Los Angeles Dodgers slugger Shohei Ohtani and Indiana Fever rookie guard Caitlin Clark were named the 2024 Associated Press Athletes of the Year.

Ohtani won the award for the third time, and Clark is only the fourth women’s basketball player to win (Sheryl Swoopes, Rebecca Lobo and Candace Parker) since the award was first given out in 1931.

Ohtani helped the Dodgers win the World Series and had a remarkable season after signing a $700 million, 10-year contract with Los Angeles. He hit .310 with 54 home runs, 130 RBI, scored 134 runs, and stole 59 bases, winning his third Most Valuable Player award and first in the National League.

Only Lance Armstrong, Tiger Woods, and LeBron James have won the AP Male Athlete of the Year more times than Ohtani.

Clark immediately made an impact in the WNBA after leading Iowa to the national championship game and breaking the NCAA Division I career scoring record.

The first overall pick helped lead the Fever to the postseason for the first time in eight seasons, setting rookie marks for scoring, assists, and three-pointers made.

She also helped make the WNBA must-see television, with the Fever playing 36 of their 40 regular season games scheduled to air nationally. Clark capped her first campaign by winning the WNBA Rookie of the Year and was named to the All-WNBA first team, the first for a rookie since 2008.

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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 16 of the 2024 season complete:

NFC playoff picture

x – 1. Detroit Lions (13-2), NFC North leaders: They began Sunday in a three-way tie atop the conference and deadlocked for the division lead with Minnesota. By day’s end, things were looking up slightly after their win in Chicago and Philadelphia’s loss at Washington. The division remains neck and neck following Minnesota’s win at Seattle. Winning out gives the Lions everything they want, including home-field advantage. So would a win at San Francisco in Week 17 combined with a Minnesota loss. Remaining schedule: at 49ers, vs. Vikings

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x – 2. Philadelphia Eagles (12-3), NFC East leaders: Rough Sunday. They lost their 10-game winning streak, an opportunity to wrap up the division and fell a game behind Detroit and Minnesota in the race for home-field advantage. But they’re still just one win or Commanders loss from locking up the division. Remaining schedule: vs. Cowboys, vs. Giants

3. Los Angeles Rams (9-6), NFC West leaders: Beat Seattle in Week 18, and the division is theirs. A win and some help in Week 17 would get it done early. Remaining schedule: vs. Cardinals, vs. Seahawks

4. Atlanta Falcons (8-7), NFC South leaders:Rookie QB Michael Penix Jr. won his starting debut against the lowly Giants. But the real payoff came later Sunday, when the Bucs – they were swept earlier in the season by Atlanta – lost at Dallas. The Falcons can win the division in Week 17. Remaining schedule: at Commanders, vs. Panthers

x – 5. Minnesota Vikings (13-2), wild card No. 1: Like Detroit, they control their own fate in the NFC North – win out, and the division and No. 1 seed are Minnesota’s. Remaining schedule: vs. Packers, at Lions

x – 6. Green Bay Packers (11-4), wild card No. 2: Getting swept by Detroit and losing once already to Minnesota relegated the Pack to wild-card status … though Monday was the latest reminder that this might actually be the last NFC North team you want to see in January. But given Packers are guaranteed to open the playoffs on the road, it will be interesting to see how much they play their key starters over the next two weeks. Remaining schedule: at Vikings, vs. Bears

7. Washington Commanders (10-5), wild card No. 3: Despite beating the Eagles, they didn’t quite clinch a postseason berth – but did remain alive in the NFC East while eliminating both the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers from the playoff picture. A win in Week 17 puts Washington into the dance. Remaining schedule: vs. Falcons, at Cowboys

8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-7), in the hunt: Sunday night, they couldn’t handle a Dallas team eliminated from playoff contention earlier in the day. The Bucs could see their aspirations to keep the NFC South throne die this week. Remaining schedule: vs. Panthers, vs. Saints

9. Seattle Seahawks (8-7), in the hunt: After Sunday’s loss to Minnesota, they’re going to need some help to win the NFC West. Neither the Seahawks nor Rams have a pathway to a wild-card berth. Remaining schedule: at Bears, at Rams

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AFC playoff picture

y – 1. Kansas City Chiefs (14-1), AFC West champions: QB Patrick Mahomes weathered Saturday’s win over Houston, which means K.C. gets the No. 1 seed with one more win – perhaps on Christmas Day? – or Buffalo loss. Remaining schedule: at Steelers, at Broncos

y – 2. Buffalo Bills (12-3), AFC East champions: They barely beat lightly regarded New England on Sunday, but it’s enough to keep the Bills in the chase for home-field advantage – which will require two more wins plus two Chiefs defeats. Remaining schedule: vs. Jets, at Patriots

x – 3. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-5), AFC North leaders: Rough Saturday. First, They fell out of the running for the No. 1 seed by virtue of Kansas City’s win. Then, Pittsburgh fumbled an opportunity to clinch the division. Looks like they’re in a dogfight the rest of the way with Baltimore, which appears to have the more favorable schedule to close the regular season. The Steelers retain first place in the division – for now – by virtue of a one-game lead over the Ravens in AFC games, i.e., not much at all. Remaining schedule: vs. Chiefs, vs. Bengals

y – 4. Houston Texans (9-6), AFC South champions: They rule a weak division for the second straight year but are just about locked in as the fourth seed … which would mean a tough wild-card matchup, very likely against an AFC North team. Remaining schedule: vs. Ravens, at Titans

x – 5. Baltimore Ravens (10-5), wild card No. 1: What a Christmas present. They clinched their postseason spot, averted a Pittsburgh AFC North crown, are now very much alive themselves to win the division … and might have recaptured the Super Bowl form they showed earlier in the season. Remaining schedule: at Texans, vs. Browns

6. Los Angeles Chargers (9-6), wild card No. 2: By sweeping the Broncos for the first time in 14 years, they prevented Denver from clinching Thursday while leapfrogging their division rivals and picking up the season tiebreaker (by virtue of the sweep). One more win locks Bolts into the field. Remaining schedule: at Patriots, at Raiders

7. Denver Broncos (9-6), wild card No. 3: They had a win-and-in scenario Thursday to stamp their first postseason trip since winning Super Bowl 50 nine years ago. Still, one more win will advance Denver to the playoffs. But major trouble ahead if they lose to Cincinnati in Week 17. Remaining schedule: at Bengals, vs. Chiefs

8. Indianapolis Colts (7-8), in the hunt: Technically alive after winning on Sunday. Their record in AFC games (6-5) is better than Miami’s (5-5) and Cincinnati’s (4-6). Remaining schedule: at Giants, vs. Jaguars

9. Miami Dolphins (7-8), in the hunt: Technically alive after winning on Sunday. Remaining schedule: at Browns, at Jets

10. Cincinnati Bengals (7-8), in the hunt: Technically alive after winning on Sunday. Though they appear like the best team outside the field, they’ll need the most help to get in, including losses by the Colts and Dolphins. Remaining schedule: vs. Broncos, at Steelers

NFL playoff-clinching scenarios for Week 17

Kansas City clinches AFC’s No. 1 seed (first-round bye and home-field advantage) with:

Win or tie
Buffalo loss or tie

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

Win + Minnesota loss

Atlanta clinches NFC South with:

Win + Tampa Bay loss

Philadelphia clinches NFC East with:

Win or tie
Washington loss or tie

Los Angeles Rams clinch NFC West with:

Win + Seattle loss or tie
Win while clinching strength of victory tiebreaker over Seattle
Tie + Seattle loss

Denver clinches playoff berth with:

Win or tie

Los Angeles Chargers clinch playoff berth with:

Win or tie
Miami loss or tie + Indianapolis loss or tie

Washington clinches playoff berth with:

Win or tie
Tampa Bay loss or tie

NFL teams eliminated from playoff contention in 2024

x – clinched playoff berth

y – clinched division

***

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

Christmas brings out the NBA stars.

From Dolph Schayes to Bill Russell to Oscar Robertson to Michael Jordan to Kobe Bryant to LeBron James to Kevin Durant to Steph Curry, the biggest names and best players have been a part of the league’s Christmas schedule.

This Dec. 25 is the same.

There are familiar All-Star faces in the five games Wednesday: James, Durant, Curry, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, plus newcomers to the Christmas Day extravaganza: Victor Wembanyama and Anthony Edwards, both of whom are expected to be fixtures on the NBA’s Dec. 25 calendar.

Here are the top NBA players to watch in the 2024 Christmas Day games:

(All games are on ESPN, ABC, Disney+ and ESPN+; all times Eastern)

San Antonio Spurs vs. New York Knicks, noon

Spurs forward-center Victor Wembanyama

The gifted 7-footer, Wembanyama is headed for his first All-Star appearance and first All-NBA selection. He averages 24.8 points, 9.9 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.1 steals and league-leading 4.0 blocks.

Knicks guard Jalen Brunson

Brunson scored 38 points in a victory against Milwaukee on Christmas last season – the most by a Knicks player since Bernard King dropped a Christmas-record 60 points in 1984.

Knicks forward-center Karl-Anthony Towns

A New Jersey native, Towns gets a chance to play close to family and friends in his first season with the Knicks. He’s averaging 24.7 points, a league-best and career-high 13.9 rebounds and shooting 53.7% from the field and 45.6% on 3-pointers. He’s second in double-doubles with 25 and looking like an All-Star.

Minnesota Timberwolves at Dallas Mavericks, 2:30 p.m.

Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards

Edwards, who made his first All-NBA team last season and won a gold medal with Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics, will make his Christmas debut. He’s putting together another strong season: 25.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.4 steals per game, shooting 44.4% from the field. As one of the young faces in the league, Edwards, 23, will have more Dec. 25 games.

Mavericks guard Luka Dončić

Dončić’s Christmas Day scoring efforts: 27 in 2020, 32 in 2022 and 50 (plus 15 assists) in 2023, making him just one of four players to score at least 50 on Christmas. What present will the All-NBA player who is averaging 28.8 points, 8.5 rebounds, 8.1 assists and 2.0 steals give fans this season?

Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving

This is Irving’s seventh Christmas game and he has scored at least 25 points times times, including 37 pints in 2020 and 40 in 2018. By the way, Irving is having an All-Star year: 23.4 points, 5.2 assists, 4.6 rebounds and 1.2 steals. He is shooting 48.9% from the field, 45.1% on 3s and 88.6% on free throws.

Philadelphia 76ers vs. Boston Celtics, 5 p.m.

Celtics forward-guard Jayson Tatum

Just 26 years old, Tatum is getting ready for his eighth Christmas game. Tatum is a vital part of the Celtics machine and is one of the league’s best players – an MVP candidate averaging 28.8 points, 9.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 1.2 steals.

Celtics guard-forward Jaylen Brown

Like his friend and teammate Tatum, Brown has been involved in a Christmas game every season of his career, starting in 2016. The 2024 NBA Finals MVP is 5-3 on Dec. 25 games. This season, he’s averaging 23.9 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.7 assists.

76ers guard Tyrese Maxey

Maxey struggled in his first Christmas game last season (4-for-20 from the field, 1-for-8 on 3s), but in a standout season made the 2024 All-Star team. Maxey enters the game coming off a great performance Monday against San Antonio: 32 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists and three steals.

76ers center Joel Embiid

Embiid, who has had a difficult season with injuries and was ejected in the second quarter Monday, is 3-1 on Christmas and has had at least 30 points in three of the games, including 35 in a victory over New York in 2022.

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors, 8 p.m.

Lakers forward LeBron James

Talk about Christmas Day fixtures. He is as ubiquitous as Santa Claus at this time of the year. This is James’ 19th Dec. 25 game and 18th consecutive Christmas appearance. No one has played in more Christmas games or scored more points (476) on that date than James. With a victory, he can break a tie with Dwyane Wade as the all-time leader in Christmas wins at 11.

Lakers forward-center Anthony Davis

Davis scored 40 points and collected 13 rebounds in last season’s Christmas loss to Boston. This season, Davis is constructing another All-NBA-type season at 26.6 points, 11.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.2 blocks and 1.3 steals per game and 52.3% shooting from the field.

Warriors guard Steph Curry

Strangely, Curry has scored more than 20 points just once in his 10 Christmas games, and that was a 33-point effort in 2021.

Denver Nuggets vs. Phoenix Suns, 10:30 p.m.

Nuggets center Nikola Jokić

The Nuggets have a two-game Christmas winning streak, and Jokić posted a triple-double (41 points, 15 assists, 15 rebounds) in an overtime victory over Phoenix in 2022 and a near-triple-double (26 points, 14 rebounds, eight assists) in a victory over Golden State in 2023. Jokić and teammate Russell Westbrook are two of nine players to record a triple-double on Christmas.

Suns forward Kevin Durant

Durant is fourth on the all-time Christmas scoring list (315 points) and trails Oscar Robertson (377 points) for third place. Durant has scored at least 29 points in seven of 11 of his Dec. 25 games, including 44 in 2010.

Suns guard Devin Booker

Booker is 0-3 on Christmas, averaging just 15 points and shooting 34.3% from the field. He’s due for a big game.

Follow NBA reporter Jeff Zillgitt on social media @JeffZillgitt

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Saturday’s decisive win over the Pittsburgh Steelers was a very strong indication that the Baltimore Ravens are completely back in sync, presumably focused on winning the AFC North as the regular season winds down – and much more beyond that.

At least you’d think so.

But as they prepare for their third game in 11 days – a Christmas afternoon date with the Texans in Houston, a game that will feature a halftime concert performance by Beyoncé – Baltimore quarterback (and MVP contender) Lamar Jackson admitted that his mind might be elsewhere … at least temporarily on Wednesday.

Asked Monday if he was disappointed he wouldn’t be able to witness Beyoncé flex in her hometown, Jackson, twice the league’s MVP, replied: “No, because I’m going to go out there and watch. I’m going to go out there and watch. First time seeing Beyoncé perform, and it’s at our game – that’s dope. I’m going to go out and watch. Sorry (to coach John) Harbaugh, sorry. Sorry, fellas.” 

Classic Lamar, who also revealed his preferred Beyoncé song is ‘To the left.”

All things Ravens: Latest Baltimore Ravens news, schedule, roster, stats, injury updates and more.

Given the chance to revise his answer after being asked if the Ravens would have to lead the Texans by a certain amount at intermission for him to sneak a peek at the superstar’s show, Jackson doubled down.

“No, I’m not even thinking about the lead,’ he said. ‘I was just thinking about just seeing Beyoncé for the first time. Not saying it like that – no disrespect or (anything), because I know how people can take things. Next question.”

No telling how serious Jackson is, but it wouldn’t be the first time a player skipped the opportunity to make halftime adjustments in favor of entertainment. Cincinnati Bengals kicker Evan McPherson and long snapper Clark Harris infamously watched the Super Bowl 56 halftime show in Los Angeles, which featured Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar and others.

But regardless of where Jackson is during halftime and however the game is going, there’s no chance Harbaugh will have competing priorities.

‘I can’t say I’m a huge Beyoncé fan, but I think I like her,’ Baltimore’s HC said. ‘Is she doing country now? You think some of those country songs will be in there? You’ll have to report to me on that.”

She previously performed at halftime of Super Bowl 47 in New Orleans, which was also the last time the Ravens hoisted the Lombardi Trophy.

“Did she? That’s good to know,’ said Harbaugh, who beat his brother Jim’s San Francisco 49ers that day.

‘I do remember that now. Focus, focus.’

Words of wisdom Harbaugh will almost surely be sharing with his star-struck quarterback in the next few days.

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

The Green Bay Packers made it five wins in the last six games with a dominant 34-0 victory over the visiting New Orleans Saints on a freezing ‘Monday Night Football’ showdown. The Packers notched the first shutout of the season with one of their most complete performances of the year.

The Packers offense was methodical to open the game, scoring touchdowns on each of its first three drives. Quarterback Jordan Love pitched it to wideout Dontayvion Wicks for the first score of the game. Running back Josh Jacobs scored from 2 yards out on the next drive to make it 14-0 early in the second quarter.

Green Bay running back Chris Brooks made it three touchdowns in three drives with his first career score from 1 yard out to make it 21-0. Brooks was one of eight different players to record at least one carry in the first half for Green Bay.

The Packers defense held New Orleans to just 75 yards in the first half and forced a Spencer Rattler fumble on the Saints’ second drive of the game. New Orleans’ defense had no answer as the Packers averaged more than six yards per play in the first two quarters and went 2-for-2 on fourth-down attempts.

Green Bay’s offense cruised in the second half with two field goals to push it to 27-0, including a season-long 55-yarder from Brandon McManus, with just over seven minutes left in the game. The defense forced another turnover and kept the Saints out of scoring range.

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

Emanuel Wilson made it three Packers running backs to score a touchdown in the game with a 1-yard touchdown run to make it 34-0.

Love finished the night 16 of 28 for 182 yards and a touchdown before ceding the final few minutes to backup Malik Willis. Jayden Reed ended the night with a team-high 76 yards receiving and Jacobs had 107 total yards (69 rushing, 38 receiving) and a team-high four receptions.

Green Bay’s defense had a season-best 196 total yards allowed in the win and the offense averaged nearly 6 yards per play.

With the victory, Green Bay (11-4) clinched a playoff berth and kept pace with NFC North foes Detroit (13-2) and Minnesota (13-2), who both won this week. The Packers have a road game against the Vikings next week.

New Orleans (5-10) have lost consecutive games for the first time since their seven-game losing streak ended in early November. The Saints head home next week to take on the Las Vegas Raiders (3-12) in a game that could have major implications for the 2025 NFL draft order.

NFL PLAYOFF PICTURE: Packers clinch wild card, leaving one more in NFC

Packers vs. Saints highlights

Packers 34, Saints 0: Emanuel Wilson punches in another rushing TD

Quarterback Malik Willis and running back Emanuel Wilson engineered a seven-play, 48-yard drive to put the game even farther out of reach. Wilson punched it in from one yard out to make it three different Packers with a rushing touchdown and Brandon McManus made his fourth extra point of the game to make it 34-0 with 2:41 to go.

Malik Willis takes over at QB for Packers

With a 27-0 lead, the Packers have pulled starting quarterback Jordan Love and put in backup Malik Willis with 5:44 to go in the game.

Saints turn over on downs

Spencer Rattler’s pass to Dante Pettis fell incomplete onfourth-and-7 from the Saints’ 33-yard line. An unnecessary roughness penalty on Green Bay’s Colby Wooden will push the Packers offense back another 15 yards.

Packers 27, Saints 0: Brandon McManus extends the lead from 46 yards out

The Packers offense worked 56 yards down the field and nearly made it inside the red zone again, but Jordan Love’s pass to Dontayvion Wicks fell incomplete on third-and-4. Green Bay settled for a 46-yard field goal from Brandon McManus to make it a four-score game with 7:13 to go in this one.

Saints can’t get past midfield, settle for another punt

Spencer Rattler found Dante Pettis for an 11-yard gain on the first play of the drive, but the Saints could only manage two more yards over the next three plays. New Orleans punts it back to Green Bay with 11:50 to go in the game. The Packers offense will start their next drive from their own 16-yard line.

Packers punt for first time in second half

Green Bay managed to get just past midfield but couldn’t convert a third-and-7 from the Saints’ 49-yard line. Two penalties backed the Packers up 20 yards before Daniel Whelan finally punted the ball away. New Orleans takes over on its own 34 with 13:07 to go in the game.

Packers in control to close third quarter

Green Bay’s offense took four plays to wind 2 minutes and 11 seconds off the clock and close out the third quarter at Lambeau Field. The offense is driving with the Packers up 24-0 with one quarter of ‘Monday Night Football’ left to go.

Packers pick off Spencer Rattler

The Saints’ offense had its best drive of the night with 48 yards, including a 20-yard shot from Spencer Rattler to Dante Pettis. But the next play saw Rattler throw his first interception of the game to safety Zayne Anderson. Green Bay takes over on its own 20-yard line.

Packers WR Christian Watson questionable to return

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson had 23 yards in the first half of ‘Monday Night Football’ — all via rushing — against the New Orleans Saints. Watson was one of eight players to have a rushing attempt in the first half for the Packers.

But one of his carries, a 14-yard gain to bring the Packers deep inside the red zone, was his final play of the half and saw him hit the ground hard out of bounds.

Watson was later seen on the sidelines receiving getting attention on his knee. Ahead of the second half, Green Bay announced the wide receiver was questionable to return.

Packers 24, Saints 0: Brandon McManus nails 55-yard field goal

The Packers offense marched 47 yards in 10 plays but couldn’t reach the red zone in their opening drive of the second half. Kicker Brandon McManus hit a 55-yard field goal, his longest of the season, to push the Green Bay advantage to 24 points with 7:03 left in the third quarter.

Saints open second half with a punt

New Orleans managed just 19 yards but took nearly three minutes off the game clock with their opening drive of the second half. Spencer Rattler couldn’t connect with Dante Pettis on third-and-2 and, after a delay of game penalty, the Saints punted the ball back to Green Bay. The Packers take over at their own 15-yard line with 12:14 to go in the third quarter.

Packers defense holds Saints scoreless to close half

New Orleans’ offense went as far as the Green Bay 34-yard line before a 12-yard sack by Packers defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt pushed them well out of field goal range. The Packers take a 21-0 lead into halftime, and the Saints will get the ball to start the second half.

Packers punt for the first time

After three consecutive touchdown drives, Green Bay’s offense stalled and the Packers were forced to punt. The Saints offense will get another shot before halftime starting at their own 20 with 1:49 to go in the half.

Packers get sack, turnover on Spencer Rattler

Packers cornerback Keisean Nixon got to Spencer Rattler for a sack and forced the ball loose for defensive lineman Rashan Gary to recover. The Packers get the first turnover of the game and will take over at their own 34-yard line with 2:45 to go in the first half.

Packers 21, Saints 0: Chris Brooks scores first career TD on MNF

Green Bay marched 67 yards for their third consecutive touchdown drive to open ‘Monday Night Football.’ This time it was running back Chris Brooks running it in from one yard out for his first NFL score. Brandon McManus’ extra point is good and the Packers hold a three-score lead with 6:22 left in the first half.

Green Bay never faced a third down on the drive in the 2 minutes and 57 seconds they had the ball.

Saints forced to punt again

New Orleans’ offense went nowhere on its second drive of the game. The Packers’ defense held strong after a false start penalty on New Orleans and forced a three-and-out. Green Bay will take over at their own 33-yard line with 9:25 to go in the first half.

Packers 14, Saints 0: Josh Jacobs brings it in from two yards out

The Packers offense continued to churn up yards at key moments with a 96-yard drive finished off with a 2-yard touchdown run by Josh Jacobs. Green Bay converted two fourth downs on the 17-play drive that took 8:55 off the game clock. Brandon McManus’ extra point is good and Green Bay has a two-score lead with 11:43 to go in the first half.

Packers close first quarter facing 4th-and-1

The Green Bay offense has churned out 51 yards in 10 plays to cross midfield into Saints territory. Running back Emanuel Wilson was held to just one yard on 3rd-and-2 from the Saints’ 46. Green Bay lined up for a play on 4th-and-1 but let the clock run out on the first quarter.

Saints offense stalls, forced to punt

New Orleans managed two first downs on its opening drive, but couldn’t get further than the Packers’ 40-yard line. After a penalty, the Saints punted and Green Bay will take over on its own 4-yard line with 5:38 to go in the first quarter.

Packers 7, Saints 0: Jordan Love finds Dontayvion Wicks for short TD

Green Bay marched 63 yards on 10 plays and opened the game with a touchdown pass from Jordan Love to Dontayvion Wicks. Brandon McManus’ extra point is good and Green Bay takes an early lead with 8:41 to go in the first quarter.

The Packers faced just two third downs on the drive, one of which was helped by a 5-yard penalty on Saints defensive lineman Cameron Jordan. Running back Josh Jacobs had 40 all-purpose yards on the drive, including a 20-yard run that set the Packers up with a first-and-goal from the 1-yard line.

Packers to receive opening kickoff

New Orleans won the coin toss and opted to defer to the second half. The Packers will start the game on offense.

Packers vs. Saints start time

Start time: 8:15 p.m. ET (7:15 p.m. CT)

The Saints-Packers ‘MNF’ matchup is scheduled to begin at its customary time of 8:15 p.m. ET.

Packers vs. Saints 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.

Packers vs. Saints 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. 

Saints inactives vs. Packers

QB Derek Carr
WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling
RB Alvin Kamara
DT Nathan Shepherd
DT Khristian Boyd

Packers inactives vs. Saints

LB Quay Walker
WR Malik Heath
S Javon Bullard
CB Jaire Alexander
S Evan Williams
OL Jacob Monk

Packers vs. Saints predictions, picks

Here’s how the USA TODAY Sports staff feels about the Saints-Packers tilt

Tyler Dragon: Packers 27, Saints 16
Jordan Mendoza: Packers 29, Saints 13

Packers vs. Saints odds, moneyline, over/under 

The Packers are favorites to defeat the Saints, 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: Packers (-14) 
Moneyline: Packers (-1000); Saints (+625) 
Over/under: 43.5

Where is Packers vs. Saints? 

The Saints travel up to the Frozen Tundra of Lambeau Field for the “MNF” tilt. 

Lambeau Field has been the home of the Packers since 1957. During the Super Bowl era, it has hosted four NFL/NFC championship games (1967, 1996, 2007 and 2020 seasons). Prior to the AFL-NFL merger, Lambeau Field (called City Stadium from 1957-1964 before being renamed for Earl ‘Curly’ Lambeau) hosted NFL championship games in 1961 and 1965.

Arguably the most famous game ever played at Lambeau Field was the ‘Ice Bowl,’ the iconic championship game won by the Packers against the Dallas Cowboys on Dec. 31, 1967. During Week 17 of the 1993 season, Pro Football Hall of Famer LeRoy Butler did the first ‘Lambeau Leap’ during a game against the Los Angeles Raiders.

Packers vs. Saints weather updates

Green Bay Packers fans entering the team’s ‘Monday Night Football’ game against the New Orleans Saints dreaming of two things: a playoff berth and a white Christmas.

They might get both on the same night.

The Packers can clinch a spot in postseason with a win over the Saints. They can achieve that at Lambeau Field, which could end up snow-covered because of some flurries falling in Wisconsin on Monday.

The snow isn’t going to be like what NFL fans saw during the Cleveland Browns vs. Pittsburgh Steelers game earlier in the season. It might not even fall at all during the game. — Jacob Camenker

NFC North standings 

The Packers are sitting at 10-4, but are third place in the NFC North. Here’s how the division lines up:  

Detroit Lions (13-2) 
Minnesota Vikings (13-2) 
Green Bay Packers (10-4) 
Chicago Bears (4-11) 

NFC South standings 

The Saints are trying to stay out of the basement of the NFC South on “MNF.” Here’s how the division stacks up. 

Atlanta Falcons (8-7) 
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-7) 
New Orleans Saints (5-9) 
Carolina Panthers (4-11) 

Packers’ playoff odds 

Green Bay can clinch its second straight playoff berth — and fifth in six years — with a win on ‘Monday Night Football.’ 

With that being the case, the Packers already had excellent odds to make the postseason. Prior to any games kicking off in Week 16, BetMGM had the team at -10000 (99% implied) odds to be a playoff team. 

Packers playoff scenarios 

It’s win-and-in for the Packers on “MNF.” With a victory over the Saints, the Packers will clinch a wild-card spot in the NFC bracket of the playoffs.  

What happened to Derek Carr? 

Derek Carr fractured his left (non-throwing) hand earlier this season. As of Dec. 17, Carr was still a few weeks away from being ready for contact, which makes a return this season very unlikely, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. 

The Saints quarterback is dealing with multiple fractures in his left hand and was still in the league’s concussion protocol as of Monday, Dec. 17.  While being cleared for contact would be a necessary step in any return, getting through the five-step concussion protocol has to happen first. 

When was Derek Carr’s injury? 

Derek Carr suffered the injury in the fourth quarter of Week 14 against the New York Giants on a scramble. The quarterback collided with his receiver, Kevin Austin Jr., after jumping in an attempt to get a first down. Instead, Carr landed awkwardly on his head and hand, suffering a pair of injuries on the play. 

Spencer Rattler college career 

Spencer Rattler began his college career already as a well-known and hyped prospect. He was the consensus No. 1 quarterback in college football’s 2019 recruiting class and stared in Netflix’s documentary series ‘QB1: Beyond The Lights’ during his final year at Pinnacle High School (Arizona). 

Rattler drew the attention of many major programs but ultimately committed Oklahoma after watching Lincoln Riley develop Baker Mayfield into a top college quarterback. While Mayfield didn’t win the Heisman or become the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft until after Rattler had committed, Riley’s status as one of college football’s top quarterback gurus made the Sooners an attractive destination for Rattler. 

Is Alvin Kamara playing tonight? 

Alvin Kamara will be out vs. the Packers. 

Saints coach Darren Rizzi provided an update last Thursday during media availability. 

‘It’s more significant than we initially thought,’ Rizzi said. He added that Kamara was unlikely to play in the Saints’ upcoming game on ’Monday Night Football.’ 

Following the Week 15 game, Rizzi declined to elaborate on whether the injury was minor and told reporters more testing would be done on the running back. 

Unfortunately, testing has revealed that Kamara could miss an extended time. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that, while the situation is still being evaluated, it could be a season-ending injury for the veteran running back. 

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 Packers have won four Super Bowls in five appearances, including the first two Super Bowls (then called the AFL–NFL World Championship Game) under legendary coach Vince Lombardi, for whom the Super Bowl championship trophy is named after. The Packers’ most recent Super Bowl win came during the 2010 season in Super Bowl XLV. In all, the Packers boast 13 NFL championships, the most of any franchise.

The Saints prevailed in their one Super Bowl appearance, during the 2009 season in Super Bowl XLIV against the Indianapolis Colts.

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 University of Colorado has arranged to obtain a record amount of insurance coverage for Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter and quarterback Shedeur Sanders to protect them in case they are injured in the Alamo Bowl against BYU Saturday during their final college game.

Colorado coach Deion Sanders announced it Monday after arriving with his team in San Antonio for the Dec. 28 bowl game.

“We happen to have two players that are probably gonna be the first two picks of the NFL draft,” Deion  Sanders said. “I think we all know who those two are, and they have received I think the highest number of coverage that has ever been covered in college football.”

“That’s correct,” said Colorado athletic director Rick George, who worked with Sanders to get the coverage.

“It far exceeds anyone (who) has ever played this game of college football,” Sanders said.

Colorado didn’t immediately return messages seeking comment on how big the insurance policies are, how much it cost or how many players are receiving such coverage.

Whose idea was it to cover Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders?

George said it was Deion Sanders’ idea. He wanted his top players to play in the bowl game instead of opting out of it, as many top NFL prospects do to avoid any injury risk that court hurt their future earnings potential in a postseason bowl game. For example, Michigan has several top players who have opted not to play in the ReliaQuest Bowl against Alabama in Tampa Dec. 31.

“It was his idea that we should get disability insurance for our student athletes for this game to ensure that they play and if there was some kind of injury, that they’d be well taken care of,” George said. “So we worked together on that. We’re excited about it. We think it’s great that all of our players are playing in the game. That’s what all bowl games should be like.”

Sanders thanked the CU administration, as well as George “for putting his money where his mouth is.”

Sanders noted the players had insurance coverage ‘all season long.’ In this case, for the bowl game, he said they wanted to ‘ensure that if something were to happen, that they would be covered.’

George credited Sanders.

‘It’s a testament to him getting out there in front of his guys and saying, `You know, we want you to play,’ and we did this because we want to make sure that these guys are covered,” George said. “We’re excited about, and it’s gonna be one heck of a game. And you’re gonna see everybody on our roster.”

That includes Hunter, whose injury risk is higher as a two-way player who seldom leaves the field. He has one season of college eligibility remaining but said he will join the NFL next year instead. Shedeur Sanders, Deion’s son, has no more college eligibility left after Saturday and is expected to be a top pick in the NFL draft in April, along with Hunter.

Follow reporter Brent Schrotenboer @Schrotenboer. Email: bschrotenb@usatoday.com

(This story was updated to add new information.)