The Minnesota Vikings are considering their quarterback options as J.J. McCarthy faced issues with injuries and performance in the 2025 NFL season. There is speculation that the Vikings might trade for Lamar Jackson, a two-time NFL MVP from the Baltimore Ravens. McCarthy might still start in 2026, but trade discussions could change the team's plans.
Key Facts
J.J. McCarthy played only nine games for the Vikings in 2025 due to injuries.
In those games, McCarthy had 1,450 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.
The Vikings might seek other quarterbacks if McCarthy's performance does not improve.
Lamar Jackson, from the Baltimore Ravens, is a possible trade option for the Vikings.
Jackson is a two-time NFL MVP and could make the Vikings contenders for the Super Bowl.
The trade would involve sending McCarthy to Baltimore for a new start for both quarterbacks.
Rumors about the Vikings' quarterback plans are expected to grow during the offseason.
Senegal won against Benin 3-0 to finish first in their Africa Cup of Nations group, while the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) ended second and will face Algeria next. Senegal's victory was helped by goals from Abdoulaye Seck, Habib Diallo, and a penalty by Cherif Ndiaye despite playing part of the match with one less player. Benin also advanced as one of the best third-placed teams and will play Egypt.
Key Facts
Senegal defeated Benin 3-0 in the Africa Cup of Nations, topping Group D.
Abdoulaye Seck and Habib Diallo scored for Senegal before Kalidou Koulibaly was sent off.
Cherif Ndiaye scored Senegal's third goal with a penalty in injury time.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo won 3-0 against Botswana, finishing second in the group.
Both Senegal and DRC ended with seven points, but Senegal had a better goal difference.
Senegal will play a third-place team in the last 16, while DRC will face Algeria.
Benin advanced as one of the best third-placed teams and will face Egypt in the next round.
Nikola Jokic, a star player for the Denver Nuggets, got injured, affecting his chances to win the NBA's Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. This injury has improved the chances for Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers to become the MVP. Currently, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the favorite to win.
Key Facts
Nikola Jokic from the Denver Nuggets suffered a knee injury.
Jokic's recovery is expected to take at least a month.
Jokic was previously a strong candidate for the NBA MVP award.
Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers now has better odds of winning MVP.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the current favorite to win the MVP.
Luka Doncic is having an almost career-best season, scoring an average of 33.7 points per game.
The Lakers are currently fifth in the Western Conference with a 20-10 record.
The Denver Nuggets have a 22-10 record despite Jokic's injury.
NFL player Stefon Diggs, who plays as a wide receiver for the New England Patriots, faces charges of felony strangulation and assault. The accusations come from an alleged incident on December 2, and Diggs strongly denies them. He is expected to appear in court on January 23 to respond to these charges.
Key Facts
Stefon Diggs is a wide receiver for the New England Patriots.
He faces charges related to felony strangulation and assault from a December 2 incident.
Diggs' lawyer claims the accusations are due to a financial dispute with an employee.
The accusations were made by Diggs' former chef.
The Patriots released a statement saying they support Diggs and are looking into the situation.
Diggs’ court arraignment is scheduled for January 23, where he will respond to the charges.
In March, Diggs signed a $69 million contract with the Patriots.
Diggs and his partner, Cardi B, recently had a baby boy.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers criticized the officials after a missed pass interference call in their game against the Cleveland Browns. His remarks about the referees may lead to a fine, as the NFL usually penalizes players and coaches for public criticism of officiating.
Key Facts
Pittsburgh Steelers played against the Cleveland Browns in a recent game.
Aaron Rodgers, the Steelers' quarterback, was unhappy about a missed call for pass interference.
The incident involved a throw to wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Browns cornerback Denzel Ward.
The referee's decision not to call pass interference could impact the game’s outcome.
Criticizing officials publicly often leads to fines, typically around $25,000 in the NFL.
Rodgers' comments may lead to a fine, as similar fines have been issued to others.
An important future game between the Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens will determine the AFC North champion.
The Los Angeles Lakers will play against the Detroit Pistons at Crypto.com Arena. This NBA game will take place on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, with live coverage available on NBC and streaming through Peacock.
Key Facts
The Lakers will play the Pistons at Crypto.com Arena.
The game is scheduled for Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at 10:30 PM ET.
You can watch it on NBC or stream it via Peacock.
The Lakers have a 20-10 record this season and are dealing with injuries to key players.
Luka Doncic and LeBron James are leading the Lakers while they manage a short bench.
The Pistons have a 24-8 record and are performing well this season.
Cade Cunningham leads the Pistons with 26.5 points and 9.6 assists per game.
The Pistons are favored to win due to their strong defense and efficient scoring.
The USC football team’s defensive coordinator, D’Anton Lynn, has left the team just before the Alamo Bowl to join Penn State's coaching staff. Lynn's departure occurs as the sports transfer portal opens, allowing players to switch teams. USC has a strong recruiting class, while Penn State aims to improve its roster through new transfers.
Key Facts
D’Anton Lynn, USC's defensive coordinator, has left before the Alamo Bowl.
Lynn is expected to join the coaching staff at Penn State.
The timing of his departure coincides with the opening of the sports transfer portal.
The transfer portal now has a 15-day period for player movements from Jan. 2 to Jan. 16, 2026.
Penn State needs to strengthen its team after a weak 2026 recruiting class.
USC secured the top-ranked recruiting class for 2026.
USC's quarterback, Jayden Maiava, will return and is a potential Heisman Trophy candidate.
Lynn previously played at Penn State as a cornerback.
Los Angeles Dodgers player Rōki Sasaki aims to improve in his second MLB season after struggling in his rookie year. Sasaki played an essential role as a relief pitcher during the postseason but hopes to return to the starting lineup. The Dodgers have high hopes for Sasaki in the upcoming season.
Key Facts
Rōki Sasaki, a player for the Los Angeles Dodgers, faced challenges in his first MLB season.
He posted a 4.46 ERA in 10 games and missed much of the season due to injury.
Despite struggles, Sasaki became an important relief pitcher in the postseason.
He wants to become a starting pitcher again.
MLB.com predicts Sasaki could perform much better in the upcoming season.
The Dodgers signed another pitcher, Edwin Díaz, so they may not need Sasaki as a reliever.
The Dodgers hope to win the World Series again and have high expectations for Sasaki.
Red Sox outfielder Roman Anthony is predicted to have a breakout season next year. After a shortened rookie season due to being called up mid-year and an injury, experts believe his performance will improve significantly with more playtime.
Key Facts
Roman Anthony is set to be the starting left fielder for the Boston Red Sox next season.
He debuted mid-season last year and impressed with his performance.
Anthony's rookie year ended early due to a season-ending injury.
Despite limited play, he hit eight home runs and drove in 32 runs.
He has demonstrated strong on-base performance with a .396 OBP.
Anthony is a left-handed hitter who can handle both left and right-handed pitchers.
The Red Sox manager plans to rely on Anthony to support key players in the lineup.
The Arizona Diamondbacks' pitcher Zac Gallen is expected to leave the team during the offseason to join the Los Angeles Angels. Gallen is a top pitcher in free agency despite having a challenging previous season. The Angels see potential in signing him as a way to strengthen their roster.
Key Facts
Zac Gallen is a pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks.
He is entering free agency and is considered one of the top pitchers available.
Gallen had a career-worst season with an 89 ERA+ rating, an important metric that compares a pitcher's performance to the rest of the league.
There is a predicted offer of $135 million for five years from the Los Angeles Angels.
Gallen has been considered for the Cy Young Award, recognizing him as one of the best pitchers.
The Los Angeles Angels are seeking to improve their team significantly.
Gallen is seen as an affordable option compared to other top pitchers.
The Los Angeles Lakers announced that forward Rui Hachimura will miss the next two games due to a calf injury. Hachimura is playing in the final year of a $51 million contract and has been performing well this season.
Key Facts
The Lakers' forward Rui Hachimura has a calf injury.
Hachimura will miss at least two upcoming games.
He is in the last year of a three-year, $51 million contract with the Lakers.
He has been averaging 12.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 0.9 assists per game this season.
Hachimura could be considered for trades, but he also fits well with his current teammates.
The Lakers may miss his defensive presence while he is out.
The Toronto Blue Jays are trying to add more top players to their baseball team after signing pitcher Dylan Cease. They are interested in free agents like Alex Bregman, Bo Bichette, and Kyle Tucker to strengthen their lineup for another attempt at winning the World Series.
Key Facts
The Toronto Blue Jays signed Dylan Cease to a seven-year, $210 million contract.
The team is interested in adding more top players, including Alex Bregman, Bo Bichette, and Kyle Tucker.
Alex Bregman, a three-time All-Star, is a potential target after leaving the Boston Red Sox.
The Blue Jays came close to winning the World Series last season and want to strengthen their roster.
Bo Bichette is considered a priority for the Blue Jays, but if not retained, Bregman could be an option.
Signing a proven champion like Bregman may help the team make another strong postseason run.
Ranger Suárez, a key starting pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies, is a free agent and may join the Arizona Diamondbacks. Suárez had a strong year, and several teams have shown interest in signing him. The Diamondbacks, who need more pitching strength, are likely to be his new team.
Key Facts
Ranger Suárez is a free agent starting pitcher.
He was an All-Star in 2024 with a 3.20 ERA last season.
CBS Sports predicts Suárez will join the Arizona Diamondbacks.
The Diamondbacks seek to improve their pitching and have shown interest in Suárez.
Suárez has set career highs in innings pitched and strikeouts.
In the postseason, Suárez has a 1.48 ERA across 11 games.
The Phillies may not need Suárez due to their strong pitching lineup and upcoming talent.
Pitcher Tatsuya Imai, coming from Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball, is a sought-after free agent this offseason, with the Chicago Cubs and New York Yankees showing strong interest. CBS Sports predicts Imai will sign with the Cubs, valuing a deal possibly around $150 million. Imai aims to become a leading pitcher in Major League Baseball, and his potential signing could fill a critical gap in the Cubs' starting rotation.
Key Facts
Tatsuya Imai is an international free agent pitcher from Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball league.
The Chicago Cubs and New York Yankees are the main teams interested in signing him.
Imai is expected to get a contract worth around $150 million.
CBS Sports believes Imai is more likely to sign with the Cubs.
Imai wants to defeat the Los Angeles Dodgers, which is expected to engage fans.
He has skills like a mid-90s fastball and a slider that goes in the opposite direction of usual.
If Imai adapts well to Major League Baseball, he could become a top-tier starting pitcher.
The Cubs need additional starting pitchers, as they had shortages last season.
The USC Trojans will play the TCU Horned Frogs in the Alamo Bowl on December 30, 2025. The game will take place at the Alamodome in San Antonio, and it will be broadcast on ESPN and available to stream on Fubo. Both teams have key players missing due to injuries, transfers, or NFL draft preparations.
Key Facts
The Alamo Bowl game between USC and TCU is scheduled for December 30, 2025, at 9:00 PM ET.
The game will be held at the Alamodome in San Antonio and broadcast on ESPN and ESPN Deportes.
USC’s top players, Makai Lemon and Ja’Kobi Lane, are skipping the game for NFL draft preparations.
USC's key defensive player, Kamari Ramsey, has also declared for the NFL draft.
TCU’s offensive coordinator, Kendal Briles, left for a job at South Carolina.
TCU’s quarterback, Josh Hoover, is in the transfer portal, and Ken Seals will be the starting quarterback.
The game marks the first meeting of the teams since the 1998 Sun Bowl, with TCU leading the series 3-2 historically.
The Philadelphia 76ers' star player, Joel Embiid, missed a recent game against the Oklahoma City Thunder due to an ankle sprain. However, the team has cleared him to return for their upcoming game against the Memphis Grizzlies. Embiid was injured during a game on December 26 and has faced several health challenges this season.
Key Facts
Joel Embiid plays for the Philadelphia 76ers as a center.
He suffered an ankle sprain during a game against the Chicago Bulls on December 26.
The Sixers lost two games without Embiid, including a recent loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Embiid has been cleared to play against the Memphis Grizzlies.
At the start of the 2025-2026 season, Embiid played in four of the first five games.
He missed nine games in a row after a multi-week absence starting in November.
The 76ers have a 16-14 record this season and are seventh in their conference.
The Memphis Grizzlies, their next opponent, have won six of their last 10 games.
The Alabama Crimson Tide football team is preparing to face the Indiana Hoosiers in the Rose Bowl. Indiana is the top-ranked team in the country, led by their standout quarterback Fernando Mendoza. Sports commentator Chris Fowler expressed that Alabama’s offense must improve significantly to compete against Indiana’s strong defense.
Key Facts
Alabama will play against Indiana in the Rose Bowl.
Indiana is currently ranked as the No. 1 team in college football.
Fernando Mendoza, Indiana's quarterback, won the Heisman Trophy this season.
Indiana defeated Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship game.
Chris Fowler warned that Alabama must improve their offensive play to win.
Indiana allows only an average of 10.8 points per game, ranking second nationally in points allowed.
Alabama struggled with rushing, gaining just 28 yards against Oklahoma.
The New York Mets are interested in signing free agent Kyle Tucker, but their interest has recently cooled, according to an MLB insider. Tucker is expected to seek a contract worth around $400 million, which limits the number of teams that can afford him. The Mets have lost several key players this winter, increasing the desire for a high-profile signing like Tucker.
Key Facts
Kyle Tucker is a free agent linked to the New York Mets, New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Toronto Blue Jays.
Tucker's expected contract is about $400 million over 10 years.
The Mets traded outfielder Brandon Nimmo recently, possibly to make room for another outfielder like Tucker.
MLB insider Jon Heyman reported the Mets' interest in Tucker but said it has cooled.
The Mets lost several key players this offseason, including Jeff McNeil and Pete Alonso.
Tucker's free agency status remains unresolved with little progress on signing a deal.
If the Mets don't sign a big player, it might mean they trust their current younger players.
The Kansas City Chiefs finished their season with a losing record for the first time since Andy Reid became head coach in 2013. Despite this, Reid plans to continue coaching and may seek a contract extension to match the rising market for NFL coaches. Additionally, the Chiefs are expected to face some challenges in the offseason, including quarterback Patrick Mahomes' return from injury.
Key Facts
The Kansas City Chiefs ended their season with a 6-10 record after playing against the Las Vegas Raiders.
This marks the first losing season for Andy Reid as the Chiefs' head coach since 2013.
Reid, 67, has expressed his intention to continue coaching the Chiefs in 2026.
Key player Patrick Mahomes is recovering from an ACL injury and may not be ready by Week 1 of the next season.
Reid currently holds the fourth-most wins as an NFL coach, with 279 victories.
A new stadium deal was announced, with Kansas committing $1.8 billion in public money for the project.
NFL insider Ben Dogra mentioned that Reid could ask for a contract extension and pay raise due to the increased market value for NFL coaches.
Reid's current contract pays him nearly $20 million per season through 2029.
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is facing concerns as he enters contract discussions with George Pickens, a top-performing wide receiver. This follows previous difficulties Jones had with contract talks involving Micah Parsons, which ended in Parsons being traded to the Green Bay Packers. Fans hope Jones will engage Pickens' agent this time to avoid similar issues.
Key Facts
Jerry Jones owns the Dallas Cowboys.
Jones had trouble with past contract negotiations with player Micah Parsons.
Micah Parsons was traded to the Green Bay Packers after these negotiations.
George Pickens is a leading wide receiver currently involved in contract talks with the Cowboys.
Pickens ranks third in the NFL in receiving yards, seventh in touchdowns, and eighth in receptions.
Fans worry Jones might repeat past mistakes by not fully involving agents in negotiations.
Jones stated on a radio interview he might talk to Pickens and his agent during discussions.
