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The heinous act of terror in New Orleans early on New Year’s Day underscores the Biden administration’s staggering failure to keep America safe and deter radical Islamic terror. By allowing focus on this persistent threat to America’s national security to lapse, and instead wasting time and resources attacking political opponents, parents going to school board meetings and Catholics, Team Biden left America vulnerable. It will be up to the incoming Trump administration to fix this mess and keep Americans safe.  

In January 2017, when we in the Trump administration took office, the Islamic State (ISIS) controlled a massive piece of Syria and was expanding its vision of radical Islamism on a global scale. It had beheaded two Americans during the Obama-Biden administration.  

It took a serious president to actually dismantle that caliphate alongside partners and allies, as well as bring down the threat of radical Islamic terror at home and abroad. By the end of our time in office, we had done just that: the ISIS caliphate was no more, and the threat of radical Islamic terror within our homeland was greatly reduced.  

Over the past four years, we have witnessed a complete abdication of this responsibility in the White House that has resulted in a dangerous resurgence of this threat. Instead of combating radical Islamic terror at home and abroad, Biden downplayed this threat in favor of conjured political threats and allowed the real threats to metastasize culminating in the New Orleans attack.  

His administration allowed Afghanistan to fall to the Taliban, allowed Iran and its proxies to thrive and perpetrate the October 7th massacre, and failed to address the rising threat of radical Islamic terror here at home. This empowered our enemies and weakened America.  

Even worse, this administration allowed political ideology to undermine America’s core national security imperatives. For four years, we’ve watched this administration call ‘far right’ groups and even supporters of President-elect Donald Trump the greatest threat to American democracy, all while barely lifting a finger when protesters waved Hamas and ISIS flags in city streets and university campuses following the terrible Oct. 7 attacks.  

For four years, our wide-open borders have allowed extremists, with ties to groups like ISIS, to cross into our country unfettered, bolstering their capacity to plan and carry out attacks and enhancing their radicalization efforts. By treating counterterrorism as another political weapon or tool for advancing woke ideology, Team Biden left a gap in our national security apparatus that actors like ISIS have eagerly exploited.  

In the wake of the New Orleans attack, we’ve unfortunately seen more unseriousness. First, the FBI said the suspect did not act alone, only to now reverse course and say he did act alone. Let’s be clear: the idea that this individual acted alone is absurd on its face. Perhaps he carried out this specific attack alone – but these deplorable acts never occur in a vacuum.  

The very idea of a ‘lone wolf’ is fiction. Whether or not accomplices were assisting him the night of the attack, or even in the planning of it, this terrorist was part of a cabal of Islamists who have been radicalized to attack America, and he was not stopped. 

For the FBI to now say he acted alone demonstrates either the continued influence of a warped political agenda, or a complete misunderstanding of the depth and complexity of ISIS’ operations within the United States. Every measure must be taken to discern how and where this individual was radicalized so that the next attack can be anticipated or prevented.  

Correcting these gaps in our national security is urgent and must be a priority for the incoming Trump administration. In response to the rising threat of terror, the task is not for the American people to fundamentally alter how they live their lives. This would be a victory for the Islamists. 

For four years, our wide-open borders have allowed extremists, with ties to groups like ISIS, to cross into our country unfettered, bolstering their capacity to plan and carry out attacks and enhancing their radicalization efforts. 

Instead, the task is for responsible agencies – the FBI, Department of Homeland Security, as well as state and local law enforcement – to recognize the risk posed by radical Islamic terror and take the proper steps to reduce and eliminate it.  

This past May, the FBI tweeted that diversity was a top priority for the agency; the safety and security of every American should be its top priority. Fortunately, there couldn’t be a better leader entering the White House to fix the mess created by President Joe Biden. Having served as President Trump’s CIA Director and Secretary of State, I know he will take every measure to eliminate this threat to the American people within our borders and globally, just as we did during his first term.  

Most importantly, he will move the focus of our law enforcement and national security apparatus away from domestic political opponents, DEI and wokeness back where it belongs: on taking down the despicable individuals who wish to harm innocent Americans. 

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS

The Russell 2000 ETF managed a double-digit gain in 2024, but did it the hard way with several deep pullbacks. Pullbacks within uptrends are opportunities and we can find such opportunities using %B.

The chart below shows the Russell 2000 ETF (IWM) with the Zigzag(8) indicator. This indicator changes direction when there is a move greater than 8%, which means it ignores price moves that are less than 8%. I am showing this indicator to highlight five pullbacks of 8% or more in 2024. That’s a lot. In contrast, the S&P 500 SPDR (SPY) only experienced one 8+ percent pullback in early August.

Overall, IWM advanced 10% in 2024. That seems like a good year, but it was a “hard” 10% when we include the five 8+ percent pullbacks. This is simply the nature of small-cap stocks. They are less “trendy” than large-caps and have higher betas, making them more susceptible to wider fluctuations. Traders need to consider this when trading small-caps. As noted in Chart Trader this week, we see similar price action in the S&P 500 EW ETF (RSP) and S&P MidCap 400 SPDR (MDY).

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Buying upside breakouts is probably not the best strategy for trading IWM. Instead, traders should consider pullbacks and mean-reversion opportunities. We can identify such opportunities using Bollinger Bands (20,2) and %B (20,2). The middle line on the Bollinger Bands is the 20-day SMA and the bands are two standard deviations above and below. A close below the lower band means price fell two standard deviations and this creates an oversold condition.

Chartists can quantify oversold conditions using %B, which falls below 0 when the close is below the lower Bollinger Band. The blue lines on the chart above show %B dipping below 0 four times in 2024. Note that I would also only look for oversold conditions when price is above the 200-day SMA (long-term uptrend). When the bigger trend is up, a close below the lower Bollinger Band signals an oversold condition that can lead to a bounce.

December was a rough month for many stocks and ETFs. Even so, the weight of the evidence remains bullish for stocks and these pullbacks look like corrections within bigger uptrends. This week’s reports and videos focused on long-term breadth indicators, short-term oversold breadth, leading ETFs and a dozen ETFs with tradable pullbacks.

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Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson and Lionel Messi will be among 19 recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Joe Biden during a Saturday ceremony at the White House.

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is considered the highest civilian honor in the country. It is presented to individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States; world peace; or other significant societal, public or private endeavors.

Johnson, a five-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers, has become a successful entrepreneur and sports team owner. He’s in the ownership groups for MLB’s Los Angeles Dodgers, the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks, the NFL’s Washington Commanders, Los Angeles FC in MLS and the NWSL’s Washington Spirit. His philanthropic work also supports underserved communities through his Magic Johnson Foundation.

Messi, the Argentine World Cup champion, is the most decorated player in the history of professional soccer, seemingly finishing his legendary career in Major League Soccer with Inter Miami. He supports healthcare and education programs for children around the world through the Leo Messi Foundation and serves as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.

Hillary Clinton, fashion designer Ralph Lauren, U2 frontman Bono, actors Michael J. Fox and Denzel Washington, and popular science education host Bill Nye are also receiving the honor.

Spanish chef José Andrés, entrepreneur and LGBTQ rights activist Tim Gill, world-renowned ethologist and conservationist Dr. Jane Goodall, the Carlyle Group’s David Rubenstein (new owner of MLB’s Baltimore Orioles), philanthropist George Soros, fashion icon and longtime Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, and American Film Institute founder George Stevens Jr. are also among the recipients.

Former Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, former Secretary of Defense Ash Carter, civil and voting rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer, and former Michigan Gov. George Romney are posthumously receiving the honor.

“President Biden believes great leaders keep the faith, give everyone a fair shot, and put decency above all else,” a statement from the White House said.

“These nineteen Americans are great leaders, who have made America a better place. They are great leaders because they are good people who have made extraordinary contributions to their country and the world.”

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

The defending champion United States can reach the final in back-to-back years for the first time in its history at the world junior hockey championship.

But first it will need to get past the team that prevented it from getting a medal in 2022.

Saturday’s semifinals opponent is Czechia, which defeated the USA in the quarterfinals three years ago. Since then, the Americans have won a bronze (2023) and gold medal (2024). Czechia won a silver and bronze the past two years.

The teams have played 27 times in tournament history, with the USA winning 17 times. Czechia reached this year’s semifinals by knocking off host Canada 4-3 in Thursday’s quarterfinal. The USA routed Switzerland 7-2 with Boston College’s Ryan Leonard and James Hagens each scoring twice.

Rivals Sweden and Finland will play in the other semifinal. The bronze- and gold-medal games are Sunday. Here’s what to know about the semifinals at the world junior hockey championship:

When is world juniors hockey semifinals?

Sweden and Finland will play at 3:30 at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa. The United States and Czechia will play at 7:30.

How to watch world juniors hockey semifinals

Both semifinals will be shown on NHL Network in the United States and on TSN in Canada.

How to stream world juniors hockey semifinals

Fubo and Sling carry NHL Network in the United States.

Today’s world juniors hockey games

Sweden vs. Finland, 3:30 p.m; NHLN, TSN
USA vs. Czechia, 7:30 p.m.; NHLN, TSN

USA vs. Czechia players: What to know

United States: The Americans won a gold medal last year. They have brought back 10 players and coach David Carle. Returnees Leonard and Notre Dame’s Danny Nelson are tied for the team lead with four goals. So is Hagens, a front-runner for the top pick in the 2025 draft. Hagens and Boston University defenseman Cole Hutson have a team-high eight points. Boston College’s Gabe Perreault, the linemate of Leonard and Hagens, has seven points. The United States has the second-best power play at the tournament.

Czechia: Czechia won bronze last year. Forwards Eduard Sale and Jacob Stancl are tied for the team lead with five goals. Sale, a Seattle Kraken first-round pick who plays in the American Hockey League, has two game-winners. Stancl and Vojtech Hradec have a team-high eight points. Czechia has a slightly better penalty kill than the USA.

Sweden vs. Finland: What to know

Sweden: Sweden won silver last year. Defenseman Axel Sandin-Pellika, a Detroit Red Wings first-round pick, is the tournament’s top remaining scorer with nine points. He and forward Anton Wahlberg have four goals. Victor Eklund, the brother of the San Jose Sharks’ William Eklund, is eligible for the 2025 draft. Sweden has the tournament’s top power play.

Finland: Finland lost to Czechia in last year’s bronze-medal game. Forward Jesse Kiiskinen has a team-best four goals and five points. Goalie Petteri Rimpinen has played every game, including a victory against the USA, and has a 2.00 goals-against average. Finland has the tournament’s top penalty kill and second-worst power play.

World juniors schedule

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)

Dec. 31

Switzerland 3, Kazakhstan 1 
Finland 3, Latvia 0
Sweden 4, Czechia 2
United States 4, Canada 1

World juniors hockey playoff round

All times Eastern

Jan. 2 (quarterfinals)

Sweden 3, Latvia 2
United States 7, Switzerland 2
Finland 5, Slovakia 3
Czechia 4, Canada 3

Jan. 4

Sweden vs. Finland, 3:30 p.m; NHLN, TSN
USA vs. Czechia, 7:30 p.m.; NHLN, TSN

Jan. 5

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

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The mayo bath has, unfortunately or gloriously — depending on your perspective — become a staple of college football’s bowl season.

Minnesota coach P.J. Fleck was the recipient of the mayo bath this year after his Golden Gophers defeated Virginia Tech 24-10 Friday night in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl.

It was largely domination from Minnesota, which went down 7-0 toward the end of the first quarter before ripping off 21 consecutive points in the second quarter. The Golden Gophers nearly doubled-up the Hokies in yards (404 to 223).

And the reward for such a performance? The Gophers’ coach got a bunch of mayo dumped on his head.

You can watch the dousing and celebration — which featured a surprise appearance from Flavor Flav — below, if you dare:

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Forget a regular Gatorade bath. The Minnesota Golden Gophers earned their head coach a mayonnaise bath with a 24-10 win over the Virginia Tech Hokies in Duke’s Mayo Bowl on Friday. 

“I’m excited for this one,” Minnesota QB Max Brosmer said of head coach P.J. Fleck’s upcoming date with Duke’s Mayonnaise.

Brosmer completed 18 of 29 passes for 211 yards, one touchdown and one interception in the win. Minnesota gave up a turnover in the first quarter, but never looked back. The Golden Gophers scored 21 unanswered points on three consecutive drives before halftime and added a field goal in the second half for good measure. 

Minnesota running back Darius Taylor had 113 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown, in addition to a 10-yard passing touchdown and four receptions for 17 yards. Virginia Tech was held to 223 total yards, including 74 rushing yards.

Here’s a recap of the Friday’s matchup between Minnesota and Virginia Tech:

Minnesota vs. Virginia Tech highlights 

Minnesota unleashed some magic with a trick play that ended up in the end zone. QB Max Brosmer tossed the ball to RB Darius Taylor in the backfield, who then threw a 10-yard touchdown pass to WR Elijah Spencer.

All you need is love… John Love that is. The Virginia Tech kicker made a 60-yard field goal, marking the longest in Duke’s Mayo Bowl history. 

Watch: Minnesota coach P.J. Fleck receives mayo bath

Minnesota coach P.J. Fleck was the recipient of the mayo bath this year after his Golden Gophers defeated Virginia Tech 24-10 Friday night in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl.

End of 3rd: Minnesota 21, Virginia Tech 10

The Hokies have struggled to establish a run game through three quarters. Minnesota has held Virginia Tech to only 26 rushing yards on 22 rushing attempts. Virginia Tech QB William Watson III has completed seven of 10 passes for 70 yards. The Hokies started the game with QB Collin Schlee under center. He completed two of five passes for 68 yards.

Minnesota QB Max Brosmer has completed 17 of 27 passes for 191 yards and one touchdown. Minnesota has 149 rushing yards on 24 attempts. 

Virginia Tech’s John Love nails 60-yard field goal

Virginia Tech is taking some momentum into halftime. Things looked pretty dire for the Hokies after giving up three straight touchdowns to Minnesota, but Virginia Tech was able to put some more points on the board heading into the locker room. QB William Watson III completed a 22-yard pass to receiver Ayden Greene along the sideline to set up the Hokies on Minnesota’s 42-yard line with four seconds remaining in the first half. Kicker John Love stepped up for his team and nailed a 60-yard field goal to cut Minnesota’s lead to 21-10 at halftime. Love’s field goal marks the second-longest in school history.

Minnesota scores; up 21-7 over Virginia Tech

Minnesota RB Darius Taylor now has a rushing touchdown to match his passing touchdown. Taylor ripped off a 19-yard run to set Minnesota up at Virginia Tech’s 23-yard-line with 1:07 remaining in the first half. A false start penalty backed the Golden Gophers up to the Hokies’ 28-yard line, but that was no problem for Taylor. He ran 28 yards to the end zone to put Minnesota up 21-7 over Virginia Tech. The Golden Gophers have scored on three consecutive drives and have put up 21 unanswered points against the Hokies.

Minnesota takes the lead; up 14-7 over Virginia Tech

Another possession, another touchdown for Minnesota WR Elijah Spencer.

Golden Gophers QB Max Brosmer connected with Spencer for a 12-yard touchdown to cap an eight-play, 65-yard drive. Brosmer has completed 8 of 14 passes for 110 yards and one touchdown. Spencer is up to three receptions for 48 yards and two touchdowns, tying a school record for touchdown receptions in a bowl game.

Minnesota ties it up 7-7 on trick play

Minnesota has some tricks up its sleeve. Lined up at Virginia Tech’s 10-yard-line, Golden Gophers QB Max Brosmer tossed the ball to RB Darius Taylor in the backfield. Taylor pulled up before the line of scrimmage and threw a 10-yard touchdown pass to WR Elijah Spencer with 10:18 remaining in the second quarter.

Virginia Tech leads 7-0

Virginia Tech is on the board. Hokies QB Collin Schlee rushed for a three-yard touchdown for the first points of the game. The touchdown run was set up by Schlee’s 67-yard completion to receiver Ayden Greene.

Minnesota misses field goal

The Golden Gophers are off to a rough start in the Mayo Bowl. Minnesota’s Koi Perich fumbled a punt return that was recovered by Virginia Tech. It appeared to be a case of friendly fire. While attempting to catch the punt, Perch collided with a teammate and the ball bounced into the hands of Virginia Tech’s Jonathan Pennix.

Minnesota held Virginia Tech to a three-and-out, but then surrendered a three-and-out themselves. The Golden Gophers got something going on their next drive and drove all the way to the red zone, but Minnesota had to settle for a field goal. Kicker Dragan Kesich then missed the 33-yard field goal attempt.

When is the Mayo Bowl between Minnesota and Virginia Tech?

The Duke’s Mayo Bowl game between the Minnesota Golden Gophers and the Virginia Tech Hokies kicks off at 7:30 p.m. at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.

How to watch Minnesota and Virginia Tech in the Mayo Bowl

The Duke’s Mayo Bowl game between the Minnesota Golden Gophers and the Virginia Tech Hokies will be televised nationally on ESPN.

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

Watch Minnesota take on Virginia Tech with a Fubo subscription

Minnesota vs. Virginia Tech: Mayo Bowl odds

The Minnesota Golden Gophers are favorites to defeat the Virginia Tech Hokies, according to BetMGM.

Odds as of Friday, Jan 3

Spread: Minnesota (-10)
Moneyline: Minnesota (-400); Virginia Tech (+310)
Over/under: 43.5

Mayo Bowl predictions: Minnesota vs. Virginia Tech

USA TODAY: Vast majority pick Minnesota

Scooby Axson: Minnesota
Jordan Mendoza: Minnesota
Paul Myerberg: Minnesota
Erick Smith: Virginia Tech
Eddie Timanus: Minnesota
Dan Wolken: Minnesota

ESPN: Minnesota 28, Virginia Tech 24

Adam Rittenberg writes: ‘P.J. Fleck was born to play and coach football, brainstorm mottos and eventually douse himself in mayonnaise after winning a bowl game. Can’t you see it now? Fleck’s team wasn’t far away from a much better season and boasts a solid formula of defense, Darius Taylor’s running and quarterback Max Brosmer’s efficient passing. Virginia Tech had far greater expectations than 6-6 this season, and could be facing some damaging personnel departures before January. The Hokies are very talented with running back Bhayshul Tuten, defensive end Antwaun Powell-Ryland and others, but there has been something missing all season. But Minnesota will win, setting up an epic mayo dump for Fleck.’

BetMGM: Minnesota will win

Staff writes: ‘The winning team model predicts Minnesota will win this game with 62.5% confidence, based on game simulations, offensive & defensive matchups and recent game results.’

Bowl game picks  

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

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Can’t get enough of March Madness brackets or the College Football Playoff’s new 12-team bracket? The PGA Tour Championship may be headed that direction soon.

The PGA Tour is reportedly in ‘advanced’ talks to revamp the league’s season-ending Tour Championship into a bracket-style competition as early as this year, according to The Athletic, who first reported the news. ESPN added that the updated competition format may involve a combination of stroke play and match play.

Under the current format of the Tour Championship the final event of the three-tournament FedEx Cup Playoffs, where the top 30 players compete for a $25 million prize players start with staggered scores depending on how many FedEx Cup points they have entering the championship.

The player with the most FedEx Cup points accumulated throughout the year starts at 10-under-par with a two-shot lead. The player with the second-most points starts the tournament at 8-under, followed by third (-7), fourth (-6), fifth (-5), 6th-10th (-4), 11th-15th (-3), 16th-20th (-2) and 21st-25th (-1). The players ranked 26th-30th in FedEx Cup points start at even par.

FedEx Cup points don’t carry over into the Tour Championship, meaning the player who wins the playoff finale is crowned that year’s FedExCup champion.

Scottie Scheffler, who won the 2024 Tour Championship and FedEx Cup as the No. 1 seed, said the Tour Championship format is flawed. ‘I think it’s silly,’ Scheffler added in August.

‘You can’t call it a season-long race and have it come down to one tournament,’ Scheffler said. ‘Hypothetically, we get to East Lake and my neck flares up and it doesn’t heal the way it did at The Players; I finish 30th in the FedExCup because I had to withdraw from the last tournament? Is that really the season-long race? No. It is what it is.’

Rory McIlroy, however, said he’s a fan of the current format because it levels the playing field: “I love this format because if it wasn’t this format, then none of us would have a chance against Scottie because he’s so far ahead.’

McIlroy added, “I think it makes the Tour Championship more exciting from a consumer standpoint. Is it the fairest reflection of who’s been the best player of the year? Probably not. But I think at this point we’re not in for totally fair – we’re in for entertainment and for trying to put on the best product we possibly can.”

The 2025 Tour Championship will be held August 20-24 at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, Georgia, the tournament’s permanent home since 2004.

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The Los Angeles Dodgers struck again in pursuit of a high-profile international free agent, signing infielder Hyeseong Kim on Friday, according to multiple media reports in South Korea.

Kim, 25, won’t be expected to impact an already star-studded Dodgers lineup; instead, he was marketed as a glove-first player who can man multiple spots on the infield. He joins an already-crowded gaggle of infielders on the Dodgers roster, with Mookie Betts expected to serve as the full-time shortstop, Gavin Lux at second base and veterans Miguel Rojas and Chris Taylor also under contract.

Yet Rojas, Taylor and third baseman Max Muncy are all free agents after this season, and Kim also provides a hedge if performance or injuries elsewhere dictate that Betts move off shortstop, as he did last season when he returned to right field after suffering a broken hand.

Kim received a three-year, $12.5 million contract, with a club option for two years and an additional $9.5 million.

Friday was the last day of the posting period for Kim, who joins the defending World Series champions in the major league city with the largest Korean population. The club has been aggressive in maintaining its title-winning club, adding lefty Blake Snell on a $182 million contract and re-signing outfielder Teoscar Hernández, who was scheduled to be re-introduced at a news conference Friday.

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Hyeseong Kim stats

Kim is a lifetime .304 hitter in the KBO, playing the last six seasons for Kiwoom. He hit a career-high 11 home runs as a 24-year-old last season, topping his previous high of seven, achieved twice. His last four seasons were excellent from an on-base perspective, as he batted between .304 and .335 with an OBP ranging from .372 to .396.

Yet it’s still an open question how much he’ll hit for power – even of a gap-to-gap variety – in the major leagues. Then again, the Dodgers have plenty of that already, so perhaps this was his ideal destination.

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The NFL regular season has just one week to go, with Week 18 the last chance for players to gain ground in the pursuit of the 2024 MVP award.

Saturday and Sunday will see the final set of NFL games in the regular season, with a couple of playoff spots still on the line. While much of the focus will understandably center on the postseason chase, the race to win the MVP award is going to draw plenty of attention.

As the season has gone on, Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson have emerged as the leading contenders, but several star players have had spectacular campaigns. Oddsmakers are leaning towards the two quarterbacks, but a few other offensive stars are among the top five candidates to claim the MVP title.

Here’s how the latest NFL MVP odds look, as of Friday, Jan. 3, courtesy of BetMGM.

NFL MVP odds entering Week 18

1. QB Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills (-300) (Last week: -250)

Oddsmakers seem to be leaning more and more towards Allen, despite two straight games where he didn’t play his very best. In Week 17, Allen was involved in three touchdowns, but his stat line (16-for-27 for 182 yards, plus 17 rushing yards) didn’t exactly stand out.

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

Still, the Bills crushed the New York Jets 40-14, and Allen has a great opportunity to solidify his hold on the 2024 MVP award in Week 18, with Buffalo going on the road against the struggling New England Patriots.

2. QB Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens (+220) (Last week: +160)

Jackson is the only other MVP candidate oddsmakers see as having a serious chance, but he came out of Week 17 having lost ground to Allen. That came despite Jackson’s stunning 48-yard run for a touchdown being among the top highlights in Week 17 and Baltimore demolishing the Houston Texans 31-2.

The Ravens quarterback has one more chance to change some minds, as Baltimore hosts the lowly Cleveland Browns in Week 18.

3. QB Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals (+2000)

It speaks to just how good Burrow has been that he’s got the third-best MVP odds despite being on a Bengals team that needs a Week 18 miracle to sneak into the playoffs. The Cincinnati quarterback leads the league in passing touchdowns and yards, making his team’s plight all the more remarkable.

No matter how things go for the Bengals, expect Burrow to air it out one more time Saturday, in what is a must-win game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

4. RB Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia Eagles (+4000)

Barkley is in striking distance of the NFL single-season rushing record, yet sits in fourth place in the MVP odds. That’s in part due to how good the other candidates have been … but it’s also down to the fact that Eagles coach Nick Sirianni confirmed that his star running back is going to sit out Week 18.

Barring a highly unlikely series of events, Barkley will remain 101 yards off of Eric Dickerson’s record, and that will end any shot he has at the MVP crown.

5. QB Sam Darnold, Minnesota Vikings (+10000)

Darnold is a real long shot, but as an acknowledgment of how good he and the 14-2 Vikings have been this season, he’s got the fifth-best odds of being named MVP. The Minnesota quarterback is in the top five for touchdowns (35) and yards (4,153) despite sitting just 12th in pass attempts league-wide.

He’ll get a great chance to improve his odds in Week 18 with a huge game against the Detroit Lions that will determine the NFC North title and NFC’s top seed going into the playoffs.

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The Minnesota Golden Gophers and Virginia Tech Hokies will face off in Duke’s Mayo Bowl on Friday with a mayonnaise bath for the winning coach on the line. 

Will Minnesota head coach P.J. Fleck or Virginia Tech head coach Brent Pry receive a head full of Duke’s mayonnaise?

The Hokies (6-6) will be without over a dozen starters who either entered the transfer portal, opted out of the bowl game or suffered injuries following the team’s 37-17 win over Virigina, including starting quarterback Kyron Drones and RB Bhayshul Tuten, the Hokies’ season rushing leader. Pry said the Hokies will showcase many young players that will offer fans “a good look at what our team can be in the fall” next season. 

The Gophers (7-5) are coming off a 24-7 win over Wisconsin in late November. 

This marks the first matchup between Minnesota and Virginia Tech. Here’s everything you need to know: 

Minnesota takes the lead; up 14-7 over Virigina Tech

Another possession, another touchdown for Minnesota WR Elijah Spencer.

Minnesota ties it up 7-7 on trick play

Minnesota has some tricks up its sleeve. Lined up at Virigina Tech’s 10-yard-line, Golden Gophers QB Max Brosmer tossed the ball to RB Darius Taylor in the backfield. Taylor pulled up before the line of scrimmage and threw a 10-yard touchdown pass to WR Elijah Spencer with 10:18 remaining in the second quarter.

Virginia Tech leads 7-0

Virigina Tech is on the board. Hokies QB Collin Schlee rushed for a three-yard touchdown for the first points of the game. The touchdown run was set up by Schlee’s 67-yard completion to receiver Ayden Greene.

Minnesota misses field goal

The Golden Gophers are off to a rough start in the Mayo Bowl. Minnesota’s Koi Perich fumbled a punt return that was recovered by Virigina Tech. It appeared to be a case of friendly fire. While attempting to catch the punt, Perch collided with a teammate and the ball bounced into the hands of Virigina Tech’s Jonathan Pennix.

Minnesota held Virigina Tech to a three-and-out, but then surrendered a three-and-out themselves. The Golden Gophers got something going on their next drive and drove all the way to the red zone, but Minnesota had to settle for a field goal. Kicker Dragan Kesich then missed the 33-yard field goal attempt.

When is the Mayo Bowl between Minnesota and Virginia Tech?

The Duke’s Mayo Bowl game between the Minnesota Golden Gophers and the Virginia Tech Hokies kicks off at 7:30 p.m. at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.

How to watch Minnesota and Virginia Tech in the Mayo Bowl

The Duke’s Mayo Bowl game between the Minnesota Golden Gophers and the Virginia Tech Hokies will be televised nationally on ESPN.

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Minnesota vs. Virginia Tech: Mayo Bowl odds

The Minnesota Golden Gophers are favorites to defeat the Virginia Tech Hokies, according to BetMGM.

Odds as of Friday, Jan 3

Spread: Minnesota (-10)
Moneyline: Minnesota (-400); Virginia Tech (+310)
Over/under: 43.5

Mayo Bowl predictions: Minnesota vs. Virginia Tech

USA TODAY: Vast majority pick Minnesota

Scooby Axson: Minnesota
Jordan Mendoza: Minnesota
Paul Myerberg: Minnesota
Erick Smith: Virginia Tech
Eddie Timanus: Minnesota
Dan Wolken: Minnesota

ESPN: Minnesota 28, Virginia Tech 24

Adam Rittenberg writes: ‘P.J. Fleck was born to play and coach football, brainstorm mottos and eventually douse himself in mayonnaise after winning a bowl game. Can’t you see it now? Fleck’s team wasn’t far away from a much better season and boasts a solid formula of defense, Darius Taylor’s running and quarterback Max Brosmer’s efficient passing. Virginia Tech had far greater expectations than 6-6 this season, and could be facing some damaging personnel departures before January. The Hokies are very talented with running back Bhayshul Tuten, defensive end Antwaun Powell-Ryland and others, but there has been something missing all season. But Minnesota will win, setting up an epic mayo dump for Fleck.’

BetMGM: Minnesota will win

Staff writes: ‘The winning team model predicts Minnesota will win this game with 62.5% confidence, based on game simulations, offensive & defensive matchups and recent game results.’

Bowl game picks  

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

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