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NBA (Basketball)

NBA Recap: Hawks Prevail in OT Over Celtics in Atlanta

Trae Young celebrates after scoring in the game

Trae Young scored 28 points and provided 11 assists to help the Atlanta Hawks win their third consecutive game, beating the Boston Celtics 119-115 in overtime on Saturday.

Dyson Daniels contributed 23 points for the Hawks, who won despite shooting 9-for-37 from 3-point range and committing 18 turnovers. Onyeka Okongwu added 19 points and grabbed 13 rebounds, while Jalen Johnson scored 14 points and grabbed 13 rebounds. Young, Johnson, and De’Andre Hunter (who scored 16 points) all returned to action after injuries.

The Celtics were trailing by three points in overtime when Jayson Tatum missed a 3-point shot with 6.6 seconds remaining. Tatum finished with 23 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists in the loss.

Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 24 points but struggled with his shooting, making just 9 of 27 attempts. Derrick White also contributed 21 points and eight rebounds for Boston.

Suns 125, Pistons 121

Kevin Durant scored 30 of his 36 points in the second half, and Devin Booker added 35 points as the Phoenix Suns defeated the Detroit Pistons.

Booker extended his streak of 30-point games to five, and the Suns won for the fifth time in six games. Phoenix came from behind to tie the game at 89 in the third quarter, thanks to Durant, who scored 21 points in that period.

Tobias Harris led the Pistons with 21 points, and Cade Cunningham contributed 20 points and 11 assists.

Pacers 115, 76ers 102

Pascal Siakam recorded 21 points and eight rebounds, and Myles Turner added 18 points and 11 rebounds as the Indiana Pacers defeated the Philadelphia 76ers in Indianapolis.

Four reserves scored in double figures for Indiana, which won eight of their last nine games. Aaron Nesmith, Thomas Bryant, and Ben Sheppard each scored 12 points, while T.J. McConnell chipped in with 10 points. Indiana was able to win despite a subpar performance from Tyrese Haliburton, who scored just nine points, making only 1 of 7 from 3-point range and 4 of 11 overall.

Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with 28 points. The 76ers were missing Joel Embiid (knee) and Paul George (groin) among other players, and they have now lost five straight games. Ricky Council IV and Kelly Oubre Jr. both scored 18 points, and rookie Adem Bona had a career-high 12 points.

Rockets 125, Trail Blazers 103

Jalen Green scored 26 points, and Alperen Sengun added 23 points, 15 rebounds, and six assists to help the Houston Rockets defeat the Portland Trail Blazers.

Dillon Brooks contributed 22 points, and Tari Eason added 18 points, eight rebounds, and three steals off the bench as the Rockets won for the sixth time in seven games. Houston also improved to 7-1 in their last eight road games. Cam Whitmore had 12 points and 10 rebounds, and Aaron Holiday added 10 points.

Jalen Green and head coach Stephen Silas shake hands after a score and a foul by Green against the New York Knicks during the first half

Scoot Henderson led the Trail Blazers with 21 points, 11 assists, and three blocked shots. Portland has now lost five consecutive games, with the last four coming at home by an average margin of 22.5 points.

Cavaliers 124, Timberwolves 117

Donovan Mitchell scored 36 points, grabbed eight rebounds, and provided seven assists to help the Cleveland Cavaliers defeat the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Darius Garland added 29 points, five rebounds, and six assists. Georges Niang and Ty Jerome each scored 15 points off the bench, while Jarrett Allen scored 14 points and made 6 of 9 shots.

For Minnesota, Anthony Edwards scored 28 points on 9-for-22 shooting. Julius Randle had 20 points and 14 rebounds, and Rudy Gobert recorded a double-double with 17 points and 12 rebounds.

Warriors 122, Wizards 114

Andrew Wiggins, Stephen Curry, and Dennis Schroder combined for 77 points to lead the Golden State Warriors to a win over the Washington Wizards.

Wiggins had a season-high 31 points, Curry scored 26, and Schroder added 20 points for the Warriors, who were ahead just 104-103 after Jordan Poole’s 3-pointer with 5:18 remaining. Wiggins finished with 12 rebounds, and Schroder made seven of his 14 shots in his highest-scoring game since joining the Warriors.

Poole led all scorers with 38 points for the Wizards. Kyle Kuzma added 22 points, Carlton Carrington scored 17, Alex Sarr had 11 points and a team-high nine rebounds, and Corey Kispert contributed 10 points. Washington was starting a six-game road trip.

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College Football

Johnny Manziel’s Legacy Fuels Debate Over College Football’s Best Players

Johnny Manzie
Johnny Manzie

Johnny Manziel, known as “Johnny Football,” remains a Texas A&M legend, admired for his electrifying on-field performances and unique persona. Despite a disappointing NFL career and off-field controversies, Manziel’s impact on college football is unforgettable. His reckless playing style and daring attitude earned him a reputation, with many considering him one of the greatest college football players ever.

Manziel’s college career was highlighted by a remarkable Heisman Trophy win as a freshman in 2012. His first-year success led the Texas A&M Aggies on a surprising run, and his fearless, high-risk playing style reflected his personal approach to life. Though some fans debate his place in college football history, Manziel’s legacy is undeniable due to his significant contributions and dynamic gameplay.

Johnny Manzie
Johnny Manzie (Texas A&M)

Cam Newton: A Strong Case for the Greatest College Player

While Manziel has a strong argument for being the greatest college player, he believes Auburn’s Cam Newton deserves the title. Newton’s incredible 2010 season, which included 2,854 passing yards and 1,473 rushing yards, set the bar for all future college quarterbacks. Newton not only won the Heisman Trophy but also led Auburn to a national championship, securing his place among college football’s elite.

Tim Tebow, known for “TebowMania,” is another strong contender in the greatest-of-all-time debate. While Newton had a single magical season, Tebow’s consistency and longevity during his four-year tenure at Florida make his case compelling. His Heisman-winning 2007 season was remarkable, as he totaled 3,286 passing yards, 32 touchdowns, and 895 rushing yards, solidifying his dominance in college football.

The Debate: Who Truly Deserves the GOAT Title?

The question of who holds the title of the greatest college football player remains highly debated. Figures like Vince Young, Reggie Bush, Tim Tebow, and Cam Newton all have their passionate supporters. Ultimately, the answer comes down to personal opinion, statistical achievements, and the emotional connection fans have to their chosen players’ careers and stories.

The debate surrounding the greatest college football player will continue, with new stars emerging every year. While players like Manziel, Tebow, and Newton have left lasting legacies, no definitive answer exists. As new players rise, nostalgia and personal preferences will fuel this ongoing discussion, ensuring the debate remains an ever-present topic among college football enthusiasts.

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MLB (Baseball)

Phillies Make Splash with Nieves Izaguirre Signing

Nieves Izaguirre brings speed and game intelligence to Philadelphia’s roster (Philadelphia Phillies)

The Philadelphia Phillies opened the 2025 international free agency signing period on Wednesday by taking a predicted approach and securing one of the most sought-after young talents.

Their acquisition involved a player with a unique connection to an NL East rival from the Atlanta Braves. This year, the Phillies have $6,261,000 available in their bonus pool, which they can utilize through December 15.

Phillies tap into La Sabana’s rich baseball tradition with their latest signing (Philadelphia Phillies)

Phillies Add Top Prospect with Ronald Acuña Jr. Connection

Baseball America’s 2025 MLB international signings tracker revealed that the Phillies signed 17-year-old Nieves Izaguirre, a talented shortstop who happens to be a cousin of former National League MVP Ronald Acuña Jr. Hailing from La Sabana, Venezuela—nicknamed the “Land of Ballplayers”—Izaguirre stands 5-foot-10 and weighs 160 pounds.

While not physically imposing, his athleticism and speed earned him the 44th spot on MLB Pipeline’s ranking of top international prospects for 2025.

According to his MLB Pipeline scouting report, Izaguirre’s deep baseball roots have contributed to his exceptional game intelligence.

Scouts admire his ability to adapt and make the most of his development opportunities, highlighting his sharp instincts on the field.

Baseball America’s subscription-based scouting report, authored by Ben Badler, further details Izaguirre’s skills. It describes his compact swing, high contact rate, line-drive hitting style, and power to hit the gaps effectively.

Phillies’ Strategy for International Signings

As reported by Badler, the Phillies have opted to distribute their bonus pool funds across multiple players this year instead of committing to a single high-priced signing.

Although the team often secures at least one player with a seven-figure bonus, none of their current deals have exceeded $1 million.

Here is the updated roster of international free agents signed by the Phillies on the first day of the signing period:

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NBA (Basketball)

In San Francisco, Stephen Curry is listed as day-to-day after injuring his left ankle in the Warriors’ win over the Wizards

Stephen Curry in the 2nd half

Stephen Curry injured his left ankle in the final minutes of the Golden State Warriors’ win over the Washington Wizards on Saturday night and is now considered day to day.

Curry left the game with just over a minute remaining after getting tangled with the Wizards’ Jordan Poole. After challenging Poole’s shot attempt, Curry’s left ankle was hurt when Poole fell backward onto Curry’s right foot, causing him to lose his balance.

Curry tried to walk off the pain during the timeout that followed, limping around the court, but eventually went to the locker room early as the Warriors finished the game with a 122-114 victory.

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr mentioned that Curry, who had tape on his ankle after the game, didn’t believe the injury was serious, but did not offer specific details.

Stephen Curry and Jordan Poole in the 4th quarter

“Feels great,” Curry said briefly after the game. “See you on Monday.”

The Warriors’ next game is against the defending champion Boston Celtics on Monday at home.

Curry, at 36 years old, is the Warriors’ leading scorer in his 16th season. Before Saturday’s game, he was averaging 22.9 points per game.

In addition to Curry’s injury, the Warriors also lost Draymond Green to a left calf injury during the game. Green was limping after sustaining the injury in the first quarter. Kerr said Green would undergo an MRI on Sunday. Moses Moody, who scored 13 points against the Wizards, may see more playing time if Green is out for an extended period.

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NFL (American Football)

In Houston, Texans running back Joe Mixon was active for the divisional round game against the Chiefs

Houston Texas players celebrates after a touchdown in the 2nd half

Joe Mixon was active for the Texans’ divisional playoff game against the Chiefs on Saturday, despite dealing with an ankle injury that had placed him on the injury report and caused him to miss practice later in the week.

In addition to Mixon, several other Texans players were active, including linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (knee), right guard Shaq Mason (knee), offensive lineman Juice Scruggs (ankle), and wide receiver Robert Woods (hip). Woods had not practiced all week and had been listed as questionable for the game.

Mixon, 28, initially injured his ankle in Week 2 against the Bears, which caused him to miss three weeks. However, he has played in every game since then. In Week 15 against Miami, his ankle rolled over again, which affected him for the remainder of the game.

Mixon was crucial in the Texans’ 32-12 wild-card win over the Chargers last week, rushing for 106 yards and a touchdown. His performance helped the team advance within one game of reaching the AFC championship for the first time in franchise history. It was also the first time a Texans running back had rushed for over 100 yards in a postseason game since Arian Foster did it in 2012.

Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans praised Mixon’s leadership and consistency, saying, “Joe provides confidence. He brings it every week. The way he goes about his business, what he has to say to the guys all throughout the week — he provides confidence.”

Mixon also offers versatility to a Houston offense that has been impacted by injuries to wide receivers Tank Dell and Stefon Diggs, who both suffered season-ending injuries. This season, Mixon had 36 catches for 309 yards and one touchdown. His experience in helping protect quarterback C.J. Stroud in the passing game has been a key factor in Houston’s back-to-back playoff wins.

Joe Mixon in the 1st half

Stroud spoke highly of Mixon’s contributions, saying, “He has been helpful to all of us, making our alignment right. It’s nice to have that and not have a whole bunch on my plate all the time. Even when our run game isn’t working, I know he leans on me, so it’s just playing off one another, playing complementary football. But it is very helpful to have someone like Joe.”

For the game against the Chiefs, the Texans made several players inactive, including running back J.J. Taylor, linebacker Devin White, defensive end Jerry Hughes, defensive tackle Kurt Hinish, and offensive linemen Kendrick Green and Nick Broeker.

The Chiefs had cornerback Jaylen Watson available for the first time since breaking his ankle on October 20 in a game against San Francisco. Watson was activated from injured reserve on Friday after completing a full week of practice without setbacks.

Chiefs coach Andy Reid praised Watson for his hard work, stating, “He’s worked tremendously hard to get himself to this point, first of all, and we’ll just see how that goes as far as the game reps and all that. He sure has worked hard to get himself even to this point right here.”

The Chiefs made several players inactive for the game, including safety Deon Bush, cornerback Keith Taylor, defensive ends Joshua Uche and Malik Herring, and offensive linemen C.J. Hanson, Wanya Morris, and Ethan Driskell. Morris, who had started 11 games at left tackle for the Chiefs this season, struggled to protect quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

As a result, the Chiefs moved All-Pro guard Joe Thuney to tackle and had Mike Caliendo replace him at guard. D.J. Humphries became the backup tackle for the game against Houston.

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Friday’s Top Braves Stories and Developments

Braves fans buzz as Andruw Jones makes another run for the Hall of Fame (Braves)

The past few days have brought a flurry of activity for Braves fans, and while major developments have taken center stage, smaller updates may have gone unnoticed.

Here’s a roundup that covers everything from Andruw Jones’ Hall of Fame candidacy to intriguing roster updates.

Andruw Jones gains momentum with a 17% vote increase as he aims for Hall of Fame recognition (Braves)

Andruw Jones and His Hall of Fame Journey

This week marked the release of the Hall of Fame ballot, which features 26 candidates, including newcomers Adrian Beltre, Joe Mauer, and Chase Utley. Former Braves star Andruw Jones remains on the ballot as well.

Voters can select up to ten candidates, and players who fail to secure 75% of the vote within ten years are left to the “Era Committee,” which evaluates key contributors from specific periods.

This committee, for example, inducted former Braves first baseman Fred McGriff for his post-1980 accomplishments.

Jones now appears on his seventh ballot, earning 58.1% of the vote in 2023—an encouraging 17% increase over the previous year.

He is nearing the 75% threshold needed for induction. Joining the ballot for the first time this year are former Braves Bartolo Colon (2017) and Brandon Phillips (2017), while Billy Wagner, another ex-Brave, is in his ninth year of eligibility after receiving 68.1% in 2023.

Tyler Matzek’s Number Change

Reliever Tyler Matzek, remembered for his heroics in the 2021 postseason, has been sidelined since undergoing Tommy John surgery in early 2022. He’s expected to return during 2024 spring training and may wear a new number.

The Braves’ online roster initially listed Matzek with #21, a number previously retired in 1965 to honor Hall of Famer Warren Spahn.

Spahn, who wore #21 after his military service, achieved 363 career wins, a 3.09 ERA, and an impressive 100 WAR. A 17-time All-Star, he secured the 1957 Cy Young Award and left an enduring legacy.

However, no formal announcement has been made about reactivating #21, and it may have been an error. The roster now shows Matzek as #68, suggesting the earlier listing was incorrect.

Kyle Wright Bids Farewell to Atlanta

Starting pitcher Kyle Wright, recently traded to the Kansas City Royals for Jackson Kowar, expressed his gratitude to Atlanta through a heartfelt Instagram post.

In his message, Wright thanked the Braves for the chance to play for his childhood favorite team, reflecting on cherished memories and lifelong friendships.

He also acknowledged the support of fans and the faith of those who believed in him, even during his struggles. Looking ahead, he pledged to give his all to the Royals organization and contribute to its success.

Wright, recovering from shoulder surgery, is expected to miss the entire 2024 season. In 2022, his last full year, he led the league with 21 wins, made 30 starts, and recorded a 3.19 ERA.

He enters arbitration in 2024 and is on track to become a free agent in 2027. Stay tuned for ongoing coverage of all things Braves, from offseason trades to the Winter Meetings and free agency updates.

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The Dallas Cowboys have interviewed Robert Saleh for their head coach position, and Leslie Frazier is scheduled for his interview next

New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh looks on during an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos

The Dallas Cowboys interviewed former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh on Saturday as part of their search to find a replacement for Mike McCarthy.

The in-person interview with Saleh took place just one day after the Cowboys held a virtual interview with Kellen Moore, the offensive coordinator of the Philadelphia Eagles. Moore had been the Cowboys’ play-caller from 2019 to 2022 and worked closely with franchise quarterback Dak Prescott.

Saleh was fired by the Jets after just five games into his fourth season with the team. He finished with a 20-36 record. Saleh has also interviewed for the defensive coordinator position with the San Francisco 49ers, a role he held before joining the Jets in 2021.

The Cowboys have plans for another interview with a coach with a defensive background: Seattle assistant head coach Leslie Frazier. Frazier, who was the head coach of the Minnesota Vikings for several years, also served as the defensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Buffalo Bills after the Vikings let him go following the 2013 season.

Mike McCarthy and the Cowboys parted ways on Monday after five seasons. McCarthy, who was the head coach of the Green Bay Packers before joining Dallas, also interviewed for the head coaching job with the Chicago Bears this week.

Mike McCarthy
Mike McCarthy (NFL)

Dallas owner and general manager Jerry Jones has had informal talks with Colorado coach Deion Sanders, who played for the Cowboys for five seasons and helped them win their most recent Super Bowl during the 1995 season. Since then, Dallas has not advanced past the divisional round of the playoffs.

Jason Witten, an 11-time Pro Bowl tight end and holder of several Cowboys records, has also been mentioned as a potential candidate for the head coaching position. Since retiring as a player in 2020, Witten has coached at a private high school in the Dallas area.

Another candidate in the mix is Detroit defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. Glenn, who played defensive back at Texas A&M, spent two seasons with the Cowboys late in his 15-year career. Glenn and Moore will both be focused on their respective divisional playoff games this weekend. The Detroit Lions are hosting Washington on Saturday night, while the Philadelphia Eagles, with Moore as their offensive coordinator, are playing against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday.

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NFL (American Football)

In Chicago, the Bears interviewed Vikings’ Flores and Packers’ Stenavich for their head coaching position

Caleb Willias speaks to members of media

The Chicago Bears interviewed two candidates for their head coaching position on Saturday: Brian Flores, the Minnesota Vikings’ defensive coordinator, and Adam Stenavich, the Green Bay Packers’ offensive coordinator.

Flores, 43, has spent the last two years managing Minnesota’s defense after serving as a senior defensive assistant and linebackers coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022. Before that, he was the Miami Dolphins’ head coach for three years, finishing with a 24-25 record and no playoff appearances before being fired.

In February 2022, Flores filed a federal lawsuit against the NFL, the Dolphins, the Giants, and the Denver Broncos, alleging racial discrimination in hiring practices for leadership roles in the league.

Flores had an interview with the New York Jets on Friday and was expected to meet with the Jacksonville Jaguars about their head coaching opening. The Vikings finished second in the NFC North with a 14-3 record, just behind the Detroit Lions.

Stenavich, on the other hand, just wrapped up his second season as the Packers’ offensive coordinator under head coach Matt LaFleur. Before that, he spent three years as Green Bay’s offensive line coach. With quarterback Jordan Love at the helm, the Packers finished fifth in the NFL in yards per game and eighth in scoring.

Despite having the youngest roster in the league for two consecutive years, the Packers ended with an 11-6 record, placing third in the NFC North. They were eliminated from the playoffs in the first round by the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Bears are looking for a new head coach to replace Matt Eberflus, who was fired on November 29. Chicago finished last in the NFC North with a 5-12 record, losing 10 games in a row before securing a win against Green Bay in their final game of the season.

Brian Flores in the 1st half

The main goal for the next head coach will be the development of quarterback Caleb Williams. Williams, the first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, had a solid season with 3,541 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and six interceptions. However, he was sacked a league-high 68 times, setting a franchise record.

Williams, the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner from Southern California, made headlines on Saturday when he was seen courtside at the Wisconsin-USC basketball game in Los Angeles with his right hand in a cast or wrap. The wrap extended from his lower knuckles to below his wrist.

A source familiar with the situation said it was a minor elective procedure, but neither the Bears nor Williams have commented publicly on it. General manager Ryan Poles did not mention Williams among the players who were scheduled for surgery during his end-of-season press conference. Williams also had a new buzzed haircut, which surprised some people.

The Bears have interviewed 16 candidates so far. Some of the high-profile names include Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, former Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll, former Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy, and former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel.

Other candidates include Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken, Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady, Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, interim coach Thomas Brown, former Carolina Panthers and Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera, Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, former Stanford head coach David Shaw, Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver, and New York Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka.

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NFL (American Football)

Texans’ Kris Boyd threw his helmet, received a penalty, and then shoved his coach, Frank Ross

Kansas City Chiefs’ Nikko Remigio, left, runs the opening kickoff past Houston Texans’ Ka’imi Fairbairn during the first half of an NFL football AFC divisional playoff game

Texans cornerback Kris Boyd had a heated moment after the opening kickoff in their playoff game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday. Boyd was involved in a play where Chiefs returner Nikko Remigio broke through the Texans’ coverage, heading toward the end zone.

Boyd caught up to him, knocked the ball loose, and ran toward the Texans’ sideline, celebrating by removing his helmet and tossing it toward the bench.

However, the problem was that the Chiefs had recovered the fumble.

Boyd explained, “I got the ball out. And as I’m getting up, I look at the screen, I see nothing but white (Houston’s colors) and they’re all pointing that way.” Boyd thought the Texans had recovered the ball and was excited, thinking it was a turnover. But then someone on the Texans told him that there was a penalty flag, and the Chiefs still had possession of the ball.

In his frustration, Boyd shoved special teams coach Frank Ross on the sideline and was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct for removing his helmet.

Kansas City Chiefs and Houston Texans

Boyd admitted, “I was just too excited, did something that I shouldn’t have done. Learning from it. Keep my helmet on.”

He also said that pushing a coach was “not in my character” and that he never meant to disrespect anyone. “I love Frank,” he added. “I’m a God-fearing man. I respect everybody in that building.”

Boyd took responsibility for his actions and apologized to everyone, including Ross. He said Ross told him, “Hey, listen, don’t worry about that. We had a whole ballgame to play,” but Boyd acknowledged he had let his emotions get the best of him. “I’m not that type of person,” he said.

Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans did not see Boyd shove Ross, but he commented on Boyd’s actions. “What I saw is we can’t come out on the first play and throw our helmet,” Ryans said. “That’s not what we teach. That’s not what we’re about at all.”

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NFL (American Football)

Taylor Swift, accompanied by Caitlin Clark, watched as Travis Kelce and the Chiefs secured their playoff victory in Kansas City

Taylor Swift and Caitlin Clak in the 2nd half

Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce had a standout performance on Saturday, impressing pop star Taylor Swift, who was watching from a suite with WNBA player Caitlin Clark. Kelce caught seven passes for 117 yards and a touchdown, helping the Kansas City Chiefs beat the Houston Texans 23-14. This win sent the Chiefs to their seventh consecutive AFC championship game.

Kelce, who has often elevated his game during the playoffs, shared his thoughts after the game: “I feel like if you’re going to step out here on the football field, you’ve always got something to prove.” Despite having a quieter regular season compared to his usual standard, Kelce stepped up in the postseason.

He added, “I wish it was something like it was just a flip of the switch and I could just turn it on like that. But I think it was everybody in that building, all week long, all, really, the past two to three weeks figuring out how to get our bodies the best rest and ready for the playoffs for a run like this. And, man, we came out firing on all cylinders today. That felt really good.”

Kelce’s performance kept Swift and Clark cheering throughout the game. Clark, a Chiefs fan, wore a red parka, and Swift, arriving about two hours before the game in cold weather, was dressed in a full Chanel outfit, which included a black-and-white tweed jacket, a quarter-zip romper, and pearl accessories.

Swift’s relationship with Kelce began last season after he invited her to a game against the Bears. Since then, the two have been seen together frequently, and their relationship has been followed closely by the media. Swift has spent more time in Kansas City lately after finishing her Eras Tour last month.

Taylor Swift watches the game in the 1st half

The Chiefs earned a first-round bye in the playoffs after finishing the regular season with a 15-2 record, securing the No. 1 seed. With their win over the Texans, they are now one step away from making NFL history by winning three consecutive Super Bowls.

Swift attended the Chiefs’ Super Bowl victory in Las Vegas last February and is expected to follow them again if they make it to the big game this year.

Kelce, focused on the next challenge, said, “Right now, this one was great. We’re going to enjoy this one tonight. But the task at hand is going to be that AFC championship. You don’t get a three-peat by looking past that.”

In the game against the Texans, Kelce set several records. It was his 14th consecutive playoff game with at least 70 yards receiving, and his 15th game in a row with at least five catches, both of which are NFL records.

He also extended his playoff record for receptions to 172 and broke a tie with Jerry Rice for the most playoff games with 100 or more yards receiving, now having nine such games in his 12-year career.

Kelce is close to breaking two more records. He needs 226 more yards to surpass Jerry Rice’s postseason record of 2,245 yards, and he needs three more touchdown receptions to break Rice’s record of 22 career postseason touchdown catches.

“It’s playoff Trav. He’s a leader, man,” said Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who remains undefeated (7-0) in the divisional round of the playoffs. “This is what he lives for, playing in these moments and making big-time plays.”

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NFL (American Football)

Mahomes and Kelce lead the Chiefs to a 23-14 victory over the Texans in Kansas City, securing another trip to the AFC title game

Travis Kelce celebrates after catching a pass

Patrick Mahomes has never lost in the divisional round of the playoffs with the Kansas City Chiefs.

On the other hand, the Houston Texans still have never won in this round.

With Mahomes connecting with his favorite target, Travis Kelce, seven times for 117 yards and a touchdown, and the Chiefs’ defense sacking Houston quarterback C.J. Stroud eight times, Kansas City claimed a 23-14 win on Saturday. This victory sent the Chiefs to the AFC title game for the seventh consecutive year.

The Chiefs are now the fourth team in NFL history to reach the conference title game after winning back-to-back Super Bowls. The other three teams that did this all lost in the AFC or NFC title game. The Chiefs now hope to break that trend as they prepare to play either the Bills or Ravens in Arrowhead Stadium next weekend.

“It’s been a special run,” Mahomes said, noting how his wife, Brittany, had just given birth to their third child last Sunday. “I still remember moments from the World Series my dad played when I was 5 years old. These are the moments that I’ll cherish my entire life.”

Patrick Mahomes scrambles in the 1st half

However, Mahomes and the Chiefs are not done yet. They continue to chase a third consecutive Lombardi Trophy, something no team has ever done. Mahomes, who threw for 177 yards and a touchdown in this game, improved his playoff record to 16-3, tying Joe Montana for the second-most postseason wins by a starting quarterback in NFL history. Only Tom Brady has more playoff victories.

Mahomes, Kelce, and Chiefs head coach Andy Reid also helped Reid become just the fourth coach in NFL history to reach 300 career wins.

“I joked to the guys, you know, you get a couple of more and you might be able to equal my weight,” Reid said, keeping the mood light.

While the Chiefs celebrated in their locker room, the Texans were left disappointed. They still haven’t won a divisional round game in six attempts, having lost twice to Kansas City in heartbreaking fashion.

Stroud threw for 245 yards but was sacked eight times. Running back Joe Mixon, who had been dealing with an ankle injury, ran for 88 yards and scored their only touchdown.

The Texans’ kicker, Ka’imi Fairbairn, missed a 55-yard field goal attempt, an extra point, and had another field goal blocked late in the game when Houston still had a chance to make it a one-possession game.

“Knowing what we were up against in this game, we can’t make the mistakes that we made,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “We had a lot of self-inflicted mistakes that happened, whether it was special teams not converting, defensively not being where we’re supposed to be in coverage, offensively not protecting our quarterback and keeping him clean.”

Ryans added, “On top of everything else we have to deal with, that’s going to be an uphill battle.”

From the start, the Texans’ special teams struggled. They nearly allowed a kick return touchdown, and Houston cornerback Kris Boyd almost shoved his own assistant coach during the bizarre play.

Despite this, the Texans’ defense held Kansas City to just two field goals early on. But the Chiefs broke through at the end of the first half when running back Kareem Hunt scored a touchdown to give Kansas City a 13-3 lead.

Houston managed to make a 48-yard field goal in the windy conditions to stay within 13-6 at halftime, and that kick seemed to spark the Texans in the second half.

Jaden Hicks celebrates in the 1st half

Stroud led a 15-play, 82-yard drive that took up most of the third quarter, including several third-down conversions. Mixon capped off the drive with a 13-yard touchdown run. However, Fairbairn missed the extra point, keeping Houston behind by one point.

That missed extra point seemed to turn the momentum in Kansas City’s favor. The Chiefs responded with an 81-yard drive, with Mahomes completing four passes to Kelce, including an 11-yard touchdown pass as Mahomes was dragged to the ground.

The Texans had a couple of chances to tie the game, but their first drive ended when Stroud was sacked by George Karlaftis on fourth down. The second attempt faltered with back-to-back incompletions from Stroud, forcing Houston to punt.

Kansas City then added a field goal with 4:32 left, making it a two-possession game and sealing the victory.

“We’re fortunate we’ve got a lot of great character guys in the building,” Kelce said. “On top of that, as the years have gone on, we only got here by focusing on the task at hand. And right now, this one was great. We’re going to enjoy this one tonight. But the task at hand is going to be that AFC championship.”

Kelce added, “You don’t get a three-peat by looking past that.”

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NFL (American Football)

The Texans lose to the Chiefs in Kansas City, failing for the sixth time to reach the AFC title game

Kansas City Chiefs and Houston Texans

C.J. Stroud was nearly knocked out of the game by the time the Kansas City Chiefs had sacked him for the eighth time on Saturday. His jersey was torn and covered in grass and mud, reflecting how tough the game had been for the Houston quarterback.

This game was another painful chapter in the Texans’ repeated trips to the divisional round of the playoffs. The Texans had some great highs and frustrating lows throughout the season, but after a surprising win over the Chargers in the wild-card round, they seemed to have some momentum.

However, that momentum didn’t last against the Chiefs. With Patrick Mahomes connecting with Travis Kelce throughout the game and Kansas City’s pass rush dominating Stroud, the Chiefs continued their championship run with a 23-14 win, keeping the Texans out of the AFC title game once again.

This marks the sixth time the Texans have failed to make it past the divisional round. Two of those defeats have come in Kansas City.

“I’m walking out of here discouraged. This one hurts,” said Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans. “In postseason football, you’ve got to be at your best. You’ve got to operate on all cylinders. We didn’t do that today, so that’s what’s discouraging.”

Travis Kelce celebrates after catching a pass

This loss was just as bitter as the one in January 2020 when the Texans blew a 24-point lead to the Chiefs and lost 51-31. That game helped push Mahomes, Kelce, and Chiefs coach Andy Reid toward their first Super Bowl win.

In this game, Houston’s Ka’imi Fairbairn missed a 55-yard field goal that could have tied the game at 6 late in the first half. Instead, the miss gave the Chiefs a short field, and five plays later, Kareem Hunt scored a touchdown.

In the second half, the Texans managed a long drive, going 81 yards for a touchdown that should have tied the game. But Fairbairn missed the extra point due to the swirling cold winds. The miss kept the Chiefs in the lead at 13-12, and it seemed to drain the energy and excitement that Stroud, running back Joe Mixon, and the rest of the offense had built up.

Kansas City took advantage of the situation, driving 81 yards for a touchdown and extending the lead to 20-12 early in the fourth quarter.

The Texans still had chances to tie the game, but their efforts came up short. The first opportunity ended with three straight incompletions from Stroud and a sack on fourth down by George Karlaftis. The second drive ended with two incompletions and a punt.

By the time the Chiefs kicked a late field goal and gave up a safety in the closing seconds, the game was over.

“It’s all about execution. I’ve talked about that all year,” said Mixon, who ran for 88 yards and a touchdown despite dealing with a sore ankle. “Unfortunately, it was two or three critical moments we didn’t execute the way we should have. I think we had opportunities out there that we didn’t capitalize on. The margin of error, especially in the playoffs, is small.”

The Texans can still take pride in their second consecutive AFC South title and their win over the Chargers. However, they’ve never won consecutive playoff games in a season, and that fact will likely weigh heavily on Ryans, who was part of the first Texans team to win a playoff game when they beat Cincinnati in January 2012.

“To me it was frustration in all three phases: special teams, offense, defense. We didn’t get it done,” said Ryans. Despite facing season-ending injuries to key players like Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell, the team made it to the divisional round.

C.J. Stroud is sacked by George Karlaftis in the 2nd half

“Again, congrats to Andy (Reid) and the Chiefs. They deserve it,” Ryans added. “They’ve done a great job over the past few years being consistent and that’s why they’ve been champions.”

As for Stroud, he’s done just about everything except reach the AFC championship game. The 23-year-old quarterback is the youngest player to face a defending Super Bowl champion in the playoffs, and he’s only the sixth quarterback to win a playoff game in each of his first two seasons. He’s also the first Texans quarterback to win two playoff games.

But against Kansas City and their tough defense, Stroud couldn’t get it done.

The rest of the Texans struggled too.

“Hopefully this game is a good step for what is a very young core,” said Texans tight end Dalton Schultz. “When you’re able to go through a game like this and come up short, sometimes you really need that to grow and move forward as a team, as a core.”

“You’ve got to know what that is like,” Schultz added. “You’ve got to know what those moments feel like when you’re training, what you’re training for, how to train for this moment. There’s a lot of wisdom that comes with the experience of playing in these types of games that I think will be good for the core of this team.”