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MBB-FBS: Abilene Christian Wildcats (9-9) at Utah Valley Wolverines (14-5)

NCAABB Editor
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Utah Valley continues WAC play at home on Wednesday against Abilene Christian. Tip off at the UCCU Center is set for 6 p.m.

Aziz Bandaogo came up just short of a triple double with a career-high 23 points, 13 rebounds, and a career-best seven assists to lead Utah Valley in an 85-80 setback to Seattle U on Saturday night at the UCCU Center. The loss is the first setback for the Wolverines since falling at Boise State on Nov. 26.

With its loss to Seattle U on Saturday night, Utah Valley’s win streak was snapped at 11 games. It was tied for the fourth-longest win streak in the nation. The 11-game streak began with an 88-78 win over Long Beach State on Dec. 3 and came to an end in an 85-80 loss to Seattle U on Jan. 14. UVU’s 11-game streak was the second longest win streak in school history. The 2011-12 team holds the longest streak in team history at 13 games.

Utah Valley’s six straight road wins is tied for the longest road win streak in the nation. The Wolverines have not lost a road game since falling at Boise State on Nov. 26. UVU’s six-game road win streak includes wins at BYU, Northern Arizona, Oregon, UT Arlington, UTRGV, and California Baptist.

With its 77-72 win at Oregon on Dec. 20, Utah Valley became one of four WAC teams to pick up a win over a team from a Power 5 Conference. Utah Valley (Oregon) joins Sam Houston (Oklahoma, Utah), California Baptist (Washington), and Tarleton (Boston College) to pick up wins over teams from a Power 5 league.

Utah Valley is the top shot blocking team in the nation at 6.6 blocks per game. The Wolverines sit ahead of Illinois (6.3 bpg.), Iona (6.2 bpg.), and Washington (6.2 bpg.)

Aziz Bandaogo ranks in the top-15 nationally in six statistical categories. He ranks third in blocks (53), fifth in rebounds (198), sixth in blocks per game (2.79), eighth in double doubles (9), ninth in rebounds per game (10.4), and 11th in defensive rebounds per game (7.58).

Le’Tre Darthard knocked down his 100th career three-pointer on Jan. 5 at UT Arlington. He now ranks ninth all-time at UVU with 109 career made threes. Darthard ranks fourth all-time at UVU with a 40.4 percent clip from long range. He also ranks fifth all-time at UVU with an 83.9 percent career mark from the free throw line.

BROADCAST INFORMATION
Wednesday night’s game against Abilene Christian will be broadcast live on the ESPN+, which is available on the ESPN+ app and at ESPNplus.com. Brandon Crow and Josh Kallunki will be on the call. The game will also be broadcast over the Utah County airwaves on ESPN 960 AM with Jim McCulloch on the call.

ABOUT ABILENE CHRISTIAN
Abilene Christian enters Wednesday’s game with a 9-9 overall record and a 1-4 mark in WAC play. The Wildcats have dropped three straight, including a 72-63 setback at Tarleton on Saturday night. ACU forces a lot of turnovers, ranking seventh nationally at 18.94 turnovers forced per game and 16th in the country in steals at 9.6 a game. The team gets a lot of production from its bench as the Wildcats rank 13th nationally in bench points per game at 30.72. Senior forward Joe Pleasant recorded his first double-double of the season with 10 points and 10 rebounds in Saturday’s loss at Tarleton. Redshirt senior guard Immanuel Allen and sophomore guard Ali Abdou Dibba led ACU with 14 points apiece at Tarleton. Allen leads the team in scoring this season at 11.9 points a game, while Tobias Cameron also averages double digits at 10.7 points a contest. Cameron leads the team on the boards, pulling down 4.8 rebounds a game. As a team, ACU averages 76.5 points per game while limiting opponents to a 67.8 points per game average.

SERIES HISTORY VS. THE WILDCATS
Utah Valley and Abilene Christian will meet for just the third time on the basketball hardwood. The two teams first met last season with ACU taking an 80-76 win in Orem on Dec. 30, 2021 in UVU’s WAC opener last season. ACU then defeated UVU in the second round of the 2022 WAC Tournament in Las Vegas, 82-74.

NATIONAL BLOCKS LEADER
As of Jan. 17, Utah Valley now leads the nation in both total blocks and blocks per game. The Wolverines lead the country with 126 blocks and lead the nation in blocks per game at 6.6. Illinois is second in the country at 6.3 blocks per game.

UTAH VALLEY HOLDS NATION’S LONGEST ROAD WIN STREAK IN THE COUNTRY
Utah Valley’s six straight road wins is tied for the longest road win streak in the nation. The Wolverines have not lost a road game since falling at Boise State on Nov. 26. UVU’s six-game road win streak includes wins at BYU, Northern Arizona, Oregon, UT Arlington, UTRGV, and California Baptist.

UTAH VALLEY HELD NATION’S FOURTH-LONGEST WIN STREAK IN THE NATION, SECOND-LONGEST IN SCHOOL HISTORY
With its loss to Seattle U on Saturday night, Utah Valley’s win streak was snapped at 11 games. It was tied for the fourth-longest win streak in the nation. The 11-game streak began with an 88-78 win over Long Beach State on Dec. 3 and came to an end in an 85-80 loss to Seattle U on Jan. 14. UVU’s 11-game streak was the second longest win streak in school history. The 2011-12 team holds the longest streak in team history at 13 games.

UTAH VALLEY HOLDS SECOND-BEST NCAA NET RATING IN THE WAC
As of Jan. 17, Utah Valley holds the second-best NCAA NET ranking in the Western Athletic Conference at No. 82. The Wolverines are second behind Sam Houston at No. 47. Grand Canyon is third (99), followed by Seattle U (114), Southern Utah (118), Stephen F. Austin (138), Tarleton (157), California Baptist (167), New Mexico State (177), Utah Tech (196), Abilene Christian (238), UTRGV (261), and UT Arlington (284).

UTAH VALLEY SITS ATOP WAC RESUME SEEDING SYSTEM
As of Jan. 17, Utah Valley leads the WAC in the latest WAC resume seeding system standings. The WAC will be seeding its teams at the WAC Tournament based on an algorithm that will rate performance against all teams faced in the regular season, not just conference play, that will rank teams for the conference postseason tournament. Using this resume seeding system, teams will receive more credit by playing stronger opponents than if they play weaker opponents. WAC Commissioner Brian Thornton and WAC Associate Commissioner of Basketball Drew Speraw worked with Ken Pomeroy of kenpom.com to put together this formula.

MBB-D3: Hampden-Sydney Tigers (12-4) at Randolph Wildcats (5-12)

NCAABB Editor
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Hampden-Sydney College plays on the road at Randolph College in Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) basketball action on Wednesday night, January 18, at 7:30 p.m. in Lynchburg. H-SC has won three-straight and 10 of its last 11 games, and is 12-4 overall, 7-1 in the ODAC, while Randolph has lost two-straight and 10 of its last 12 games and is 5-12 overall, 1-6 in the ODAC. The game will be available to watch via WildCats All-Access.

Head Coach Caleb Kimbrough
H-SC is led by the fourth-year head coach who took over the program on April 4, 2019. The former head coach at Huntingdon (AL) College from 2016-19, Kimbrough is the 19th head coach in the 113-year history of the storied Hampden-Sydney program. He is no stranger to the ODAC, having played four years at Guilford (NC) College and coached six years with the Quakers, and one year at Washington and Lee University. Caleb is 42-32 overall at the College, including 24-20 in ODAC games.

Scouting Hampden-Sydney
The Tigers, getting votes (36) in this week’s D3hoops.com Top 25, won their most recent game vs. conference member Bridgewater, 80-63, on Jan. 14 in S. Douglas Fleet Gymnasium. H-SC had four players averaging in double-figure scoring among its five starters that are each scoring at least 8.8 points per game. The Tigers are led by junior forward Davidson Hubbard (Charlotte, NC) with his 13.0 points and 7.3 rebounds, followed by senior guard Ryan Clements (Conyers, GA) (12.5 points, 4.6 rebounds), junior guard and team captain Adam Brazil (Mooresville, NC) (10.1 points, 3.6 assists, 29 3FGs), junior guard DJ Wright (Greensboro, GA) (10.0 points, 24 3FGs) and junior guard/forward Josiah Hardy (Ashburn) (8.8 points, 5.8 rebounds). H-SC is shooting 47% (472-1015) from the field, including 36% (135-377) on three-point field goals, and 73% (178-244) at the free throw line. The Tigers average 78.6 points, and allow 66.5 points, for a +12.1 scoring margin.

Scouting Randolph
The WildCats are coached by seventh-year head coach Pete Hamilton. Randolph lost its most recent game at Bridgewater, 73-71, on Jan. 11. The WildCats are led by senior guard Danny Bickey who is averaging 18.2 points with 44 three-pointers, followed by junior guard Jordan Phillips-McLoyd (14.6 points, 44 3FGs) and fifth-year guard Jerry Goodman (11.2 points, 21 3FGs). Randolph shoots 43% (464-1088) from the field, including 35% (127-364) on three-pointers, and 74% (209-281) at the line; scoring 74.4 points, and yielding 80.4 points, for a -6.0 scoring margin.

Series History
H-SC leads the all-time series between the two schools, 10-7. The Tigers have won two-straight and three of four in the series, including the most recent, 73-72, on Jan. 12, 2022 in Fleet Gym. Randolph won the first-ever contest between the two schools, 57-49, on Jan. 28, 2009 in Lynchburg, as current WildCat head coach Pete Hamilton scored a game-high 20 points, including 5-8 three-pointers, also Randolph’s first-ever ODAC victory in men’s basketball.

Double-Double?
Davidson Hubbard has posted five double-doubles this season. He scored 12 points, adding 10 rebounds at Greensboro (NC) on Nov. 8. Hubbard had game-highs of 21 points and 10 rebounds versus Alvernia (PA) on Nov. 11. He equaled his career-high with 22 points, adding a season-high 11 rebounds at Mary Washington on Nov. 22. Hubbard had 10 points and a game-high 11 rebounds at Lynchburg on Dec. 3. He had a game-high 18 points, adding 13 rebounds versus Bridgewater on Jan. 14. Davidson now has eight career double-doubles, and has scored in double figures in 12 of 16 games this season.

Chasing 1,000 Career Points
Ryan Clements is seeking to become the first Tiger to surpass the magical 1,000 career point plateau since 2016 (Mike Murray, 1,178). He entered this season with 767 career points in 58 career games, needing to average approximately nine points per game. Clements’ career scoring average through three seasons is 13.2, and he is currently averaging 12.5 points through 16 games and now totals 967 career points. Ryan has scored in double figures in 13 of 16 games this season, and would become the 44th 1,000-point scorer at H-SC.

Up Next
H-SC will remain on the road for a non-conference game at Salisbury (MD) University on Saturday, Jan. 21, at 1 p.m. in Salisbury, Maryland. The Tigers return home for big contest against nationally-ranked No. 17 Guilford (NC) College on Wednesday night, Jan. 25, at 7 p.m. in Fleet Gym.

NFL Divisional Playoffs Preview: Dallas Cowboys (13-5) 5 Seed at San Francisco 49ers (14-4) 2 Seed

NFL Editor
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NFL Divisional Playoffs Preview: Dallas Cowboys (13-5) 5 Seed at San Francisco 49ers (14-4) 2 Seed

DIVISIONAL PLAYOFFS
DATE: Sunday, January 22, 2023
TIME: 6:30 PM ET
STADIUM: Levi’s Stadium
REFEREE: Bill Vinovich

REGULAR-SEASON SERIES HISTORY
LEADER 49ers lead all-time series, 15-14-1
STREAKS Cowboys have won past 3
LAST GAME 12/20/20: 49ers 33 at Cowboys 41
LAST GAME AT SITE 10/22/17: Cowboys 40, 49ers 10

PLAYOFF SERIES HISTORY
LEADER Cowboys lead all-time series, 5-3
STREAKS 49ers have won past 2
LAST GAME 1/16/22: 49ers 23 at Cowboys 17
LAST GAME AT SITE 1/15/95: 49ers 38, Cowboys 28

DALLAS COWBOYS (13-5 – NFC EAST – NO. 5 SEED)
HEAD COACH: MIKE MCCARTHY
PLAYOFF RECORD 11-9
VS. OPPONENT 6-5

DALLAS COWBOYS
PLAYOFF RECORD 36-29
CHAMPIONSHIPS 5: 1971 (VI), 1977 (XII), 1992 (XXVII),
1993 (XXVIII), 1995 (XXX)
LAST POSTSEASON
GAME W 31-14 at Tampa Bay (NFC-WC)
VS. COMMON OPPONENTS
4-2: Chi (1-0), LAR (1-0), TB (1-1), Was (1-1)
PTS. FOR 27.5
OFFENSE 354.9
PASSING Dak Prescott: 261-394-2,860-23-15-91.1
RUSHING Tony Pollard: 193-1,007-5.2-9
RECEIVING CeeDee Lamb: 107-1,359-12.7-9
PTS. AGAINST 20.1
DEFENSE 330.2
SACKS Micah Parsons: 13.5
INTs DaRon Bland (R): 5
TAKE/GIVE +10 (33/23)
PR KaVontae Turpin: 10.4
KR KaVontae Turpin: 24.2
PUNTING (NET) Bryan Anger: 48.4 (42.8)
KICKING Brett Maher: 137 (50/53 PAT; 29/32 FG)

COWBOYS TEAM NOTES
• DALLAS earned 1st road playoff win since 1992 NFC-C (1/17/93 @ SF).

• COWBOYS ranked 4th with 27.5 points per game & have scored 24+ points in 11 of last 12 games, incl. postseason.

• DALLAS has 36 playoff wins, tied with Green Bay (36) & Pittsburgh (36) for second-most all-time, trailing only New England (37).

COWBOYS OFFENSIVE NOTES
• QB DAK PRESCOTT became 5th QB ever with 4 TD passes & rush TD in single playoff game & has pass TD & rush TD in 4 straight playoff games, longest streak in NFL history. Has 8 TDs (6 pass, 2 rush) vs. INT for 100.1 rating in 3 career starts vs. SF, incl. playoffs.

• RB TONY POLLARD rushed for 77 yards in NFC-WC at TB. Had career highs in scrimmage yards (1,378), rush yards (1,007), rec. yards (371), rush TDs (9) & rec. TDs (3) in 2022. Had 6 catches, 132 scrimmage yards (69 rush, 63 rec.) & 2 rush TDs in last reg. season meeting.

• RB EZEKIEL ELLIOTT had 968 scrimmage yards (876 rush, 92 rec) & ranked tied-5th in NFL with 12 rush TDs in 2022. Since 2016, is only player with 10,000+ scrimmage yards (10,598). Has 376 scrimmage yards (188 per game) & 4 TDs (3 rush, 1 rec.) in 2 career games at SF.

• WR CEEDEE LAMB had 1st-career playoff TD catch last week in NFC-WC at TB. Ranked tied-5th with career-high 107 receptions, ranked 6th with career-high 1,359 rec. yards & had career-high 9 rec. TDs in 2022.

• TE DALTON SCHULTZ led team with 7 catches for 95 yards & 2 rec. TDs in NFC-WC at TB, 1st TE in team history with 2 rec. TDs in single playoff game. Had 7 catches for 89 yards in 2021 NFC-WC vs. SF (1/16/22). Had 57 catches for 577 yards & 5 rec. TDs in 2022 & is 1 of 4 TEs with 50+ catches & 500+ rec. yards in each of past 3 seasons.

COWBOYS DEFENSIVE NOTES
• LB MICAH PARSONS had 1st-career playoff sack, 2 TFL & 2 PD in NFCWC at TB. Had 9 tackles & TFL in 2021 NFC-WC vs. SF (1/16/22). Led team with 13.5 sacks & became 3rd player since 1982 with 13+ sacks in each of 1st 2 NFL seasons. Since 2021, ranks 4th in NFL in TFL (34).

• DE DEMARCUS LAWRENCE has 6 TFL in 7 career playoff games. Has 2 sacks, 2 TFL, 2 FFs & FR in 3 career games vs. SF, incl. postseason.

• DE DORANCE ARMSTRONG set career highs in sacks (8.5) & TFL (9) in 2022.

• DE SAM WILLIAMS led all rookies with 10 TFL & tied-1st with 3 FRs.

• LB LEIGHTON VANDER ESCH led team with 9 tackles & had 2 PD in NFCWC at TB. Had 13 tackles in 2021 NFC-WC vs. SF (1/16/22).

• CB DARON BLAND ranked tied-2nd among rookies with 5 INTs.

• S DONOVAN WILSON had 6 tackles & 2 PD in NFC-WC at TB. Led team with 99 tackles in 2022.

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (14-4 – NFC WEST – NO. 2 SEED)
HEAD COACH: KYLE SHANAHAN
PLAYOFF RECORD 5-2
VS. OPPONENT 1-2

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
PLAYOFF RECORD 35-22
CHAMPIONSHIPS 5: 1981 (XVI), 1984 (XIX), 1988 (XXIII),
1989 (XXIV), 1994 (XXIX)
LAST POSTSEASON
GAME W 41-23 vs. Seattle (1/14/23 – NFC-WC)
VS. COMMON OPPONENTS
4-1: Chi (0-1), LAR (2-0), TB (1-0), Was (1-0)
PTS. FOR 26.5
OFFENSE 365.6
PASSING Brock Purdy (R): 114-170-1,374-13-4-107.3
RUSHING Christian McCaffrey (2022): 244-1,139-4.7-8
RECEIVING Brandon Aiyuk: 78-1,015-13.0-8
PTS. AGAINST 16.3
DEFENSE 300.6
SACKS Nick Bosa: 18.5
INTs Tashaun Gipson: 5
TAKE/GIVE +13 (30/17)
PR Ray-Ray McCloud: 10.8
KR Ray-Ray McCloud: 23.0
PUNTING (NET) Mitch Wishnowsky: 43.9 (39.7)
KICKING Robbie Gould: 131 (50/51 PAT; 27/32 FG)

49ERS TEAM NOTES
• SAN FRANCISCO advanced to NFC-D for 3rd time in 4 seasons.

• KYLE SHANAHAN led SF to SB LIV appearance (2019 season) & NFC-C (2021 season) in 1st 2 career playoff runs as HC.

• SAN FRANCISCO led NFL in total defense (300.6), scoring defense (16.3) & turnover margin (+13), ranked tied-1st in INTs (20) & ranked 2nd in & rush defense (77.7).

49ERS OFFENSIVE NOTES
• QB BROCK PURDY became 1st rookie QB ever with 4 total TDs (3 pass, 1 rush) in playoff game. Passed for 332 yards in NFC-WC vs. Sea., most by rookie in 1st playoff game since 1937 (HOFer Sammy Baugh).

• RB CHRISTIAN MCCAFFREY had 136 scrimmage yards (119 rush, 17 rec.) & TD catch in NFC-WC vs. Sea. Aims for his 3rd in row in playoffs with 100+ scrimmage yards & TD & aims for his 8th in row with TD, incl. playoffs. Ranked 3rd in NFL with 1,880 scrimmage yards (1,139 rush, 741 rec. – most among RBs), ranked 2nd among RBs with 85 catches & was 1 of 2 (Austin Ekeler) with 5+ rush TDs (8) & 5+ rec. TDs (5) in 2022.

• RB ELIJAH MITCHELL rushed for 96 yards & TD in 2021 NFC-WC at Dal. (1/16/22).

• TE GEORGE KITTLE had 60 catches for 765 yards (5th-most among TEs) & career-high 11 rec. TDs (2nd-most among TEs) in 2022. Had 4 games with 2 rec. TDs in 2022, most by TE in season since 2015.

• WR BRANDON AIYUK had 73 rec. yards in NFC-WC vs. Sea. & has 65+ rec. yards in 3 of his 4 career playoff games. Aims for his 3rd in row, incl. playoffs, vs. Dal. with 5+ catches & 65+ rec. yards. Set career highs with 78 receptions, 1,015 rec. yards & 8 rec. TDs in 2022.

• WR DEEBO SAMUEL had 165 scrimmage yards (133 rec., 32 rush) & TD catch in NFC-WC vs. Sea. Has 685 scrimmage yards (414 rec., 271 rush – 97.9 per game) & 3 TDs (2 rec., 1 rush) in 7 career playoff games. Had 110 scrimmage
yards (72 rush, 38 rec.) & rush TD in 2021 NFC-WC at Dal. (1/16/22).

49ERS DEFENSIVE NOTES
• DL NICK BOSA had 5 tackles, TFL & FR in NFC-WC vs. Sea. Has 8 sacks & 6 TFL in 7 career playoff games. Became 1st SF player since 1982 to lead NFL in sacks (career-high 18.5) & ranked tied-2nd with 19 TFL in 2022. Became 4th player since 1982 with sack in 13+ games (13) within single season.

• DL CHARLES OMENIHU had 2 sacks & FF in NFC-WC vs. Sea. Had 1.5 sacks & FF in 2021 NFC-WC at Dal. (1/16/22).

• DL ARIK ARMSTEAD had sack in NFC-WC vs. Sea. Has 6 sacks in 7 career playoff games. Aims for his 3rd in row, incl. playoffs, vs. Dal. with sack.

• LB FRED WARNER led team with 130 tackles, his 5th-straight 100+ tackle season & had career-high 10 PD in 2022. Has 5+ tackles in each of 1st 7 career playoff games.

• LB DRE GREENLAW led team with 11 tackles in NFC-WC vs. Sea. Had career highs in tackles (127) & PD (6) in 2022.

• CB CHARVARIUS WARD had career-high 87 tackles & 11 PD in 2022.

• S TALANOA HUFANGA set career highs in tackles (95), PD (9), TFL (5) & INTs (4) in 2022.

NFL Divisional Playoffs Preview: Cincinnati Bengals (13-4) 3 Seed at Buffalo Bills (14-3) 1 Seed

NFL Editor
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NFL Divisional Playoffs Preview: Cincinnati Bengals (13-4) 3 Seed at Buffalo Bills (14-3) 1 Seed

DIVISIONAL PLAYOFFS
DATE: Sunday, January 22, 2023
TIME: 3:00 PM ET
STADIUM: Highmark Stadium
REFEREE: Carl Cheffers

REGULAR-SEASON SERIES HISTORY
LEADER Bills lead all-time series, 17-13
STREAKS Bills have won 2 of last 3
LAST GAME 9/22/19: Bengals 17 at Bills 21
LAST GAME AT SITE 9/22/19

PLAYOFF SERIES HISTORY
LEADER Bengals lead all-time series, 2-0
STREAKS Bengals have won only 2 meetings
LAST GAME 1/8/89: Bills 10 at Bengals 21
LAST GAME AT SITE First postseason meeting in Buffalo

CINCINNATI BENGALS (13-4 – AFC NORTH – NO. 3 SEED)
HEAD COACH: ZAC TAYLOR
PLAYOFF RECORD 4-1
VS. OPPONENT 0-1

CINCINNATI BENGALS
PLAYOFF RECORD 9-15
CHAMPIONSHIPS 0
LAST POSTSEASON
GAME W 24-17 vs. Baltimore (1/15/24 – AFC-WC)
VS. COMMON OPPONENTS
9-3: Bal (2-1), Cle (1-1), KC (1-0), Mia (1-0),
NE (1-0), NYJ (1-0), Pit (1-1), Ten (1-0)
PTS. FOR 26.1
OFFENSE 378.0
PASSING Joe Burrow: 414-606-4,475-35-12-100.8
RUSHING Joe Mixon: 210-814-3.9-7
RECEIVING Ja’Marr Chase: 87-1,046-12.0-9
PTS. AGAINST 20.1
DEFENSE 335.7
SACKS Trey Hendrickson: 8
INTs Jessie Bates, Vonn Bell: 4
TAKE/GIVE +6 (24/18)
PR Trent Taylor: 10.3
KR Trayveon Williams: 22.3
PUNTING (NET) Drue Chrisman: 47.8 (42.6)
KICKING Evan McPherson: 112 (40/44 PAT; 24/29 FG)

BENGALS TEAM NOTES
• CINCINNATI won playoff game in consecutive seasons for 1st time in franchise history.

• ZAC TAYLOR is 3rd Cin. HC to lead team to postseason in consecutive seasons, joining Forrest Gregg & Marvin Lewis.

• BENGALS had 3 players selected to 2023 Pro Bowl Games: QB JOE BURROW, WR JA’MARR CHASE & DE TREY HENDRICKSON.

• CINCINNATI ranked 4th in NFL in total offense (378 yards per game).

BENGALS OFFENSIVE NOTES
• QB JOE BURROW ranked 5th in NFL with 4,475 pass yards & tied-2nd with career-high 35 TD passes in 2022, most TD passes in single season in franchise history. Had 2 TDs (1 pass, 1 rush) vs. 0 INTs last week & aims for his 3rd in row in playoffs with 0 INTs. Has 2+ TD passes in 5 of his past 6 road starts.

• RB JOE MIXON totaled 1,255 scrimmage yards (814 rush, career-high 441 rec.) in 2022, his 4th-career season with 1,250+ scrimmage yards, tied 3rd-most among active RBs. Has TD in each of 2 career games vs. Buf. Has 50+ scrimmage yards in each of 5 career playoff games.

• WR JA’MARR CHASE led team with 87 catches & 1,046 rec. yards in 2022 & is 4th player in NFL history with 80+ catches & 1,000+ rec. yards in each of 1st 2 seasons. Led team with 9 catches for 84 yards & TD last week & aims for his 10th in row with 7+ catches. Has 80+ rec. yards in 4 of 5 career postseason games.

• WR TEE HIGGINS had 1,029 rec. yards in 2022 & is 2nd Cin. player ever (A.J. Green) with 900+ rec. yards in each of 1st 3 seasons. Has 95+ rec. yards in 3 of his past 4 in playoffs.

• WR TYLER BOYD had 5th-straight season with 750+ rec. yards (762).

• TE HAYDEN HURST had rec. TD in only career game vs. Buf. (12/8/19 w/ Bal.).

BENGALS DEFENSIVE NOTES
• DE TREY HENDRICKSON led team with 8 sacks in 2022 & is 1 of 6 in NFL with 8+ sacks in each of past 3 seasons. Has sack in 2 of his past 3 in playoffs.

• LB LOGAN WILSON led team with career-high 123 tackles this season. Had team-high 10 tackles & FF last week. Has 8+ tackles in each of 5 career postseason games.

• LB SAM HUBBARD had 98-yard FR-TD last week, longest go-ahead TD in 4th quarter in NFL postseason history. Has TFL in 4 of 5 playoff games.

• LB GERMAINE PRATT set career highs in tackles (99) & PD (10) this season.

• S JESSIE BATES had career-best 4 INTs in 2022. Had 9 tackles & TFL last week. Has 6 PD in 5 career playoff games.

• S VONN BELL had career-high 4 INTs this season.

BUFFALO BILLS (14-3 – AFC EAST – NO. 2 SEED)
HEAD COACH: SEAN MCDERMOTT
PLAYOFF RECORD 4-4
VS. OPPONENT 1-1

BUFFALO BILLS
PLAYOFF RECORD 18-19
CHAMPIONSHIPS 0
LAST POSTSEASON
GAME W 34-31 vs. Miami (1/15/23 – AFC-WC)
VS. COMMON OPPONENTS
10-2: Bal (1-0), Cle (1-0), KC (1-0), Mia (2-1),
NE (2-0), NYJ (1-1), Pit (1-0), Ten (1-0)
PTS. FOR 28.4
OFFENSE 397.6
PASSING Josh Allen: 359-567-4,283-35-14-96.6
RUSHING Devin Singletary: 177-819-4.6-5
RECEIVING Stefon Diggs: 108-1,429-13.2-11
PTS. AGAINST 17.9
DEFENSE 319.1
SACKS Greg Rousseau: 8
INTs Jordan Poyer: 4
TAKE/GIVE 0 (27/27)
PR Nyheim Hines: 9.6
KR Nyheim Hines: 29.2
PUNTING (NET) Sam Martin: 47.7 (41.3)
KICKING Tyler Bass: 129 (48/50 PAT; 27/31 FG)

BILLS TEAM NOTES
• BUFFALO is 13-1 in home postseason games since 1970 & aims for 2nd AFC Champ. Game appearance in past 3 seasons.

• SEAN MCDERMOTT can join HOFer Marc Levy (11 wins) as only Buf. HCs ever with 5+ playoffs wins.

• BILLS ranked 2nd in NFL in scoring defense (17.9 points allowed per game) & 2nd in total offense (397.6 yards per game) & scoring offense (26.8).

BILLS OFFENSIVE NOTES
• QB JOSH ALLEN had 4,283 pass yards & ranked tied-2nd in NFL with 35 TD passes this season & is 6th player ever with 4,000+ pass yards & 35+ TD passes in 3 career seasons. Ranked tied-3rd among QBs with 7 rush TDs in 2022 & is 1st QB ever with 6+ rush TDs in 5 straight seasons. Had 352 pass yards & 3 TD passes last week, his 3rd-straight playoff game with 300+ pass yards & 3+ TD passes. Has 12 TDs (11 pass, 1 rush) & 116.4 rating in 4 career home playoff starts.

• RB DEVIN SINGLETARY had career-high 1,099 scrimmage yards (819 rush, 280 rec.) in 2022.

• WR STEFON DIGGS ranked 4th in NFL with 108 catches & 5th with 1,429 rec. yards this season. Is 1 of 2 in NFL (Davante Adams) with 100+ catches in each of past 3 seasons. Led team with 7 catches for 114 yards last week, his 4th-career playoff game with 100+ rec. yards. Had TD catch in only career game vs. Cin. (12/17/17 w/ Min.).

• WR GABE DAVIS had career-best 48 catches & 836 rec. yards in 2022. Had 6 catches for 113 yards & TD last week, his 3rd-straight playoff game with rec. TD & 2nd-straight with 100+ rec. yards.

• TE DAWSON KNOX had TD catch last week, his 5th-straight game with rec. TD. Has rec. TD in 3 of his past 4 in postseason. Had 67 rec. yards & TD catch in last meeting.

BILLS DEFENSIVE NOTES
• S JORDAN POYER led team with 4 INTs in 2022 & is 1 of 6 in NFL with 4+ INTs in each of past 2 seasons. Aims for his 3rd in row vs. Cin. with FR.

• CB TRE’DAVIOUS WHITE had 2 PD last week & aims for his 5th in row with PD. Had 2 INTs & FF in last meeting & has 5 PD in 2 career games vs. Cin.

• CB KAIIR ELAM (rookie) had 2 PD & INT in 1st-career playoff game last week.

• LB TREMAINE EDMUNDS led team with 102 tackles this season, his 5th straight season with 100+ tackles since entering NFL in 2018. Had careerhigh 4 PD & TFL last week. Aims for 3rd in row with 3+ PD.

• LB MATT MILANO led team with 10 tackles & had 1st-career 2-sack game last week. Aims for his 3rd in row in postseason with 10+ tackles.

• DT ED OLIVER had sack last week & aims for his 3rd in row in postseason with sack.

NFL Divisional Playoffs Preview: New York Giants (10-7-1) 6 Seed at Philadelphia Eagles (14-3) 1 Seed

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NFL Divisional Playoffs Preview: New York Giants (10-7-1) 6 Seed at Philadelphia Eagles (14-3) 1 Seed

DIVISIONAL PLAYOFFS
DATE: Saturday, January 21, 2023
TIME: 8:15 PM ET
STADIUM: Lincoln Financial Field
REFEREE: Clete Blakeman

REGULAR-SEASON SERIES HISTORY
LEADER Eagles lead all-time series, 89-85-2
STREAKS Eagles have won past 3
LAST GAME 1/8/23: Giants 16 at Eagles 22
LAST GAME AT SITE 1/8/23

PLAYOFF SERIES HISTORY
LEADER All-time series tied, 2-2
STREAKS Eagles have won past 2
LAST GAME 1/11/09: Eagles 23 at Giants 11
LAST GAME AT SITE 1/7/07: Eagles 23, Giants 20

NEW YORK GIANTS (10-7-1 – NFC EAST – NO. 6 SEED)
HEAD COACH: BRIAN DABOLL
PLAYOFF RECORD 1-0
VS. OPPONENT 0-2

NEW YORK GIANTS
PLAYOFF RECORD 25-25
CHAMPIONSHIPS 8: 1927, 1934, 1938, 1956, 1986 (XXI),
1990 (XXV), 2007 (XLII), 2011 (XLVI)
LAST POSTSEASON
GAME W 31-24 at Minnesota (1/15/23 – NFC-WC)
VS. COMMON OPPONENTS
8-4-1: Chi (1-0), Dal (0-2), Det (0-1), GB (1-0),
Hou (1-0), Ind (1-0), Jax (1-0), Min (1-1), Ten
(1-0), Was (1-0-1)
PTS. FOR 21.5
OFFENSE 333.9
PASSING Daniel Jones: 317-472-3,205-15-5-92.5
RUSHING Saquon Barkley: 295-1,312-4.4-10
RECEIVING Darius Slayton: 46-724-15.7-2
PTS. AGAINST 21.8
DEFENSE 358.2
SACKS Dexter Lawrence: 7.5
INTs Dane Belton (R), Julian Love: 2
TAKE/GIVE +3 (19/16)
PR Richie James: 7.3
KR Gary Brightwell (R): 21.3
PUNTING (NET) Jamie Gillian: 46.8 (40.1)
KICKING Graham Gano: 119 (32/34 PAT; 29/32 FG)

GIANTS TEAM NOTES
• NEW YORK GIANTS advanced to NFC-D for 1st time since 2011.

• BRIAN DABOLL became 1st NYG coach to win postseason debut since Dan Reeves (1993).

• NEW YORK GIANTS ranked 4th in rush yards per game (148.2).

GIANTS OFFENSIVE NOTES
• QB DANIEL JONES made 1st career playoff start in NFC-WC & became 1st QB in NFL history with 300+ pass yards (301), 2+ TD passes (2) & 70+ rush yards (78) in single playoff game. Had career highs in pass yards (3,205), rush yards (708 – 5th-most among QBs) & rush TDs (7 – tied 3rd-most among QBs) in 2022. Aims for his 5th in row vs. Phi. with 90+ rating.

• RB SAQUON BARKLEY had 5 catches, 109 scrimmage yards (56 rec., 53 rush) & 2 rush TDs in NFC-WC at Min. Ranked 4th in rush yards (1,312) & ranked 5th among RBs in scrimmage yards (1,650) & had 2nd-career season with 10+ rush TDs (10) in 2022.

• WR ISAIAH HODGINS led team with 8 receptions for 105 yards & had TD catch in NFC-WC. Has rec. TD in 5 of his past 6, incl. playoffs.

• WR DARIUS SLAYTON had 88 rec. yards in NFC-WC. Had 46 receptions for team-high 724 rec. yards & 2 rec. TDs in 2022, his 3rd-career season with 700+ rec. yards.

• WR RICHIE JAMES had career highs in receptions (57), rec. yards (569) & rec. TDs (4) in 2022.

• TE DANIEL BELLINGER had rec. TD in NFC-WC at Min.

GIANTS DEFENSIVE NOTES
• DT DEXTER LAWRENCE had 6 tackles & TFL in NFC-WC at Min. Aims for his 4th in row with TFL, incl. playoffs. Had career highs in sacks (7.5), TFL (7), PD (3) & FF (2) in 2022. Led NFC DL with career-high 68 tackles this season.

• LB JAYLON SMITH had 88 tackles this season, his 5th-career season with 80+ tackles. Had 9 tackles in Week 14 meeting vs. Phi. Aims for his 4th in row in playoffs with 7+ tackles.

• LB KAYVON THIBODEAUX was 1 of 2 rookies (George Karlaftis) with 4+ sacks (4), 5+ TFL (6) & 5+ PD (5) in 2022.

• LB AZEEZ OJULARI had 2 sacks in Week 14 meeting vs. Phi.

• S JULIAN LOVE led team & ranked 4th among DBs with career-high 116 tackles & was 1 of 5 DBs with 100+ tackles, 5+ TFL (6) & 5+ PD (5) in 2022.

• S XAVIER MCKINNEY led team with 8 tackles & had PD in NFC-WC at Min.

• DB FABIAN MOREAU had career-high 63 tackles & 2nd-straight season with 10+ PD (10) this season.

• CB DARNAY HOLMES had 6 tackles & 2 TFL in NFC-WC at Min. Had careerhigh 8 PD in 2022, incl. 5 PD in his final 5 reg. season games.

• CB ADOREE’ JACKSON aims for his 3rd playoff game in row with 7+ tackles.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (14-3 – NFC EAST – NO. 1 SEED)
HEAD COACH: NICK SIRIANNI
PLAYOFF RECORD 0-1
VS. OPPONENT 3-1

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
PLAYOFF RECORD 23-24
CHAMPIONSHIPS 5: 1948, 1949, 1960, 2017 (SB LII)
LAST POSTSEASON
GAME L 31-15 at Tampa Bay (1/16/22 – NFC-WC)
VS. COMMON OPPONENTS
10-2: Chi (1-0), Dal (1-1), Det (1-0), GB (1-0),
Hou (1-0), Ind (1-0), Jax (1-0), Min (1-0),
Ten (1-0), Was (1-1)
PTS. FOR 28.1
OFFENSE 389.1
PASSING Jalen Hurts: 306-460-3,701-22-6-101.6
RUSHING Miles Sanders: 259-1,269-4.9-11
RECEIVING A.J. Brown: 88-1,496-17.0-11
PTS. AGAINST 20.2
DEFENSE 310.5
SACKS Haason Reddick: 16
INTs C.J. Gardner-Johnson: 6
TAKE/GIVE +8 (27/19)
PR Britain Covey: 9.3
KR Boston Scott: 27.1
PUNTING (NET) Brett Kern: 40.8 (36.6)
KICKING Jake Elliott: 111 (51/53 PAT; 20/23 FG)

EAGLES TEAM NOTES
• PHILADELPHIA clinched NFC East for 1st time since 2019.

• NICK SIRIANNI has led Phi. to postseason in each of 1st 2 seasons.

• EAGLES led NFL in rush TDs (32), tied 2nd-most by team in single season in SB era & sacks (70), tied-3rd most by team in single season all-time.

• PHILADELPHIA became 1st team since 1982 with 4 players each with 10+ sacks in single season.

EAGLES OFFENSIVE NOTES
• QB JALEN HURTS became 3rd QB ever with 3,500+ pass yards (3,701), 20+ TD passes (22) & 10+ rush TDs (13) in single season, 2nd-most rush TDs by QB in single season in NFL history. Became 1st QB all-time with 10+ rush TDs in consecutive seasons. Ranks 4th among QBs with 760 rush yards. Had 297 yards (258 pass, 39 rush) & TD pass in only career playoff start (1/16/22 at TB – NFC-WC). Has 2+ TDs & 100+ rating in 2 of his past 3 starts vs. NYG.

• RB MILES SANDERS had career highs in rush yards (1,269) & rush TDs (11) in 2022, incl. 7 rush TDs in 9 home games. Rushed for 144 yards & 2 TDs in Week 14 meeting at NYG.

• WR A.J. BROWN had 88 catches for franchise-record 1,496 yards (4thmost in NFL) & 11 rec. TDs in 2022. Aims for his 3rd in row in playoffs with 5+ catches, 80+ rec. yards & TD catch. Had 70+ rec. yards in each of his 2 games vs. NYG in 2022.

• WR DEVONTA SMITH had career highs in catches (95), rec. yards (1,196) & rec. TDs (7) in 2022. Brown & Smith were only pair of teammates each with 85+ catches & 1,100+ rec. yards this season. Had 13 games with 5+ catches in 2022, tied 3rd-most in NFL. Had rec. TD in 2 of his past 3 vs. NYG.

EAGLES DEFENSIVE NOTES
• LB HAASON REDDICK ranked tied-2nd in NFL with career-high 16 sacks & ranked tied-1st with 5 FFs. Became 1st player since 1982 with 10+ sacks in 3 straight seasons with 3 different teams.

• DE BRANDON GRAHAM had career-high 11 sacks in 2022. Has 5 sacks, 7 TFL & 2 FFs in his past 5 vs. NYG. Has 0.5+ sacks in 3 of his past 4 playoff games.

• DT JAVON HARGRAVE had career highs in sacks (11) & TFL (10) this season. Has sack in 2 of his past 3 playoff games.

• DE JOSH SWEAT had career highs in sacks (11) & TFL (15) in 2022, incl. sack in 5 of his final 6 reg. season games. Aims for his 3rd in row vs. NYG with sack.

• DT FLETCHER COX has 6 TFL in 8 career playoff games.

• LB T.J. EDWARDS was 1 of 4 with 150+ tackles (159 – tied-6th in NFL) & 10+ TFL (10) in 2022.

• CB DARIUS SLAY (14 PD, 3 INTs) & CB JAMES BRADBERY (17 PD, 3 INTs) were only pair of teammates each with 14+ PD & 3+ INTs in 2022.

• S C.J. GARDNER-JOHNSON ranked tied-1st in NFL with career-high 6 INTs.

NFL Divisional Playoffs Preview: Jacksonville Jaguars (10-8) 4 Seed at Kansas City Chiefs (14-3) 1 Seed

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NFL Divisional Playoffs Preview: Jacksonville Jaguars (10-8) 4 Seed at Kansas City Chiefs (14-3) 1 Seed

DIVISIONAL PLAYOFFS
DATE: Saturday, January 21, 2023
TIME: 4:30 PM ET
STADIUM: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium
REFEREE: Shawn Hochuli

REGULAR-SEASON SERIES HISTORY
LEADER Chiefs lead all-time series, 8-6
STREAKS Chiefs have won past 6
LAST GAME 11/13/22: Jaguars 17 at Chiefs 27
LAST GAME AT SITE 11/13/22

PLAYOFF SERIES HISTORY
LEADER First meeting in postseason

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (10-8 – AFC SOUTH – NO. 4 SEED)
HEAD COACH: DOUG PEDERSON
PLAYOFF RECORD 5-2
VS. OPPONENT 0-2

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
PLAYOFF RECORD 8-7
CHAMPIONSHIPS 0
LAST POSTSEASON
GAME W 31-30 vs. L.A. Chargers (1/14/23 – AFC-WC)
VS. COMMON OPPONENTS
7-3: Den (0-1), Hou (1-1), Ind (1-1), LAC (2-0),
LV (1-0), Ten (2-0)
PTS. FOR 23.8
OFFENSE 357.4
PASSING Trevor Lawrence: 387-584-4,113-25-8-95.2
RUSHING Travis Etienne: 220-1,125-5.1-5
RECEIVING Christian Kirk: 84-1,108-13.2-8
PTS. AGAINST 20.6
DEFENSE 353.3
SACKS Josh Allen: 6
INTs Many tied: 3
TAKE/GIVE + 5 (27/22)
PR Jamal Agnew: 8.2
KR Jamal Agnew: 26.0
PUNTING (NET) Logan Cooke: 49.3 (43.8)
KICKING Riley Patterson: 126 (36/37 PAT; 30/35 FG)

JAGUARS TEAM NOTES
• JAGUARS clinched 1st AFC South division title since 2017 & is 1st team in NFL history to win playoff game the season after finishing with worst record in NFL (or tied for worst).

• JACKSONVILLE completed 3rd-largest comeback in postseason history (27-point deficit) on Super Wild Card Weekend.

• DOUG PEDERSON is 1 of 8 active HCs to win SB (LII in 2017 with Phi.). Is 4th Jax. HC to lead franchise to postseason.

JAGUARS OFFENSIVE NOTES
• QB TREVOR LAWRENCE set career highs with 4,113 pass yards, 25 TD passes & 95.2 rating in 2022 & is 2nd Jax. QB ever (Blake Bortles in 2015) with 4,000+ pass yards & 25+ TD passes in season. Passed for 288 yards & 4 TDs last week & became 6th QB in NFL history with 4+ TD passes in 1st-career playoff start. Had 2 TDs vs. 0 INTs & 106.1 rating in Week 10 meeting. Has 0 INTs in 5 of his past 6 road starts.

• RB TRAVIS ETIENNE totaled 1,441 scrimmage yards (1,125 rush, 316 rec.) in 2022 & is 4th Jax. player ever with 1,100+ rush yards in single season. Had 121 scrimmage yards (109 rush, 12 rec.) last week & has 100+ scrimmage yards in 4 of past 5. Had 73 scrimmage yards (45 rush, 28 rec.) in Week 10 meeting.

• WR CHRISTIAN KIRK led team with career-highs in catches (84), rec. yards (1,108) & rec. TDs (8) in 2022. Had 8 catches for 78 yards & TD last week. Had season-best 9 catches for 105 yards & 2 TDs in Week 10 meeting.

• WR ZAY JONES set career highs with 82 catches & 823 rec. yards this season. Had 8 catches for 74 yards & TD last week & aims for his 3rd in row in postseason with rec. TD. Had 8 catches in Week 10 meeting.

• WR MARVIN JONES had 1st-career playoff TD catch last week.

• TE EVAN ENGRAM ranked tied-3rd among TEs with career-best 73 catches in catches & 4th with 766 rec. yards this season. Had 7 catches for 93 yards & TD last week in 1st-career playoff game.

JAGUARS DEFENSIVE NOTES
• LB FOYESADE OLUOKUN led NFL in tackles for 2nd-straight year, with 184 in 2022. Led team with 13 tackles last week, his 10th game this season with 10+ tackles, tied-most in NFL, incl. postseason.

• LB JOSH ALLEN had sack last week in 1st-career playoff game. Has TFL in 5 of his past 6. Had 6 tackles in Week 10 meeting.

• LB DEVIN LLOYD ranked 3rd among rookies with 115 tackles this season. Had 5 tackles, TFL & PD last week. Had FR in Week 10 meeting.

• DE ROY ROBERTSON-HARRIS led team with career-high 4 TFL with 2 PD & had sack last week. Aims for his 3rd in row with sack.

• S RAYSHAWN JENKINS ranked 6th among DBs with career-best 112 tackles this season. Had 7 tackles & PD last week. Had FF in Week 10 meeting.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (14-3 – AFC WEST – NO. 1 SEED)
HEAD COACH: ANDY REID
PLAYOFF RECORD 19-16
VS. OPPONENT 6-2

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
PLAYOFF RECORD 17-21
CHAMPIONSHIPS 3: 1960, 1969 (IV), 2019 (LIV)
LAST POSTSEASON
GAME L 27-24 vs. Cincinnati (OT) (1/30/22 – AFC-C)
VS. COMMON OPPONENTS
8-1: Den (2-0), Hou (1-0), Ind (0-1), LAC (2-0), LV
(2-0), Ten (1-0),
PTS. FOR 29.2
OFFENSE 413.6
PASSING Patrick Mahomes: 435-648-5,250-41-12-105.1
RUSHING Isiah Pacheco (R): 170-830-4.9-5
RECEIVING Travis Kelce (TE): 110-1,338-12.2-12
PTS. AGAINST 21.7
DEFENSE 328.2
SACKS Chris Jones: 15.5
INTs Juan Thornhill, L’Jarius Sneed: 3
TAKE/GIVE -3 (20/23)
PR Kadarius Toney: 6.1
KR Isiah Pacheco (R): 20.6
PUNTING (NET) Tommy Townsend: 50.4 (45.6)
KICKING Harrison Butker: 92 (38/41 PAT; 18/24 FG)

CHIEFS TEAM NOTES
• KANSAS CITY clinched 7th-straight AFC West division title, tied for 2nd-longest streak of division titles in NFL history. Can became 3rd team ever to appear in 5 consecutive Champ. Games.

• ANDY REID has 19 career postseason wins, tied 3rd-most ever by HC.

• CHIEFS led NFL in total offense (413.6 yards per game) for 3rdconsectuive season & led in scoring offense (29.2 points per game).

• KANSAS CITY had 7 players selected to 2023 Pro Bowl Games.

CHIEFS OFFENSIVE NOTES
• QB PATRICK MAHOMES led NFL with 5,250 pass yards & 41 TD passes in 2022, joining Drew Brees as only players ever with 2 career seasons of 5,000+ pass yards & 40+ TD passes. Had 275+ pass yards & 3+ TD passes in each of 3 games in 2021 postseason. Has 7 career playoff games with 3+ TD passes, 4th-most all-time. Has 300+ pass yards in each of 3 career starts vs. Jax. with 3+ TD passes in each of past 2.

• RB JERICK MCKINNON led RBs with 9 rec. TDs in 2022, tied-most by RB in single season in SB era. Finished reg. season with TD catch in 6 straight games, longest streak ever by RB. Has 441 scrimmage yards (110.3 per game) in his past 4 postseason games.

• RB ISIAH PACHECO ranked 4th among rookie RBs with 830 rush yards & 2nd with 5 rush TDs, both 3rd-most ever by KC rookie.

• TE TRAVIS KELCE led TEs with 110 catches (tied 2nd-most ever by TE in single season) & 1,338 rec. yards (4th-most ever by TE in single season) in 2022. Had TD catch in each of 3 games in 2021 postseason & has 95+ rec. yards in 6 straght playoff games, longest streak in NFL history. Needs 99 rec. yards to surpass Rob Gronkowski (1,389) for most career postseason rec. yards ever by TE.

• WR JUJU SMITH-SCHUSTER had 3rd-career season with 900+ rec. yards (933) in 2022. Has rec. TD in 2 of 3 career playoff games.

CHIEFS DEFENSIVE NOTES
• DT CHRIS JONES ranked tied-4th in NFL with 15.5 sacks in 2022 & is 1 of 5 players with 7+ sacks in each of past 5 seasons. Finished reg. season with sack in each of final 3 games. Had 1.5 sacks in Week 10 meeting.

• DE FRANK CLARK had 6th-career season with 5+ sacks (5). Has 11 career postseason sacks, most among active players.

• DE GEORGE KARLAFTIS ranked 3rd among rookies with 6 sacks in 2022 & had 0.5+ sacks in 6 of final 7 games of season. Had 2 PD in Week 10 meeting.

• LB NICK BOLTON ranked 2nd in NFL with career-high 180 tackles in 2022, most by KC player in single season since at least 2000.

• CB L’JARIUS SNEED was 1 of 2 players this season with 100+ tackles (108), 3+ sacks (3.5) & 3+ INTs (3). Aims for his 3rd in row in playoffs with PD.

NBA Preview: Indiana Pacers (23-22) at Oklahoma City Thunder (21-23)

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NBA Preview: Indiana Pacers (23-22) at Oklahoma City Thunder (21-23)

After playing much of the last two seasons firmly in the shadow of Oklahoma City Thunder teammate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey is starting to find some time in the spotlight.

Heading into Wednesday’s matchup with the visiting Indiana Pacers, Giddey is playing the best basketball of his young career.

The second-year guard has scored 20 or more points in three consecutive games, including a 28-point performance in Sunday’s win at Brooklyn, which matches a career high. Giddey has scored at least 20 points in eight of his last 12 contests.

Over the last nine games, Giddey is shooting 52.7 percent from the floor, raising his season percentage to 47.9 after shooting just under 42 percent as a rookie.

Giddey’s improvement has lifted the Thunder as a whole.

The Thunder comes into Wednesday’s game on a three-game winning streak, with all three victories coming on the road. Oklahoma City has also won three consecutive home games.

Indiana comes into the game on a season-long, four-game losing streak.

Pacers center Myles Turner returned for Monday’s loss at Milwaukee after missing three games with back spasms.

Turner finished with 30 points on 11-of-17 shooting in 36 minutes.

While Turner is working his way back in, the Pacers remain without guard Tyrese Haliburton, who has missed the last three games with a sprained elbow and knee bruise. Haliburton figures to miss several more games.

The Pacers have struggled, especially late in games, without Haliburton.

During the recent stretch without Haliburton, Indiana has allowed 125 points per game and is averaging 15.3 turnovers per game.

The Pacers have been outscored by an average of 8.3 points in the fourth quarter of the three games without Haliburton.

Wednesday’s meeting is the first of two between the teams this season. The Pacers have won three consecutive games in Oklahoma City.

NBA Preview: Miami Heat (24-20) at New Orleans Pelicans (26-18)

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NBA Preview: Miami Heat (24-20) at New Orleans Pelicans (26-18)

The Miami Heat lost their last game when a comeback didn’t wipe out a very slow start.

The New Orleans Pelicans lost their last game after running out of gas in the fourth quarter.

Both teams will be looking for a more consistent performance when they meet Wednesday in New Orleans.

Miami never led Monday against the host Atlanta Hawks and fell behind by as many as 26 points in the first half. The Heat got as close as seven points in the third quarter and remained in striking distance for part of the fourth before falling, 121-113.

The Heat welcomed back from injury starters Tyler Herro (15 points) and Caleb Martin (seven points). They’re still missing another starter — Kyle Lowry, who’s day-to-day and is on the road trip that concludes Saturday in Dallas.

The Pelicans are still waiting to welcome back three of their injured starters — Brandon Ingram (toe), who hasn’t played since November; Zion Williamson (hamstring), who has missed the last seven games; and Herbert Jones (back), who has missed the last three. Jones seems to have the best chance of the three to play Wednesday.

New Orleans finished 2-3 on its longest road trip of the season when it fell at Cleveland 113-103 on Monday. The Pelicans led by three points after three quarters but got outscored 35-22 in the fourth even though the Cavaliers’ Donovan Mitchell sat out the final period after straining a groin.

Cleveland took control with a 16-2 run to start the fourth quarter as New Orleans didn’t make a field goal until the period was more than halfway over.

With the other starters out, New Orleans had to lean on Valanciunas and CJ McCollum, who had 25 points.

NBA Preview: Cleveland Cavaliers (28-17) at Memphis Grizzlies (30-13)

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NBA Preview: Cleveland Cavaliers (28-17) at Memphis Grizzlies (30-13)

The Memphis Grizzlies will look to match their franchise-record win streak Wednesday night when they host the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Grizzlies reached the 30-win mark and extended their winning streak to 10 games Monday with a 136-106 home victory over the Phoenix Suns.

Memphis posted its second in-season, double-digit winning streak in franchise history, behind last season’s franchise-record 11-game winning streak. It is the longest active streak in the NBA and the league’s second double-digit winning streak of the season, behind the Brooklyn Nets’ 12-game streak.

Memphis enters Wednesday scorching hot from the field after shooting 53.1 percent overall and 43.2 percent from 3-point range in Monday’s win. The Grizzlies also tied the franchise record with their third straight game of at least 130 points.

Ja Morant had 29 points and seven assists, and Desmond Bane finished with 28 points on 10-of-12 shooting to lead the Grizzlies.

A spectacular one-handed dunk from Brandon Clarke over Phoenix forward Dario Saric midway through the fourth quarter highlighted the day for Memphis.

Jaren Jackson Jr. added 18 points, eight rebounds and six blocks. Tyus Jones tallied eight assists to just one turnover for the Grizzlies.

The Grizzlies are the first team since the 1985 Los Angeles Lakers to score at least 115 points in each game of a 10-game winning streak. They are just the fourth franchise in NBA history to accomplish the feat, also joining the Denver Nuggets (1982, 1983) and the Boston Celtics (1959).

The Cavaliers are back on the road after claiming a 113-103 home win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday afternoon.

The Cavaliers, who were 2-3 on their recently completed road trip out West, trailed by seven late in the third quarter. But they recovered quickly in the final 12 minutes for the win.

The Cavaliers’ biggest challenge Wednesday might not be the Grizzlies, but instead coming up with a plan if star guard Donovan Mitchell can’t play.

Mitchell strained his left groin with five minutes left in the third quarter of Monday’s game and is listed as doubtful for Wednesday. If he is unavailable, Cleveland is likely to turn to some combination of Caris LeVert, Lamar Stevens, Cedi Osman and Isaac Okoro to fill the scoring void.

Fellow star guard Darius Garland picked up the slack Monday, with three of his five 3-pointers coming in the fourth quarter to seal the victory.

Garland was just 5 of 14 from the floor through the first 36 minutes but got hot down the stretch — going 4-for-8 in the fourth, including 3-for-4 from long distance. He finished with a game-high 30 points and 11 assists, adding six boards and a steal in the win.

Jarrett Allen scored 24 points and grabbed a team-high 11 rebounds while Evan Mobley supplied 19 points and eight boards.

NBA Preview: Charlotte Hornets (11-34) at Houston Rockets (10-34)

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NBA Preview: Charlotte Hornets (11-34) at Houston Rockets (10-34)

The silver linings are becoming increasingly difficult for the Houston Rockets to locate amid their avalanche of losses, with the latest coming on the road against the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday.

The Rockets’ 140-132 setback extended their losing streak to 11 games. Houston has dropped 16 of 17 games since opening a seven-game homestand in mid-December with back-to-back wins over the Milwaukee Bucks and Phoenix Suns.

The Rockets also will carry a nine-game home losing skid into their tilt against the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday.

There was a glimmer of positivity on display against the Lakers. Twenty-year-old Turkish center Alperen Sengun enjoyed the best game of his two-year career, posting a career-high 33 points along with 15 rebounds, six assists and four blocks.

Sengun shot 14 of 17 from the floor (82.4 percent) and was so overwhelmingly dominant that the Lakers switched veteran LeBron James, a six-time All-Defensive Team selection, on Sengun in an attempt to slow his rampage.

In the midst of their constant losing, the Rockets have struggled with the decision to run their offense through Sengun, whose passing skills continue to gain renown across the league. Among the six Rockets who have logged 1,000-plus minutes this season, Sengun is second only to point guard Kevin Porter Jr. with his 17.9 percent assist rate.

And while Sengun has recorded more than six assists only four times this season, it was his efficiency as a scorer on Monday that resonated.

Rockets coach Stephen Silas, asked what was working for Sengun, replied, “Everything. It was his post-ups, it was his elbow catches, it was the pick-and-rolls — he was really good in the pocket. Our guys did a good job of finding him in the pocket. He was finishing those with his soft, soft touch. He was making plays for his teammates.

Of course, the offensive end wasn’t the problem for Houston against the Lakers. During their losing skid, the Rockets have a minus-15.8 net rating, far and away the worst in the league. Their defensive rating, last in the league over the previous 11 games at 123.9, remains leaky.

The only team ranking below the Rockets in offensive rating this season is Charlotte, which dropped its fifth consecutive game on Monday, a 130-118 home loss to the Boston Celtics. The Hornets were without rotation players Gordon Hayward (hamstring), Cody Martin (knee) and Kelly Oubre Jr. (hand) but are hopeful that Hayward and Martin will return sometime soon.

LaMelo Ball leads the Hornets with 24.0 points and 8.4 assists per game this season. Terry Rozier (20.8) and Oubre (20.2) have also been consistent scoring threats when available.

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