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Fantasy football waiver wire Week 17: 8 players to pick up

Congratulations to the lucky few fantasy football managers who will be playing for championships in Week 17. Now comes the hard part. Finishing the title quest with a victory.

For yet another week, numerous injuries have a monumental impact on fantasy football lineups. Several quarterbacks went down in Week 16, with Jordan Love, Marcus Mariota, J.J. McCarthy and Gardner Minshew being the most notable.

So, which quarterback replacements could be the best, and what waiver-wire flex options could emerge as quality plays during fantasy championship week?

Here’s a look at the best players fantasy managers can target on waivers ahead of Week 17.

Week 17 fantasy football waiver wire targets

QB Tyler Shough, New Orleans Saints (Rostered in 13% of Yahoo leagues)

Shough threw for a career-high 308 passing yards against the Jets while attempting 49 passes. The pass-heavy game-plan came as the Saints were without their top-three running backs – Alvin Kamara, Kendre Miller and Devin Neal – due to injury.

The latter two backs are out for the season, so if Kamara doesn’t return to action, Shough could get similar volume against the Titans in Week 17. He has logged at least 17 fantasy points in four consecutive games, so those desperate for a quarterback streamer can consider backing Shough.

QB Cam Ward, Tennessee Titans (Rostered in 8% of Yahoo leagues)

Here’s another rookie quarterback to consider in fantasy football Week 17. Ward has logged multiple passing scores in three consecutive games and has only been sacked three times across that span. The No. 1 overall pick appears to be getting into a better rhythm and is worth considering as an emergency option for those needing injury replacements at quarterback.

RB Tyjae Spears, Tennessee Titans (Rostered in 25% of Yahoo leagues)

Spears is another Titan who could be a flex option in Week 17. He had a breakout game against the Chiefs in Week 16, posting 105 scrimmage yards and a touchdown on 18 total touches.

RB Michael Carter, Arizona Cardinals (Rostered in 42% of Yahoo leagues)

How is Carter still rostered in under 50% of fantasy leagues? The veteran is set to finish the 2025 NFL season as Arizona’s lead back with James Conner, Trey Benson and Bam Knight all out for the season.

Carter handled 11 carries against the Falcons and turned them into 65 yards. Corey Kiner and Emari Demercado ate into his workload a bit, combining for 11 total carries, but Carter should still handle a lead-back-type role when the Cardinals face the Bengals in Week 17. Cincinnati has been one of the worst defenses against running backs this season, so Carter could pop off in that matchup.

RB Raheim Sanders, Cleveland Browns (Rostered in 0% of Yahoo leagues)

The Browns unfortunately lost star rookie running back Quinshon Judkins to a broken leg in Week 16. That, plus the absences of Jerome Ford and Dylan Sampson, opened the door for the undrafted ‘Rocket’ Sanders to get work in Cleveland’s backfield.

The result? Sanders notched 42 yards on 11 carries. The Arkansas product doesn’t have a great matchup in Week 17 against the Steelers, but fantasy managers will be hard-pressed to find many higher-volume options on the waiver wire.

RB Emanuel Wilson, Green Bay Packers (Rostered in 37% of Yahoo leagues)

Wilson actually out-worked Josh Jacobs in the Packers’ overtime loss to the Bears in Week 16. Wilson saw 14 carries to Jacobs’ 12, as the veteran continues to nurse a knee injury.

Jacobs may not miss time as the Packers jockey hard for position in a tightly packed NFC playoff race, but if he’s banged up, Wilson may continue to see additional carries. That makes him a viable flex option.

WR Parker Washington, Jacksonville Jaguars (Rostered in 23% of Yahoo leagues)

Washington had taken a backseat to Jakobi Meyers and Brian Thomas Jr. in recent weeks, but he reminded fantasy managers of what he is capable of in Week 16. He racked up 145 yards and a touchdown on six catches against the Broncos while leading the Jaguars with 10 targets.

Washington could be worth a flier for fantasy managers in need of receiver help to close the season. He’s a boom-or-bust flex option but has a nice matchup against a banged-up Colts secondary.

TE Taysom Hill, New Orleans Saints (Rostered in 1% of Yahoo leagues)

Hill is about as boom-or-bust of a fantasy option you’ll find. That said, with the Saints’ issues at running back, Hill led the team with 12 carries and 42 yards and added four catches for 36 yards through the air.

That volume will make Hill well worthy of starting at tight end, a position with few consistently productive options. He also still has gadget passing upside, as evidenced by the 38-yard touchdown he threw against the Jets, so he is a very intriguing final-week pickup for those needing help at the TE position.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY
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Everything to know for soccer’s Africa Cup of Nations

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, the biennial tournament held by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), kicked off the group stage on Sunday, Dec. 21. The tournament will determine the continent’s champion with the final on Sunday, Jan. 18.

The Africa Cup of Nations – also known as AFCON – is being held in Morocco, with nine venues in six cities hosting matches. Morocco, which advanced to the semifinals of the 2022 World Cup and currently are rated No. 11 in the FIFA world rankings, enter as tournament favorites, according to BetMGM.

Ivory Coast enters as defending champions, having defeated Nigeria in the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Seven of the nine CAF nations that have qualified for the 2026 World Cup – Algeria, Egypt, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa and Tunisia – will be competing in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Another nation, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, could qualify for the World Cup at the FIFA World Cup 2026 Play-Off Tournament that will take place in March.

Here’s what to know for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations:

How to watch the Africa Cup of Nations

The entire tournament will be broadcast on beIN Sports, with streaming available on Fubo.

Watch the Africa Cup of Nations on Fubo

Africa Cup of Nations groups

Group A

Comoros
Mali
Morocco
Zambia

Group B

Angola
Egypt
South Africa
Zimbabwe

Group C

Nigeria
Tanzania
Tunisia
Uganda

Group D

Benin
Botswana
Congo DR
Senegal

Group E

Algeria
Burkina Faso
Equatorial Guinea
Sudan

Group F

Cameroon
Gabon
Ivory Coast
Mozambique

Africa Cup of Nations schedule

GROUP STAGE

Sunday, Dec. 21

Morocco 2, Comoros 0

Monday, Dec. 22

Mali vs. Zambia, 9 a.m. ET
South Africa vs. Angola, 12 p.m. ET
Egypt vs. Zimbabwe, 3 p.m. ET

Tuesday, Dec. 23

Congo DR vs. Benin, 7:30 a.m. ET
Senegal vs. Botswana, 10 a.m. ET
Nigeria vs. Tanzania, 12:30 p.m. ET
Tunisia vs. Uganda, 3 p.m. ET

Wednesday, Dec. 24

Burkina Faso vs. Equatorial Guinea, 7:30 a.m. ET
Algeria vs. Sudan, 10 a.m. ET
Ivory Coast vs. Mozambique, 12:30 p.m. ET
Cameroon vs. Gabon, 3 p.m. ET

Friday, Dec. 26

Angola vs. Zimbabwe, 7:30 a.m. ET
Egypt vs. South Africa, 10 a.m. ET
Zambia vs. Comoros, 12:30 p.m. ET
Morocco vs. Mali, 3 p.m. ET

Saturday, Dec. 27

Benin vs. Botswana, 7:30 a.m. ET
Senegal vs. Congo DR, 10 a.m. ET
Uganda vs. Tanzania, 12:30 p.m. ET
Nigeria vs. Tunisia, 3 p.m. ET

Sunday, Dec. 28

Gabon vs. Mozambique, 7:30 a.m. ET
Equatorial Guinea vs. Sudan, 10 a.m. ET
Algeria vs. Burkina Faso, 12:30 p.m. ET
Ivory Coast vs. Cameroon, 3 p.m. ET

Monday, Dec. 29

Angola vs. Egypt, 11 a.m. ET
Zimbabwe vs. South Africa, 11 a.m. ET
Comoros vs. Mali, 2 p.m. ET
Zambia vs. Morocco, 2 p.m. ET

Tuesday, Dec. 30

Tanzania vs. Tunisia, 11 a.m. ET
Uganda vs. Nigeria, 11 a.m. ET
Benin vs. Senegal, 2 p.m. ET
Botswana vs. Congo DR, 2 p.m. ET

Wednesday, Dec. 31

Equatorial Guinea vs. Algeria, 11 a.m. ET
Sudan vs. Burkina Faso, 11 a.m. ET
Gabon vs. Ivory Coast, 2 p.m. ET
Mozambique vs. Cameroon, 2 p.m. ET

ROUND OF 16

Saturday, Jan. 3-Tuesday, Jan. 6

QUARTERFINALS

Friday, Jan. 9-Saturday, Jan. 10

SEMIFINALS

Wednesday, Jan. 14

THIRD-PLACE GAME

Saturday, Jan. 17 (in Casablanca)

FINAL

Sunday, Jan. 18 (in Rabat)

Africa Cup of Nations 2025 odds

Here are the favorites to win AFCON 2025, per BetMGM:

(Odds as of Sunday, Dec. 21)

Morocco: +210
Algeria: +550
Senegal: +600
Egypt: +700
Nigeria: +1000
Ivory Coast: +1200
Cameroon: +2000
Tunisia: +2000
Mali: +2000
South Africa: +2500

This post appeared first on USA TODAY
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Watch: Jaguars player involved in full-circle hurdling moment

Jarrian Jones was once the casualty of one of the top plays of last season when Saquon Barkley hurdled him backwards as he helplessly attempted to tackle the Philadelphia Eagles running back. The moment came full circle for the Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback on Sunday.

Jones showed off his hops.

The Jaguars cornerback hurdled RJ Harvey just as the Denver Broncos running back was about to crash into him on the sideline.

Jones’ sideline maneuver wasn’t as impressive as Barkley’s backwards hurdle, but he did display very good vertical leap ability.

Jones even picked off Broncos quarterback Bo Nix in the 34-20 win to put the icing on the cake.

All the NFL news on and off the field. Sign up for USA TODAY’s 4th and Monday newsletter.

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Vance unleashes profanity-laced two-word message for critics of his wife Usha

Vice President JD Vance is not mincing his words, telling the news outlet UnHerd during an interview that those who attack his wife Usha ‘can eat s—.’ 

He declared that ‘anyone who attacks my wife, whether their name is Jen Psaki or Nick Fuentes, can eat s—. That’s my official policy as vice president of the United States,’ according to an interview transcript.

Fuentes is a controversial podcaster widely described as a White nationalist with antisemitic views, while Psaki, a President Joe Biden-era White House press secretary, hosts a show on MS NOW.

Fox News Digital reached out to Fuentes on X and emailed MS Now to request a comment from Psaki.

In a November 2024 post on X, Fuentes wrote, ‘Poo-sha Vance.’ 

He has also used an ethnic slur to refer to her.

And earlier this year he wrote, ‘When conservatives attack Zohran Mamdani for being a foreigner, I just want them to keep the same energy with Vivek Ramaswamy and Usha Vance. Let’s be consistent.’  

New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, who was born in Uganda, is a naturalized U.S. citizen, while Usha Vance and Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy were both born in the U.S.

UnHerd had asked Vance if he disavows Fuentes. 

‘My attitude towards anybody, again, who is calling for judging people based on their ethnic heritage, whether they’re Jewish or white or anything else, it’s disgusting,’ Vance replied. ‘We shouldn’t be doing it.’

‘[That said,] I think that Nick Fuentes, his influence within Donald Trump’s administration, and within a whole host of institutions on the Right, is vastly overstated — and frankly, it’s overstated by people who want to avoid having a foreign-policy conversation about America’s relationship with Israel,’ Vance continued.

Psaki made controversial comments about the second lady during an appearance on a podcast, saying she wonders what’s happening in Usha Vance’s mind, adding, ‘Are you OK? Please … blink four times … come over here … we’ll save you.’

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Sanders blasted after blocking bipartisan kids’ cancer research bill: ‘Grinch,’ ‘selfish’

A bipartisan bill to bolster research for kids’ cancer drugs was quietly killed on the Senate floor last week, the second year in a row the legislation was torpedoed.

The Mikaela Naylon Give Kids a Chance Act was primed to pass through a fast-track process with near unanimous support in the Senate on Wednesday, save for one lawmaker who sought to amend the bill: Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt.

‘What’s happened right here in front of us? The Grinch is stealing kids’ lives, and they’re stealing hope from the families, hope from the families that might have an opportunity just to try for a political agenda,’ said Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., who brought the bill to the floor.

‘And I hope to God that every single family that’s going through this will hold the senator from Vermont accountable, and the state of Vermont will hold him accountable, too, because he’s playing with kids’ lives,’ he continued. ‘He’s literally killing kids in front of us because of his political movement, and it is ridiculous.’

Sanders’ move to block the bill was not a surprise. Several lawmakers who spoke in favor of the legislation urged him not to go through with the decision as pediatric cancer research advocates looked on from the viewing gallery. But doing so once again sets the bill back to square one as Congress enters a new year.

The Vermont independent explained that he had no problem with the legislation, which would have incentivized the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and drug companies to encourage more relevant pediatric studies and invest in rare pediatric disease treatments, but he wanted to tack on an amendment to fund community health centers throughout the country.

‘This is not a radical amendment,’ Sanders said. ‘I’m not coming here saying, ‘Let’s do something we’ve not talked about.’ I’m not talking about passing Medicare for all here. I am talking about doing what the Republicans and Democrats agreed to a year ago but was torpedoed by some tweets from Elon Musk.’

Lawmakers already had a version of the bill teed up for passage last year, attached to the colossal, year-end temporary funding extension produced by the House.

But that package was ultimately blown apart by tech billionaire Elon Musk, who at the time was coming to Washington, D.C., to serve as President Donald Trump’s government waste attack dog at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

What eventually passed in late 2024 was a slimmed-down, three-month extension to government funding without the pediatric cancer research bill, and several other policy and funding riders eyed by both sides of the aisle.

Lawmakers who spoke in support of Mullin’s bill argued that they supported Sanders’ desire to fund community health centers, but the underlying legislation was too important to let die on the vine again.

Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee Chair Bill Cassidy, R-La., said he shared the concern for increased funding for health centers and committed to doing so when Congress returned, but that the ‘irony here is that the objection is going to come out of a genuine concern that people achieve healthcare.’

‘But there’s no one way to treat the ills, literally, the ills of the United States of America, and to think that we can do it all at once, it’s just not true,’ Cassidy said. ‘But also to say that you’re not going to give a chance for children to have a cure for cancer if you don’t get what you want, it’s just not true. It is selfish. It is tragic.’

And Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-N.H., shared Sanders’ concern, but noted that the GOP-controlled House had not committed to tackling the issue of community health center funding.

‘As disappointed as I am that the House isn’t ready to support increased funding for community health centers, I also believe that it is important to take action on this package now to help address pediatric cancer and lower prescription drug costs,’ she said. ‘So I am disappointed that this bill will not move forward today.’

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Lawsuit claims security cameras sold in the US carried undisclosed surveillance risks

Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers is set to file a lawsuit Monday against Resideo, a smart home tech manufacturer, alleging the company misled consumers about the safety and privacy of its devices, Fox News Digital has learned.

Resideo may not be a household name but its security cameras are widely available and could be quietly monitoring homes across the United States.

The 33-page lawsuit, filed in Nebraska state court, alleges the company failed to disclose known security vulnerabilities and national-security risks associated with cameras made by the Chinese manufacturers Hikvision and Dahua.

According to Hilgers, the cameras are linked to Chinese manufacturers that can be compelled under Chinese law to assist the country’s intelligence services. Meanwhile, Americans can purchase the cameras through ADI, Resideo’s global distribution network, which the company has marketed as a trusted security provider for homes, businesses, schools and hospitals.

‘Nebraskans install security cameras to protect their families, homes and businesses—not to invite hidden surveillance into the most private parts of their lives,’ Hilgers told Fox News Digital.

‘Selling cameras with known security risks while marketing them as ‘secure’ is deceptive and dangerous. That kind of conduct will not be tolerated in Nebraska,’ he added.

The complaint notes that Hikvision and Dahua appear on multiple U.S. government restriction lists, including under the National Defense Authorization Act and by the Federal Communications Commission, over national-security concerns, information the company does not disclose to consumers.

In the lawsuit, Hilgers is asking a judge to require clearer warnings about the cameras, fine the company, refund customers who bought the products, and change how the cameras are advertised. 

 Hikvision and Dahua did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

Hilgers isn’t alone in sounding the alarm. Others in the security space say Resideo’s products represent a broader national threat.

Michael Lucci, CEO of State Armor, said a win for Nebraska could send a message far beyond the state’s borders.

‘Companies that refuse to do the right thing for our country should pay the full price for any fraud they perpetuate on the American people,’ Lucci said. ‘General Hilgers’ leadership should be replicated across all 50 states.’

In a statement, Lucci added that ‘despite state and federal bans on dangerous Chinese Communist Party (CCP) surveillance technologies, some American companies relabel and continue to distribute cheap but dangerous Chinese tech to get around these bans.’

‘That is exactly what Resideo is doing at the expense of American manufacturers and our national security,’ Lucci said.

In September, Hilgers sued Lorex, a security camera maker that sells its products through retailers such as Costco and Best Buy, on similar allegations.

The company marketed its cameras as ‘private by design’ and safe for places like children’s bedrooms, while concealing that the devices rely on a Chinese firm sanctioned by the U.S. over national security and human rights violations. 

Lawmakers from both parties have long raised concerns that the Chinese government exploits educational exchanges, research partnerships and business investments in the U.S. as cover for espionage activities. These warnings have intensified in recent years amid growing scrutiny of Beijing’s influence operations on U.S. soil.

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Schumer moves to force Senate to take legal action against DOJ, Trump admin over Epstein doc dump

Senate Democrats are mounting a legal offensive against the Trump administration for its handling of the release of files and materials related to Jeffrey Epstein, and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., has teed up the first salvo. 

Schumer on Monday announced that he would file a resolution that would compel the Senate to take legal action against the Trump administration for ‘illegally refusing to release the complete Epstein files and heavily redacting the files that are released.’ 

‘The law Congress passed is crystal clear: release the Epstein files in full, so Americans can see the truth,’ Schumer said in a statement. ‘Instead, the Trump Department of Justice dumped redactions and withheld the evidence — that breaks the law. Today, I am introducing a resolution to force the Senate to take legal action and compel this administration to comply.’

Schumer’s move comes just days after the Department of Justice (DOJ) dumped several hundred thousand documents and photos from its trove of materials related to the late Epstein. Schumer and Senate Democrats warned ahead of the document dump on Friday that unless the DOJ fully complied with the recently passed law, they would seek legal action.

They argue that Attorney General Pam Bondi and the DOJ didn’t follow the law, which Congress passed nearly unanimously out of both chambers last month.

Schumer, who forced a successful vote in the Senate on the Epstein Files Transparency Act, previously argued that the ‘heavily redacted documents released by the Department of Justice today is just a fraction of the whole body of evidence.’

‘Simply releasing a mountain of blacked-out pages violates the spirit of transparency and the letter of the law,’ Schumer said in a statement. ‘For example, all 119 pages of one document were completely blacked out. We need answers as to why.’

The law required that the DOJ release all unclassified records related to Epstein, his accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell, known associates and entities linked to Epstein and Maxwell, internal DOJ decision-making on the Epstein case, records on destroying or tampering with documents, and all documents on his detention and death.

There were narrow exceptions to what the government could opt against releasing, including materials that reveal victims’ identities or medical files, child sex abuse materials, information that could jeopardize active investigations, images of graphic death or injury, or classified national security information.

Schumer and congressional Democrats, along with some congressional Republicans, were already peeved that the DOJ wasn’t going to dump every document in its possession by Friday’s deadline.

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche announced that day that the agency would be taking a phased approach and said he expected ‘that we’re going to release more documents over the next couple of weeks,’ as the DOJ worked to comb through every document to ensure ‘every victim, their name, their identity, their story, to the extent it needs to be protected, is completely protected.’

But it was the inclusion of several heavily redacted documents without explanation as to why they were blacked out that raised lawmakers’ eyebrows.

Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin, D-Ill., who also is the top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, said that Friday’s release ‘could have been a win for survivors, accountability, and transparency to the public. It wasn’t.’

He accused the Trump administration of breaking the law with how it handled the document dump and vowed that the Judiciary Committee would investigate.

‘Senate Judiciary Democrats will investigate this violation of law and make sure the American people know about it,’ Durbin said in a statement. ‘The survivors deserve better. It’s clear Donald Trump and his Republican enablers are working for the rich and powerful elites — and not you.’

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Bowl games today: Breaking down the Idaho Potato Bowl matchup

The college football bowl season resumes after the weekend with this Monday matinee on the blue turf. The game will serve as a preview of the new-look Pac-12 set to debut next season.

Utah State and Washington State will become regular opponents in the future, but as for the present, both teams come in with 6-6 marks and hope to finish with a winning record. The Cougars find themselves amid a coaching transition once again with Jimmy Rogers bound for Iowa State, while veteran mentor Bronco Mendenhall wraps up his first season at with the Aggies.

Here’s a look at the matchup in the northwest.

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: Utah State vs. Washington State

Time/TV: 2 p.m. ET, ESPN in Boise, Idaho.

Why watch: These soon-to-be league foes have a brief history. The Cougars took three of their five prior encounters, most recently a 49-28 decision in 2024. Washington State will be coached here by defensive coordinator Jesse Bobbit serving as interim coach, with Missouri offensive coordinator Kirby Moore slated to take over next season. Utah State is led by QB Bryson Barnes, whose primary targets are WRs Braden Pegan and Brady Boyd. His primary pursuer will be Cougars DE Isaac Terrell. Wazzu QB Zevi Eckhaus also has plenty of experience and isn’t afraid to take off, though his receiving corps isn’t as deep. Aggies LB John Miller and DB Brevin Hamblin usually end up at the point of attack.

Why it could disappoint: Close contests have been the exception rather than the norm so far this bowl season, but hopefully this afternoon tilt will provide entertainment.

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10 college hockey players to watch at World Junior Championship

The World Junior Championship is one of the most celebrated tournaments in all of hockey. The U-20 showdown, which starts right after Christmas, is an institution in Canada: Imagine March Madness, if 40 million people were all cheering for Kentucky.

In recent years, the United States has become a force at the tournament, winning the past two gold medals thanks to a golden-age cohort of talent gathered almost entirely from the NCAA ranks. Team USA will be protecting home ice this year, as the tourney is hosted by the Twin Cities of St. Paul and Minneapolis. But another gold will not be easy. Canada, Sweden and the Czechs look as strong as ever while the Americans are not as deep. This edition of the world juniors will also be fascinating because a number of Canadian stars are playing NCAA hockey now – which means college teammates will be squaring off. Here’s a look at 10 college players to know heading into the tournament.

1. Gavin McKenna, LW, Penn State

He came into the season as the No. 1 prospect in the 2026 NHL Draft and has put up more than a point per game for the Nittany Lions as a freshman. Some pundits have complained it’s not enough, so look for McKenna, a fabulous playmaker, to prove them wrong as he tries to nab gold with Canada.

2. James Hagens, C, Boston College

A gold-medal winner with Team USA last year, Hagens is now a veteran on the squad and will be looked to as a play driver. While Boston College got off to a slow start, the team has been hotter lately and Hagens has been a consistent producer. The pressure will be on the Boston Bruins first-rounder to step up for the Americans.

3. Porter Martone, RW, Michigan State

The Philadelphia Flyers first-rounder is a power forward with a lot of tools who has made a seamless transition from major junior to the NCAA. He’s the Spartans’ top scorer and played for Canada at the world juniors last year, though he wasn’t deployed correctly by the coaches. Canada has better leadership this year, so that should not be an issue again.

4. Will Horcoff, C, Michigan

A potential Hobey Bakey winner this season, Horcoff has been a beast for the Wolverines in his sophomore year. The Pittsburgh Penguins first-rounder has been a rocket-like ascent since he joined Michigan midway through last season and he’ll be counted on for offense on Team USA. His size will be an asset, too.

5. Cole Hutson, D, Boston University

The Washington Capitals prospect made history at last year’s world juniors when he became the first defenseman to lead the tournament in scoring outright. So yeah, Hutson can produce. He’ll need to be on point again this year if the Americans want a medal, as they will certainly have a target on their collective backs.

6. Michael Hage, C, Michigan

Along with Horcoff, Hage has been one of the biggest reasons that Michigan has been scoring in bunches this season. The Montreal Canadiens first-rounder has a dazzling skill set and gives Canada yet another center who can take over a game. Good luck trying to line-match them. Having Hage and Michigan State’s Martone on the same team is kinda funny.

7. Vaclav Nestrasil, RW, UMass

A growing number of Europeans have joined the NCAA ranks in recent years, so it won’t just be North Americans repped at the tourney. Nestrasil, who will play for the Czechs, has been a big-time talent for the Minutemen as a freshman. The 6-foot-5 power forward is a Chicago Blackhawks first-rounder and is averaging more than a point per game in college.

8. Wilson Bjorck, C, Colorado College

While Bjorck hasn’t put up big numbers with the Tigers, the Swedish freshman will be one to watch at the world juniors because he was electric during the summer world junior camp tournament. Also, the Vancouver Canucks prospect will be on the same team as his younger brother Viggo, an intriguing 2026 draft prospect.

9. Keaton Verhoeff, D, North Dakota

While McKenna will be the Canadian draft prospect to watch up front, Verhoeff will be the focus on defense. A big, two-way talent who has found early success with the Fighting Hawks, Verhoeff gets a chance to show off his game on the biggest stage there is for junior players. He could easily go No. 2 in the draft this summer.

10. Nick Kempf, G, Notre Dame

The Americans were spoiled for goaltending with Trey Augustine, but he’s too old for the tournament now and the crease is a question mark this year. Team USA even brought in 17-year-old Brady Knowling to camp at the last minute. Kempf, a Washington Capitals pick, has the chance to really step up, even if his numbers with the Fighting Irish aren’t great.

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Jerry Jones on Cowboys after latest loss: ‘We all underachieved’

The Dallas Cowboys had coal in their stocking a week before Christmas.

The Philadelphia Eagles’ Dec. 20 win officially eliminated the Cowboys from playoff contention prior to their Week 16 game against the Los Angeles Chargers. Dallas was essentially playing for pride in front of its home fans at AT&T Stadium. Yet, the Cowboys defense once again led to their downfall as they lost 34-17 to the Chargers in their final home game of the season.

The Cowboys’ defeat dropped them to 6-8-1. It’s Dallas’ third consecutive loss. As they face reality of two meaningless games to end the regular season, the Cowboys are reflecting on a disappointing campaign.

“We all underachieved,” Jerry Jones told reporters postgame when asked about the Cowboys season, per The Dallas Morning News.

The Cowboys had the worst pass defense and ranked second to last in points allowed per game entering Week 16.

The playoff door was left slightly ajar for the Cowboys when they acquired defensive tackle Quinnen Williams and linebacker Logan Wilson ahead of the trade deadline and subsequently went on a three-game winning streak after their Week 10 bye. But they have since lost all momentum.

This season was another reminder of how far the Cowboys are from their glory days in the 1990s. It’s been three decades since Dallas enjoyed postseason success. The Cowboys haven’t made a conference championship or Super Bowl since the 1995 season.

Dallas has missed the playoffs for the past two years.

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

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