The Las Vegas Raiders' player Maxx Crosby has been sidelined for the rest of the season due to a knee injury. He is reportedly unhappy with this decision. Crosby is a key defensive player for the Raiders, who are aiming for a high draft pick with their current losing record.
Key Facts
The Raiders decided to end Maxx Crosby's season because of a knee injury.
Crosby was unhappy with being sidelined and disagreed with the team's decision.
The Raiders have a 2-13 record, tying them for the worst in the league.
The team may be aiming for the top draft pick in 2026 by not focusing on winning the last games.
Crosby joined the league in 2019 as a fourth-round pick.
He signed a significant contract with the Raiders, lasting through 2029, worth $106.5 million.
Crosby has played 110 games, achieving 439 tackles and 69.5 sacks in his career.
The New York Yankees want to keep Cody Bellinger on their team, but the New York Mets and other teams are also interested in signing him. Despite competition, the Yankees are confident they can retain Bellinger for the long term.
Key Facts
The Yankees are focusing on keeping Cody Bellinger.
The New York Mets are interested in signing Bellinger, alongside other teams like the San Francisco Giants and the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Bellinger performed well last season, hitting 29 home runs and having a .272 batting average.
Last offseason, the Mets signed two former Yankees, Juan Soto and Clay Holmes.
The Yankees believe Bellinger is less likely to leave for the Mets compared to Soto.
Signing Bellinger long-term could benefit the Yankees beyond the next season.
Perry Eliano, a former safeties coach at Ohio State, is set to join Syracuse as the defensive backs coach, moving from his previous position at Toledo. Eliano's hiring comes as Syracuse looks to improve after a challenging season. Meanwhile, Ohio State is preparing for a major bowl game against the Miami Hurricanes.
Key Facts
Perry Eliano was a safeties coach at Ohio State from 2022 to 2023.
After being replaced at Ohio State, Eliano worked as a defensive backs coach at Toledo.
Syracuse plans to hire Eliano as their defensive backs coach.
Syracuse had a struggling season with only 3 wins and 9 losses.
The move to Syracuse is seen as a step up from Toledo for Eliano.
Ohio State is playing in the Cotton Bowl against Miami on December 31.
Both Ohio State and Miami have strong defensive teams.
theScore Bet is offering a promotion where users can bet $10 and potentially receive $100 in bonus bets if their initial wager wins. This offer is available for various sports games happening over the Christmas weekend, including college football, NBA, and NFL games. Users must sign up, place a bet, and follow terms to qualify for the bonus.
Key Facts
theScore Bet is promoting a special offer where a $10 bet can result in $100 bonus bets if the wager wins.
The offer is available for sports events happening over Christmas weekend, including college football bowl games, NBA, and NFL games.
Users need to register and place a $10 bet on any game to activate the bonus.
Bets can be placed on games with playoff implications like Texans vs. Chargers or Ravens vs. Packers in the NFL.
Suggested bets include Minnesota +5.5 alternate spread and Texans-Chargers under 47.5 alternate total, among others.
Users have to use the code NEWSWEEK during registration to qualify.
Bonus bets must be used within one week of receipt or they will expire.
The company earns an affiliate commission if users sign up through provided links.
The article discusses a promotional offer from Kalshi, allowing users to earn a $10 bonus by making sports predictions and trades using the promo code "NEWSWEEK." It highlights trading opportunities around events like NBA games, college football bowl games, and NFL matchups. The trading platform lets users profit from contracts based on their predictions for sporting events.
Key Facts
Kalshi offers a $10 bonus when users trade $100 in sports predictions.
The promo code to use for this offer is "NEWSWEEK."
The platform focuses on NBA, college football, and NFL events.
Users can trade predictions for real-time profits instead of waiting until the event ends.
The feature allowing trade profit before the event concludes is different from traditional sportsbooks.
To get the bonus, users must sign up, provide personal information, and make $100 in trades.
The promotion includes predictions on various markets, including the potential for futures betting, like predicting Super Bowl winners.
The article discusses a special offer from BetMGM for sports betting using the code NEWSWEEK. Customers can choose between winning $150 in bonus bets or having a $1,500 safety net for their first bet. This offer applies to betting on NBA games, college football bowl games, and NFL games.
Key Facts
BetMGM offers a $1,500 first bet safety net for most users in eligible states.
Customers in Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia can receive a $150 bonus instead.
To qualify, customers need to set up a new account using the BetMGM bonus code NEWSWEEK.
The $1,500 safety net allows a refund in bonus bets if the first bet loses.
For the $150 bonus, a winning $10 bet in any market is needed to unlock it.
Special promos include odds boosts and refund offers on certain sports events.
The offer is applicable to NBA, college football bowl games, and NFL games.
The Boston Red Sox are considering signing left-handed pitcher Danny Coulombe from the Texas Rangers to improve their bullpen. They have already made some trades but have yet to make a big move in free agency. Signing Coulombe could strengthen their lineup against strong hitters in their division.
Key Facts
The Boston Red Sox finished third in the American League East this year.
They have traded for Sonny Gray and Willson Contreras from the St. Louis Cardinals.
The Red Sox are interested in signing Danny Coulombe, a left-handed pitcher.
Danny Coulombe played for the Texas Rangers last year.
The team believes Coulombe would strengthen their bullpen, especially in early game situations.
Boston currently has top left-handed reliever Aroldis Chapman.
The Red Sox are looking to close the gap with the New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays in their division.
Kyle Whittingham, who was the head coach at Utah, is reported to become the new head coach of the Michigan Wolverines football team. He will travel with the team to the Citrus Bowl game but will not be coaching during the game. Whittingham will take over the team in preparation for the 2026 season.
Key Facts
Kyle Whittingham is set to be the new head coach of the Michigan Wolverines.
He will not coach the Citrus Bowl game but will accompany the team to Florida.
Whittingham's previous role was head coach at Utah, where he worked for 20 years.
He has an overall coaching record of 177 wins and 88 losses.
Whittingham has a Bowl game record of 11 wins and 6 losses.
The College Football Playoff is a major focus for Michigan’s upcoming season.
Michigan players were informed about the coaching change ahead of the January transfer portal opening.
Frank Wilson, the interim head coach for LSU Tigers, will leave the team after their upcoming bowl game. He will join Ole Miss as the running backs coach on Pete Golding’s staff. Wilson and his former team did not reach an agreement for him to stay on, and he highlighted that Lane Kiffin, the new head coach, handled the transition positively.
Key Facts
Frank Wilson is currently the interim head coach of LSU Tigers.
LSU Tigers are preparing for a bowl game against the Houston Cougars this Saturday.
Wilson will not remain with LSU after this game.
He was unable to secure a position on new head coach Lane Kiffin's staff at LSU.
Wilson has accepted a new job at Ole Miss as a running backs coach under Pete Golding.
Wilson praised Kiffin for handling the transition with professionalism.
Lane Kiffin shared Wilson's public comments positively on social media.
The Philadelphia Phillies are considering re-signing baseball player JT Realmuto, who is a free agent. Experts suggest that even if the deal is costly, the Phillies could benefit from Realmuto's skills as a strong defender and leader. The team is focused on making strategic moves to improve their chances of winning the World Series in the future.
Key Facts
The Philadelphia Phillies have not won the World Series in recent years.
The team signed Kyle Schwarber to a new deal this offseason.
JT Realmuto and Ranger Suárez are currently free agents.
Experts believe the Phillies should prioritize signing Realmuto.
Realmuto is known for his defensive skills and leadership.
Jim Bowden from The Athletic estimated Realmuto could sign for $34 million.
There are concerns about finding a strong alternative if the Phillies do not sign Realmuto.
The Chicago Cubs are considering adding a new starting pitcher, Tatsuya Imai, from Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball. Imai, a successful player in Japan, is available for signing until January 2. The Cubs need more pitching talent and are also looking to replace position player Kyle Tucker, but Imai's signing deadline may push them to act quickly.
Key Facts
The Cubs need more talent to compete in their division after not winning last season.
Justin Steele, one of their pitchers, is expected to miss time.
The Cubs are interested in pitcher Tatsuya Imai from Japan.
Imai had a 1.92 ERA last season in Japan and threw five complete games.
He has until January 2 to sign with a Major League Baseball team.
Imai is a three-time All-Star in Japan's baseball league.
The Cubs are also working on finding a replacement for player Kyle Tucker.
The market for position players is currently slow as teams await other deals.
The Green Bay Packers' quarterback, Jordan Love, is unlikely to play in the upcoming game against the Baltimore Ravens due to being in the concussion protocol and having a shoulder injury. Malik Willis will start in his place, although he is also dealing with his own shoulder injury and an illness. This game is important for both teams' playoff hopes.
Key Facts
Jordan Love, the Packers' quarterback, suffered a concussion and a shoulder injury in a recent game.
Love is unlikely to play against the Baltimore Ravens.
Malik Willis will replace Love as the starting quarterback despite his own shoulder injury and illness.
The game is important for both teams in terms of making the playoffs.
The Packers will play the game at their home field, Lambeau Field.
The Green Bay Packers are currently the seventh seed in the NFC playoffs.
Baltimore Ravens are also facing challenges with their starting quarterback, Lamar Jackson.
The Toronto Blue Jays have made significant player acquisitions to improve their team after narrowly missing out on winning the World Series. Sportswriter Jon Heyman ranked them as the second biggest "winners" in free agency, following the Baltimore Orioles.
Key Facts
The Blue Jays were close to winning the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
They have signed players, including pitchers Dylan Cease, Cody Ponce, and Tyler Rogers.
Shane Bieber, a former Cy Young Award winner, joined the team on a $16 million player option.
They are considering signing top free agent Kyle Tucker or players Bo Bichette or Alex Bregman.
Jon Heyman ranked the Blue Jays as the No. 2 "winners" in free agency.
The team spent $210 million on a seven-year deal with Dylan Cease and $30 million for a three-year deal with Cody Ponce.
The New York Yankees are considering signing Cody Bellinger as their top choice for their outfield, despite the availability of Kyle Tucker, another high-profile player. Bellinger has already proven his abilities in New York, which influences the Yankees' preference for him over Tucker.
Key Facts
The Yankees have a strong outfield with players like Trent Grisham, Aaron Judge, and Jasson Domínguez.
Cody Bellinger is the Yankees' main target in free agency.
Kyle Tucker is also available as a free agent but is less favored by the Yankees.
Bellinger hit 29 home runs last season, his highest since 2019.
Bellinger is a former MVP, Gold Glove winner, and two-time All-Star.
Kyle Tucker has multiple All-Star selections and a Gold Glove, similar to Bellinger.
The Yankees prefer Bellinger because he fits well with the team and is likely to be cheaper than Tucker.
The article explains a sports betting promotion from Bet365 using the bonus code WEEK365. This code offers new users either a $150 bonus or a safety net for their first bet up to $1,000. These offers apply to betting on NBA, NFL, and college football bowl games.
Key Facts
Bet365 offers two main promotions with the bonus code WEEK365.
Users can choose a $150 bonus activated by a $5 bet or a safety net for a first bet up to $1,000.
The $150 bonus is received before the initial bet is settled, regardless of the outcome.
The safety net provides a refund if a user loses their first bet, up to $1,000.
These offers are applicable to NBA, NFL, and college football bowl games.
Additional in-app promotions are available from December 20 to December 31.
Users should register with basic personal information and use the bonus code to claim the offer.
Newsweek may earn a commission if users sign up through the article's links.
DraftKings is offering a promotion where new users can get $200 in bonus bets by placing a $5 bet on NBA, NFL, or college football games this weekend. No promo code is needed, and the initial bet must have odds of -500 or longer. Bets can be made on popular athletes and teams across different sports events happening over the weekend.
Key Facts
DraftKings has a promotion for new users to win $200 in bonus bets by betting $5 on sports games.
The offer applies to NBA, NFL, and college football games this weekend.
Users do not need a promo code to get 40-to-1 bonus bets.
The initial bet must be on odds of -500 or more.
Suggestions for bets include specific player achievements and game outcomes.
Additional bonuses are available through the DraftKings Pick6 offer.
Trending parlay bets offer high returns on combined sports outcomes.
Users must register, deposit money, and place their bet to qualify for the bonus.
The Toronto Blue Jays are considering signing either Kyle Tucker or retaining Bo Bichette in free agency. They have already signed starting pitcher Dylan Cease to a $210 million contract. Reports suggest Kyle Tucker may be a better fit for the team due to his skills and past performance.
Key Facts
The Toronto Blue Jays have signed pitcher Dylan Cease for $210 million.
The team is deciding between signing free agents Kyle Tucker and Bo Bichette.
Kyle Tucker has been chosen for the All-Star game four times, while Bichette has been chosen twice.
Andrew Simon from MLB.com believes Kyle Tucker's skills would greatly benefit the Blue Jays.
Ken Rosenthal reported that Alex Bregman is considered a backup option for the team.
It may cost the Blue Jays over half a billion dollars to sign both Tucker and Bichette.
The New York Mets released Vladi Miguel Guerrero, the 18-year-old son of Hall of Famer Vladimir Guerrero, less than two years after signing him. Despite his famous family ties, Guerrero struggled with performance in the Dominican Summer League.
Key Facts
The Mets signed Vladi Miguel Guerrero, a left-handed first baseman and outfielder, from the Dominican Republic.
Guerrero received a $117,000 signing bonus and $60,000 in scholarship money.
Guerrero is the half-brother of Toronto Blue Jays player Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Their father, Vladimir Guerrero, is a Baseball Hall of Famer.
The Mets released Guerrero after he posted a .614 OPS and one home run in 252 plate appearances over 72 games.
The Mets have not publicly disclosed the reason for releasing Guerrero.
At 18, Guerrero may have opportunities to join another team, potentially the Toronto Blue Jays.
Netflix streamed NFL games on Christmas Day, but many users complained about streaming issues like buffering and poor picture quality. Viewers also criticized Netflix's production choices during the games. Despite the issues, a large audience watched the games, setting streaming records.
Key Facts
Netflix streamed two NFL games on Christmas Day.
Users reported buffering, poor picture quality, and trouble with streaming devices.
There were issues with audio and difficulties using captions.
Viewers also disliked Netflix's production choices during the games.
Netflix signed a multi-season deal to stream NFL Christmas games.
Despite problems, the games reached about 65 million viewers in the U.S.
These viewership numbers set streaming records for regular-season NFL games.
The Toronto Blue Jays have strengthened their pitching options by signing two new players, raising questions about the future of Max Scherzer with the team. There is speculation that Scherzer, a seasoned pitcher, might join the San Francisco Giants due to his connection with their manager and the team's need for experienced pitchers.
Key Facts
The Toronto Blue Jays signed Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce to long-term deals for their pitching rotation.
The Blue Jays have several options for starting pitchers, including Shane Bieber and Kevin Gausman.
Max Scherzer, an experienced pitcher, might not be re-signed by the Blue Jays.
There is a possibility Scherzer could join the San Francisco Giants, as he has a personal connection with their manager, Tony Vitello.
Scherzer had a 5.19 regular-season ERA but performed well in the postseason for the Blue Jays.
Scherzer is an 18-year veteran, three-time Cy Young Award winner, and future Hall of Famer.
