New users of DraftKings can place a $5 bet on the basketball game between the Brooklyn Nets and the New York Knicks. If their initial bet wins, they receive $300 in bonus bets. The game takes place at Madison Square Garden on January 21.
Key Facts
DraftKings is offering a special promotion for new users to bet on the Brooklyn Nets vs. New York Knicks game.
To qualify, users must place a $5 bet, and if it wins, they receive $300 in bonus bets.
The $300 bonus is divided into 12 separate $25 bets.
These bonus bets are valid for seven days.
The game between the Nets and the Knicks is scheduled for January 21 at 7:30 PM EST at Madison Square Garden.
The New York Knicks are favorites to win with a moneyline of -599.
The Knicks have struggled at home recently, with a record of 1-4 in their last five games.
Both teams have similar defensive statistics, allowing around 114 points per game.
USC is reportedly close to hiring Gary Patterson as their new defensive coordinator after the departure of D'Anton Lynn. Patterson previously coached at TCU and has a long history of success in college football.
Key Facts
USC is looking for a new defensive coordinator after D'Anton Lynn left for Penn State.
Reports suggest that USC is in talks with Gary Patterson for the position.
Patterson was the head coach at TCU from 2000 to 2021, achieving a 181-79 record.
He won six conference championships and had 11 seasons with at least 10 wins at TCU.
Patterson worked as a consultant for Baylor in 2024.
Patterson was recently named to the 2026 College Football Hall of Fame class.
If hired, he will be the third defensive coordinator under USC's head coach, Lincoln Riley.
Ireland has announced a 37-man squad for the upcoming Six Nations rugby tournament. Notably missing is Iain Henderson, while Nathan Doak and six other Ulster players have been selected. The squad features new faces and aims to improve on last year's performance.
Key Facts
Andy Farrell named a 37-man squad for the Six Nations rugby tournament.
Nathan Doak and Edwin Edogbo have received their first call-ups to the Ireland squad.
Seven players from Ulster have been selected, due to improved form this season.
Notable omissions from the squad include Iain Henderson and Zac Ward.
Several key players are unavailable due to injuries; replacements have been selected.
The Ireland team hopes to challenge favourites France and England this season.
Nathan Doak has impressed with his strong performance, leading to his selection.
Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza is expected to be the top pick in the 2026 NFL draft to the Las Vegas Raiders after winning the national championship. Some question whether joining the Raiders is a good move, partly due to the team's poor recent performance. Analyst Stephen A. Smith suggested that Raiders minority owner Tom Brady should make key decisions for improving the team.
Key Facts
Fernando Mendoza played as quarterback for Indiana Hoosiers and is expected to be the first pick in the 2026 NFL draft.
Mendoza led the Hoosiers to a national championship victory and won the Heisman Trophy.
The Las Vegas Raiders, who might draft Mendoza, have a poor performance record, with only two playoff appearances in the last 20 years and none since 2002.
In 2025, the Raiders had a 3-14 record and one of the lowest-rated offenses in the league.
Stephen A. Smith criticized the Raiders on ESPN, saying Tom Brady is the only positive aspect of the team.
Smith suggested that Tom Brady should have decision-making power in drafting Mendoza, rather than the general manager, John Spytek.
Mendoza's achievements at Indiana include 3,535 passing yards, 41 touchdowns, and only six interceptions in a season.
The situation at the Raiders parallels Indiana's situation before Mendoza and Coach Curt Cignetti's arrival, which saw significant improvements afterwards.
The Golden State Warriors' plans are uncertain after Jimmy Butler suffered a serious knee injury, ending his season. Warriors' general manager Mike Dunleavy stated that there are no plans to trade Butler, even though the team needs to adjust before the approaching trade deadline. Jonathan Kuminga, another player, may see more playtime due to Butler's injury.
Key Facts
Jimmy Butler injured his knee during a game against the Miami Heat, ending his season.
Butler averaged 20 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.9 assists in 38 games this season.
Mike Dunleavy, the Warriors' general manager, said there are no current plans to trade Butler.
The trade deadline for NBA teams is on February 5.
The Warriors currently hold the eighth spot in the Western Conference standings.
Jonathan Kuminga, who was previously benched, might play more due to Butler's absence.
Kuminga scored 20 points in a recent game against the Toronto Raptors.
The Warriors have a 7-3 record in their last ten games.
Jamie George, a former captain of the England rugby team, will retire at the end of 2027. He plans to play one more season with Saracens before ending his career.
Key Facts
Jamie George will retire from rugby after the 2026-27 season.
He has agreed to a contract extension with Saracens for one more year.
George has played 105 matches for England.
He served as England's captain in 2024 and later as vice-captain.
Jamie George has been part of the British and Irish Lions for three tours.
He has spent his entire career at Saracens, playing over 300 games.
George wants to enjoy his final season and end his career successfully with Saracens.
Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Kyle Tucker addressed questions about his passion for baseball during a press conference. Tucker explained that despite perceptions, he is committed to his team and the game. The Dodgers chose to sign Tucker, indicating no concerns about his dedication.
Key Facts
Kyle Tucker is the newest player for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Tucker faced questions about his passion for baseball during his introduction to the team.
He stated that he focuses on performing well on the field, regardless of outside opinions.
Tucker emphasized the importance of teamwork and the small contributions that lead to wins.
The Dodgers' management is careful about maintaining a positive team culture.
Signing Tucker suggests the Dodgers do not doubt his commitment to baseball.
The Seattle Seahawks, with quarterback Sam Darnold, are set to face the Rams in the NFC Championship game on January 25. Darnold, who played a key role in the Seahawks' successful season, is dealing with an oblique injury but plans to play in the upcoming game. The team is managing his injury carefully as they prepare for the championship.
Key Facts
The NFC Championship game between the Seattle Seahawks and the Rams is on January 25, in Seattle.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold joined the team from the Minnesota Vikings.
In the 2025 season, Darnold threw for 4,048 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions in 17 games.
Darnold has an oblique injury but played in a recent game against the 49ers.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald is carefully managing Darnold's practice reps due to his injury.
Coach Macdonald expressed confidence that Darnold will play, despite the injury.
The article explains a promotion for sports betting using a Betr promo code partnered with Newsweek. By using the code, users can get up to $210 in bonuses for placing bets on NBA games and NFL conference championships. The article provides steps on how to sign up and use the bonuses for different payout options.
Key Facts
A promo code called NEWSWEEK is available for users who want to bet on sports.
Users can receive up to $210 in bonuses, which include a $10 immediate bonus and a 50% deposit match up to $200.
The offer applies to NBA games and NFL conference championship games.
Users must make picks for at least two players from two different teams.
Two payout options are available: max payout (requires all picks to be correct) and flex payout (allows some picks to be incorrect).
To claim the offer, users must enter the promo code and provide personal details.
Newsweek may earn a commission if users sign up through their links.
FanDuel offers a welcome bonus for new customers betting on the NBA. By depositing and betting $5, new users can receive $300 in bonus bets if their initial wager wins. This promotion applies to the Knicks vs. Nets game or any NBA game.
Key Facts
FanDuel provides a special offer for new users.
New users must deposit and wager a minimum of $5.
If the user's first bet wins, they receive $300 in bonus bets.
The offer is valid for the Knicks vs. Nets game on January 21, 2026, or any NBA game.
There is no promo code needed to access this offer.
The promotion is only available to new FanDuel customers.
Betting options include moneyline and spread bets on Knicks vs. Nets.
The New York Mets traded for outfielder Luis Robert Jr. and are now focusing on improving their pitching lineup. They are considering trade options and free-agent signings to strengthen their pitching staff, including discussions with the Milwaukee Brewers about pitcher Freddy Peralta.
Key Facts
The New York Mets traded to acquire outfielder Luis Robert Jr.
The Mets were previously interested in acquiring Cody Bellinger.
The Mets' management, led by David Stearns, is now focusing on enhancing their pitching staff.
They are in talks with the Milwaukee Brewers about pitcher Freddy Peralta.
The Mets have not yet added any new starting pitchers this offseason.
If trade talks do not succeed, they may consider signing mid-tier free agents like Chris Bassitt and Jose Quintana.
Framber Valdez is mentioned as the best free-agent option still available.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are searching for a new head coach, with Mike McCarthy emerging as a leading candidate. McCarthy, who is from Pittsburgh and has previous Super Bowl success, is scheduled for an interview with the team.
Key Facts
The Steelers are looking for a new head coach to replace Mike Tomlin.
Mike McCarthy, a former Green Bay Packers coach, is a top candidate.
He led the Packers to a Super Bowl victory against the Steelers.
McCarthy also coached the Dallas Cowboys until 2024.
He has a record of 125-77 with the Packers and 49-35 with the Cowboys.
McCarthy is being interviewed by the Steelers and is considered a favorite.
Other candidates are also being considered, including Brian Flores and Jesse Minter.
The Steelers have only had three head coaches since 1969, indicating the importance of this decision.
The San Francisco 49ers' general manager, John Lynch, stated that Brandon Aiyuk is unlikely to play for the team again after his season-ending injury. Aiyuk, who joined the 49ers in 2020, was a key player but suffered significant injuries that affected his gameplay and contract status.
Key Facts
The 49ers lost to the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Divisional Round, ending their season.
Brandon Aiyuk is not expected to return to the 49ers after his injury issues.
John Lynch, the 49ers' general manager, indicated Aiyuk's departure is forthcoming.
Aiyuk was drafted as the 25th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
He suffered an ACL and MCL tear in 2024, affecting his performance and contract obligations.
Aiyuk led the team as a receiver in 2023 with notable performance stats.
The 49ers have other veteran receivers to rely on moving forward.
The Kansas City Chiefs have rehired Eric Bieniemy as their offensive coordinator after Matt Nagy left the position. Patrick Mahomes shared his enthusiasm about the decision on social media, posting a picture with Bieniemy. Travis Kelce also expressed his excitement about Bieniemy's return on his podcast.
Key Facts
The Kansas City Chiefs are making changes to their roster and coaching staff.
Head coach Andy Reid will remain with the team.
Eric Bieniemy is returning as offensive coordinator, a position he held for ten seasons before.
Bieniemy helped the Chiefs win two Super Bowl titles in the past.
Mahomes shared a supportive post about Bieniemy on Instagram.
Mahomes achieved significant career milestones with Bieniemy as coordinator, including Pro Bowl selections and three Super Bowl wins.
Travis Kelce spoke positively about Bieniemy's return on his podcast.
The Las Vegas Raiders are considering drafting Fernando Mendoza, a star quarterback from Indiana. Former Raiders quarterback Derek Carr expressed strong support for Mendoza joining the team. Mendoza has impressive college stats and led Indiana to a National Championship win.
Key Facts
The Las Vegas Raiders may draft quarterback Fernando Mendoza from Indiana.
Derek Carr, a former Raiders quarterback, supports Mendoza's potential selection.
Mendoza played for California before transferring to Indiana, where he excelled.
At Indiana, Mendoza threw 41 touchdowns with only six interceptions in 2025.
Indiana finished an undefeated season with a National Championship win under Mendoza.
The Raiders, who had a poor 3-14 season, will decide during the NFL Draft.
Derek Carr hopes the Raiders will build a strong team around Mendoza if drafted.
Ole Miss is hopeful that their quarterback, Trinidad Chambliss, will be approved to play in the 2026 season despite the NCAA previously denying his request for an extra year due to a medical hardship in 2022. Chambliss is seeking legal action to overturn the ruling, with backups in place if he cannot play.
Key Facts
Trinidad Chambliss is a star quarterback for Ole Miss.
He seeks permission to play in the 2026 season after the NCAA denied his sixth-year waiver request.
The waiver denial followed his 2022 absence due to illness at Ferris State.
Chambliss is pursuing legal action in Mississippi courts to get approval.
Ole Miss is optimistic about a court ruling in Chambliss's favor.
As a backup plan, the team has Auburn transfer Duece Knight ready.
Duece Knight has four years of eligibility and is expected to develop behind Chambliss.
Mike Tomlin, the former head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, has stepped down after 19 years. He is choosing not to take a coaching job for now and is considering moving into broadcasting. There are reports and opinions about whether he will ever return to coaching.
Key Facts
Mike Tomlin was the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers for 19 years.
He has chosen not to pursue a new coaching job immediately after stepping down.
Reports suggest Tomlin is interested in moving into television broadcasting.
Some insiders believe Tomlin will not return to coaching again.
Tomlin is a well-known figure in football, making him a potential draw for broadcasting networks.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are seeking Tomlin’s replacement, considering names like Mike McCarthy and Brian Flores.
The Steelers have only had three head coaches since 1969, making the head coach position highly stable.
Puka Nacua, a wide receiver for the Los Angeles Rams, is recognized as one of the best in the NFL despite being a late draft pick. Almost drafted by the Baltimore Ravens three years ago, he will now compete with the Seattle Seahawks for a spot in the Super Bowl. The Rams plan to make him one of the highest-paid wide receivers.
Key Facts
Puka Nacua is in his third NFL season and plays for the Los Angeles Rams.
He was drafted in the later rounds of the NFL Draft, yet now he's one of the top wide receivers.
Nacua almost joined the Baltimore Ravens, but they chose not to draft him.
Ravens coach John Harbaugh wanted Nacua, but the team decided against it.
Nacua has already been named to the NFL's First-Team All-Pro list.
The Los Angeles Rams plan to extend his contract to make him one of the highest-paid receivers.
Nacua will play against the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship.
Tom Brady will continue as a lead analyst for Fox during NFL games. He is in the second year of a 10-year deal with the network and plans to stay for as long as possible. Brady has improved his broadcasting skills since starting the role.
Key Facts
Tom Brady is a lead analyst for Fox in NFL broadcasts.
His contract with Fox is for 10 years and worth $375 million.
Brady is also a partial owner of the Las Vegas Raiders.
He has improved his broadcasting skills from the first to the second year.
Despite other business ventures, Brady plans to continue his role with Fox.
Richie Zyontz, Fox's lead NFL producer, confirms Brady's commitment to the role.
Brady will cover the NFC Championship game between the Rams and Seahawks as his last game of the current season.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have decided not to pursue Milwaukee Brewers' pitcher Freddy Peralta, despite previous interest. The Dodgers feel confident in their current group of pitchers and have signed two All-Star players during the offseason to strengthen their team further.
Key Facts
The Dodgers' baseball operations head, Andrew Friedman, stated they are not looking for additional starting pitchers.
The team has been linked to Brewers pitcher Freddy Peralta but decided not to pursue him.
The Dodgers used a six-man rotation to finish the 2025 season and might use the same strategy in 2026.
Key Dodgers pitchers Clayton Kershaw retired, while Roki Sasaki might return to starting.
Injured pitchers Gavin Stone and River Ryan are expected to come back in 2026, bringing depth.
Stone had a 3.53 ERA in 2024, and Ryan had a 1.33 ERA over four starts that year.
The Dodgers signed All-Stars Kyle Tucker and Edwin Diaz this offseason.
The team may also re-sign Kiké Hernandez to the injured list and is considering adding another reliever.
