NBA Playoffs: Pistons Level Series At 1-1; SGA Leads Thunder To 2-0 Lead Over Suns

 The NBA Playoffs continued on Wednesday with two games.

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

At Little Caesars Arena, Detroit:

Cade Cunningham scored 27 points and dished out 11 assists as the Detroit Pistons leveled their conference quarterfinal series with the Orlando Magic at one game apiece with a 98-83 home victory.

Jalen Suggs led the Magic with 19 points.

WESTERN CONFERENCE:

At Paycom Center, Oklahoma City:

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 37 points while dishing out nine assists as the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the visiting Phoenix Suns in the second game of their conference quarterfinal series with the Thunder up two games to none.

Chet Holgrem and Jalen Williams helped the Thunder's cause with 19 points each.

Dillon Brooks scored paced the Suns with 30 points while Devin Booker added 22 and Jalen Green with 21.

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Lightning, Bruins, Mammoth Square Respective Series At 1-1; OT Goal Sends Avalanche to 2-0 Series Lead Over Kings

The opening round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs continued on Tuesday with four contests. 

EASTERN CONFERENCE: 

At Benchmark International Arena, Tampa, Florida:  

J.J. Moser scored the winning goal 12:48 into overtime as the Tampa Bay Lightning leveled their conference quarterfinal series with the Montreal at a game apiece after their 4-3 home victory. 

At KeyBank Center, Buffalo, New York:

Viktor Arvidsson tallied twice as the Boston Bruins squared their conference quarterfinal series with the Buffalo Sabres at one game apiece with a 4-2 road win. 

WESTERN CONFERENCE:

At T-Mobile Arena, Paradise, Nevada:

Logan Cooley scored the winning goal with six minutes remaining as the Utah Mammoth picked up their first playoff victory, a 3-2 road triumph over the Vegas Golden Knights as their conference quarterfinal series is deadlocked at one game apiece. 

At Ball Arena, Denver, Colorado: 

At 7:44 into overtime, Nicolas Roy scored the winning goal at the Colorado Avalanche defeated the visiting Los Angeles Kings to take a two-games-to-none lead in their conference quarterfinal series. 

NBA Playoffs: Blazers, 76ers Square Respective Series At 1-1. Lakers Stretch Lead Over Rockets To 2-0.

The NBA Playoffs continued with three games on Tuesday. 

EASTERN CONFERENCE: 

At TD Garden, Boston: 

V.J. Edgecombe scored 30 points and grabbed 10 rebounds while Tyrese Maxey added 29 and passed out nine assists as the Philadelphia 76ers knocked off the hosts Boston Celtics 111-97 to square their conference quarterfinal series at one game apiece and seized home-court advantage.  

Jaylen Brown paced the Celtics with 36 points. 

WESTERN CONFERENCE:  

At Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, Texas: 

Scoot Henderson scored 31 points as the Portland Trail Blazers overcame a 14-point fourth-quarter deficit and knocked off the homestanding San Antonio Spurs 106-103.  

Stephon Castle led the Spurs with 18 points as this conference quarterfinal series is deadlocked at one game apiece with Portland grabbing home-court advantage.

At Crypto.com Arena. Los Angeles:

LeBron James scored 28 points while Marcus Smart added 25 and Luke Kennard 23 as the Los Angeles Lakers took a two-games-to-none conference quarterfinal series lead over the Houston Rockets with a 101-94 home win.

The Rockets are paced by Kevin Durant, who scored 23 points while Alperen Sengun added 20 (to go with 11 rebounds).

 

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Flyers, Hurricanes Take 2-0 Series Leads, Stars Level Series With Wild, Oilers Take Series Opener With Ducks

The Stanley Cup Playoffs resumed on Monday with four games. 

EASTERN CONFERENCE:  

At PPG Arena, Pittsburgh:

Patrick Martone, Garnet Hathaway (shorthanded), and Luke Glendening (empty net) each scored a goal while goaltender Dan Vladar saved all 27 shots for the shutout as the Philadelphia Flyers have now taken a two-games-to-none lead in their conference quarterfinal series with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

At Lenovo Center, Raleigh, North Carolina:

Jordan Martinook scored the game-winning goal at 13:53 of the second overtime period as the Carolina Hurricanes opened up a conference quarterfinal series two-games-to-none advantage over the Ottawa Senators with their 4-3 victory.

WESTERN CONFERENCE:

At American Airlines Center, Dallas:

Wyatt Johnston scored twice (once on an empty-netter) as the Dallas Stars squared their conference quarterfinal series with the Minnesota Wild at one game apiece after their 4-2 game-two home win.

At Rogers Place, Edmonton, Alberta:

Jason Dickinson and Kasperi Kapanen each scored twice as the Edmonton Oilers took the opening game of their conference quarterfinal round series with a 4-3 home triumph over the Anaheim Ducks.

NBA Playoffs: Hawks, Wolves Overcome Double-Digit Deficits To Square Their Respective Series At 1-1; Cavaliers Down Raptors To Go Up 2-0

The NBA Playoffs continued on Monday with three games. 

Eastern Conference: 

At Rocket Arena, Cleveland:  

Donovan Mitchell scored 30 points while James Harden added 28 and Evan Mobley contributed 25 as the Cleveland Cavaliers outdistanced the visiting Toronto Raptors 115-105 to lead their conference quarterfinal series at two games to none.

Scottie Barnes scored 26 points to lead Toronto while R.J. Barrett added 22 (to go with nine rebounds).

At Madison Square Garden, New York:

C.J. McCollum scored 32 points as the Atlanta Hawks came back from a 14-point fourth-quarter deficit to upend the New York Knicks 107-106 to square their conference quarterfinal series at a game apiece.

Jalen Brunson paced the Knicks with 29 points.

WESTERN CONFERENCE:

At Ball Arena, Denver:

Anthony Edwards scored 30 points (while pulling in ten rebounds) while Julius Randle added 24 as the Minnesota Timberwolves came back from a 19-point deficit to stun the hosts Denver Nuggets 119-114 to level their conference quarterfinal series at one game apiece.

Jalen Murray led the Nuggets with 30 points while Nikola Jokic added 24 (to go with his 15 rebounds).

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Avalanche, Habs, Sabres, Golden Knights Take Series Openers

 Four games were played on Sunday as the Stanley Cup Playoffs continued.

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

At Benchmark International Arena, Tampa, Florida:

Juraj Slafkovsky produced a hat trick (two of them on the power play), including the game winner with a one-man advantage at 82 seconds of overtime as the Montreal Canadiens knocked off the homestanding Tampa Bay Lightning 4-3 in the opening contest of their conference quarterfinal series.

At Key Bank Center, Buffalo, New York:

Tage Thompson scored twice in the third period as the Buffalo Sabres won their first playoff game since 2011 by knocking off the visiting Boston Bruins 4-3 in game one of their conference quarterfinal series.

WESTERN CONFERENCE:

At Ball Arena, Denver:

Arturi Lehkonnen, Logan O'Connor, and Artemi Panarin (PP) each scored once as the Colorado Avalanche defeated the visiting Los Angeles Kings 2-1 in their conference quarterfinal series opener.

At T-Mobile Arena, Paradise, Nevada:

Colton Sissons, Mark Stone (power play), Nick Dowd, and Ivan Barbashev (empty net) each scored a goal as the Vegas Golden Knights spoiled the visiting Utah Mammoth's playoff debut with a conference quarterfinal series-opening 4-2 victory.

NBA Playoffs: Celtics, Thunder, Magic, Spurs Take Conference Quarterfinal Series Openers

The NBA Playoffs continued on Sunday with four games.

EASTERN CONFERENCE: 

At TD Garden, Boston:  

Jaylen Brown scored 26 points while Jayson Tatum added 25 as the Boston Celtics, with six players (including all five starters) scoring in double-digits, manhandled the visiting Philadelphia 76 123-91 in the opening game of their conference quarterfinal series.

Tyrese Maxey paced the Sixers with 21 points.

At Little Caesars Arena, Detroit:

Paolo Banchero scored 23 points and grabbed nine rebounds as the Orlando Magic with all five starters scoring in double-figures upended the homestanding Detroit Pistons 112-101 in their conference quarterfinal series opener and seized home-court advantage as a result.

Cade Cunningham led the Pistons with 39 points.

WESTERN CONFERENCE:

At the Paycom Center, Oklahoma City:

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 25 points while Jalen Williams added 24 as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their NBA Title defense with a 119-84 home fistbeating of the Phoenix Suns in game one of their conference quarterfinal series.

The Suns were led by Devin Booker's 23 points.

At Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, Texas:

Victor Wembanyama scored 36 points as the San Antonio Spurs got the measure of the visiting Portland Trail Blazers in their conference quarterfinal series opener, 111-99.

Deni Avdija paced the Blazers with 30 points plus ten rebounds.

NBA Playoffs: Cavaliers, Nuggets, Knicks, Lakers Take Series Openers

The conference quarterfinals of the NBA Playoffs opened on Saturday with all series at best-of-seven.  Four games were contested.

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

At Rocket Arena, Cleveland:

Donovan Mitchell scored 32 points while Max Strus added 24 (off the bench) and James Harden 22 (to go with 10 assists) as the Cleveland Cavaliers took the opening game of their conference quarterfinal series with a 126-113 home victory over the Toronto Raptors.

R.J. Barrett and Scottie Barnes paced Toronto with 24 and 21 points, respectively.

At Madison Square Garden, New York:

Jalen Brunson scored 28 points while Karl-Anthony Towns added 25 (while converting all ten of his free throws) as the New York Knickerbockers held off the visiting Atlanta Hawks 113-102 in game one of their conference quarterfinal series.

C.J. McCallum paced the Hawks with 26 points while Jalen Johnson added 23.

The Hawks last reached the NBA Finals in 1961 when the franchise was still based in St. Louis.

WESTERN CONFERENCE:

At Ball Arena, Denver:

Jamal Murray scored 30 points (making all 16 free throw attempts) while Nikola Jokic added 25 points to go with 13 rebounds and 11 assists for a triple-double as the Denver Nuggets downed the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves in the opening game of their conference quarterfinal series.

Anthony Edwards paced the Wolves with 22 points.

At Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles:

Luke Kennard scored 27 points as the Los Angeles Lakers took the measure of the visiting Houston Rockets 107-98 in game one of their conference quarterfinal series.

Alperen Sengun paced the Rockets with 19 points.

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Canes, Flyers, Wild Take Conference Quarterfinal Openers As Playoffs Start

 The National Hockey League's Stanley Cup playoffs opened on Saturday with three games, with all series up to the final at best-of-seven.

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

At Lenovo Center, Raleigh, North Carolina:

Logan Stankoven and Taylor Hall each scored once while Frederik Andersen saved all 22 shots for the shutout as the Carolina Hurricanes blanked the visiting Ottawa Senators 2-0 in the opening game of their conference quarterfinal series.

At PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh:

In the battle of The Keystone State, Jimmy Drysdale, Travis Sanheim, and Brian Rust each scored once with Mr. Rust scoring with 1:01 remaining in regulation as the Philadelphia Flyers seized home-ice advantage in their 3-2 game-one opening-round road win over the Pittsburgh Penguins.

WESTERN CONFERENCE:

At American Airlines Center, Dallas:

Joel Eriksson scored twice (both on the power play) while Matt Boldy also scored twice (once on an empty-netter) as the Minnesota Wild ambushed the home-standing Dallas Stars 6-1 in their conference quarterfinal series opener.

NBA Playoffs: Magic, Clippers Advance To Face Conference Top Seeds

 The NBA Playoffs concluded their "Play-In Tournament" with two games on Friday.

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

At the Kia Center, Orlando, Florida:

Paolo Banchero scored 25 points as the Orlando Magic, with all five starters scoring in double-digits, smothered the visiting Charlotte Hornets 121-90 to advance to the Eastern Conference quarterfinals, where they will take on the top-seeded Detroit Pistons beginning in The Motor City on Sunday.

LaMelo Ball paced the now-eliminated Hornets with 23 points.

WESTERN CONFERENCE:

At Mortgage Matchup Center, Phoenix, Arizona:

Jalen Green scored 36 points while Devin Booker added 20 points before he was ejected as the Phoenix Suns topped the visiting Golden State Warriors 111-96 to advance to the Western Conference quarterfinals where they will face the top-seeded and defending NBA titlists Oklahoma City Thunder, starting in the Sooner State's Capital city on Sunday.

Brandin Podziemski paced the low-eliminated Warriors with 23 points while grabbing 10 rebounds.

NBA Playoffs: 76ers Advance To Battle Celtics, Warriors End Clips' Season

 The NBA Playoffs continued on Wednesday with two "Play-in" games.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

At Xfinity Mobile Center, Philadelphia:

Tyrese Maxey scored 31 points as the Philadelphia 76ers defeated the visiting Orlando Magic 109-97 to advance to the Eastern Conference quarterfinal round and a best-of-seven encounter with the Boston Celtics beginning this coming Sunday.

Desmond Bane paced the Magic with 34 points.

The Magic will take on the Charlotte Hornet at home on Friday for the right to battle the top-seeded Detroit Pistons.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

At the Intuit Dome, Inglewood, California:

Stephen Curry scored 35 points while Gui Santos and Kristaps Porzingas each added 20 as the Golden State Warriors came from behind to knock off the host Los Angeles Clippers 126-121.

Bennedict Mathurin came off the bench to pace the Clippers with 23 points while Kahli Leonard and Darius Garland each contributed 21 as the Clips' season ended.

The Warriors will visit the Phoenix Suns on Friday for the right to take on the top Western Conference seed----the defending NBA Champion Oklahoma City Thunder.

NBA Playoffs: Blazers Advance To Face Spurs; Hornets End Heat's Season

 I don't care what the NBA thinks----those play-in games are still playoff games.

With that said, the National Basketball Association Playoffs opened with two games on Tuesday.

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

At the Spectrum Center, Charlotte, North Carolina:

LaMelo Ball (30 points, 10 assists), Miles Bridges (28 points), and Brandon Miller (23 points) led the Charlotte Hornets to a 127-126 overtime victory over the visiting Miami Heat.

Davion Mitchell (28 points), Andrew Wiggins (27), and Tyler Hero (23 points) for Miami as the Heat's season ended with the defeat.

The Hornets will next play the loser of Wednesday' s Orlando-Philadelphia game for the right to face the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference quarterfinals.

WESTERN CONFERENCE:

At Mortgage Matchup Center, Phoenix, Arizona:

Deni Avdija scored 41 points and dished out 12 assists as the Portland Trail Blazers upended the host Phoenix Suns 114-110.  Jrue Holiday added 23 points for the Blazers.

Jalen Green topped the Suns with 35 points while Devin Booker added 22 and Dillon Brooks with 20.

The Blazers will open their Western Conference quarterfinal best-of-seven series with the San Antonio Spurs on the road this coming Saturday.

The Suns will play the winner of the Golden State Warriors-Los Angeles Clippers game for the right to face the Oklahoma City Thunder.

UCLA, MICHIGAN WIN NCAA BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS

At Mortgage Matchup Center, Phoenix, Arizona:

Gabriela Jaquez scored 21 points on Sunday as the UCLA Bruins won their first women's national championship by winning the NCAA Division I Women's Tournament title game by defeating the South Carolina Gamecocks 79-51.

The Bruins' Lauren Betts, who scored 14 points, was named the tournament' s Most Outstanding Player.

Tessa Johnson led the Gamecocks with 14 points.

At Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis:

Elliot Candeau, named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player, scored 19 points on Monday as the Michigan Wolverines outdistanced the Connecticut Huskies 69-63 to win  their first NCAA Division I Men's Tournament championship since 1989.

Alex Karaban paced the Huskies with 17 points.

 

WOW! HOW ABOUT THAT?

 At Milan-Cortina, Italy:

Jack Hughes scored the game-winning goal at 1:41 of sudden-death overtime on Sunday as the United States defeated Canada 2-1 to win their first men's hockey Gold Medal since 1980 (their third overall; the Yanks also won the Gold Medal at Squaw Valley, California in 1960)

The American women also took home the Gold Medal by defeating Canada 2-1 in OT.

SEAHAWKS OVERPOWER PATRIOTS FOR SECOND SUPER BOWL CHAMPIONSHIP; KENNETH WALKER III NAMED GAME MVP

At Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, California: 

Quarterback Sam Darnold threw a touchdown pass to A.J. Barner while running back Kenneth Walker III, named Super Bowl LX Most Valuable Player, ran for 135 yards, while linebacker Uchenna Nwosu ran back an interception 45 yards for a defensive touchdown as the Seattle Seahawks dominated the New England Patriots 29-13 on Sunday for their second Super Bowl Championship.  

The Seahawks' Jason Myers kicked a Super Bowl-record five field goals.  

The NFC has now (including the pre-merger NFL) won 31 Super Bowls while the AFC (including the pre-merger AFL) has won 29.

Next year's Super Bowl will be played at Inglewood, California's SoFi Stadium on Valentine's Day and will be telecast on ABC and ESPN.

Drew Brees, Larry Fitzgerald Among Quintet Elected To Pro Football Hall Of Fame

San Diego Chargers and New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees and Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald were elected on Thursday to the Pro Football Hall of Fame on their first years of eligibility.

Mr. Brees was a key reason the New Orleans Saints won Super Bowl XLIV while Mr. Fitzgerald played a rule in the Cardinals' lone Super Bowl (Super Bowl XLIII).

The other electees included San Francisco 49ers running back Roger Craig (he played on two of the 49ers' Super Bowl Championship teams), New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri (who kicked the game-winning field goal in a couple of the Patriots' Super Bowl title teams), and Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly, who played for the Panthers in Super Bowl 50.  

John Brodie, 49ers Legend, 1970 NFL MVP, R.I.P.

 John Brodie, the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback who was the National Football League's Most Valuable Player in 1970, who went on to become a successful Senior Golfer in later years, passes away this past Friday at age 90.

Mr. Brodie played 17 seasons with the 49ers (1957-73) after a successful college career at Stanford.

John twice was elected to the NFL Pro Bowl (1965, 1970), was twice named an NFL All-Pro (second team, 1965; first team, 1970)  his number 12 jersey was retired.

NFL Conference Championship Games: It's Patriots and Seahawks For the Marbles

Both National Football League conference championship games were played on Sunday. 

AMERICAN FOOTBALL CONFERENCE: 

At Empower Field at Mile High, Denver:

The New England Patriots qualified for their 12th Super Bowl by winning the AFC Championship Game on the road 10-7 over the Denver Broncos.

Quarterback Drake Maye ran for the Pats' only touchdown in the second quarter while Andy Borregales make a 23-yard field goal in the third quarter for what proved to be the game-winning points.

The teams combined for four misses or blocked field goal attempts.

NATIONAL FOOTBALL CONFERENCE:

At Lumen Field, Seattle:

Quarterback Sam Darnold completed 25 of 36 passes for 346 yards and three touchdowns as the Seattle Seahawks defeated the visiting Los Angeles Rams 31-27 for the NFC Championship in a battle of NFC West Division rivals.

Rams QB Matthew Stafford completed 22 of 35 passes for 374 yards and three touchdowns.

Los Angeles punt returner Xavier Smith fumbled a punt return and the Seahawks took advantage by scoring a TD soon after.

SUPER BOWL LX:

The Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots will battle it out in Super Bowl LX on Sunday, February 8 at 3:30 PM PST (NBC/Peacock) at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

The two clubs battled each other in Super Bowl XLIX, with the Patriots winning 28-24 as New England defensive back Malcolm Butler intercepted a Russell Wilson pass in the game's final seconds just short of the Pats' end zone.

HOOSIERS HOLD OFF HURRICANES TO CAP OFF PERFECT SEASON WITH COLLEGE FOOTBALL NATIONAL TITLE

At Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida: Quarterback Fernando Mendoza completed 16 of 27 passes for 186 yards and rushed 12 yards for the game-winning touchdown in the fourth quarter as the top-seeded Indiana Hoosiers (16-0) held off the game tenth-seeded Miami Hurricanes (13-3) 27-21 to win their first national collegiate championship winning the College Football Playoff Championship Game.

The Hoosiers became the first team in college football's top level since Yale (in 1894) to go 16-0.

NFL Playoffs: Broncos, Seahawks (Who Bury Niners), Pats, Rams Advance To Conference Championship Games

The divisional round of the National Football League Playoffs was played this past Saturday and Sunday.  

Saturday's Games:

AMERICAN FOOTBALL CONFERENCE:

At Empower Field at Mile High, Denver: Quarterback Bo Nix, before suffering a season-ending broken ankle, completed 26 of 46 passes for 279 yards and three touchdown, and Will Lutz kicked the game-winning field goal (he converted four such kicks overall) as the Denver Broncos defeated the visiting Buffalo Bills 33-30 in overtime.

NATIONAL FOOTBALL CONFERENCE:

At Lumen Field, Seattle:

Running back Kenneth Walker III rushed for 116 yards and three touchdowns while quarterback Sam Darnold completed 12 of 17 passes for 124 yards and another TD as the Seattle Seahawks dismantled the visiting San Francisco 49ers 41-6.

Rashid Shaheed got the ball rolling for the Seahawks as he opened the game with a 95-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.

Sunday's Games:

AMERICAN FOOTBALL CONFERENCE:

At Gillette Stadium, Foxboro, Massachusetts:

Quarterback Drake Maye completed 16 of 27 passes for three touchdowns as the New England Patriots outlasted the visiting Houston Texans 28-16 in their divisional playoff.

The Texans remain the only team in the league to have never played in a conference championship game.

NATIONAL FOOTBALL CONFERENCE:

At Soldier Field, Chicago:

Running back Kyler Williams rushed for 87 yards and two touchdowns while Harrison Mevis kicked the game-winning field goal in overtime as the Los Angeles Rams fought off the homestanding Chicago Bears 20-17.

This coming Sunday, the New England Patriots will visit the Denver Broncos for the AFC Championship Game (12:00 PM PST, CBS/Paramount Plus) while the Los Angeles Rams will visit the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship Game (3:30 PM PST, FOX)

NFL: Rams, Bears, Bills, Niners, Pats, Texans Advance To Divisional Round

 The 2006 National Football League Playoffs opened on six opening-round games over the weekend.

NATIONAL FOOTBALL CONFERENCE:

Saturday's Games:

At Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina:

Quarterback Mathew Stafford completed 24 of 42 passes for 304 yards and three touchdowns (he was picked off once) as the Los Angeles Rams held off the homestanding Carolina Panthers 34-31.

At Soldier Field, Chicago:

Quarterback Caleb Williams threw for 361 yards and a pair of touchdowns as the Chicago Bears overcame a 21-3 halftime deficit to stun the visiting Green Bay Packers 31-27.

This despite the Packers' Jordan Love throwing for 323 yards and four TDs (and no interceptions).

Sunday's Game:

At Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia:

Quarterback Brock Purdy threw for two touchdowns while wide receiver Jauan Jennings threw for a fourth-quarter TD to Christian McCaffrey (who caught for two touchdowns) as the San Francisco 49ers, on the road, came from behind to de-throne the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles 24-19 in their opening round playoff game.

AMERICAN FOOTBALL CONFERENCE:

Sunday's Games:

At Everbank Stadium, Jacksonville, Florida:

Quarterback Josh Allen completed 28 of 35 passes for 273 yards and a touchdown (and rushing to two more TDs) while Matt Prater kicked two field goals and three extra points as the Buffalo Bills overcame the homestanding Jacksonville Jaguars 27-24 in an opening-round playoff game.

At Gillette Stadium, Foxboro, Massachusetts:

Quarterback Drake May completed 17 of 29 passes for 268 yards and a touchdown to Hunter Henry while Andy Borregales converted all three field-goal attempts as the New England Patriots smothered the visiting Los Angeles Chargers 16-3 in their opening-round match.

Monday's Game:

At Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh:

Quarterback C.J. Stroud completed 21 of 32 passes for 250 yards and a touchdown (he was picked off once) as the Houston Texans finally won a playoff game on the road as they dominated the Pittsburgh Steelers 30-6.

The Texans defense scored a pair of TDs.

DIVISION ROUND:

Saturday's Games:

American Football Conference:

At Empower Field at Mile High, Denver:

Buffalo Bills @ Denver Broncos (1:30 PM PST, CBS)

National Football Conference:

At Lumen Field, Seattle:

San Francisco 49ers @ Seattle Seahawks (5:00 PM PST, FOX)

Sunday's Games:

American Football Conference:

At Gillette Stadium, Foxboro, Massachusetts:

Houston Texans @ New England Patriots (12:00 Noon PST, ESPN/ABC)

National Football Conference:

At Soldier Field, Chicago:

Los Angeles Rams @ Chicago Bears (3:30 PM PST, NBC/Peacock)

College Football Playoff: Hoosiers Roast Ducks, Will Face Hurricanes In National Championship Game

At Mercedes Benz Stadium, Atlanta: 

Quarterback Fernando Mendoza completed a virtually perfect game on Friday as he completed 17 of 20 passes for 177 yards and five touchdowns as the top-seeded Indiana Hoosiers (15-0) dismantled the fifth-seeded Oregon Ducks (13-2) 56-22 in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, the second College Football Playoff semifinal.  

Hoosiers defensive back D'Angelo Ponds set the pace on the game's opening play from scrimmage as he intercepted Ducks quarterback Dante Moore's pass and ran it back for a touchdown.

Indiana will face off against the Miami Hurricanes (13-2) in the CFP National Championship Game at Hard Rock Cafe Stadium on Monday, January 19 (4:30 PM PST, ESPN).

College Football Playoff: Late Touchdown Sends Hurricanes Into Title Game

At State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Arizona: 

Quarterback Carson Beck completed 23 of 37 passes for 268 yards and two touchdowns and ran for the winning TD with 18 seconds remaining in regulation time on Thursday as the tenth-seeded Miami Hurricanes (13-2) upended the sixth-seeded Ole Miss Rebels (13-2) 31-27 in first of two College Football Playoff semifinals (the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl). 

Running back Mark Fletcher rushed for 133 yards for the Canes. 

Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambers completed 23 of 37 passes for 277 yards and a touchdown while running back Kewan Lacy ran for 73 yards for a TD in the second quarter. 

Miami will play  in the CFP National Championship Game on Monday, January 19 against the winner of Friday's Oregon-Indiana game (also known as the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl) at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta (4:30 PM PST, ESPN). 

Seahawks Stifle Niners, Win NFC West Division And Conference's Top Seed

 At Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, California:

Running back Zach Charbonnet ran for the game's lone touchdown on Saturday as the Seattle Seahawks (14-3) snapped the San Francisco 49ers' (12-5) six-game winning streak with a 13-3 road victory, winning the National Football Conference's West Division title and gaining the conference's top seed with the playoffs now upon us.

The playoffs are set to start this coming Saturday.

NATIONAL FOOTBALL CONFERENCE

Saturday's games:

#5 Los Angeles Rams @ #4 Carolina Panthers, 1:30 PM PST (Fox)

#7 Green Bay Packers @ #2 Chicago Bears, 5:00 PM PST (Amazon Prime Video)

Sunday's Game:

#6 San Francisco 49ers @ #3 Philadelphia Eagles, 1:30 PM PST (Fox)

Bye: Seattle Sounders

AMERICAN FOOTBALL CONFERENCE

Sunday's Games:

#3 Buffalo Bills @ #3 Jacksonville Jaguars, 10:00 AM PST (CBS)

#7 Los Angeles Chargers @ #2 New England Patriots, 5:00 PM PST (NBC)

Monday's Game:

#5 Houston Texas @ #4 Pittsburgh Steelers, 5:15 PM PST (ABC/ESPN)

Bye: Denver Broncos

College Football Playoff: Canes, Ducks, Hoosiers, Ole Miss Advance To Semifinals

 The College Football Playoff played its' quarterfinal on Wednesday and Thursday with four games.

WEDNESDAY GAME:

At AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas:

Quarterback Carson Beck threw for 138 yards and a touchdown as the Miami Hurricanes (12-2) knocked the defending national champion Ohio State Buckeyes (12-2) in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic.

THURSDAY GAMES:

At Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida:

Quarterback Donte Moore completed 26 of 33 passes for 234 yards while running back James Davidson scored a pair of touchdowns as the Oregon Ducks (13-1) manhandled the Texas Tech Red Raiders 23-0 in the Capital One Orange Bowl.

It was the Ducks' defense that game the Red Raiders fits, forcing four turnovers racking up four sacks and seven tackles for losses.

At the Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena, California:

Quarterback Fernando Mendoza showed his Heisman Trophy-winning for as he completed 14 of 16 passes for 192 yards and three touchdowns as the top-seeded Indiana Hoosiers (14-0) ran roughshod over the Alabama Crimson Tide (11-4) 38-3.

It was the Tide's most lopsided postseason defeat ever.

At Caesars Superdome, New Orleans:

Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss threw for 362 yards and a pair of touchdowns while running back Kewan Lacy ran for 98 yards and two other TDs as the Ole Miss Rebels (13-1) knocked off the Georgia Bulldogs (12-2) 39-34.

UP NEXT:

Next Thursday, Miami will face off against Ole Miss in one CFP semifinal, the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona (4:30 PM PST, ESPN).

Next Friday, Oregon will look for revenge against Indiana in the other CFP semifinal at the Chick-fil-a Peach Bowl at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium (4:30 PM PST, ESPN).

Niners Hold Off Bears In Epic Battle

 At Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, California:

Quarterback Brock Purdy accounted for five touchdowns (three passing, two rushing) on Sunday as the San Francisco 49ers (12-4) held off the game Chicago Bears (11-5) 42-38 in a battle of teams that have already clinched playoff spots.

The Niners, with a victory at home against the Seattle Seahawks (13-3), can lock up the National Football Conference West Division title, and the top seed in the NFC Playoffs.

Christmas Greeting

 Merry Christmas from

Bob's House!

Niners Prove Too Much For Colts

 At Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis:

Quarterback Brock Purdy completed 25 of 34 passes for five touchdowns (two to Christian McCaffery) as the San Francisco 49ers (11-4) pulled away from the Indianapolis Colts (8-7) in the second half to post a 48-27 road victory.

Christian McCaffery ran for 117 yards in the game.

The Colts' defeat enabled the Jacksonville Jaguars, Buffalo Bills,  and Los Angeles Chargers to clinch playoff berths.

Next for the Niners, a big encounter at home with the Chicago Bears (11-4) this coming Sunday (5:20 PM PST, NBC/Peacock).

2025-26 College Football Playoff: Canes, Ole Miss, Ducks Advance To Quarterfinals

The opening round of the College Football Playoff concluded on Saturday with three games.

At Kyle Field, College Station, Texas:

Running Back Mark Fletcher ran for 172 yards while quarterback Carson Beck threw for 103 yards and a touchdown as the Miami Hurricanes (11-2) defeated the Texas A&M Aggies (11-2) 10-3 on Saturday.

For the Canes, their next game is upcoming against the second-seeded (and defending national champions) Ohio State Buckeyes on December 31 at the Cotton Bowl Classic at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas (4:30 PM PST, ESPN).

At Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, Oxford, Mississipp1:

The sixth-seeded Ole Miss Rebels (12-1) ran roughshod over the visiting eleventh-seeded Tulane Green Wave (11-3) 41-10.  Quarterback Trinidad Chambers completed 23 of 29 passes for 202 yards and a touchdown (also rushing for a TD as well) while running back Kewan Lacy ran for 87 yards and another score.

Next up, the Rebels will face third-seeded Georgia (12-1) in the Sugar Bowl at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on New Year's Day at 5:00 PM PST (ESPN).

Also on Saturday:

At Autzen Stadium, Eugene, Oregon:

Dante Moore threw for 313 yards and four touchdowns and ran for another as the fifth-seeded Oregon Ducks (12-1) manhandled the visiting twelfth-seeded James Madison Dukes (12-2) 51-34.

Next up for the Ducks, a quarterfinal-round encounter with the fourth-ranked Texas Tech Red Raiders at Capital One Orange Bowl on New Year's Day at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida (9:00 AM PST, ESPN).

2026 College Football Playoff: Crimson Tide Overcome 17-0 Deficit To Knock Off Sooners On Road, Get Top-Seeded Hoosiers Next

 At Gaylord Family Oklahoma Stadium, Norman, Oklahoma:

Quarterback Ty Simpson threw for 232 yards and a pair of touchdowns on Friday as the ninth-seeded Alabama Crimson Tide (11-3) overcame a 17-0 deficit to upend the homestanding eighth-seeded Oklahoma Sooners (10-3) 34-24 in the opening game of the College Football Playoff.

Next up for the Tide is the top-seeded Indiana Hoosiers in the quarterfinal round at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California on Thursday, January 1 (1:00 PST/ESPN).

Ann!

Here is a photo of 1930s-1950s actress Ann Dvorak.

 

Niners Prove Too Much For Hapless Titans

At Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, California:

Quarterback Brock Purdy threw for 295 yards and three touchdowns (two of them to Jauan Jennings, the other to George Kittle) on Sunday as the San Francisco 49ers (10-4) defeated the visiting Tennessee Titans 37-24.

Next up for the Niners, a road matchup at Lucas Oil Stadium with the Indianapolis Colts (8-6) next Monday night (5:15 PST, ABC/ESPN).

Niners To Host Titans This Coming Sunday

The San Francisco 49ers (9-4) will host the Tennessee Titans (2-11) this coming Sunday at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California at 1:25 PM PST (Fox/Fox One). 

Ducks Make College Football Playoff

 The twelve teams that made this year's College Football Playoff were determined on Sunday.

The ratings were those of Sunday's CFP Rankings.

First Round:

Friday, December 19:

At Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, Norman, Oklahoma:

#9 Alabama at #8 Oklahoma, 5:00 PM PST (ABC/ESPN)

Saturday, December 20:

At Kyle Field, College Station, Texas:

#10 Miami at #7 Texas A&M, 9:00 AM PST (ABC/ESPN)

At Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, Oxford, Mississippi:

#11 Tulane at #6 Ole Miss, 12:30 PM PST (TNT/Tru TV/HBO Max)

At Autzen Stadium, Eugene, Oregon:

#12 James Madison at #5 Oregon, 4:30 PM PST (TNT/Tru TV/HBO Max)

QUARTERFINAL ROUND (all subsequent games on ESPN):

Wednesday, December 31:

At AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas:

Miami-Texas A&M Winner vs. #2 Ohio State, 4:30 PM PST (Goodyear Cotton Bowl)

Thursday, January 1:

At Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

James Madison-Oregon Winner vs. #4 Texas Tech, 9:00 AM PST (Capital One Orange Bowl)

At Rose Bowl, Pasadena, California:

Alabama-Oklahoma Winner vs. #1 Indiana, 1:00 PM PST (The Rose Bowl Presented by Prudential)

At Caesars Superdome, New Orleans:

Tulane-Ole Miss Winner vs. #3 Georgia, 5:00 PM PST (Allstate Sugar Bowl)