Another offseason of speculation regarding Aaron Rodgers begins.

The New York Jets quarterback ended the 2024 regular season – a disastrous campaign in which the head coach and general manager were dismissed midseason and the team went 5-12 – with a vintage performance, going 23-for-36 passing with 274 yards, four touchdowns and one interception in a 32-20 victory over the Miami Dolphins.

After the game, Rodgers maintained his previous stance that he doesn’t know what his future holds and will take time to come to a decision.

‘I just need some time away to think about my future in the game and my future here, if they want me to be part of the next phase or if they’re ready to move on,’ Rodgers said. ‘Either way, I’m thankful for my two years here.

‘That just comes down to the desire on their side and ultimately my desire, kind of take some time mentally and physically to rest and relax.’

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Asked if he thought he’d be back, Rodgers said he didn’t know and that he wouldn’t say even if he did. He’ll talk with owner Woody Johnson and vice chairman Christopher Johnson in the coming days and weeks.

‘I won’t be upset or offended whatever they decide to do, if they want to move on and I still want to play,’ Rodgers said. ‘If not, I’ll let them know at some point, if that’s the case.’

It’s a similar playbook to the one he followed two offseasons ago, when the Green Bay Packers traded him to the Jets; Rodgers floated retirement at the time.

‘I knew in 2022 my time was done in Green Bay. It felt like it was done, for all of us. It was unsaid maybe on their side. It was understood I think by all of us to go separate ways,’ Rodgers said. ‘I needed to figure out whether I still had the desire to play or not, whether I could get that love back. I have tremendous love for the game now. … This feels much different.’

He added: ‘It’s not great to make emotional decisions.’

One of his touchdown throws went to friend and receiver Davante Adams, who was acquired midseason in an effort to revitalize the stagnant offense and provide Rodgers some comfort (to little avail). Nonetheless, the duo moved into the third place among QB-WR duos on the all-time touchdown list (83). The only pairs with more are Peyton Manning-Marvin Harrison (Indianapolis Colts) and Steve Young-Jerry Rice (San Francisco 49ers).

‘Not worried about that, honestly,’ Rodgers said. ‘I know what I’m capable of. I’m just thankful for guys making plays tonight.’

Rodgers’ first touchdown throw Sunday was his 500th regular-season touchdown pass, and he became the fifth quarterback in NFL history to reach that mark.

‘It was kind of an old-school red zone touchdown like we did in Green Bay,’ he said.

With a new front office and head coach inbound to Florham Park, Rodgers is fully aware that his future in New York could be beyond his control. There are three hypotheticals in play: whether the Jets want to move on, whether retirement is an option and whether he’d want to play for another team.

‘The answer is yes,’ he said.

Rodgers said he addressed the team during the team’s Saturday night meeting and talked about his love of the game and how his perspective changed last September. He stood by his comments that the past two years have been the best of his life because of the relationships he formed with his teammates and those outside of the locker room.

‘Did I regret coming to New York?’ Rodgers said. ‘The answer is of course not.’

In a similar image to two years ago when he departed Lambeau Field for the final time alongside friend and wide receiver Randall Cobb, Rodgers left the MetLife Stadium turf with Adams. Cobb was in attendance Sunday, Rodgers said, adding that he’d wanted to walk off with Adams but didn’t mention it to him.

When he finished his postgame interview with Pam Oliver, Adams was waiting to leave with him.

‘He’s one of my best friends in the world,’ Rodgers said. ‘That was cool.’

One of his main goals entering this season, Rodgers said, was to start all 17 games. He thanked his surgeon who repaired his Achilles, Dr. Neal ElAttrache, and the Jets’ training staff for keeping him healthy.

Rodgers has taken the comedic route regarding his future during his weekly appearances on ESPN’s ‘The Pat McAfee Show.’ In reference to a report in The Athletic that owner Woody Johnson’s teenage sons have influence on personnel decisions, Rodgers said being released by a teenager ‘would be a first.’

On Sunday, there were no extra glances or wistfulness while he was on the field.

‘I’ve got no regrets about anything that went down,’ Rodgers said.

Four plays into his first Jets start last season, Rodgers suffered a season-ending Achilles injury. Rodgers reworked his contract with the Jets to make it a three-year, $112.5 million deal. If the Jets choose to cut him, he would carry a cap hit of $49 million in dead money.

‘It takes concerted and intentional effort to make change. It takes people pulling in the same direction. It takes a top-down focus to create a culture where winning is the standard and not the hope,’ Rodgers said. ‘I put my heart into this. I wanted it really bad. And it didn’t work this year. We came up short. And I played four plays last year. It’s overall disappointing. But the beauty of this game is that every year is a new year.

‘I have a lot of love for this organization. I hope it gets turned around. If I’m back part of it, then I’ll do everything in my power to turn it around.’

It’s a party in Motown. For the second straight season, the Detroit Lions (15-2) are NFC North champions.

The Lions defeated the Minnesota Vikings (14-3), 31-9, in the first ever regular-season game in NFL history between two teams with 13-plus wins apiece. The victory earned the Lions the NFC’s No. 1 seed and a first-round bye in the playoffs. It’s the first time in franchise history the Lions have earned the No. 1 seed in the postseason.

Minnesota will enter the playoffs as the No. 5 seed and travel to Los Angeles to take on the Rams in the NFC’s wild-card round.

The NFC North championship bout was a defensive showdown in the first half. Detroit had a 10-6 halftime lead as each side struggled to punch it in the end zone.

The Lions took control in the second half behind running back Jahmyr Gibbs and stout defense.

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Gibbs, who totaled 160 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns when the two clubs met in Week 7, was again a difference-maker for Detroit. The Lions versatile running back produced a franchise record-tying four touchdowns, which included three touchdowns in the second half. He compiled 170 yards from scrimmage, three rushing touchdowns and one touchdown reception in the victory. Gibbs’ 13-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter put the game out of reach for Minnesota. He added another 4-yard rushing touchdown later in the fourth quarter for good measure.

Detroit outscored Minnesota 21-3 in the second half.

Gibbs finished the regular season with an NFL-high 20 touchdowns from scrimmage.

The Lions defense made huge defensive stands throughout the contest as they forced Minnesota to go 0-4 in the red zone. Vikings star wide receiver Justin Jefferson was held to three catches for 54 yards.

The Lions finished the regular season an undefeated 6-0 in the division. It’s the first time in franchise history the Lions have won consecutive NFC North titles.

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A former Fox Sports hairstylist filed a lawsuit that alleges a network executive forcefully touched her and used his position ‘to sexually harass women.’ The suit also claims former personality Skip Bayless offered to pay the hairstylist for sex.

The lawsuit was filed by Noushin Faraji, who says she worked at Fox Sports from 2012 until August 2024, in Los Angeles County court on Friday. Fox Sports and its other properties are named defendants in the suit, as well as executive vice president of content of FS1 Charlie Dixon, Bayless and network host Joy Taylor.

The news of the lawsuit was first reported by Front Office Sports.

‘Faraji brings forth this action because for over a decade at Fox, she was forced to endure a misogynistic, racist and ableist workplace where executives and talent were allowed to physically and verbally abuse workers with impunity,’ the lawsuit reads.

In a statement to USA TODAY Sports, Fox Sports said, “We take these allegations seriously and have no further comment at this time given this pending litigation.’

Allegations against Fox Sports executive Charlie Dixon

Faraji alleges Dixon rubbed her body and grabbed her buttocks while attending a party for Taylor in West Hollywood in January 2017. Faraji said she was mortified over the situation and tried to tell Taylor, who she described as a friend, but Taylor told her ‘get over it,’ according to details in the lawsuit.

It is also alleged an anonymous employee told Faraji she wouldn’t be working with Fox Sports after she refused to have sex with Dixon in order to have her contract renewed. The anonymous person also said Dixon ‘was doing this to other women talent,’ according to the suit.

The lawsuit accuses Fox of not properly investigating Dixon’s actions for sexual advances and says he used his position of power to coerce women into having sexual relations with him.

‘As Fox knew or should have known of Mr. Dixon’s willingness and propensity to use his position to sexually harass women, Fox is liable for the materialization of that particular harm,’ the suit reads.

Allegations against Skip Bayless

Faraji did the hairstyling for several shows during her time at Fox Sports, including ‘Undisputed.’ While doing work for the show, she did the hair for then-personality Bayless.

The suit alleges soon after weekly haircuts started, Bayless ‘began finding excuses to touch’ Faraji. Over the years Faraji worked with Bayless, he allegedly continued to make advances toward her. In July 2021, Faraji reportedly informed Bayless about a possible cancer diagnosis, hoping to stop the sexual advances, but he continued with it.

‘Bayless told her that he wanted to be with her. Ms. Faraji panicked and began rambling that there were cameras everywhere, that she has a child, and that she does not want him,’ the suit reads. ‘Bayless then grabbed her hands, began kissing them, and offered her $1.5 million to have sex. Ms. Faraji made an excuse to leave.’

Bayless reportedly made another advance the next week, and when Faraji informed him that he has a wife, Bayless made a comment regarding her religion. He also accused Faraji of having a relationship with Shannon Sharpe, his co-star on ‘Undisputed,’ according to the complaint.

The advances from Bayless continued into 2024. He allegedly told Faraji he fantasizes about her and ‘asked how much money it would take for her to have sex with him.’

Bayless was with Fox Sports until August, when he left ‘Undisputed’ and the network following eight-years. It was during this time period when Faraji said she was fired. The suit said Bayless told Faraji that Dixon wanted her fired ‘because she knew too much and was talking.’

‘Ms. Faraji has suffered, and continues to suffer, losses in earnings, losses in other employment benefits, losses in other financial aspects. Furthermore, she has suffered, and continues to suffer, emotional distress, shame, embarrassment, and fear, all to her damage, in an amount to be proven at the time of trial,’ the suit reads.

‘When Ms. Faraji and others came forward to report the wrongdoing, instead of addressing their concerns, Fox retaliated against them while the perpetrators and those who protected them were inexplicitly promoted.’

Bayless currently hosts his own podcast, ‘The Skip Bayless Show’ on YouTube.

Allegations against Joy Taylor

In addition to Taylor’s name surfacing in Faraji’s complaints against Dixon, the lawsuit makes specific claims against Taylor as well.

The suit alleges Taylor began “insulting Ms. Faraji on a personal and professional level” after their friendship ended. Faraji, who is of Persian descent, also claims Taylor mocked the ‘English’ pronunciation of her name.

Taylor, who previously was a host for ‘Undisputed,’ is currently a co-host for the FS1 show ‘Speak’ with with Keyshawn Johnson and Paul Pierce.

While other teams are vying for the Lombardi trophy, the Jets are looking for their Lombardi.

The New York Jets opted to part ways with head coach Robert Saleh following Week 5 this year, ending the once-promising partnership with the head coach after three-plus seasons. The exceptionally early firing was made in part to potentially spark the Jets after a sub-par 2-3 start; it did the opposite, with Jeff Ulbrich’s squad finishing 3-9 over their remaining 12 games.

That sends the same old Jets into the same old process that they’re overly familiar with. Now, there’s a little bit extra added pressure as New York looks to end its playoff drought, which has the unfortunate distinction of being the longest in American pro sports.

Already, New York brass has interviewed several head coaching candidates for their presumably pending vacancy. Here’s who else Gang Green could target as its next head coach:

Jets coaching candidates

Aaron Glenn

Current position: Detroit Lions defensive coordinator

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Head coaching record: N/A

The New York ties run deep for Glenn. The current Lions DC started his playing career with the Jets as a 1994 first-round pick, playing eight seasons in New York and earning two Pro Bowl nods as a solid cornerback in Gang Green’s secondary. The Jets also gave Glenn a little bit of a taste on the executive side, hiring him as a personnel scout in 2012, staying through 2013.

Add in the fact that Glenn interviewed with the Jets in 2021 for the head coaching position and reportedly has interest in the Jets’ gig and it makes him a more-than viable candidate for the position.

Glenn has risen the ranks as a coach and has become one of the more respected coordinators in football among his players, according to a 2024 NFLPA survey. That, coupled with Glenn’s improving defenses at the NFL level could make him a top candidate and potential top target for the Jets.

Brian Flores

Current position: Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator

Head coaching record: 24-25

Flores will be a hot coaching candidate this cycle after his work with the Vikings defense. Could a return to the AFC East be in the cards?

While the Jets would benefit from focusing on a coach on the offensive side of the ball, Flores has rebuilt his stock as an NFL head coaching candidate with Minnesota’s top-five ranked unit this year. His public breakup with the Dolphins (and specifically quarterback Tua Tagovailoa) still is something of a red mark on his ledger, as is his subpar offenses in Miami.

Still, Flores as a part of Kevin O’Connell’s staff could potentially provide optimism that he could build a better offensive staff this time around.

Matt Nagy

Current position: Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator

Head coaching record: 34-31

There’s some doubt over whether or not Nagy would be a sensical hire given his tumultuous Bears tenure and the lack of true progress from quarterbacks Justin Fields and Mitchell Trubisky with him.

That said, if the Jets are looking for offensive capabilities and head coaching experience, then Nagy would make sense. Plus, Andy Reid’s coaching tree traditionally bears good fruit.

The Jets have previous ties with Nagy, attempting to hire him as offensive coordinator during Todd Bowles staff hiring process in 2016. The Chiefs blocked the move, however, and the Jets have continued their revolving door at offensive coordinator ever since.

Maybe a do-over for Nagy would do well for the former head coach.

Todd Monken

Current position: Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator

Head coaching record: N/A

Monken has helped propel MVP-winner Lamar Jackson to new heights in his two years at the offensive helm in Baltimore, guiding Jackson to his second MVP – and potentially his third – in an incredibly fruitful partnership.

While Baltimore’s offense is loaded with skill talent, Monken has put the chess pieces in place with his ability to scheme wide receivers open to run the offense at peak efficiency.

Coincidentally, it wouldn’t be Monken’s first visit to Florham Park. Then the Buccaneers OC, Monken interviewed with the Jets in 2019 for the vacant head coaching position before it ultimately went to Adam Gase.

Monken’s offenses with Baltimore have been among the best in football, building on an already solid NFL résumé. The Jets could turn to Monken to refresh an offense that’s been among the league’s worst, regardless of personnel, for over a decade.

Kliff Kingsbury

Current position: Washington Commanders offensive coordinator

Head coaching record: 28-37

Consider most of this list a mulligan for Jets brass over prior coaching searches.

Kingsbury was a candidate for the Jets gig in 2019 prior to the hiring of Gase. Reports indicated that Kingsbury was down to the Jets and the Cardinals before Arizona swooped in and inked him to a deal.

While Kingsbury’s stay in Arizona ultimately didn’t go as planned, his second NFL opportunity as the offensive coordinator of the Commanders has been exceptional. That could lead him to be a one-and-done as OC if he gets intriguing head coaching opportunities.

The former Jets backup quarterback has been able to turn rookie Jayden Daniels into a star passer. Whether the Jets decide to take a new quarterback in the 2025 NFL draft or down the road, they’ll have to address the position at some point, and his work with Daniels provides optimism that he could potentially help nurture a quarterback to solve New York’s decades-old quarterback conundrum.

Others

The Jets will reportedly interview Rex Ryan in the coming week. Could a reunion be on the horizon? Ryan hasn’t coached in the NFL since 2018 and missed the playoffs with the Jets in his final four seasons at the helm. Nostalgia is a powerful drug, however, and owner Woody Johnson could look to turn back the clock to recapture lightning in a bottle.
Could Mike McCarthy be an option? The Cowboy coach’s future in Dallas is murky, and the Jets previously interviewed McCarthy for their head coaching vacancy before settling on Gase in 2019.
Brian Daboll might not have to move far, if at all, if the Giants decide to move on from him following Week 18. Daboll is also familiar with the Jets’ facility, operating as the team’s quarterbacks coach between 2007 and 2008.

Jets head coach interviews

Already, the Jets have confirmed to have interviewed several head coaching candidates before the end of the season:

Mike Vrabel, former Tennessee Titans head coach
Ron Rivera, former Washington Commanders, Carolina Panthers head coach

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The Miami Dolphins ended a disappointing season in fitting fashion, losing to the New York Jets in Week 18, 32-20. It just so happens that the star receiver is also disappointed about the outcome as Miami missed the playoffs for the first time since 2021. It marks the first season that Hill won’t be a playoff participant in his now nine-year career.

Miami’s season was filled with injuries, as quarterback Tua Tagovailoa missed games with a hip injury and yet another concussion. Hill also dealt with some ailments along the way and even had a rough encounter with police, which resulted in him being detained prior to Week 1.

Hill didn’t hold back his frustration and emotions after the game, something that will sound the alarms in South Beach.

Here’s what he said and whether fans can expect Hill to be on the move in the near future.

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What did Tyreek Hill say?

Hill was clearly unhappy about how the season went this year, a season that saw him manage more than 100 yards in just three games.

When asked to describe the season, he was happy to talk about the birth of his daughter, but didn’t share the same sentiments about the on-field results. Hill said, as a captain, that it was a tough season and added that losing Tagovailoa was a big problem.

The receiver was then asked what the message for the team is this offseason.

“I don’t even know, bro,’ Hill said. ‘This is my first time I haven’t been in the playoffs. I mean for me, like I said man, I just gotta do what’s best for me and my family, dawg. If that’s here, or wherever the case may be, man, I’m going to open the door for myself, dawg. I’m opening the door. Like, I’m out, bruh.’

“You know, so, it was great playing here, but, you know, at the end of the day, bro, I gotta do what’s best for, you know, for my career, and you know, what’s best because I’m too much of a competitor to be, you know, just out there,” Hill added.

When asked if that meant he was thinking about leaving Miami, Hill didn’t provide an answer.

Head coach Mike McDaniel said after the game that he was informed Hill was unavailable, adding that he didn’t know of the absence being related to a new injury.

McDaniel said he wouldn’t put too much weight into Hill’s post game comments, saying there will be more conversations in the days and weeks ahead. The Dolphins announced after the game that McDaniel will return along with general manager, Chris Grier.

Hill later took to X, seemingly adding fuel to the fire with a post that could be viewed as a farewell of sorts.

Plenty of questions will now swirl around the receiver as Miami heads toward an offseason that leaves plenty of questions unanswered.

Will the Dolphins trade Tyreek Hill?

Barring some offseason pressure, it’s hard to imagine the Dolphins trading Hill. He is a key piece in the team’s offense and Miami’s ability to compete likely relies on keeping the receiver around.

However, if the team is looking for a fresh start with their window to win seemingly closed, parting ways with Hill makes sense. The Dolphins could recoup some draft capital and deal him to a team with championship aspirations.

Depending on perspectives, trading Hill could be a good thing considering the 30-year-old won’t likely get faster as his career continues. Hill, who made a living on his speed and earned the nickname, ‘Cheetah,’ might have to reinvent himself if his legs start to slow down as time goes on.

If there is a positive to the potential drama for Miami, it’s that the team holds the cards. Hill is not a free agent, meaning he wouldn’t leave without getting the Dolphins something in return.

Tyreek Hill contract

Hill is still under contract for two more seasons, according to Spotrac. The deal will take him through his age 32 season and wrap up the three-year, $90 million extension that was restructured prior to the 2024 season. Hill initially inked a four-year, $120 million extension when he was traded from the Kansas City Chiefs to the Dolphins.

The deal carries an average annual value (AAV) of $30 million, but Hill’s cap hit for 2025 is just south of $28.7 million. A trade prior to June 1 would save Miami $401,250 with a dead cap of $28,297,500, while trade after that date would result in a $15,970,000 savings and $12,728,750 in dead cap for 2025.

Tyreek Hill stats

Hill failed to eclipse 1,000 receiving yards in 2024, finishing with 959 for the year. It’s just the third time that he failed to hit that number, though the most recent instance came in 2019 when he was limited to 12 games while the other was his rookie season.

The receiver hauled in 81-of-123 targets and scored six touchdowns, while playing in 17 games.

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Team USA is a back-to-back champion for the first time at the world junior hockey championship.

It took a major rally against Finland on Sunday in Ottawa to make it happen.

Outplayed in the first period and trailing 3-1 early in the second period, the USA took advantage of a Brandon Svoboda fluke goal that deflected off a Finnish player and a skilled goal off the rush by Cole Hutson to tie the game before the second intermission.

Teddy Stiga then scored on a breakaway at 8:04 of overtime for a 4-3 victory and a second consecutive gold medal at the under-20 tournament.

Finland, which had won five in a row coming into Sunday’s game, received silver medals.

The USA went undefeated last year in winning gold. This year, the Americans lost 4-3 in overtime to Finland in the preliminary round. But they turned around that score in the title game and will enter next year’s tournament in Minnesota as back-to-back defending champions.

Captain Ryan Leonard was named tournament MVP. He played the last two games with a full shield after taking a puck off the face in the quarterfinals. He had two assists in the gold medal game, a goal and an assist in the semifinal and five goals and five assists for the tournament.

Czechia defeated Sweden 3-2 in a 14-round shootout to win a second consecutive bronze medal.

Here are highlights from the medal games at the world junior hockey championship:

Top players at the tournament

USA wins gold in overtime

Teddy Stiga breaks in alone and scores the winner. It was his first goal of the tournament for a 4-3 victory and back-to-back gold medals for the USA.

Petteri Rimpinen stellar

He stops a Zeev Buium one-timer and a Ryan Leonard breakaway.

Overtime begins

The USA is outshooting Finland 34-22 in the game.

Finland and USA head to overtime again

Finland beat the USA 4-3 in overtime in the preliminary round. Tuomas Uronen scored the winning goal in that game.

End of third period: USA 3, Finland 3

There will be a 15-minute intermission, then they will play 3-on-3 overtime for 20-minute periods until someone scores. This is the second game of the day that went to overtime after Czechia beat Sweden in a shootout for the bronze medal.

Three minutes left

Still 3-3. Trey Augustine stops a shot by Tuomas Uronen.

Eight minutes left

Still 3-3.

Ryan Leonard stopped

Petteri Rimpinen stops the U.S. captain on his charge to the net.

Third period underway

Score is 3-3.

End of second period: USA 3, Finland 3

If Finland controlled the first period, the USA controlled the second part of the second period. They get a Brandon Svoboda fluke goal that goes off a Finnish defender and a high-skilled goal by Cole Hutson to tie the game. Hutson and Ryan Leonard have two points apiece.

USA-Finland score: Cole Hutson ties it up

Cole Hutson ties the game with 28.7 seconds left in the second period. Hutson shows his speed and mobility after taking a pass from Ryan Leonard. Nice moves. Better shot.

USA-Finland score: Brandon Svoboda scores

He circles to the blue line and fires a long shot that deflects in off a Finnish player. USA down 3-2 with 2:22 left in the second period.

Good chance by USA

Zeev Buium and Ryan Leonard work a give-and-go, but Petteri Rimpinen stops Buium and the rebound goes out of play.

USA takes lead in shots

They’re up 18-17, but still trail 3-1.

Midway point of second period

USA starts to get some more chances. Petteri Rimpinen loses his goalie stick, but Finland is able to clear.

USA-Finland score: Finns take two-goal lead

Two U.S. players collide, which creates space for Finland’s Emil Pieniniemi to skate into the right faceoff circle and rip a shot to Trey Augustine’s blocker side at 4:52 of the second. This is the USA’s first two-goal deficit of the tournament.

Second period underway

Finland leads 2-1.

End of first period: Finland 2, USA 1

Finland comes out with the lead after controlling play for most of the period. Its once-struggling power play connects again. The USA doesn’t get much of a sustained attack and is outshot 13-8. A positive: The Boston College line connects after being shut out in the teams’ meeting in the preliminary round.

USA-Finland score: Finns retake lead

Tuomas Uronen beats Trey Augustine from the right faceoff circle at 13:03 for a 2-1 lead less than a minute after the USA tied the game. He had scored the overtime winner against the USA in the preliminary round.

USA-Finland score: James Hagens ties game

USA had been outplayed for much of the game, but captain Ryan Leonard takes a shot and James Hagens finesses the rebound over a diving Petteri Rimpinen. Score is 1-1.

USA-Finland score: Finns score on power play

Jesse Kiiskinen scores from between the faceoff circles for a 1-0 lead. He has a goal in six consecutive games. Finland scored the first goal against the USA in the preliminary round, too.

Finland goes on power play

Max Plante is called for hooking. Finland scored two power-play goals against Sweden in the semifinals.

Five minutes in

Finland getting the better chances so far.

Game underway

Winner gets gold. Loser gets silver.

USA vs. Finland goalies

USA’s Trey Augustine vs. Finland’s Petteri Rimpinen

When is USA vs. Finland world juniors hockey game?

The United States and Finland will play for gold at 7:30 p.m. ET at the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, though the game start might be delayed because of the length of the bronze medal game.

How to watch USA vs. Finland world juniors hockey game

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

How to stream USA vs. Finland world juniors hockey game

Fubo and Sling carry NHL Network in the United States.

Which USA players are back from last year’s gold medal team?

Goalies: Trey Augustine, Michigan State; Sam Hillebrandt, Barrie Colts

Defensemen: Zeev Buium, Denver University; Drew Fortescue, Boston College, Aram Minnetian, Boston College

Forwards: Ryan Leonard, Boston College; Oliver Moore, University of Minnesota; Danny Nelson, Notre Dame; Gabe Perreault, Boston College; Carey Terrance, Erie Otters

USA’s projected lines

What is the U.S. record vs. Finland at the world juniors?

The USA has 16 wins and 19 losses at the world juniors vs. Finland. They also tied once. One of those losses was Finland’s 4-3 overtime win this year in the preliminary round.

Czechia wins bronze medal in shootout vs. Sweden

Otto Stenberg and Eduard Sale go again in the 14th round. Sale scores on a backhander to give Czechia the bronze and three consecutive medals at the world junior hockey championship. Sweden finishes out of a medal a year after winning silver.

Round 13

Sweden’s Otto Stenberg and Czechia’s Eduard Sale score. Still tied.

Heading to round 11

Sweden shooting first.

Tied after eight rounds

Jakub Stancl hits the post.

Tied after five rounds

Sweden now shooting first.

Shootout tied 1-1 after two rounds

Czechia’s Jakub Stancl and Sweden’s Axel Sandin-Pellika score in the second round.

Bronze medal game going to a shootout

It’s five rounds in international hockey before sudden death. Sweden elects to go second.

Two minutes left in overtime

Czechia’s Eduard Sale has a couple good chances, but Marcus Gidlof stops him.

End of third period: Sweden 2, Czechia 2

Sweden will go to overtime for the second game in a row. Not much action in the third period. They’ll play 10 minutes of 3-on-3 overtime, then a shootout, if necessary.

Nice save by Michael Hrabal

Sweden picking up play. Czechia goalie Michael Hrabal gets his glove on a deflection.

Midway through the third period

When Sweden was trailing Finland on Saturday, it played a dominant third period. With the score tied in this game, both sides are playing a tight defensive game. Not many chances out there. Still 2-2.

Third period underway

Score tied 2-2.

Where is the 2026 world junior hockey championship?

It will be held in Minneapolis-Saint Paul from Dec. 26, 2025, to Jan. 5, 2026. The ceremonial passing of the puck took place in Ottawa on Sunday afternoon.

End of second period: Sweden 2, Czechia 2

Pretty evenly played period. Czechia’s Eduard Sale scores after a turnover and Sweden’s Felix Unger Sorum sets up David Edstrom for a second goal. Shots are 11-10 Sweden in the period.

Sweden-Czechia score: David Edstrom ties it up

David Edstrom scores his second goal of the game with a deflection for a 2-2 tie with 4:20 left in the second period. Felix Unger Sorum gets his second assist of the game.

Sweden-Czechia score: Czechs capitalize on turnover

Linus Eriksson’s pass goes right on the stick of Czechia’s Miroslav Holinka. He finds Eduard Sale alone in front and he roofs a backhander for his sixth goal of the tournament. 2-1 Czechia.

Second period underway

Score is 1-1.

End of first period: Sweden 1, Czechia 1

Czechia scores on its first shot, then Sweden controls play, thanks to three power plays. A Czechia deflection goes just wide in the last seconds. Shots are 9-5 Sweden.

Sweden-Czechia score: Sweden ties it up

Czechia’s Jiri Felcman is in the penalty box for charging. David Edstrom scores on a rebound to tie the game 1-1. Axel Sandin-Pellika gets the secondary assist for his 10th point of the tournament.

Sweden goes on power play

Sweden has the second-best power play in the tournament. They generate two shots, but Czechia kills the penalty.

Sweden-Czechia score: Czechs score on power play

Jakub Stancl remains hot with his seventh goal of the tournament. The Czechs pass the puck around well on the power play and Stancl scores on a one-timer at 3:47 for a 1-0 lead. A Swedish defender got his stick on the puck but it snuck through to Stancl.

Sweden vs. Czechia underway for bronze medal

Michael Hrabal is back in net for Czechia but Marcus Gidlof is starting for Sweden. He has played one game in the tournament, beating Kazakhstan. Melker Thelin had played in Saturday’s semifinal loss to Finland.

Today’s world juniors hockey games

All times p.m. ET

Sweden vs. Czechia, 3:30

United States vs. Finland, 7:30

USA vs. Finland players to watch

United States: The Boston College line of Ryan Leonard, Gabe Perreault and James Hagens has combined for 25 points. Leonard has a team-best five goals. Perreault and Boston University’s Cole Hutson have a team-best nine points. Hagens (eight points) is considered the top prospect in the 2025 NHL draft.

Finland: Draft-eligible goalie Petteri Rimpinen has played every minute and has a 2.12 goals-against average. Forward Jesse Kiiskinen has a five-game goal streak. Forward Konsta Helenius has seven assists.

Medal games feature familiar opponents

This year’s medal games are a rematch of the 2024 semifinals. The USA beat Finland 3-2 and Sweden beat Czechia 5-2 last year.

How many gold medals has the USA won at the world juniors?

The USA has won six goal medals: 2004, 2010, 2013, 2017, 2021 and 2024.

How many gold medals has Finland won at the world juniors?

Finland has won five gold medals: 1987, 1998, 2014, 2016 and 2019.

How many total medals has the USA won at the world juniors?

The USA has won 15 medals: six gold, two silver and seven bronze.

How many total medals has Finland won at the world juniors?

Finland has won 17 medals: five gold, five silver and seven bronze.

Sweden vs. Czechia players to watch

Sweden: Defenseman Axel Sandin-Pellika has nine points. Forward Otto Stenberg scored twice against Finland.

Czechia: Forward Jakub Stancl has a tournament-best six goals.

Sweden vs. Czechia lines

World juniors schedule

Dec. 26

Sweden 5, Slovakia 2
United States 10, Germany 4
Czechia 5, Switzerland 1
Canada 4, Finland 0

Dec. 27

Slovakia 2, Switzerland 1
Finland 3, Germany 1
Sweden 8, Kazakhstan 1
Latvia 3, Canada 2 (SO)

Dec. 28

Czechia 14, Kazakhstan 2
United States 5, Latvia 1

Dec. 29

Sweden 7, Switzerland 5
Finland 4, United States 3 (OT)
Czechia 4, Slovakia 2
Canada 3, Germany 0

Dec. 30

Slovakia 5, Kazakhstan 4 (OT)
Latvia 4, Germany 3 (OT)

Dec. 31

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

World juniors hockey playoff round

All times Eastern

Jan. 2 (quarterfinals)

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

Jan. 4

Finland 4, Sweden 3 (OT)
United States 4, Czechia 1

Jan. 5

Bronze-medal game: Sweden vs. Czechia, 3:30 p.m. ET, NHLN, TSN
Gold-medal game: USA vs. Finland, 7:30 p.m. ET, NHLN, TSN

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The NFL playoff schedule is set.

As the final components of the playoff picture fell into place in Week 18, the league revealed its slate for the wild-card round. The Los Angeles Chargers and Houston Texans will kick things off Saturday afternoon, with an AFC North grudge match between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens to follow. Sunday’s tripleheader will begin with the Buffalo Bills hosting the Denver Broncos, followed by the Green Bay Packers visiting the Philadelphia Eagles. The Washington Commanders will square off against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to close the night. And the action will wrap up Monday, when either the Detroit Lions or Minnesota Vikings travel to face the Los Angeles Rams.

Here’s the schedule for the wild-card round and beyond:

NFL playoff schedule: Wild-card games

Jan. 11

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

Los Angeles Chargers at Houston Texans, 4:30 p.m. ET, CBS

Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens, 8 p.m. ET, Amazon Prime Video

Jan. 12

Denver Broncos at Buffalo Bills, 1 p.m. ET, CBS

Green Bay Packers at Philadelphia Eagles, 4:30 p.m. ET, Fox

Washington Commanders at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 8 p.m. ET, NBC

Jan. 13

Minnesota Vikings/Detroit Lions at Los Angeles Rams, 8 p.m. ET, ESPN/ABC

NFL playoff schedule: Divisional-round games

Jan. 18

TBD vs. TBD

TBD vs. TBD

Jan. 19

TBD vs. TBD

TBD vs. TBD

NFL playoff schedule: Conference championship games

Jan. 26

AFC championship – TBD vs. TBD

NFC championship – TBD vs. TBD

NFL playoff schedule: Super Bowl 59

Feb. 9

AFC champion vs. NFC champion, 6:30 p.m. ET, Fox

The Denver Broncos’ postseason drought is over.

Playing in front of their home fans, the Denver Broncos defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 38-0 to clinch their first playoff berth since the 2015 season.

The Broncos received a little assist from the Chiefs who rested many of their starters – including Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Chris Jones and Trent McDuffie – having already clinched the No. 1 seed in AFC. But don’t tell that to a proud Broncos franchise who was yearning to end an eight-year playoff drought.

Sean Payton’s Broncos scored on their first four possessions as they raced out to a 24-0 first-half lead against an undermanned Chiefs club already eyeing an historic third-straight Super Bowl run.

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

Denver had an opportunity to clinch a playoff spot last month but lost consecutive games to the Los Angeles Chargers and Cincinnati Bengals.

The two-game losing streak put Denver in a must-win Week 18 game against Kansas City to stave off the Bengals (9-8) who ended the regular season on a five-game winning streak.

“That’s all we’re focused on honestly. That’s all we’re focused on. I know that’s all I’m focused on,” Broncos outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper said earlier this week. “Like Coach (Sean Payton) said, we’re not ready to be done. We still feel like we have a lot of football ahead of us, and a lot of football to be played.”

The Broncos aren’t finished yet. Denver has a date with the Bills in Buffalo in the wild-card round of the playoffs.

Denver is the third AFC West team to reach the playoffs this season, joining the Chiefs and Chargers.