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NBA (Basketball)

In Oklahoma City, Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder dominate the Cavs in a statement win

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander takes the ball forward in the 1st half

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had another impressive game, scoring 40 points in a performance that showed why he’s a contender for the MVP award this season. However, what made him most excited wasn’t just his own performance, but how the whole Oklahoma City Thunder team played in their big win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, which was broadcast nationally.

“There’s obviously myself as the leading scorer of the team. I’m going to get most of the praise. But the world is seeing all of the — we call them cockroaches in our locker room. Cockroaches and hyenas,” Gilgeous-Alexander said.

“Those are the guys who do the little work, the guys that don’t get the most praise. They don’t average 30, but their part into our winning and our season is just as big, and I’m glad the world gets to see that.”

Gilgeous-Alexander, who is 6-foot-6, finished with 40 points and eight assists in just three quarters as the Thunder, who lead the Western Conference, defeated the Cavaliers, who are leading the Eastern Conference, 134-114. He made 17 of his 26 shots, often using his dribbling skills to break down Cleveland’s defense, getting to the basket or hitting mid-range jumpers.

Last season, Gilgeous-Alexander was the runner-up for the NBA MVP award. This year, he’s averaging 31.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 6.0 assists for a Thunder team that shares the league’s best record at 34-6 with the Cavaliers. He has already earned the Western Conference Player of the Month award twice this season.

When asked if Gilgeous-Alexander was trying to make a statement on national TV, Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault downplayed it.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander looks to shoot over Max Strus in the 1st half

“You know, he just looked the same,” Daigneault said. “That’s why he’s so good. It’s like that pretty much every night. So he was on it, and I thought he maintained a pretty good floor game throughout it.”

Fans have certainly taken notice. In the third round of All-Star fan voting, the Canadian guard leads Western Conference guards, ahead of stars like Stephen Curry, Luka Dončić, Kyrie Irving, and Anthony Edwards.

“Personally, it feels good,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “All the hard work’s paying off. Nothing’s guaranteed in life, so you take everything that goes your way as a blessing. Don’t take it for granted. That’s what I try to do. … Just trying not to get too wrapped up into it and keep plugging away at what your job is every night. That’s what I’ll continue to do.”

While Gilgeous-Alexander is leading the Thunder, Jalen Williams has been his most reliable teammate. Williams is averaging 20.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 5.2 assists in his third season. Although Williams hasn’t been named an All-Star yet, Gilgeous-Alexander believes he deserves to be one this year.

“You can start with his points. He obviously averages 20 and very efficient,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “He carries the load when I’m out of the game, makes plays for him and the guys around him.”

Gilgeous-Alexander also praised Williams’ defense. Despite Williams saying he’s 6-6, Gilgeous-Alexander joked that he thinks Williams is actually shorter.

“At 6-4, he’s able to guard all five positions on the basketball court,” Gilgeous-Alexander said, as Williams tried to argue. “Like tonight, he guarded a 7-footer. I could never. And a lot of guys our size could never.

Those types of things directly impact winning, and we clearly are winning basketball games. Nobody has his print on us winning basketball games more than Jalen Williams, and that’s why he deserves to be an All-Star.”

Through these contributions, both Gilgeous-Alexander and Williams are helping Oklahoma City thrive as one of the best teams in the NBA.

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UEFA Seeks Dismissal of Lawsuits from Liverpool Fans Over 2022 Champions League Final Chaos

UEFA Seeks Dismissal of Lawsuits from Liverpool Fans Over 2022 Champions League Final Chaos
UEFA Seeks Dismissal of Lawsuits from Liverpool Fans Over 2022 Champions League Final Chaos

UEFA has asked England’s High Court to dismiss lawsuits from over 1,000 Liverpool fans who attended the 2022 Champions League final. The lawsuits allege personal injuries caused by the chaos outside Stade de France, which delayed the match by over 30 minutes.

Fans were subjected to disarray before the match, with French police using tear gas and harsh tactics. Supporters complained of being treated unfairly as they were crowded into pens outside the stadium, leading to widespread confusion and distress.

Independent Review Blames UEFA

An independent review concluded that UEFA was responsible for a series of “near misses” that nearly led to a disaster outside the stadium. The review pointed to inadequate security and poor event management by UEFA, which was supposed to oversee fan safety at the final.

UEFA Seeks Dismissal of Lawsuits from Liverpool Fans Over 2022 Champions League Final Chaos
UEFA Seeks Dismissal of Lawsuits from Liverpool Fans Over 2022 Champions League Final Chaos

Earlier this year, UEFA settled with a group of Liverpool fans who were affected by the chaos. However, another case involving approximately 1,200 additional fans continues at the High Court, as they seek compensation for the injuries and distress caused by the events.

UEFA Requests Adjournment Of Case

At a preliminary hearing, UEFA’s lawyers requested an adjournment for a key hearing scheduled for later this month. They argued that the case would require findings on the lawfulness of the French state’s actions, which would complicate the proceedings.

Following the events, UEFA introduced new measures, including more security officers and fan involvement in planning future events. These measures aim to prevent similar issues from arising during future Champions League finals.

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Tennis

Naomi Osaka retires from her Australian Open match in Melbourne due to injury against Belinda Bencic

Naomi Osaka waves as she leaves after an injury

Two-time Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka was forced to retire from her third-round match against Belinda Bencic on Friday due to a strained abdominal muscle. Osaka lost the opening set and explained that she has had this issue before, saying it has been a recurring injury since she was a teenager.

She believes it might be linked to the explosive nature of her serve. Osaka recalled that she hurt the muscle at a tournament in Beijing in October 2023 when she had to retire from a match against Coco Gauff. “Unfortunately, it carried on over to the beginning of this season,” Osaka shared.

This third-round appearance in Melbourne marked Osaka’s first time reaching the third round of a major since 2022. Osaka had been away from the tour for some time due to mental health breaks and later took time off for her pregnancy. Her daughter, Shai, was born in July 2023.

At the start of 2025, Osaka made it to the final of the Auckland tournament but had to stop playing in the final due to the same abdominal injury. She revealed that the injury became “way worse” after her second-round win in Melbourne against 2023 French Open finalist Karolina Muchova.

Osaka admitted that her injury was “a little inevitable,” but added, “I think the competitor in me just wanted to see it through to the end.” She expressed hope that she could recover and return to full health in time for upcoming events like Indian Wells and Miami in March.

Belinda Bencic plays the return shot

During her match against Bencic, Osaka received treatment from a trainer while leading 6-5 in the first set. The trainer examined her abdominal area, gave her a pill, and the match resumed. However, after losing the first set 7-6 in a tiebreaker, with Osaka making unforced errors in the final points, the chair umpire ended the match after 57 minutes “due to injury.”

The two players hugged on the sideline, and Osaka left the court. Osaka has previously won the Australian Open in 2019 and 2021, and the U.S. Open in 2018 and 2020.

Bencic, who won a singles gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, wished Osaka a speedy recovery. “Hopefully she’ll be fine soon and be able to play the rest of the season,” Bencic said. She also wrote a message on the camera lens, drawing a heart and writing, “Get well soon Mama.”

Bencic, who returned to the tour in October after having her first child, will next play against either 2023 U.S. Open champion Coco Gauff or 2021 U.S. Open runner-up Leylah Fernandez, who were set to face each other later on Friday.

“I’ll watch a bit, if I can,” Bencic said, “but I think I’ll do my cooldown and try to focus on my recovery.” Bencic has reached the fourth round in Melbourne Park 11 times but has never advanced past that stage. Last year, she lost to two-time champion Aryna Sabalenka in the fourth round.

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NFL (American Football)

New York Mets sign outfielder Jesse Winker to a one-year deal

Jesse Winker hits a double in the 9th inning

Jesse Winker and the New York Mets have agreed to a one-year contract, according to a source familiar with the deal, which was reported on Thursday. The deal is pending a successful physical. This move might suggest that the team does not expect to re-sign slugger Pete Alonso.

Winker was traded to the Mets from Washington on July 28. In 44 games with New York last season, the outfielder hit .243 with three home runs and 13 RBIs.

He played an important role in the postseason, hitting a two-run triple in the Wild Card Series opener against Milwaukee, homering off Philadelphia’s Aaron Nola in Game 3 of the Division Series, and contributing an RBI triple in Game 5 of the National League Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The 31-year-old left-handed hitter had a .253 batting average, 14 home runs, 58 RBIs, and a .764 OPS for the season. Afterward, he became a free agent.

Jesse WInker celebrates after a grand slam

With the Mets’ recent acquisition of right fielder Juan Soto on a 15-year, $765 million contract, Winker could see significant playing time at designated hitter alongside Starling Marte.

Throughout his eight seasons in Major League Baseball, Winker has a .262 career batting average, 95 home runs, 324 RBIs, and an .804 OPS. He has played with Cincinnati (2017-2021), Seattle (2022), Milwaukee (2023), the Nationals, and the Mets. Winker was named an All-Star in 2021 when he posted career-high numbers, hitting .305 with 24 home runs and 71 RBIs.

This contract with Winker may indicate that the Mets are shifting their focus and resources in another direction. Pete Alonso, who is also a free agent, has had talks with the Mets, but no agreement has been reached. Alonso, a four-time All-Star, turned 30 in December and has hit 226 home runs in six seasons with New York.

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MLB (Baseball)

Kyle Tucker and the Chicago Cubs have avoided arbitration, agreeing to a one-year, $16.5 million deal in Chicago

Kyle Tucker hits a home run in the 4th inning

Kyle Tucker and the Chicago Cubs have reached an agreement on the largest of 17 salary arbitration cases. The two sides settled on a one-year contract worth $16.5 million, according to a person familiar with the talks. The deal, which was first reported by ESPN, has not been officially announced.

Chicago had initially proposed a $15 million salary, while the All-Star outfielder had requested $17.5 million. Without a settlement, a hearing before a three-person panel would have taken place between January 27 and February 14.

Kyle Tucker
Kyle Tucker (MLB)

Tucker, who will become a free agent after this year’s World Series, was traded to the Cubs last month from the Houston Astros in exchange for third baseman Isaac Paredes, right-handed pitcher Hayden Wesneski, and top infield prospect Cam Smith.

Tucker, who turns 28 on Friday, earned $12 million last year. He played in only 78 games due to a fractured right shin but managed to hit .289 with 23 home runs and 49 RBIs for the AL West champion Astros.

In 2023, he batted .284 with 29 home runs, 112 RBIs—leading the American League—and 30 steals for Houston.

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MLB (Baseball)

Shohei Ohtani is contributing $500,000 to support firefighters and victims of the LA wildfires

Shohei Ohtani applauds in the 2nd inning

Shohei Ohtani, the star player for the Los Angeles Dodgers, is donating $500,000 to support firefighters and animals affected by the severe wildfires in the region.

Ohtani shared his plan on Instagram, using the message “LA Strong” in white letters on a black background.

“We’ll be donating $500,000 to help those firefighters and those forced to live in shelter to help animals in need,” Ohtani wrote.

Shohei Ohtani celebrates in the dug out after scoring

In addition, the Dodgers, along with other Los Angeles sports teams, are working together to sell “LA Strong” T-shirts and sweatshirts. All of the money raised from these sales will go to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation and the American Red Cross.

“I hope you all will consider this,” Ohtani wrote in his post.

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MLB (Baseball)

Jarren Duran and the Boston Red Sox agree to a one-year, $3.85 million deal, avoiding arbitration in Boston

Jarren Duran catches the ball in the 2nd inning

Jarren Duran, an All-Star outfielder for the Boston Red Sox, and the team reached an agreement on Friday to avoid arbitration. The deal is a one-year contract worth $3.85 million, with an $8 million team option for 2026.

Duran will earn a salary of $3.75 million this year, and if the team exercises the 2026 option, the buyout would be $100,000.

The option price can increase depending on Duran’s performance. If he finishes in the top 20 in MVP voting, the option rises to $9 million, and it would go to $10 million if he finishes in the top 10.

If he ranks in the top five, the price goes up to $11 million, and if he wins the MVP award, the option would be worth $12 million. However, if he doesn’t finish in the top 20 but is named to the second team All-MLB, the option would be set at $8.5 million.

Duran has the opportunity to earn up to $150,000 in performance bonuses this year based on his plate appearances. He can earn $50,000 each for reaching 450, 500, and 550 plate appearances.

Jarren Duran hits a single in the 8th inning

If Duran is traded, the option would be canceled, and the team that acquires him would owe him a $100,000 assignment bonus.

Duran, who is eligible for arbitration for the first time, had initially requested a raise from his $760,000 salary to $4 million. The Red Sox had offered him $3.5 million when figures were exchanged last week.

Last season, Duran finished eighth in MVP voting after hitting .285, with 21 home runs, 75 RBIs, 34 stolen bases, 48 doubles, and 111 runs.

There are still 15 players who are on track for arbitration hearings.

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NFL (American Football)

Jets’ Aaron Rodgers still uncertain about his playing future as he focuses on California wildfires

Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Rodgers (NFL)

Aaron Rodgers has not yet decided about his future in the NFL, with the New York Jets quarterback focusing on the ongoing wildfires near his Southern California home.

Rodgers shared on “The Pat McAfee Show” on Thursday that his house in Malibu is safe, though it experienced power outages for several days. However, he mentioned that many of his friends, including actor Miles Teller, have lost their homes due to the fires, one of the region’s most destructive natural disasters.

“I’ve been dealing with trying to protect my house out here,” Rodgers said. “My home is fine. I’m not in the areas that have been affected, but it’s been a weird time for so many that live down here. Friends of mine have lost houses. A number of friends in Palisades have lost their homes, a number of friends in Pasadena were affected, friends around Runyon Canyon.

“It’s been a tough time, for sure.”

Rodgers, 41, finished his 20th NFL season after the Jets’ win over Miami on January 5. He held exit meetings the next day with Jets’ owner Woody Johnson, vice chairman Christopher Johnson, team president Hymie Elhai, and interim coach Jeff Ulbrich. Afterward, he flew back to Southern California, where he found the skies darkened by smoke from the fires.

“I got to the house and the wind’s going absolutely nuts,” he recalled. “The gate was flying off the handles, and no power.”

Before leaving, Rodgers had “a lot of nice conversations” with the Jets. The team is currently interviewing candidates for its general manager and head coach positions. Rodgers had previously mentioned that he would take some time after the season to decide whether to continue playing, and would also need to assess whether the Jets’ new management wanted him to return for a 21st season.

Rodgers said he has had “limited communication” with the Jets due to the wildfires, but he made it clear that he’s not close to making a decision on his future.

“I told them I’m going to take some time,” he said. “They haven’t even made a decision on a GM or a coach yet. Once that happens, then that’ll take us to the next step, which will be a conversation, I’m assuming with whoever that individual is. But this is a time when I’m taking time for my body and my mind to clear things.”

Rodgers emphasized that the fires in Southern California will not affect his decision on whether to continue playing football.

New York Jets players enter the field before the game

“Obviously it’s different because all that’s going on in LA. And again, there’s been incredible, incredible work done by all the firefighters out here. Things are actually looking up, which is great.”

Firefighters are still battling the two largest fires, which have claimed the lives of 25 people and destroyed more than 12,000 homes and buildings.

“A lot of the attention has gone to so many celebrities who lost their homes,” Rodgers said. “There’s some affluent areas in both Palisades and Malibu that got affected. But there’s a lot of other people, just your great average Southern California folks who lost everything as well. And it’s going to be tough to rebuild.”

Rodgers, a four-time MVP and the fifth player in NFL history to throw 500 touchdown passes in the regular season, has one year left on his non-guaranteed contract with the Jets. However, he would be owed a $35 million option bonus before the start of the regular season, and his cap hit would be $23.5 million.

If the Jets release him or he retires, they could absorb a $49 million dead-money charge next year, unless they designate him as a post-June 1 cut and spread that charge over two years.

“I think everybody understands that it’s going to come down to the GM and coach and myself,” Rodgers said. “And whether we all want to do the dance together or if it’s not in the cards.”

Rodgers also reassured that the situation in Southern California would not influence his decision on whether he wants to keep playing.

“Listen, I’ve sat in a hole in the ground in Nowheresville, Oregon, and I’ve sat in numerous ayahuasca ceremony circles,” Rodgers said with a smile, referencing some of his off-season activities. “So, I’ve done a lot of contemplating in my time and I’ve gotten some good perspective adjustments over the years.

“This is nothing that changes my perspective other than it’s heartbreaking.”

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FEATURED

WNBA Free Agency and CBA Negotiations Set to Shape 2025 Season and Future of the League

WNBA Free Agency and CBA Negotiations Set to Shape 2025 Season and Future of the League
WNBA Free Agency and CBA Negotiations Set to Shape 2025 Season and Future of the League

WNBA free agency kicks off in February, providing players with the chance to sign new contracts, and reshaping the league. The 2025 season will see the addition of the Golden State Valkyries, with the Toronto Tempo and an unnamed Portland franchise expected to join in 2026. These new teams expand the league, offering more opportunities for players and significantly influencing free agency dynamics. The period is vital, with players seeking the best contracts, teams aiming to improve rosters, and the league adjusting to these changes in team structure.

Currently, the WNBA is negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with the players’ union, the WNBPA. The existing CBA, which has been in effect since 2020, is set to expire in October 2025. In October 2024, players opted out of the agreement, signaling a potential shift in salary structures, benefits, and other league rules. The new CBA will influence player contracts and the overall landscape of the league. Both sides have until the end of 2025 to finalize the new deal, potentially altering salary caps and player compensation across the board.

WNBA Free Agency and CBA Negotiations Set to Shape 2025 Season and Future of the League
WNBA Free Agency and CBA Negotiations Set to Shape 2025 Season and Future of the League

Player Flexibility Through One-Year Deals

Given the uncertainty surrounding the future of the CBA, many players are expected to sign one-year contracts for the 2025 season. This strategy provides flexibility, allowing them to renegotiate contracts once the new CBA is in place. This is a common approach when a new agreement is anticipated, as it enables players to take advantage of any potential salary increases or better contract conditions. By locking into one-year deals, players retain the ability to capitalize on changes in the salary cap and other league-wide rules once the CBA negotiations conclude.

The WNBA salary cap plays a crucial role in free agency, determining the maximum amount teams can spend on player salaries. For the 2025 season, the salary cap is set at $1,507,100, with a minimum team salary of $1,261,440. The salary cap increases by 3% each year under the current CBA. Teams are required to carry a minimum of 11 players and a maximum of 12 on their roster throughout the season. If a team falls short of the minimum roster size, they must sign another player within 72 hours to comply with league regulations. Additionally, if a team does not meet the minimum salary level, it must compensate the players accordingly.

The salary cap ensures that teams maintain financial balance while remaining competitive. Teams must carefully manage their spending and player salaries to stay within these limits while building a competitive roster. This constraint is essential for maintaining fairness across the league and ensuring that teams can continue to operate within a reasonable financial structure.

WNBA Free Agency and CBA Negotiations Set to Shape 2025 Season and Future of the League
WNBA Free Agency and CBA Negotiations Set to Shape 2025 Season and Future of the League

Player Salaries: Minimum, Maximum, and Supermax

Player salaries in the WNBA are tiered based on years of service, with both minimum and maximum salary levels. For the 2025 season, the minimum salary is $66,079 for players with two or fewer years of service and $78,831 for players with three or more years of experience. These figures increase annually, allowing players to earn more as they progress in their careers.

The maximum salary for players is also structured in two tiers: regular and supermax. For 2025, the regular maximum salary is $214,466, while the supermax salary is $249,244. Supermax deals are typically awarded to players who meet specific criteria, such as signing an extension to their rookie contract or remaining with the same team for at least five years. These salaries incentivize players to stay with their teams, preventing them from leaving during free agency. The Supermax deal is designed to keep top talent within their current organizations.

Free Agency Designations and Rules

Free agency in the WNBA comes with several specific designations that influence contract negotiations. Players can be either restricted or unrestricted free agents. Restricted free agents can negotiate with any team, but their previous team has the right to match any contract offer. If the previous team matches the offer, the player remains with that team. Unrestricted free agents, however, have no restrictions and can sign with any team without their current team having the opportunity to retain them.

Additionally, teams can designate one player as a “core player.” This designation guarantees the player a one-year contract at the supermax salary, preventing the player from signing directly with another team. However, the team can still trade a core player. Players can only be designated as core players for two seasons in their careers, which adds a layer of strategy for teams in managing their rosters. Another designation is the “reserved” contract, which applies to players with three or fewer years of service and offers them a one-year deal at the minimum salary.

WNBA free agency is a complex process shaped by the salary cap, player designations, and the ongoing CBA negotiations. As the league prepares for the 2025 season and new teams join the fold, players and teams alike must navigate the intricacies of contract negotiations. The flexibility afforded by one-year contracts, combined with the tiered salary structures and strategic designations, makes free agency an essential period for reshaping rosters. As negotiations for a new CBA continue, the future of player salaries and team strategies remains uncertain, but it will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the league’s landscape.

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NFL (American Football)

The stage is set in Buffalo for Lamar Jackson of the Ravens to take on Josh Allen of the Bills in the divisional playoff

Lamar Jackson and Justice Hill in the 4th quarter

Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh is no stranger to big games, and he knows just how important the upcoming matchup between his team and the Buffalo Bills will be. This Sunday’s game in Buffalo is loaded with excitement, from the star quarterback battle between Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen to the high stakes of both teams being just two wins away from the Super Bowl.

The forecast calls for freezing temperatures, with the mercury expected to dip below 10°F (-12°C) as the Ravens (13-5) take on the Bills (14-4) in the divisional playoff round. Harbaugh, reflecting on the significance of the game, mentioned how it felt like something out of an NFL Films special.

“I can just kind of picture John Facenda coming down from the heavens and narrating the preview to the game,” Harbaugh said, referencing the legendary NFL Films narrator. “It’s a privilege to be a part of a game like this.”

The quarterback matchup alone is enough to generate hype, as Jackson and Allen are considered two of the leading MVP candidates. Both quarterbacks, drafted in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, are dual threats who have led their respective teams to division titles. There has been much debate over who is more valuable to their team.

“That’s why you play this game to be in moments like these,” said Allen, before downplaying the individual aspect of facing Jackson. “In the history of football, I’ve never really played against another quarterback.”

Allen, 28, has had a standout year, posting over 40 combined touchdowns for the fifth year in a row, leading an offense that became the NFL’s first to score 30 touchdowns both rushing and passing.

Jackson, also 28, refused to make it about the competition between him and Allen.

Josh Allen’s Historic Performance Earns AFC Offensive Player of the Week in Bills’ Win Over Lions
Josh Allen’s Historic Performance Earns AFC Offensive Player of the Week in Bills’ Win Over Lions

“Excuse me for everybody watching, but I really don’t care who’s watching,” Jackson said about facing Allen. “We really don’t care how people feel about it. We’re trying to go in there and just win.”

Jackson has had a career year, finishing with 45 total touchdowns and leading the league in several passing categories. He ran an offense that became the first in NFL history to exceed 4,000 passing yards and 3,000 rushing yards in a single season.

For Jackson, his last visit to Buffalo still stings. In the 2020 divisional round, the Ravens lost to the Bills 17-3, with Taron Johnson’s 101-yard interception return sealing the victory for Buffalo.

“Hell, yes,” Jackson said about remembering the loss. “That’s all I’m going to say about that.”

For Buffalo, there’s a sense of redemption after the Ravens beat them 35-10 earlier in the season. The Bills, however, are dealing with the challenge of slowing down Ravens running back Derrick Henry, who ran for a season-high 199 yards, including an 87-yard touchdown, against Buffalo in September.

“We’re a lot better,” said Bills defensive back Taron Johnson, one of three starters who were sidelined during the September game. “This is a new day. Things are just going to be different. That’s just the way they are.”

The Ravens are also adjusting to how the Bills’ offense has changed since their last encounter. Buffalo’s offense has become more balanced, with running back James Cook matching Henry’s 16 touchdown runs this season, 13 of which came after Week 5. Additionally, receiver Amari Cooper was traded to Buffalo in mid-October, adding another weapon to the Bills’ already potent passing attack, which featured 13 different players catching a touchdown pass.

“We are obviously two very different teams than we were whenever that game was,” Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton said. “The biggest thing we take away from that is that it can be done, we just have to replicate that success. But I know Buffalo has a sour taste in their mouth about that game.”

That sour taste is real for the Bills. After their 31-7 wild-card win over Denver, defensive tackle DaQuan Jones immediately turned his attention to the Ravens.

“It’s gonna be a bloodbath,” Jones said. “It’s just a mindset thing. At the end of the day, you just have to have the right mindset to go into any game to be physical in order to dominate.”

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NFL (American Football)

The Texans bring Ryans’ aggressive defense to Kansas City for the divisional playoff game

DeMeco Ryans reacts in the warm ups

When DeMeco Ryans took over as the Houston Texans’ head coach before last season, he brought his signature swarm defense with him. It’s become a core part of the team’s identity as they prepare for their second consecutive trip to the divisional round of the playoffs, where they will face the Kansas City Chiefs.

“You really can’t go out there if you’re not about it,” Ryans said.

The entire defense has fully embraced Ryans’ aggressive style, but there’s one player who stands out as the embodiment of it.

“Will every time,” cornerback Derek Stingley said, referring to defensive end Will Anderson Jr.

Anderson, who was named AP Defensive Rookie of the Year last year, has taken his game to new heights this season. He recorded 1½ sacks last week after racking up 11 during the regular season.

Anderson explained what swarm defense means to him.

“Do whatever it takes to get the ball, attacking the ball,” Anderson said. “We’ve got this saying in our D-line room; ‘who gonna pop it off?’ Whoever pops it off first, that’s swarming. Like who’s gonna make the big play? And I feel like there’s a lot of guys on defense that pop it off, who swarm.”

In their playoff win over the Chargers last week, the Texans intercepted Justin Herbert a career-high four times, including one pick-six. Herbert had been intercepted just three times all season. Houston’s four takeaways in the first week of the playoffs tied them with Philadelphia for the most in the NFL.

That performance followed a regular season where the Texans ranked fifth in the league, forcing 29 turnovers.

Stingley, who had two of those interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown, shared his mindset on the team’s defensive mentality.

Houston Texans celebrates in the 2nd half

“It really just comes down to if I was to tell you this is the last time you’re gonna do something, how you gonna do it,” Stingley said. “It’s simple as that. Just do that every single play.”

Ryans explained that there’s no big secret behind his team’s ability to force turnovers. He believes it comes down to having good players and emphasizing turnover creation in practice, which carries over into games.

“That’s our main thing that we go into every week is talking about attacking the football, taking the football,” Ryans said. “Because we know, when you take the football away, it just raises your percentages of winning the football games… it’s the defense helping the team win the game.”

While all of Houston’s takeaways in their playoff win came via interceptions, Stingley was quick to highlight that the turnovers wouldn’t have happened without the defensive line’s pressure on Herbert. The Texans sacked him four times and hit him nine other times in the 32-12 victory.

“The defense starts with them up front,” Stingley said. “They’re doing their job and it just makes it easier for us on the back end.”

Anderson said that with each turnover, the defense grew more energized and pushed each other to see who would be the next to make a big play.

“That’s just that swarm mentality and we just feeding off each other,” Anderson said. “This person can’t do it by themselves so who is gonna be next and that just generates that contagious energy.”

In last week’s playoff win, the Texans became the fifth team since 1963 to record at least four sacks, four interceptions, and an interception return for a touchdown in a playoff game. The last three teams to achieve that feat all went on to win the Super Bowl: Tampa Bay in the 2002 season, Baltimore in 2000, and San Francisco in 1989.

The Texans are hoping to continue this success. But first, they need a win on Saturday to advance to the AFC championship game for the first time in franchise history, after losing their previous five divisional matchups.

“That’s what you come here for,” Anderson said. “That’s what they’ve been rebuilding for is moments like this… we’ve got all the right pieces, we’ve just got to go out there and make it happen.”

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NFL (American Football)

After a 255-yard performance in his debut, Eagles’ Saquon Barkley sets playoff matchup with Rams in Philadelphia

Saquon Barkley leaves the field after the game

Sean McVay, head coach of the Rams, carefully considered how to stop Saquon Barkley, one of only nine players in NFL history to rush for over 2,000 yards, and the potential consequences if they didn’t manage to do so.

“If they get a beat on what you’re doing,” McVay, the Super Bowl-winning coach, said, “they will pound you and they will embarrass you.”

McVay and the Rams know this well.

One of the best performances of Barkley’s season came in November, when he faced the Rams. Barkley ran for two touchdowns, one from 70 yards and another from 72 yards, in the second half. He finished the game with 255 yards rushing, setting a new Eagles franchise record. His performance was the ninth-highest rushing yardage in a single game in NFL history.

He also had 302 total yards from scrimmage, making him the 12th player in NFL history to top 300 yards, and the first to do so for the Eagles.

Now, Barkley is gearing up for another strong performance against the Rams when the Eagles meet them again in the divisional round on Sunday.

This game will mark the second consecutive week in the playoffs where the NFC East champion Eagles face a team they’ve already played in the regular season. After defeating Green Bay for the second time last week, the Eagles are set to host the Rams, just seven weeks after Barkley’s big performance in a 37-20 win at SoFi Stadium.

“They will see stuff on tape that they will want to do differently,” Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni said.

The Rams’ defense, which ranks 22nd in the NFL against the run, would likely rather forget that game and not have to watch Barkley dominate them again.

Matthew Stafford looks to pass in the 2nd half

Barkley broke several Eagles franchise records in that game. His 255 rushing yards surpassed the previous record of 217 yards set by LeSean McCoy in 2013. He also exceeded Duce Staley’s record of 296 total yards from 2000. Barkley’s 255 rushing yards were also the most ever gained against the Rams, breaking the record of 253 yards set by DeMarco Murray of the Dallas Cowboys in 2011.

The Rams couldn’t stop Barkley in their first matchup, and there isn’t much to suggest that they will be able to do so in the rematch. Los Angeles allowed 353.1 yards per game this season, including 130 yards rushing.

“I think when you have humbling experiences with the right kinds of people, those are where the real growth (opportunities) exist,” McVay said. “I think we had a lot of guys that really, as a team, you can look inward and you can say, ‘Is this really what we want to be about? Where are the things that we can adjust and adapt from a coaching perspective?’”

The Rams’ defense responded well to that humbling defeat. They adjusted and became one of the team’s strongest units as the regular season came to an end and into the playoffs.

Just ask the Minnesota Vikings.

In their wild-card win over Minnesota, the Rams not only sacked quarterback Sam Darnold nine times, but they also held All-Pro wide receiver Justin Jefferson without a catch in the second half of their 27-9 win.

That performance sent a clear message to the Eagles.

“Any time guys play together, build cohesiveness, build connection, they are going to play better and better and better,” offensive coordinator Kellen Moore said.

In his playoff debut with the Eagles, Barkley rushed for 119 yards. Having spent his entire career playing in East Coast winters, the Pro Bowl back is no stranger to cold temperatures. With the game expected to be played in the teens with some snow, Barkley is more than ready for the challenge.