The Los Angeles Rams and Denver Broncos clinched playoff spots last week. Could we see more teams earn playoff berths in Week 16?

Six teams won last week after trailing by at least 10 points, tied for the most in a single week in NFL history, per NFL Research.

Week 16 features multiple games with major playoff implications. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers visit the Carolina Panthers in a battle for first in the NFC South. The Jacksonville Jaguars and Denver Broncos put their winning streaks on the line in the Mile High City.

The Baltimore Ravens host the New England Patriots in a matchup between two AFC playoff contenders on ‘Sunday Night Football.’ Week 16 ends when 44-year-old Philip Rivers and the Indianapolis Colts travel to the Bay Area to take on the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 22.

USA TODAY Sports provides the early predictions for Week 16:

Odds courtesy of BetMGM.

NFL Week 15 predictions, picks

Los Angeles Rams vs. Seattle Seahawks

Date: Thursday, Dec. 18

Time: 8:15 p.m. ET

Location: Lumen Field, Seattle

TV: N/A

Streaming: Prime Video

Spread: Rams (-1)

Tyler Dragon, USA TODAY: Rams 24, Seahawks 20

Sam Darnold had four interceptions in a Week 11 loss to the Rams. The Rams have proven to be a bad matchup for the quarterback. The absence of Davante Adams (hamstring) is a tough blow for the Rams.  

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Commanders

Date: Saturday, Dec. 20

Time: 5 p.m. ET

Location: Northwest Stadium, Landover, MD

TV: FOX

Streaming: FUBO

Spread: Eagles (-6.5)

Tyler Dragon, USA TODAY: Eagles 28, Commanders 17

The Eagles had a get-right game against the lowly Raiders last week. Philly can clinch the division with a win. They won’t the opportunity versus Washington slip away.

Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears

Date: Saturday, Dec. 20

Time: 8:20 p.m. ET

Location: Soldier Field, Chicago

TV: FOX

Streaming: FUBO

Spread: Packers (-1.5)

Tyler Dragon, USA TODAY: Packers 25, Bears 21

Micah Parsons’ season-ending knee injury is a huge blow for Green Bay’s Super Bowl chances. But the NFC North division is still there for the taking. The Bears will play them tough at home.

Buffalo Bills vs. Cleveland Browns

Date: Sunday, Dec. 21

Time: 1 p.m. ET

Location: Huntington Bank Field, Cleveland

TV: CBS

Streaming: FUBO

Spread: Bills (-10)

Tyler Dragon, USA TODAY: Bills 26, Browns 17

Buffalo’s comeback win over the Patriots should give them momentum as they close the regular season. Myles Garrett is closing in on the NFL’s single-season sack record, but the Browns don’t have enough to compete with the Bills.

Los Angeles Chargers vs. Dallas Cowboys

Date: Sunday, Dec. 21

Time: 1 p.m. ET

Location: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX

TV: FOX

Streaming: FUBO

Spread: Cowboys (-1.5)

Tyler Dragon, USA TODAY: Chargers 23, Cowboys 20

The Cowboys are pretty much playing for pride at this point. The Chargers are still in contention for the AFC West crown. LA’s defense has been playing well lately. They’ll slow down the Cowboys offense (some).

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Tennessee Titans

Date: Sunday, Dec. 21

Time: 1 p.m. ET

Location: Nissan Stadium, Nashville, TN

TV: CBS

Streaming: FUBO

Spread: Chiefs (-3.5)

Tyler Dragon, USA TODAY: Chiefs 22, Titans 20

Kansas City’s season ended last week. Look for the Chiefs to play inspired for Patrick Mahomes, whose season-ending knee injury should be the genesis for a retooling in Kansas City.

Cincinnati Bengals vs. Miami Dolphins

Date: Sunday, Dec. 21

Time: 1 p.m. ET

Location: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL

TV: CBS

Streaming: FUBO

Spread: Bengals (-1)

Tyler Dragon, USA TODAY: Bengals 26, Dolphins 24

A battle between two disappointing teams. The Bengals and Dolphins are both eliminated from the playoffs, but I expect Joe Burrow to have a better performance after a bad outing in Week 15.

New York Jets vs. New Orleans Saints

Date: Sunday, Dec. 21

Time: 1 p.m. ET

Location: Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, LA

TV: CBS

Streaming: FUBO

Spread: Saints (-4)

Tyler Dragon, USA TODAY: Saints 20, Jets 17

The Saints are coming off two surprising wins over the top two teams in the NFC South. Kellen Moore, Tyler Shough and the Saints defense deserve a lot of credit for finishing the season strong. New Orleans carries its momentum against the Jets.

Minnesota Vikings vs. New York Giants  

Date: Sunday, Dec. 21

Time: 1 p.m. ET

Location: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ

TV: FOX

Streaming: FUBO

Spread: Vikings (-3)

Tyler Dragon, USA TODAY: Vikings 21, Giants 17

J.J. McCarthy is starting to play like a competent quarterback. McCarthy’s connection with Justin Jefferson still needs work, but Minnesota is improving.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers  

Date: Sunday, Dec. 21

Time: 1 p.m. ET

Location: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC

TV: FOX

Streaming: FUBO

Spread: Bucs (-3)

Tyler Dragon, USA TODAY: Bucs 25, Panthers 20

This might be the game of the Week. The winner of this game takes control of the NFC South. I think the Bucs prove they are still the class of the division, but Carolina is coming.

Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Denver Broncos  

Date: Sunday, Dec. 21

Time: 4:05 p.m. ET

Location: Empower Field at Mile High, Denver

TV: FOX

Streaming: FUBO

Spread: Broncos (-3)

Tyler Dragon, USA TODAY: Broncos 24, Jaguars 22

The Broncos have the longest active winning streak in the NFL at 11 games. Denver is closing in on the No. 1 seed in the AFC. The surging Jags are going to make it tough, though.

Atlanta Falcons vs. Arizona Cardinals   

Date: Sunday, Dec. 21

Time: 4:05 p.m. ET

Location: State Farm Stadium, Glendale, AZ

TV: FOX

Streaming: FUBO

Spread: Falcons (-2.5)

Tyler Dragon, USA TODAY: Falcons 25, Cardinals 21

The Falcons had a huge win against Tampa Bay last week. I expect the Falcons to ride Bijan Robinson to victory in this one.

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Detroit Lions   

Date: Sunday, Dec. 21

Time: 4:25 p.m. ET

Location: Ford Field, Detroit

TV: CBS

Streaming: FUBO

Spread: Lions (-7)

Tyler Dragon, USA TODAY: Lions 28, Steelers 24

Expect this to be a physical game between two teams battling to get in the playoffs. The Lions need to win out, and get help, to earn a playoff berth. Detroit’s the more desperate team. The Lions should be favored, but a seven-point spread feels like a lot. Pittsburgh’s won two in a row.

Las Vegas Raiders vs. Houston Texans   

Date: Sunday, Dec. 21

Time: 4:25 p.m. ET

Location: NRG Stadium, Houston

TV: CBS

Streaming: FUBO

Spread: Texans (-14.5)

Tyler Dragon, USA TODAY: Texans 26, Raiders 10

It’s simple. The Raiders are the worst team in the NFL. Houston’s won six straight games, they are at home and fighting for a playoff spot.

New England Patriots vs. Baltimore Ravens   

Date: Sunday, Dec. 21

Time: 8:20 p.m. ET

Location: M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, MD

TV: NBC

Streaming: Peacock

Spread: Ravens (-3)

Tyler Dragon, USA TODAY: Ravens 28, Patriots 27

I’m surprised the Ravens are home favorites in this one. I originally picked Baltimore to win the Super Bowl. A win against New England could catapult them as they close the year against Green Bay and Pittsburgh.

Indianapolis Colts vs. San Francisco 49ers   

Date: Monday, Dec. 22

Time: 8:20 p.m. ET

Location: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN

TV: ESPN

Streaming: FUBO

Spread: 49ers (-5.5)

Tyler Dragon, USA TODAY: 49ers 24, Colts 20

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

The Tyler Skaggs wrongful death civil lawsuit thundered toward a conclusion Monday, Dec. 15, with lawyers for the deceased pitcher and the Los Angeles Angels’ legal team presenting their closing arguments.

Sometime Tuesday, Dec. 16, arguments and rebuttals will conclude and the jury will begin deliberations, tasked with determining whether the Angels knew or should have known their former communications director was providing opioids to Skaggs and other players, including the fentanyl-laced oxycodone pill that resulted in the pitcher’s death on July 1, 2019.

Eric Kay is serving a 22-year term in federal prison, and the Skaggs family is seeking $118 million in lost earnings and other damages in this civil trial.

Closing arguments lasted nearly four hours Dec. 15, The Athletic reported, with Skaggs family attorney Daniel Dutko accusing the Angels of ‘gaslighting’ the jury.

‘It’s trying to convince you of something that isn’t true,’ he said.

At issue is whether Kay’s distribution of opioids to Angels players fell within the scope of his regular duties as Angels communications director, with Skaggs attorneys arguing that Kay performed myriad tasks for the players, arranging tickets to sporting events, purchasing Viagra for one player and arranging massages and other appointments.

The Angels contend that Skaggs, who fought a Percocet addiction as an Arizona Diamondback before he was acquired by the Angels in 2013, was the ringleader of a group of Angels players who abused Oxycodone and other opioids.

Lead attorney Todd Theodora contended Skaggs made other Angels players aware that Kay could provide pills, that the Angels handled Kay properly by facilitating his treatment for opioid addiction earlier in 2019, his recovery threatened by Skaggs continuing to ask him for pills.

‘What you see here is a classic double standard,’ Thedora argued.

The final weeks of the trial, now stretching toward its second month, was marked by squabbles over Skaggs’ potential future earnings. The Angels deployed former major league general manager Dan Duquette to contend that Skaggs’ earnings potential was between zero and $50 million.

Skaggs was exactly halfway to his finest season as a pitcher, on track to make 30 starts and pitch a career-high 160 innings at the time of his death. As a left-handed starter, he would have always been a rare commodity on the free agent market.

The virtually impossible task of determining such value – and the risk for both sides of a massive jury award or nothing – creates the possibility of a settlement before the jury returns a verdict. A civil trial requires just eight of 12 jurors to agree on a verdict, and unlike a criminal trial, not needing to meet the standard of beyond a reasonable doubt.

On Tuesday night, for the third time, there will be a new NBA Cup champion.

The San Antonio Spurs will take on the New York Knicks on Tuesday, Dec. 16 in Las Vegas to culminate the third playing of the event. But, now that it has become a staple of the NBA calendar, is it actually working?

By many metrics, the NBA Cup has been a resounding success.

More than 40 million viewers tuned in for group stage games, a 90% year-over-year increase. It was the most-watched group stage in the Cup’s three seasons. Headed into the quarterfinals, the international audience for NBA Cup games had also jumped, by 10%. Factoring in the high-profile Spurs-Thunder semifinal matchup over the weekend, that number is presumably even higher.

“It’s growing,” Hall of Fame guard and current Amazon Prime analyst Steve Nash told USA TODAY Sports in a phone interview. “The importance to the players and coaches is growing. That is, I think, the genesis of the success we’re going to see as it continues to grow.”

Those gains are evident through the league’s social channels, too.

Through the quarterfinals, content from NBA Cup games garnered 2.6 billion views across the NBA’s social and digital platforms, a 38% growth from last season. Content from NBA Cup days, on average, yielded 24% more views than non-Cup days.

The event has infused an element of competition that would otherwise be lacking during a stretch of the calendar when fans might be distracted by college football and the NFL.

And for the players, it’s no surprise that the financial incentive to win carries weight.

Each player on the NBA Cup championship team Tuesday night will claim an additional $530,933.

“When I see the court, I’m like, it’s just time to win the money,” Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels said Nov. 7, according to the Star Tribune. “We ain’t been to Vegas one time. At least come in first, second, or third, we get a little bit of money. So, whichever one we come in, I’m cool — we get a little wire transfer.”

It’s not just the players; the NBA Cup is also making the league money. Marketing partnerships have increased successively each season of the event, and the number of partners this year, 14, is double what it was during the inaugural playing in 2023.

It has also helped that, this year, premier NBA Cup games have been packaged on a new broadcast partner that has drawn positive reviews. In its first full season broadcasting NBA games, Amazon Prime has been a solid addition to the portfolio. Alongside Nash, former players like Dirk Nowitzki, Blake Griffin, Dwyane Wade and John Wall (among others) have treated pre- and post-game content as opportunities to educate fans about the inner workings of the game. Rejecting hot take and debate culture, the Amazon broadcasts have become appointment viewing.

Yet, there’s still work to be done.

Although audience, engagement and attendance are all up since the introduction of the event, the league will continue to monitor ways it can improve the NBA Cup, and might incorporate changes in the coming season to maximize reach and profit.

“It’s not perfect,” Nash continued. “Change is difficult. Trying to build something new is never straightforward, so there’s going to be bumps in the road. But, overall, I see how it’s gaining importance — from players and coaches, but how that all trickles down to the fans, too.”

‘Change the courts, please’

To market the tournament, the NBA contracted artist Victor Solomon the past two seasons to design custom alternate courts for each team to be used during Cup games. This is not new; the league also used alternate courts in the first iteration of the event in 2023, which was then known as the NBA In-Season Tournament. But the alternate floors, at best, have drawn mixed reviews.

Safety concerns emerged this season, after Los Angeles Lakers guards Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves complained about the surface at Crypto.com Arena being slick.

“Change the courts, please,” Dončić told reporters Nov. 25 after the Lakers beat the Clippers on their alternate NBA Cup floor. “It’s just slippery. It’s dangerous.”

Dončić’s concerns reached the Lakers front office, which elevated the matter. Eventually, prior to the team’s following home NBA Cup game, Wednesday, Dec. 11 against the Spurs, the alternate court had been returned to the vendor for repairs, according to ESPN. The Lakers played on their primary floor instead. The move, ESPN reported, was made out of an abundance of caution.

The night prior, during an NBA Cup East Quarterfinal game against the Miami Heat, the Orlando Magic also played on their primary court, though that was because their NBA Cup court was damaged while held in storage.

Fans are engaging with the NBA Cup because of the product atop the floor, not the paint on it. If anything, the unconventional — if not dizzying — colors and designs can detract from the viewing experience.

This season, the most controversial court was Minnesota’s, which drew widespread disapproval Nov. 7, when the Timberwolves first played on it, against the Utah Jazz.

The court was overwhelmingly fluorescent, almost like a giant green screen. It was so bright that, when cameras zoomed in on players’ faces during the broadcast, they were underlit in a hazy, green glow.

“It’s an honor to step on an NBA court,” Jazz coach Will Hardy said after the game, “no matter how ugly that court is.’

This is a case where subtlety might make more sense. The NBA should distinguish its NBA Cup courts to further heighten the stakes of the event, but it can do so in a more understated way. Perhaps, the league could incorporate a smaller decal or image of the NBA Cup trophy, or signage similar to the popular NBA Finals text that used to be visible near midcourt during the championship series.

The NBA Cup spawns questions about dense scheduling

John Hollinger of the Athletic conjectured in a recent article that the NBA Cup’s schedule has imposed further strain on the bodies of NBA players. The 2025-26 season has seen various soft-tissue injuries to some of the game’s biggest stars like Wembanyama and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Hollinger hypothesized that road travel for Cup games might in part be contributing to early fatigue.

NBA chief communications officer Mike Bass pushed back against that claim in a statement posted Thursday, Dec. 11 on social media. In the message, Bass cited data and said “The Cup has objectively not led to a denser league-wide schedule in the early part of the season.”

Injuries across the NBA are almost certainly multi-factorial, from the steady increasing of pace and average velocity across the league this season, to the extension of the basketball calendar with EuroBasket and international competition. There simply isn’t enough data to determine the impact of the NBA Cup on injuries.

Spreading travel days over a longer period, however, would be an easy step to ease any potential exhaustion players might be feeling.

Where does the NBA Cup go from here?

Players, by and large, thrive on competition. Initially, back in the inaugural year of the event, there was some confusion about the merits of the tournament.

“It’s weird, because the energy, you can tell is like something is happening,” then-Bucks player Damian Lillard said in November 2023 during a post-game interview. “But it’s new so I’m not really sure what the hell is going on. It seems like a moment — the court, the uniforms, TV game and all that, but I don’t think nobody really knows what’s going on. We just trying to get to Vegas.”

As players have had more experience in Cup games, however, that sentiment has largely faded.

The quality of matchups and storylines, however, will determine the success of the NBA Cup. The West semifinal upset on Saturday, Dec. 12, when the Spurs toppled the Oklahoma City Thunder in Wembanyama’s return from a 12-game, calf-strain absence flashed the potential of what the Cup can be: the established power, the defending NBA champion Thunder were challenged by upstarts. Some of the game’s brightest stars — Wembanyama and reigning NBA Most Valuable Player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander — had to will their teams.

If the Cup can become a playoff-lite, a precursor to the drama of May and June, the event will thrive.

The buy-in has already started. Sustaining it will be imperative.

“As competitors, we want to win every game,” Wembanyama told reporters Dec. 15. “And this one brings something new to the table, so we want to win it even more.”

The Pittsburgh Steelers remain on top of the AFC North.

On a cold Monday night in Pittsburgh, the Steelers (8-6) defeated the Miami Dolphins (6-8), 28-15.

The Dolphins scored the game’s first points on a field goal in what was a defensive battle for most of the first half. The Steelers put together a 12-play, 60-yard touchdown drive at the end of the second period, which was part of 28 unanswered points between three quarters.

It’s Pittsburgh’s second straight win.

The Dolphins’ loss snapped their four-game winning streak and they are now mathematically eliminated from the playoff contention.

USA TODAY Sports examines the winners and losers from the Week 15 AFC matchup on ‘Monday Night Football’:

WINNERS

Steelers defense without T.J. Watt

The Steelers defense was stout even without their best player, T.J. Watt, who underwent lung surgery last week. Watt suffered a partially collapsed lung during a dry needling treatment at the team facility on Dec. 10. The Steelers defense played well without the 2021 NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

Pittsburgh held Miami to just three points and had a takeaway in the first half.

The Steelers defense erased Miami’s offense in the third quarter; the Dolphins had minus-20 yards in the period.

The Steeles defense sacked Tua Tagovailoa four times and intercepted him once. They did give up two touchdowns during garbage time in the fourth quarter, which made the game appear more competitive than it was.

Dolphins running back De’Von Achane was held to 60 rushing yards.

Steelers offense

The Steelers were ranked in the bottom half of the NFL in total offense (284.5), pass offense (195.2) and run offense (89.2) entering Week 15. In the first half it showed. However, Pittsburgh turned it up in the second half.

The Steelers scored 21 points after halftime and gained 220 total yards.

Kenneth Gainwell tallied 126 yards from scrimmage.

DK Metcalf had a strong touchdown catch. He finished with three catches for 55 yards and a touchdown.

The Steelers gained 336 yards of total offense, passing for 201 and rushing for 135 yards. Those numbers represent improvements from their averages.

Aaron Rodgers

Rodgers was efficient in the win. He completed 23-of-27 passes for 224 yards and two touchdowns. He now has multiple touchdown passes in 166 career games.

Mike Tomlin’s .500 record streak

Remember those “fire Mike Tomlin” chants? Those calls seem to be a thing of the past.

Tomlin’s closing in on a 19th consecutive season with a .500-or-better record, the longest such streak to begin a head coaching tenure in NFL history.

LOSERS

Dolphins’ playoff hopes

The loss eliminated Miami from the AFC playoff race. The Dolphins had entered Week 15 riding a four-game winning streak.

Tua Tagovailoa in cold weather

Tagovailoa is 0-6 when the temperature is 40 degrees or colder.

Tagovailoa threw his league-leading 15th interception. The interception happened on an underthrown deep pass to Jaylen Waddle in the first quarter. The underthrown pass won’t quiet critics about his arm strength.

The Dolphins quarterback finished with 254 passing yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Most of his positive plays happened when the game was out of reach. He had a few passes that could’ve been intercepted.

Miami’s third quarter

The Dolphins didn’t show up after halftime.

The Dolphins defense gave up 14 points and 163 total yards in the third quarter. The offense was worse.

Miami’s offense had an abysmal minus-20 yards of total offense in the third quarter. The Dolphins ran six total plays in the period and nothing worked.

First half offense

Both defenses won the first half. The first two quarters resembled a Pirates vs. Marlins baseball game. The Steelers entered halftime with a 7-3 lead, but it was a struggle offensively for both squads.

The Dolphins went 1-4 on third downs and Tua Tagovailoa underthrew Jaylen Waddle on a deep pass that was picked off by Steelers CB Asante Samuel Jr.

Pittsburgh punted on its first three possessions. The Steelers put together a 60-yard touchdown drive on their final offensive series in the first half.

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

Want to hit a slam dunk with your holiday presents this year? Look no further than our gift guide for women sports lovers and fans of women’s sports.

Whether you’re shopping for a fashionable fan that turns any stadium into a runway or a homebody that loves to show their support from the comfy confines of their house, USA TODAY Sports has carefully-curated a list of gifts that feature something for everyone. We even included ideas for Caitlin Clark and Taylor Swift superfans.

You won’t drop the ball with our gift guide as your playbook. Here’s a wide-range of presents that any sports fan would love to unwrap for the upcoming holidays with links and prices included:

For the fashionista

Elevated game day apparel

The legendary Deion Sanders once said, ‘If you look good, you feel good. If you feel good, you play good. If you play good, they pay good.’ While sports fans won’t be stepping on the field or court, the motto still applies to spectators cheering on their favorites from the stands. Jerseys are great, but here are some other options:

Nike by TOGETHXR’s ‘Everyone Watches Women’s Sports’ Tee is a classic staple. If you want to switch it up, check out the WNBPA’s ‘Pay Us What You Owe Us’ shirts Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese and other players wore during the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis or stand out in Playa Society’s bold looks. For everyday clothes you can wear outside of game day, check out Abercrombie or Lululemon’s NFL collections. Offseason by Kristin Juszczyk also offers upcycled women’s merch apparel that’s not boring.

Stylish clear stadium bag

Nothing beats seeing your favorite team in person, but stadium bag guidelines can seriously cramp your style if you aren’t prepared. Most stadiums require clear bags no larger than 12 ‘x 6′ x 12’. Avoid taking an extra trip to the car with a stylish stadium bag. Coach and Stoney Clover have effortlessly chic options that come with a much-needed cross body strap, while Beis and Target offer cheaper alternatives that are equally nice.

Coach’s Stadium Swinger Bag: $150
Stoney Clover’s Clear Curved Crossbody Bag: $78
Beis The Stadium Crossbody in Black: $58
Target’s Game Day Clear Crossbody Bag: $15

*Pro tip: Attach a cute bag charm (like this one from Amazon) or a lipgloss keychain.

Taylor-swift inspired jewelry

Taylor Swift sent social media buzzing after she donned a Kansas City Chiefs necklace from Baublebar in honor of her now-fiancé Travis Kelce. For fans (or Swifties) looking for a more subtle sign of support, try Baublebar’s NFL Bracelet Set ($52) that can seamlessly merges with everyday jewelry. The Varsity Number Custom Bracelet would be perfect for a mom to showcase their child’s jersey number. Baublebar’s NFL Beaded Phone Charm ($48) is also the perfect accessory you didn’t know you need.

For the homebody

For the fan that likes to support their team from the couch look for every day luxury items that people typically hesitate to buy for themselves, but would elevate their everyday routine. FOCO’s slipper collections can keep you warm on game day (in addition to robes and pajamas). MLB Sundae Slugger Ceramic Ice Cream Bowl Set or a playful mug from Uncommon Goods elevates any snack or beverage. Or pull on the heartstrings by framing a favorite game day memory. (Bonus points if you add the ticket stub to the frame).

For the Caitlin Clark fanatic

The WNBA is currently in the offseason, but fans can still get their dose of all things Caitlin Clark this holiday season with these finds. Clark’s signature shoe and signature collection won’t drop until next year, but fans can still get their hands on her logo collection, which includes T-shirts, hoodies, shorts and pants for all ages. A Caitlin Clark Funko Pop ($14.99) can jazz up any office or desk, while Clark trading cards are more popular than ever and a Clark basketball never goes out of style.

The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.

The 2025 NCAA volleyball tournament intensifies as the Final Four begins with two matches in at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City on Thursday and the national championship on Sunday.

All four No. 1 seeds (Kentucky, Pitt, Texas and Nebraska) swept their opponents in the Sweet 16. In the Elite Eight, it was a different story. Kentucky swept No. 3 Creighton, and Pitt topped No. 3 Purdue, earning a trip to its fifth consecutive Final Four. Texas A&M stunned undefeated Nebraska, and Wisconsin upset Texas to punch their tickets.

The best high-level volleyball of the year is days away. Here’s a preview of the Final Four, including matchups, lineups and X-factors to keep an eye on.

(Number before team name represents its tournament seed)

No. 1 Pitt vs. No. 3 Texas A&M

Thursday, Dec. 18: 6:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)

Pittsburgh Panthers starting lineup

Head coach: Dan Fisher

3 Emery Dupes | L/DS 5-6 – Redshirt Senior
5 Olivia Babcock | RS 6-4 – Junior
8 Blaire Bayless | OH 6-2 – Junior
10 Marina Pezelj | OH 6-1 – Freshman
13 Mallorie Meyer | L/DS 5-7 – Sophomore
17 Brook Mosher | S 6-0 – Redshirt Senior
20 Abbey Emch | MB 6-4 – Freshman
21 Bre Kelley | MB 6-4 – Redshirt Senior

X-factor: Brooke Mosher, setter

Mosher’s development throughout the season and into the NCAA tournament has been on full display. The Illinois transfer is an outstanding setter with a vicious serve that showed up when the Panthers needed it most. With a fifth consecutive trip to the Final Four on the line, Mosher rattled off back-to-back service aces against Purdue to send Pitt to Kansas City. She finished her superb Elite Eight match with four kills on .500 hitting, an incredible 47 assists, three service aces, seven digs and four blocks. Don’t sleep on Mosher.

Texas A&M Aggies starting lineup

Head coach: Jamie Morrison

37 Kyndal Stowers | OH 5-11 – Sophomore
1 Ifenna Cos-Okpalla | MB 6-2 – Senior
2 Addi Applegate | L/DS 5-5 – Freshman
9 Logan Lednicky | OPP 6-3 – Senior
12 Ava Underwood | L/DS 5-7 – Senior
16 Maddie Waak | S 5-10 – Senior

X-factor: Emily Hellmuth, outside hitter

Coming off the bench, outside hitter Emily Hellmuth helps the Aggies keep a balanced attack on offense, and when she gets going, she’s hard to stop. She’s third on the team in total kills and her powerful swing is her secret weapon. Hellmuth’s ability to shine in big moments is what has helped the Aggies make the Final Four. She was critical to the Aggies’ success against No. 1 Nebraska during the Elite Eight, providing 13 kills, two aces and four blocks. Her best tournament outing came against Campbell. She finished with 10 kills on 15 swings and a .667 hitting percentage.

No. 1 Kentucky vs. No. 3 Wisconsin

Thursday, Dec. 18: Time TBD (ESPN)

Kentucky Wildcats starting lineup

Head coach: Craig Skinner

6 Kassie O’Brien | S 6-1 – Freshman
7 Eva Hudson | OH 6-1 – Senior
10 Kennedy Washington | MB 6-0 – Sophomore
11 Molly Berezowitz | DS 5-5 – Junior
12 Molly Tuozzo | L 5-7 – Junior
15 Lizzie Carr | MB 6-6 – Redshirt Junior
17 Brooklyn DeLeye | OH 6-2 – Junior

X factor: Lizzie Carr, middle blocker

Outside hitter duo Brooklyn DeLeye and Eva Hudson rightfully garner a lot of attention. Still, for Kentucky to make a push for a national championship, one of the keys may be middle blocker Lizzie Carr. The redshirt junior is a glue player who quietly gets the job done. She’s had multiple efficient performances during the NCAA tournament. Her best day came during a magnificent outing against Cal Poly in the Sweet 16, where she finished with 11 kills on 15 swings (with a .667 hitting percentage) and six crucial blocks.

Wisconsin Badgers starting lineup

Head coach: Kelly Sheffield

1 Una Vajagic | OH 6-0 – Redshirt Sophomore
7 Kristen Simon | L 5-8 – Freshman
15 Mimi Colyer | OH 6-3 – Senior
17 Alicia Andrew | MB 6-3 – Redshirt Senior
24 Charlie Fuerbringer | S 5-11 – Sophomore
32 Grace Egan | RS 6-1 – Redshirt Sophomore
52 Carter Booth | MB 6-7 – Senior

X-factor: Una Vajagic, outside hitter

Mimi Colyer and Carter Booth garner a lot of attention, but it’s Una Vajagic who is the unsung hero for the Badgers. She quietly works in the background and has had double-digit kills in each of her last three NCAA tournament matches, including 13 kills on .444 hitting and 11 digs against Stanford. The Badgers’ outside hitter also helps the team’s passing game, which they’ll need in the Final Four.