CLEVELAND (AP) — In a pivotal matchup, the Browns defeated the Steelers 13-6, ensuring that Pittsburgh could not secure the AFC North title. Shedeur Sanders contributed significantly by throwing for 186 yards and a touchdown, while Cleveland”s defense held the Steelers scoreless in the end zone.
Pittsburgh entered the weekend with a chance to clinch their first division title since 2020, needing either a victory or a loss from Baltimore. Now, they must face the Ravens in their final regular season game, with the winner claiming the division and the AFC”s fourth seed in the playoffs.
Meanwhile, in another key game, the Seattle Seahawks strengthened their playoff position with a 27-10 win against the Carolina Panthers. Zach Charbonnet led the way with 110 rushing yards and two touchdowns, as Seattle capitalized on two turnovers by Carolina in the third quarter. The Seahawks have now won six consecutive games and can secure the NFC West title and the top playoff seed if the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams both lose or tie.
The Panthers had aspirations of winning the NFC South, but will likely need to secure a victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers next week to achieve their first division title since 2015 and end a seven-year playoff drought.
In a closely contested game, the Jacksonville Jaguars edged the Indianapolis Colts 23-17, bringing them within one win of their first AFC South title since 2022. Trevor Lawrence showcased his skills, scoring two rushing touchdowns, while Cam Little kicked a crucial 42-yard field goal with just under seven minutes remaining.
The Jaguars achieved their seventh straight victory, keeping them in contention for the division title despite a win by the two-time defending champions, Houston Texans, over the Los Angeles Chargers. Meanwhile, the Colts” veteran quarterback, Philip Rivers, has struggled since coming out of retirement, now sitting at 0-3.
In other sports news, Mikaela Shiffrin continued her dominance in the World Cup slalom circuit, winning a challenging night race in Semmering, Austria. Despite facing difficult course conditions, she overcame a slow start to secure her sixth consecutive victory in the discipline.
On the college basketball front, the third-ranked South Carolina Gamecocks triumphed over Providence with a score of 96-55, led by Tessa Johnson and Madina Okot who each scored 18 points. However, the team suffered a setback as guard Ta”Niya Latson sustained an injury during the game.
Finally, in hockey, Matthew Tkachuk practiced with the Florida Panthers for the first time this season, indicating his return is on the horizon after recovering from surgery. He has set his sights on participating in the upcoming NHL Winter Classic and the Milan Cortina Olympics.
