Several English Football League (EFL) games, including Sheffield United versus Oxford United, were postponed due to frozen pitches. Affected games span across the Championship, League One, and League Two because of freezing weather conditions.
Key Facts
Sheffield United's game against Oxford United was postponed because the pitch was frozen.
A referee checked the pitch at Bramall Lane and found it unsuitable for play.
In total, nine EFL matches were canceled due to the cold weather.
The canceled games include matches in League One and League Two.
Doncaster vs. Luton and Rotherham vs. Mansfield games in League One were postponed.
In League Two, five games were canceled, with some scheduled games postponed after failing pitch inspections.
The matches involved teams like Colchester, Accrington, Newport, and Tranmere among others.
The New York Yankees have signed Paul DeJong, a player with nine years of major league experience, to a minor-league contract. DeJong, a former All-Star, brings additional depth to the Yankees' shortstop position as Anthony Volpe recovers from surgery.
Key Facts
The Yankees signed Paul DeJong to a minor-league deal.
Paul DeJong is a nine-year veteran who was an All-Star in 2019.
DeJong played for five teams since 2023, including the Nationals, Blue Jays, Giants, White Sox, and Royals.
DeJong's batting average last season was .228.
He has hit as many as 30 home runs in a past season.
Anthony Volpe, the current Yankees shortstop, is recovering from shoulder surgery.
Amed Rosario, another player on the team, has played only 15 games at shortstop in the last two seasons.
The Seattle Seahawks defeated the San Francisco 49ers with a 13-3 win, securing the top spot in the NFC playoffs. After the game, Seattle's quarterback Sam Darnold told San Francisco's quarterback Brock Purdy that they would meet again soon, indicating a future playoff matchup.
Key Facts
The Seattle Seahawks beat the San Francisco 49ers 13-3.
The win gave the Seahawks the No. 1 seed in the NFC for the playoffs.
Sam Darnold, Seattle's quarterback, completed 20 of 26 passes for 186 yards.
Darnold mentioned the team's need to improve in the playoffs, especially in the red zone.
Darnold told Brock Purdy, the 49ers quarterback, that they might face each other again soon.
The Seahawks' future opponent could change if the Los Angeles Rams win against the Arizona Cardinals.
The NCAA transfer portal opened for college football players to join new teams. North Carolina Tar Heels, led by head coach Bill Belichick, gained a new quarterback, Billy Edwards Jr., who previously played for Maryland and Wisconsin.
Key Facts
The NCAA transfer portal allows college athletes to transfer to different schools.
The portal opened recently, leading to many players considering new teams.
North Carolina Tar Heels, coached by Bill Belichick, expect active involvement in the portal.
North Carolina secured a quarterback, Billy Edwards Jr., who committed during a visit.
Edwards played for Maryland and recently Wisconsin but had a season-ending injury last year.
North Carolina's football team had a challenging season, finishing 4-8, missing a bowl game.
There is competition for the starting quarterback position at North Carolina.
The article discusses a promotional offer from DraftKings for NFL Week 18 games. It highlights a betting opportunity where users can bet $5 to potentially receive $200 in bonus bets. The article also mentions important games such as Ravens vs. Steelers, with playoff implications.
Key Facts
DraftKings offers a promotion where a $5 bet can lead to $200 in bonus bets if the wager wins.
The qualifying bet must be on a market with odds of at least -500.
The Ravens-Steelers game will determine the AFC North winner.
Other NFL teams are competing for playoff seeding in Week 18.
There are various suggested betting options with specific conditions outlined.
Users can also participate in pre-made parlays for potential winnings.
New accounts need to provide personal info and make a deposit to take part.
The bonus bets must be used within seven days if won.
The article discusses a promotional offer from Underdog, a daily fantasy sports app, where users can get a $75 bonus by using a specific promo code. The bonus is available for those participating in NFL Week 18 daily fantasy picks. The article also highlights key NFL matchups with playoff implications.
Key Facts
Using the Underdog promo code NEWSWEEK allows for a $75 bonus on the app.
This promotion is available for NFL Week 18 games.
Participants must make an initial $5 entry to receive the bonus.
The Ravens-Steelers game is a significant matchup, as it will affect playoff standings.
The Broncos, Patriots, and Jaguars are competing for the No. 1 seed in the AFC.
The article explains how to enter players and make selections on the app.
Underdog Predict is mentioned as another feature to consider.
The Boston Red Sox and St. Louis Cardinals have been active in making trades this offseason. The Red Sox have already acquired two players from the Cardinals and might trade pitcher Brayan Bello and David Sandlin for Brendan Donovan. This trade could help the Red Sox add a versatile player to their lineup.
Key Facts
The Boston Red Sox and St. Louis Cardinals have been making trades this offseason.
The Cardinals traded Sonny Gray and Willson Contreras to the Red Sox.
A possible trade might send Brendan Donovan to the Red Sox from the Cardinals.
The Red Sox might trade pitcher Brayan Bello and David Sandlin to get Donovan.
Brendan Donovan is a versatile player who can play various positions in the field.
David Sandlin performed well in Double-A, pitching in different roles before moving to Triple-A.
The article talks about a promotion code for the Sleeper sports betting app, which offers rewards for NFL Week 18 games. Users can get a $20 bonus or a $100 deposit match by signing up with the code NEWSWEEKXL. The article also highlights the Ravens-Steelers game as a notable match, with the Ravens facing a key player returning and the Steelers missing a player due to suspension.
Key Facts
Sleeper offers promotions for NFL Week 18 games through a promo code called NEWSWEEKXL.
Users can choose between a $20 bonus or matching their deposit up to $100.
The Ravens will have Lamar Jackson returning for a decisive game against the Steelers.
The Steelers will be without DK Metcalf due to a suspension.
The article includes promotional details for specific player statistics, allowing users to place bets.
Sleeper provides two payout options: max payout, requiring all picks to be correct, or flex payout, which is more lenient if some picks are incorrect.
Newsweek may earn a commission if users sign up through the links provided in the article.
The article discusses a special offer from Betr for NFL Week 18, where users can get up to $210 in bonuses by signing up with a promo code. The offer is connected to making fantasy sports picks for key NFL games, including the Ravens-Steelers match, which is crucial for playoff positions.
Key Facts
Betr is offering up to $210 in bonuses for new users who sign up during NFL Week 18.
The promo code to use is NEWSWEEK.
Users can make picks for games, such as the Ravens vs. Steelers, which has playoff implications.
The bonuses include an initial $10 and a 50% deposit match up to $200.
The Ravens-Steelers game will determine the AFC North champion.
Lamar Jackson is expected to return from injury for the Ravens.
The app requires picking players from at least two different teams.
Newsweek may earn a commission if users sign up through the provided links.
The Miami Hurricanes and Ole Miss Rebels unexpectedly reached the semifinals of the college football playoff. Miami head coach Mario Cristobal praised Ole Miss as the toughest team his team will play this season. Both teams have had surprising victories in earlier rounds and will now compete for a spot in the national championship.
Key Facts
The Miami Hurricanes are a No. 10 seed in the 12-team college football playoff.
The Ole Miss Rebels are seeded No. 6 in the same playoff.
Both teams upset top-three opponents to reach the semifinals.
Miami's head coach, Mario Cristobal, said Ole Miss is the toughest opponent they will face this season.
Miami's defense has been strong, allowing only 3 points to Texas A&M and 14 points to Ohio State in previous games.
Ole Miss has an explosive offense, scoring 39 points against Georgia with quarterback Trinidad Chambliss.
The upcoming game will determine which team advances to the national championship.
The article discusses how to use a special code to get betting bonuses with bet365 for the NFL Week 18 games. It explains the potential rewards for new users, details on NFL teams' standings, and specific betting options available. The piece is aimed at sports betting enthusiasts interested in placing bets on NFL games.
Key Facts
Bet365 is offering a bonus for new users who sign up using the code WEEK365.
Users can choose between a $150 bonus or a $1,000 safety net on their bets.
The NFL regular season ends today, and this affects team standings and playoff chances.
Important NFL games include Ravens vs. Steelers, with the game's winner advancing to the playoffs.
Specific betting boosts are available, enhancing potential payouts on certain bets.
To access the bonus, users need to register, provide personal information, and place a bet.
Bonuses from bet365 are usable for one week after activation.
The article discusses a promotion offered by Kalshi, a trading platform, where users can receive a $10 bonus for making $100 in trades during NFL Week 18. The promo is timely as the NFL regular season is ending, and includes various games such as the Ravens-Steelers matchup which affects playoff positions.
Key Facts
Kalshi is offering a $10 bonus for users who make $100 in trades.
This promotion coincides with the end of the NFL regular season.
The Ravens-Steelers game will decide the AFC North, attracting attention.
Kalshi allows trades involving sports predictions, like the Steelers game, as well as markets outside sports.
Users can trade on different sports including NBA and NHL, with predictions counting toward the bonus.
Kalshi's platform is different from traditional sportsbooks, allowing transactions based on game predictions.
Signing up requires using the promo code NEWSWEEK and entering personal information.
Newsweek may earn a commission if users sign up via links in the article.
Boxer Anthony Joshua returned to the UK after a car accident in Nigeria that led to the deaths of two of his friends. Joshua only had minor injuries and was released from the hospital. The driver of their vehicle now faces charges for dangerous driving.
Key Facts
Anthony Joshua returned to the UK following a fatal car accident in Nigeria.
The crash killed Joshua's friends, Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele.
Joshua had minor injuries and left the hospital on Wednesday.
The accident happened when their vehicle hit a stationary truck near Lagos.
The driver, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, faces charges for "dangerous driving causing death."
The crash occurred on a highway between Lagos and Ibadan.
Joshua was in Nigeria for a holiday after winning a match in Miami.
Sina Ghami was Joshua’s strength coach, and Latif Ayodele was a trainer.
Real Madrid will play against Real Betis in a La Liga match on Sunday at Santiago Bernabéu. The game will be available to watch on ESPN+ at 10:15 PM ET. Real Madrid aims to improve its league standing, while Real Betis hopes to challenge with its offensive strength.
Key Facts
Real Madrid and Real Betis will play a La Liga match at Santiago Bernabéu.
The match is on Sunday, January 4, 2025, at 10:15 PM ET.
ESPN+ will broadcast the game, and it will be available via live stream.
Real Madrid is trying to catch up to league leaders Barcelona.
Star player Kylian Mbappé is out due to a knee injury, but Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, and Jude Bellingham are key players to watch.
Real Betis is considered the underdog but has players like Antony and Isco who can impact the game.
ESPN+ offers streaming of La Liga matches throughout the season, subject to regional restrictions.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are looking to strengthen their team to win a third World Series in a row. ESPN's Jesse Rogers predicts they might try to trade for star pitcher Tarik Skubal from the Detroit Tigers. The trade would depend on the Tigers' performance and willingness to make a deal.
Key Facts
The Los Angeles Dodgers have won the World Series twice in a row.
They are considering both free agent signings and trades to build their team.
ESPN's Jesse Rogers thinks they might trade for Detroit Tigers' pitcher Tarik Skubal.
Skubal is a past Cy Young Award winner, recognizing him as an outstanding pitcher.
The Dodgers could trade players like Tyler Glasnow and Dalton Rushing to get Skubal.
The trade depends on the Tigers' status in the competition and their openness to trading Skubal.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are considering a trade with the Boston Red Sox. The trade would involve sending pitcher Anthony Banda to the Red Sox in exchange for two players, Juan Valera and David Hamilton. The Dodgers aim to strengthen their team further, while the Red Sox want to improve their bullpen with Banda.
Key Facts
The Dodgers have won two World Series titles in a row.
They recently signed pitcher Edwin Diaz.
Anthony Banda is a prominent left-handed pitcher with a 3.18 ERA in 2025.
Banda had 61 strikeouts in 65 innings.
The Red Sox have only two left-handed relievers, which is why they're interested in Banda.
The trade proposal involves Banda moving to the Red Sox and the Dodgers receiving Juan Valera and David Hamilton in return.
The Boston Red Sox signed Matt Fraizer, a 27-year-old outfielder, to a minor-league deal after he spent over six years with the Pittsburgh Pirates organization. Fraizer, who played in Triple-A, had a strong offensive season but is not expected to join the Red Sox's main roster immediately.
Key Facts
The Boston Red Sox signed Matt Fraizer to a minor-league contract.
Fraizer is 27 years old and played for the Pittsburgh Pirates organization for over six years.
He played last season with the Indianapolis Indians, the Pirates' Triple-A team.
Fraizer had an .813 OPS and hit 18 doubles in 62 games last season.
He also stole 14 bases during the season.
The Red Sox have several outfielders expected to start, so Fraizer is unlikely to join the main team right away.
The team often relies on minor-league players to fill in major roles during the season.
The Toronto Blue Jays signed Japanese third baseman Kazuma Okamoto for four years at $60 million. This signing decreases the chances of the Blue Jays pursuing other big-name free agents like Alex Bregman. Other teams, including the Red Sox and Cubs, might now have a better chance of signing Bregman.
Key Facts
The Toronto Blue Jays signed Kazuma Okamoto to a four-year, $60 million deal.
Okamoto is a third baseman and adds strength to the Blue Jays' lineup.
Alex Bregman was one of the big-name players the Blue Jays were considering.
With Okamoto's signing, the Blue Jays are less likely to pursue Bregman.
Other teams interested in Bregman include the Boston Red Sox, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Chicago Cubs.
The Diamondbacks might need to trade a player to afford Bregman.
The Cubs' previous offer for Bregman was less than that of the Red Sox.
The signing of Okamoto affects player positions, moving Addison Barger and Ernie Clement to different field roles.
Several major baseball teams, including the Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, and Philadelphia Phillies, have shown interest in Bo Bichette from the Toronto Blue Jays. Bichette, a well-known player, might change teams if a trade is agreed upon, especially with Philadelphia showing strong interest.
Key Facts
Bo Bichette is currently with the Toronto Blue Jays.
Bichette is a 27-year-old two-time All-Star player.
Teams interested in Bichette include the Red Sox, Cubs, Dodgers, Yankees, and Phillies.
Bichette has stated he is open to playing second base, which increases his appeal.
The Phillies would likely need to trade a current player, potentially Alec Bohm, to acquire Bichette.
The Blue Jays recently signed Japanese third baseman Kazuma Okamoto.
Bichette hits well against various types of pitches like fastballs and breaking balls.
Philadelphia has already made a significant player deal with Kyle Schwarber.
WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry has called for a significant change in Drew McIntyre's role within WWE. Henry believes McIntyre deserves a prominent championship reign, suggesting he should play a dominant villain character to make future championship matches more exciting. McIntyre is set to face WWE Champion Cody Rhodes in a challenging match soon.
Key Facts
Mark Henry is a WWE Hall of Famer and sports commentator.
He said Drew McIntyre should have a time as WWE Champion.
Henry thinks McIntyre's role should be as a strong villain, like the successful character change of King Booker.
"Busted Open Radio" is where Henry shared his thoughts about McIntyre.
McIntyre will compete against Cody Rhodes for the WWE Championship on January 9.
The upcoming match is called a "Three Stages of Hell" and is known for being intense.
