Tennessee now stands as the lone undefeated team in Division I men’s basketball. Unsurprisingly, the Volunteers will spend another week at No. 1 in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.

After handling Arkansas over the weekend, the Volunteers picked up 21 of 31 first-place votes this week to retain the top spot. Auburn once again checks in at No. 2, claiming the remaining 10 top votes. Iowa State holds at No. 3, with Duke also staying put at No. 4.

The shuffling begins at No. 5, where Alabama moves up a notch after handing new SEC member Oklahoma its first loss. Marquette jumps two places to No. 6. Kentucky climbs four spots to No. 7 after beating previously unscathed Florida in the game of the weekend on Saturday.

TOP 25: Complete USA TODAY Sports men’s basketball poll

WEEKEND RECAP: SEC, Big Ten going different directions

The voters were kind to the Gators, who fall just three places to No. 8. Texas A&M is No. 9, and two-time defending champion Connecticut has worked its way back into the top 10.

The voters were not as kind to Kansas. The Jayhawks bounced back from a midweek loss to West Virginia by pounding Central Florida on the road but still drops five places to No. 12. Oklahoma and Oregon also slip out of the top 10, checking in at No. 16 and No. 17 respectively.

Illinois makes the biggest jump within the Top 25, gaining five positions to No. 15 after a successful trip to the Big Ten’s new Pacific Northwest enclave with defeat of Oregon and Washington.

West Virginia enters the rankings at No. 23 thanks to that victory against Kansas. No. 24 Michigan and No. 25 Utah State rejoin the poll. Cincinnati, Baylor and Maryland drop out this week.

The 2025 NFL playoffs are set and super wild-card weekend is almost here.

The postseason begins Saturday with the first of six wild-card games over the course of three days. Four of the matchups will be a rematch from the regular season and three games opened with point spreads of a field goal or less, according to the betting odds.

The actions starts with the AFC South champion Houston Texans hosting the Los Angeles Chargers at the same venue (NRG Stadium) in which Jim Harbaugh won a national championship with Michigan almost exactly one year earlier. Then comes a Saturday night AFC North showdown between the surging Baltimore Ravens and struggling Pittsburgh Steelers.

Sunday’s schedule opens with a Week 1 rematch featuring the Philadelphia Eagles at home against the Green Bay Packers followed by a late afternoon matchup between the Buffalo Bills and Denver Broncos. The Washington Commanders and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are another redux from Week 1 for ‘Sunday Night Football.’ The Minnesota Vikings and Los Angeles Rams wrap up the wild-card round on ‘Monday Night Football’ from SoFi Stadium.

This is usually one of the best weekends on the sports calendar and these NFL wild-card games have the potential to live up to that reputation. Analysts and experts are already weighing in on what might happen, so here is an early look at picks and predictions for every playoff game on the schedule.

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

NFL wild-card games predictions, picks

Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Monday, Jan. 6

Los Angeles Chargers at Houston Texans

Date: Saturday, Jan. 11
Time: 4:30 p.m. ET
Location: NRG Stadium (Houston)
TV: CBS
Streaming: NFL+, Paramount+, YouTube TV (NFL Sunday Ticket) or Fubo
Spread: Chargers (-3)

∎ USA TODAY: Chargers 23, Texans 20

‘Quentin Johnston is coming off a career game of 13 catches for 186 yards. The Chargers need him to be a reliable receiver if they want to make noise in the postseason. Los Angeles has the NFL’s top scoring defense.’

∎ Arizona Republic: Chargers 27, Texans 17

‘The Chargers have won three in a row and gave up an NFL-best 301 points this season. They will be able to outscore the Texans on the road, who interestingly scored 372 points this season, while also giving up 372 points.’

∎ Pro Football Network: Chargers 20, Texans 17

‘The Chargers were 100% right to play hard in Week 18 in the hunt for the No. 5 seed. Their reward is shorter travel, a guarantee of good conditions, and a matchup against the lowest-ranked team from the AFC. … Although the Chargers’ offense has been rolling in the last three weeks, they did not score more than 23 points in any of the previous four games. Houston came into Week 18 having scored a total of 41 points in the previous three games.’

∎ FOX Sports: Chargers 23, Texans 20

Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens

Date: Saturday, Jan. 11
Time: 8 p.m. ET
Location: M&T Bank Stadium
TV: None
Streaming: Amazon Prime Video
Spread: Ravens (-9.5)

∎ USA TODAY: Ravens 28, Steelers 17

‘At the point in (Lamar) Jackson’s career, fair or unfair, he’s going to be judged on his success in the playoffs as the Ravens starting QB. The Steelers have lost four consecutive games and have no momentum entering the playoffs.  Jackson, Derrick Henry and the Ravens high-powered offense will overwhelm.’  

∎ Arizona Republic: Ravens 30, Steelers 16

‘This is the third meeting this season between the AFC North rivals. Pittsburgh won the first at home, 18-16. Baltimore won the second in Week 16 at home, 34-17. The Steelers limped into the playoffs with four straight losses. The Ravens have won four in a row. We expect a result similar to the Week 16 game.’

∎ Pro Football Network: Ravens 24, Steelers 17

‘The numbers tell you that the Baltimore Ravens are clearly the better team. They are superior on offense and defense while having played a tougher schedule this season. Baltimore is on a four-game win streak, and the Pittsburgh Steelers are on a four-game losing streak. Everything says Baltimore wins this by at least a touchdown. However, these AFC North games are rarely that cut and dry.’

∎ FOX Sports: Ravens 31, Steelers 17

Denver Broncos at Buffalo Bills

Date: Sunday, Jan. 12
Time: 1 p.m.
Location: Highmark Stadium (Orchard Park, New York)
TV: CBS
Streaming: NFL+, Paramount+, YouTube TV (NFL Sunday Ticket) or Fubo
Spread: Bills (-9)

∎ USA TODAY: Bills 30, Broncos 17

‘The Broncos are ahead of schedule in their rebuild. It’s an accomplishment for Denver to be in the postseason. On the other side, the Bills are legitimate Super Bowl contenders. … Denver’s stingy defense will make some plays, but the Bills have the more talented roster.’

∎ Arizona Republic: Bills 31, Broncos 20

‘The Broncos have surpassed our expectations this season, but it would really surprise us if they won at Buffalo, where the Bills are 8-0 this season. Denver is just 4-5 on the road. Highmark Stadium will provide a rude playoff debut to Bo Nix.’

∎ Pro Football Network: Bills 27, Broncos 21

‘Of the three potential No. 7 seeds entering Week 18, this is probably the matchup that the Bills would have wanted the least. The Broncos’ never-say-die attitude on offense, coupled with a strong defense, is something Buffalo would have preferred to avoid.’

∎ FOX Sports: Bills 26, Broncos 22

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Green Bay Packers at Philadelphia Eagles

Date: Sunday, Jan. 12
Time: 4:30 p.m.
Location: Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia)
TV: FOX
Streaming: NFL+, YouTube TV (NFL Sunday Ticket) or Fubo
Spread: Eagles (-5.5)

∎ USA TODAY: Eagles 28, Packers 24

‘These two teams met Week 1 in Brazil. Saquon Barkley rushed for 109 yards and two touchdowns in their first meeting. The Eagles rested their 2,000-yard running back in the regular-season finale in preparation for a Super Bowl run. Expect the Eagles to ride their star ball carrier and MVP candidate this postseason. Jordan Love and the Packers will keep this wild-card game competitive.’

∎ Arizona Republic: Eagles 27, Packers 20

‘The Packers went 11-6 on the season, yet landed the final NFC playoff berth because they were the third wild-card team. Their reward? A date against the 14-3 Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field, a difficult road environment. Green Bay opened the season with a 34-29 loss to the Eagles in Brazil. They’ll close it with a loss in Philadelphia.’

∎ Pro Football Network: Eagles 23, Packers 20

‘The Packers are the superior team on offense, but the Eagles are the superior team on defense … Philadelphia will be the better-rested team, and the Packers have yet another injury concern around Jordan Love, which complicates matters some.’

∎ FOX Sports: Eagles 25, Packers 21

Washington Commanders at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Date: Sunday, Jan. 12
Time: 8 p.m.
Location: Raymond James Stadium (Tampa, Florida)
TV: NBC
Streaming: Peacock, Fubo
Spread: Buccaneers (-3)

∎ USA TODAY: Commanders 27, Buccaneers 24

‘(Mike) Evans should have an advantage versus the Commanders’ secondary, plus Tampa Bay will try to run the football with emerging RB Bucky Irving. Tampa Bay defeated Washington, 37-20, in Week 1, but that was Jayden Daniels’ first career NFL game. The rookie QB has since blossomed into the presumptive NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.’

∎ Arizona Republic: Commanders 27, Buccaneers 24

‘Washington is on a 5-game win streak, going 12-5 this season and 5-3 on the road. Tampa Bay has won two in a row, but it was 10-7 on the year and only went 5-4 at home. Jayden Daniels will lead the Commanders to a playoff upset.’

∎ Pro Football Network: Buccaneers 27, Commanders 24

‘Washington played the easiest schedule in the league, while Tampa Bay … has a slight edge both on offense and defense.’

Watch Commanders vs. Buccaneers with Peacock

Minnesota Vikings at Los Angeles Rams

Date: Monday, Jan. 13
Time: 8 p.m.
Location: SoFi Stadium (Inglewood, California)
TV: ABC, ESPN, ESPN2
Streaming: ESPN+, Fubo
Spread: Vikings (-1.5)

∎ USA TODAY: Vikings 27, Rams 23

Wide receiver Puka Nacua and running back Kyren Williams ‘combined for 227 yards from scrimmage and one touchdown when Los Angeles beat Minnesota in Week 8. The Vikings are coming off disappointing Week 18 loss that snapped their nine-game winning streak. Justin Jefferson was held to only three catches for 54 yards in the regular-season finale. Jefferson and the Vikings bounce back and get revenge Monday night.’

∎ Arizona Republic: Vikings 21, Rams 20

‘The Vikings only lost three games all regular season, with two coming against the Lions. The other? A 30-20 loss at the Rams in Week 8. We expect a defensive struggle in this one, with Minnesota pulling out a win in a thriller. That loss to the Lions in Week 18 will serve as a wake-up call for the Vikings.’

∎ Pro Football Network: Vikings 24, Rams 23

‘The element of this that is impossible to put a number on is experience. Sean McVay and Matthew Stafford have done the prime-time game with it all on the line a lot in their careers, while Kevin O’Connell and Sam Darnold have less experience.’

∎ FOX Sports: Vikings 24, Rams 21

Watch Vikings vs. Rams with ESPN+

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After a one-year delay, TGL — the virtual, interactive golf league founded by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy — is finally ready for its official launch on Tuesday.

TGL tees off Tuesday from a brand new interactive golf facility not far from where Woods and McIlroy have homes. The SoFi Center  in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, contains a supersized version of a golf simulator screen on top of a massive morphing green that will create almost limitless possibilities for the holes used in competition.

The building was supposed to open last year, but the roof of its original building collapsed in November 2023 due to a power outage and wind storm.

What is TGL?

TGL stands for TMRW Golf League, a reference to TMRW Sports, the name of company that Woods, McIlroy and Mike McCarley founded to get the league and several other projects off the ground.

It is a new tech-infused golf league in partnership with the PGA Tour that’s designed to combine the latest in golf technology with in-person competition. It will include a shot clock, timeouts and both team and individual match play.

The league will be made up of six teams, with four players on each team for its inaugural season.

How does TGL work?

TGL pits two teams of three players against each other in a mix of simulator and traditional golf. Players tee off from a mat into a 64-by-53-foot screen. There will be fairway, rough and sand surfaces to hit from, as well. When the ball lands about 50 yards away from the pin, players will transition to the ‘Green Zone,’ a 3,800-square-foot green that can be adjusted for variety on each hole.

The teams play nine holes of 3-on-3, alternate shot golf. Then, the three members of each team will each play two holes of head-to-head match play with each hole worth one point. If they remain tied, the match goes to an overtime, closest-to-the-pin competition. The overtime continues until one team has the two closest shots.

How to watch TGL matches

Each week, featured matches will be televised live on ESPN, with streaming on ESPN+.

TGL scoring format

A point system will determine the four teams that make the playoffs at the end of the regular season:

Win: 2 points
Overtime loss: 1 point
Regulation loss: 0 point

If there is a tie for playoff seeding, the team that won the most holes over the course of the season will get the nod.

TGL’s six teams

Atlanta Drive GC — Owner: Arthur M. Blank. Roster: Justin Thomas, Patrick Cantlay, Billy Horschel, Lucas Glover.

Boston Common Golf — Owners: John Henry, Tom Werner, Mike Gordon, Fenway Sports Group. Roster: Rory McIlroy, Keegan Bradley, Adam Scott, Hideki Matsuyama.

Jupiter Links Golf Club — Owner: Woods’ TGR Ventures, David Blitzer: Roster: Tiger Woods, Max Homa, Tom Kim, Kevin Kisner.

Los Angeles Golf Club — Owners: Alexis Ohanian, Serena Williams, Venus Williams; and limited partners Giannis Antetokounmpo and his brothers, Alex Morgan, Servando Carrasco, Michelle Wie West, Tisha Alyn. Roster: Tommy Fleetwood, Sahith Theegala, Collin Morikawa, Justin Rose.

New York Golf Club — Owner: Steven Cohen. Roster: Xander Schauffele, Rickie Fowler, Cameron Young, Matthew Fitzpatrick.

The Bay Golf Club (San Francisco) — Owners: Marc Lasry, Stephen Curry along with limited partners Andre Iguodala and Klay Thompson. Roster: Ludvig Aberg, Wyndham Clark, Min Woo Lee, Shane Lowry.

TGL schedule for 2025

Jan. 7: New York vs. Bay, 9 p.m., ESPN | ESPN+
Jan. 14: LA vs. Jupiter, 7 p.m., ESPN | ESPN+
Jan. 21: New York vs. Atlanta, 7 p.m., ESPN | ESPN+
Jan. 27: Jupiter vs. Boston, 6:30 p.m., ESPN | ESPN+
Feb. 4: Boston vs. LA, 9 p.m., ESPN | ESPN+
Feb. 17: Atlanta vs. LA, 1 p.m., ESPN | ESPN+
Feb. 17: Atlanta vs. Bay, 4 p.m., ESPN | ESPN+
Feb. 17: Bay vs. Boston, 7 p.m., ESPN | ESPN+
Feb. 18: Jupiter vs. New York, 7 p.m., ESPN | ESPN+
Feb. 24: LA vs. New York, 5 p.m., ESPN2 | ESPN+
Feb. 24: Boston vs. Atlanta, 9 p.m., ESPN2 | ESPN+
Feb. 25: Bay vs. Jupiter, 9 p.m., ESPN | ESPN+
March 3: Bay vs. LA, 3 p.m., ESPN2 | ESPN+
March 3: New York vs. Boston, 7 p.m., ESPN2 | ESPN+
March 4: Jupiter vs. Atlanta, 7 p.m., ESPN | ESPN+
March 17: Semifinals, 7 p.m., ESPN2 | ESPN+
March 18: Semifinals, 7 p.m., ESPN | ESPN+
March 24: Finals round 1, ESPN2 | ESPN+
March 25: Finals rounds 2-3, ESPN | ESPN+

For many NFL teams, Week 18 is a window into playoff season. But for others, it marks the unofficial start to draft season.

The finalization of the top of the first-round order provides some shape to the event, which is still more than three months away. And while events like the Senior Bowl, scouting combine and pro days — not to mention free agency — will surely provide critical insights, many fans are already wondering their team could land a top talent like Colorado’s Travis Hunter. And as always, the quarterbacks will once again dominate the pre-draft conversation, with Miami’s Cam Ward and Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders — and possibly Alabama’s Jalen Milroe — appearing to be the top prizes.

With much of the early first-round order set, here’s USA TODAY Sports’ latest 2025 NFL mock draft (remainder of the order filled in by Tankathon):

1. Tennessee Titans – Cam Ward, QB, Miami (Fla.)

With Ward, Tennessee might actually get what it hoped it would find in Will Levis: a dynamic thrower who can attack every level of the field. With the Titans’ suspect line likely not able to provide anywhere near the level of protection that the 6-foot-2, 223-pounder is accustomed to, there’s sure to be an adjustment period for a signal-caller who likes to test the boundaries of what he can get away with. But if he can settle in, Ward can help the team finally take off after two years of major moves from Ran Carthon.

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

2. Cleveland Browns – Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado

This could end up as the defining pick of the draft, as Cleveland will have to consider how eager it is to make a splashy move at quarterback with the Deshaun Watson uncertainty hanging over the franchise for at least another year. But this roster isn’t particularly well-equipped to serve a rookie signal-caller, and it would be hard to go wrong with the Heisman Trophy winner, who’s considered by many to be the premier talent of this class. Questions about how Hunter will be utilized at the next level are likely to amplify over the coming months, with much of the early feedback indicating teams could prefer the two-way star at cornerback. In whatever capacity the Browns would care to use him, Hunter would surely make significant mark.

3. New York Giants – Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

Their Week 17 explosion cost them the No. 1 pick, but Big Blue still ends up in position to select a quarterback suited to take the team into a new era. When it comes to managing pressure, the question is not so much about whether Sanders can handle the New York media spotlight as it is if he can exhibit a quicker trigger as a passer. But an experienced and accurate signal-caller capable of taking rookie sensation Malik Nabers to the next level should be an exciting notion for the Giants.

4. New England Patriots – Will Campbell, OT, LSU

New England won its finale, but it might have lost a lot of leverage in the process. The Patriots are now behind several quarterback-hungry teams, thereby limiting their prospects for a trade back that could have helped them boost their draft capital while still securing a top offensive lineman or receiver. As it stands, they can address their most pressing problem by grabbing Campbell, a consensus All-American who could be the stabilizing presence this shaky front lacks.

5. Jacksonville Jaguars – Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

Injuries cost Johnson not only several games this season, but also his deserved spotlight. The 6-2, 202-pounder has proven himself capable of handling almost any matchup or coverage assignment conceivable, as he’s comfortable both blanketing receivers and making plays on the ball. He would be an immediate asset to a Jaguars team that was repeatedly gave up big gains through the air.

6. Las Vegas Raiders – Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

The Silver and Black seem like a strong candidate to trade up given that they’re long overdue to make a premium investment in a young passer. If no deal materializes, however, the Raiders can set the table nicely for whoever takes over behind center by taking McMillan, who would pair with record-setting rookie tight end Brock Bowers to form an imposing duo of pass catchers.

7. New York Jets – Mason Graham, DT, Michigan

With no general manager or coach in place and Aaron Rodgers potentially headed out the door, Gang Green’s future is shapeless at the moment. Regardless of whatever direction the franchise heads in, picking up another interior force to put next to Quinnen Williams could help get the rebuild started off right.

8. Carolina Panthers – Abdul Carter, DE/OLB, Penn State

The effects of trading away Brian Burns were sorely felt by a defense that ranked last in the NFL in pass rush win rate, according to ESPN, through Week 17. In racking up 11 sacks en route to earning Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, Carter proved he can wreck offensive game plans with regularity.

9. New Orleans Saints – Mykel Williams, DE, Georgia

Williams is far more of an athlete than finished product as a pass rusher. But with New Orleans rebooting and likely needing to someone to take over for the long term opposite Carl Granderson, the Saints can be patient in bringing along a 6-5, 265-pound edge rusher with physical tools that few in this class can match.

10. Chicago Bears – Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State

Is using a top-10 selection on a running back a good use of resources for a team with as many issues as the Bears? Maybe not. But there’s little question that Chicago has to take drastic action to better support Caleb Williams after a calamitous debut campaign for the 2024 No. 1 pick. Jeanty, who rushed for 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns in carrying Boise State to the College Football Playoff, is the rare ball carrier capable recalibrating an offense.

11. San Francisco 49ers – Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas

Expecting anyone to take over for 11-time Pro Bowl selection Trent Williams at left tackle is bound to result in disappointment. But regardless of whether San Francisco would look to Banks to eventually take over at left tackle or move over to the right side – or even bump inside – the fleet-footed blocker could help get Brock Purdy and Christian McCaffrey back on track after a trying year.

12. Dallas Cowboys – Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri

Last season’s highest-scoring offense no longer looks particularly imposing, and it’s not just the Dak Prescott’s season-ending hamstring surgery that’s responsible for the dropoff. Though Burden’s electric skill set was seldom showcased by Missouri’s offense this season, he remains a big-play threat who can rack up yards after the catch with ease.

13. Miami Dolphins – Walter Nolen, DT, Mississippi

Even with myriad injuries and setbacks, it was still strange to see the Dolphins end up as one of four teams not to have a player selected to this year’s Pro Bowl given the substantial investment in top-end talent. Adding Nolen, a former No. 1 overall recruit who this season showed flashes of his immense potential, would represent another bet on explosiveness for a defense that could lose overperforming impending free agent Calais Campbell.

14. Indianapolis Colts – Malaki Starks, S, Georgia

A safety might seem like a stretch for a team with as many pain points as Indianapolis, but a Colts team mired in mediocrity should be in search of difference-makers in whatever form they come. After standout cornerback Kenny Moore II questioned the team’s effort and identity in November, Starks can step in to help set the tone for the defense with his playmaking range and savvy.

15. Atlanta Falcons – James Pearce Jr., DE, Tennessee

The pass rush came alive late in the season, but Atlanta shouldn’t rest on its laurels. With rapid burst off the line of scrimmage and the length to flummox offensive tackles, Pearce offers a tantalizing set of tools the Falcons can’t find elsewhere on their roster.

16. Arizona Cardinals – Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia

With no top-flight pass rusher at his disposal, Jonathan Gannon schemed up pressures from a variety of sources to cover for Arizona’s personnel deficiencies on defense. Walker and Gannon would make for a fitting pairing, as a player who has been likened to the coach’s former protege in Haason Reddick would no doubt come in handy as a spark plug for a unit that did not have one player reach five sacks this season.

17. Cincinnati Bengals – Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina

Outside of NFL sack king Trey Hendrickson, the Bengals don’t have many building blocks on a defense that came undone this past season. So long as he’s on track with his recovery from a torn anterior cruciate ligament suffered in September, Revel should catch the eye of the Bengals as a smothering coverage presence built for AFC North tussles.

18. Seattle Seahawks – Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon

Protection problems and a toothless running attack prevented coordinator Ryan Grubb’s offense from taking flight in Year 1. An ascending blocker, Conerly could slide over to right tackle and solidify a spot that looked particularly vulnerable when Abraham Lucas was out.

19. Houston Texans – Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon

Getting trampled by Derrick Henry on Christmas should push defensive tackle further up the Texans’ wish list. After a breakout campaign following his transfer from Michigan State, Harmon established himself as the kind of interior disruptor Houston needs to put between Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Shemar Stewart, DL, Texas A&M

Todd Bowles has to be intrigued by the possibility of adding a 6-6, 290-pound defensive linemen who throws blockers off balance with his length and physicality? Stewart still has work to do to properly harness his hyperaggressive playing style, but he should still make his mark against the run in the early going as he figures things out.

21. Denver Broncos – Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State

Think Sean Payton could have some fun with a hard-charging, do-it-all tight end? Warren has made a solid case for himself to be the first tight end taken, and his prowess pulling away from defenders in coverage and with the ball in his hands would make things considerably easier for Bo Nix.

22. Pittsburgh Steelers – Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama

Milroe might seem like an odd fit for Mike Tomlin, who instructed Russell Wilson to ‘take care of the football and stay on schedule’ prior to Pittsburgh ending the regular season on a four-game skid. But there’s no denying that he can ignite big plays as both a passer and runner, and the buzz around him could grow throughout the pre-draft process as he showcases his singular athleticism. If the Steelers can be patient with his development – perhaps sitting him behind Wilson or another established veteran to start – there’s a significant payoff to be had.

23. Los Angeles Rams – Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State

With Alaric Jackson set to hit free agency, the Rams might need to mull their options at left tackle. Simmons is still recovering from a season-ending knee injury he sustained in October, but the 6-5, 310-pounder otherwise checks nearly every box for a high-end blindside protector.

24. Green Bay Packers – Landon Jackson, DE, Arkansas

Bailing on Lukas Van Ness might be premature, but the Packers can’t expect a seismic jump from the former first-rounder, especially given the lack of depth and production from the edge rush. Jackson overwhelms blockers with his 6-7, 280-pound frame, though he’ll need to develop additional ways to win at the next level.

25. Los Angeles Chargers – Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan

No hard sell should be required for Jim Harbaugh when it comes to getting a handle on Loveland’s capabilities. In Harbaugh’s final season with the Wolverines in 2023, Loveland used his speed and fluidity to rack up 45 catches for 649 yards in a run-heavy attack. Equipping Justin Herbert with a legitimate threat down the seam seems like a winning proposition.

26. Washington Commanders – Nic Scourton, DE/OLB, Texas A&M

Dan Quinn has made it clear he wants ‘heavy hitters’ in Washington, no matter what form they come in. Whether it’s how he closes in on the quarterback or locks in against an opposing offensive tackle, Scourton has shown he can be exactly that in his pass rushes.

27. Baltimore Ravens – Mike Green, DE/OLB, Marshall

It’s simplistic to think the Ravens can upgrade their occasionally flagging pass rusher by bringing aboard the Football Subdivision Leader in sacks (17). But the 6-4, 248-pounder is both explosive and lithe enough to snake past blockers at the next level, and he could shore up one of this unit’s few apparent shortcomings.

28. Minnesota Vikings – Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan

Depending on how the offseason shakes out, cornerback might be the more immediate need on defense for Minnesota. But Grant can create opportunities for others with the attention he commands up front, and he could tap into his considerable potential under the leadership of Brian Flores – assuming the defensive coordinator doesn’t land a head coaching gig this cycle.30. Philadelphia Eagles – Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama

29. Buffalo Bills – JT Tuimoloau, DE, Ohio State

Outside of spot contributions from Von Miller, Buffalo isn’t getting much off the edge outside of Greg Rousseau’s contributions. Tuimoloau might be too rigid to ever post prolific sack numbers, but he can create consistent pressure through his forcefulness while also holding up well against the run.

30. Philadelphia Eagles – Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama

Yes, this would be a decidedly un-Howie Roseman-like move given how the GM approaches investing in linebackers. But with Zack Baun seemingly a strong candidate to cash in elsewhere after a breakout campaign that earned him a Pro Bowl nod, the Eagles should consider reloading with Campbell, whose versatility should shine through once he learns to play with a touch more discipline.

31. Kansas City Chiefs – Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota

Counting on D.J. Humphries and Joe Thuney to solve the emergency at left tackle might get the two-time defending champions through the season, but it’s not a tenable long-term plan. A Kansas City native, Ersery requires some refinement in pass protection but could still be a worthwhile investment as a blindside protector for Patrick Mahomes.

32. Detroit Lions – Tyler Booker, G, Alabama

Kevin Zeitler has been outstanding at right guard, but he’ll turn 35 in March and will be a free agent after this season. Booker would fit right in with the rest of the Lions’ offensive line, as he’s a punishing presence in the run game.

This story has been updated with new information.

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The Green Bay Packers seem to have gotten bad news on wide receiver Christian Watson on Monday morning.

According to multiple reports, the 25-year-old is believed to have suffered a torn ACL in the Packers’ Week 18 game against the Chicago Bears.

Watson was running a route during the second quarter when he suddenly fell to the ground after trying to make a break. He grabbed his knee while he remained on the turf, and multiple Bears players called for the trainers to check on him. The third-year receiver was eventually carted back to the locker room.

Here’s the latest Watson injury update:

All things Packers: Latest Green Bay Packers news, schedule, roster, stats, injury updates and more.

What happened to Christian Watson?

During the second quarter of the Packers’ Week 18 clash with the Bears, Watson sustained an apparent non-contact knee injury while trying to run a route.

He remained on the ground grabbing at his knee after the play was over, and the Packers’ training staff ran out to tend to the young wideout. After a brief on-field evaluation, the trainers carted Watson back to the locker room for further evaluation. He did not return to the game.

Christian Watson injury updates

On Monday, multiple reports indicated that Watson is feared to have a torn ACL. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport added that Waton’s knee injury may include ‘additional damage.’

The young receiver almost didn’t play in Week 18, according to Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz, ‘but he wanted to be out there for his team.’

The Packers have not yet released a statement confirming Watson’s status and the exact nature of his injury, but a torn ACL would indicate that Watson’s season is over. The Packers will be without one of their young wideouts when they play the Philadelphia Eagles in Sunday’s wild-card round clash.

How long is Christian Watson out?

If Watson suffered a torn ACL in Week 18, the timing of the injury would not only keep him out of the Packers’ postseason run but also jeopardize his status for the start of the 2025 regular season.

The recovery timeline from a torn ACL is generally around six to nine months, barring any unforeseen setbacks during the process, according to Cleveland Clinic. Athletes could require additional time in the recovery process before returning to action.

Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell is a recent example of a player who tore his ACL later in the season. After sustaining the tear in Week 15 last year, he was not activated again until Week 10 this season. Watson could face a similar timeline, offset by a few weeks.

Former five-star quarterback recruit Malachi Nelson has signed with UTEP, the Miners announced via social media on Monday.

The 6-foot-3 passer was the No. 11-ranked player and No. 5 quarterback in the 2023 recruiting class, per 247Sports’ Composite rankings, signing with the Trojans. He was originally committed to Oklahoma but flipped once Lincoln Riley departed Norman for Los Angeles.

Nelson turned down more lucrative opportunities at more successful programs to sign with UTEP because of his trust in coach Scotty Walden, ESPN reported Sunday.

Nelson entered the transfer portal after his freshman season with USC and expected to compete for the starting job at Boise State. There, he was beat out by Maddux Madsen, who alongside Heisman Trophy runner-up Ashton Jeanty led the Broncos to the College Football Playoff and a No. 3 seed after winning the Mountain West Conference.

Madsen’s success, of course, led to Nelson looking elsewhere.

Malachi Nelson 247Sports rating

As a recruit: No. 11 overall player | No. 5 QB | No. 2 player from state of California
As a transfer: No. 334 overall player | No. 30 QB

According to 247Sports’ Composite rankings, Nelson was a five-star quarterback coming out of Los Alamitos High School (California), ranked as the No. 11 overall player and No. 5 quarterback in the 2023 recruiting class.

Malachi Nelson stats

In two collegiate seasons, Nelson completed 13 of 20 passes for 128 yards with no touchdowns to an interception, appearing exclusively in a reserve role.

The Los Alamitos, California, native held offers from the likes of Alabama, Auburn, Florida, LSU, Oregon and Ohio State, among numerous others out of high school. He hopes to revive his career with UTEP, who finished with a 3-9 record in 2024.