season. When he is off the floor, San Antonio allows 117.1 points per 100 possessions, equivalent to a bottom-10 figure. In other words, put Wembanyama in the game, and he will transform you into an elite defense.

    Offensively, it is not as if the reverse is true, but San Antonio’s scoring has been better when Wembanyama is not in the game. He can slow the flow, as he isolates, still trying to figure out what he is capable of. And he is capable of quite a bit. These are growing pains that we trust Wembanyama will sort out over time. Whether or not he can this season will dictate how close the Spurs come to contending.

    4. Luka Dončić, Los Angeles Lakers

    Offensively, you cannot ask for more from Dončić, who is leading the league per game in points (34.7), field-goal attempts (23.1), 3-point attempts (10.7) and free-throw attempts (12.3). He is doing a lot, and while he could be more efficient (his 32.4% clip from 3 is on pace to be his lowest since his sophomore season) there are few players capable of getting to their spots and finishing from them as well as Dončić.

    Advertisement

    Defensively is where he struggles. When Dončić is on the court with Austin Reaves and LeBron James — an offensive trio that no other team can compete with — the Lakers are allowing 117.9 points per 100 possessions, equal to the league’s 25th-worst defensive rating. It is a fatal flaw, one Los Angeles cannot overcome as currently constituted. And no amount of offense from Dončić can mask that deficiency.

    3. Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks

    Brunson is the NBA Cup MVP for the in-season tournament’s champion, and — to be quite honest here — who else can claim an accomplishment so substantial through the first third of the season? The goal for the Knicks in the early going was to establish themselves as legitimate championship contenders, and their effort in the NBA Cup (3-1 in group play and 3-0 in win-or-go-home competition) solidified that.

    Advertisement

    Brunson is the straw that stirs New York’s drink on offense. The Knicks operate like the league’s best outfit when he is in the game, scoring 126 points per 100 possessions, and like a bottom-five offense when he is on the bench (111.1 points per 100 possessions). With exceptional footwork, he gets wherever he wants, and usually, even at 6-2, he can manufacture a clean look for himself or someone else from there.

    Defensively there is a limit to what Brunson can do. The Knicks own an elite defense when Brunson is off the court and a middling one when he is on it. It is a delicate balance. How well he walks that line — and how well he and Karl-Anthony Towns hold up in pick-and-roll defense — will dictate New York’s title odds.

    2. Nikola Jokić, Denver Nuggets

    Jokić is averaging another 30-point triple-double, which is ridiculous. He leads the league in rebounding and assists, and he ranks fifth in scoring. His last season, when he finished second in MVP voting, was arguably the most impressive statistically in league history, and he has been even better this year, shooting 67.6% on 2-point attempts and 43.3% on 3s. His production and efficiency are unprecedented.

    Advertisement

    They are translating into wins, too, as the Nuggets have more than any other team but the Thunder in the West. After taking Oklahoma City to seven games in the conference semifinals in May, Denver looks poised as the favorite’s biggest threat again this season. And for the first time in Jokić’s career, the Nuggets are outscoring opponents by a slim margin when the three-time MVP is off the court, a testament to improved depth.

    The on/off numbers were always what made Jokić’s MVP case so convincing. The Nuggets are still monsters whenever he is on the court, but they are also now serviceable when he is on the bench, and that could end up hurting his cause in this discussion, especially in an MVP race so hotly contested.

    1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder

    I did not necessarily agree with Gilgeous-Alexander’s selection as MVP last season, given, as I said, how Jokić submitted arguably the greatest statistical season in basketball history. But SGA won the award, fair and square, and then backed it up in the playoffs, capturing Finals MVP honors en route to a title.

    Advertisement

    So, someone has to take the honor from him, and nobody has done that. Gilgeous-Alexander’s Thunder are 24-2, apace to break the NBA’s regular-season wins record (73). They won eight straight to open the year, lost by two to the Portland Trail Blazers, and then won another 16 straight, before losing by two to Wembanyama’s Spurs in the Cup semifinals. They have blown 15-point leads in each of their two losses.

    The result is a +16.4 net rating that would mark the league’s best net rating ever — by a wide margin. Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging a 32-5-6 and doing so in such a consistent manner that it feels like he is programmed to do so. They have done this largely without Jalen Williams and without a full rotation for a single game this season. They are so far and away the league’s best team, and he is so far and away their best player, that it is hard to argue against Gilgeous-Alexander as the league’s most valuable player.

  • Thursday Night Football: How to watch the Los Angeles Rams vs. Seattle Seahawks NFL game tonight

    This week’s Thursday Night Football matchup might just be one of the most important games of the week, as the Los Angeles Rams travel to face their NFC West rivals, the Seattle Seahawks. Both teams are 11-3 heading into Week 16, and they’ve both been at the top of their division all season long (with the 49ers trailing closely behind). This week’s game will have major implications for who comes out on top in both their division and conference. With records like these, in any other NFC division, these things might already have been decided, but given how close this NFC West race has been, it’s all coming down to the final few weeks of play. Here’s a look at this week’s playoff-clinching scenarios across the league.

    The Rams vs. Seahawks game will stream live nationally on Amazon Prime Video tonight at 8:15 p.m. ET. Keep reading to find out what you need to know about Thursday’s game and the rest of the Week 16 schedule.

    Advertisement

    How to watch the L.A. Rams vs. Seattle Seahawks game:

    Image for the mini product module

    Date: Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025

    Coverage start time: 7 p.m. ET

    Kickoff time: 8:15 p.m. ET/5:15 p.m. PT

    Game: Los Angeles Rams vs. Seattle Seahawks

    Location: Lumen Field

    Streaming: Prime Video

    L.A. Rams vs. Seattle Seahawks game channel:

    The Rams play the Seahawks tonight, Dec. 18, for the next Thursday Night Football game of the season, streaming on Amazon’s Prime Video.

    Image for the small product module
  • Fantasy Basketball Rookie Report: Cooper Flagg takes the top spot with Kon Knueppel on his heels

    With nearly a third of the fantasy basketball season in the rear view, it’s time to reassess the 2025 NBA Draft class. For the first time this season, the top of the ladder has shifted, with Dallas’ Cooper Flagg taking over the No. 1 spot. There’s been quite a shakeup among first-year players over the past month, with new entrants and rooks providing more value to fantasy managers.

    Here’s the updated December ladder with context for both High Score and 9-category formats.

    1. Cooper Flagg — SF/PF, Dallas Mavericks

    High Score Rank: 59 | 9-cat Rank: 73

    Flagg claims the top position thanks to his across-the-board production and massive role in Dallas. The Mavericks have fast-tracked Flagg into the centerpiece of their offense and defense because the vets are either injured or underwhelming. Flagg was mostly showcased as the point guard to start the season, with his role now moving to more of a scoring threat. Over his past 10 games, Flagg has averaged 21.7 points, 6.2 rebounds and 4.0 assists, shooting 48% from the field.

    Advertisement

    Just days ago, Flagg became the youngest player in NBA history to score 40 points (he scored 42), breaking LeBron James’ record. Flagg’s shooting struggles are becoming a thing of the past and when you combine that with his defensive contributions, he’s deserving of the No. 1 spot. As his efficiency improves and the scoring hovers in the low-to-mid 20s, he could start to pull away from the field.

    2. Kon Knueppel — SG/SF, Charlotte Hornets

    High Score Rank: 88 | 9-cat Rank: 67

    Knueppel continues to impress as one of the most polished wings of this draft class. He’s neck-and-neck with Flagg in terms of production at this point in the season and there should be more conversation about how he is the best rookie. I have Flagg slightly ahead of him because of his defense, but Knueppel’s offensive production has been pushing elite.

    Knueppel's efficiency exceeds that of the No. 1 overall pick.

    Knueppel’s efficiency exceeds that of the No. 1 overall pick.

    (databallr)

    Knueppel leads all rookies in scoring and 3-pointers made — but what really stands out is how well he maintains that production under heavier usage. Charlotte has asked him to be their primary scorer and playmaker with LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller being sidelined at different points, and his shooting splits remain among the best in the class. He’s on pace to obliterate the rookie 3s record and as of Thursday, Knueppel is the only rookie in NBA history to average 47/40/90 shooting splits while playing more than 115 minutes by this point in the season (he’s played 883!). He was named Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month for October/November for a reason.

    Advertisement

    Knueppel continues to be one of the most reliable and efficient rookie contributors in fantasy, especially in 9-cat formats.

    3. VJ Edgecombe — PG/SG, Philadelphia 76ers

    High Score Rank: 84 | 9-cat Rank: 94

    Averaging 15-5-4 with a steal per game is Rookie of the Year worthy numbers in a class that wasn’t this deep. Edgecombe has cooled from his early-season burst, but the Sixers’ rookie continues to produce across categories despite Sixers’ stars getting healthier. He’s been flexing his ability as a primary ball-handler with Tyrese Maxey sidelined, and while I’m not sold on his handle yet, he’s getting the job done and also got out of a shooting slump that plagued him in November.

    Advertisement

    I could see the angle to sell high after putting up 20+ points in consecutive games. However, he’s shown more than enough early on to be considered one of their cornerstones for the future. It’s hard to find rookies locked into 30 minutes a night.

    [High Score is a new way to play Fantasy Basketball on Yahoo with simple rosters and scoring. It’s not too late to create or join a league]

    4. Derik Queen — C, New Orleans Pelicans

    High Score Rank: 97 | 9-cat Rank: 136

    Queen is the new entrant from our last report and man, did he hit the ground running. He put up a 30-10-10 triple-double, amassing 70 points in High Score a week ago. And, even before that game, his minutes and impact continue to grow. The Pelicans traded meaningful draft capital for him, and month over month, he’s improved in almost every statistical area.

    Advertisement

    For December, he’s up to 15.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, 6.3 assists, shooting 58% from the field and 83% from the line. Real minutes, real production that evolved into a must-roster, potential league-winning type of player across formats.

    Once he tightens his discipline and effort on the defensive end, his 9-cat value will follow. Queen is trending in the right direction and could break into the top three sooner rather than later.

    5. Ryan Kalkbrenner — C, Charlotte Hornets

    High Score Rank: 165 | 9-cat Rank: 86

    Kalkbrenner remains one of the most stable category-league rookies. His rim protection, FG% and low turnover rate give him a locked-in floor, especially in 9-cat formats. His High Score value is limited by low-scoring volume, but the Hornets continue to rely on him as their defensive anchor, something many didn’t anticipate from the second-round pick.

    Advertisement

    He’s not as flashy as the names above him, but he’s become a reliable big man for blocked shots and is one of the most efficient scorers in the entire league.

    6. Cedric Coward — SG/SF, Memphis Grizzlies

    High Score Rank: 135 | 9-cat Rank: 162

    Coward was the top rookie in November, after jumping out to a crazy, efficient first 10 games of his career. He’s since regressed, but he remains a key part of Memphis’ rotation. He maintained double-digit scoring while also increasing his rebounding and assist rates month over month, a sign that he can help fantasy managers beyond his efficiency. Coward is in a good situation, seeing 27 minutes a game and that could rise depending on how the Grizzlies decide to move over the next couple of months ahead of the trade deadline.

    Advertisement

    7. Jeremiah Fears — PG, New Orleans Pelicans

    High Score Rank: 121 | 9-cat Rank: 179

    Fears’ emergence over the past month and change stemmed from Jordan Poole’s absence. With Poole back, that hasn’t prevented the fearless rookie from maximizing his minutes. He’s an electric player, with the handles and creativity of Kyrie Irving (seriously, look).

    He’s a pretty volatile scorer, which is reflected in his poor 9-cat rank. However, I’d still roll with him for High Score and points leagues because he gets buckets and steals at a high rate. Most wouldn’t expect that Fears leads rookies in total steals coming into Thursday. The Pelicans stink and I can only see his role expanding the deeper we get into the season.

    Advertisement

    Up-and-Comers

    • Dylan Harper – PG/SG, San Antonio Spurs

    • Ace Bailey – SF/PF, Utah Jazz

    • Maxime Raynaud – C, Sacramento Kings

    • Ryan Nembhard – PG, Dallas Mavericks

    Watch List (Deep Stashes)

    • Tre Johnson — SG, Washington Wizards

    • Walter Clayton — PG, Utah Jazz

    • Drake Powell — SF, Brooklyn Nets

    These are the names who could crack the ladder if roles shift, trades occur or injuries open up additional minutes.

  • ‘Cincinnati may be out of the mix, but pride still counts for fantasy football’ — Tale of the Take, Week 16

    Five fresh tales for five players in Week 16, all tied to the matchups that decide your fantasy football playoffs. I’ll walk you through the setup and deliver five takes. It’s Week 16 Tale of the Take — good luck and let’s get it.

    Trust and targets should travel to Detroit for Kenneth Gainwell

    The Tale: You don’t need a cutup to see it. When No. 14 has the ball, it’s just different than when Jaylen Warren has it. On a Pittsburgh offense short on trusted pass catchers, Kenneth Gainwell is one of Aaron Rodgers’ guys. Full stop.

    Advertisement

    The data tracks the eye test. Gainwell has a 28.1% targets per route run rate, living in a neighborhood usually reserved for alpha wideouts like Ja’Marr Chase, Rashee Rice and Amon-Ra St. Brown. He’s also in that tiny circle of running backs leading their team in receptions, alongside Christian McCaffrey and De’Von Achane. That matters in Week 16 because usage that sticky travels no matter the look, and this week’s look is tailor-made to feed him.

    Detroit can score points in bunches. Vegas hung 52 on the total with the Lions indoors as 7-point home favorites, which means volume for the Steelers’ passing game stays alive all day. Since Week 12, the Lions defense has sprung leaks, allowing a league-high 328 passing yards per game, a league-high 453 total yards per game and a league-high 24.5 first downs per game. That’s exactly what you want to hear when your running back is a route winner who earns targets each and every week. Gainwell isn’t just catching checkdowns. He’s moving the chains, making plays in space and setting up the offense to keep the sticks moving.

    [Upgrade to Fantasy Plus and gain your edge in player projections and much more]

    Against Miami, Gainwell handled 14 carries and seven catches. The roles seem pretty defined. Warren offers physicality between the tackles and at the goal line, while Gainwell is the outlet, the tempo, the player the quarterback trusts when drives are forced to go to the air. Pittsburgh wants to keep stacking momentum inside the division. Detroit needs to win to keep its hopes alive, so the pace and pressure should hold. I’m playing Gainwell with zero hesitation and I expect another high workload in the receiving game with enough rush attempts to keep him locked on the starter radar.

    Advertisement

    The Take: Kenneth Gainwell finishes Week 16 as a top-15 fantasy running back.

    Slump buster on deck for Justin Herbert

    The Tale: It’s been rough. Justin Herbert hasn’t cracked a top-10 quarterback finish since Week 9, and the slide matches the state of the line. The Chargers have shuffled bodies all season and they’re missing both bookend tackles, Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater. Even with that, I’m not shying away from Herbert in Dallas. The total sits at 49.5 with the Cowboys favored by 2.5. The additions up front have definitely helped their run defense, but through the air, they’re still giving up production. Jared Goff went for 309 and a score. J.J. McCarthy posted two passing touchdowns and added one on the ground. Patrick Mahomes threw four touchdowns on 261 yards. Jalen Hurts dropped three touchdowns in the most recent showing.

    This is a get-right lane for a passer who can push it.

    Advertisement

    The target tree has been a headache. Ladd McConkey hasn’t hit. Keenan Allen hasn’t delivered. Quentin Johnston has been inconsistent, period. The backfield has been the lone steady drumbeat. Where Dallas can be had is in space against that linebacking corps. Oronde Gadsden II’s size and speed — plus those second-level issues in Dallas — can create real problems for the ‘Boys. Gadsden can win his own battles or free up teammates on in breakers and red-zone work.

    I can’t tell you exactly which Chargers wideout pops. I am telling you the quarterback bounces back. Herbert’s arm talent paired with his willingness to run is enough to break the slump against this pass defense. Dallas will score and that will force the Chargers to score. And here’s the thing — they can. They absolutely can. Dallas is a slump-buster defense and this is a slump-buster spot for Herbert.

    The Take: Herbert shakes off the funk and delivers a top quarterback finish in Week 16 versus Dallas.

    Advertisement

    Ashton Jeanty vs. Houston — Volume meets a brick wall

    The Tale: Listen, I know where we drafted Ashton Jeanty. I know what he was supposed to be on your roster. The truth is, this environment is not built for consistent rushing success right now. The Raiders are broken. This team has lost eight straight and just got buried by the Eagles, barely clearing 100 total yards of offense. It has been 11 weeks since Jeanty hit 100 yards. He hasn’t scored a rushing touchdown in six weeks. The receptions aren’t flipping fields. He hasn’t been able to show the full skillset behind an offensive line that isn’t holding up and a quarterback situation in flux between Geno Smith and Kenny Pickett. Geno returning to practice helps, but the task on deck in Week 16 is a buzzsaw.

    Houston is a problem. On the season, the Texans have the fourth-best rushing defense at about 92 yards per game and the fourth-best passing defense at about 176 per game. Their sack rate sits at 8.5%, which is sixth best. They allow the fewest first downs per game at 16. They are top-three on third down. Time of possession tilts their way and the Raiders allow opponents to hold it for 32 minutes.

    Advertisement

    It’s win or go home for us in fantasy. None of this is about Jeanty’s talent. He’s getting everything you can ask for from a usage standpoint. He’s a top-three back by utilization. But everything around him is deficient.

    If you have to roll him as a volume-based RB2, I get it. But in this same game, if Woody Marks sits and Jawhar Jordan gets the work, I’d bet Jordan outscores Jeanty. There are other names you can start over Jeanty this week, even if they don’t sound pretty.

    The Take: Ashton Jeanty finishes outside the top-20 running backs in Week 16.

    Under the lights, it’s next man up — and that’s Colston Loveland

    The Tale: Bears and Packers in Chicago on Saturday night with the division scent in the air. Chicago just handled Cleveland. Green Bay just took a gut punch from Denver and came out of it lighter on bodies. It lost arguably one of the best defenders in the league in Micah Parsons, whose ability to generate pressure and change the focal point of protections tilts every snap, and it already lost Devonte Wyatt for the season. On top of that, the Packers may be down a key protector in offensive lineman Zach Tom. That’s a battered group walking into a hostile building.

    Advertisement

    Rookie tight end Colston Loveland has played like a grown man at times this season, has been ready when his number gets called and the runway is there for a spike game in prime time.

    Chicago may be thin at wideout. As of Wednesday, Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III did not practice. We’ve seen the Bears make Loveland part of the plan early, then the ball gets spread and the volume cools. Even with that, the usage is real. Loveland has five targets in four straight games. He’s caught at least four passes in three of those four and he’s found the paint in two of the four. When he touches it, the energy changes. He’s a friendly window over the middle and a bully in traffic when it’s time to move the sticks.

    Green Bay’s defense is dinged. The pass rush and the middle of the field won’t look the same without their main dudes. If Chicago is down multiple receivers, Loveland becomes the pressure release and the finisher in scoring areas.

    Advertisement

    I think Loveland becomes more of a focal point in the offense. The Bears can take a step up in the NFC North with a win, and the rookie is lined up to help them get it done.

    The Take: Colston Loveland scores a touchdown and delivers a big Week 16 against Green Bay.

    Big Bengals bounce back

    The Tale: It’s been bad. Cincinnati opened the fantasy playoffs with a zero against Baltimore, Joe Burrow threw two picks and took hits and while Ja’Marr Chase still stacked catches and yards, the offense was not good. As of Wednesday, Tee Higgins practiced after missing Week 15 in concussion protocol, and now the Bengals head to Miami as -4.5 favorites. The Dolphins are starting rookie Quinn Ewers after Tua Tagovailoa was benched. Even in a season that went sideways, these Bengals have said they want to put up points, put up yards, put on a show. I think that’s exactly what happens this weekend.

    Advertisement

    Miami’s defense isn’t awful, but it can be had. It’s allowing about 202 passing yards per game, yet it’s much softer on the ground at 132 per game, which is sixth-worst. On the other side, Cincinnati is the absolute worst, allowing nearly 160 rushing yards per game, so De’Von Achane can pop explosives that keep this game spicy and keep Burrow throwing. A rookie quarterback on the other sideline also opens the door for short fields. If Ewers gifts a turnover or two, Burrow won’t need seven-step magic to cash. He’ll need rhythm, timing and his guys healthy enough to do what they do.

    I expect a professional response. Burrow locks onto Chase early. Tee Higgins’ return matters in the red area. Chase Brown’s burst plays against a front that tires late in games. Warm air, clean footing, confident quarterback with his top receivers. Cincinnati may be out of the mix, but pride still counts for fantasy football. This is the week the Bengals pay you back on the road with volume, efficiency and enough splash to carry lineups.

    The Take: Cincinnati gets right in Miami as Burrow rebounds and Chase, Higgins and Brown deliver big fantasy lines in Week 16.

  • Florida’s Olivier Rioux, who stands 7-foot-9, sets college basketball record with first career dunk

    Olivier Rioux made even more history on Wednesday night during No. 23 Florida’s 102-61 win over Saint Francis.

    The 7-foot-9 center threw down an incredibly easy dunk in the final minute of the blowout win at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center in Gainesville, Florida, on Wednesday, which made him the tallest player in college basketball history to ever make a field goal. Naturally, the Gators’ bench lost it.

    Rioux, who actually has a spot in the Guiness World Records book as the world’s tallest teenager, redshirted last season with the Gators. He played his first minutes last month against North Florida, which set a different record for the tallest person to ever play in a college basketball game, and then went 1-of-2 from the free-throw line against Merrimack.

    Advertisement

    Finally, on Wednesday night, he hit his first field goal — which looked like it didn’t take any effort to get up to the rim at all.

    Xavian Lee led the defending national champions with 18 points in the win after he shot 7-of-9 from the field. Alex Condon finished with 14 points and seven rebounds, and Reuben Chinyelu added 12 points and 11 rebounds. The Gators now sit at 7-4, and have won back-to-back games after a rough stretch where they dropped two of three games, including one to unranked TCU.

    Florida will host both Colgate and Dartmouth before the end of the year, and will then open SEC play at Missouri on Jan. 3.

    Advertisement

    While Rioux has only played a handful of minutes so far in the nonconference slate, and he likely won’t see much the rest of the way, he’s already off to a historic start to his playing career in Gainesville.

  • 2026 FIFA World Cup: How to get tickets to games in the U.S. and across North America with Gametime

    Tickets to the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been on sale for months now, and the final World Cup draw has determined which countries will face each other in the group stage. The global soccer tournament, which begins June 11, 2026, and runs through July 19, will take place all across the U.S., Mexico and Canada, with 104 matches played in 15 major North American cities.

    Even before the draw, prices for matches were high, with the cheapest tickets still costing over $1,000, but if you’re looking to buy great seats at a specific match or want to save some dough, Gametime might just have the tickets you’re looking for.

    Advertisement

    Gametime is the premier marketplace for last-minute tickets to events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup, featuring transparent pricing that includes all fees, mobile ticketing – no printer required – and a guarantee that all tickets sold will be valid for entry to the game. If you’re interested in buying tickets to the 2026 World Cup, here’s everything you need to know about purchasing individual game tickets with Gametime.

    How to get tickets to the 2026 World Cup:

    The average price for a single ticket to the 2026 World Cup is around $1,500-2,000, but for lower prices and a great selection, Gametime has you covered, with tickets as low as $319 for select matches.

    Find tickets with Gametime

    Advertisement

    When is the 2026 World Cup?

    The 2026 World Cup begins on June 11, 2026 and runs through July 19, 2026.

    When is the 2026 World Cup draw?

    The World Cup draw was held Friday, Dec. 5 at 12 p.m. ET on Fox. All the group stage venues and kickoff times will then be announced the following day, on Saturday, Dec. 6.

    2026 FIFA World Cup Groups:

    Group A:

    Group B:

    Group C

    Group D

    Group E

    Group F

    Group G

    Group H

    Group I

    • FIFA Play-Off Tournament 2

    Group J

    Group K

    • FIFA Play-Off Tournament 1

    Group L

    Where will 2026 World Cup games be held?

    There will be 15 host cities for the 2026 World Cup throughout the U.S., Mexico and Canada. They are:

    United States

    • Atlanta – Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA

    • Boston – Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA

    • Dallas – At&T Stadium, Arlington TX

    • Houston – NRG Stadium, Houston, TX

    • Kansas City – GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO

    • Los Angeles – Sofi Stadium, Inglewood, CA

    • Miami – Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL

    • New York/New Jersey – MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ

    • Philadelphia – Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA

    • San Francisco Bay Area – Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, CA

    • Seattle – Lumen Field, Seattle, WA

    Mexico

    • Mexico City – Estadio Azteca, Coyoacan, Mexico City

    • Monterrey – Estadio BBVA, Gudalupe, Nuevo Leon

    • Guadalajara – Estadio Akron, Guadalajara

    Canada

    • Toronto – BMO Field, Toronto, ON

    • Vancouver – BC Place, Vancouver BC

    How to get 2026 World Cup tickets using Gametime:

    You can find individual match tickets to dozens of 2026 FIFA World Cup games on Gametime. If you know which match, group, or venue you want to see, you can filter by price, date and location to find the tickets that are right for you.

    Advertisement

    When do 2026 World Cup tickets go on sale?

    Tickets for the 2026 World Cup are now on sale.

    Find tickets on Gametime

    How much are 2026 World Cup tickets?

    Currently, individual tickets for the 2026 World Cup run anywhere from $1,400 to $3,500 on the FIFA website (lower-priced tickets are available through a lottery). But for even better prices and a more diverse array of seating option, Gametime has you covered. Tickets to many group stage games start as low as $319, and there are tickets available for nearly every match.

    Find tickets on Gametime

    2026 World Cup Schedule

    (All times Eastern)

    The 2026 World Cup will begin on Thursday, June 11, 2026, and the final is scheduled for Sunday, July 19, 2026. You can take a look at the existing schedule below; updates can be found on the FIFA site.

    Advertisement

    Group Stage

    June 11 – June 27, 2026

    Thursday, June 11, 2026

    • Group A: Mexico vs. South Africa – Estadio Azteca, Mexico City (3 p.m. ET)

    • Group A: South Korea vs. UEFA playoff winner D (Czechia, Republic of Ireland, Denmark, North Macedonia) – Estadio Akron, Guadalajara (10 p.m. ET)

    Friday, June 12, 2026

    • Group B: Canada vs. UEFA playoff winner A (Wales, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Italy, Northern Ireland) – BMO Field, Toronto (3 p.m. ET)

    • Group D: USA vs. Paraguay – SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles (9 p.m. ET)

    • Group D: Australia vs. UEFA playoff winner C (Slovakia, Kosovo, Türkiye, Romania) — BC Place, Vancouver (12 a.m. ET)

    Saturday, June 13, 2026

    • Group B: Qatar vs. Switzerland — Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, California (3 p.m. ET)

    • Group C: Brazil vs. Morocco — MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey (6 p.m. ET)

    • Group C: Haiti vs. Scotland — Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts (9 p.m. ET)

    Sunday, June 14, 2026

    • Group E: Germany vs. Curaçao – NRG Stadium, Houston (1 p.m. ET)

    • Group F: Netherlands vs. Japan — AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas (4 p.m. ET)

    • Group E: Ivory Coast vs. Ecuador — Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia (7 p.m. ET)

    • Group F: Tunisia vs. UEFA playoff winner B (Ukraine, Sweden, Poland, Albania) — Estadio BBVA, Monterrey (10 p.m. ET)

    Monday, June 15, 2026

    • Group H: Spain vs. Cape Verde – Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta (12 p.m. ET)

    • Group G: Belgium vs. Egypt — Lumen Field, Seattle (3 p.m. ET)

    • Group H: Saudi Arabia vs. Uruguay — Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida (6 p.m. ET)

    • Group G: Iran vs. New Zealand — SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles (9 p.m. ET)

    • Group J: Austria vs. Jordan — Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, California (12 a.m. ET)

    Tuesday, June 16, 2026

    • Group I: France vs. Senegal — MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey (3 p.m. ET)

    • Group I: Norway vs. FIFA playoff winner 2 (Bolivia, Suriname, Iraq) — Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts (6 p.m. ET)

    • Group J: Argentina vs. Algeria — Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri (9 p.m. ET)

    Wednesday, June 17, 2026

    • Group K: Portugal vs. FIFA playoff winner 1 (New Caledonia, Jamaica, DR Congo) — NRG Stadium, Houston (1 p.m. ET)

    • Group L: England vs. Croatia — AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas (4 p.m. ET)

    • Group L: Ghana vs. Panama — BMO Field, Toronto (7 p.m. ET)

    • Group K: Uzbekistan vs. Colombia — Estadio Azteca, Mexico City (10 p.m. ET)

    Thursday, June 18, 2026

    • Group A: South Africa vs. UEFA playoff winner D (Czechia, Republic of Ireland, Denmark, North Macedonia) — Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta (12 p.m. ET)

    • Group B: Switzerland vs. UEFA playoff winner A (Wales, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Italy, Northern Ireland) — SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles (3 p.m. ET)

    • Group B: Canada vs. Qatar – BC Place, Vancouver (6 p.m. ET)

    • Group A: Mexico vs. South Korea – Estadio Akron, Guadalajara (9 p.m. ET)

    • Group D: Paraguay vs. UEFA playoff winner C (Slovakia, Kosovo, Türkiye, Romania) — Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, California (June 19, 12 a.m. ET)

    Friday, June 19, 2026

    • Group D: USA vs. Australia – Lumen Field, Seattle (3 p.m. ET)

    • Group C: Scotland vs. Morocco — Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts (3 p.m. ET)

    • Group C: Brazil vs. Haiti — Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia (9 p.m. ET)

    • Group F: Tunisia vs. Japan – Estadio BBVA, Monterrey (12 a.m. ET)

    Saturday, June 20, 2026

    • Group F: Netherlands vs. UEFA playoff winner B (Ukraine, Sweden, Poland, Albania) — NRG Stadium, Houston (1 p.m. ET)

    • Group E: Germany vs. Ivory Coast — BMO Field, Toronto (4 p.m. ET)

    • Group E: Ecuador vs. Curaçao – Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri (8 p.m. ET)

    Sunday, June 21, 2026

    • Group H: Spain vs. Saudi Arabia — Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta (12 p.m ET)

    • Group G: Belgium vs. Iran — SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles (3 p.m. ET)

    • Group H: Uruguay vs. Cape Verde — Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida (6 p.m. ET)

    • Group G: New Zealand vs. Egypt — BC Place, Vancouver (9 p.m. ET)

    Monday, June 22, 2026

    • Group J: Argentina vs. Austria — AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas (1 p. m. ET)

    • Group I: France vs. FIFA playoff winner 2 (Bolivia, Suriname, Iraq) — Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia (5 p.m. ET)

    • Group I: Norway vs. Senegal — MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey (8 p.m. ET)

    • Group J: Jordan vs. Algeria — Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, California (11 p.m. ET)

    Tuesday, June 23, 2026

    • Group K: Portugal vs. Uzbekistan — NRG Stadium, Houston (1 p.m. ET)

    • Group L: England vs. Ghana — Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts (4 p.m. ET)

    • Group L: Panama vs. Croatia — BMO Field, Toronto (7 p.m. ET)

    • Group K: Colombia vs. FIFA playoff winner 1 (New Caledonia, Jamaica, DR Congo) — Estadio Akron, Guadalajara (10 p.m. ET)

    Wednesday, June 24, 2026

    • Group B: Canada vs. Switzerland — BC Place, Vancouver (3 p.m. ET)

    • Group B: Qatar vs. UEFA playoff winner A (Wales, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Italy, Northern Ireland) — Lumen Field, Seattle (3 p.m. ET)

    • Group C: Scotland vs. Brazil — Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida (6 p.m. ET)

    • Group C: Morocco vs. Haiti — Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta (6 p.m. ET)

    • Group A: Mexico vs. UEFA playoff winner D (Czechia, Republic of Ireland, Denmark, North Macedonia) — Estadio Azteca, Mexico City (9 p.m. ET)

    • Group A: South Korea vs. South Africa — Estadio BBVA, Monterrey (9 p.m. ET)

    Thursday, June 25, 2026

    • Group E: Ecuador vs. Germany — MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey (4 p.m. ET)

    • Group E: Curaçao vs. Ivory Coast — Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia (4 p.m. ET)

    • Group F: Tunisia vs. Netherlands — Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri (7 p.m. ET)

    • Group F: Japan vs. UEFA playoff winner B (Ukraine, Sweden, Poland, Albania) — AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas (7 p.m. ET)

    • Group D: USA vs. UEFA playoff winner C (Slovakia, Kosovo, Türkiye, Romania) – SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles (10 p.m. ET)

    • Group D: Paraguay vs. Australia — Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, California (10 p.m. ET)

    Friday, June 26, 2026

    • Group I: Norway vs. France — Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts (3 p.m. ET)

    • Group I: Senegal vs. FIFA playoff winner 2 (Bolivia, Suriname, Iraq) — BMO Field, Toronto (3 p.m. ET)

    • Group H: Uruguay vs. Spain — Estadio Akron, Guadalajara (8 p.m. ET)

    • Group H: Cape Verde vs. Saudi Arabia — NRG Stadium, Houston (8 p.m. ET)

    • Group G: New Zealand vs. Belgium — BC Place, Vancouver (11 p.m. ET)

    • Group G: Egypt vs. Iran — Lumen Field, Seattle (11 p.m. ET)

    Saturday, June 27, 2026

    • Group L: Panama vs. England —MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey (5 p.m. ET)

    Group L: Croatia vs. Ghana — Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia (5 p.m. ET)

    • Group K: Colombia vs. Portugal — Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida (7:30 p.m. ET)

    • Group K: Uzbekistan vs. FIFA playoff winner 1 (New Caledonia, Jamaica, DR Congo) — Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta (7:30 p.m. ET)

    • Group J: Jordan vs. Argentina — AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas (10 p.m. ET)

    • Group J: Algeria vs. Austria — Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri (10 p.m. ET)

    Knockout stage matches

    Round of 32: June 28 – July 3, 2026

    Sunday, June 28, 2026

    • Group A Second-Place vs. Group B Second-Place — SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles (3 p.m. ET)

    Monday, June 29, 2026

    • Group C Winner vs. Group F Second Place — NRG Stadium, Houston (1 p.m. ET)

    • Group E Winner vs. Group A/B/C/D/F Third Place — Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts (4:30 p.m. ET)

    • Group F Winner vs Group C Second Place — Estadio BBVA, Monterrey (9:00 p.m. ET)

    Tuesday, June 30, 2026

    • Group E Second Place vs. Group I Second Place — AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas (1 p.m. ET)

    • Group I Winner vs Group C/D/F/G/H Third Place — MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford (5 p.m. ET)

    • Group A Winner vs Group C/E/F/H/I Third Place — Estadio Azteca, Mexico City (9 p.m. ET)

    Advertisement

    Wednesday, July 1, 2026

    • Group L Winner vs. Group E/H/I/J/K Third Place — Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta (12 p.m. ET)

    • Group G Winner vs. Group A/E/H/I/J Third Place — Lumen Field, Seattle (4 p.m. ET)

    • Group D Winner vs. Group B/E/F/I/J Third Place — Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, California (8 p.m. ET)

    Thursday, July 2, 2026

    • Group H Winner vs. Group J Second Place — SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles (3 p.m. ET)

    • Group K Second Place vs. Group L Second Place — BMO Field, Toronto (7 p.m. ET)

    • Group B Winner vs. Group D/E/I/J/L Third Place — BC Place, Vancouver (11 p.m. ET)

    Friday, July 3, 2026

    • Group D Second Place vs. Group G Second Place — AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas (2 p.m. ET)

    • Group J Winner vs. Group H Second Place — Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida (6 p.m. ET)

    • Group K Winner vs. D/E/I/J/L Third Place – Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri (9:30 p.m. ET)

    Round of 16: July 4 – July 7, 2026

    Saturday, July 4, 2026

    • TBD vs. TBD – NRG Stadium, Houston (1 p.m. ET)

    • TBD vs. TBD – Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia (5 p.m. ET)

    Sunday, July 5, 2026

    • TBD vs. TBD – MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford (4 p.m. ET)

    • TBD vs. TBD Estadio Azteca, Mexico City (8 p.m. ET)

    Monday, July 6, 2026

    • TBD vs. TBD – AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas (3 p.m. ET)

    • TBD vs. TBD – Lumen Field, Seattle (8 p.m. ET)

    Tuesday, July 7, 2026

    • TBD vs. TBD – Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta (12 p.m. ET)

    • TBD vs. TBD – BC Place, Vancouver (4 p.m. ET)

    Quarterfinals: July 9 – July 11, 2026

    Thursday, July 9, 2026

    • TBD vs. TBD – Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts (4 p.m. ET)

    Friday, July 10, 2026

    • TBD vs. TBD – SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles (3 p.m. ET)

    Saturday, July 11, 2026

    • TBD vs. TBD – Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida (5 p.m. ET)

    • TBD vs. TBD – Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri (9 p.m. ET)

    Semifinals: July 14 – 15, 2026

    Tuesday, July 14, 2026

    • TBD vs. TBD – AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas (3 p.m. ET)

    Wednesday, July 15, 2026

    • TBD vs. TBD – Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta (3 p.m. ET)

    Bronze Final (3rd Place Match): Saturday, July 18, 2026

    • TBD vs. TBD — Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida (5 p.m. ET)

    Final: Sunday, July 19, 2026

    • TBD vs. TBD — MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey (3 p.m. ET)

    Originally posted earlier; updated December 6 with detailed Group Stage schedule.

  • Cowboys DC Matt Eberflus to coach from booth in final 3 games after Jerry Jones’ comments: ‘Everybody is being evaluated’

    Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus announced on Thursday that he will be moving to the coaches’ booth for the final three games of the season. Eberflus previously called plays from the sidelines during the first 14 games and has coached from the booth before in his career. He is making the change to give the defense a different perspective.

    This is Eberflus’ first season as the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator after the team parted ways with former DC Mike Zimmer following last season. Dallas ranks 31st in points allowed, giving up 30 points per game, and is 29th in yards allowed per game at 374.9 yards. Before the season started, the Cowboys traded their best defender, Micah Parsons, to the Green Bay Packers.

    Advertisement

    While the defense has shown signs of improvement since acquiring defensive tackle Quinnen Williams at the trade deadline, the Cowboys have allowed 28 or more points in each of their last three games.

    Jones was asked Tuesday on Dallas’ 105.3 The FAN whether Eberflus’ job status will be determined by how the Cowboys perform defensively over the final three games of the regular season.

    “I think that should be a big criteria because these three games are vital to us,” Jones said. “We don’t play a game that’s not important to us. … But yes, how we play over these next few weeks will be a big criteria because I think, really, we’re at one of the peaks of our healthiness right now. … If we can step out there and have three good games, then I think that should go into the decision making.”

    Eberflus also addressed Jones’ comments about being evaluated during the final three games.

    “This is the NFL,” Eberflus said. “Everybody is being evaluated throughout the whole league. That’s part of the job.”

    Before becoming the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator last offseason, Eberflus was the head coach of the Chicago Bears and previously served as the defensive coordinator of the Indianapolis Colts. He went 14–32 during his time as the Bears’ head coach.

    Advertisement

    At 6-7-1, the Cowboys face nearly impossible odds of making the playoffs, but these final three games could shape what the team looks like next season. The Cowboys have to win out and hope the Philadelphia Eagles lose the rest of their games to sneak into the playoffs.

    If the Cowboys fail to make the playoffs this season, it will be their second consecutive miss; they’ve missed the playoffs in four out of five seasons. The Cowboys will face the Los Angeles Chargers (10-4) on Sunday.

  • Puka Nacua apologizes after promising he would do an antisemitic touchdown celebration: ‘I had no idea’

    Los Angeles Rams star Puka Nacua apologized Thursday after he agreed to perform an antisemitic touchdown celebration during an appearance on a live stream.

    Nacua issued a statement, saying he was unaware the celebration contained an antisemitic gesture. His full statement read:

    “When I appeared the other day on a social media livestream, it was suggested to me to perform a specific movement as part of my next touchdown celebration. At the time, I had no idea this act was antisemitic in nature and perpetuated harmful stereotypes against Jewish people.

    “I deeply apologize to anyone who was offended by my actions as I do not stand for any form of racism, bigotry or hate of another group of people.”

    Nacua appeared Tuesday on a livestream hosted by Adin Ross. During the stream, Ross had Nacua mimic the celebration and then encouraged Nacua to perform the dance during an NFL game after he scored a touchdown. Nacua agreed, saying, “Yeah, that’s easy.”

    Advertisement

    The celebration involved Nacua spiking the ball, flexing and then performing a gesture that references an antisemitic caricature of a Jewish person shared on social media websites, including 4chan.

    Video of Nacua performing the celebration began circulating on social media, where California congressman Eric Swalwell demanded an apology from the Rams star on X.

    Swalwell’s tweet read:

    “The Los Angeles Jewish community is on edge after the Bondi Beach massacre. And what does this a**hole @AsapPuka do? He promises an antisemitic touchdown dance for his Thursday night game. He should apologize or be dropped.”

    The stream also included Nacua ripping NFL officials, saying they call penalties so they can be shown on television.

    Nacua is almost certain to be fined for his comments about NFL officials, as that would remain consistent with how the league typically responds to those situations.

    Advertisement

    “There is no place in this world for Antisemitism as well as other forms of prejudice or hostility towards the Jewish people and people of any religion, ethnicity, or race,” the Los Angeles Rams said in a statement Thursday.

    The NFL released a statement of its own in response to Nacua’s gesture.

    “The continuing rise of antisemitism must be addressed across the world, and the NFL will continue to stand with our partners in this fight. Hatred has no place in our sport or society.”

    Nacua is expected to play Thursday night against the Seattle Seahawks in a pivotal NFC West clash between two conference contenders.

  • Fantasy Football Week 16 Fades: Rookies Emeka Egbuka, Tyler Warren among players to avoid in your playoff matchup

    Welcome to Week 16 of the fantasy football fades and busts of the week! I am your host, Matt Okada, and will be bringing you half a dozen players to avoid each and every week, through the most critical weeks of the year — the fantasy playoffs! Still looking for the perfect six-for-six, but we arguably hit on five last week, so the time is coming … let’s get it.

    [Upgrade to Fantasy Plus and gain your edge in player projections and much more]

    As a note, just because a player earns a “fade” or “bust” designation doesn’t automatically mean they should be benched — it depends on the rest of your roster or the options on your waiver wire. But you can expect them to fall short of expectations (when I get them right).

    Advertisement

    Happy Holidays and, without further ado, here is my list for Week 16 of the 2025 season.

    QB Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears

    Caleb Williams has been excellent in theoretically softer matchups the last couple months, including a 37.7-point performance against the Bengals and 20+ points against both the Giants and Steelers. But against stingier defenses, things have been ugly, including 5.68 points against the Saints in Week 7, 12.80 against the Ravens in Week 8, 10.32 against the Vikings in Week 11 and 10.46 against the Eagles in Week 13. A decent showing against the Browns last week isn’t enough to earn our confidence against Green Bay this Saturday night, in what will likely be near-freezing temperatures at Soldier Field. Even without Micah Parsons, the Packers defense is extremely tough — Williams posted just 15.94 points against them two weeks ago, despite throwing 35 passes and multiple touchdowns. That feels like his ceiling this weekend … and his floor is somewhere in the single digits, especially with Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III both ruled out with injuries.

    Advertisement

    What to do ❓ Avoid starting Williams if you can help it … which you should be able to outside of 2QB leagues. You can turn to options like Jordan Love (in a better matchup on the same field), Justin Herbert (even with no offensive line), Jaxson Dart or even Trevor Lawrence against Denver.

    RB Breece Hall, New York Jets

    It’s been an up-and-down season for Breece Hall, which isn’t all that surprising considering the combination of his talent with the disaster of an offense he plays in. The Jets have scored fewer than 15 points six times this year, and Hall has scored single digits in five of six while averaging just 6.8 points per game. Even more concerning is that Hall’s early-season volume in the passing game has dried up with changes at quarterback — he’s had just two catches on three targets over the last two weeks combined. And Brady Cook will be starting again Sunday against the Saints.

    The New Orleans defense is better than average, and the Jets have an implied total of just 18 points — at this point starting Hall is a half-blind wish for a touchdown or a breakaway play. Considering he’s scored once in the last five weeks and averaged just 40 scrimmage yards over the last two, either would take a holiday miracle.

    Advertisement

    What to do ❓ You’ll likely see Breece Hall somewhere in the bottom half of RB2 range in most rankings, but I don’t really know why. He was the RB44 two weeks ago and the RB47 last week — the two games Cook has played the majority of snaps at QB. For me, Hall is a low-end RB3 who should not be trusted except as a flex in deeper leagues.

    RB Ashton Jeanty, Las Vegas Raiders

    It’s been a month since Ashton Jeanty cracked this column, and naturally his only good game over that month was the one I featured him here (Week 12 against Cleveland). He pulled together 20.8 fantasy points against the Browns that Sunday thanks to eight catches for 58 yards and a touchdown — and that’s been nearly the only way he’s produced for fantasy since the Raiders’ Week 8 bye. However, that production has also dried up with Kenny Pickett at quarterback: Jeanty’s totaled just 15 receiving yards over his last two games combined and scored fewer than seven fantasy points in both as a result.

    Even if Geno Smith is back this weekend against the Texans (which is tenuous at best), the matchup against Houston’s ravenous defense is absolutely awful. The game script will likely force Jeanty into a receiver-or-bust situation early, and even with a handful of catches, he feels unlikely to crack double digits.

    Advertisement

    What to do ❓ As with Hall, Jeanty appears in the RB2 basement for most fantasy rankers … but he’s finished outside the top 30 in four of the last five weeks. At some point, this just becomes stubborn devotion to a wishful thought of a Jeanty that could have been. Also like Hall, I’m dropping Jeanty to low-end RB3 range, at best.

    WR Emeka Egbuka, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

    It’s honestly odd that Emeka Egbuka is eligible to crack this column, given how bad-to-middling he’s been for nearly three months now. But he remains heavily started and highly ranked, due in part to his torrid start to the season and in part to his consistent target volume. Stop it. The talented rookie has been on a completely different page from Baker Mayfield since Week 6, sporting a horrendous 41.8% catch rate and just 5.38 yards per target.

    That means, even if he sees 10 targets in a game, he’s catching four balls for 54 yards on average. He’s scored fewer than nine fantasy points in eight of his last nine games and has been the WR37 over that span, behind receivers like Chimere Dike, Kayshon Boutte and Parker Washington. The matchup with the Panthers is mostly middle-of-the-road, but they have been tough on the deep ball. Oh, and Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan are both back to further reduce Egbuka’s target share.

    Advertisement

    What to do ❓ If you want to continue rolling Egbuka out there, on the optimistic belief that his 7-8 targets will finally produce another fantasy breakout this week, all power to you. But it feels like mining for fool’s gold at this point, and I’d consider Egbuka a borderline must-sit at the bottom (or outside) of WR3 range.

    WR Brian Thomas Jr., Jacksonville Jaguars

    It’s been quite a while since we’ve seen Brian Thomas Jr. in this column, as we’d mostly agreed to stop starting him, before he missed three games in the middle of the year. Now, however, after back-to-back outings with double-digit fantasy points, he’s back on the radar. And I’m taking him right back off.

    Yes, he took three catches for 87 yards two weeks ago, and then found the end zone last week. And yes, he’s looked a little better and has seen 13 total targets these past two games. But he gets Patrick Surtain II and the Broncos this Sunday. For context on this crew: no wide receiver has hit 13 fantasy points in regulation against Denver since Week 6 (Terry McLaurin did it in overtime in Week 13). Even with Trevor Lawrence’s recent hot streak, I trust Vance Joseph’s defense far more this weekend and will not be starting any Jacksonville wideout if I can help it.

    Advertisement

    What to do ❓ Bench Brian Thomas Jr. unless your only other options have fantasy ceilings in the single digits. I would be truly shocked to see BTJ top 10+ fantasy points and completely unsurprised to see him score five or six instead.

    TE Tyler Warren, Indianapolis Colts

    Sigh. Heading into November, it felt like we had a firmly entrenched top-tier TE1 in rookie Tyler Warren. Then he faced two tough matchups in the Chiefs and Texans … and Daniel Jones tore his Achilles. As a result, Warren has averaged just 5.7 fantasy points per game over the past month, and has totaled just five catches for 34 yards the past two weeks with mostly Riley Leonard and Philip Rivers at quarterback.

    Advertisement

    It’ll be Rivers again this Monday night against the 49ers … and let’s just say it didn’t look promising for the 44-year-old coming off the couch (and the Hall of Fame ballot) last Sunday. Warren caught just three of six targets for 19 yards from Rivers versus Seattle, and while the 49ers aren’t a tough matchup for tight ends, they’re certainly not softer than the Seahawks. He’s still a good bet for right around six targets, but the efficiency and the touchdown upside have plummeted for Warren, dragging him well out of “elite” range and possibly even out of “starter” range.

    What to do ❓ If you haven’t snagged a solid streaming option, Warren might be your best bet in the penultimate week of fantasy. But if you can roll with Kyle Pitts, Harold Fannin Jr., Colby Parkinson, Dalton Schultz or Darren Waller instead … I’d recommend it.