The Sports DeskStoryboardNFL Week 15: Bills vs. Lions — Who Has the Edge?Curated byThe Sports DeskThe postseason has historically been unkind to the title-less Bills and Lions. But fans in each city are daring to believe as their teams square off in what could be an early preview of Super Bowl LIX. A breakdown of Sunday’s biggest matchup. Plus, the Rams keep pressure on Seattle with a win over the struggling 49ers, the Dolphins cut Odell Beckham Jr., and you wouldn’t know the Eagles have won nine straight with all the griping around their lackluster pass attack.
The Sports DeskStoryboardWill Bill Belichick's Old Ways Work at North Carolina?Curated byThe Sports DeskBy the time the former Patriots coach stands on the Tar Heels sideline, he will be 55 years older than some of his players. Why would the six-time Super Bowl champion who is 14 wins from the all-time NFL wins record take over a middle-of-the-road ACC program during college football’s most chaotic era? “This is a big f--- you to the NFL,” a confidant told ESPN. Read more on a stunning move that few saw coming — and why the league in which he spent half a century coaching didn’t want him around.
The Sports DeskStoryboardJuan Soto's History-Making (And Repeating) ContractCurated byThe Sports DeskMultiple outlets report that the Mets have outbid the Yankees for the superstar, power-hitting, Scott Boras-represented outfielder with a record 15-year, $765 million contract. But did the Mets come away a winner? Why this smacks of Texas’ disastrous 2000 signing of Alex Rodriguez that burdened the Rangers for years. Plus, what the deal means for small market teams, how the Yankees lost this bidding war, and an alleged incident with team security that may have moved the needle for Soto.
The Sports DeskStoryboardNFL: Recap: Chiefs Reign, Allen Shines, Darnold Prevails AgainCurated byThe Sports DeskThis is Kansas City’s world. The rest of the AFC West is left to wonder how the 12-1 Chiefs claimed their 15th straight one-score win — not to mention a ninth consecutive division title. Kansas City pulled off another thriller vs. the Chargers and “are almost like an NBA team that only plays when they have to,” one NFL exec explains. Read about Week 14, including winners and losers, Monday night’s Bengals-Cowboys showdown, and Josh Allen’s dual-threat mastery in the Bills’ loss to the Rams.
The Sports DeskStoryboardCFP Bracket: Happy Ducks, Surprising Sun Devils, And an Outgoing TideCurated byThe Sports DeskFinally, the 12-team field is set. That ought to make everyone happy, right? All is well in Eugene after the unbeaten Ducks clinched the top seed, followed by Georgia, Boise State and one of the year's biggest surprises: Arizona State. After so much grumbling about a potential Big Ten-SEC showcase, the Broncos and Sun Devils received first-round byes, and SMU took the final at-large spot. You're okay with that, right Bama fans? Unpacking the committee's work, playoff predictions, and more.
The Sports DeskStoryboardNFL Week 14: Chargers Face Chiefs in AFC West ClashCurated byThe Sports DeskThe Packers and Lions got the week off to a great start with a heart-stopping slugfest that wasn’t decided until a Detroit field goal at the buzzer. Will the rest of this week's games follow suit? Here’s what to keep an eye on, including the Chargers trying to reverse their miserable history vs. the Chiefs. Plus, picks for each game, an early look at the playoff picture, and the rising Broncos' big question: Why is their former quarterback Russell Wilson playing so well now?
The Sports DeskStoryboardCFB: Your Guide to Championship WeekCurated byThe Sports DeskFinally, we have arrived at the doorstep of the conference championships, and we will soon learn which teams have landed in the 12-team playoff field. Like controversy? There’s plenty. Three-loss Alabama leapfrogged two-loss Miami in Tuesday’s rankings. Does strength of schedule only apply to the mighty? Plus, previews of each matchup, online rhetoric reaches peak catfight, and the whole lot of money at stake when the remaining contenders strap on their helmets Friday and Saturday.
The Sports DeskStoryboardNFL Recap: Veteran QBs Struggle, Josh Allen Sizzles, And MoreCurated byThe Sports DeskAaron Rodgers will remain the Jets’ starting quarterback (for now), but time may be running out on fellow veteran Kirk Cousins after throwing four picks on Sunday. Meanwhile, Josh Allen extended his lead in the MVP race by passing, catching and running for a touchdown in an upstate New York snow globe. Read about Week 13, including Houston linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair’s head-hunting hit on Jaguars’ QB Trevor Lawrence, Philadelphia’s eighth-straight win, and Bryce Young’s breakout game.
The Sports DeskStoryboardCFB Recap: Upsets, Flag-Planting, and Pepper SprayCurated byThe Sports DeskSo much chaos, where to begin? Let’s start with the calls for Ryan Day, a coach with a 66-10 career record, to get fired after Ohio State’s fourth straight loss to That Team Up North. The temperature was high on Saturday. Here’s what happened, including Miami’s jarring loss to Syracuse and celebrating Michigan players getting pepper sprayed. Plus, projecting the 12-team playoff field.
The Sports DeskStoryboardNFL Week 13: Bears Fire Matt Eberflus After T-Day CollapseCurated byThe Sports DeskAs the clock wound down on the Bears’ comeback attempt at Detroit, you could sense time was also running short for the embattled head coach. Eberflus was fired a day after Caleb Williams’ last-ditch deep ball fell incomplete for Chicago’s sixth straight loss — a useful timeout inexplicably left in the coach’s back pocket. Here’s more on the series of miscues that led to Eberflus’ demise, and what’s next for Chicago. Plus, Thanksgiving game grades, previews of Sunday’s matchups, and more.
The Sports DeskStoryboardCFB: A Holiday Weekend Full of Hate-Filled MatchupsCurated byThe Sports DeskAs Thanksgiving arrives, we stand at the base of a Rivalry Weekend like no other — and not just because Alabama is out of CFP contention. Or at least had better be out, according to enemies of the Tide, the SEC, Paul Finebaum, and probably even Lynyrd Skynyrd. Yes, the bitterness is heating up like microwaved leftovers: Michigan-Ohio State, Notre Dame-USC, and the (finally) renewed Texas-Texas A&M rivalry lead the slate — with CFP implications for the teams that have a shot at the 12-team field.
The Sports DeskStoryboardNFL Recap: Barkley's Big Night, Another Chiefs' Squeaker, And MoreCurated byThe Sports DeskAs Saquon Barkley goes, the Eagles go, and that’s a good thing for Philadelphia. The revitalized back’s 255 rushing yards and two TDs steered the Eagles to a 37-20 win over the Rams. How Barkley’s “fresh start” for 9-2 Philadelphia has been everything the Eagles hoped for. Plus, 10-1 Kansas City claims its eighth one-score win, ineptitude equals entertainment in a wild Dallas-Washington finish, and why it’s hard to tell the difference between the dueling clown shows in New York.
The Sports DeskStoryboardCFB Recap: ASU Burns BYU, OU Ousts Bama, And MoreCurated byThe Sports DeskThe more questions that got answered, the more confusing things became after a turbulent Week 13. Case in point: The Big 12. Nine teams remain in contention with 256 different scenarios that could decide the conference title. Read about a wild Saturday that saw Arizona State emerge as the Big 12’s top team — for now. Plus, how Tuesday’s CFP rankings will look after three top SEC teams suffered road upsets, reality replaced euphoria Bloomington, and Notre Dame marched past Army.
The Sports DeskStoryboardNFL Week 12: Harbaugh Bowl, Sunday Picks, and MoreCurated byThe Sports DeskJim Harbaugh gets another shot at older brother John 12 years after their last meeting in Super Bowl XLVII. Here’s what to expect when Jim’s Chargers host John’s Ravens on Monday night. Plus, the Giants cut their $160 million quarterback, Daniel Jones, the Browns end the Steelers’ five-game win streak, and 10 years later, Odell Beckham Jr. reflects on the one-handed catch that shook the league. “It’s been my life ever since.”
The Sports DeskStoryboardIndiana-Ohio State Clash Headlines Major Week 13 MatchupsCurated byThe Sports DeskLike plot twists? Here’s one few saw coming: Indiana is 10-0, ranked No. 5, and playing No. 2 Ohio State with a potential CFP berth on the line. The Hoosiers have lost every game in Columbus since 1987. Can they flip the script this time? Predictions for every Saturday matchup, including two showdowns featuring unlikely playoff contenders — Notre Dame-Army at Yankee Stadium, and BYU-Arizona State. Plus, the eyes of Texas staring down on Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning.
The Sports DeskStoryboardNFL Roundup: How the Bills Took Down the Unbeaten ChiefsCurated byThe Sports DeskDid we just see a power shift in the AFC? Buffalo handed Kansas City its first loss of the season, Pittsburgh kicked its way past Baltimore, and the Chargers prevailed in a thrilling shootout with Cincinnati. In the NFC, Detroit dominated like a Super Bowl contender, while San Francisco’s playoff odds took a hit, and the Giants’ nightmare season continued with Daniel Jones waking up Monday as a $160-million backup.
The Sports DeskStoryboardCollege Football Recap: Ducks Survive, Bulldogs Flex, And MoreCurated byThe Sports DeskAll good things come to an and. Every fan base knows it, none more than previously unbeaten BYU, one of seven ranked teams to go down on Saturday. No. 1 Oregon almost joined them, but the Ducks prevailed in Madison. You'd think Kirby Smart would be happy, but Georgia’s win over Tennessee stirred up CFP rancor. At least LSU has reason to be angry. Three straight losses had Brian Kelly yelling at one player and another giving it right back to the coach. Yeah, there’s no chaos in college football.
The Sports DeskStoryboardNFL Week 11: Unbeaten, Underdog Chiefs Face Biggest HurdleCurated byThe Sports DeskKansas City, which last lost on Christmas Day, puts its perfect record on the line Sunday in Buffalo. Will the Chiefs become the first team to run the table in 52 years? Unlikely, ESPN’s Bill Barnwell writes. Still, it’s tough to bet against Mahomes as an underdog. Here’s what to know about Week 11, including predictions for every game, how the Giants handed the Eagles the NFC East, and the week’s craziest scenario — Deion and Shedeur Sanders to Dallas. Plus, how to break a young quarterback.
The Sports DeskStoryboardCFB: Unpacking the Wild Playoff Scenarios Bound to UnfoldCurated byThe Sports DeskSeveral teams have realistic hopes of making the 12-team field, yet those hopes could evaporate like a 13-point lead in Lubbock (sorry, Red Raiders). Here’s a look at the CFP chaos scenarios that could (will?) turn many seasons upside down. The first domino could fall Saturday when preseason favorite Georgia hosts Tennessee. Is this a loser-out game? Plus, betting tips for Week 12, Daddy Prime’s plan for son Shedeur, and would Michigan really pay $10 million for a quarterback?
The Sports DeskStoryboardNFL Roundup: A Sunday of UnpredictabilityCurated byThe Sports DeskJared Goff threw five interceptions and the Lions still won. Kansas City found another way to lose a game yet remains unbeaten with a blocked field goal at the buzzer. What else? Carolina has a two-game win streak, Russell Wilson is reviving his Seattle vibes, and things are so bad in Dallas even sunshine can’t catch a break. Here’s what to know about an erratic Week 10, including the Cardinals' continued rise, referee Shawn Hochuli's "sprich Deutsch" moment in Munich, and more.
The Sports DeskStoryboardCollege Football Recap: Ole Miss, BYU Boost Their CFP CasesCurated byThe Sports DeskIn this sport, you can’t take anything for granted, and Saturday made that point once again. The day started with unbeaten Miami losing to Georgia Tech, continued with Ole Miss disrupting the SEC with its upset of Georgia, and concluded with BYU turning rival Utah’s 11-point lead into a 22-21 Cougar win. Want more? Indiana is 10-0, Florida State is 1-9, and Colorado is primed for a Big 12 championship game appearance. “Do you believe now?” is more believable than ever.
The Sports DeskStoryboardNFL Week 10: Predictions, Insights And the Incredible Lamar JacksonCurated byThe Sports DeskTwo big non-conference matchups headline Sunday’s schedule: Pittsburgh at Washington and Detroit at Houston. Can the Steelers handle the Commanders’ Jayden Daniels-led running game, and will the Texans' stout defense have an answer for the Lions explosive passing attack? What to know about Week 10, including Jackson’s latest heroics that sank the Bengals, coaches hot seat rankings, and the news 49ers fans have been waiting for: Christian McCaffrey is suiting up. Will he be 100%?
The Sports DeskStoryboardCFB: Tide Rolls Into Baton Rouge, Cougars Invade SLCCurated byThe Sports DeskThe season continues steaming forward led by a marquee matchup that was flagged months ago: Alabama at LSU. How this SEC rivalry is serving as an elimination game on Saturday. Plus, the “Holy War” is back on, with BYU heading south on I-15 to face hated Utah, why Deion Sanders’ $30-million deal is looking like a bargain, and the fan who sits in obstructed view seats so you don’t have to.
The Sports DeskStoryboardNFL Roundup: Axes Fly, Barkley Wows, and MoreCurated byThe Sports DeskThe Saints fired head coach Dennis Allen after a seventh straight loss, and the Raiders purged three assistant coaches. Why those moves were made, and who could be next. Here's more Week 9 analysis, what's on tap for Monday Night Football, and must-see video of Saquon Barkley's eye-popping reverse hurdle that was straight out of Madden — or The Matrix. Plus, live updates ahead of the Nov. 5 trade deadline.
The Sports DeskStoryboardCollege Football: Penn State's Pain, SMU's SurgeCurated byThe Sports DeskSame story, different year. Despite the backing of a home crowd of 111,000 fans, the Nittany Lions’ offense couldn’t muster a touchdown when it mattered most, suffering an eighth straight loss to Ohio State, leaving the Buckeyes overjoyed in Happy Valley. Penn State wasn’t alone in misery. Seven of the 18 ranked teams in action in Week 10 also lost, including Texas A&M, Clemson, and Iowa State — just in time to add some spice to Tuesday’s CFP rankings. Plus, is there a new power in the ACC?
The Sports DeskStoryboardNFL Week 9: Wilson's (Season-Saving?) Catch, Sunday Picks, And MoreCurated byThe Sports DeskHave the Bills emerged as the team to beat in the AFC? Can the Lions remain atop the competitive NFC North? This week, we take a look at where all 32 teams stand in the days ahead of the Nov. 5 trade deadline. Plus, how Garrett Wilson’s stunning catch propelled the struggling Jets to a Thursday night win (and just maybe back into the playoff discussion?), predictions for each game, and that time Baker Mayfield and Patrick Mahomes threw for a combined 1,279 yards.
The Sports DeskStoryboardCFB: Will Saturday Be Messy With Upsets?Curated byThe Sports DeskHow good is Penn State? A win over visiting Ohio State would go a long way toward proving the Nittany Lions are more than the Big Ten’s annual bronze medalist. Saturday’s matchup between the No. 3 and No. 4 teams is one of only two featuring ranked teams, which means one thing: potential upsets abound from coast to coast — just days before the first CFP rankings. Games to note: No. 1 Oregon at Michigan, Duke at No. 5 Miami, and No. 19 Ole Miss at Arkansas. Here’s what to know about Week 10.
The Sports DeskStoryboardLA Crowned World Series Champions After Wild Game 5 ComebackCurated byThe Sports DeskThe Dodgers didn’t quit. Not after trailing big early or falling behind again in the seventh inning. In a World Series matchup that was meant to be, Los Angeles showed why it is the best team in baseball, completing a gentleman’s sweep over its cross-country rivals in Game 5 — at Yankee Stadium, no less. Read about the Dodgers’ eighth title, including Freddie Freeman’s MVP, Walker Buehler’s historic save, and a self-destructive fifth inning that doomed New York’s dream of forcing a Game 6.
The Sports DeskStoryboardNFL Roundup: Hail Mary, Hail CommandersCurated byThe Sports Desk"I'm going to watch this a couple dozen times," Washington guard Nick Allegretti said. Indeed, Jayden Daniels’ exhilarating walk-off Hail Mary will be rewatched and relived in the nation’s capital for years. Here’s how the extremely unlikely touchdown pass came to be — with the help of a little hubris from a Chicago cornerback. It was a wild Sunday that included Cleveland’s vibe shift under center, Dallas’ continued demise, and a scary thought for the NFC North: Detroit’s offense is roaring.
The Sports DeskStoryboardWorld Series: Yankees Face Long, But Possible, OddsCurated byThe Sports DeskAfter the Dodgers took a 2-0 series lead — on the timely heroics of Freddie Freeman, the lights-out pitching of Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and 18 innings of error-free defense — the World Series moves to the Bronx for Game 3. Historically, of the 54 teams that have started 0-2, only 10 came home with the ring. Here’s how New York can get back in it. Plus, the mounting burden on Aaron Judge’s broad shoulders, the latest on Shohei Ohtani’s subluxed shoulder, best bets, and more.
