The New York Giants have a poor record this season and are not in the playoffs. After firing their head coach, interim coach Mike Kafka has supported rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart, even after a challenging game against the Minnesota Vikings. Despite being out of playoff contention, there is debate about whether to keep Dart playing due to past injuries.
Key Facts
The New York Giants have a record of 2 wins and 13 losses this season.
Head Coach Brian Daboll was fired after a 2-8 start, and Mike Kafka took over as interim coach.
The Giants lost to the Minnesota Vikings with a score of 16-13, marking their ninth straight loss.
Rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart had 33 passing yards and an interception in the game against the Vikings.
Dart's overall season performance includes completing 62.1% of passes for 1,835 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions.
Dart has also rushed for 407 yards and 7 touchdowns over 12 games.
Concerns exist about Dart's health due to multiple concussion evaluations this season.
The Giants have two remaining games against the Las Vegas Raiders and the Dallas Cowboys.
The St. Louis Cardinals have been making several trades this offseason. They recently traded infielder Willson Contreras to the Boston Red Sox and are predicted to trade All-Star Brendan Donovan to the Seattle Mariners. The Mariners need a versatile infielder like Donovan after losing a player to free agency.
Key Facts
The Cardinals traded Sonny Gray to the Boston Red Sox.
The Cardinals also sent Willson Contreras to the Red Sox.
Brendan Donovan is predicted to be traded to the Seattle Mariners.
The Mariners need an infielder after Jorge Polanco left in free agency.
Donovan's ability to play multiple positions makes him a good fit for the Mariners.
Cody Williams from FanSided sees Donovan as a suitable option for the Mariners due to his versatility.
During a "Sunday Night Football" game at M&T Bank Stadium, a near-accident occurred when a firework nearly hit a staff member. The game between the Baltimore Ravens and New England Patriots ended with the Patriots winning 28-24. Ravens player Lamar Jackson got injured during the match.
Key Facts
A firework went off accidentally and nearly hit a staff member at M&T Bank Stadium.
This incident happened before the Baltimore Ravens vs. New England Patriots game began.
The Ravens were trying for a playoff spot, while the Patriots aimed for the No. 1 seed in the AFC.
Derrick Henry rushed for 128 yards and scored two touchdowns during the game.
The Patriots defeated the Ravens with a score of 28-24.
Ravens player Lamar Jackson left the game due to a back injury.
Lamar Jackson's injury was one of several during the weekend, including Jordan Love from the Chicago Bears.
The New York Yankees are considering trading for Miami Marlins pitcher Edward Cabrera to strengthen their team for the upcoming season. The Yankees may need to exchange some of their young players to complete the trade.
Key Facts
The Yankees want to improve their team to remain competitive in the American League East.
Other teams in the division, like the Orioles, Blue Jays, and Red Sox, have been actively making changes.
The Yankees need to focus on the free agency market or make trades for improvements.
Cody Williams from FanSided predicts the Yankees might trade for Edward Cabrera from the Miami Marlins.
Edward Cabrera is a 27-year-old pitcher who is developing into a strong player (a budding ace).
Cabrera had his best season this year, showing improvement with more experience.
The Yankees could offer a package of young players (prospects) in exchange for Cabrera.
This trade would help the Yankees plan for the future as some of their current pitchers age.
Notre Dame's football team, led by Marcus Freeman, chose not to participate in a bowl game after not being selected for the College Football Playoff, despite ending their season with a strong winning streak. Recently, true freshman safety JaDon Blair left the team through the NCAA transfer portal, marking another player loss for Notre Dame. The team plans to focus on acquiring new talent to strengthen their lineup for next year.
Key Facts
Notre Dame did not get selected for the College Football Playoff despite a 10-game winning streak.
The team opted out of playing in a bowl game.
Notre Dame lost true freshman safety JaDon Blair to the NCAA transfer portal.
JaDon Blair was ranked as a top safety and recruit in his class.
Several other Notre Dame players have also entered the transfer portal.
Notre Dame aims to rebuild their team with fresh talent for the next season.
The Toronto Blue Jays are making moves for the next baseball season after losing in the World Series to the Los Angeles Dodgers. While they are interested in top free agents Kyle Tucker and Cody Bellinger, a sports writer suggests they should focus on improving their infield instead.
Key Facts
The Toronto Blue Jays are preparing for another playoff run next season.
They lost in the World Series to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The team signed pitcher Dylan Cease to a seven-year contract worth $210 million.
The Blue Jays also acquired pitchers Cody Ponce and Tyler Rogers.
There is interest in free agents Kyle Tucker and Cody Bellinger.
A sports writer suggests the Blue Jays should focus on upgrading their infield, particularly if Bo Bichette leaves the team.
Alternatives if Bichette leaves include free agents Alex Bregman and Kazuma Okamoto.
Byrum Brown, a top-rated college football quarterback, has entered the transfer portal after his coach, Alex Golesh, left the University of South Florida. Brown is highly skilled, having gained over 10,000 yards in four years. His move comes as the transfer portal opens, allowing college players to switch schools.
Key Facts
Byrum Brown is a leading college football quarterback rated fourth-best in the country by Pro Football Focus.
He played at the University of South Florida and achieved over 10,000 yards in total.
Brown's head coach, Alex Golesh, left USF to join Auburn University.
Brown entered the transfer portal after his coach's departure.
In the 2025 season, Brown threw for 3,158 yards and rushed for 1,008 yards, scoring 42 touchdowns.
Brown is known for his dynamic playing style, which includes throwing, rushing, and even catching passes.
The college football transfer portal allows players to change schools, similar to NFL free agency.
The Miami Dolphins' linebacker Jordyn Brooks received two fines from the NFL for inappropriate actions during their game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. These fines will contribute to supporting former players and athlete wellness. The Dolphins, not qualifying for the playoffs this year, will next face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Key Facts
The Miami Dolphins are not in the playoffs, with a record of 6-9.
The Dolphins will play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 28.
Jordyn Brooks, a Dolphins linebacker, received two fines for actions in a game against the Steelers.
Brooks was fined $11,593 for unsportsmanlike conduct and taunting.
He also received another $11,593 fine for unnecessary roughness involving a facemask incident.
Fines collected by the NFL help support the Professional Athletes Foundation and NFL programs for athlete health and safety.
The Dolphins lost to the Cincinnati Bengals on December 21, with a score of 45-21.
The Dolphins' coach, Mike McDaniel, is focused on improving the team's performance.
The long-anticipated wrestling match between The Undertaker and Sting never happened due to Vince McMahon's decision. McMahon, former WWE Chairman, did not view Sting's star power as equal to The Undertaker's. Despite opportunities in 2014 when both were in WWE, the match was never arranged.
Key Facts
Fans wanted a match between The Undertaker and Sting, but it never happened.
Vince McMahon, former WWE Chairman, decided against the match.
McMahon believed Sting did not match The Undertaker's level of fame.
Both wrestlers were part of the WWE at the same time after Sting signed in 2014.
Instead of facing The Undertaker at WrestleMania 31, Sting competed against Triple H.
A neck injury ended Sting's WWE in-ring career in 2015.
Sting returned later to wrestle in AEW and retired in 2024.
The Ole Miss Rebels, ranked No. 6, had a strong win against Tulane in their first game without former coach Lane Kiffin, who left for LSU. Eli Manning, a former star player at Ole Miss, made a prediction that Ole Miss will win their upcoming playoff games and become national champions.
Key Facts
The Ole Miss Rebels beat Tulane 41-10 in their first game under new head coach Pete Golding.
Lane Kiffin, previous head coach, left Ole Miss for a position at LSU.
Eli Manning predicted Ole Miss would win against Georgia in their next match and ultimately become national champions.
Ole Miss' quarterback Trinidad Chambliss is noted as one of the top quarterbacks nationally.
Archie Manning, another Ole Miss football legend, criticized Lane Kiffin in a viral video.
The game against Tulane marked the beginning of Ole Miss playing under Pete Golding as head coach.
The Duke Blue Devils, under head coach Jon Scheyer, have started the 2025-26 college basketball season strongly with an 11-1 record, placing them at No. 3 nationally. They are hopeful of recruiting top prospect Jordan Smith Jr., a highly ranked guard from Virginia, who is also being pursued by other major basketball programs.
Key Facts
Duke Blue Devils' record is 11 wins and 1 loss this season.
Duke is ranked No. 3 in the national college basketball rankings.
Duke lost key players from last year's team but has successfully recruited new talent.
They are hoping to recruit five-star guard Jordan Smith Jr., the No. 2 ranked player in the nation.
Smith Jr. is being pursued by other top programs like Arkansas, Syracuse, Kentucky, Indiana, and Georgetown.
Inside MD Sports predicted Smith Jr. committing to Duke back in October 2025.
Coach Jon Scheyer is known for his strong recruiting abilities.
Karen Carney won this year's Strictly Come Dancing competition. She thanked her hometown of Birmingham for their support and said winning was like a dream. Carney is a former footballer and beat two other finalists in a public vote to lift the glitterball trophy.
Key Facts
Karen Carney won Strictly Come Dancing in this year's competition.
She is a former footballer from Birmingham and the first footballer to win the show.
Carney competed against Amber Davies and George Clarke in the final.
The public voted for Carney as the winner during the live final on Saturday.
Carney and her dance partner Carlos Gu received a standing ovation for their performances.
Carney has 144 caps for England and played for Birmingham City, Chelsea, and Arsenal's women's teams.
After retiring from football, she worked as a pundit for TNT and ITV.
Carney plans to spend Christmas in Birmingham with her family and friends.
Notre Dame was not included in the College Football Playoff in 2026, partly due to a weaker schedule. The team lost its regular season games against ranked teams Miami and Texas A&M and has now lost its annual series with USC. Notre Dame plans to replace this series with a two-year matchup against BYU.
Key Facts
Notre Dame's football team did not qualify for the 2026 College Football Playoff.
Key losses occurred against ranked teams Miami and Texas A&M.
Notre Dame beat USC and Pittsburgh, which were ranked No. 20 and No. 22 at the time.
The series between Notre Dame and USC will not continue, missing scheduling agreements for beyond 2026.
Notre Dame plans to play a two-year series against BYU.
BYU finished its season 11-2 but lost heavily in the Big 12 championship.
USC's absence is seen as a loss for Notre Dame's strength of schedule.
LSU is looking for a new quarterback after Garrett Nussmeier, the previous starter, decided to enter the 2026 NFL Draft. Lane Kiffin, LSU's coach, is considering Air Noland, a quarterback from South Carolina who entered the transfer portal. Noland is known for his talent but has not played much in college games yet.
Key Facts
Lane Kiffin is the new coach at LSU, taking over after leaving Ole Miss.
LSU needs a new quarterback as Garrett Nussmeier is leaving for the NFL.
Air Noland, a quarterback from South Carolina, is in the transfer portal.
Noland was previously at Ohio State before moving to South Carolina.
Noland is highly ranked, noted as a top 5 QB in the 2024 rankings.
LSU is also considering other quarterback options like Sam Leavitt and Dylan Raiola.
Kansas lawmakers are planning to vote on a proposal that could move the Kansas City Chiefs from Missouri to Kansas. The plan involves building a new stadium with a funding model similar to Kansas Speedway, using special bonds. This proposal would need approval from Kansas lawmakers and could result in the Chiefs leaving their current stadium in Missouri.
Key Facts
Kansas lawmakers will vote on a plan to move the Kansas City Chiefs to Kansas.
The proposed new stadium would replace the current Arrowhead Stadium in Missouri.
Funding could involve STAR bonds, which are paid off with sales and liquor tax revenue.
The new stadium might cost over $2 billion.
Chiefs owner Clark Hunt and other team officials are involved in discussions.
Kansas Speedway was built using a similar funding method.
Missouri lawmakers are also working on a plan to keep the Chiefs in Missouri.
Arrowhead Stadium is known for its loud atmosphere and will host World Cup matches this summer.
The Boston Red Sox traded for Willson Contreras, a three-time All-Star first baseman, from the St. Louis Cardinals. This move may affect the future of Triston Casas, a 25-year-old player, with the Red Sox due to his recent struggles and injuries.
Key Facts
The Boston Red Sox traded for first baseman Willson Contreras from the St. Louis Cardinals.
Willson Contreras is a three-time All-Star player.
Triston Casas, a 25-year-old Red Sox player, might be affected by this trade.
Casas had a strong season in 2023 but has struggled with injuries since then.
This season, Casas played 29 games with a .182 batting average and three home runs.
With Contreras on a contract through 2028, Casas' role with the Red Sox is uncertain.
Casas is under team control for three more years, making him a potential trade candidate.
The Milwaukee Brewers might trade pitcher Freddy Peralta to the New York Mets. The Brewers have a history of trading players they can't afford to keep due to their small market size and limited budget. Peralta could bring in key prospects from the Mets in exchange.
Key Facts
The Milwaukee Brewers are considering trading pitcher Freddy Peralta.
Peralta will earn $8 million next season and is approaching free agency.
The Brewers are a small market team with a tight budget, often leading them to trade valuable players.
The New York Mets need a strong pitcher and have a history with Peralta through their former general manager, David Stearns.
The expected trade involves the Mets' prospects Jacob Reimer and Will Watson.
Previous similar trades have brought top prospects to the Brewers.
The Mets have the financial ability to extend Peralta's contract after the trade.
The San Diego Padres, despite having a high payroll, have struggled to succeed in the playoffs. Sports writer Mike Axisa suggests the team consider trading shortstop Xander Bogaerts to improve financially. Bogaerts, who has eight years left on his contract, would require the Padres to pay part of his salary in a trade.
Key Facts
The Padres have one of the highest payrolls in Major League Baseball (MLB) but haven't advanced far in recent postseasons.
They recently signed pitcher Michael King to a three-year, $75 million contract.
Since 2023, the Padres have signed five players to contracts worth over $100 million each.
Xander Bogaerts has eight years left on an 11-year, $280 million contract with the Padres.
Trading Bogaerts might involve the Padres paying part of his salary to make a deal appealing to other teams.
Bogaerts previously played for the Boston Red Sox, winning two World Series titles.
His performance has declined since joining the Padres.
The New York Yankees are rumored to be interested in signing Tatsuya Imai, a successful pitcher from Japan with a strong record. Discussions about the potential signing are ongoing, with Imai's posting window open until January 2. The Yankees are considering Imai to enhance their pitching rotation.
Key Facts
The New York Yankees are considering signing Japanese pitcher Tatsuya Imai.
Imai has a strong record, with a 1.92 ERA last season and 178 strikeouts.
His posting window for signing with a Major League Baseball team is open until January 2.
Yankees insiders have noted that no formal meeting with Imai has been scheduled yet.
If signed, Imai would join a rotation including pitchers like Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón.
The Yankees reached the World Series in 2024 but were defeated by the Dodgers.
Imai has expressed a preference to join a team without other Japanese players and aims to compete against the Dodgers.
The Philadelphia Phillies are in talks to re-sign catcher JT Realmuto but face a deadlock as both parties explore other options. They are considering Minnesota Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers as an alternative, who could be a cost-effective signing. Jeffers is in his final year of arbitration with the Twins, making him a potential trade target.
Key Facts
The Phillies want to re-sign their catcher JT Realmuto but are stuck in negotiations.
Realmuto is exploring other offers while the Phillies look for backup options.
Philadelphia is considering Ryan Jeffers from the Minnesota Twins as an alternative.
Jeffers had better hitting stats than Realmuto last season, with a higher OPS.
Realmuto is valued for his defensive skills, which Jeffers does not yet match.
Jeffers is in his last year of arbitration and will be a free agent after this season.
The Phillies might not have to give up much to trade for Jeffers since he has only one year left on his contract.
