The New Year’s Eve ReliaQuest Bowl is hours away from kickoff and will feature the Alabama Crimson Tide facing the Michigan Wolverines at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.

Kalen DeBoer’s first year as head coach of Alabama was a season of upsets and unexpected victories. The Crimson Tide, despite a rollercoaster season, managed to secure some significant wins, including a 41-34 win over Georgia, wrapping up the regular season with a 9-3 record. Quarterback Jalen Milroe had an outstanding season, with a completion rate of 65.9%, 2,652 passing yards, and 15 touchdowns.

The defending national champions, the Wolverines, are facing a different postseason scenario this year under the leadership of new head coach Sherrone Moore. Despite the challenges, they achieved an impressive 13-10 victory against their rivals, Ohio State, which was a surprising moment of triumph. Quarterback Davis Warren has had a notable performance this season, completing 63.4% of his passes for 1,126 yards and six touchdowns.

Follow live for all the action from the ReliaQuest Bowl as Alabama faces off against Michigan.

When is the ReliaQuest Bowl between Alabama and Michigan?

The ReliaQuest Bowl game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Michigan Wolverines kicks off at noon at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.

How to watch Alabama and Michigan in ReliaQuest Bowl

The ReliaQuest Bowl game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Michigan Wolverines will be televised nationally on ESPN.

Live streaming is available on Fubo, which has a free trial.

Watch Alabama take on Michigan with a Fubo subscription

Alabama vs. Michigan: ReliaQuest Bowl odds

The Alabama Crimson Tide are favorites to defeat the Michigan Wolverines, according to BetMGM.

Odds as of Monday, Dec. 31

Spread: Alabama (-14.5)
Moneyline: Alabama (-650); Michigan (+450)
Over/under: 43.5

ReliaQuest Bowl predictions: Alabama vs. Michigan

USA TODAY: Alabama is unanimous pick

Scooby Axon: Alabama
Jordan Mendoza: Alabama
Paul Myerberg: Alabama
Erick Smith: Alabama
Eddie Timanus: Alabama
Dan Wolken: Alabama

ESPN: Alabama 30, Michigan 17

Staff writes: ‘Coach Kalen DeBoer’s first season at Alabama won’t end in the CFP. How many of the Crimson Tide’s top players will join him in Tampa? Alabama’s opt-outs and portal entries will be a storyline through December, and Michigan also could have some, as the Wolverines have more high-level NFL draft prospects on this year’s team than last year’s national championship squad. The Tide still will have a significant edge on offense in the matchup, and Michigan might need an Ohio State-like performance to keep pace. Michigan’s run game keeps things close for a half, but Ryan Williams and Germie Bernard eventually get loose as Alabama pulls away.’

Sports Illustrated: Alabama

James Park writes: ‘Alabama -11.5 … Michigan has some bodies up front defensively who can contest the Tide’s blockers on the line, but Alabama has too many skill threats who can get behind the Wolverines’ secondary.’

BetMGM: Alabama

Staff writes: ‘The winning team model predicts Alabama will win this game with 79.4% confidence, based on game simulations, offensive & defensive matchups and recent game results. This winning team prediction factors in up-to-date player injuries for both Alabama and Michigan, key player performances this season and recent team trends.’

Bowl game picks  

Here are USA TODAY Sports’ expert picks for all of the college football bowl games. 

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The NFL’s regular season finale is upon us.

Week 18 brings playoff clinching scenarios, draft order mayhem, incentive bonuses and so much more. This year it also brings a record chase to the slate. Saquon Barkley is closing in on Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing record, but with the Eagles already locked into a playoff spot, the running back may not have the chance to make NFL history.

Philadelphia has their eyes on a Super Bowl run and now has to weigh whether the record is worth the potential risk of injury against the Giants in Week 18.

Here’s the latest on Barkley’s status for the regular season’s final week.

NFL STATS CENTRAL: The latest NFL scores, schedules, odds, stats and more.

Will Saquon Barkley play in Week 18?

During an appearance Tuesday on SportsRadio 94WIP in Philadelphia, head coach Nick Sirianni said that the team is still thinking through the decision whether to let Barkley play.

‘Take a lot into account,’ Sirianni said. ‘What’s the best thing for the team and also what’s the best things for the individuals going for the record?’

The coach pointed to DeVonta Smith’s chase for the team’s rookie receiving record in 2021.

‘2021, Smitty was going for the rookie receiver record,’ Sirianni said. ‘We didn’t play some other guys in that game, but we went and got him that record. Every situation is a little different. Not saying one way or the other.”

It remains to be seen whether Barkley will have the opportunity to break the rushing record in Week 18. The Eagles are locked into the No. 2 seed in the NFC, essentially making this week’s game against the Giants meaningless.

Philadelphia could end up resting their starters ahead of their playoff game slated for next week. They had an early bye this season, which came in Week 5, so the rest could go a long way in gearing up for what the team hopes is a long playoff run.

In addition to the much-needed rest, the Eagles could also give the Giants a better chance at securing a victory that would only further hurt their draft positioning. New York dropped out of the No. 1 pick spot with a win over the Colts in Week 17 and Philadelphia has no incentive to give their rivals a better pick in April’s draft.

How many yards does Saquon Barkley need to break Eric Dickerson’s record?

Barkley is 100 yards away from tying Dickerson’s rushing record of 2,105 yards that he set in 1984 with the Los Angeles Rams. That record has withstood the test of time even despite rule changes over the years.

The NFL famously has 17 regular season games now, something that was still at the 16 mark in 1984. While it remains to be seen whether Barkley will play in an attempt to break the record, it’s a mystery how the football world will view it with the extra game making the number to beat more attainable.

Regardless, we know that Dickerson doesn’t want Barkley to break his record that’s stood for 40 years.

Eagles RB depth chart

If Barkley ends up being held out of action, here’s a look at the Eagles’ depth chart:

Kenneth Gainwell
Will Shipley

Shipley is currently in concussion protocol, meaning his status could be in doubt for Week 18. However, Lew Nichols and Tyrion Davis-Price are running backs currently on the team’s practice squad that could be elevated if Barkley is out.

Saquon Barkley stats

Barkley’s first season in Philadelphia has been a resounding success. He’s played in all 16 games to this point, posting a league-leading 345 carries and 2,005 rushing yards. Barkley has totaled 13 touchdowns on the ground and added 33 catches, 278 yards and two touchdowns through the air. The running back is averaging a whopping 142.7 scrimmage yards per game and six yards per touch, essentially serving as a cheat code for the Eagles’ offense.

In Houston, they’re already talking about Alex Bregman in the past tense. But what’s next for the two-time All-Star and World Series champion?

The Astros’ American League dynasty was significantly shaped by Bregman’s contributions since he became a full-time player in 2017 and got the biggest hit in their World Series run that year. He went on to sign a five-year, $100 million contract extension that expired after this season.

And now, he’s looking for his full market value.

That’s why the Astros’ six-year, $156 million offer was deemed insufficient by Bregman and agent Scott Boras. Perhaps that’s pretty close to what Bregman will receive, but Astros GM Dana Brown told reporters that talks “stalled” recently, which prompted Houston to sign first baseman Christian Walker to a three-year, $60 million deal last week.

In concert with their acquisition of infielder Isaac Paredes from the Chicago Cubs, that pretty much sealed Bregman’s fate with the Astros. And now he’s the top remaining free agent on the market – No. 4 overall – and things could move quickly.

Follow every MLB game: Latest MLB scores, stats, schedules and standings.

A look at the path ahead for Bregman and his future suitors:

A Tigers tale?

Just as the Astros moved to all but ensure Bregman’s departure, the Detroit Tigers have opened up what looks like a perfect vacancy.

After signing infielder Gleyber Torres to a one-year, $15 million contract, GM Scott Harris told reporters that second-year infielder Colt Keith would be moving to first base. That leaves a Bregman-sized hole at the hot corner – and a desire in Detroit to maximize the two seasons before its own premier free agent – Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal – becomes a free agent.

While Detroit’s last foray into nine-figure free agency – the $140 million, six-year deal given infielder Javy Báez – has not worked out, 2025 marks the start of that pact’s final three years. A six-year deal that allows the Tigers to best Houston’s $156 million deal would not be financially onerous by any stretch; adding a seventh year would address future luxury tax concerns.

On the field, Bregman would slot in wonderfully among lefty sluggers Parker Meadows, Riley Greene and postseason hero Kerry Carpenter, while enabling valued veteran Matt Vierling to fulfill a super utility role. And of course, Bregman would reunite with former Astros manager A.J. Hinch, whose star is again rising after guiding Detroit to the AL Division Series last season.

Polar Bear predicament?

The New York Mets have reached the point where they can’t be ruled out of any free agent pursuit. And while they kick-started the winter with the tremor-producing $765 million deal for Juan Soto, their second-largest expenditure was “merely” the $75 million committed to retain lefty starter Sean Manaea.

Now, they’re just kinda hanging around.

Given the manner in which the Soto signing raised the stakes, the infield can hardly be defined as Opening Day-ready. And like Bregman with the Astros, the Mets could be engaging in their own staring contest with a franchise icon, slugging first baseman Pete Alonso.

It’s hard to imagine the 2025 Mets surrounding their best player, shortstop Francisco Lindor, with Brett Baty, Jeff McNeil and Mark Vientos on the dirt. Certainly, there’s a path to add both Alonso and Bregman: Financially, because owner Steve Cohen’s pockets are bottomless, and in the lineup, with Vientos, Bregman and Alonso bouncing among third, second, first and designated hitter.

Bregman would give the Mets a daunting look: In the six seasons he’s played at least 100 games, Bregman has registered between 4 and 8.9 WAR; Lindor produced 7.9 WAR last year while Vientos accumulated 3.1 in just 111 games. Meanwhile, Alonso has three seasons of at least 40 homers and five seasons with at least 30.

Still, signing both would seem unlikely. The question is, which one leaps first?

The field

The “game script” of this off-season has largely gone to plan, most notably with the New York Yankees pivoting to Max Fried (signed to a $218 million deal) and Cody Bellinger (acquired from the Chicago Cubs) after losing Soto to the Mets, who predictably emptied the vault for him.

Yet the text veered off topic when the Arizona Diamondbacks startlingly signed Corbin Burnes to a $210 million deal. Will Bregman’s free agency take a similar turn?

There’s already plenty of smoke connecting him to multiple teams. Right now, the Tigers are on the front burner, but the Boston Red Sox, spurned by Soto, Fried and others, remain in the mix. Both Boston and the Toronto Blue Jays fall into the category of high-revenue teams with itchy trigger fingers after failing in bids for marquee additions.

Is that it?

Probably, although the Burnes saga taught us to never rule out the unforeseen. Either way, Bregman should know very soon in 2025 where his new home will be.

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The start of the New Year presents a chance for everyone to start anew, set goals and resolutions and look to improve their standing in 2025.

The very same goes for the NBA and its 30 teams, now two months into its season.

And, as the calendar turns, it’s happening at an inflection point for several franchises. Take, for instance, the defending champion Boston Celtics, who cruised through the first month-and-a-half of the season, only to lose four of their last six. Is it a sign for concern, or merely just a speedbump in a very long season?

Then there’s the Oklahoma City Thunder, who are on an NBA-best 11-game winning streak.

Here are the USA TODAY Sports NBA power rankings at the turn of the calendar, with resolutions each team should carry into 2025.

USA TODAY Sports NBA power rankings

1. Oklahoma City Thunder (26-5)

The hottest team in the league with 11 consecutive victories, the Thunder resolve to make the most of Chet Holmgren when he returns from a pelvic injury.

2. Cleveland Cavaliers (28-4)

Even the best team in the league has room to get better: The Cavs should resolve to improve their rebounding, where they are tied for 18th (43.7 per game).

3. New York Knicks (23-10)

Winners of 13 of 15, New York should retain its offensive balance and versatility, though defensive efficiency (112; 13th) and offensive rebounding (9.9 per game; tied for 21st) are areas of concern.

4. Boston Celtics (23-9)

The Celtics, losers of four of their last six, should find other ways to score when their 3 pointers aren’t dropping.

5. Memphis Grizzlies (22-11)

In spite of player availability issues, the Grizzlies have been steady and productive thanks to a deep bench. They should turn that depth into a trade ahead of the deadline to add a star.

6. Houston Rockets (21-11)

They’re young and crazy athletic and thrive on defense, but Houston is wildly inefficient on offense, ranking 28th in true shooting percentage (54.2%). They must practice patience and discretion in their shot selection.

7. Dallas Mavericks (20-13)

Facing at least a month without Luka Dončić (left calf strain), the Mavericks should develop ways to stay in contention in the loaded Western Conference – players like Klay Thompson and Quentin Grimes will need to step up.

8. Los Angeles Lakers (18-13)

Make use of the 3-point shooting and defense from Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton, whom the Lakers just acquired in a trade with Brooklyn.

9. Los Angeles Clippers (19-13)

Keep Kawhi Leonard healthy once he returns.

10. Denver Nuggets (18-13)

Get Nikola Jokić more help ahead of the Feb. 6 trade deadline.

11. Minnesota Timberwolves (17-14)

More scoring from the team that ranks 23rd in points per game and 21st in points per 100 possessions.

12. Atlanta Hawks (18-15)

Atlanta is among the best ball-sharing teams in the NBA and plays very quickly. The Hawks get better if they give it away less, improving on their 16.5 turnovers per game, tied for 25th.

13. Miami Heat (16-14)

They struggle defensively when Bam Adebayo is off the floor and struggle offensively when Tyler Herro is off the floor. The Heat must get their role players to step up so those drop-offs aren’t as pronounced.

14. Orlando Magic (20-14)

The Magic have thrived without their two stars, Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, for much of the season. They should maintain their philosophy and defense when both return. And they should protect obliques at all costs.

15. Milwaukee Bucks (16-14)

Continued stellar play from Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard who are the highest scoring pair of teammates in the league at 58.6 points per game.

16. Indiana Pacers (16-17)

Focus on the defensive end, where the Pacers have made incremental progress in the past 10 games.

17. San Antonio Spurs (16-16)

18. Golden State Warriors (16-16)

Shoot better from the field, especially inside the 3-point line – where the Warriors are tied for 26th in 2-point field goal percentage.

19. Phoenix Suns (15-16)

Extended time with a healthy Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. The Suns are 1-9 without Durant and 1-4 without Booker.

20. Philadelphia 76ers (13-17)

Their Big 3 of Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Paul George have played together just eight of Philadelphia’s 30 games – or just 26.7%. The Sixers should resolve to have them available far more often.

21. Chicago Bulls (15-18)

The Bulls should resolve to pick a lane – go all in for the playoffs or focus on keeping their 2025 first-round pick which is protected 1-10; if the Bulls finish with the 20th-best record or better, the pick goes to San Antonio. Today, the Bulls would give the Spurs the No. 11 pick.

22. Detroit Pistons (14-18)

Just a tad better shooting for Cade Cunningham who is turning into an All-Star at 24 points, 9.7 assists and 6.7 rebounds per game and 44.7% shooting from the field.

23. Sacramento Kings (14-19)

Find a head coach who lasts more than three seasons – something that hasn’t happened since Rick Adelman’s eight seasons from 1998-2006.

24. Brooklyn Nets (12-20)

The Nets are rebuilding, with 15 first-round picks (and 31 overall) over the next seven years. They should continue positioning themselves aggressively to add stars.

25. Portland Trail Blazers (11-21)

Make use of the trade deadline.

26. Utah Jazz (7-24)

Find individual and team defense that helps them climb out of the basement in points allowed per 100 possessions – a league-worst 119.8.

27. Washington Wizards (5-25)

They’re last in offensive rating (104.7), net rating (-13.2), player impact estimate (43.3). They should light candles, burn sage and hope and pray they win the NBA draft lottery and, thus, the Cooper Flagg sweepstakes.

28. Charlotte Hornets (7-25)

The Hornets have lost of 16 of their last 17, rank 28th in offensive rating (107.2). They should embrace offensive efficiency and improved shot selection at every turn.

29. Toronto Raptors (7-25)

The Raptors have lost an NBA-worst 10 consecutive games. They’ve allowed an average of 143.3 points per game over their last three. They’ve turned the ball over a league-worst 20.3 times over the last three. They should just focus on fundamentals.

30. New Orleans Pelicans (5-28)

They have the worst record in basketball, cannot get their players to stay healthy and appear headed toward a selloff at the deadline. Hopefully, they can construct a unified strategy, have faith and remember that pain is temporary.

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The Rōki Sasaki saga won’t wrap up for at least two more weeks, but some light has been shed on the cherished right-handed pitcher from Japan, a focused and driven figure who will grace the Major League Baseball stage in 2025.

“He is definitely driving the ship,” Joel Wolfe, Sasaki’s agent, said in a media teleconference Monday night. “And calling the shots.”

Sasaki, who has dominated in four seasons with Chiba Lotte in Japan’s Pacific League, with a 2.02 career ERA, can sign with any MLB team beginning Jan. 15 – and all 30 clubs ostensibly have a decent shot at him since, thanks to posting regulations between Japan and MLB, he cannot be paid more than what any club might have in its international signing pool.

Yet the field realistically consists of one or two serious contenders or perhaps just the six teams Sasaki has taken a meeting with – with the door slightly ajar for one or two more teams to get a sitdown with the 6-foot-2, 178-pound 23-year-old. And Wolfe’s update illuminated the pragmatic reality of this process.

Wolfe invited all 30 teams to send information touting their franchises as destinations; just 20 teams took him up on the offer, leading one to wonder why a full third of big league franchises lacked the self-esteem to consider themselves worthy of Sasaki’s destination.

Follow every MLB game: Latest MLB scores, stats, schedules and standings.

Meanwhile, Sasaki himself laid out ground rules for his recruitment: No players invited to the meetings with teams, which meant Dodgers stars Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto and San Diego starter Yu Darvish, one of Sasaki’s idols, could only appear via videotaped message.

And Wolfe was sufficiently moved by the presentations he did receive.

“The level of preparation, the videos, it was like the Rōki Film Festival,” says Wolfe. “Highly in-depth power point presentations, short films. Some teams made actual books. They had some people who’d spend hundreds of hours researching Rōki, his professional background, his personal background.

“Rōki and his family appreciate the time spent in preparation by those working for teams. He wanted to make sure everything was a fair ane level playing field, both for his process and the teams.”

Six teams have been publicly confirmed as meeting with Sasaki: The New York Yankees and Mets, Chicago Cubs, San Francisco Giants, Texas Rangers and, most recently, Los Angeles Dodgers. More ground rules: Those meetings all took place at the agency’s office in Los Angeles. No lavish trips to see stadiums, no image of Sasaki in the home team’s uniform on the videoboard.

All meetings would last no more than two hours and Sasaki, Wolfe said, gave clubs a “homework assignment” to specifically answer questions he had, most notably with regard to pitcher development and communication flow from staff to player.

And now? Wolfe says Team Sasaki may meet with “one or two more additional teams, or narrowing the field, which I think may be more likely.”

It’s unclear where that leaves the Padres, considered just behind the Dodgers as favorites to land Sasaki, or the Boston Red Sox, whose GM, Craig Breslow, acknowledged Monday that they had not met with Sasaki but were hoping to do so.

It will all be over with by Jan. 24, when Sasaki’s posting window closes. And we’ll find out which team will take home the only statuette that matters from the Rōki Film Festival – and how big that payoff may someday be.

“Rōki is by no means a finished product,” says Wolfe. “He knows it; teams know it. He’s incredibly talented, but he’s a guy that wants to be great.

“He’s not just coming here to get rich or get a big contract. He wants to be one of the greatest ever.”

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SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — They walked off the plane in Phoenix an hour late, wearing t-shirts with a timeless message that for three decades has fueled the giant-killer program. 

Count us out. 

Overlook the running back closing in on an immortal NCAA record. Forget about the defense that led the nation in sacks for much of the season.

Ignore little ol’ Boise State, the team from the forgotten Group of Five conferences that had No. 1 Oregon beat before a couple of special teams touchdowns.

Nothing to see here. Just a speed bump on the way to Penn State rolling into the College Football Playoff semifinals. 

‘They’re as good as any team we’ve played this season,” said Penn State quarterback Drew Allar.

But nothing about this feels dangerous for Penn State. Not the moment or Boise State’s history of winning big on the big stage. 

Not the personnel mismatches or the routs in the first round of the College Football Playoff that quickly set the tone for the postseason. Not even the sleepy New Year’s Eve time slot, where the game could quickly get lost amid the annual worldwide revelry.

Somebody had to play on New Year’s Eve. You can’t fit four CFP games in one New Year’s Day window without one of the game beginning well past bedtime on the East Coast. 

EXPERT PICKS: Who wins Fiesta Bowl between Penn State, Boise State?

TUESDAY SCHEDULE: Breaking down the five bowls on New Year’s Eve

Why not the team that has made a living doing what they’re not supposed to do? The team that has become synonymous with major bowl upsets.

And that’s why Penn State should be concerned. 

Because while the Lions could lose their two biggest games of the season (again) and still make the playoff, Boise State has been in a fight from the first week of the season. The playoff began when the Broncos – like every Group of Five team in the power conference world of college football – kicked off the season. 

Win or go home. Every week, every game.

It’s more than star running back and Heisman Trophy runner up Ashton Jeanty chasing Barry Sanders’ single season rushing record. More than a 5-feet-10 quarterback no one wanted, or the star defensive end from Egypt that only began playing the game a few years ago. 

More than the head coach who played college ball at tiny Azusa Pacific, and got the job at Boise State late last season on an interim basis — and then forced his way into the full-time gig by winning the Mountain West Conference. And then kept winning.

It’s the count-us-out mentality — and it’s not new. They’ve been feeding off it for three decades, since former coach Dan Hawkins famously said, “bigger isn’t always better.”

There’s just more on the line now.

“We represent a lot of people, a lot of teams that have been counted out,” Boise State coach Spencer Danielson said. “I do believe when someone is counted out, how they show up when the ball is put down does echo through the entire college football landscape for years to come.”

This is what Penn State is dealing with Tuesday night. Not what the sharps in Vegas think (Boise State is an 11-point underdog), or what talking heads on television believe, or what just about anyone outside of the Boise bubble with a pulse believes.

Because there’s an important factor lost in this Penn State stroll to the semifinals narrative since its rout of SMU in the first round: common opponent. 

Penn State lost to Oregon 45-37 in the Big Ten championship game, where Penn State never led and really never threatened the Ducks. 

Oregon needed a punt return for a touchdown, a kickoff return for a touchdown and a game-winning field goal as time expired to beat Boise State 37-34 — in Eugene.

Boise State outplayed Oregon by every statistical measure, and held the Ducks to a season-low total yards (352 yards). But for coverage busts on two special teams returns for touchdowns, Boise State would be unbeaten.  

That game was quarterback Maddux Madsen’s second career start, and he completed only 17-of-40 passes. He has accounted for 25 touchdowns (20 passing and 5 rushing) since, and has only three interceptions.

Jeanty ran for 192 yards and three touchdowns against the Ducks, and the Boise State defense sacked Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel four times and forced two fumbles. 

In both of Penn State’s losses this season, Allar was harassed by the Ohio State and Oregon defenses, and threw three interceptions. Don’t think that can’t happen again. 

Don’t think the overlooked and the counted out can’t do what they’ve always done in this moment. Can’t do what Boise State first did on the big stage in 2006, when a majority of this team were toddlers and Danielson was a senior in high school.

“The field will change, the lights will be on,” said Boise State safety Seyi Oladipo. “They might be a little brighter than somewhere else, but we have a mission. We’ll do everything it takes to get this job done.”

Like they have every other time in this moment. There’s just more on the line now. 

Matt Hayes is the senior national college football writer for USA TODAY Sports Network. Follow him on X at @MattHayesCFB.

Every week for the duration of the 2024 NFL regular season, USA TODAY Sports will provide timely updates to the league’s ever-evolving playoff picture − typically starting after Sunday afternoon’s late games and then moving forward for the remainder of the week (through Monday’s and Thursday’s games or Saturday’s, if applicable.)

What just happened? What does it mean? What are the pertinent factors (and, perhaps, tiebreakers) prominently in play as each conference’s seven-team bracket begins to crystallize? All will be explained and analyzed up to the point when the postseason field is finalized on Sunday, Jan. 5.

Here’s where things stand with Week 17 of the 2024 season complete:

NFC playoff picture

x – 1. Detroit Lions (14-2), NFC North leaders: They couldn’t gain anything substantive with Monday night’s win at San Francisco aside from the resumption of the overall NFC lead. But the Lions can achieve everything they want from the regular season, including home-field advantage and the NFC North title, by sweeping Minnesota at Ford Field in Week 18. Remaining schedule: vs. Vikings

NFL STATS CENTRAL: The latest NFL scores, schedules, odds, stats and more.

y – 2. Philadelphia Eagles (13-3), NFC East champions: Despite being down to their third-string quarterback, they locked down the division crown Sunday and the No. 2 seed. Not much to play for in Week 18 aside from the single-season rushing record for RB Saquon Barkley … if he and the team decide to pursue it. Remaining schedule: vs. Giants

y – 3. Los Angeles Rams (10-6), NFC West champions: They took care of business Saturday against Arizona, and the Commanders clinched the strength-of-victory tiebreaker – meaning the division – for LA on Sunday night. Remaining schedule: vs. Seahawks

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7), NFC South leaders: Their rout of the Panthers moved them back into first place, and Atlanta’s overtime loss at Washington keeps Tampa Bay there. Win next week, and the Bucs earn a fourth consecutive division crown. Remaining schedule: vs. Saints

x – 5. Minnesota Vikings (14-2), wild card No. 1: They weathered Green Bay’s late surge for a massive win Sunday – one that temporarily moved the Vikes atop the conference and leaves them one Week 18 win from wrapping up the division, home-field advantage and a first-round bye in the NFC. Who saw this coming? (Detroit’s win Monday knocked the Vikes back down to fifth place in the conference, but everything boils down to the regular-season finale.) Remaining schedule: at Lions

x – 6. Washington Commanders (11-5), wild card No. 2: A thrilling overtime victory launches them into the field … and maybe wins QB Jayden Daniels the Offensive Rookie of the Year award. (The result also clinched the NFC West for the Rams.) Washington’s 8-3 record in NFC games is two better than Green Bay’s. Remaining schedule: at Cowboys

x – 7. Green Bay Packers (11-5), wild card No. 3: Getting swept by Detroit and Minnesota relegated the Pack to wild-card status even before Week 17. Should be notable to see how hard they and the Commanders work to engineer a matchup with the No. 3 seed next week rather than facing a trip to Philadelphia. Remaining schedule: vs. Bears

8. Seattle Seahawks (9-7), eliminated: Though they have a better record than the Falcons, whom the Seahawks beat this season, Seattle has no path to the playoffs. Remaining schedule: at Rams

9. Atlanta Falcons (8-8), in the hunt: A gut-wrenching loss to the Commanders means they need to beat Carolina in Week 18 and hope the Bucs lose in order to win the NFC South. Remaining schedule: vs. Panthers

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AFC playoff picture

yz – 1. Kansas City Chiefs (15-1), AFC West champions: By crushing Pittsburgh on Christmas, they secured home-field advantage and a first-round bye – and really two-plus weeks off in actuality depending on whom they want to play in what’s now a meaningless Week 18 contest at Denver for the champs. Remaining schedule: at Broncos, BYE

y – 2. Buffalo Bills (13-3), AFC East champions: They locked up the No. 2 seed by embarrassing the Jets on Sunday. Finishing second in the conference should still have meaning given the road to Super Bowl 59 could go through Western New York if the Chiefs lose their playoff opener. Buffalo won’t have to go on the road again unless the AFC championship is staged in Kansas City. Remaining schedule: at Patriots

x – 3. Baltimore Ravens (11-5), AFC North leaders: Catching fire? Probably an understatement. The Steelers’ loss before Baltimore’s Christmas kickoff vaulted the Ravens atop the division, and their dominant win over Houston keeps them there. A win or tie in Week 18 clinches it. Remaining schedule: vs. Browns

y – 4. Houston Texans (9-7), AFC South champions: They rule a weak division for the second straight year, however Wednesday’s loss cemented them as the fourth seed … which will likely mean a tough wild-card matchup, albeit in Houston, against an AFC North team. Remaining schedule: at Titans

x – 5. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6), wild card No. 1: That’s three losses in a row, Wednesday’s flat performance against K.C. costing them first place in the AFC North. However they can capture the divisional title by winning in Week 18 if Baltimore also loses to Cleveland. Remaining schedule: vs. Bengals

x – 6. Los Angeles Chargers (10-6), wild card No. 2: Saturday’s rout of the Patriots locked Bolts into the field and ensures Jim Harbaugh has been a playoff participant in four of his five NFL seasons as a head coach. Yet, having lost to the Ravens and Steelers earlier this season, the Chargers will most likely be the sixth seed – and probably head to Baltimore or Pittsburgh for a rematch. Remaining schedule: at Raiders

7. Denver Broncos (9-7), wild card No. 3: They’ve had win-and-in scenarios in their past two games and lost both times. Still, one more victory – or tie – will advance Denver to the playoffs for the first time since they won Super Bowl 50 with Peyton Manning and Von Miller nearly nine years ago. The Broncos’ Week 18 game against Kansas City means basically nothing to the Chiefs – which could be a real advantage for Denver, which can do no better than the seventh seed. Remaining schedule: vs. Chiefs

8. Miami Dolphins (8-8), in the hunt: After handling the Browns on the road – and without injured QB Tua Tagovailoa – they advance if they win in Week 18 and the Broncos lose. Miami’s record in AFC games (6-5) is one better than both Denver and Cincinnati. Remaining schedule: at Jets

9. Cincinnati Bengals (8-8), in the hunt: Still alive thanks to a four-game winning streak, including Saturday’s overtime thriller against Denver. Though they appear like the best team outside the postseason field, the Bengals still need the most help to get in, including a loss by the Dolphins after the Indianapolis Colts were eliminated Sunday. Cincinnati must also beat Pittsburgh in Week 18 and hope Denver falters again. Though the Bengals jumped Miami on Saturday, the Dolphins hold the tiebreaker (AFC record) that moved them back over Cincinnati on Sunday. Remaining schedule: at Steelers

NFL playoff-clinching scenarios for Week 18

Baltimore clinches AFC North (and No. 3 seed) with:

Win or tie
Pittsburgh loss or tie

Pittsburgh clinches AFC North (and No. 3 seed) with:

Win + Baltimore loss

Cincinnati clinches playoff berth with:

Win + Denver loss + Miami loss or tie

Denver clinches playoff berth with:

Win or tie
Miami loss or tie + Cincinnati loss or tie

Miami clinches playoff berth with:

Win + Denver loss

Detroit clinches NFC North and NFC’s No. 1 seed (first-round bye and home-field advantage) with:

Win or tie

Minnesota clinches NFC North and NFC’s No. 1 seed (first-round bye and home-field advantage) with:

Win

Atlanta clinches NFC South with:

Win + Tampa Bay loss

Tampa Bay clinches NFC South with:

Win or tie
Atlanta loss or tie

NFL teams eliminated from playoff contention in 2024

x – clinched playoff berth

y – clinched division

z – clinched home-field advantage, first-round bye

***

Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Nate Davis on X, formerly Twitter, @ByNateDavis

The Detroit Lions scored on five consecutive drives in the second half to pull away for a 40-34 win over the host San Francisco 49ers on the final ‘Monday Night Football’ matchup of the season.

The two offenses combined for 914 yards on 129 plays and zero punts.

Both teams set the tone in the first half and combined for five consecutive touchdown drives to open the game. The first stop of the night was by the 49ers defense late in the second quarter with a turnover on downs deep in the red zone.

The 49ers couldn’t capitalize as kicker Jake Moody missed a 51-yard field goal in the waning seconds of the first half. San Francisco led 21-13 at half, the eight-point gap thanks to a blocked extra point by defensive lineman Maliek Collins.

NFL STATS CENTRAL: The latest NFL scores, schedules, odds, stats and more.

Detroit scored a game-tying touchdown to open the second half before San Francisco responded in kind. The Lions scored 19 consecutive points, thanks to a pair of Brock Purdy interceptions, to take a 40-28 lead.

Gibbs scored the team’s final points of the night on a 30-yard touchdown run. Backup quarterback Joshua Dobbs scored on a 7-yard touchdown run after an injury to Purdy on the final drive of the game to bring it to 40-34 after a missed extra point.

Purdy completed 27 of 35 passes for a career-high 377 yards and three touchdowns in addition to those two turnovers. Rookie wideout Ricky Pearsall was his favorite target of the night with eight catches, 141 yards, and a touchdown.

Detroit (14-2) closes the regular season in a battle for the NFC North title at home against the Minnesota Vikings (14-2). With a win or tie, they’ll take the division title and the No. 1 seed. If they lose, they’re down to the No. 5 seed and will play on the road to open the NFC playoffs.

San Francisco (6-10) wraps up a disappointing regular season on the road against the Arizona Cardinals (7-9). They’re out of playoff contention and looking at a top-15 pick in the 2025 NFL draft.

NFL PLAYOFF PICTURE: Inability to clinch top seed Monday doesn’t deter Lions

Lions vs. 49ers highlights

Lions 40, 49ers 34: Joshua Dobbs runs in for TD

San Francisco quarterback Brock Purdy went to the sideline with an injury after a sack on first-and-10 from the Lions’ 35-yard line. Backup Joshua Dobbs came in and led the offense down the field before running it in from seven yards out. Jake Moody’s extra point is wide right and the 49ers cut the Lions’ lead to six with 43 seconds to play.

49ers QB Brock Purdy leaves the game after sack

Brock Purdy took a hard hit from Lions safety Brian Branch on a sack and the 49ers quarterback has come out of the game with less than two minutes to play.

Joshua Dobbs is in at quarterback for the 49ers.

Lions 40, 49ers 28: Jahmyr Gibbs sprints for 30-yard TD

Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs got to the edge and outran the rest of the 49ers defense for a 30-yard touchdown. Jake Bates’ extra point is no good, but the Lions hold a two-score lead with 2:58 to go in the fourth quarter.

Brock Purdy throws second INT of the night

After an unnecessary roughness penalty brought the 49ers offense past midfield, quarterback Brock Purdy threw his second interception of the game on the ensuing play. Lions safety Kerby Joseph collected his second interception of the night, his ninth of the season, on a pass intended for Ricky Pearsall.

Detroit’s offense takes over on their own 38-yard line with 7:34 to go in the game.

Lions 34, 49ers 28: Jake Bates makes 42-yard FG

Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams slipped on third-and-8 from the 49ers’ 24-yard line and Detroit settled for a field goal. Jake Bates knocked it through from 42 yards out for the Lions to push the lead to six points with 10:29 to go in the fourth quarter.

49ers’ Jake Moody misses second FG of the night

The Lions’ defense got a stop on third-and-10 to force a long field goal. San Francisco kicker Jake Moody missed just left on a 58-yard attempt, his second miss of the night. The Detroit offense will take over at its own 48-yard line with 13:25 to go in the game.

Lions 31, 49ers 28: Jared Goff find Amon-Ra St. Brown for TD

Detroit capitalized on the Brock Purdy interception by driving 43 yards for the go-ahead touchdown from Jared Goff to wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. Jake Bates’ extra point is good and Detroit takes its first lead of the night with 19 seconds left in the third quarter.

Goff went 4 for 6 passing on the drive for 34 yards and the touchdown.

Brock Purdy throws first INT of the night

Brock Purdy threw an interception on first-and-10 from his own 33-yard line, but it was called back due to defensive pass interference on Lions’ safety Brian Branch. One play later, Purdy sailed a throw over wide receiver Ricky Pearsall’s hand and Lions safety Kerby Joseph caught it for the first turnover of the game.

Detroit will take over at the 49ers’ 43-yard line with 3:58 to go in the third quarter.

49ers 28, Lions 24: Jake Bates nails 57-yard FG

San Francisco edge rusher Nick Bosa got his second sack of the night on third-and-3 to force a long field goal attempt for the Lions. Kicker Jake Bates made it from 57 yards out to cut the 49ers’ lead to four points with 4:25 to go in the third quarter.

49ers 28, Lions 21: Deebo Samuel scores 5-yard TD

The 49ers responded to Detroit’s touchdown drive with one of their own. San Francisco drove 84 yards in just six plays to score on a 5-yard pass from Brock Purdy to wide receiver Deebo Samuel. Jake Moody’s extra point is good as the 49ers are 4-for-4 on red zone trips tonight.

Purdy found wideout Ricky Pearsall for a 39-yard catch and run before tight end George Kittle rumbled for 22 yards to bring the 49ers in the red zone.

49ers 21, Lions 21: Jared Goff throws first TD of the night

The Lions drove 66 yards over 10 plays over five minutes, capped off by a Jared Goff pass to tight end Sam LaPorta for a 6-yard touchdown. Goff rolled out to his right to find wide receiver Tim Patrick for the two-point conversion to tie the game with 9:58 to go in the third quarter.

49ers’ Jake Moody misses 51-yard FG to close first half

San Francisco drove into scoring range for a quick few points before halftime but kicker Jake Moody’s 51-yard field goal attempt sailed wide right. After the Lions kneeled out the final two seconds of the half, the 49ers hold a 21-13 lead at halftime.

Detroit will receive the second-half kickoff.

49ers defense forces turnover on downs in deep red zone

Detroit’s offense stayed on the field for fourth-and-3 on the 49ers’ 8-yard line. Quarterback Jared Goff fired a pass to tight end Sam LaPorta, but 49ers cornerback Renardo Green made the play to break up the pass and force a turnover on downs.

San Francisco takes over from the 8-yard line with 1:13 to go in the first half and one timeout.

Lions in the red zone at the two-minute warning

Detroit’s marched 55 yards in eight plays to get inside the red zone for the second time on the night. The Lions will be facing first-and-10 from the 49ers’ 15-yard line after the two minute warning.

49ers’ Nick Bosa back in the game

San Francisco’s star edge rusher left the Lions’ previous drive after taking a hit to the head and neck area during a sack. Nick Bosa went to the blue medical tent but was back on the field for the Lions’ current drive.

49ers 21, Lions 13: Brock Purdy runs it in himself for TD

Two plays after completing a deep shot to rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall, 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy scrambled up the middle for a 9-yard touchdown. Jake Moody’s extra point is good and San Francisco has an eight-point lead with 6:13 to go in the half.

Both quarterbacks in this game are yet to throw an incomplete pass. Purdy is now 9-for-9 for 131 yards and two touchdowns passing in addition to three carries for 12 yards and a touchdown.

49ers 14, Lions 13: Jameson Williams scores another TD on lateral

Lions quarterback Jared Goff found wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown for a quick pass on third-and-12 from the 49ers’ 42-yard line but St. Brown flipped it up to Jameson Williams. He ran 41 yards down the right sideline for his second touchdown of the night. Jake Bates’ extra point is good and the Lions make it a one-point game with 10:09 to go in the second quarter.

49ers 14, Lions 6: Brock Purdy finds Kyle Juszczyk for another TD

San Francisco opened the second quarter with another touchdown, this time on a Brock Purdy pass to fullback Kyle Juszczyk from 9 yards out. Jake Moody’s extra point is good and the 49ers take an eight-point lead with 14:53 to go in the second quarter.

Purdy went 4-for-4 passing on the drive for 48 yards. As a unit, the 49ers offense went 70 yards on just six plays and took 3:49 off the clock.

49ers driving to close first quarter

San Francisco has reached the red zone once again as the first quarter ends. The 49ers will face first-and-5 from the Lions’ 9-yard line to start the second quarter following an encroachment penalty on Detroit defensive lineman D.J. Reader.

49ers 7, Lions 6: Jameson Williams runs in first TD of the night

The Lions responded to San Francisco’s opening-drive touchdown with a score of their own, this coming on a 3-yard touchdown run by wide receiver Jameson Williams. San Francisco defensive lineman Jordan Elliott blocked the extra point attempt but linebacker Fred Warner could not run it past the 30-yard line.

Detroit relied on the run game in their opening drive and got 36 yards on seven carries combined from Jahmyr Gibbs, Jermar Jefferson and Williams.

49ers 7, Lions 0: Brock Purdy finds Ricky Pearsall for TD

San Francisco quarterback Brock Purdy fired a pass to rookie wideout Ricky Pearsall for a 3-yard touchdown. Pearsall was initially ruled down at the one-yard line but review showed he crossed the plane with the ball for the touchdown. Jake Moody’s extra point is good and the 49ers take an early lead.

Purdy went 3 for 3 for 34 yards on this drive and made a key conversion with his legs on fourth-and-1 at the Detroit 5-yard line to set up the score. San Francisco went 61 yards in 11 plays for the score.

49ers vs. Lions start time

Start time: 8:15 p.m. (5:15 p.m. PT)

49ers vs. Lions TV channel

TV channel: ABC | ESPN

ESPN again is the broadcast home of ‘Monday Night Football.’ The longtime team of Joe Buck (play-by-play) and Troy Aikman (color) will be on the call, with Lisa Salters adding reports from the sideline.

There will be no ‘ManningCast’ for tonight’s broadcast.

49ers vs. Lions live stream 

Live stream: Fubo  | ESPN+ 

For cord cutters looking for a live stream for the matchup, you can turn to Fubo. Fubo carries NBC, as well as CBS, FOX, NFL Network and the ESPN family of networks, meaning you can catch NFL action through the remainder of the season. 

ESPN+, the proprietary streaming service of ESPN, will also carry the game. 

Lions inactives vs. 49ers

RB David Montgomery
QB Teddy Bridgewater (emergency third QB)
OL Giovanni Manu
OL Kayode Awosika
OL Colby Sorsdal
DL Jonah Williams
DL Brodric Martin

49ers inactives vs. Lions

QB Brandon Allen (emergency third QB)
DL Khalil Davis
LB Dre Greenlaw
OL Spencer Burford
DL Robert Beal Jr.
CB Charvarius Ward
RB Israel Abanikanda

49ers vs. Lions predictions, picks

Here’s how the USA TODAY Sports staff feels the 49ers vs. Lions ‘MNF’ matchup will go down:

Lorenzo Reyes: Lions 26, 49ers 16
Tyler Dragon: Lions 28, 49ers 20
Richard Morin: Lions 31, 49ers 20
Jordan Mendoza: Lions 28, 49ers 20

49ers vs. Lions odds, moneyline, over/under 

The Lions are favorites to defeat the 49ers, according to the BetMGM NFL odds. Not interested in this game? Check out expert picks and best bets for every NFL game this week. 

Spread: Lions (-3.5) 
Moneyline: Lions (-210); 49ers (+170) 
Over/under: 50

Where is Lions vs. 49ers?

Levi’s Stadium has been the 49ers’ home since 2014. The venue hosted Super Bowl 50 — the Denver Broncos’ win over the Carolina Panthers — and will host Super Bowl 60 on Feb. 8, 2026.

The stadium will be a host venue for the 2026 World Cup. Levi’s Stadium also occasionally will host games for the San Jose Earthquakes of Major League Soccer.

49ers vs. Lions weather updates

Game time temperatures at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, will be in the mid-50s and there is no chance for precipitation, according to AccuWeather. Temperatures will dip below 50 degrees by the time the game ends.

NFC North division standings 

The Lions still have a shot to play for the division and the No. 1 seed. They’ll need a win in Week 18 to make that happen. Here’s how the division stacks up:  

Minnesota Vikings (14-2) 
Detroit Lions (13-2) 
Green Bay Packers (11-5) 
Chicago Bears (4-12) 

NFC West division standings 

The 49ers won’t have a chance to repeat as NFC West champs this year, as the division has been wrapped up by the Los Angeles Rams. Here’s how the division shakes out: 

Los Angeles Rams (10-6) 
Seattle Seahawks (9-7) 
Arizona Cardinals (7-9) 
San Francisco 49ers (6-9) 

When do the NFL playoffs start? 

The first round of the NFL playoffs is the wild-card round, which will take place Jan. 11-13. 

Seeds Nos. 2 through 7 in both conferences will face off in one of the six total matchups over the three-day opening round. This year’s playoffs will kick off with two games on Saturday, Jan. 11, continue with three more on Sunday, Jan. 12 and conclude with one game on Monday, Jan. 13. 

Lions playoff scenarios 

The Lions have already clinched a playoff berth and will be either the No. 1 seed in the NFC or the No. 5 seed. It all depends on whether they can stave off competition from the Vikings in the race for the NFC North. 

Detroit will be the NFC’s No. 1 seed if either of the following scenarios occurs: 

The Lions beat the Vikings in Week 18; 
The Lions beat the 49ers in Week 17 and tie the Vikings in Week 18. 

Detroit will be the NFC’s No. 5 seed in either of the scenarios below: 

The Lions lose to the Vikings in Week 18; 
The Lions lose to the 49ers in Week 17 and tie the Vikings in Week 18; 
The Lions tie against the 49ers in Week 17 and tie the Vikings in Week 18. 

Lions vs. Vikings tiebreakers, explained 

There are only two ways for the Lions and Vikings to end up tied in the standings at season’s end. They are as follows: 

Lions lose to 49ers in Week 17 AND beat Vikings in Week 18; 
Lions beat 49ers in Week 17 AND tie Vikings in Week 18. 

Lions potential playoff opponents 

If the Lions are the NFC’s No. 1 seed, they will get a much-needed first-round bye after which they would play the lowest-remaining seed in the NFC bracket. 

If Detroit ends up as the No. 5 seed, it will go on the road to face one of the following three teams: 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 
Atlanta Falcons 
Los Angeles Rams 

Are the 49ers in the playoffs? 

The 49ers were eliminated from the playoff picture ahead of their Week 16 game against the Dolphins. They failed to qualify for the postseason for the first time since 2020. 

San Francisco faced an uphill climb all season, dealing with countless injuries and ultimately succumbing to the dreaded Super Bowl hangover. 

Who is in the NFL playoffs so far? 

The 2024 playoff field is almost set: 12 teams have clinched a playoff spot heading into Monday of Week 17: 

AFC 

Kansas City Chiefs (15-1) 
Buffalo Bills (13-3) 
Baltimore Ravens (11-5) 
Los Angeles Chargers (10-6) 
Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6) 
Houston Texans (9-7) 

NFC 

Minnesota Vikings (14-2) 
Detroit Lions (13-2) 
Philadelphia Eagles (13-3) 
Green Bay Packers (11-5) 
Washington Commanders (11-5)
Los Angeles Rams (10-6)

NFL playoff clinching scenarios: What’s on the line for Lions?

Below is the playoff clinching situation heading into Week 18 of the 2024 NFL season:

AFC

Baltimore Ravens clinch AFC North with:

Win or tie
Steelers loss or tie

Steelers clinch AFC North with:

Win, and Ravens loss

Bengals clinch playoff berth with:

Win, and Broncos loss, and Dolphins loss or tie

Broncos clinch playoff berth with:

Win or tie
Dolphins loss or tie, and Bengals loss or tie

Dolphins clinch playoff berth with:

Win, and Broncos loss

NFC

Lions clinch NFC North and NFC’s No. 1 playoff seed with:

If win on MNF …

Win or tie

If lose on MNF …

Win

Vikings clinch NFC North and NFC’s No. 1 playoff seed with:

If Lions win on MNF …

Win

If Lions lose on MNF …

Win or tie

Falcons clinch NFC South with:

Win, and Buccaneers loss

Buccaneers clinch NFC South with:

Win or tie
Falcons loss or tie

2025 NFL draft first-round order

Here’s how the top 15 picks of the first round of the 2025 NFL draft stack up entering Monday night’s game:

New England Patriots: 3-13 record; .447 strength of schedule
Tennessee Titans: 3-13; .510
Cleveland Browns: 3-13, .531
New York Giants: 3-13, .535
Jacksonville Jaguars: 4-12, .475
Carolina Panthers: 4-12, .496
New York Jets: 4-12, .502
Las Vegas Raiders: 4-12, .539
Chicago Bears: 4-12, .545
New Orleans Saints: 5-11, .504
San Francisco 49ers: 6-9, .554
Indianapolis Colts: 7-9, .471
Dallas Cowboys: 7-9, .508
Arizona Cardinals: 7-9, .547
Miami Dolphins: 8-8, .427

Which NFL team has the most Super Bowl wins? 

The New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers are tied for the most Super Bowl wins with six. 

The 49ers have made eight total Super Bowl appearances and own five rings to show for it, the most recent coming during the 1994 season in Super Bowl XXIX. Since then, the 49ers have lost three Super Bowls, twice to the Kansas City Chiefs and also against the Baltimore Ravens.

The Lions are among four NFL teams that have never appeared in a Super Bowl. The Lions, however, were a powerhouse team before the advent of the Super Bowl, winning four NFL championships, including three in the 1950s.

NFL franchises with most Super Bowl wins:

New England Patriots — 6
Pittsburgh Steelers — 6
Dallas Cowboys — 5
San Francisco 49ers — 5
Green Bay Packers — 4
Kansas City Chiefs — 4
New York Giants — 4

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The rival United States and Canada have plenty at stake when they face off Tuesday night in the traditional New Year’s Eve game at the world junior hockey championship.

Both teams are 2-0-1-0 and are tied with seven points atop Group A in the final game of the preliminary round. The winner will clinch the top seed and a Thursday quarterfinal meeting against the bottom seed in Group B (the winner of Tuesday’s Switzerland-Kazakhstan game). The loser could drop to third place, depending on the Finland-Latvia result.

The defending champion USA beat Germany and Latvia and lost to Finland in overtime. Canada, which won the under-20 tournament in 2022 and 2023, shut out Finland and Germany on either side of an upset loss to Latvia.

What to know about Tuesday’s USA-Canada game and the full schedule in Ottawa:

When is the USA vs. Canada world juniors hockey game?

The USA and Canada will play at 8 p.m. ET at the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa.

How to watch USA vs. Canada world juniors hockey game

The game will be aired on NHL Network in the United States and on TSN in Canada.

USA vs. Canada players to watch

USA: James Hagens, the potential No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NHL draft, leads the Americans with six points. He plays on a line with Boston College teammates Ryan Leonard and Gabe Perreault. Defenseman Cole Hutson also has six points. He’s the brother of Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson. The USA hadn’t announced their starting goalie. Michigan State’s Trey Augustine has made two starts (1-0-1) and Western Michigan’s Hampton Slukynsky is 1-0.

Canada: Canada has no scorer in the top 25 at the tournament. Easton Cowan leads the team with three points. Gavin McKenna (one goal) is the early front-runner for the 2026 draft. Goalie Carter George has two shutouts.

Today’s world juniors hockey schedule

(All times Eastern)

Switzerland vs. Kazakhstan, noon, NHLN, TSN Game will determine final seed in Group B
Latvia vs. Finland, 2:30, TSN4. NHLN will air at 3:30 on Jan. 1
Czechia vs. Sweden, 5, NHLN, TSN. Game will determine the top seed in Group B
United States vs. Canada, 8, NHLN, TSN Game will determine the top seed in Group A

World juniors hockey scores

Dec. 26

Sweden 5, Slovakia 2
United States 10, Germany 4
Czechia 5, Switzerland 1
Canada 4, Finland 0

Dec. 27

Slovakia 2, Switzerland 1
Finland 3, Germany 1
Sweden 8, Kazakhstan 1
Latvia 3, Canada 2 (SO)

Dec. 28

Czechia 14, Kazakhstan 2
United States 5, Latvia 1

Dec. 29

Sweden 7, Switzerland 5
Finland 4, United States 3 (OT)
Czechia 4, Slovakia 2
Canada 3, Germany 0

Dec. 30

Slovakia 5, Kazakhstan 4 (OT)
Latvia 4, Germany 3 (OT)

World juniors hockey playoff round

Jan. 2

Quarterfinal 1, noon, NHLN, TSN
Quarterfinal 2, 2:30, NHLN, TSN3, TSN4, TSN5
Quarterfinal 3, 5, NHLN, TSN
Quarterfinal 4, 7:30, NHLN, TSN

Jan. 4

Semifinal 1 3:30 p.m. ET; NHLN, TSN
Semifinal 2 7:30 p.m. ET; NHLN, TSN

Jan. 5

Third-place game, 3:30, NHLN, TSN
Championship game, 7:30, NHLN, TSN