Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET Venue: Kia Center, Orlando, FL (Orlando Magic home game)
The Magic, sitting above .500 and in the Eastern Conference playoff mix, host the struggling Hornets, who occupy a lower spot in the East standings. Orlando looks to leverage home advantage and recent dominance in the matchup.
Injury Report
Orlando Magic:
Jalen Suggs (PG/SG): Questionable (right knee MCL contusion). Missed several recent games but upgraded to questionable with potential return; critical for defense and playmaking.
Colin Castleton (C): Out (G-League two-way assignment).
Charlotte Hornets:
KJ Simpson (PG/G): Out (hip/hip flexor strain).
Mason Plumlee (C): Out (right groin surgery; reevaluation ~6 weeks from late December 2025, sidelined through early February).
Hornets’ injury report for this specific game was not fully submitted in some early releases, but key absences are consistent. LaMelo Ball has no reported current injury concerns and is expected to play.
Other notable Hornets players like Brandon Miller, Miles Bridges, and centers (e.g., Nick Richards/Mark Williams) appear available barring last-minute updates. Magic’s Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner are presumed active.
Key Player Matchups
PG: LaMelo Ball (Hornets – elite passer, high usage) vs. Jalen Suggs (Q) or Cole Anthony (Magic – Suggs provides elite defense/perimeter pressure if active; Anthony brings scoring punch off bench).
SG/SF: Brandon Miller (Hornets – young scorer/wing) vs. Franz Wagner or Gary Harris (Magic – Wagner’s versatility and scoring; defensive wings to contest).
PF: Miles Bridges (Hornets – athletic scorer/rebounder) vs. Paolo Banchero (Magic – star forward, primary creator/scorer).
C: Nick Richards/Mark Williams (Hornets – rim protection/rebounding) vs. Wendell Carter Jr. or Jonathan Isaac (Magic – length, defense, switching).
Magic’s frontcourt depth and defensive versatility (especially if Suggs returns) give them edges in matchups; Hornets rely heavily on Ball’s creation but struggle with consistency and interior depth without Plumlee.
Team Recent Form
Hornets (16-28): Poor overall record, especially on the road (around 9-15 away per reports). Recent form mixed with occasional blowout wins (e.g., high-scoring outputs) but frequent inconsistencies and defensive lapses. They’ve shown flashes (e.g., wins vs. weaker teams) but sit near the bottom of the East.
basketball-reference.com
Magic (23-19): Solid, contending for playoff positioning (around 7th in East). Coming off a recent loss (e.g., 109-126 to MEM on Jan 18), but generally strong at home with good defensive metrics. Inconsistent offense at times but elite defense and rebounding.
basketball-reference.com
Series History
All-time regular season: Magic lead slightly (67-61). In recent years (last 3 seasons including 2025-26): Magic dominate 8-2 SU and ATS. Hornets are just 2-8 in last 10 meetings overall. In last 6 vs. Orlando: Hornets 1-5 SU/ATS; totals lean Under in several recent encounters. Orlando especially strong at home vs. Charlotte (4-1 ATS recent).
Betting Trends
Hornets: 11-5 ATS in last 16 overall but poor 1-5 ATS last 6 vs. Orlando; 4-6 O/U last 10; 25-19 ATS season-long. Magic: 5-12 ATS last 17 (struggling to cover lately) but 4-1 ATS last 5 home vs. Charlotte; 22-20 O/U season; 5-11 SU in recent January games (variable). H2H: Orlando 8-2 SU/ATS last 10 meetings; Under hit in 5 of Orlando’s last 6 vs. Charlotte. General: Magic strong home favorites vs. this opponent; Hornets have covered in broader recent games but falter in this rivalry.
Game Odds
Charlotte Hornets 227.5
Orlando Magic – 6.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, January 21, 2026
* Sidney Crosby, Clayton Keller and Dylan Larkin captained their clubs to wins Wednesday. Crosby, Keller and Larkin head to the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 in less than three weeks.
* The League unveiled a series of new Records.NHL.com pages ahead of the Milano Cortina Games featuring statistics, game-by-game results and recaps from each of the five prior tournaments with NHL participation (1998, 2002, 2006, 2010 & 2014).
* Patrick Kane can take another crack at passing Mike Modano for the most points by a U.S.-born player in NHL history when the Red Wings visit the Wild on ESPN as part of an eight-game Thursday. Modano, who played each of his first four seasons in Minnesota and is a hockey operations advisor for the Wild, is set to be on hand at Grand Casino Arena.
Milano Cortina-bound NHL Captains catapult clubs to wins Wednesday Wednesday’s six-game slate featured a collection of Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026-bound NHL captains leading their teams to victories. More notes in addition to the ones below can be found in yesterday’s edition of #NHLStats: Live Updates.
* Sidney Crosby (0-1—1) factored on one of his team’s four goals as the Penguins (24-14-11, 59 points) skated to victory and leapfrogged the Islanders (27-17-5, 59 points) for second place in the Metropolitan Division standings. Crosby recorded his 785th career road point (301-484—785 in 701 GP) and surpassed Mario Lemieux (315-469—784 in 443 GP) for the eighth most in NHL history.
* Clayton Keller (59:25) scored the latest tying goal in franchise history and overtime winner as the Mammoth became the first team with points in each game during a homestand of at least seven contests since the Kings (7 GP from March 11-26, 2023). Keller, who ushered Utah to its second three-goal comeback win in club history (also Dec. 14, 2025), is a Missouri native and is set to reunite with his former St. Louis Jr. Blues teammates Matthew and Brady Tkachuk in Italy.
* Dylan Larkin (1-1—2) logged his 12th career overtime goal to tie Sergei Fedorov for the franchise record and help the Red Wings (31-16-4, 66 points) match the idle Lightning (31-13-4, 66 points) for the most points in the Atlantic Division. Detroit swept a season series against Toronto for the second time in franchise history (min. 4 GP) – the first instance was during the Red Wings’ 62-win season in 1995-96 (5-0-0).
League unveils NEW Records.NHL.com pages for Olympics with NHL players The National Hockey League debuted a series of pages on Records.NHL.com that provide statistics and information from the League’s participation in the Olympic Winter Games in advance of this February’s tournament in Milano Cortina, Italy. The new site section includes statistics, game-by-game results and recaps from each of the five prior Olympic Winter Games featuring NHL players (1998, 2002, 2006, 2010 and 2014). These pages will be updated to include statistics and information from the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, providing fans and media with a one-stop resource for information on the NHL’s participation in the tournament. Click here to explore the site.
* The celebration of the “Golden Goal” by SidneyCrosby (PIT; Team Canada) on home ice in 2010 tops the page listing the five gold medal-clinching goals at Olympics with NHL players, while TeemuSelanne is featured on the Skater Records page – where he and fellow Finnish forward SakuKoivu top the career lists for goals (Selanne: 17), assists (Koivu: 18) and points (Selanne: 32). Team Finland also tops the chart for total medals at Olympics with NHL players (4).
* Team USA accounts for two of the 12 hat tricks at these Games, including the most recent scored by PhilKessel in 2014 against Slovenia. The runner up from that tournament, Team Sweden, can stake claim to having some of the top scoring defensemen across the five previous events: NicklasLidstrom shares the lead for career points among blueliners (14; tied with MarekZidlicky of Team Czechia), while ErikKarlsson (PIT; Team Sweden) is the only defenseman to finish one of those tournaments as the scoring leader (he tied Kessel with eight points in 2014 while they represented the Senators and Maple Leafs, respectively).
* Click on the following links for the#NHLStats Pack for the Olympics, updated Jan. 21 following the Team USA roster change, andan NHL.com story featuring insights into how the new pages were built.
THURSDAY HAS RED WINGS-WILD ON ESPN, BLACKHAWKS-HURRICANES ON ESPN+
Thursday’s eight-game slate is headlined by Patrick Kane and the Red Wings visiting the Wild on ESPN as well as Sebastian Aho and the Hurricanes hosting the Blackhawks on ESPN+. Both contests are also available in Canada on Sportsnet ONE.
* Kane needs three points to pass Mike Modano (1,374) for the most by a U.S.-born player in League history and can do so in Minnesota, where Modano played each of his first four seasons after being selected by the North Stars with the No. 1 pick in the 1988 NHL Draft. Modano will be in attendance at Grand Casino Arena to watch Kane, who has 55 career points versus the Wild and needs one to pass longtime teammate Jonathan Toews for the sixth most against the franchise in League history.
The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) features an intriguing rematch between the Toronto Sceptres and the Vancouver Goldeneyes on Thursday, January 22, 2026. This marks the second meeting between these expansion-era rivals in less than a week, following Toronto’s hard-fought overtime victory in their inaugural matchup. With both teams hovering in the lower half of the standings and battling for playoff positioning in an eight-team league, this West Coast clash at Pacific Coliseum could provide momentum ahead of the Olympic break in February. Toronto enters as a slight road underdog but with confidence from their recent head-to-head success, while Vancouver looks to leverage home ice and avenge the loss.
Venue Location
Pacific Coliseum, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. This historic arena, with a capacity of approximately 16,000, serves as the primary home for the Goldeneyes. It’s known for its intimate atmosphere and has hosted PWHL games since the league’s expansion to include Vancouver in 2025. The venue is part of the Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) complex and offers excellent sightlines for hockey.
Puckdrop is scheduled for 7:00 PM PST (10:00 PM EST). Broadcast details include Sportsnet (Canada regional feeds: East, Pacific, Ontario) for Canadian viewers, and streaming via the PWHL YouTube channel or thepwhl.com for international audiences. Officials and lineups will be confirmed closer to puck drop, but expect a standard PWHL format with three 20-minute periods and potential overtime/shootout.
Recent Team Forms
Both teams are coming off losses but have shown resilience in tight games. Here’s a breakdown of their last five outings:
Toronto Sceptres (1-4-0 in last 5, -6 goal differential):
Jan 20: 4-6 L at Seattle Torrent (High-scoring affair; Toronto’s defense faltered late)
Jan 17: 2-1 OTW vs Vancouver Goldeneyes (Snapped a three-game skid; strong goaltending)
Jan 14: 1-2 L at Boston Fleet (Competitive but outshot)
Jan 6: 0-2 L vs New York Sirens (Shutout loss; offensive drought)
Jan 3: 2-3 L vs Seattle Torrent (Close regulation defeat; power play ineffective)
Toronto’s form has been inconsistent, with three regulation losses in their last five. They’ve struggled on the road (3-3-0-0 away record) but excel in low-scoring games, going 3-1-1 when holding opponents under three goals.
Vancouver Goldeneyes (1-4-0 in last 5, -5 goal differential):
Jan 17: 1-2 OTL at Toronto Sceptres (Competitive rematch; Nurse’s return sparked offense)
Jan 11: 0-1 L at Montréal Victoire (Defensive battle; shutout by opponent)
Jan 9: 2-4 L at Ottawa Charge (Road struggles continue)
Jan 3: 4-3 W at Boston Fleet (Comeback win; Daniel and Miller multi-point games)
Dec 31: 0-2 L at New York Sirens (Offense stifled on the road)
Vancouver has lost four straight (including two in regulation), but three were one-goal games. They’re stronger at home (3-1-1-0 record) and have improved defensively since early-season blowouts, allowing just 10 goals in their last five.
Injury Report
Toronto Sceptres: Defender Allie Munroe was activated from long-term injured reserve (LTIR) on January 20 after missing six games with a lower-body injury sustained on December 23, 2025. She returned for the Seattle game and logged two assists in limited action this season. Rookie defender Hanna Baskin was moved to the reserve list in a corresponding move. No other major injuries reported; forward Renata Fast, who dealt with day-to-day issues earlier, is fully available.
Vancouver Goldeneyes: Forward Sarah Nurse returned from an eight-week arm injury on January 17, scoring in her first game back. Defender Nina Jobst-Smith has played two games since returning from LTIR and looked strong. No current absences noted, but the team has managed depth issues well during Nurse’s absence.
Both teams are relatively healthy heading into the Olympic roster freeze, with key players like Nurse and Munroe expected to suit up.
Key Player Matchups
This game features compelling individual battles, particularly with former teammates facing off. Expect these matchups to influence the outcome:
Sarah Nurse (VAN, F) vs. Toronto’s Top Defensive Pair (Renata Fast & Jocelyne Larocque): Nurse, a Hamilton native and former Sceptre, scored in her emotional return against Toronto on January 17. Her speed and scoring touch (2 goals in 2 games this season) will test Toronto’s veteran blueliners, who lead the team in ice time. Fast and Larocque combined for 10 blocked shots in the last meeting; they’ll aim to neutralize Nurse’s breakaways.
Daryl Watts (TOR, F) vs. Emerance Maschmeyer (VAN, G): Watts leads Toronto with 6 goals and 11 points, including the OT winner against Vancouver last game. Her quick release and positioning make her a threat in the slot. Maschmeyer, Vancouver’s starter, made a career-high 42 saves in the January 17 loss and ranks top-5 in PWHL save percentage (.925). This sniper-vs-goalie duel could decide a low-scoring affair.
Natalie Spooner (TOR, F) vs. Claire Thompson (VAN, D): Spooner (3 goals, 6 points) brings physicality and net-front presence for Toronto. Thompson, Vancouver’s top-scoring defender (3 goals, 8 points), uses her skating to disrupt forechecks. Watch for Spooner to battle in the crease against Thompson’s gap control.
Goaltending: Raygan Kirk (TOR) vs. Kristen Campbell (VAN): Kirk (4-4-1, .910 SV%) earned the win with 23 saves in the first matchup. Campbell, traded from Toronto to Vancouver on draft day, has a 3-3-1 record (.905 SV%) and familiarity with Sceptres’ shooters. If Maschmeyer starts instead, her recent form gives Vancouver an edge.
Other notables: Toronto’s Blayre Turnbull (4 goals, 8 points) and Emma Maltais (2 goals, 8 points) drive secondary scoring, while Vancouver’s Izzy Daniel (game-winners) and Hannah Miller (5 points) provide depth.
Series History
This is just the second meeting in PWHL history between these teams, as both entered the league via expansion in 2025. Toronto holds a 1-0-0-0 edge after a 2-1 overtime win on January 17, 2026, at Scotiabank Arena. In that game, Savannah Harmon scored for Toronto, Nurse tied it for Vancouver, and Watts sealed it in OT. The teams are scheduled for two more matchups: March 1 in Vancouver and March 29 in Toronto. Early trends suggest tight, low-scoring games—expect under 4.5 total goals as a pattern.
Betting Trends
Toronto Sceptres: 6-8 against the spread (ATS) this season; 4-3 ATS as underdogs. They’ve gone under in 9 of 14 games, including 5 of 7 on the road. Toronto is 2-4 in games following a loss and has lost 3 straight regulation decisions to Western teams (Seattle twice, Minnesota).
Vancouver Goldeneyes: 5-8 ATS; 3-2 ATS as favorites. Unders have hit in 8 of 13 games, with 6 of 7 road losses being by multiple goals—but they’re 4-1-1 at home. Vancouver is 2-3 after losses and has struggled against Eastern teams (1-5-1 record).
Head-to-Head Trends: The lone game was an under (3 goals) with Toronto winning as home favorite. Both teams are 3-4 in one-goal games this season, suggesting overtime potential (PWHL OT trends: 20% of games go beyond regulation). Overall, unders dominate for both (17 of 27 combined games under 4.5), and home teams win 60% of PWHL matchups this season.
GAME ODDS
Toronto Sceptres 4.5
Vancouver Goldeneyes – 130
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, January 21, 2026
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission announced that Plainridge Park Casino, MGM Springfield, and Encore Boston Harbor generated a combined $97.91 million in Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) during December 2025.
In addition, the state’s seven mobile/online sports wagering operators and three retail operators reported a combined $98.47 million in taxable sports wagering revenue (TSWR) for the month.
Casino Gaming Revenue
Plainridge Park Casino (PPC), the state’s Category 2 slots facility, is taxed at 49% of GGR, with 82% of those tax proceeds directed to Local Aid and 18% allocated to the Race Horse Development Fund.
MGM Springfield and Encore Boston Harbor, both Category 1 resort‑casinos, are taxed at 25% of GGR, with revenues distributed across several state funds as outlined in the Massachusetts gaming statute.
Since the opening of the state’s three gaming facilities, the Commonwealth has collected approximately $2.302 billion in total taxes and assessments from casino operations.
Sports Wagering Revenue
Encore Boston Harbor, MGM Springfield, and Plainridge Park Casino operate as Category 1 Sports Wagering Operators, authorizing them to offer retail sportsbooks. Category 1 operators are taxed at 15% of TSWR.
The state’s mobile/online operators—Bally Bet Sportsbook, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, DraftKings, ESPN BET, Fanatics Sportsbook, and FanDuel—are licensed as Category 3 Sports Wagering Operators, taxed at 20% of TSWR.
Tax revenue from all operators is distributed as follows:
45% – General Fund
17.5% – Workforce Investment Trust Fund
27.5% – Gaming Local Aid Fund
1% – Youth Development and Achievement Fund
9% – Public Health Trust Fund
Since the launch of sports wagering—retail on January 31, 2023, and online on March 10, 2023—the Commonwealth has collected approximately $394.91 million in total taxes and assessments.
Carryover Provision
Under Massachusetts law, if an operator reports negative adjusted gross sports wagering receipts for a given month—due to payouts and federal excise taxes exceeding gross wagering receipts—the operator may carry forward the negative amount to offset tax liability in future months.
NEW YORK– Below are the players, coaches and teams that can set historic marks or reach career milestones during the 2025 Conference Championships, including:
New England Patriots
Denver Broncos
Los Angeles Rams
Seattle Seahawks
Mike Vrabel
Sean Payton
Sean McVay
Mike Macdonald
QB Drake Maye
QB Jarrett Stidham
QB Matthew Stafford
QB Sam Darnold
WR Davante Adams
WR Puka Nacua
WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba
WR Cooper Kupp
CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP WINS
New England is 11-5 (.688) in Conference Championship games, the most such wins in NFL history.
Denver is 8-2 (.800) in their previous 10 Conference Championship games and with a win on Sunday against the Patriots (3 p.m. ET, CBS), can surpass the Dallas Cowboys (eight wins), Pittsburgh Steelers (eight) and San Francisco 49ers (eight) for the second-most Conference Championship wins in NFL history.
The teams with the most Conference Championship wins in NFL history:
TEAM
CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP WINS
New England Patriots
11
Dallas Cowboys
8
Denver Broncos
8
Pittsburgh Steelers
8
San Francisco 49ers
8
DENVER BRONCOS
Denver led the league with 68 sacks this season, tied with the New York Giants (68 sacks in 1985) for the fifth-most sacks in a regular season in NFL history.
With at least two sacks against New England on Sunday (3 p.m. ET, CBS), the Broncos, who have 71 sacks this season, including the playoffs, can surpass the 1983Los Angeles Raiders (72 sacks) and the 1985 New York Giants (72) for the fifth-most sacks in a season, including the playoffs, in NFL history. Only the 1984 and 1985Chicago Bears (82 sacks in 1984; 80 in 1985), the 2022 Philadelphia Eagles (78) and the 1967 Oakland Raiders (74) have more.
The teams with the most sacks in a season, including the playoffs, in NFL history:
TEAM
SEASON
SACKS
Chicago
1984
82
Chicago
1985
80
Philadelphia
2022
78
Oakland Raiders
1967
74
L.A. Raiders
1983
72
N.Y. Giants
1985
72
Denver
2025
71*
*entering AFC Championship Game
LOS ANGELES RAMS
With a win at Seattle on Sunday (6:30 p.m. ET, FOX), the No. 5 seed Rams, can become the fifth non-division winning team since realignment in 2002 to advance to the Super Bowl, joining the 2020 Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 2010 Green Bay Packers, 2007 New York Giants and 2005 Pittsburgh Steelers.
TOP SCORING OFFENSE AND TOP SCORING DEFENSE
On Sunday (6:30 p.m. ET, FOX), Seattle, who led the NFL in scoring defense during the 2025 regular season (17.2 points per game allowed), will host the Los Angeles Rams, who led the NFL in scoring offense (30.5 points per game) in 2025, marking the third Championship Game since 1970 to feature the No. 1 scoring offense against the No. 1 scoring defense from the regular season, joining 2014 NFC Championship Game (Green Bay vs. Seattle) and 1980 NFC Championship Game (Dallas vs. Philadelphia).
The Championship Games to feature a matchup between the No. 1 scoring offense and No. 1 scoring defense from the regular season:
DATE
NO. 1 OFFENSE
NO. 1 DEFENSE
RESULT
Jan. 25, 2026
L.A. Rams
Seattle
???
Jan. 18, 2015
Green Bay
Seattle
GB 22 at SEA 28 (OT)
Jan. 11, 1981
Dallas
Philadelphia
DAL 7 at PHI 20
MIKE VRABEL
New England head coach Mike Vrabel has 16 wins, including the playoffs, in his first year as head coach with the Patriots.
With a win on Sunday against Denver (3 p.m. ET, CBS), Vrabel can become the eighth coach in NFL history to lead his team to a Super Bowl appearance in his first season with a club, joining Gary Kubiak (2015 with Denver), Jim Caldwell (2009 with Indianapolis), Bill Callahan (2002 with the Oakland Raiders), Jon Gruden (2002 with Tampa Bay Buccaneers), George Seifert (1989 with San Francisco), Red Miller (1977 with Denver) and Don McCafferty (1970 with the Baltimore Colts).
The head coaches to lead their team to a Super Bowl appearance in their first season with a team in NFL history:
HEAD COACH
TEAM
SEASON
Gary Kubiak
Denver
2015
Jim Caldwell
Indianapolis
2009
Bill Callahan
Oakland Raiders
2002
Jon Gruden
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2002
George Seifert
San Francisco
1989
Red Miller
Denver
1977
Don McCafferty
Baltimore Colts
1970
With a win on Sunday, Vrabel can tie George Siefert (17 wins in 1989 with San Francisco) for the most wins by a coach in their first season with a team in NFL history, including the playoffs.
The head coaches with the most wins in their first season with a team, including the playoffs, in NFL history:
HEAD COACH
TEAM
SEASON
WINS
George Seifert
San Francisco
1989
17
Jim Caldwell
Indianapolis
2009
16
Mike Vrabel
New England
2025
16*
*entering AFC Championship Game
SEAN PAYTON
Denver head coach Sean Payton led the Broncos to 14 wins this season, tying a franchise record and earning an AFC West title, as well as the No. 1 seed for the first time since 2015.
With a win against New England on Sunday (3 p.m. ET, CBS), Payton, who led New Orleans to the Super Bowl XLIV title following the 2009 season, can become the eighth coach ever to lead multiple franchises to a Super Bowl appearance.
The head coaches to make the Super Bowl with multiple franchises:
HEAD COACH
TEAM & SEASON(S)
TEAM & SEASON(S)
John Fox
Carolina (2003)
Denver (2013)
Mike Holmgren
Green Bay (1996-97)
Seattle (2005)
Bill Parcells HOF
N.Y. Giants (1986, 1990)
New England (1996)
Dan Reeves
Denver (1986-87, 1989)
Atlanta (1998)
Andy Reid
Philadelphia (2004)
Kansas City (2019-20, 2022-24)
Don Shula HOF
Baltimore Colts (1968)
Miami (1971-73, 1982, 1984)
Dick Vermeil HOF
Philadelphia (1980)
St. Louis Rams (1999)
SEAN MCVAY
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay has 10 career playoff wins, including a Super Bowl LVI victory with the Rams.
With a win at Seattle on Sunday (6:30 p.m. ET, FOX), McVay, who turns 40 years old on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, can surpass Pro Football Hall of Famer Don Shula (10 wins) for the most postseason victories by a head coach under the age of 45 in NFL history.
MIKE MACDONALD
Seattle head coach Mike Macdonald led the Seahawks to 14 wins during the 2025 regular season, a single-season franchise record.
With a win against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday (6:30 p.m. ET, FOX), Macdonald, who is 38 years old and has 15 wins this season, including the playoffs, can tie Sean McVay (16 wins in 2021 with the Los Angeles Rams) for the most wins by a head coach under the age of 40 in a season, including the playoffs, in NFL history.
DRAKE MAYE
New England quarterback Drake Maye led the NFL with a 113.5 passer rating and has 447 passing yards and four touchdowns in two career playoff games.
With a win at Denver on Sunday (3 p.m. ET, CBS), Maye, who is 23 years old, can become the third starting quarterback under the age of 24 to reach the Super Bowl all-time, joining Pro Football Hall of Famer Dan Marino (1984) and Ben Roethlisberger (2005).
Maye, who has won each of his first two career playoff games, can become the fourth quarterback since 2000 to win each of his first three career playoff starts, joining Tom Brady (won first 10 starts), Joe Burrow (three) and Jake Delhomme (three).
Additionally, Maye can join Ben Roethlisberger (five wins) as the only quarterbacks to win three playoff starts prior to their 24th birthday in NFL history.
Maye has 14 games this season with a passer rating of 100-or-higher, including the playoffs, and with a passer rating of 100-or-higher on Sunday, can tie Lamar Jackson (15 games with Baltimore in 2024) and Matt Ryan (15 with Atlanta in 2016) for the most such games in a season, including the playoffs, in NFL history. Only Aaron Rodgers (16 games with Green Bay in 2020) has more.
The players with the most games with a passer rating of 100-or-higher in a season, including the playoffs, in NFL history:
PLAYER
TEAM
SEASON
GAMES
Aaron Rodgers
Green Bay
2020
16
Lamar Jackson
Baltimore
2024
15
Matt Ryan
Atlanta
2016
15
Patrick Mahomes
Kansas City
2018
14
Drake Maye
New England
2025
14*
Steve Young HOF
San Francisco
1994
14
*entering AFC Championship Game
JARRETT STIDHAM
Denver quarterback Jarrett Stidham has 1,080 passing yards and six touchdowns in four career starts.
Stidham, who is expected to make his first start of the season against New England on Sunday (3 p.m. ET, CBS), can become the seventh quarterback in the Super Bowl era to make their first start of the season in the playoffs, joining Taylor Heinicke (Jan. 9, 2021; NFC-WC with Washington), Connor Cook (Jan. 7, 2017; AFC-WC with the Oakland Raiders), Joe Webb (Jan. 5, 2013; NFC-WC with Minnesota), Frank Reich (Jan. 3, 1993; AFC-WC with Buffalo), Gary Danielson (Dec. 31, 1983; NFC-D with Detroit) and Pro Football Hall of Famer Roger Staughbach (Dec. 31, 1972; NFC-C with Dallas).
The quarterbacks to make their first start of the season in the playoffs in the Super Bowl era:
PLAYER
TEAM
DATE (ROUND)
RESULT
Jarrett Stidham*
Denver
Jan. 25, 2026
???
Taylor Heinicke
Washington
Jan. 9, 2021 (NFC-WC)
TB 31 at WAS 23
Connor Cook
Oakland Raiders
Jan. 7, 2017 (AFC-WC)
OAK 14 at HOU Texans 27
Joe Webb
Minnesota
Jan. 5, 2013 (NFC-WC)
MIN 10 at GB 24
Frank Reich
Buffalo
Jan. 3, 1993 (AFC-WC)
HOU Oilers 38 at BUF 41 (OT)
Gary Danielson
Detroit
Dec. 31, 1983 (NFC-D)
DET 23 at SF 24
Roger Staubach HOF
Dallas
Dec. 31, 1972 (NFC-C)
DAL 3 at WAS 26
*expected to start
With only four career starts, Stidham has the fewest career starts by a quarterback entering the Championship Game since 1970.
MATTHEW STAFFORD
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, who led the NFL with 4,707 passing yards and 46 touchdown passes this season, has 3,558 passing yards and 22 touchdown passes in 12 career postseason starts.
With a win at Seattle on Sunday (6:30 p.m. ET, FOX), Stafford can become sixth player in NFL history to lead the NFL in both passing yards and touchdown passes and make the Super Bowl in the same year, joining Tom Brady (2007 with New England), Patrick Mahomes (2022 with Kansas City) and Pro Football Hall of Famers Peyton Manning (2013 with Denver), Dan Marino (1984 with Miami) and Kurt Warner (2001 with the St. Louis Rams).
SAM DARNOLD
Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold ranked fifth in the NFL with 4,048 passing yards in his first season with the Seahawks.
With a win against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday (6:30 p.m. ET, FOX), Darnold can become the fifth starting quarterback since 2000 to make the Super Bowl in his first season with a team, joining Tom Brady (2020 with Tampa Bay), Jake Delhomme (2003 with Carolina), Trent Dilfer (2000 with Baltimore) and Matthew Stafford (2021 with the Los Angeles Rams).
DAVANTE ADAMS
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Davante Adams led the NFL with 14 touchdown receptions this season.
With a win at Seattle on Sunday (6:30 p.m. ET, FOX), Adams can become fifth player since 1990 to lead the NFL in touchdown receptions during the regular season and make the Super Bowl in the same year, joining Larry Fitzgerald (2008 with Arizona), Rob Gronkowski (2011 with New England), Cooper Kupp (2021 with the Los Angeles Rams) and Pro Football Hall of Famer Randy Moss (2007 with New England).
PUKA NACUA & JAXON SMITH-NJIGBA
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua led the NFL with a career-high 129 receptions and ranked second with 1,715 receiving yards in 2025.
With a win at Seattle on Sunday (6:30 p.m. ET, FOX), Nacua can become the fourth player to lead the NFL in receptions during the regular season and make the Super Bowl in the same year, joining Todd Christensen (1983 with the Los Angeles Raiders), Cooper Kupp (2021 with the Los Angeles Rams) and Wes Welker (2007 and 2011 with New England).
Seattle wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba led the league with a career-high 1,793 receiving yards this season.
With a win against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday (6:30 p.m. ET, FOX), Smith-Njigba can become the fourth player to lead the NFL in receiving yards during the regular season and make the Super Bowl in the same year, joining Cooper Kupp (2021 with the Los Angeles Rams) as well as Pro Football Hall of Famers Drew Pearson (1977 with Dallas) and Jerry Rice (1989 and 1994 with San Francisco).
With Smith-Njigba (1,793 receiving yards) and Nacua (1,715), this will be the first playoff game ever to feature two players with at least 1,700 receiving yards in the regular season and the fourth postseason matchup all-time between the top-two leaders in receiving yards from the regular season, joining the 2020 AFC Championship Game (Stefon Diggs and Travis Kelce), 1993 NFC Championship Game (Pro Football Hall of Famers Jerry Rice and Michael Irvin) and 1971 AFC Divisional playoffs (Otis Taylor and Pro Football Hall of Famer Paul Warfield).
COOPER KUPP
Seattle wide receiver Cooper Kupp had 634 receptions for 7,776 yards and 57 touchdowns with the Los Angeles Rams (2017-24).
On Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams (6:30 p.m. ET, FOX), Kupp, who was named Super Bowl LVI Most Valuable Player while with the Rams, will become the fifth player ever to face the team he won Super Bowl MVP with in the postseason, joining Pro Football Hall of Famers Richard Dent (1994 with San Francisco against Chicago) and Peyton Manning (2014 with Denver against Indianapolis) as well as Santonio Holmes (2010 with the New York Jets against Pittsburgh) and Von Miller (2024 with Buffalo against Denver).
LOS ANGELES RAMS at SEATTLE SEAHAWKS Los Angeles Rams Emmanuel Forbes CB Shoulder Limited Participation — Quentin Lake S Illness Did Not Participate — Josaiah Stewart LB Knee Full Participation — Byron Young LB Knee Did Not Participate — Walkthrough on Wednesday, the practice report is an estimation. Seattle Seahawks Elijah Arroyo TE Knee Full Participation — Bryce Cabeldue G Knee Limited Participation — Charles Cross T Foot Did Not Participate — Sam Darnold QB Oblique Limited Participation — George Holani RB Hamstring Full Participation — Josh Jones T Knee, Ankle Did Not Participate — Amari Kight T Knee Did Not Participate — Tyrice Knight LB Shoulder Full Participation — Demarcus Lawrence LB Not injury related – resting player – Limited Participation — Uchenna Nwosu LB Hamstring Limited Participation — Robbie Ouzts FB Neck Limited Participation — Jaxon Smith-Njigba WR Not injury related – resting player – Limited Participation — Chazz Surratt LB Ankle Full Participation — Leonard Williams DE Not injury related – resting player – Limited Participation —
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS at DENVER BRONCOS New England Patriots Carlton Davis CB Concussion Limited Participation — Christian Elliss LB Hip Limited Participation — Joshua Farmer DT Hamstring Full Participation — TreVeyon Henderson RB Shoulder Full Participation — Hunter Henry TE Not injury related – resting player – Limited Participation — Terrell Jennings RB Passed Concussion Protocol – Full Participation — Harold Landry LB Knee Did Not Participate — Marte Mapu LB Hip Did Not Participate — Morgan Moses T Not injury related – resting player – Limited Participation — Thayer Munford T Knee Limited Participation — Robert Spillane LB Hand Full Participation — Denver Broncos Pat Bryant WR Concussion Limited Participation — Frank Crum T Ankle Full Participation — J.K. Dobbins RB Foot Limited Participation — Alex Forsyth C Ankle Limited Participation — Troy Franklin WR Hamstring Limited Participation — Lucas Krull TE Foot Full Participation — Bo Nix QB Ankle Did Not Participate — Drew Sanders LB Ankle Full Participation — J.L. Skinner S Quadricep Full Participation — Luke Wattenberg C Shoulder Full Participation
WAIVER SYSTEM TRANSACTION TERMINATION VIA WAIVER SYSTEM GREEN BAY Diggs, Trevon DB Alabama (5)* *Indicates player’s accrued seasons at end of 2024 season.
RESERVE LIST ADDITIONS ATLANTA Simon, Joshua TE South Carolina – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future CHICAGO Ismail, Qadir TE Samford – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future DENVER Wattenberg, Luke C Washington – Status Changed to Reserve/Injured; Designated for Return (Also see OTHER TRANSACTIONS/COMMENTS) HOUSTON Pryor, Layne TE Northern Iowa – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future LAS VEGAS Ward, Alex LS Central Florida – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future LOS ANGELES RAMS Valcarcel, Nate DB Northern Illinois – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future MIAMI Coleman, Seth DE Illinois – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future NEW ENGLAND Farmer, Joshua DT Florida State – Status Changed to Reserve/Injured; Designated for Return (Also see OTHER TRANSACTIONS/COMMENTS) PHILADELPHIA Bell, Jaheim TE Florida State – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future SAN FRANCISCO Thomas, Zachary T San Diego State – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future SEATTLE Holani, George RB Boise State – Status Changed to Reserve/Injured; Designated for Return (Also see OTHER TRANSACTIONS/COMMENTS)
OTHER TRANSACTIONS/COMMENTS RETURNED TO PRACTICE DENVER Wattenberg, Luke C Washington – Remains on Reserve/Injured; Designated for Return NEW ENGLAND Farmer, Joshua DT Florida State – Remains on Reserve/Injured; Designated for Return SEATTLE Holani, George RB Boise State – Remains on Reserve/Injured; Designated for Return
UFC 324 marks the promotion’s first event of 2026 and the debut of its new broadcast partnership with Paramount+, headlined by a high-stakes interim lightweight title fight between veteran knockout artist Justin “The Highlight” Gaethje (26-5-0) and surging British contender Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett (23-3-0). With undisputed champion Ilia Topuria sidelined due to personal matters, this clash determines the interim belt in a division loaded with star power. Gaethje brings relentless pressure, devastating leg kicks, and one-punch power, while Pimblett counters with sharp striking, improving grappling, and elite submission skills. Expect a violent, fan-friendly war that could end early or go the full five rounds.
Venue Location
T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada. This iconic 20,000-seat venue has hosted numerous UFC championship events and is renowned for its electric atmosphere during high-profile title fights.
Early Prelims: 5:00 p.m. ET (2:00 p.m. PT)
Prelims: 7:00 p.m. ET (4:00 p.m. PT)
Main Card: 9:00 p.m. ET (6:00 p.m. PT) This main event is expected to air around 11:30 p.m. ET. The event streams live on Paramount+.
Injury Report
Justin Gaethje: Cleared and healthy. Gaethje has no reported injuries heading into this bout. His last fight (a unanimous decision win over Rafael Fiziev on March 8, 2025, at UFC 313) showed no lingering issues from his historically tough career, and training updates confirm full readiness.
Paddy Pimblett: No active injuries. Pimblett is in peak condition after his third-round TKO win over Michael Chandler on April 12, 2025, at UFC 314. No setbacks have been reported during camp.
Fighter Matchups
Justin Gaethje (5’11”, 71″ reach, 37 years old): A pressure-forward brawler with devastating leg kicks, heavy hands, and elite cardio. Lands 5.8 significant strikes per minute at 48% accuracy, absorbs high volume (4.9 strikes per minute), and boasts 19 KO/TKO wins (73% of victories). Strong wrestling defense (80%) but vulnerable to takedowns in scrambles. Thrives in chaotic wars and has never been submitted.
Paddy Pimblett (5’10”, 73″ reach, 31 years old): Explosive striker with improving grappling, sharp boxing, and dangerous submissions. Lands 4.2 significant strikes per minute at 52% accuracy, with 10 submission wins (43% of victories) and growing knockout power. Excellent takedown offense (1.8 per 15 minutes at 50% success) and durability. Style favors distance striking and transitions to ground, where his triangle chokes and armbars shine.
Key dynamics: Gaethje’s forward pressure and leg kicks could chop down Pimblett early, but Pimblett’s reach, movement, and submission threat make him dangerous if he survives the early storm. Fight likely stays standing, with Gaethje’s power vs. Pimblett’s volume and finishing instincts deciding the
outcome.
Recent Form
Justin Gaethje: 3-2 in his last five, showing durability against elite competition.
W (UD vs. Rafael Fiziev, March 8, 2025 – UFC 313)
L (KO vs. Max Holloway, April 13, 2024 – UFC 300)
W (KO vs. Dustin Poirier, July 29, 2023 – UFC 291)
W (MD vs. Rafael Fiziev, March 18, 2023 – UFC 286)
L (Sub vs. Charles Oliveira, May 7, 2022 – UFC 274) Form highlights his ability to take punishment and land big shots, but recent knockouts show vulnerability to elite strikers.
Paddy Pimblett: On a nine-fight win streak (7-0 in UFC).
W (TKO vs. Michael Chandler, April 12, 2025 – UFC 314)
W (Sub vs. Bobby Green, July 27, 2024 – UFC 304)
W (UD vs. Tony Ferguson, December 16, 2023 – UFC 296)
W (UD vs. Jared Gordon, December 10, 2022 – UFC 282)
W (UD vs. Jordan Leavitt, July 23, 2022 – UFC Fight Night) Form emphasizes rapid improvement in striking, grappling, and finishing ability, with no losses since his UFC debut.
Fight History
This is the first meeting between Gaethje and Pimblett—no prior head-to-head. They share no common opponents of note. Gaethje’s UFC record (9-5) reflects battles against elite lightweights, while Pimblett’s (7-0 UFC) showcases a perfect run against varied opposition. No bad blood reported, but Pimblett’s rising star status contrasts Gaethje’s veteran grit.
FIGHT ODDS
Justin Gaethje + 190
Paddy Pimblett – 225
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 23, 2026
The bantamweight title is on the line at UFC 324 as champion Sean “Sugar” O’Malley (19-2, 1 NC) defends his belt against No. 2-ranked challenger Song Yadong (23-8-1, 1 NC) in a highly anticipated rematch. O’Malley, known for his flashy striking and knockout power, aims to rebound from a controversial 2025 and solidify his reign, while Yadong, “Kung Fu Kid,” brings volume punching and wrestling to avenge his 2022 loss. This five-round main event could be a stand-up war if O’Malley dictates range or turn grappling-heavy if Yadong closes distance. With bad blood from their previous TKO finish and O’Malley’s post-fight trash talk, expect fireworks. A win for O’Malley cements his star status, while Yadong could become the first Chinese UFC champion. The card also features Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett in the co-main for the interim lightweight title.
Venue Location
T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada. This 20,000-seat venue is a UFC staple, known for its electric atmosphere and history of hosting championship fights, including multiple bantamweight title bouts with dramatic knockouts.
The main card starting at 9:00 p.m. ET (6:00 p.m. PT, 7:00 p.m. local time in Las Vegas). Prelims begin at 7:00 p.m. ET (4:00 p.m. PT), and early prelims at 5:00 p.m. ET (2:00 p.m. PT). This fight headlines the main card, likely airing around 11:30 p.m. ET. Stream live on Paramount+.
Injury Report
Sean O’Malley: No reported injuries. O’Malley is fully healthy after his December 7, 2025, win over Marlon Vera at UFC 320, with no setbacks in camp. He dealt with a minor hip issue earlier in 2025 but confirmed full recovery.
Song Yadong: Questionable (left hand fracture). Yadong suffered a fracture in his September 28, 2025, win over Petr Yan at UFC Fight Night, requiring a 180-day suspension. He was cleared in late December 2025 but may wear protective wrapping; no confirmation on limitations, but camp updates suggest he’s sparring fully.
Fighter Matchups
This bantamweight title fight (135 lbs) rematches O’Malley’s (6’0″, 72″ reach, 31 years old) flashy, long-range striking with Yadong’s (5’8″, 67″ reach, 28 years old) volume punching and wrestling. O’Malley lands 6.2 significant strikes per minute at 61% accuracy, with elite counter-punching and 1.5 knockdowns per 15 minutes (53% wins by KO/TKO). He’s a switch-stance fighter who excels at range but has takedown defense vulnerabilities (68%). Yadong absorbs 4.2 strikes per minute but counters with 5.5 at 52% accuracy, averaging 1.8 takedowns per 15 minutes at 48% success and strong ground-and-pound (39% wins by KO/TKO). Styles clash: O’Malley’s distance management vs. Yadong’s pressure; if Yadong closes, his wrestling could tire O’Malley, but “Sugar’s” power threatens early. Their 2022 fight ended in R3 TKO (doctor stoppage due to cut), favoring O’Malley on feet.
Recent Form
Sean O’Malley: On a two-fight win streak. Last 5: W (UD vs. Marlon Vera, Dec 7, 2025), W (UD vs. Merab Dvalishvili, Sep 14, 2024), L (UD vs. Merab Dvalishvili, Mar 9, 2024), W (KO vs. Marlon Vera, Mar 9, 2024), W (TKO vs. Aljamain Sterling, Aug 19, 2023). Form shows championship-level striking but grappling weaknesses exposed in losses.
Song Yadong: On a three-fight win streak. Last 5: W (UD vs. Petr Yan, Sep 28, 2025), W (UD vs. Montel Jackson, Mar 9, 2025), W (UD vs. Chris Gutierrez, Dec 9, 2023), W (TKO vs. Ricky Simon, Apr 29, 2023), L (TKO vs. Cory Sandhagen, Sep 17, 2022). Form emphasizes volume and wrestling improvements, with strong decisions against top competition.
Fight History
O’Malley and Yadong met once before at UFC 299 on March 9, 2024, where O’Malley won by unanimous decision in a five-round title fight. No bad blood post-fight, but O’Malley’s dominance (outstruck Yadong 230-90) has fueled Yadong’s revenge narrative. Common opponents include Marlon Vera (O’Malley W UD 2025, L KO 2020; Yadong W UD 2023) and Petr Yan (O’Malley W SD 2022; Yadong W UD 2025). O’Malley’s UFC record (11-1, 1 NC) vs. Yadong’s (9-3, 1 NC); a clean rematch with high stakes.
FIGHT ODDS
Sean O’Malley – 200
Song Yadong + 170
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 23, 2026
The women’s flyweight division heats up at UFC 324 as surging contender Natalia Silva (19-5-1) looks to extend her impressive win streak against former two-time strawweight champion Rose Namajunas (15-7-0), who aims to rebound and climb the rankings. Silva, a Brazilian striker with elite decision-making and finishing ability, enters as a heavy favorite after a dominant run, including back-to-back wins over former champions. Namajunas, “Thug Rose,” brings championship experience, wrestling, and submission threats but has struggled with consistency in flyweight, alternating wins and losses. This bout could be a technical striking chess match at range, with Silva’s volume clashing against Namajunas’ counter-punching, or turn to the ground where both excel in submissions. No prior bad blood, but Silva steps in on short notice after Alexa Grasso’s injury withdrawal, adding unpredictability. A win for Silva could position her for a title shot, while Namajunas needs a statement to re-enter contention. On a card headlined by Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight title, this main card fight has high stakes for the 125-pound division.
Venue Location
T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada. This 20,000-seat venue is a UFC staple, known for its electric atmosphere and history of hosting high-profile women’s flyweight fights, including several title bouts with dramatic decisions and submissions.
The
main card starting at 9:00 p.m. ET (6:00 p.m. PT, 7:00 p.m. local time in Las Vegas). Prelims begin at 7:00 p.m. ET (4:00 p.m. PT), and early prelims at 5:00 p.m. ET (2:00 p.m. PT). This fight is on the main card, likely airing around 10:00-10:30 p.m. ET. Stream live on Paramount+.
Injury Report
Natalia Silva: No reported injuries. Silva enters fully healthy after her most recent win in May 2025, with no setbacks noted in training camp. She stepped in on short notice (announced December 3, 2025) but confirmed readiness in interviews.
Rose Namajunas: No active injuries. Namajunas’ last fight in June 2025 was unaffected by health issues, though her opponent Miranda Maverick suffered a torn ACL during the bout. Namajunas has focused on recovery from past neck and hand problems but reports peak condition for this matchup.
Fighter Matchups
This women’s flyweight (125 lbs) main card bout contrasts Silva’s (5’4″, 65″ reach, 28 years old) precise striking and submission defense with Namajunas’ (5’5″, 65″ reach, 33 years old) wrestling and guillotine threats. Silva lands 4.5 significant strikes per minute at 46% accuracy, with strong takedown defense (85%) and cardio for decisions (32% of wins by DEC). She’s an orthodox fighter who excels in volume and counters. Namajunas absorbs 3.8 strikes per minute but counters with 4.2 at 45% accuracy, averaging 1.5 takedowns per 15 minutes at 50% success and submission attempts (37% of wins by sub). Styles clash: Silva’s stand-up volume vs. Namajunas’ grappling; if Namajunas takes it down, her subs threaten, but Silva’s defense and scrambling could force a stand-up war where her precision shines.
Recent Form
Natalia Silva: On a 13-fight win streak (7-0 in UFC). Last 5: W (UD vs. Alexa Grasso, May 10, 2025), W (UD vs. Jessica Andrade, Sep 7, 2024), W (UD vs. Viviane Araujo, Feb 3, 2024), W (UD vs. Andrea Lee, Aug 19, 2023), W (UD vs. Victoria Leonardo, Jun 17, 2023). Form emphasizes unanimous decision dominance (6 of 19 wins by DEC), with improved volume striking and flawless takedown defense in recent bouts.
Rose Namajunas: 3-2 in last 5, alternating wins and losses. Last 5: W (UD vs. Miranda Maverick, Jun 14, 2025), L (UD vs. Erin Blanchfield, Nov 2, 2024), W (UD vs. Tracy Cortez, Jul 13, 2024), L (UD vs. Manon Fiorot, Sep 2, 2023), W (UD vs. Amanda Ribas, Mar 23, 2024). Form shows decision-heavy wins (6 of 15 by DEC), with strong grappling but vulnerabilities to volume strikers in recent defeats.
Fight History
This is the first meeting between Silva and Namajunas—no prior head-to-head history or bad blood. They share no common opponents of note. Silva’s UFC record (7-0) contrasts Namajunas’ extensive tenure (12-6), but Silva stepped in after Alexa Grasso’s injury withdrawal (announced Dec 3, 2025). No feuds; a clean stylistic matchup with Silva riding momentum.
FIGHT ODDS
Natalia Silva – 400
Rose Namajunas + 330
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 23, 2026