The final weekend of the NFL”s regular season has arrived, and the playoff landscape remains uncertain, particularly regarding the top seeds in both the AFC and NFC. The Denver Broncos, New England Patriots, and Jacksonville Jaguars are all vying for the coveted No. 1 seed in the AFC, which comes with a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
The Broncos have the most straightforward path; a victory against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday will secure their top spot. Meanwhile, the Seattle Seahawks will compete against the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday night, with the NFC”s No. 1 seed, first-round bye, and home-field advantage also on the line.
In Pittsburgh, linebacker T.J. Watt is looking forward to returning to action after a dry needling incident resulted in surgery for a partially collapsed lung. Watt expressed his desire to play on Sunday night against the Baltimore Ravens, with the AFC North title at stake. He described the incident as a “fluke” and has decided against using the treatment in the near future. After a productive practice on Friday, he is determined to help the Steelers secure a playoff spot, having missed three games during his recovery. The Steelers went 2-1 without him and can clinch the division with a win.
In NBA action, Luka Doncic and LeBron James both exceeded 30 points for the first time this season, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a 128-121 win over the Memphis Grizzlies. Doncic scored 34 points, including 17 successful free throws, while James added 31 points on an efficient shooting night. Their last occurrence of both players scoring over 30 points in the same game was in March, shortly after Doncic was traded to the Lakers.
In college football, quarterback Kevin Jennings threw for 278 yards, helping the SMU Mustangs defeat No. 21 Arizona 24-19 in the Holiday Bowl. Jennings showcased his skills with an impressive 80-yard completion on the second play of the game, assisting in two touchdown runs. The Mustangs snapped a five-game postseason losing streak, previously suffering a heavy defeat in last season”s College Football Playoff.
Meanwhile, Robby Ashford led Wake Forest to a 43-29 victory over Mississippi State in the Duke”s Mayo Bowl. Ashford accumulated over 300 passing yards and contributed significantly with both his arm and legs. The Demon Deacons earned their triumph with a combination of offensive prowess and special teams play, including a notable 100-yard kickoff return.
In skiing news, Swiss athlete Camille Rast secured her first World Cup giant slalom victory and dedicated her win to the victims of a tragic fire at a bar in Crans-Montana, which claimed numerous lives during a New Year”s celebration. Rast”s victory was marked by a poignant gesture as she acknowledged the families affected by the incident.
Lastly, in the Premier League, Aston Villa overcame Nottingham Forest 3-1, regaining their second place in the standings. John McGinn scored twice in the second half, following an initial goal from Ollie Watkins. The victory helped Villa bounce back from their recent loss to Arsenal and positioned them just three points behind the league leaders.
As the NFL regular season concludes, the stakes have never been higher, setting the stage for an exciting playoff run ahead.
