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Over the next three days we’ll have six wild-card games to decide who will move on to the divisional round. Whether it’s an upset or a smash-mouth game between bitter rivals, the spectrum of outcomes here is great. And thanks to the NFL’s love of division winners, Minnesota is back on the road to start the playoffs. Simply put, I’m nervous for Sam Darnold in his first ever postseason action, especially coming off a dispiriting outing against the Lions in the Vikings’ season finale. But how will he look Sunday against a Packers defense that forced 31 turnovers — fourth-most in the NFL — including 17 interceptions?

Persons: ’ Rohan Nadkarni, Andrew Grief, NBC Sports ’ Patrick Daugherty, Lamar Jackson, Jackson, Russell Wilson, it’s, he’s, Daugherty, Jayden Daniels, Baker Mayfield, Matthew Stafford, Sam Darnold, Brian Flores, Stafford hasn’t, Jalen, John Harbaugh, Harbaugh, Lamar, Mike Tomlin, Justin Fields, —, Sean McDermott, Buffalo, McDermott, “, QB Jayden Daniels, He’s, Daniels, I’m, Greif, Darnold, Kevin O’Connell, Mayfield, Josh Allen, Coach Harbaugh Organizations: NFL, Chargers, Texans, Steelers, Ravens, Broncos, Bills, Packers, Eagles, Buccaneers, Vikings, Rams, NBC, NBC Sports, AFC North, Pittsburgh, AFC, Lions, Philadelphia, Daugherty :, Minnesota, Jackson, Super, Bucs, Buffalo, Chiefs, Detroit, Kansas, Football Locations: Arizona, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Greif, Minnesota, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Daugherty : Minnesota, Seattle, Washington, Tampa, Mayfield, Kansas City, Detroit

☆ He was supposed to win Ohio State a national title. Now, he’s trying to stop it from happening.
▼ + stars: | 2025-01-09 | by ( Andrew Greif | Andrew Greif Is A Freelance Sports Journalist. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +5 min

In the summer of 2021, the nation’s top-ranked high school football recruit, Quinn Ewers, arrived on Ohio State's campus in what represented a recruiting coup. Now, he was seemingly next in line to help the powerhouse Buckeyes win college football’s national championship. Texas last won a national title in the 2005 season and Ohio State in 2014. After less than three months and one semester at Ohio State, Ewers transferred to Texas to play for the Longhorns’ new coach, Steve Sarkisian. Now, he’s trying to be the big winner of the College Football Playoff’s ultimate prize.

Persons: Quinn Ewers, Jack Sawyer, Ewers, “, I’ve, ” Ewers, Ryan Day, ”, Steve Sarkisian, On3 Organizations: Texas Longhorns, Buckeyes, football’s, College Football, Texas, Ohio State, Penn State, Notre Dame, Friday’s, Texas Legislature, ESPN, Longhorns, NFL Locations: Ohio, Dallas, Arlington , Texas, Atlanta, Texas

☆ NFL playoff picture: Which teams have clinched postseason berths, seeds
▼ + stars: | 2025-01-05 | by ( Andrew Greif | Andrew Greif Is A Freelance Sports Journalist. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +4 min

Playoff opponent: Still to be determined. Playoff opponent: Still to be determined. If the Chargers win Sunday, the Ravens will host another edition of the Harbaugh Bowl between brothers and coaches Jim and John Harbaugh. Playoff opponent: Still to be determined, but they can play only either Houston on the road if they earn the No. Who will get the last AFC playoff berth?

Persons: hinging, Jim, John Harbaugh Organizations: NFC Minnesota Vikings, Vikings, NFC, Sunday, Detroit, Detroit Lions, Lions, Minnesota, Philadelphia Eagles, The Eagles, Dallas, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Buccaneers, Atlanta, Falcons, Washington, Los Angeles Rams, Rams, Green Bay Packers, Packers, Chicago, Bears, AFC, Kansas City Chiefs, Chiefs, AFC West, Buffalo Bills, AFC East, Bills, Baltimore Ravens, Ravens, Cleveland, Chargers, Harbaugh, Pittsburgh, Houston Texans, Texans, Tennessee, Steelers, Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday’s Chargers, Las, Los Angeles Chargers, The Chargers, Denver Broncos, Broncos, Kansas City . Miami Dolphins, Dolphins, Denver . Cincinnati Bengals, Saturday, Bengals, Denver, Miami Locations: Tampa, Green, Philadelphia, New England, Houston, Las Vegas, Baltimore

☆ Could Joe Burrow really win NFL MVP? His stats say yes. Precedent doesn't.
▼ + stars: | 2025-01-03 | by ( Andrew Greif | Andrew Greif Is A Freelance Sports Journalist. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +5 min

To win the NFL’s Most Valuable Player award, it won’t be enough for Joe Burrow to produce league-leading statistics. Simpson in 1973 was the last player to win the MVP award but miss the playoffs. Running back Chris Johnson was the last Offensive Player of the Year to miss the playoffs, in 2009, when Tennessee finished 8-8. That is also the worst record for any team to produce an Offensive Player of the Year, according to NBC Sports Research. In both MVP and Offensive Player of the Year, then, a .500 or better record has been the baseline.

Persons: Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, Saquon Barkley, Burrow, Simpson, Barry Sanders, Brett Favre, Chris Johnson, hasn’t, Micah Parsons, ”, Parsons, ” Parsons, We’ve, Lamar, Troy Aikman, Bettors, Allen, Jackson, Barkley, Russell Wilson, “, you’ve, it’s Organizations: Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo, Philadelphia Eagles, Pro Bowl, Bengals, Pittsburgh, Denver, NBC Sports Research, Detroit, Green Bay, NFL, Tennessee, ” Cowboys, Cowboys, Bills, AFC, Kansas City, Ravens Locations: Miami, Baltimore

☆ He’s one of college football’s winningest coaches — yet his own team’s fans aren’t sold on him
▼ + stars: | 2024-12-31 | by ( Andrew Greif | Andrew Greif Is A Freelance Sports Journalist. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +7 min

Unlike his two predecessors who won national championships in their first three seasons, Day has yet to claim a national title. “Ohio State has three goals each year — beat Michigan, win the Big Ten, win a national title. They are 0-11 on goals the last four years and still chasing this national title,” Lesmerises wrote. So despite an October loss to Oregon and the November head-scratcher against Michigan, the Buckeyes’ title dreams remain intact. “The main aspect of being a fan is to be able to talk trash to people and talk trash to Michigan fans.

Persons: Ohio State’s Ryan, ”, Day’s, Ari Wasserman, On3, “, ” Doug Lesmerises, Lesmerises, —, ” Lesmerises, Mike Vrabel, Jim Tressel, Urban Meyer, Vrabel, ” Wasserman, Jim Harbaugh, Harbaugh, Ann Arbor Organizations: Day’s Ohio, Big, Buckeyes, Rose Bowl, Wednesday’s College, Ohio State, archrival Michigan, Michigan, —, Wolverines, Ohio, “ OSU, YouTube, “ Ohio State, OSU, NFL, College Football, Rose, Eleven Warriors Locations: Ohio, Columbus, Day’s, Pasadena , California, Oregon, Tennessee, Michigan, “ Kings, “, New Hampshire, Ann

☆ Jayden Daniels' latest comeback heroics earn Commanders playoff berth
▼ + stars: | 2024-12-30 | by ( Andrew Greif | Andrew Greif Is A Freelance Sports Journalist. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +2 min

But that stunning, game-winning score to beat the Chicago Bears wasn’t the last clutch performance of Daniels' rookie season. Because of his knack for late-game heroics, the Washington Commanders are going to the playoffs for the first time since 2020. Daniels threw a 2-yard touchdown pass to tight end Zach Ertz in overtime to win 30-24 and clinch the wild card playoff berth. Chants of “MVP” were heard in Washington’s stadium during overtime Sunday — and that was before Daniels found Ertz for the game-winning, playoff-clinching score. Washington is now 11-5 with one game remaining but its playoff berth guaranteed, making it unclear whether Daniels will play in the regular-season finale or rest.

Persons: Jayden Daniels, Mary, Daniels, Michael Penix Jr, —, Zach Ertz, Robert Griffin III’s, ”, Ertz Organizations: NFL, Chicago Bears, Washington Commanders, Philadelphia Eagles, Atlanta Falcons, Falcons, Washington Locations: Washington, Washington’s, Boston

☆ Saquon Barkley joins NFL’s rare 2,000-yard club; will Eagles star break record next week?
▼ + stars: | 2024-12-29 | by ( Andrew Greif | Andrew Greif Is A Freelance Sports Journalist. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +1 min

Now with 2,005 yards on the season, Barkley joins a select group. Eric Dickerson: 2,105 yards (1984)Adrian Peterson: 2,097 (2012)Jamal Lewis: 2,066 (2003)Barry Sanders 2,053 (1997)Derrick henry 2,027 (2020)Terrell Davis 2,008 (1998)Chris Johnson 2,006 (2009)Saquon Barkley 2,005 (2024)O.J. Simpson 2,003 (1973)And with one game still to play in the regular season, he is now 100 yards from breaking Dickerson’s record that has endured for 40 years. In a poetic twist, Barkley would have the opportunity to break the record next week against his former team, the New York Giants. Nine months after the Giants allowed Barkley to walk in free agency, he could rush past them, right into the record book.

Persons: Saquon Barkley, Barkley, Eric Dickerson, Adrian Peterson, Jamal Lewis, Barry Sanders, Derrick henry, Terrell Davis, Chris Johnson, O.J, Simpson, Nick Sirianni Organizations: Sunday, Eagles, Dallas, Philadelphia, New York Giants, Giants

☆ The Cowboys derailed the Bucs’ postseason hopes, plus huge games from Jayden Daniels and Jonathan Taylor
▼ + stars: | 2024-12-23 | by ( Andrew Greif | Https | Media-Cldnry.S-Nbcnews.Com Image Upload Newscms Greg_Rosenstein.Jpg | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +3 min

Hours after Dallas was eliminated from making the NFL’s postseason Sunday, it still affected the playoff race across the NFC. The loss won’t extend the season for the Cowboys (7-8) after Washington’s victory over Philadelphia earlier Sunday mathematically eliminated Dallas’ already slim playoff odds. With the loss, Tampa Bay (8-7) is no longer in first place in the NFC South. Had Tampa Bay won this week, its odds of making the playoffs would have improved to 94%, according to NFL.com; the loss drops that probability to 67% with two games left. Cooper Rush threw for 292 yards and a touchdown in the Cowboys’ win.

Persons: DaRon Bland, Dallas ’, “, Baker Mayfield, Bland, Mayfield, White, Dallas, Mike McCarthy’s, Dak Prescott, Cooper Rush, wideout CeeDee Lamb, Bland’s, Brandon Aubrey Organizations: Dallas, NFC, Cowboys, Tampa Bay, Buccaneers, Philadelphia, T, Tampa, NFL, Falcons, NFL.com Locations: Tampa Bay, Atlanta

☆ Rickey Henderson, Major League Baseball's all-time base stealer, dies at 65
▼ + stars: | 2024-12-21 | by ( Andrew Greif | Andrew Greif Is A Freelance Sports Journalist. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +4 min

Rickey Henderson, the greatest base stealer in Major League Baseball history and one of the game’s most enduring players, has died, Major League Baseball confirmed Saturday. MLB commissioner Rob Manfred called Henderson the “gold standard of base stealing and leadoff hitting” in a statement Saturday that expressed the league’s condolences Saturday. In 2001 while playing for San Diego — one of the nine teams he played over a 25-year career — Henderson passed Babe Ruth as MLB’s all-time walks leader. A field near his high school, Oakland Tech, still bears Henderson’s name. “There was only one Rickey Henderson in baseball,” George Steinbrenner, the former Yankees owner, once said, according to the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Persons: Rickey Henderson, Henderson, Rob Manfred, “ Rickey, “, Lou Brock’s, “ Lou Brock, ” Henderson, San Diego —, — Henderson, Babe Ruth, MLB’s, Barry Bonds, Pete Rose, Carl Yastrzemski, Henry Aaron, ” George Steinbrenner, Dave Winfield, Henderson’s, I’ve, ” Winfield Organizations: Major League Baseball, MLB, Athletics, Oakland Athletics, Oakland, Lou Brock’s MLB, San Diego, American League, Oakland Tech, Henderson, Boston, Yankees, Baseball Hall of Fame, Newark Bears, Dodgers Locations: Sacramento, Oakland, Calif, Toronto, Chicago

☆ Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell goes down with apparent knee injury
▼ + stars: | 2024-12-21 | by ( Andrew Greif | Andrew Greif Is A Freelance Sports Journalist. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +1 min

Houston Texans star receiver Tank Dell went down with an apparent gruesome knee injury in the third quarter of Saturday's contest against the Kansas City Chief. The injury, which led to Dell being carted off the field, was so devastating it had several of his teammates holding back tears on the sidelines. The injury occurred on a play that Houston initially celebrated -- a 30-yard touchdown catch by Dell from quarterback CJ Stroud that pulled the Texans (9-5) within 17-16 on the scoreboard. Stroud, who last season called Dell his closest friend on the Texans roster, was emotional watching the aftermath of the play. It could be the second major leg injury of Dell’s career, after a broken leg sidelined him during his rookie season in 2023.

Persons: Tank Dell, Dell, CJ Stroud, Jared Wayne, Patrick Mahomes, Mahomes Organizations: Houston Texans, Kansas City Chief, Houston, Dell, Texans, Chiefs Locations: Stroud

☆ Colorado star Travis Hunter wins 2024 Heisman Trophy as best player in college football
▼ + stars: | 2024-12-15 | by ( Andrew Greif | Andrew Greif Is A Freelance Sports Journalist. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +2 min

Hunter’s two-way stardom is rare; not since Michigan’s Charles Woodson in 1997 has a Heisman winner played on both sides of the ball. In addition to the Heisman, Hunter this season was also named as a finalist for the awards given to college football’s top receiver and top defensive player. As a wide receiver, Hunter caught 92 passes to lead the Big 12 Conference and rank fifth in the country. Hunter, who has said he will enter the NFL draft following Colorado’s season, began his college career by upending expectations. Hunter is Colorado’s second Heisman winner, joining running back Rashaan Salaam in 1994.

Persons: Colorado’s Travis Hunter, Hunter, Dillon Gabriel, Cam Ward, Ashton Jeanty, Hunter’s, Michigan’s Charles Woodson, Deion Sanders, Sanders, — Organizations: Oregon, Miami, Boise State, Ashton, Heisman, Hunter’s, NCAA’s Football, Big, NCAA, FBS, Jackson State, When Colorado, NFL, MLB, Boulder ., Salaam Locations: Boise, When, Boulder

☆ The under-the-radar NFL matchup that could reshape the playoff bracket
▼ + stars: | 2024-12-13 | by ( Andrew Greif | Andrew Greif Is A Freelance Sports Journalist. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +3 min

What could be the most important Week 15 NFL matchup isn’t a faceoff between division leaders. Yet those four teams have either already clinched playoff berths or are all but certain to. With a win, the Colts’ chances of making the playoffs would increase from 25% to 51%, according to NFL.com’s playoff probability tracker. Since 2000, there have been five seasons in which multiple rookie quarterbacks started playoff games. For Nix, that includes winning a matchup Sunday that won’t ever be confused with the schedule’s buzziest matchup — but is perhaps its most consequential.

Persons: it's, Anthony Richardson, Richardson, Russell Wilson, Bo Nix, Nix, Jayden Daniels, Daniels Organizations: Indianapolis Colts, Broncos, Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles, Buffalo Bills, Detroit Lions, NFC, Colts, Denver, Indianapolis, AFC, can’t, NFL, Washington Locations: Denver, Indianapolis, Miami, It’s

☆ NFL playoffs: The strengths and flaws that could define each Super Bowl contender
▼ + stars: | 2024-12-10 | by ( Andrew Greif | Andrew Greif Is A Freelance Sports Journalist. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +9 min

Worst potential fatal flaw: They can’t keep playing with fire like this and continue getting away with it ... right? Buffalo Bills (10-3)Best potential playoff asset: Quarterback Josh Allen, who during the past two weeks produced stat lines never before seen in NFL history. Worst potential fatal flaw: The offensive line has allowed Stroud to be sacked at one of the NFL’s highest rates. Minnesota Vikings (11-2)Best potential playoff asset: Like Kansas City, Minnesota has found ways to win late, experience that can’t be discounted. Washington Commanders (8-5)Best potential playoff asset: The Commanders rarely turn the ball over, though that has slightly changed recently.

Persons: Vince Lombardi, Patrick Mahomes, Mahomes, Josh Allen, Allen, Mike Tomlin, Russell Wilson, Kansas City — they’ll, Wilson, Tomlin, hasn’t, C.J ., Nico Collins, Stroud, Lamar Jackson, Zay, Derrick Henry, Henry, he’s, Justin Tucker’s, Ben Johnson, Dan Campbell’s, Saquon Barkley, Brown, Kevin O’Connell, Sam Darnold’s, — Darnold, Brian Flores, Jordan Love, Washington’s, Jayden Daniels Organizations: Kansas City Chiefs, Chiefs, AFC Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers, of Famer, Buffalo Bills, Bills, Los Angeles Rams, Rams, Kansas City, Pittsburgh Steelers, Steelers, Houston Texans, Texans, Baltimore Ravens, Ravens, NFL, NFC Detroit Lions, Lions, Philadelphia Eagles, Eagles, Minnesota Vikings, Vikings, Green Bay Packers, Packers, Washington Locations: Buffalo, Kansas, takeaways, Philadelphia, Baltimore, C.J . Stroud, Pittsburgh, Kansas City , Minnesota

☆ This quarterback just produced one of the greatest games in NFL history. And it still wasn’t enough
▼ + stars: | 2024-12-09 | by ( Andrew Greif | Andrew Greif Is A Freelance Sports Journalist. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +1 min

Amid a western New York snowstorm last week, Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen produced a stat line unlike any other quarterback in NFL history, becoming the first quarterback ever to score touchdowns as a passer, runner and receiver in the same game. The stat line was unprecedented, and helped the Bills clinch a playoff spot in the AFC. For his encore, Allen made even more history Sunday in Los Angeles. The NFL is a league filled with many of the biggest and fastest athletes in the world. “I have to make one more play than they do,” Allen told reporters.

Persons: Josh Allen, Allen, “ Josh Allen, ”, Sean McVay, “, ” Allen Organizations: Buffalo, Bills, AFC, Rams, SoFi, NFL, ” Rams Locations: New York, Los Angeles

☆ The Kansas City Chiefs remain the NFL’s best escape artists, plus incredible games from Josh Allen and Sam Darnold
▼ + stars: | 2024-12-09 | by ( Andrew Greif | Https | Media-Cldnry.S-Nbcnews.Com Image Upload Newscms Greg_Rosenstein.Jpg | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +3 min

The Chiefs (12-1) improved to 10-0 in games decided by one score or less this season. They have also won 15 consecutive one-possession games dating to last season, including the playoffs. The Chiefs' Matthew Wright celebrates the game-winning field goal the Chargers' Troy Dye. Wright, the third kicker used by Kansas City this season, made all four of his field goal attempts. Around the leagueJosh Allen of the Buffalo Bills passes against the Los Angeles Rams in Inglewood, Calif., on Sunday.

Persons: Matthew Wright, Troy Dye, David Eulitt, Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Wright, Mahomes, Kelce, Justin Herbert, Josh Allen, Harry Organizations: Kansas City Chiefs, NFL, AFC West, Los Angeles Chargers, New England, The Chiefs, Chiefs, Chargers, Kansas City, Buffalo Bills, Los Angeles Rams Locations: Kansas, Inglewood , Calif

☆ College Football Playoff: Oregon takes top spot while Alabama left off bracket
▼ + stars: | 2024-12-08 | by ( Andrew Greif | Andrew Greif Is A Freelance Sports Journalist. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +3 min

The 12-team College Football Playoff that will eventually crown a national champion was unveiled Sunday, with top-seeded Oregon, Georgia, Boise State and Arizona State earning the top-four seeds and first-round byes in the bracket. As part of the playoff’s expansion from four teams to 12 this season, its 13-member selection committee selected the five highest-ranked conference champions, plus seven at-large teams. Only the four highest-ranked conference champions were eligible to earn a top-four seed and the reward of a bye into the quarterfinals. Ultimately, SMU became one of the bracket’s biggest winners when the playoff selection committee included the Mustangs despite its title-game loss, leaving out perennial powerhouse Alabama. The dates of the rest of the College Football playoff:Semifinals: Jan. 9-10, at the Cotton Bowl and Orange Bowl.

Persons: Warde Manuel Organizations: Football, Arizona State, Boise State, Penn State, Notre Dame, Ohio State, SMU, Clemson, Michigan, Saturday’s ACC, Alabama, Oregon, Texas, SEC, Iowa State, UNLV, Texas Indiana, Notre Dame SMU, Penn State Tennessee, Ohio, Fiesta, Rose, Indiana, Penn, College Football, Cotton, Orange Bowl, Mercedes, Benz Locations: Oregon, Georgia, Boise State, Texas, Tennessee, Indiana, Alabama, Atlanta

☆ The College Football Playoff bracket is almost set. How safe is your favorite team?
▼ + stars: | 2024-12-06 | by ( Andrew Greif | Andrew Greif Is A Freelance Sports Journalist. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +12 min

The 12-team bracket for the College Football Playoff is almost set. With the regular season over, all that remains between the reveal of the final bracket Sunday are this weekend’s slate of conference championship games. The Longhorns, who play Georgia in the SEC title game, are heading to the playoff whether they win or lose this weekend. Losing in the SEC title game would complicate the Bulldogs’ case, but even so, with their only losses to No. Tennessee (10-2)Next game: IdleSafe scale: 10/10With non-championship game teams essentially locked in place, the Volunteers appear all but assured to host a first-round playoff game.

Persons: Warde Manuel, Manuel, ”, won’t, —, They’re, they’re, ” Manuel, Ashton Jeanty, couldn’t, Ole, Ole Miss’s, Shane Beamer’s, ” Beamer, Kenny Dillingham’s Organizations: College Football, ESPN, College, Penn State, Ducks, SEC, Longhorns, Georgia, Nittany Lions, Ohio State, Big, Notre Dame, Bulldogs, Georgia Tech, Michigan, Volunteers, SMU, ACC, Clemson, Mountain, Boise State, UNLV, Broncos, Boise, Crimson Tide, Miami, Hurricanes, Syracuse, Clemson —, Miami —, Arizona State, Iowa State, Ole Miss, Gamecocks, Sun Devils, Cyclones, Tigers, Louisville, Rebels Locations: Michigan, Oregon, . Texas, Georgia, Northern Illinois, Texas, Alabama, . Mississippi, . Tennessee, Dallas, Indiana, Orange, Miami, Mississippi, Carolina, Iowa, Arizona, Boise

☆ 49ers fear Christian McCaffrey’s knee injury in loss to Bills could be season-ending
▼ + stars: | 2024-12-02 | by ( Andrew Greif | Andrew Greif Is A Freelance Sports Journalist. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +2 min

A season that began on the injured list could end the same way for star San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey. After McCaffrey exited the 49ers’ 35-10 loss at Buffalo in Week 13 in the second quarter Sunday night and never returned, San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters he had injured the posterior cruciate ligament in a knee. With five games left on the schedule, McCaffrey’s injury could be season-ending, Shanahan added. Losing McCaffrey to start the season and potentially to end it, as well, is a significant blow. Without McCaffrey for the majority of the season, the 49ers have stumbled to a 5-7 record.

Persons: Christian McCaffrey, McCaffrey, Kyle Shanahan, Shanahan, Achilles, Ed, ”, ” Ed McCaffrey, Ross Tucker, Francisco standouts, Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel, George Kittle Organizations: San Francisco 49ers, 49ers, Buffalo Locations: San Francisco, Germany, Francisco

☆ Josh Allen makes NFL history as Bills’ win streak reaches seven, plus a big day for Steelers QB Russell Wilson
▼ + stars: | 2024-12-02 | by ( Andrew Greif | Https | Media-Cldnry.S-Nbcnews.Com Image Upload Newscms Greg_Rosenstein.Jpg | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +1 min

Behind four total touchdowns by quarterback Josh Allen, the Bills routed the 49ers 35-10 on NBC’s “Sunday Night Football” to clinch a playoff spot and win Buffalo’s fifth consecutive AFC East title. The Bills’ dominant team outcome was the product of Allen’s individual brilliance. Allen became the first quarterback in NFL history to score touchdowns running, passing and receiving in a single game. After they fell behind 3-0, the Bills scored the next 28 points to easily take control and improve to 10-2, including 6-0 at home. To add more injury to insult, star linebacker Fred Warner later left the game, as well.

Persons: Josh Allen, Allen, ‘, Amari Cooper, Christian McCaffrey hobbled, McCaffrey, Achilles, Fred Warner Organizations: San Francisco 49ers, Buffalo Bills, Bills, 49ers, AFC East Locations: New York

☆ Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence carted off field after taking illegal hit vs. Texans
▼ + stars: | 2024-12-01 | by ( Andrew Greif | Andrew Greif Is A Freelance Sports Journalist. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +1 min

An illegal hit on Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence led the player to be carted off the field, sparked an ejection as well as a confrontation between Jacksonville and Houston Texans players on Sunday. Lawrence had run for a first down with four minutes to play before halftime during the Week 13 game and had begun a feet-first slide to end his play. Houston linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair continued to run toward Lawrence and hit the quarterback with his forearm, knocking Lawrence’s head backward, and it later bounced off the turf. The hit occurred in front of the Jacksonville sideline and Jaguars teammates immediately ran to confront Al-Shaair. Al-Shaair was ejected for the hit and was led off the field by team personnel to boos throughout the Florida stadium.

Persons: Trevor Lawrence, Lawrence, Azeez Al, Shaair Organizations: Houston Texans, Sunday, Houston, Jacksonville, Jaguars Locations: Jacksonville, Florida

☆ The College Football Playoff is almost here. These games could decide the bracket.
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-29 | by ( Andrew Greif | Andrew Greif Is A Freelance Sports Journalist. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +4 min

When the College Football Playoff expanded to 12 teams this season, simple math suggested that more teams in contention would correspond with more late-season drama. 16 Arizona State (9-2) at Arizona (4-7)No. Rattle off all of the 200-plus Big 12 championship game scenarios to your family and friends. 8 Tennessee (9-2) at Vanderbilt (6-5)In the SEC, Georgia has already clinched an appearance in the championship game. SMU has already earned its way into the ACC championship game and will play either Miami or Clemson.

Persons: Deion Sanders, Ole Miss, Ashton Jeanty Organizations: College Football, Oklahoma State, Arizona State, Kansas State, Iowa State, BYU, Arizona, Colorado, SEC, Auburn, Vanderbilt, Bulldogs, Vols, Volunteers, Alabama, ACC, Mountain, Clemson, Miami, SMU, Hurricanes, Syracuse, Gamecocks, Oregon State, Boise State, Broncos, Heisman Locations: Colorado, Arizona, Houston, Arizona State, Iowa State , Colorado, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, Texas, Alabama , Texas, Nashville, Carolina, Syracuse, South Carolina, Boise State

☆ Saquon Barkley strengthens MVP candidacy, plus Cowboys and Vikings survive late comeback attempts
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-25 | by ( Andrew Greif | Https | Media-Cldnry.S-Nbcnews.Com Image Upload Newscms Greg_Rosenstein.Jpg | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +3 min

Before this NFL season began, a major concern surrounding the Philadelphia Eagles was how their new running back would play behind a new-look offensive line. It was the most individual rushing yards in a single game since 2009, and pushed Barkley to 1,392 yards on the season, a new career-high set in only 11 games. Already the NFL’s leader in yards from scrimmage, Barkley pushed his lead in that category by also catching four passes for 47 yards. Against the Rams, Philadelphia rushed for 314. I'm ready to go out there and perform at a high level and get ready for next week."

Persons: Saquon Barkley, Barkley, Jalen, Jason Kelce Organizations: Philadelphia Eagles, Eagles, Los Angeles Rams, New York Giants, NFC East, Washington, NBC, Rams, NFC West, Bowl, of Famer, Sunday, Philadelphia, Los, Cowboys, Packers, 49ers Locations: Philadelphia, Los Angeles

☆ UFC champ Jon Jones, 49ers star Nick Bosa and other athletes celebrate with 'Trump Dance'
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-18 | by ( Andrew Greif | Andrew Greif Is A Freelance Sports Journalist. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +1 min

A month after Donald Trump danced spontaneously at a political rally, the moves have made their way to sporting events around the country. After two attendees fainted at an Oct. 15 rally in Pennsylvania, Trump ended his remarks, saying: “Let’s just listen to music. San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa celebrated a sack with teammates in a game at Tampa Bay on Nov. 10. With Trump sitting cage-side Saturday in New York’s Madison Square Garden, UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones celebrated his victory against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 by mimicking Trump as Trump smiled. President-elect Donald Trump, singer Kid Rock and Vivek Ramaswamy stand up after UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones' TKO victory Saturday.

Persons: Donald Trump, Trump, “, Kamala Harris, Nick Bosa, Bosa, Jon Jones, Stipe Miocic, Kid Rock, Vivek Ramaswamy, Kena Betancur, Za’Darius Smith, Las Vegas ’ Brock Bowers, Tennessee’s Calvin Ridley Organizations: Trump, San Francisco 49ers, Tampa Bay, San Francisco Chronicle, NFL, Garden, UFC, Getty, Las Vegas Locations: Pennsylvania, New York’s, AFP, Las

A look at the factors that led Donald Trump to victory and Kamala Harris to an election loss. A fast-growing wildfire spreads in California. How Trump won and Harris lost the electionThe analysis of President-elect Donald Trump's victory over Vice President Kamala Harris began before Election Day had ended. But Donald Trump’s presidential election victory injects new uncertainty into what happens long-term. Fast-moving wildfire tears through California communityA wildfire in Southern California quickly grew to over 14,000 acres, sending firefighters rushing to get residents out of homes and to safety, officials said.

Persons: Donald Trump, Kamala Harris, Trump, Harris, Donald Trump's, Joe Biden, ”, Biden, Donald Trump’s, Trevor Johnson, Johnson, Ryan Sun, Steve Ballmer's, they’re, — Andrew Greif, Elizabeth Robinson Organizations: NBA, Trump, Republicans, Howard University, Biden, Republican, NBC, ’, Federal, Wall, “ Firefighters, Intuit, Los Angeles Clippers, Phoenix Suns, Steve Ballmer's Los Angeles Clippers Locations: California, Southern California, Ventura County, Santa Ana, Moorpark, Inglewood , California

☆ Inside the NBA arena that’s trying to change how fans cheer
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-06 | by ( Andrew Greif | Andrew Greif Is A Freelance Sports Journalist. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +8 min

Intuit Dome wants to rewire fans’ habits and change the way they’re used to rooting for the home team. “It feels kind of like an NBA Disneyland, versus [Crypto.com Arena, the Clippers’ former home, shared with the Los Angeles Lakers] where it’s a multiteam, multisport arena,” said Oscar Burrows-Rangel, a longtime Clippers fan. Just as unique, however, are the design choices that earn less attention but also affect the customer experience, said longtime Clippers fans who attended the Oct. 23 regular-season opener, against Phoenix. He has said the number of toilets and urinals is three times the number in the average NBA arena. One of the most significant elements about watching a Clippers game that Ballmer aims to change involves what is heard, and what isn’t, in other parts of the building.

Persons: Steve Ballmer, Ballmer, Gary Coronado, ”, Oscar Burrows, Rangel, Ryan Sun, James Harden, Ivica Zubac, ” Burrows, Erica Okeith, ” Okeith, Kirby Lee, Kevin Durant, Okeith, Jason Holzgang, Holzgang, ‘, checkouts, Daniel Albitres, Albitres, “, ” Albitres Organizations: Intuit Dome, Los Angeles Clippers, Microsoft, Clippers, Los Angeles Times, Getty, NBA, Intuit, Los Angeles Lakers, longtime Clippers, Phoenix Suns, Farm, Phoenix, AP, Xbox, Los Angeles Sports Arena, AP Suns, Crypto.com, Suns Locations: INGLEWOOD, Calif, —, Arizona, Atlanta, The, Golden State , New York, Boston

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