The United States will try to make history and avenge its only loss at the 2025 world junior hockey championship when it faces Finland in Sunday’s gold-medal game in Ottawa (7:30 p.m. ET, NHL Network).

The defending champion Americans lost 4-3 in overtime to Finland in the third game of the preliminary round. They have been perfect since then, beating Canada, Switzerland (quarterfinals) and Czechia (semifinals) to reach the championship game. Finland has won five games in a row.

With one more win, the USA will become back-to-back champions for the first time in its history at the tournament. The Americans, who brought back 10 players and coach David Carle from last year’s team, had never before reached the final in the year after winning it all.

Sweden and Czechia will face each other in the bronze-medal game (3:30 p.m. ET, NHL Network).

Here’s what to know about the medal round of the world junior hockey championship:

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. Sweden and Czechia will play for bronze at 3:30.

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.

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.

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.

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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LOS ANGELES — Kawhi Leonard made his season debut for the Los Angeles Clippers in Saturday night’s 131-105 victory over the Atlanta Hawks at the Intuit Dome.

Leonard gained confidence from the way his return went but knows he’s still ‘day-to-day’ when it comes to his availability due to ongoing right knee soreness.

‘I’m just keeping it moving,’ Leonard said. ‘Just keep playing and doing what I have been doing to get me to this point, that’s all I can ask for. It’s out of my control.’

Coach Tyronn Lue confirmed that the team will be intentional with Leonard’s playing time in the coming days.

“Just making sure we are taking it slow,” Lue said before the game about Leonard’s availability. “This is like his preseason and his training camp because he didn’t have that.”

The six-time All-Star is expected to be on a minutes restriction as he continues to get acclaimed but Lue did not want to commit publicly to an exact number. Leonard is fully on board with the decision to work back into the game slowly.

Leonard missed the first 34 games of the season but the Clippers managed to produce a 19-15 record in his absence behind the efforts of James Harden and Norman Powell.

Leonard became a full-contact participant for Clippers’ practices starting Dec. 18, which fueled speculation that the two-time Defensive Player of the Year was close to making a return. The San Diego State alum spent the last few days working with the team’s G League affiliate in San Diego and participating in 5-on-5 scrimmages.

During the Clippers’ media day session in September, Leonard consistently told reporters that he hoped to remain healthy enough to have a run in the playoffs. He signed a three-year, $153 million deal in January and felt he was coming off a ‘good’ season in 2023-24.

The Clippers are currently the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference.

How did Kawhi Leonard perform in his season debut?

Leonard scored 12 points and collected three rebounds in 19 minutes of play. He brought the crowd to its feet during the first half after going 3-for-3 from long range. He finished 3-for-5 from 3, but 4-for-11 from the field overall. He added an assist, a steal and had two turnovers.

He averaged 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds and 3.6 assists in 68 games last season, the most he has played since playing a career-high 74 games during the 2016-17 season. Leonard was limited to 52 games throughout the 2022-23 season and missed the 2021-22 season due to an ACL injury.

The United States will have a chance to win back-to-back titles for the first time after it defeated Czechia 4-1 in the semifinals of the world junior hockey championship.

The Americans got goals Saturday from Gabe Perreault, Cole Eiserman, Ryan Leonard and Oliver Moore to reach Sunday’s championship game (7:30 p.m. ET, NHL Network).

They will face Finland, which had beaten the USA earlier in the tournament. The Finns advanced with a 4-3 overtime victory against rival Sweden. Czechia and Sweden will play for bronze (3:30 p.m., NHL Network) on Sunday.

Eiserman had put the USA ahead in the second period with a power-play goal on a one-timer. Boston College teammates Leonard and Perreault had set up each other for the Americans’ first and third goals against Czechia goalie Michael Hrabal, who plays for the University of Massachusetts. Moore scored into an empty net.

Trey Augustine made 26 saves for his 11th career tournament win, passing Jack Campbell’s U.S. record.

The United States brought back 10 players and coach David Carle from last year’s title team. The USA reached the final for the first time in the year after it won a title.

Highlights from USA-Czechia and Sweden-Finland semifinals at the world junior hockey championships:

Final score: USA 4, Czechia 1

The Americans will face Finland in the final.

USA-Czechia score: Oliver Moore gets empty-netter

The USA ups its lead to 4-1. 1:06 left. It’s Moore’s first goal of the tournament.

Czechia pulls goalie again

1:46 left in game.

Czechia pulls goalie for extra skater

But Petr Sikora trips Ryan Leonard and the USA goes on the power play.

USA-Czechia score: Ryan Leonard puts USA up by two

The Boston College line connects again with Gabe Perreault feeding Ryan Leonard on a 2-on-1 break for an easy tap-in and a 3-1 lead. Leonard had fed Perreault on the USA’s first goal.

USA goes on power play

Czechia called for too many men on the ice. USA moves the puck around well but doesn’t score.

Big save by Trey Augustine

U.S. goalie Trey Augustine stretches to make a pad save to rob Adam Jecho on a rebound. Still 2-1 USA.

Czechia is pressing

They now lead the USA in shots.

Czechia on power play

Logan Hensler called for hooking Petr Sikora. Cole Eiserman gets in Sikora’s face afterward. USA kills it off with Trey Augustine making some solid saves.

Third period underway

USA leads 2-1. Finland awaits the winner.

End of second: USA 2, Czechia 1

That was a tightly played period, with U.S. and Czech players playing strong defensive hockey and limiting chances. The USA took advantage of an abbreviated power play to score on a Cole Eiserman one-timer. Czech goalie Michael Hrabal slid over to stop Cole Hutson in the final minute. Shots were 7-7.

USA-Czechia score: Cole Eiserman puts USA ahead

Trevor Connelly darts into the offensive zone and feeds Cole Eiserman, who scores on a one-timer at 13:41 for a 2-1 lead. Cole Hutson gets the secondary assist for his ninth point of the tournament.

USA on abbreviated power play

There’s 55 seconds left.

Czechia goes on power play

Adam Jecho gets Czechia’s first shot of the period and is high-sticked by Adam Kleber. But Tomas Galvas high-sticks Zeev Buium and it’s 4-on-4 play.

Strong defensive play

Seven minutes into the second period, there’s one shot on net, by the USA.

Second period underway

Czechia kills off the rest of the USA power play. Still 1-1.

End of first: USA 1, Czechia 1

Captain Ryan Leonard was very visible in that period. He made a great pass on Gabe Perreault’s goal and had two chances by driving the net. Shots are 9-7 USA. The Americans will have 24 seconds left in their power play when the second period starts.

Ryan Leonard stopped

U.S. captain Ryan Leonard is in all alone and Michael Hrabal makes a leg save. Czechia’s Adam Zidlicky is called for roughing and the USA goes on a power play.

USA-Czechia score: Czechia ties it up

Czechia forces a U.S. turnover and Jakub Stancl ties the game at 9:28. It’s his sixth goal of the tournament.

USA-Czechia score: Gabe Perreault gives USA lead

The Boston College line strikes. Ryan Leonard charges into the offensive zone and makes a pass while falling to Gabe Perreault, who beats Michael Hrabal for a 1-0 lead at 3:14 of the first period.

USA goes shorthanded

Captain Ryan Leonard is called for interference. He’s wearing a full shield after taking a puck off the face in the last game. The USA kills it off. Adam Jecho hits the post.

USA-Czechia game underway

This winner faces Finland in Sunday’s gold-medal game.

USA-Czechia goaltending matchup

USA’s Trey Augustine vs. Czechia’s Michael Hrabal

Projected USA lines

Final: Finland 4, Sweden 3 (OT)

Finland survives an onslaught from Sweden in the third period and overtime to win on a Benjamin Rautiainen bad-angle goal. It was Finland’s second power-play goal of the game after being the second worst in the tournament with the man advantage heading into the game. Konsta Helenius, a Buffalo Sabres first-round pick, had four assists.

Finland has won five games in a row, including against the United States. Goalie Petteri Rimpinen has played every minute of the tournament and made 43 saves against Sweden.

USA-Czechia is scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. ET in Ottawa.

Finland wins in overtime

Benjamin Rautiainen scores from a bad angle on the power play for a 4-3 win. The Finns will advance to the gold-medal game against the USA-Czechia winner. Sweden will play for bronze.

Finland goes on power play

Sweden’s Tom Willander is called for holding with 1:20 left in overtime. Finland hits the crossbar.

Sweden goes on power play

Jesse Nurmi is called for high-sticking. 4-on-3 play. Finland kills it off. Three shots for Sweden.

Overtime underway

Sweden and Finland play a lot of one-goal games and that will be the case again.

End of third period: Sweden 3, Finland 3

The puck seemed to be in Finland’s end the entire third period. Finland’s Petteri Rimpinen was solid, but would probably like that Sweden third-period goal back. The game is heading to overtime. Ten minutes of sudden-death 3-on-3 overtime and a shootout, if necessary.

Sweden ties it up

Sweden’s dominant play pays off. Wilhelm Hallquisth’s innocent-looking shot from the point sneaks through Petteri Rimpinen. Score is 3-3 with 8:28 left.

Midpoint of third period

Finland up 3-2. Shots are 12-1 Sweden.

Sweden goes on power play

Emil Pieniniemi is called for cross-checking. Sweden’s power play has already connected once in his game. Finland’s tournament-leading penalty killing unit kills it off.

Sweden controlling play

Sweden outshooting Finland 8-1 early in the third period.

Third period underway

Finland leads 3-2.

End of second period: Finland 3, Sweden 2

After a tentative first period, the teams ramp up their scoring chances in the second period. Sweden’s Otto Stenberg scores twice, but Finland takes the lead on Arttu Alasiurua’s goal in the last minute. Finland’s struggling power play connects and one Finnish goal is overturned. Finland outshoots Sweden 20-10 in the period.

Finland takes lead

Arttu Alasiurua drives to the net and puts Finland up 3-2 with 20.8 seconds left in the second period.

Sweden ties game

This time, the tournament’s top power play connects. Otto Stenberg scores on a one-timer that deflects in off a Finnish player. Score is 2-2.

Finland takes lead

With Herman Traff in the penalty box for holding, Jesse Kiiskinen tips in a Topias Hynninen shot for his fifth goal of the tournament. Konsta Helenius picks up his second point of the game with a secondary assist. Score is 2-1 Finland.

Sweden penalty ends power play

Captain Axel Sandin-Pellika loses control of the puck and is called for tripping 17 seconds into the power play.

Sweden goes on power play

Emil Hemming trips Otto Stenberg. Sweden has the tournament’s power play. Finland has the best penalty kill.

Finland goal is overturned

Finland’s Aron Kiviharju scores from a bad angle, but Sweden challenges for offsides. After a long review, the goal is overturned. Still 1-1.

Finland ties game

Emil Hemming scores from near the left faceoff circle after a pass from Konsta Helenius. It happens a second after the Finns’ power play expires. Score is 1-1.

Finland goes on power play

Viggo Gustafsson is called for high-sticking, though it was a sell job by the Finnish player.

Sweden takes lead on Finland

After Sweden is pinned in its zone to start the period, Otto Stenberg starts a 2-on-1 break. He rips a shot over Petteri Rimpinen’s shoulder for a 1-0 lead.

Second period underway

Still scoreless.

End of first period: Sweden 0, Finland 0

Finland had the better play early, but Sweden gets a few chances off the rush later. Not a lot of good scoring opportunities. Finnish goalie Petteri Rimpinen gets a glove on Anton Wahlberg’s shot. Shots are 10-10.

Finland outshooting Sweden

Finland has a 6-2 lead in shots halfway through the first period.

Sweden kills penalty

Back to even strength. Game still scoreless.

Finland goes on power play

Viggo Gustafsson is called for high-sticking. Finland has the second-worst power play of the tournament. Sweden has the second-worst penalty kill.

Sweden-Finland semifinal underway

The winner goes for gold on Sunday. The loser plays for bronze.

Sweden-Finland goaltending matchup

Sweden’s Melker Thelin vs. Finland’s Petteri Rimpinen

Sweden-Finland semifinal is first

This is one of the bigger rivalries in international hockey. ‘We live next to each other, so I guess a little bit of hatred, if you could say that, comes from there,’ Swedish captain Alex Sandin-Pellika told TSN.

When is world juniors hockey semifinals?

Sweden and Finland will play at 3:30 at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa. The United States and Czechia will play at 7:30.

How to watch world juniors hockey semifinals

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

How to stream world juniors hockey semifinals

Fubo and Sling carry NHL Network in the United States.

Today’s world juniors hockey games

Finland 4, Sweden 3 (OT)
USA 4, Czechia 1

USA vs. Czechia players: What to know

United States: The Americans won a gold medal last year. They have brought back 10 players and coach David Carle. Returnees Leonard and Notre Dame’s Danny Nelson are tied for the team lead with four goals. So is Hagens, a front-runner for the top pick in the 2025 draft. Hagens and Boston University defenseman Cole Hutson have a team-high eight points. Boston College’s Gabe Perreault, the linemate of Leonard and Hagens, has seven points. The United States has the second-best power play at the tournament.

Czechia: Czechia won bronze last year. Forwards Eduard Sale and Jacob Stancl are tied for the team lead with five goals. Sale, a Seattle Kraken first-round pick who plays in the American Hockey League, has two game-winners. Stancl and Vojtech Hradec have a team-high eight points. Czechia has a slightly better penalty kill than the USA.

Sweden vs. Finland: What to know

Sweden: Sweden won silver last year. Defenseman Axel Sandin-Pellika, a Detroit Red Wings first-round pick, is the tournament’s top remaining scorer with nine points. He and forward Anton Wahlberg have four goals. Victor Eklund, the brother of the San Jose Sharks’ William Eklund, is eligible for the 2025 draft. Sweden has the tournament’s top power play.

Finland: Finland lost to Czechia in last year’s bronze-medal game. Forward Jesse Kiiskinen has a team-best four goals and five points. Goalie Petteri Rimpinen has played every game, including a victory against the USA, and has a 2.00 goals-against average. Finland has the tournament’s top penalty kill and second-worst power play.

World juniors semifinal matchups

The United States, Sweden, Finland and Czechia were in last year’s semifinals, but the matchups are different this year. The USA beat Finland 3-2 and Sweden beat Czechia 5-2 in 2024.

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)
USA 4, Czechia 1

Jan. 5

Bronze medal game: Sweden vs. Czechia, 3:30 p.m., NHLN, TSN

Gold-medal game: USA vs. Finland, 7:30 p.m., NHLN, TSN

Where is next year’s world junior hockey championship?

The 2026 tournament will be held in Minneapolis and Saint Paul, Minnesota, from Dec. 26 to Jan. 5. This will be the United States’ first time hosting since it was held in Buffalo in 2018.

IIHF names Hall of Fame Class of 2025

The International Ice Hockey Federation, which runs the hockey tournament, has announced its 2025 Hall of Fame class. They are former NHL players Zdeno Chara, Henrik Lundqvist, Frans Nielsen and David Vyborny, former women’s Olympians Kim Martin-Hasson and Vicky Sunohara, plus former Finnish Ice Hockey Association president Kai Hietarinta.

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Tee Higgins has been essential for the Cincinnati Bengals’ winning streak that helped them back into postseason contention.

They might have to finish Saturday’s Week 18 contest against the Pittsburgh Steelers without the wide receiver, who is questionable to return with an ankle injury. The fifth-year player, set to be a free agent at the conclusion of this season, had four catches for 53 yards as Cincinnati carried a two-possession lead early in the fourth quarter.

A hamstring injury cost Higgins, who’s playing this season on the franchise tag, the first two games of the season, and a quad ailment forced him to sit out three games during the middle of the campaign.

Since returning from that injury (five games), Higgins has 40 catches for 517 yards and seven touchdowns, including three scores last Saturday against the Denver Broncos. 

All things Bengals: Latest Cincinnati Bengals news, schedule, roster, stats, injury updates and more.

The Kansas City Chiefs’ airplane was set to arrive in Denver at 3 p.m. Mountain Time. It didn’t take off until almost 4:30 p.m. Mountain Time.

The reigning Super Bowl champions were preparing to leave for their Week 18 clash with the Denver Broncos when the Kansas City airport, MCI, closed down due to icy conditions. As a result, the Chiefs’ plane remained ‘stranded’ on the tarmac in Kansas City for over four hours, according to CBS Sports’ Tracy Wolfson.

According to reports, the airport’s de-icing machine was broken, adding to the delay.

Other reporters indicated that the team wanted to push the flight’s schedule up when the weather in Kansas City started to worsen, but the charter plane was already delayed in its arrival. Consequently, the Chiefs had to stick to the originally scheduled departure time and ended up stuck in Kansas City until the runway could be de-iced.

At 5:21 p.m. Central Time, more than four hours after the Chiefs reportedly arrived on the tarmac, Fox 4 News anchor Harold R. Kuntz reported that the flight had finally been cleared for take-off.

All things Chiefs: Latest Kansas City Chiefs news, schedule, roster, stats, injury updates and more.

The Chiefs will face the Broncos in Denver at 4:25 p.m. ET on Sunday. Kansas City has already clinched the AFC’s No. 1 seed and announced it will be resting several of its starters, including quarterback Patrick Mahomes. The Broncos need to come away with the win in Week 18 to clinch the AFC’s final open playoff spot.

The Cincinnati Bengals’ playoff hopes are still alive after narrowly defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers 19-17 on Saturday. 

Despite starting the season 4-8, the Bengals have closed on a five-game win streak and have a path to the postseason if the Denver Broncos lose to the Kansas City Chiefs and the Miami Dolphins lose to or tie the New York Jets on Sunday. 

Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow said it’s “not great” that their fate is in someone else’s hands, “but we put ourselves in this position. No one to blame but ourselves.’

‘We’ll enjoy this win and go and watch some football tomorrow and hope for the best,” Burrow added.

Burrow completed 37 of 46 passes on Saturday for 277 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He was sacked four times for 31 yards, including one where he ended up in the blue tent. “I’ll be a little sore tomorrow, but I’ll be all good,” Burrow said. 

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

The Steelers have a streak of their own going, losing the last four games of the regular season. The Steelers had an opportunity to steal the game late, but TE Pat Freiermuth couldn’t catch a fourth down pass that would have given Pittsburgh a first down. 

Freiermuth had a team-high eight receptions for 85 yards and one touchdown. Russell Wilson completed 17 of 31 passes for 148 yards and one touchdown. He was sacked four times, 3.5 of them coming from Bengals star Trey Hendrickson.

Check out the highlights and top moments from the Bengals-Steelers clash on Saturday night below:

Bengals vs. Steelers highlights

Final: Bengals 19, Steelers 17

Pittsburgh forced a three-and-out to give itself a chance to win, but its last-gasp drive came up empty. Russell Wilson was tackled in bounds on a run, then was sacked in a disastrous sequence that proved fatal to the Steelers’ hopes of pulling off an improbable victory.

Bengals’ muffed punt leads to Steelers FG 

The Steelers punted the ball away, but got it right back. The Bengals’ D.J. Ivey inadvertently kicked the ball while trying to block on the punt return. It was recovered by Connor Heyward before going out of bounds.

Chris Boswell went on to kick a 54-yard field goal to cut the Steelers’ deficit to 19-17 with 2:39 remaining. 

Najee Harris questionable to return 

The Steelers running back is questionable to return with a possible head injury after a helmet-to-helmet hit. He was evaluated in the blue tent before heading back to the locker room. Harris exited the contest with 12 carries for 38 yards and three receptions for 22 yards.

He did return, however, catching a pass on the Steelers’ final drive.

Pat Freiermuth scores to cut into Cincinnati’s lead; Najee Harris injured

The Steelers have life. TE Pat Freiermuth caught a 19-yard touchdown pass with 8:07 remaining in the fourth quarter to cut the Bengals’ lead to five points, 19-14. The touchdown was set up by Russell Wilson’s 12-yard scramble to get a first down at Cincinnati’s 31-yard line. 

Running back Najee Harris went down on the drive after what appeared to be a helmet-to-helmet hit. 

The Steelers said Harris was ‘being evaluated for a possible head injury’ and was questionable to return.

Bengals extend lead to 19-7

Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase says he’s always open and he highlighted that on a 19-yard reception from Joe Burrow. Chase caught the pass over his back shoulder before turning and dragging his foot along the sideline.

The Bengals’ drive stalled, however, and they weren’t able to capitalize on another trip to the red zone. Cincinnati settled for a field goal to go up 19-7. 

Joe Burrow cleared; Tee Higgins questionable 

Joe Burrow is out of the blue tent and back in the game.

Burrow was evaluated for a concussion after he was driven to the ground on a sack, but he was cleared to return without missing a drive. WR Tee Higgins, however, was deemed questionable to return with an ankle injury.

Steelers punt again after George Pickens drop

The Steelers punted yet again after a costly drop. Facing third-and-8 on their own 44-yard line, Russell Wilson targeted George Pickens for the second time on Saturday with a deep ball along the sidelines that would have given the Steelers a first down. Pickens beat his defender, but dropped the ball. Pickens only has one reception for no yards on the night. 

Joe Burrow heads to blue tent after sack 

The Steelers’ defense stepped up again. On third-and-2 at Pittsburgh’s 5-yard line, Joe Burrow was sacked for a loss of 12 yards by Nick Herbig and Cameron Heyward, who both landed on top of Burrow. The Bengals QB landed face down and remained down on the field with pieces of turf stuck in his face guard. Burrow was able to walk off the field under his own power and immediately went to the blue tent for evaluation. No penalty flag was thrown for roughing the passer. 

The Bengals settled for a 35-yard field goal try, which Cade York knocked through to push Cincinnati’s lead to 16-7.

Burrow exited the tent and remained on the sideline and was back in the game for the Bengals’ next series.

Halftime: Bengals 13, Steelers 7

The Bengals have a slight lead heading into halftime, up 13-7 over Pittsburgh through two quarters. 

The Steelers’ defense has kept the score close, but their offense must get going if they want to snap their three-game losing streak. Pittsburgh only recorded 75 total yards in the first half, 48 of those yards coming on the ground. QB Russell Wilson completed four of eight passes for 45 yards. He was sacked two times for 18 yards. 

Bengals QB Joe Burrow completed 21 of 27 passes for 153 yards, one touchdown and one interception. WR Ja’Marr Chase has five receptions for 41 yards and one touchdown. 

Bengals extend lead to 13-7 with field goal

The Bengals extended their lead over the Steelers to six points with a 27-yard field goal with 16 seconds remaining in the first half. Cincinnati received the ball at Pittsburgh’s 37-yard line and made it to the red zone, but the Bengals were unable to score after Joe Burrow threw three straight incompletions. 

Steelers turn ball over on downs

The Steelers turned the ball over on downs at their own 37-yard line with 49 seconds left in the first half after they failed to pick up 1 yard on two consecutive plays. Russell Wilson’s quarterback sneak came up short on third-and-1 and running back Jaylen Warren wasn’t able to move the chains on fourth-and-1. 

Joe Burrow picked off 

The Bengals looked like they were going to put more points on the board heading into halftime, but the Steelers forced a turnover. Joe Burrow’s pass intended for Ja’Marr Chase was deflected and bobbled in the air by Steelers LB Patrick Queen. Beanie Bishop Jr. completed the interception at Pittsburgh’s 17-yard-line. 

Steelers fumble punt return; Bengals recover 

The Bengals started their possession behind the sticks after being called for an ineligible man downfield and Cincinnati wasn’t able to recover. Steelers LB Preston Smith sacked Bengals QB Joe Burrow on third down at Cincinnati’s 19-yard line, leading to a punt. 

Cincinnati, however, was able to get the ball right back. The Steelers’ Calvin Austin III fumbled on the punt return after Bengals LB Shaka Heyward appeared to punch the ball out. Cincinnati recovered the fumble on Pittsburgh’s 33-yard line. 

Bengals turn ball over on downs 

Instead of settling for another field goal, the Bengals went for it on fourth-and-1 at Pittsburgh’s 37-yard line. Enter Cameron Heyward. The Steelers’ 35-year-old defensive tackle tipped Joe Burrow’s pass, resulting in a turnover on downs. 

Bengals 10, Steelers 7: Pittsburgh takes advantage of penalties to get in end zone

The Steelers cashed in on their trip to the red zone and they had help along the way. QB Russell Wilson kept Pittsburgh’s drive alive with a 25-yard completion to WR Mike Williams, who showcased his twinkle-toes along the sidelines on third-and-long to get into Cincinnati territory.

A pass interference penalty was called on Bengals CB Cam Taylor-Britt for impeding TE Pat Freiermuth, setting up the Steelers at the Bengals’ 29-yard line. Taylor-Britt was called for pass interference again on TE Darnell Washington in the end zone, putting the Steelers at the Bengals’ 1-yard line. RB Najee Harris punched it in for a 1-yard touchdown. 

Bengals settle for field goal, go up 10-0

The Steelers’ defense held the Bengals to a field goal. Facing third-and-6 on Pittsburgh’s 26-yard line, Bengals QB Joe Burrow was sacked by LB Patrick Queen and fumbled the ball. It was recovered by Cincinnati and the Bengals settled for a 48-yard field goal to extend their lead to 10 points. 

Steelers go three-and-out

The Steelers had no response to the Bengals’ opening touchdown. Despite starting on its own 40-yard line, Pittsburgh went three-and-out on its first drive. QB Russell Wilson was sacked by Bengals DE Trey Hendrickson on third-and-7 for a 9-yard loss. It marked Hendrickson’s 15th sack of the season, the most in the league. 

Ja’Marr Chase scores on opening drive: Bengals 7, Steelers 0

The Bengals are off to a red-hot start, despite the frigid temperatures. QB Joe Burrow completed six of six passes on the Bengals’ nine-play, 73-yard opening touchdown drive. Three of those receptions went to WR Ja’Marr Chase, including a 12-yard touchdown pass right up the middle to give the Bengals a 7-0 lead over the Steelers. 

Bengals TE Mike Gesicki picks up bonus 

Bengals TE Mike Gesicki is $125,000 richer. He entered Saturday’s matchup against the Steelers needing 3 receiving yards to reach 600 on the season to trigger a six-digit incentive. It didn’t take long. Gesicki caught a 12-yard pass from QB Joe Burrow on the Bengals’ opening drive to collect the extra money. He can pick up another $125,000 if he gets two touchdown grabs. 

Bengals playoff scenarios

The Bengals still are a long shot to reach the playoffs. Cincinnati first must win its matchup against the Steelers on Saturday in Pittsburgh. The Bengals will then need some help the rest of the way. They need the Denver Broncos to lose to the Kansas City Chiefs and the Miami Dolphins to lose or tie the New York Jets on Sunday. 

Steelers playoff scenarios: Wild-card spot locked in after Ravens win AFC North

The Baltimore Ravens clinched the AFC North and the No. 3 seed Saturday with a 35-10 win over the Cleveland Browns. Ravens QB Lamar Jackson completed 16 of 32 passes for 217 yards and two touchdowns, in addition to nine carries for 63 yards. Running back Derrick Henry celebrated his 31st birthday with 20 carries for 138 yards and two touchdowns. The win wasn’t without any difficulties. Receiver Zay Flowers went down clutching his knee in the first half and was ruled out the remainder of the game. His status for the playoffs is not clear. 

The Steelers will be the No. 5 seed, facing the AFC South champion Houston Texans, if they beat the Bengals Saturday night. If the Steelers lose to the Bengals, they could slip to the No. 6 seed — where they would face the Ravens — if the Chargers win Sunday.

Steelers WR George Pickens fined

Pickens’ wallet got a little lighter after Christmas and it had nothing to do with shopping. Pickens was fined $10,231 for unsportsmanlike conduct in the Steelers’ 29-10 Christmas Day loss to the Kansas City Chiefs for removing his helmet. Pickens was called for a false start on a fourth-down attempt, resulting in him putting his hands to his head and removing his helmet in frustration on the field.

Steelers inactives: CB Donte Jackson out

Donte Jackson came into Saturday listed as questionable, but he won’t suit up against the Cincinnati Bengals due to a back injury. Jackson landed on the Steelers’ inactive list, alongside WR Scott Miller, DE Isaiahh Loudermilk, DE Dean Lowry and QB Kyle Allen. 

Bengals inactives: Chase Brown out

It’s do or die for the Bengals and they will be down their starting running back. Chase Brown was listed as inactive vs. the Steelers on Saturday due to an ankle injury. It’s a big blow for the Bengals. Brown has recorded 990 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on the ground, in addition to 360 receiving yards and four touchdowns in 16 games this season. 

WR Charlie Jones, DE Isaiah Thomas, OT Andrew Stueber, WR Jermaine Burton, TE Tanner McLachlan and DE Sam Hubbard are also on the Bengals’ inactive list. 

Temperatures drop below freezing in Pittsburgh 

Stakes are high for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals in their matchup on Saturday, but temperatures at Acrisure Stadium will be very low. 

According to The Weather Channel, the temperature in Pittsburgh is expected to drop to 21 degrees at kickoff at 8:00 p.m. ET. Fans and players not only have to brave the cold, they also have to withstand 10 mph winds that will increase to 12 mph throughout the contest. The frigid forecast states that it will feel like 10 degrees in Pittsburgh.

Steelers vs. Bengals start time

Start time: 8 p.m. ET (7 p.m. CT)

The Steelers and Bengals are set to kick off at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday night.

Steelers vs. Bengals TV channel

TV channel: ABC | ESPN

ABC and ESPN will simulcast the Steelers-Bengals matchup on Saturday night. Chris Fowler (play-by-play) will be flanked by Louis Riddick and Dan Orlovsky in the broadcast booth.

Steelers vs. Bengals predictions, picks

Here’s how the USA TODAY Sports staff feels the matchup between the Bengals and Steelers will go:

Lorenzo Reyes: Bengals 26, Steelers 17
Jordan Mendoza: Bengals 24, Steelers 20

Left behind for Steelers game, Bengals’ Jermaine Burton also faces eviction

Burton, a rookie out of Alabama, also did not travel with the team for Saturday’s night game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, head coach Zac Taylor said.

Taylor said it was his decision to leave his third-round draft pick behind, but did not comment on the reason for the choice.

— Cameron Knight, Cincinnati Enquirer

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LOS ANGELES — Kawhi Leonard is set to make his season debut for the Los Angeles Clippers Saturday night against the Atlanta Hawks at the Intuit Dome.

Coach Tyronn Lue confirmed that Leonard will be in the starting lineup during his pregame press conference.

The Clippers initially announced Leonard would be out due to “right knee injury recovery’ on the team’s Friday evening injury report but his status was upgraded to questionable hours later.

“Just making sure we are taking it slow,” Lue said about Leonard’s availability as he makes his return to the court. “This is like his preseason and his training camp because he didn’t have that.”

Leonard is expected to be on a minutes restriction against the Hawks but Lue did not want to commit publicly to an exact number.

The six-time All-Star was spotted during pregame warmups taking shots as fans began filing into the arena.

Leonard missed the first 34 games of the season but the Clippers managed to produce a 19-15 record in his absence behind the efforts of James Harden and Norman Powell.

Leonard was a full-contact participant for Clippers’ practices starting Dec. 18, which fueled speculation that the two-time Defensive Player of the Year was close to making a return. The San Diego State alum spent the last few days working with the team’s G League affiliate in San Diego and participating in 5-on-5 scrimmages.

During the Clippers’ media day session in September, Leonard consistently told reporters that he hoped to remain healthy enough to have a run in the playoffs. He signed a three-year, $153 million deal in January and felt he was coming off a ‘good’ season in 2023-24.

He averaged 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds and 3.6 assists in 68 games last season, the most he has played since playing a career-high 74 games during the 2016-17 season. Leonard was limited to 52 games throughout the 2022-23 season and missed the 2021-22 season due to an ACL injury.