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Trump China tariff truce ignites stock markets – will it also pump up president’s poll numbers?

Global stock markets are soaring in the wake of the trade truce between the U.S. and China.

The agreement, announced early Monday, implements a 90-day cooling-off period between the world’s two largest economic superpowers, bringing a temporary end to their tariff war that last month triggered a massive financial market sell-off. 

U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports, which were jacked to 145% last month as President Donald Trump hiked tariffs on countries around the world, will be scaled down to 30%, with Beijing lowering its tariffs from a retaliatory 125% to just 10%.

‘We both have an interest in balanced trade, the U.S. will continue moving towards that,’ Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said after talks with Chinese officials in Switzerland.

While the initial agreement brought instant relief to the stock markets, for a president aiming to pass a sweeping agenda through Congress and hold onto his congressional majorities in next year’s midterm elections, it is the potential political payoff that may be of upmost importance.

The truce with China follows days after an initial trade deal with the United Kingdom – which is the first since Trump implemented tariffs last month. The president touted that the agreement with London would be ‘the first of many.’

‘It’s a positive first step,’ veteran Republican strategist and communicator Ryan Williams told Fox News.

Trump’s approval ratings have been sliding since he returned to power in the White House nearly four months ago and are now underwater in most national polling.

Most, but not all, of the most recent national public opinion surveys indicate Trump’s approval ratings in negative territory, which is a deterioration from the president’s poll position when he started his second tour of duty in the White House in late January.

Fueling the drop in Trump’s poll numbers are increased concerns by Americans over the economy and inflation, which were pressing issues that kept former President Joe Biden‘s approval ratings well below water for most of his presidency.  

Trump stood at 44% approval and 55% disapproval in the most recent Fox News national poll, which was conducted April 18-21.

Additionally, getting past the top lines, the president’s approval registered at 38% on the economy and just 33% on inflation and tariffs.

Front and center is Trump’s blockbuster tariff announcement in early April, which sparked a trade war with some of the nation’s top trading partners and triggered a massive sell-off in the financial markets and increased concerns about a recession.

In discussing his tariffs soon after he announced them on what he called ‘Liberation Day,’ the president touted that ‘these countries are calling us up, kissing my a–.’

‘They are dying to make a deal. ‘Please, please, sir, make a deal. I’ll do anything. I’ll do anything, sir!’’ Trump claimed.

A month later, Trump finally has a chance to show tangible results.

The president touted, ‘NO INFLATION!!! LOVE, DJT’ in a social media post Monday morning.

‘President Trump has argued that his agenda requires time for an adjustment and deal making. He’ll be given a period of time to execute deals to prove that his plans are working and the first major trade deal with a nation like the UK is at least a sign that some of the work has been going on behind the scenes thus and is starting to bear fruit,’ Williams said last week, following the announcement of the deal with the United Kingdom.

Williams added that the president will ‘have to back it up with more, but it is a positive first step for him in securing other deals.’

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House GOP unveils Medicaid work requirements in Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill’

House Republicans released a sweeping plan late on Sunday to curb who gets Medicaid coverage and roll back former President Joe Biden’s electric vehicle (EV) mandate, among other measures.

The Energy & Commerce Committee, which has broad jurisdiction, including over federal health programs, telecommunications and energy, was tasked with finding at least $880 billion in spending cuts to pay for other priorities in President Donald Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill.’

Committee Chairman Brett Guthrie, R-Ky., told House Republicans on a lawmaker-only call on Sunday night that the panel had found ‘north of $900 billion’ in savings, however – a significant victory for House GOP leaders who weathered attacks from Democrats about significant cuts to welfare programs like Medicaid.

However, Republicans largely avoided the deep cuts to Medicaid that were sought by some fiscal hawks in the House GOP Conference, a win for moderate Republicans who were more politically vulnerable to Democratic attacks over the issue.

The legislation would put a new 80-hour-per-month work requirement on certain able-bodied adults receiving Medicaid, aged 19 through 64.

It would also put guardrails on states spending funds on their expanded Medicaid populations. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) allowed states to expand Medicaid coverage to adults who make up to 138% of the poverty level.

More specifically, states that provide Medicaid coverage to illegal immigrants could see their federal Medicaid reimbursement dollars diminished, putting more of that cost on the state itself.

The bill would also require states with expanded Medicaid populations to perform eligibility checks every six months to ensure the system is not being abused.

Guthrie told House Republicans on a Sunday night call that the legislation was ‘ending’ the former Biden administration’s EV mandate. He said $105 billion in savings could be found in ending the mandate to have EVs account for two-thirds of all new car sales by 2032.

Other savings are found in rescinding unspent funds in a variety of Biden green energy tax programs established via the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).

It is not a full repeal of the IRA, however, as some conservatives had been pushing Republicans to do.

That had been another point of contention ahead of the bill’s release, with GOP lawmakers who have businesses in their districts that have benefited from the green energy subsidies pushing back on significant cuts.

On the other end of the energy divide, the bill would also boost Trump’s non-green energy goals by establishing a fast-tracked natural gas permitting route. The permit applicant would be required to pay $10 million or 1% of the project’s cost to be on the expedited track.

There is also a victory for social conservatives in a measure that would make certain large abortion providers ineligible for Medicaid funding. That measure was pushed by House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., himself, and was backed by anti-abortion groups like Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America. 

However, it could run into opposition from moderate Republicans – Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., called the provision ‘problematic’ and warned colleagues they were ‘running into a hornet’s nest’ on the matter in the Sunday night call.

The legislation does provide exceptions for places that provide abortions in cases of rape, incest, or when the life of the mother is at stake. It’s not necessarily clear, however, if providing voluntary abortions would disqualify those locations.

The Energy & Commerce Committee’s legislation accounts for the bulk of Republicans’ $1.5 trillion to $2 trillion spending cuts they are hoping to find in the budget reconciliation process.

House Republicans currently have a razor-thin three-vote margin, meaning they can afford to have little dissent and still pass anything without Democratic support. They are hoping to do just that, with virtually no Democrats currently on board with Trump’s massive Republican policy overhaul.

The budget-reconciliation process lowers the Senate’s passage threshold from 60 votes to 51, lining up the House’s own simple majority threshold.

Reconciliation allows the party in power to effectively skirt the minority and pass broad pieces of legislation – provided they address taxes, spending or the national debt.

Trump wants Republicans to use the maneuver to tackle his priorities on the border, immigration, taxes, defense, energy and raising the debt ceiling.

To do that, several committees of jurisdiction are working on their specific portions of the bill, which will then be put together in a massive vehicle to pass the House and Senate.

GOP leaders hope to have that final bill on Trump’s desk by Fourth of July.

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS
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NFL schedule leaks 2025: Latest rumors, updates, news

NFL fans now know the biggest free-agent acquisitions and top draft picks of their favorite teams. Now, they are just waiting on one more offseason milestone: the 2025 schedule release.

The NFL has made its schedule release something of a marquee offseason event. It doesn’t get the same type of rabid attention as free agency and the NFL draft, but fans typically enjoy the creative manner in which teams now announce the order of their opponents.

While the NFL’s 2025 schedule won’t officially be announced until Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET, the league will slowly reveal some of its most prominent matchups in the days leading up to the event. There is also typically a handful of leaks provided by league sources that help keep fans interested as the key moment arrives.

Here are the latest rumors, leaks and updates about the NFL’s 2025 schedule ahead of the league’s official release on Wednesday.

NFL schedule leaks rumors tracker

Chargers and Chiefs to play in Brazil game Week 1, per report

Date: May 9
Source: Eric Fisher, Front Office Sports

The NFL has officially announced the Chargers will play in the league’s second Sao Paolo game in 2025. Fisher reports their opponent will be the Chiefs, and that YouTube is currently expected to broadcast the game.

Fisher called the Chiefs the NFL’s ‘top viewership draw,’ which would make more fans likely to tune into this contest. YouTube, which presently distributes the domestic version of NFL Sunday Ticket, would stream the game for free on its platform.

NFL to reveal dates of ‘select games’ with broadcast partners

Date: May 8
Source: NFL.com

The NFL announced it is going to reveal the dates and times of select matchups ahead of the full schedule release Wednesday. Below is when those contests will be announced:

NBC: Monday, May 12 (on TODAY Show)
FOX: Monday, May 12
Prime Video: Monday, May 12
ESPN: Tuesday, May 13 (on Good Morning America)
CBS: Wednesday, May 14 (on CBS Mornings)
Netflix: Wednesday, May 14

It isn’t clear which matchups will be announced by each network, but they figure to be some of the most prominent contests featured on each network in 2025.

NFL reveals international game hosts for 2025

Date: May 8
Source: NFL.com

The NFL is set to play seven international games in five different countries during the 2025 season. It has announced the host for those seven contests. They are as follows:

London, England (Tottenham): New York Jets
London, England (Tottenham): Cleveland Browns
London, England (Wembley): Jacksonville Jaguars
Berlin, Germany: Indianapolis Colts
Madrid, Spain: Miami Dolphins
Dublin, Ireland: Pittsburgh Steelers
Sao Paolo, Brazil: Los Angeles Chargers

The NFL hasn’t yet announced who will play against each host team. That will occur on Tuesday, May 13 on NFL Network’s ‘Good Morning Football.’

This post appeared first on USA TODAY
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Winners and losers from Thunder’s ugly Game 4 win vs. Nuggets

Given the choice between winning ugly or losing with style, NBA coaches and players will take winning ugly.

If it were January, maybe losing with style has its benefit.

But in May during the NBA playoffs, when the grind and slog of almost every possession make even the best teams look bad, the choice is obvious. Winning trumps all.

The Oklahoma City Thunder won ugly Sunday, defeating the Denver Nuggets, 92-87, in Game 4 and tying the best-of-7 Western Conference semifinals series at 2-2.

The Thunder shot just 35.6% from the field and 24.4% on 3-pointers, but that was enough as their defense limited the Nuggets and their star, Nikola Jokic.

Oklahoma City avoided a 3-1 hole, and the winner of the next game often wins the series. The winner of Game 5 in a 2-2 series goes on to win the series 81.3% of the time (192-44), and Game 5 is Tuesday in Oklahoma City (9:30 p.m. ET, TNT).

Here are the winners and losers from the Thunder’s Game 4 win over the Nuggets:

WINNERS

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City’s MVP finalist, delivered a team-high 25 points plus six rebounds, six assists and two steals for the Thunder. He missed his five 3-point attempts, but did what he has done all season — crushed it inside the 3-point line. He was 8-for-14 on 2-point attempts, and his aggressiveness turned into free throws.

Gilgeous-Alexander led the league in free throws made per game (7.9) and was third in free throw attempts per game (8.8). He made just five attempts in the Thunder’s Game 3 loss. He got back to the line in Game 4, making 9-for-12 while scoring nine points in the fourth quarter.

Oklahoma City’s bench

The Thunder had one of the NBA’s top benches this season, and they needed help from reserves Sunday. Starters not named Shai Gilgeous-Alexander were a combined 11-for-40 from the field and 2-for-18 on 3s.

But Oklahoma City’s bench outscored Denver’s 35-8, getting 11 points, five rebounds and two steals from Cason Wallace; 11 points and six rebounds from Aaron Wiggins; and 10 points, four rebounds and two assists from Alex Caruso, for a combined plus-38.

Thunder defense/transition offense

Oklahoma City held the Nuggets to 31.3% shooting, including 24.4% on 3s and turned 14 Denver turnovers into 18 points. The Thunder also had 14 turnovers, but limited Denver to just eight points off those turnovers. Jalen Williams had three steals and Gilgeous-Alexander and Wallace each had two for the Thunder, who had the league’s No. 1 defense this season.

Aaron Gordon

Gordon is having a great playoffs for Denver. He has two game-winning buzzer-beater shots and scored 15 points, grabbed 16 rebounds and generated six assists in Game 4. His two 3-point attempts — one led to three free throws and one went in off the backboard — cut Oklahoma City’s lead from 90-83 to 90-87 in the game’s final seconds.

LOSERS

Nikola Jokic

The series has turned into a difficult one for Jokic, Denver’s MVP finalist. An offensive jedi, Jokic’s efficiency has taken a hit against the Thunder in the past three games. Since his 42-point, 22-rebound performance in Denver’s Game 1 victory, the Thunder limited Jokic’s ability to dominate a game with his scoring, passing and rebounding.

During the regular season, Jokic averaged 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, 10.2 assists and 1.8 steals and shot 57.6% from the field, 41.7% on 3-pointers and 80% on free throws.

In the past three games: 21.3 points, 10.7 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game while shooting 33.3% from the field and 18.2% on 3-pointers. In Game 4, Jokic had 27 points, but 11 came on free throws and he was 7-for-22 shooting.

Credit the Thunder’s defense, which also has forced interim coach David Adelman and his staff to find a way to unlock Jokic.

3-point shooting

In the first half, Denver and Oklahoma City were a combined 6-for-44 on 3-pointers — each going 3-for-22. The second half was marginally better — both shot 24.4%.

Michael Porter Jr.’s left shoulder

Porter is not on Denver’s injury report, but he has a left shoulder sprain sustained in the first round, and he told reporters after Game 3 it’s an injury that normally sidelines a player for 4-6 weeks.

Porter Jr. had a good Game 3 (21 points on 7-for-10 shooting and eight rebounds), but in the other three games of the series, he is 4-for-25 with 13 points.

The shoulder is wrapped, and he is playing through it. But he’s unable to provide the consistent offense Denver needs. He was 1-for-7 (0-for-5 on 3s) in Game 4.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY
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NCAA softball tournament selection show winners, losers and snubs

The NCAA selection committee has spoken, and the 2025 NCAA Softball Tournament field is set.

Sixty-four teams will begin their road to a potential appearance in the Women’s College World Series at the end of May and beginning of June in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The teams included in the field are the 31 automatic qualifiers for conference champions and 33 at-large teams.

Starting on May 16, these teams will play in 16 regionals across the country, hosted by the 16 national seeds. The winner of each region will advance to play in a best-of-three super regional round, with the eight remaining teams advancing to Oklahoma City for the WCWS. The last two teams standing will play in a best-of-three series to determine the national champion.

However, just like every year, there will be a handful of teams shaking their heads following the NCAA softball selection show. Some teams will feel they should have been a regional host, while some will feel they were poorly ranked and got a bad shake of which regional they have to travel for. Of course, several teams felt like they were unfairly left out of the tournament.

Here’s a look at the winners, losers and snubs from the 2025 NCAA women’s college softball field:

Winners

The Southeastern Conference

The SEC had an NCAA Tournament record-14 teams, including seven of the top eight national seeds and nine of the top 15, capping off a great season. That means if chalk holds through the regional round, only one non-SEC team will host a super regional: No. 5 seed Florida State.

Texas A&M

The Aggies are the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA softball tournament for the first time in program history. The Aggies edged out the four-time defending champion Oklahoma due to their No. 1 ranking in the RPI at the end of the season. Texas A&M did not have a chance to defeat the Sooners in the SEC softball tournament championship game, but could face the Sooners in Oklahoma City.

NCAA softball tournament first-timers

Belmont, Mercer, North Florida, Saint Louis and Santa Clara are first-timers reaching the NCAA softball tournament this season. The Bruins defeated Southern Illinois in the MVC Championship game to earn their first-ever berth, while Mercer was crowned the Southern Conference champions.

The Ospreys earned their first ASUN Tournament title in program history, while the Billikens secured the 2025 Atlantic 10 Softball Championship title with a walk-off win. The Broncos earned their first West Coast Conference championship to automatically qualify.

South Carolina

Seeding matters when it comes to the NCAA softball tournament, and a single seed line can make a huge difference. The Gamecocks edged out No. 9 UCLA for the final top-eight seed. That means they’ll be set to host the Bruins at home in the super regional, if both teams advance.

Losers

UCLA

The Bruins ended the season with an RPI of No. 4 and were the runners-up to Michigan in the Big Ten tournament. However, none of that was enough for UCLA to clinch the last top-eight seed to earn a hosting bid. Instead, if the No. 9 seed Bruins advance to the super regional, they’ll have to travel to Columbia to take on South Carolina on the road.

Virginia Tech

The Hokies had an impressive season but fell apart during the sixth inning of the ACC tournament championship game against eventual champion Clemson. For its trouble, Virginia Tech has to travel to No. 15 seed Alabama in the Tuscaloosa Regional, where the Hokies and Crimson Tide split two games during the Easton Bama Bash in February.

Oregon

The Ducks won the regular season Big Ten championship in their first year in the conference. They also took two out of three games against UCLA during the regular season, but are ranked as the last nationally seeded team at No. 16. The Ducks also had wins over No. 5 seed Florida State (2-0) and No. 7 seed Tennessee (1-0) in nonconference play.

Snubs

Nevada

The Wolf Pack posted a 41-14 record playing against a top-70 strength of schedule. It also finished with an RPI of 36 but, after losing in the Mountain West Tournament, was excluded from the tournament.

Oklahoma

It’s hard to say the No. 2 overall seed was snubbed in any way — but as the four-time defending champs, the Sooners had a real argument as the No. 1 seed after winning the regular season SEC championship in the toughest conference in the country.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY
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2025 NCAA softball tournament, WCWS picks, predictions

The field has been set for the 2025 NCAA softball tournament, which means the road to the Women’s College World Series is set, too.

As was expected going into the selection show, the SEC dominated: Fourteen of the conference’s 16 teams are heading to the postseason, led by SEC tournament co-champions Texas A&M and Oklahoma, the top two seeds of the tournament, respectively. The SEC claimed seven of the top eight seeds and nine of the top 16 overall.

The Sooners are aiming for a dynastic fifth straight national championship, which would place them in rarefied air in all sports. But the field looks more perilous than it has in years past this year, with Patty Gasso’s team lacking its usual pitching depth.

Here’s a look at our predictions for the 2025 softball NCAA Tournament and Women’s College World Series:

Bryan-College Station Regional

No. 1 Texas A&M (45-9)
Marist (47-7-1)
Liberty (47-12)
Saint Francis (26-24)

The Aggies should breeze through their regional with two wins and reach the championship game. Texas A&M will advance to the super regional.

Norman Regional

No. 2 Oklahoma (45-7)
Boston University (39-17)
Omaha (39-11)
Cal (35-19)

The Sooners are going to be motivated after not getting the No. 1 overall seed. Fully expect Gasso and Oklahoma to turn up the heat in their regional.

Gainesville Regional

No. 3 Florida (43-14)
Mercer (38-24)
Georgia Tech (27-22)
Florida Atlantic (44-10)

Florida was the No. 2-ranked team in RPI at the end of the season. The Gators finished sixth in the SEC, but played one of the toughest schedules in the nation.

Fayetteville Regional

No. 4 Arkansas (40-12)
Saint Louis (34-22)
Oklahoma State (33-18)
Indiana (33-18)

The Razorbacks have arguably the best player in the nation in Bri Ellis. That alone should carry them through the regional.

Tallahassee Regional

No. 5 Florida State (46-9)
Robert Morris (30-16)
USF (43-14-1)
Auburn (32-22)

Florida State is playing as well as any team in the country, with a deep pitching staff and the best hitting lineup in the ACC. The Seminoles should breeze through their regional.

Austin Regional

No. 6 Texas (46-10)
Eastern Illinois (34-20)
Michigan (38-19)
UCF (33-22-1)

Big Ten tournament champion Michigan could prove to be a tough test for the Longhorns, but Texas is as battle-tested as any program in the country and should ultimately prevail.

Knoxville Regional

No. 7 Tennessee (40-14)
Miami (Ohio) (35-24)
North Carolina (40-15)
Ohio State (43-12-1)

The Lady Vols have one of the best pitchers in college softball in Karlyn Pickens and no one else in the regional can match her arm talent. Tennessee advances.

Columbia Regional

No. 8 South Carolina (40-15)
Elon (33-19)
North Florida (45-13)
Virginia (37-17)

South Carolina snuck in for the final super regional host site. The Gamecocks will take full advantage and have the opportunity to host UCLA in the next round.

Los Angeles Regional

No. 9 UCLA (49-10)
UC Santa Barbara (34-24)
San Diego State (37-17)
Arizona State (35-19)

The Bruins, like Oklahoma, are going to be motivated after being ‘snubbed’ for the final super regional host spot.

Baton Rouge Regional

No. 10 LSU (41-14)
SE Louisiana (48-14)
UConn (35-17)
Nebraska (39-13)

Jordy Bahl transferred to Nebraska to bring home a national championship. Bahl delivers for the Cornhuskers as they upset host LSU to advance to the super regionals.

Clemson Regional

No. 11 Clemson (44-12)
SC Upstate (39-14)
Northwestern (29-18-1)
Kentucky (29-26)

The Tigers should feel confident entering their regional after winning the ACC softball tournament championship. Clemson has the ‘it’ factor when it comes to making comebacks and should be good enough to carry on to the super regional.

Lubbock Regional

No. 12 Texas Tech (45-12)
Brown (33-15)
Washington (34-17)
Mississippi State (37-17)

The Red Raiders outscored their opponents 26-0 over three games in the Big 12 Tournament and appear to be playing their best softball. It also helps to have NiJaree Canady on your side.

Tucson Regional

No. 13 Arizona (45-11)
Santa Clara (32-20)
Grand Canyon (46-6)
Ole Miss (37-17)

The Wildcats are ready for the regional round following wins over Alabama, Stanford and UCLA in nonconference play. But don’t sleep on Ole Miss and Grand Canyon giving them a run for their money.

Durham Regional

No. 14 Duke (38-16)
Howard (31-18)
Coastal Carolina (41-17)
Georgia (31-20)

How about the Bulldogs showing off the strength of the SEC with a major upset over Duke in the Durham Regional? Georgia has the talent to pull off the upset.

Tuscaloosa Regional

No. 15 Alabama (37-21)
Jackson State (28-23)
Belmont (40-14)
Virginia Tech (41-11)

Virginia Tech had a strong season in the ACC and has a talented pitcher in Emma Lemley. She could carry the Hokies past host Alabama into the super regional round.

Eugene Regional

No. 16 Oregon (47-7)
Weber State (28-30)
Binghamton (36-12)
Stanford (40-11)

Oregon is another program that could feel ‘disrespected’ after barely clinging on for the last national seed. The Ducks had nonconference wins over Florida State and Tennessee and won the Big Ten regular season championship.

Super Regionals

Bryan-College Station Super Regional

No. 1 Texas A&M vs. No. 16 Oregon: Aggies win in three games

The Aggies are ranked No. 1 in RPI for a reason. Texas A&M is talented in all three phases of the game and, despite having a strong roster, Oregon is not a match. But the Ducks do force the ‘if necessary’ game.

Norman Super Regional

No. 2 Oklahoma vs. Virginia Tech: Oklahoma sweeps

The magical run for the Hokies ends here with a motivated Oklahoma squad looking to make history. The Sooners just prove too much for Virginia Tech and earn the sweep.

Gainesville Super Regional

No. 3 Florida vs. Georgia: Florida sweeps

Who doesn’t want to see the Gators and Bulldogs battle in the postseason, regardless of the sport? Florida will earn a sweep over their rivals and reach the WCWS once again.

Fayetteville Super Regional

No. 4 Arkansas vs. No. 13 Arizona: Arizona wins in three games

This could be a fun back-and-forth super regional with both teams ranking inside the top 12 in RPI. However, in the end, the Wildcats pull off the upset and advance to the WCWS.

Tallahassee Super Regional

No. 5 Florida State vs. No. 12 Texas Tech: Florida State wins in three games

Texas Tech has a strong batting lineup and Canady. However, the Seminoles are deeper in pitching and batting.

Austin Super Regional

No. 6 Texas vs. No. 11 Clemson: Texas wins in three games

The Longhorns and Tigers present another strong super regional matchup. However, the home field advantage for Texas proves to push the team over the top to advance to the WCWS again.

Knoxville Super Regional

No. 7 Tennessee vs. Nebraska: Nebraska wins in three games

Bahl vs. Pickens will be a treat for all college softball fans on a national stage. However, Bahl is going to continue to carry the Cornhuskers over the Lady Vols into the WCWS.

Columbia Super Regional

No. 8 South Carolina vs. No. 9 UCLA: UCLA wins in three games

The Bruins are motivated following the snub behind the Gamecocks. Expect UCLA to flex its offensive power against South Carolina and get back to the WCWS following a short stint away.

Women’s College World Series

No. 1 Texas A&M
No. 2 Oklahoma
No. 3 Florida
No. 5 Florida State
No. 6 Texas
No. 9 UCLA
No. 13 Arizona
Nebraska

WCWS championship series

Prediction: No. 1 Texas A&M over No. 3 Florida in three games

The Aggies have been the most impressive team in college softball this season. Texas A&M will go 3-0 in the WCWS to get to the championship series. The Gators will dispose of the Sooners during their run but ultimately fall to Texas A&M in three games in the championship series.

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NCAA softball tournament bracket: Regional TV schedule, game times

One of the most anticipated days of the college softball calendar has come and gone — and with it, a bracket has now been set.

The 2025 NCAA softball tournament field was officially finalized Sunday, with 64 teams from across the country learning where and who they’ll be playing as they chase a spot in the Women’s College World Series — and, from there, potentially a national championship.

Watch select NCAA tournament games with ESPN+

The group of invitees was perhaps unsurprisingly dominated by the SEC, which saw 14 of its 15 teams make the NCAA tournament — Missouri was the only exclusion — while earning seven of the top eight seeds to the event.

Who got in? What teams will be hosting in the regional round? And when will games be taking place when the tournament begins later this week?

Here’s a look at the bracket and schedule for the 2025 NCAA softball tournament:

NCAA softball tournament bracket

Here’s a look at the schedule for the regional round of the 2025 NCAA softball tournament:

All times Eastern.

Bryan-College Station Regional (College Station, Texas)

Friday, May 16

Game 1: Marist vs. Liberty | 1 p.m. | ESPN+
Game 2: Saint Francis vs. No. 1 Texas A&M | 3:30 p.m. | SEC Network (Fubo)

Saturday, May 17

Game 3: Winner of Game 1 vs. Winner of Game 2 | 2 p.m. | TV TBD
Game 4: Loser of Game 1 vs. Loser of Game 2 | 4:30 p.m. | TV TBD
Game 5: Loser of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 4 | 7 p.m. | TV TBD

Sunday, May 18

Game 6: Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 5 | 4 p.m. | TBD
Game 7 (if necessary): Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 5 | 6:30 p.m. | TBD

​Norman Regional (Norman, Oklahoma)

Friday, May 16

Game 1: Omaha vs. Cal | 3:30 p.m. | ESPN+
Game 2: Boston University vs. No. 2 Oklahoma | 6 p.m. | ESPNU (Fubo)

Saturday, May 17

Game 3: Winner of Game 1 vs. Winner of Game 2 | 2 p.m. | TV TBD
Game 4: Loser of Game 1 vs. Loser of Game 2 | 4:30 p.m. | TV TBD
Game 5: Loser of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 4 | 7 p.m. | TV TBD

Sunday, May 18

Game 6: Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 5 | 2 p.m. | TV TBD
Game 7 (if necessary): Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 5 | 4:30 p.m. | TV TBD

Gainesville Regional (Gainesville, Florida)

Friday, May 16

Game 1: Georgia Tech vs. Florida Atlantic | 2 p.m. | ESPNU (Fubo)
Game 2: Mercer vs. No. 3 Florida | 4:30 p.m. | ESPN+

Saturday, May 17

Game 3: Winner of Game 1 vs. Winner of Game 2 | noon | TV TBD
Game 4: Loser of Game 1 vs. Loser of Game 2 | 2:30 p.m. | TV TBD
Game 5: Loser of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 4 | 5 p.m. | TV TBD

Sunday, May 18

Game 6: Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 5 | 1 p.m. | TV TBD
Game 7 (if necessary): Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 5 | 3:30 p.m. | TV TBD

Fayetteville Regional (Fayetteville, Arkansas)

Friday, May 16

Game 1: Indiana vs. Oklahoma State | 4 p.m. | ESPN2 (Fubo)
Game 2: Saint Louis vs. No. 4 Arkansas | 6:30 p.m. | ESPN+

Saturday, May 17

Game 3: Winner of Game 1 vs. Winner of Game 2 | 1 p.m. | TV TBD
Game 4: Loser of Game 1 vs. Loser of Game 2 | 3:30 p.m. | TV TBD
Game 5: Loser of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 4 | 6 p.m. | TV TBD

Sunday, May 18

Game 6: Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 5 | 4 p.m. | TV TBD
Game 7 (if necessary): Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 5 | 6:30 p.m. | TV TBD

Tallahassee Regional (Tallahassee, Florida)

Friday, May 16

Game 1: South Florida vs. Auburn | noon | ESPNU (Fubo)
Game 2: Robert Morris vs. No. 5 Florida State | 2:30 p.m. | ACC Network (Fubo)

Saturday, May 17

Game 3: Winner of Game 1 vs. Winner of Game 2 | 3 p.m. | TV TBD
Game 4: Loser of Game 1 vs. Loser of Game 2 | 5:30 p.m. | TV TBD
Game 5: Loser of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 4 | 8 p.m. | TV TBD

Sunday, May 18

Game 6: Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 5 | noon | TV TBD
Game 7 (if necessary): Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 5 | 2:30 p.m. | TV TBD

Austin Regional (Austin, Texas)

Friday, May 16

Game 1: Michigan vs. UCF | 2 p.m. | ESPN2 (Fubo)
Game 2: Eastern Illinois vs. No. 6 Texas | 4:30 p.m. | ESPN+

Saturday, May 17

Game 3: Winner of Game 1 vs. Winner of Game 2 | 1 p.m. | TV TBD
Game 4: Loser of Game 1 vs. Loser of Game 2 | 3:30 p.m. | TV TBD
Game 5: Loser of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 4 | 6 p.m. | TV TBD

Sunday, May 18

Game 6: Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 5 | 1 p.m. | TV TBD
Game 7 (if necessary): Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 5 | 3:30 p.m. | TV TBD

​Knoxville Regional (Knoxville, Tennessee)

Friday, May 16

Game 1: Miami (OH) vs. No. 7 Tennessee | 1:30 p.m. | SEC Network (Fubo)
Game 2: North Carolina vs. Ohio State | 4 p.m. | ESPNU (Fubo)

Saturday, May 17

Game 3: Winner of Game 1 vs. Winner of Game 2 | noon | TV TBD
Game 4: Loser of Game 1 vs. Loser of Game 2 | 2:30 p.m. | TV TBD
Game 5: Loser of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 4 | 5 p.m. | TV TBD

Sunday, May 18

Game 6: Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 5 | noon | TV TBD
Game 7 (if necessary): Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 5 | 2:30 p.m. | TV TBD

Columbia Regional (Columbia, South Carolina)

Friday, May 16

Game 1: North Florida vs. Virginia | 3 p.m. | ESPN+
Game 2: Elon vs. No. 8 South Carolina | 5:30 p.m. | ESPN+

Saturday, May 17

Game 3: Winner of Game 1 vs. Winner of Game 2 | 1 p.m. | TV TBD
Game 4: Loser of Game 1 vs. Loser of Game 2 | 3:30 p.m. | TV TBD
Game 5: Loser of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 4 | 6 p.m. | TV TBD

Sunday, May 18

Game 6: Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 5 | 1 p.m. | ESPN2 (Fubo)
Game 7 (if necessary): Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 5 | 3:30 p.m. | TV TBD

Los Angeles Regional (Los Angeles)

Friday, May 16

Game 1: UC Santa Barbara vs. No. 9 UCLA | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN+
Game 2: San Diego State vs. Arizona State | 10 p.m. | ESPN2 (Fubo)

Saturday, May 17

Game 3: Winner of Game 1 vs. Winner of Game 2 | 5 p.m. | TV TBD
Game 4: Loser of Game 1 vs. Loser of Game 2 | 7:30 p.m. | TV TBD
Game 5: Loser of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 4 | 10 p.m. | TV TBD

Sunday, May 18

Game 6: Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 5 | 7:30 p.m. | TV TBD
Game 7 (if necessary): Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 5 | 10 p.m. | TV TBD

Baton Rouge Regional (Baton Rouge, Louisiana)

Friday, May 16

Game 1: UConn vs. Nebraska | 3 p.m. | ESPN+
Game 2: Southeastern Louisiana vs. No. 10 LSU | 5:30 p.m. | SEC Network (Fubo)

Saturday, May 17

Game 3: Winner of Game 1 vs. Winner of Game 2 | 1 p.m. | TV TBD
Game 4: Loser of Game 1 vs. Loser of Game 2 | 3:30 p.m. | TV TBD
Game 5: Loser of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 4 | 6 p.m. | TV TBD

Sunday, May 18

Game 6: Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 5 | 3 p.m. | TV TBD
Game 7 (if necessary): Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 5 | 5:30 p.m. | TV TBD

Clemson Regional (Clemson, South Carolina)

Friday, May 16

Game 1: Northwestern vs. Kentucky | 2 p.m. | ESPN+
Game 2: USC Upstate vs. No. 11 Clemson | 4:30 p.m. | ACC Network (Fubo)

Saturday, May 17

Game 3: Winner of Game 1 vs. Winner of Game 2 | 1:30 p.m. | TV TBD
Game 4: Loser of Game 1 vs. Loser of Game 2 | 4 p.m. | TV TBD
Game 5: Loser of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 4 | 6:30 p.m. | TV TBD

Sunday, May 18

Game 6: Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 5 | 1 p.m. | TV TBD
Game 7 (if necessary): Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 5 | 3:30 p.m. | TV TBD

Lubbock Regional (Lubbock, Texas)

Friday, May 16

Game 1: Brown vs. No. 12 Texas Tech | 5:30 p.m. | ESPN+
Game 2: Washington vs. Mississippi State | 8 p.m. | ESPN2 (Fubo)

Saturday, May 17

Game 3: Winner of Game 1 vs. Winner of Game 2 | 2 p.m. | TV TBD
Game 4: Loser of Game 1 vs. Loser of Game 2 | 4:30 p.m. | TV TBD
Game 5: Loser of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 4 | 7 p.m. | TV TBD

Sunday, May 18

Game 6: Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 5 | 3 p.m. | TV TBD
Game 7 (if necessary): Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 5 | 5:30 p.m. | TV TBD

Tucson Regional (Tucson, Arizona)

Friday, May 16

Game 1: Santa Clara vs. No. 13 Arizona | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN+
Game 2: Grand Canyon vs. Ole Miss | 10 p.m. | ESPNU (Fubo)

Saturday, May 17

Game 3: Winner of Game 1 vs. Winner of Game 2 | 4 p.m. | TV TBD
Game 4: Loser of Game 1 vs. Loser of Game 2 | 6:30 p.m. | TV TBD
Game 5: Loser of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 4 | 9 p.m. | TV TBD

Sunday, May 18

Game 6: Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 5 | 7:30 p.m. | TV TBD
Game 7 (if necessary): Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 5 | 10 p.m. | TV TBD

Durham Regional (Durham, North Carolina)

Friday May 16

Game 1: Howard vs. No. 14 Duke | noon | ACC Network (Fubo)
Game 2: Coastal Carolina vs. Georgia | 2:30 p.m. | ESPN+

Saturday, May 17

Game 3: Winner of Game 1 vs. Winner of Game 2 | 1:30 p.m. | TV TBD
Game 4: Loser of Game 1 vs. Loser of Game 2 | 4 p.m. | TV TBD
Game 5: Loser of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 4 | 6:30 p.m. | TV TBD

Sunday, May 18

Game 6: Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 5 | 2:30 p.m. | TV TBD
Game 7 (if necessary): Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 5 | 5 p.m. | TV TBD

Tuscaloosa Regional (Tuscaloosa, Alabama)

Friday, May 16

Game 1: Belmont vs. Virginia Tech | 3:30 p.m. | ESPN+
Game 2: Jackson State vs. No. 15 Alabama | 6 p.m. | ESPN+

Saturday, May 17

Game 3: Winner of Game 1 vs. Winner of Game 2 | noon | TV TBD
Game 4: Loser of Game 1 vs. Loser of Game 2 | 2:30 p.m. | TV TBD
Game 5: Loser of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 4 | 5 p.m. | TV TBD

Sunday, May 18

Game 6: Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 5 | 2 p.m. | TV TBD
Game 7 (if necessary): Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 5 | 4:30 p.m. | TV TBD

Eugene Regional (Eugene, Oregon)

Friday, May 16

Game 1: Binghamton vs. Stanford | 5 p.m. | ESPN+
Game 2: Weber State vs. No. 16 Oregon | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN+

Saturday, May 17

Game 3: Winner of Game 1 vs. Winner of Game 2 | 4 p.m. | TV TBD
Game 4: Loser of Game 1 vs. Loser of Game 2 | 6:30 p.m. | TV TBD
Game 5: Loser of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 4 | 9 p.m. | TV TBD

Sunday, May 18

Game 6: Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 5 | 6:30 p.m. | TV TBD
Game 7 (if necessary): Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 5 | 9 p.m. | TV TBD

This post appeared first on USA TODAY
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Sports

Shedeur Sanders has the right mindset as he begins his NFL career

Shedeur Sanders has the correct mindset as he embarks on his NFL career. The Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback isn’t discouraged by his much-publicized draft slide. Nor is Sanders operating like a fifth-round pick on the roster bubble.

Sanders is conducting himself as though he has a chance to be the Browns starting quarterback.

“My job here isn’t to prove people wrong,” Sanders said to the media at Browns rookie minicamp. “I prove myself right. I fully have self-belief.”

Five quarterbacks were picked in front of Sanders in the 2025 NFL Draft, despite Sanders being coined as the second-best quarterback in the class in several mocks. The Browns even selected quarterback Dillon Gabriel in the third round before trading up in the fifth round to take Sanders.

“I was a late-round draft pick, but we’re here now. None of that stuff matters,” Sanders said. “I’m just excited to be here and ready to work.”

Some factors contributed to Sanders’ stunning draft fall. But the silver lining is that Sanders enters a crowded but relatively weak quarterback room that consists of Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Gabriel and Deshaun Watson who is expected to miss the entire 2025 season due to an Achilles injury.

Cleveland’s subpar quarterback depth chart affords Sanders an opportunity to win the Browns starting job in Year 1.

“I just feel like, in life, in everything, it’s just me versus me,” Sanders said of the Browns’ QB competition. “I can’t control any other decision besides that. I just try to be my best self at all times.”

If Sanders were to become the Browns’ starting quarterback, he’d have earned it. Reporters on the ground at Cleveland’s rookie minicamp noted Gabriel took first reps over Sanders. However, Browns coach Kevin Stefanski cautioned not to read too much into who gets initial snaps at this juncture of the offseason.

‘I wouldn’t look into, really, anything,’ Stefanski said on Friday. ‘I think you’ll see the whole weekend, going through the spring, we don’t pay too close attention to who’s in there first.’

Cleveland started seven quarterbacks in the past two seasons. Furthermore, the Browns have had 40 starting quarterbacks since 1999, the most in the NFL during that span. It’s nearly impossible for a franchise to be successful with the amount of quarterbacks the Browns have trotted out on the field in a quarterback-driven league.

Consequently, the Brown have only finished four seasons above .500 since 1999.

Seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady, famously selected in the sixth round at pick No. 199 in the 2000 NFL Draft, told the ‘Impaulsive’ podcast that he reached out to Sanders.

“Use it as motivation,” Brady said of the advice he gave to Sanders. “You’re gonna get your chances. Go take advantage of it.”

If Sanders adheres to Brady’s advice and performs well this offseason, he’s got an opportunity to end the Browns’ colossal quarterback merry-go-round. From first impressions, he’s off to a positive start.

Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY
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Politics

4th round of US-Iran talks ends as Trump set to embark on historic Middle East tour

JERUSALEM — With President Donald Trump set to leave for the Middle East on Monday, talks between the U.S. and the Islamic Republic of Iran concluded a fourth round of negotiations in Oman on Sunday over Tehran’s illicit nuclear weapons program. 

A day before the start of talks, Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei welcomed chants of ‘Death to America’ in Tehran. ‘Your judgment is right,’ Khamenei told a crowd of supporters who called for the destruction of the U.S.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said the nuclear talks were ‘difficult but useful.’ A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the closed-door negotiations, offered a little bit more, describing them as being both indirect and direct, The Associated Press reported.

An ‘agreement was reached to move forward with the talks to continue working through technical elements,’ the U.S. official said. ‘We are encouraged by today’s outcome and look forward to our next meeting, which will happen in the near future.’

President Trump announced a 60-day time frame to reach an agreement with Iran over its illegal atomic weapons program. The first U.S. negotiating session with Iran commenced on April 12. 

Mardo Soghom, an Iran analyst and journalist, noted prior to the start of talks several months ago that Iran’s regime will go to great lengths to preserve its right to enrich uranium—the material required for a nuclear weapon. The Trump administration vehemently opposes a uranium enrichment program on Iranian soil.

‘Iran is trying to save its enrichment operation at a lower level and also not accepting any pressure to halt its anti-Israel stance. Khamenei’s speech [Saturday] highlighted that second point. But at this point, the main issue is dismantling Iran’s uranium enrichment,’ Soghom told Fox News Digital.

Khamenei also lashed out at Israel during his Saturday speech in Tehran, declaring about Israel’s war campaign to root out Iran-backed Hamas terrorists from the Gaza Strip that ‘The people of Gaza are not facing Israel alone—they are facing America and Britain.’

Jason Brodsky, the policy director of United Against Nuclear Iran, told Fox News Digital that ‘The Iranians, like last round, sound more downcast than the U.S. side, describing talks as difficult.’

In 2018, President Trump withdrew from former President Barack Obama’s 2015 nuclear deal with Iran, known formally as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), because the accord failed to prevent Tehran from building a nuclear weapons device, according to the first Trump administration.

President Trump’s Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff recently stressed that Iran cannot have an enrichment program during an interview with Breitbart News prior to Sunday’s bargaining session. 

Witkoff said ‘First of all, we’re never doing a JCPOA deal where sanctions come off and there’s no sunsetting of their obligations. That doesn’t make sense. That was a mismatched procedure in JCPOA. We believe that they cannot have enrichment, they cannot have centrifuges, they cannot have anything that allows them to build a weapon. We believe in all of that. That was not JCPOA. JCPOA had sunset provisions that burned off the obligations and burned off the sanctions relief at inappropriate times. It’s never going to happen in this deal.’

Brodsky said that ‘All in all, both sides want to keep the process moving. The Iranians will usually say and do enough to earn another meeting as they stand to lose more by this process breaking down than the U.S. government. The negotiating process is as important to the Iranians as the agreement itself as the process offers insulation from the impact of sanctions—with the rial strengthening since talks started—and protection from a military strike.

‘This is why Iran will want these negotiations to continue for as long as possible. They will try to wear out and exhaust U.S. negotiators into concessions, which the Trump administration should reject. As President Trump said in a different context, Tehran does not have the cards here.’

The hot-button issue of uranium enrichment has plagued talks with Iran over the last few decades. The Europeans faced intense criticism when they agreed—independent of the U.S.—to allow the Islamic Republic to enrich uranium during the nascent phase of atomic talks during the early years of this century.

Brodsky said ‘The original sin of U.S. decision-making on Iran’s nuclear program was when the Obama administration changed the U.S. position from zero enrichment to tolerating enrichment at 3.67%. That laid the groundwork for Iran to retain the capability to continue to use its nuclear program to extort the United States and ultimately build a nuclear weapon.’

The nuclear expert noted, ‘That should end today, and recent comments from President Trump, Special Envoy Witkoff, and Secretary Rubio hopefully signal that this era is over. House and Senate Republicans were also very clear on this point over the last week. The Iranians say they want a durable deal. But a JCPOA 2.0—tolerating enrichment at 3.67% and no dismantlement of nuclear facilities—would not be one.

‘The Iranians are engaged in all kinds of gimmicks to dress up a variation of the same concessions they offered to President Obama. That should be unacceptable to American negotiators.’

The anti-American news outlet, Kayhan, that serves as the mouthpiece for Khamenei, published a full-page screed against Trump where it stated, ‘He is a framework based on narcissism, superiority delusions, and threat-based tactics.’

The talks on Sunday ran for some three hours in Muscat, the capital of Oman. Iran’s regime spokesperson, Baghaei, said that a decision on the next round of talks is under discussion.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS
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Sports

NFL schedule 2025: 10 games we can’t wait to watch

The NFL offseason continues to beat on. Small roster moves post-draft have given way to rookie minicamps across the league as teams prepare for training camp.

There are plenty of notable players in new places (most recently wide receiver George Pickens, now in Dallas). There are seven new head coaches, including five for the first time: Ben Johnson (Chicago), Liam Coen (Jacksonville), Kellen Moore (New Orleans), Aaron Glenn (New York Jets) and Brian Schottenheimer (Dallas).

We’re just days from the NFL schedule release on Wednesday, May 14. We already know which teams each franchise will play in 2025. Thanks to the NFL’s rotating schedule rules, we have a clear picture of what matchups will take place throughout the season, just not the specific dates.

There are lots of exciting matchups to circle on the calendar. For the third year in a row, the regular season will feature a rematch of the prior year’s Super Bowl. There will also be plenty of rematches from high-stakes playoff games a year ago.

To tide you over until the NFL releases the full schedule on Wednesday, May 14, we’ll look at the 10 matchups we’re most excited to see.

NFL schedule: Top 10 games

Philadelphia Eagles at Kansas City Chiefs

Super Bowl rematch, need we say more? The Eagles absolutely dominated the Chiefs in Super Bowl 59 before Kansas City put up points in the second half to close the gap before the final whistle.

This offers the Chiefs a test in real-time if their offseason moves have paid off. Philadelphia’s had some turnover on both the roster and coaching staff. Likely two of the best defenses in the league, plus a pair of Super Bowl MVP quarterbacks make this must-watch football.

Baltimore Ravens at Kansas City Chiefs

These two teams met to open the regular season opener in 2024. We missed out on a playoff matchup last season as the bracket meant Baltimore faced Buffalo in the AFC divisional round. Still, there’s plenty of opportunity to make up for that in the regular season.

Baltimore’s offense took a step forward in 2024 in year two under Todd Monken as quarterback Lamar Jackson was a strong contender for NFL MVP once again. The franchise invested a lot on defense this offseason and should be improved under coordinator Zach Orr in year two. These two teams have given football fans exciting games in recent years and 2025 should be no different.

Kansas City Chiefs at Buffalo Bills

One of the next-best games after a Super Bowl rematch is a conference championship game rematch. The Bills and Chiefs met in Kansas City with the AFC title on the line. The Chiefs won out, but the Bills can have a measure of revenge in the regular season.

The two sides have met in the regular season in each of the last five years. Buffalo holds the edge in regular season matchups at 4-1. Kansas City’s held the edge in the playoffs at 4-0. Reigning NFL MVP Josh Allen and two-time MVP Patrick Mahomes should offer football fans a lot of fireworks.

Baltimore Ravens at Buffalo Bills

Another playoff rematch sees the Bills and Ravens face off after their thrilling game in the AFC divisional round last season. Allen edged out Jackson for MVP honors last year and both offenses should be potent again.

Last year, Baltimore dominated Buffalo in the regular season 35-10 at home. With home field this year, can the Bills get the win?

Detroit Lions at Philadelphia Eagles

Finally, a matchup that doesn’t involve AFC powers. The Lions and Eagles were popular picks for the NFC championship last season, but a rash of injuries and Washington’s dynamic offense prevented the Lions from making a deep run in the postseason.

Detroit’s facing a lot of turnover with new coordinators on both offense and defense. Philadelphia’s got a new offensive coordinator in 2025 as well. These teams are the two most talented rosters in the NFC and will make for an incredible matchup.

Los Angeles Rams at Philadelphia Eagles

The Rams gave the Eagles the most trouble in the playoffs last season and could be in for more improvement in 2025. Los Angeles’ young defense has another offseason to get better and take on higher-profile opponents like Philadelphia.

On a purely schematic level, the Rams’ head coach and offensive play-caller Sean McVay, facing off against the Eagles’ defensive coordinator, Vic Fangio, is hard to beat. This would be a solid contender for the opening game of the 2025 NFL season.

Philadelphia Eagles at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

It’s been a while, but astute NFL fans will know that Tampa Bay was the last team to beat the Eagles with their starters. It happened way back in Week 4 of the regular season last year.

Tampa Bay has more turnover again at offensive coordinator but made some smart moves in the draft to bolster both sides of the ball. A dynamic wide receiver room with a mix of veterans and young talent paired with Baker Mayfield and a very good offensive line should put up a lot of points. That’ll be put to the test against Philadelphia’s defense.

Detroit Lions at Washington Commanders

Another NFC must-watch is a rematch of a divisional-round game from last season. Washington raced out to a 31-21 lead before pulling away to win 45-31 in Detroit.

The two teams went to work in the offseason to improve their rosters. With more talent and injury luck, Detroit could be in for another good season. Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels could take another step in year two and make this another high-scoring affair.

Chicago Bears at Washington Commanders

These two teams met in the regular season last year in one of the closest finishes of any game. Washington won it on a last-minute 52-yard Hail Mary in Week 8.

Both teams addressed the offensive line in the draft, free agency and via trade. Because Bears quarterback Caleb Williams and Daniels went 1-2 in the 2024 NFL Draft, their careers will often be compared. Daniels took home Offensive Rookie of the Year honors last season. With a new offensive play-caller and more talent around him, can Williams catch up? We’ll have this game to sort that major question out.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY
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