The Indianapolis Colts face a challenging situation with key players injured as they try to make the playoffs. DeForest Buckner, a leading defensive player, needs neck surgery and will miss the rest of the season. The Colts need to win their final two games and rely on other teams losing to have a chance at the playoffs.
Key Facts
The Colts currently have an 8-7 record and are third in the AFC South.
The team's quarterback, Daniel Jones, is out for the season with an Achilles injury.
All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner has played only three games due to a calf injury.
DeForest Buckner, a key defensive player, needs neck surgery and will not play again this season.
Buckner was originally drafted by the San Francisco 49ers and later traded to the Colts.
The Colts need to win their final two games to finish with a 10-7 record for a playoff chance.
Indianapolis must also depend on other teams losing if they are to secure a wild-card spot.
Manchester United will play against Newcastle United at Old Trafford on December 26, 2025. Manchester United's captain, Bruno Fernandes, is injured and will not play. Newcastle has also faced several injuries but managed a draw against Chelsea recently.
Key Facts
The match between Manchester United and Newcastle United is set for December 26, 2025.
The game will take place at 3:00 PM Eastern Time.
Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United's captain, is out due to an injury.
Newcastle also has many injured players but managed a draw against Chelsea last week.
Newcastle won five of their last six matches against Manchester United.
Manchester United has only won two of their last eight matches, dropping them to seventh in the league.
The game will be streamed live on Fubo, which offers a free trial.
Regional restrictions may apply for viewing the match online.
Caesars Sportsbook is offering a promotion where new users can get a bet match up to $250 when they sign up using the promo code NEWSWK250BM. This allows users to place bets on sports like the NBA, NHL, and college football, among others. Additional betting boosts are available for various sports events during the weekend.
Key Facts
Caesars Sportsbook offers a promo for new users using code NEWSWK250BM.
Users receive a 100% match on their first bet, up to $250.
The bet match applies to NBA, NHL, college football, and other sports.
The promo is available through account sign-up on computers or mobile devices.
Users must deposit at least $10 using various payment methods to qualify.
Additional betting boosts are available for specific sports events over the weekend.
The original bet does not need to win for users to receive the bonus.
LSU Tigers' head coach Lane Kiffin is expected to use the college football transfer portal to find a new quarterback for the 2026 season. Kiffin is reportedly interested in DJ Lagway from Florida and Sam Leavitt from Arizona State. Leavitt is seen as a potential fit due to his previous success with Kiffin's coaching style.
Key Facts
The college football transfer portal allows players to move between teams, similar to free agency in professional sports.
Lane Kiffin is the head coach for the LSU Tigers football team.
Kiffin is looking for a quarterback to lead LSU in the 2026 season.
DJ Lagway, a former five-star recruit from Florida, is one potential candidate.
Sam Leavitt from Arizona State is another quarterback Kiffin is considering.
Leavitt missed much of the 2025 season due to injuries but has been successful in the past.
The decision could impact the LSU Tigers' chances in the College Football Playoff (CFP) in 2026.
The article covers a betting preview for the NFL Week 17 game between the Houston Texans and the Los Angeles Chargers. It includes the current betting odds, team performance, and key players' recent performances. The preview discusses the strengths of both teams, focusing on their defense and recent winning streaks.
Key Facts
The game between the Texans and Chargers is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. ET on the NFL Network.
The betting odds are close, with the Chargers slightly favored at -1.5, and the Texans at +1.5.
The Texans are on a seven-game winning streak, with their defense ranked high in several categories.
The Chargers can win their division if they beat the Texans and the Broncos in their final games.
Justin Herbert, the Chargers' quarterback, has faced significant pressure in recent games but continues to lead his team to victories.
The article suggests the game will be competitive, possibly decided by a small margin like a field goal.
The betting preview favors the Texans at +1.5 and suggests the first-half under for total points may offer value.
The San Francisco 49ers have important injury updates as they prepare for their game against the Chicago Bears. Tight end George Kittle is a game-time decision due to an ankle injury, while linebacker Fred Warner is making progress in his recovery from an ankle issue and might return for the playoffs.
Key Facts
The 49ers are playing the Chicago Bears with playoff implications in mind.
Tight end George Kittle has a mid-to-low ankle sprain and will be a game-time decision.
If Kittle cannot play, Jake Tonges will replace him as the main option.
Linebacker Fred Warner is recovering from an ankle injury and may return for the NFL Playoffs.
Warner has been out since October due to a dislocated and fractured ankle.
The 49ers are currently second in the NFC West and have an 11-4 record.
Winning the next game against the Bears and another against the Seattle Seahawks could make the 49ers the top seed in the NFC.
Alonza Barnett III, a top quarterback for James Madison, is entering the transfer portal after their loss to Oregon in the College Football Playoff. Barnett, who was the Sun Belt Player of the Year, is leaving following the departure of his coach, Bob Chesney, to UCLA.
Key Facts
Alonza Barnett III is a quarterback from James Madison University.
He played in the College Football Playoff and decided to transfer after the team's loss to Oregon.
Barnett was named the Sun Belt Player of the Year.
He has been a starting player for the past two seasons.
In 2024, he scored 33 touchdowns, combining passing and rushing.
In 2025, he threw for 2,806 yards and 23 touchdowns, and rushed for 589 yards with 15 touchdowns.
His coach, Bob Chesney, also left James Madison to join UCLA.
Barnett will not follow his coach to UCLA, as the starting position there is already filled.
Johnny Manziel, a former star football player, was expected to appear on ESPN's "College GameDay" as a guest picker but did not attend. He apologized, stating it was beyond his control, but his absence led to criticism from the show's host, Rece Davis. Instead, Alex Caruso filled in for Manziel during the broadcast.
Key Facts
ESPN's "College GameDay" held shows for two college football playoff games.
Johnny Manziel, a former Heisman Trophy winner, was supposed to be a guest on the show.
Manziel was in Miami the night before, attending a boxing match.
He apologized for missing the show, saying it was out of his control.
During the show, Alex Caruso replaced Manziel as the guest picker.
Rece Davis, the show's host, expressed doubt about Manziel's explanation for his absence.
Texas A&M lost to Miami in the game, impacting their college football standing.
Organizers in Seattle plan to hold a Pride-themed celebration during the 2026 World Cup match between Egypt and Iran at Lumen Field, focusing on LGBTQ+ support. The Egyptian Football Association opposes these celebrations and has asked FIFA to prevent them. Eric Wahl, a committee member for Seattle's Pride Match, believes these events should be respected as part of the city's culture.
Key Facts
Seattle organizers planned a Pride celebration for a World Cup match between Egypt and Iran on June 26, 2026.
The Egyptian Football Association wants these celebrations stopped, citing cultural and religious reasons.
FIFA has not officially responded to the Seattle plans, according to Eric Wahl, a Pride Match committee member.
The game will occur during Seattle Pride and near the Stonewall Riots anniversary.
Iran and Egypt have strict laws and penalties against same-sex relationships.
Eric Wahl emphasized the importance of respecting Seattle's culture by hosting Pride events during the match.
The celebration plans focus on activities in the city, with anticipated Pride flags in the stadium.
Central Michigan is set to play Northwestern in the GameAbove Sports Bowl on December 26, 2025, at Ford Field. Central Michigan's team relies on strong running plays and a leading quarterback, while Northwestern is known for a solid defense. This will be the second meeting between the two teams.
Key Facts
Central Michigan's record is 7-5 for the season.
Northwestern's record is 6-6 for the season.
The game is on December 26, 2025, at 1:00 PM ET at Ford Field.
The game will be broadcast on ESPN and ESPN Deportes.
Central Michigan excels in rushing plays, with Nahree Biggins leading the run game.
Northwestern is noted for its defense, allowing an average of 20.9 points per game.
The two teams last played over 15 years ago, with Northwestern winning the previous game.
Travis Kelce, a star player for the Kansas City Chiefs, is considering retiring after a recent game, which might have been his last at home. He praised his coach, Andy Reid, and reflected on their time together with the team. Kelce and Reid have led the Chiefs to major successes, including multiple Super Bowl wins.
Key Facts
Travis Kelce is 36 years old and thinking about retiring.
He played a game against the Denver Broncos that ended 20-13, with the Chiefs losing.
Kelce's contract is ending, and there is speculation it might have been his last home game.
He has been with the Kansas City Chiefs since 2013, the same year Andy Reid became head coach.
Kelce and Reid have helped the Chiefs reach five Super Bowls and win three championships.
Kelce praised Coach Reid for his leadership and support during a press conference.
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes, a key team player, is recovering from a knee injury.
The sons of Diogo Jota, a former football player for Liverpool and Wolverhampton Wanderers, will join mascots on the field at Anfield when the two teams meet. This match is the first encounter between Liverpool and Wolves since Jota's death in a car crash. Liverpool manager Arne Slot expressed hopes that the event might bring some comfort to Jota's family.
Key Facts
Diogo Jota's sons, Dinis and Duarte, will be with the mascots at the Liverpool versus Wolves game.
The match takes place at Anfield on a Saturday.
Jota and his brother Andre Silva died in a car accident in Spain in July.
Diogo Jota played for Liverpool from 2020 and previously for Wolves.
This will be the first game between the two teams since Jota's passing.
Jota scored 65 goals for Liverpool, helping them win major titles.
Arne Slot, Liverpool's manager, hopes the game can offer solace to Jota's family.
The Texas Longhorns will play the Citrus Bowl without starting running back Quintrevion Wisner, who plans to leave the team through the transfer portal. This loss is a challenge for quarterback Arch Manning and the team, who have already lost three other running backs recently.
Key Facts
The Citrus Bowl is scheduled just five days away, and the Texas Longhorns face the Michigan Wolverines.
Quintrevion Wisner, the team's starting running back, intends to enter the transfer portal.
Three other running backs, including CJ Baxter Jr., Jerrick Gibson, and Rickey Stewart Jr., have also left the team in the last month.
Arch Manning is the Longhorns' starting quarterback and finished the season with a 9-3 record.
Running the ball was a challenge for Texas this season, with only 1,556 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns.
Freshmen Christian Clark and James Simon are now the primary running backs for the upcoming bowl game.
Two former England rugby players, Mike Tindall and Martin Johnson, will lead teams in a charity cycle race to support those with motor neurone disease (MND). The race covers a 45-mile route from Gloucester to Birmingham and aims to raise money for the 4ED Foundation. At least 25% of the funds will also support former England rugby captain Lewis Moody, who has been diagnosed with MND.
Key Facts
Mike Tindall and Martin Johnson will captain teams in a charity cycle race.
The race is 45 miles long, from Gloucester to Birmingham's Villa Park.
The event aims to raise funds for the 4ED Foundation, supporting people with MND.
Ed Slater, a former Gloucester rugby player diagnosed with MND in 2022, is behind the initiative.
At least 25% of the funds will go to Lewis Moody or his chosen charity; he was diagnosed with MND.
The race will compete for this year's Slater Cup, named after Ed Slater's former clubs, Gloucester and Leicester Tigers.
Additional former rugby players participating in the race will be announced later.
The pitch for the fourth Ashes Test match in Melbourne has led to an unusually high number of wickets falling, raising concerns about its fairness. Experts, including former England captain Michael Vaughan, say the pitch made it too difficult for batters, resulting in an imbalanced game. On the first day, 20 wickets fell, which is a rare occurrence in Test cricket history.
Key Facts
The fourth Ashes Test match is taking place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
On the first day, both Australia and England lost a total of 20 wickets.
Australia was bowled out for 152 runs, and England was dismissed for 110 runs.
It was the most wickets to fall on the opening day of an Ashes Test since 1909.
A high number of deliveries (48%) moved significantly on day one, making it tough for batters.
The PitchViz rating, which measures pitch difficulty, was 8.7 out of 10, a high difficulty score.
Some cricket experts believe the pitch favored bowlers and made batting too challenging.
The pitch had 10mm of grass, considered long by usual standards, contributing to its difficulty.
Nigeria and Tunisia are competing in the Africa Cup of Nations 2025. Their match will take place at Fez Stadium in Morocco on December 27. Both teams hope to perform well to secure advancement in the tournament.
Key Facts
Nigeria will play against Tunisia at the Fez Stadium in Morocco.
The match is scheduled for December 27 at 9 pm local time (20:00 GMT).
Nigeria previously defeated Tanzania 2-1, with goals from Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookman.
Tunisia won their first match against Uganda 3-1, with Elias Achouri scoring twice.
After the first round of matches, Tunisia leads Group C on goal difference, with Nigeria in second place.
Top two teams in the group advance to the round of 16, along with four best third-placed teams.
Nigeria's key players include Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze, Alex Iwobi, and Ademola Lookman.
Tunisia's key players include Elias Achouri, Ellyes Skhiri, and Hannibal Mejbri.
Michigan Wolverines are searching for a new head coach after firing Sherrone Moore. Kyle Whittingham, the current head coach at Utah, is a top candidate. Whittingham is considering leaving Utah after their upcoming bowl game.
Key Facts
Michigan Wolverines fired head coach Sherrone Moore after two seasons.
They are looking for a new head coach and Kyle Whittingham is a leading candidate.
Kyle Whittingham is the head coach of the Utah Utes and has coached there for 21 seasons.
Whittingham has an impressive record of 177 wins and 88 losses with Utah.
He intends to leave Utah after their bowl game but is not retiring from coaching.
Michigan's football program has faced challenges recently, making Whittingham an attractive candidate.
Michigan last won a national championship in 2023 under Jim Harbaugh.
Nikola Jokic set a new NBA record by achieving the first game with at least 55 points, 15 rebounds, and 15 assists, leading the Denver Nuggets to a 142-138 overtime win against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Jokic collected his 15th triple-double of the season, bringing his career total to 179. Jamal Murray also contributed 35 points to help secure the victory.
Key Facts
Nikola Jokic scored 56 points, made 16 rebounds, and had 15 assists in the game.
This game marked the first-ever in NBA history with at least 55 points, 15 rebounds, and 15 assists.
Jokic recorded his 15th triple-double of the season.
Jokic now has a total of 179 career triple-doubles in the regular season.
The Nuggets beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 142-138 in overtime.
Jamal Murray scored 35 points and made 10 assists for the Nuggets.
Anthony Edwards from the Timberwolves scored 44 points, with 24 of those in the fourth quarter and overtime.
This was a comeback win for the Nuggets, who rallied from being nine points down.
The Ibragimov family moved from Dagestan, Russia, to England eight years ago to pursue better career opportunities. Ibragim Ibragimov is now a professional MMA fighter, while his younger brothers Amir, Gazik, and Muhammad have signed with Manchester United. Amir has shown significant promise in football, training with Manchester United's first team at a young age.
Key Facts
Ibragim Ibragimov is a professional MMA fighter competing in the Professional Fighters League.
The Ibragimov family relocated from Dagestan, Russia, to England in 2017.
Amir Ibragimov and his brothers, Gazik and Muhammad, are associated with Manchester United.
Amir trained with Manchester United's first team when he was only 15 years old.
Dagestan is known for its strong wrestling culture and has produced many champions.
Amir's wrestling background contributed to his physical strength and competitive nature in football.
Amir was previously grouped with older players due to his skills and experience from wrestling.
Nikola Jokic set a new record with a 56-point triple-double as the Denver Nuggets defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 142-138 in overtime. Jokic's performance surpassed Steph Curry's previous record for points scored in overtime. The Nuggets remain third in the Western Conference standings.
Key Facts
Nikola Jokic scored 56 points and achieved a triple-double.
Jokic is the first NBA player to record at least 55 points, 15 rebounds, and 15 assists in a triple-double.
Jokic scored 18 points in overtime, breaking Steph Curry's record of 17 overtime points.
The Minnesota Timberwolves forced the game into overtime after overcoming a 15-point deficit.
Anthony Edwards was the top scorer for the Timberwolves with 44 points.
Edwards was ejected during overtime for arguing about foul calls.
The Denver Nuggets are third, and the Timberwolves are fifth in the NBA's Western Conference.
