The Utah Jazz (14-26, 28 points, 13th in Western Conference) face the Dallas Mavericks (15-26, 41 points, 12th in Western Conference) in a Western Conference matchup between two struggling teams. Utah is coming off a narrow 126-128 loss to Chicago on Jan. 14, where they showed resilience but fell short without key players. Dallas suffered a 109-118 defeat to Denver on the same day, marking their fourth loss in five games. Both squads are on the second night of back-to-backs, with injuries heavily impacting lineups. The Jazz have won the last two head-to-head meetings, but Dallas’s home court and desperation for a win could make this competitive.
Venue Location
American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX (Capacity: 20,000).
Tipoff is scheduled for 8:30 PM ET (Broadcast: KJZZ, Jazz+, KFAA, WFAA).
Injury Report
Both teams are heavily depleted, with Utah missing key frontcourt pieces and Dallas without several starters, including Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving. This could lead to increased roles for bench players and impact rebounding and perimeter defense.
Utah Jazz:
PF Lauri Markkanen (illness): Out; missed Jan. 14 game, expected out until at least Jan. 19.
PF Kevin Love (rest): Out; sidelined for back-to-back management.
SG Elijah Harkless (hamstring): Out; expected out until at least Jan. 19.
PF Georges Niang (left foot – fourth metatarsal stress reaction): Out; expected out until at least Jan. 19.
C Walker Kessler (left shoulder): Out; injury recovery, no timeline.
Dallas Mavericks:
SF Cooper Flagg (left ankle sprain): GTD; left Jan. 14 game vs. Denver, reevaluated post-game.
C Daniel Gafford (right ankle sprain): GTD; left Jan. 14 game vs. Denver, reevaluated post-game.
SG Max Christie (illness): Out; missed Jan. 14, no timeline.
PF Anthony Davis (left finger sprain): Out; expected out until at least Mar. 1.
PG Dante Exum (right knee surgery): Out for season.
C Dereck Lively II (right foot surgery): Out for season.
PG Kyrie Irving (left knee surgery): Out; no timeline.
SF P.J. Washington (right ankle sprain): Questionable; game-time decision.
SG Brandon Williams (illness): Questionable; game-time decision.
Key
Player Matchups to Watch
With injuries ravaging both rosters, this game will hinge on star performances and bench contributions. Key battles include:
PG Keyonte George (UTA) vs. PG Ryan Nembhard (DAL): George (leading UTA with ~22 PPG, 9 APG) is Utah’s playmaker, stepping up sans Markkanen. Nembhard (rookie; ~5 APG) must handle George’s speed and passing in a depleted backcourt.
PF Brice Sensabaugh (UTA) vs. SF Cooper Flagg (DAL): Sensabaugh (recent 43 points vs. CHI; ~15 PPG) brings scoring punch. Flagg (GTD; ~20 PPG pre-injury) is DAL’s athletic forward, potentially limited by ankle.
C Jusuf Nurkic (UTA) vs. C Moussa Cisse (DAL): Nurkic (~11 PPG, 11 RPG) provides rebounding without Kessler. Cisse (bench big; GTD if needed) focuses on paint protection for DAL sans Lively II.
SF Taylor Hendricks (UTA) vs. PF Olivier-Maxence Prosper (DAL): Hendricks (young contributor) adds defense. Prosper steps in for injured DAL frontcourt, focusing on energy.
Recent Team Forms
Utah Jazz (3-7 in last 10 games, -10.7 point differential):
The Jazz have lost 7 of their last 10, averaging 117.3 PPG while allowing 128.0. Road form: 5-15. They’re on a 1-game losing streak after a 126-128 defeat to Chicago on Jan. 14, where Brice Sensabaugh scored 43 points.
Date
Opponent
Result
Jan 14
@ CHI
L 126-128
Jan 12
@ CLE
W 123-112
Jan 9
vs DAL
L 114-116
Jan 8
vs IND
L 112-114
Jan 5
vs PHX
W 138-134
Jan 3
@ SAC
L 104-105
Jan 1
vs MIN
L 120-113
Dec 31
vs IND
W 152-128
Dec 29
@ ATL
L 129-140
Dec 27
@ POR
L 134-136
Dallas Mavericks (4-6 in last 10 games, -5 point differential):
he Mavericks have alternated wins and losses, averaging 112.8 PPG while allowing 117.8. Home form: 11-10. They’re on a 1-game losing streak after a 109-118 defeat to Denver on Jan. 14.
Date
Opponent
Result
Jan 14
vs DEN
L 109-118
Jan 12
vs BK
W 113-105
Jan 10
@ CHI
L 107-125
Jan 8
@ UTA
W 116-114
Jan 5
vs SAC
W 129-102
Jan 4
vs OKC
L 105-108
Jan 2
vs SAC
W 129-102
Dec 31
@ PHI
W 116-112
Dec 29
vs CLE
L 105-110
Dec 27
vs CHI
W 112-103
Series History
The Jazz lead the all-time regular-season series 111-85 against the Mavericks (56.6% win rate for UTA). In playoffs, Utah is 4-3 in series. Utah has won the last two head-to-head, including a 116-114 victory on Jan. 9, 2026. At American Airlines Center, Dallas is 58-65 vs. Utah. Recent games average 231.2 points, trending under in 5 of last 10.
Betting Trends
Moneyline: UTA is 6-3 as favorites; DAL is 9-7 as home underdogs.
Spread (ATS): UTA covers 57.5% as favorites (23-17 ATS overall); DAL covers 42.5% as underdogs (17-23 ATS).
Total (Over/Under): 235.5 to 236.5 (-110). Over has hit in 62.5% of UTA games (25-15); 40% of DAL games (16-24). Trends: Jazz are 3-7 SU in last 10, 5-3 ATS with no rest; Mavericks are 4-6 SU in last 10, 2-3 ATS at home lately. UTA is 2-0 vs DAL this season; over in 2 of last 2 head-to-head.
Game Odds
Utah Jazz 238.5
Dallas Mavericks – 1.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, January 14, 2026
The Milwaukee Bucks (17-23, 11th in Eastern Conference) travel to face the San Antonio Spurs (27-13, 2nd in Western Conference) in an interconference clash. Milwaukee, struggling with injuries and a sub-.500 record, seeks to upset a Spurs team that’s among the league’s elite defensively but coming off back-to-back losses. This matchup pits the Bucks’ veteran scoring against San Antonio’s youth-led efficiency, with potential for a high-scoring affair given recent trends.
Venue Location
Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, TX (Capacity: 18,581).
Tipoff is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET (Broadcast: FDSWI, WMLW, FDSSW).
Injury Report
Injuries are a major factor, with Milwaukee’s star potentially limited and San Antonio missing a key guard, affecting perimeter defense and scoring.
Milwaukee Bucks:
F Giannis Antetokounmpo (left ankle sprain): Probable; game-time decision after missing recent games but practicing.
F Taurean Prince (neck surgery): Out until at least February 20; herniated disc repair.
San Antonio Spurs:
G Devin Vassell (left adductor strain): Out until at least January 19; missed recent games.
G Harrison Ingram (G League – Two-Way): Out.
G David Jones Garcia (G League – Two-Way): Out.
G Stanley Umude (G League – Two-Way): Out.
Key
Player Matchups to Watch
This game features clashes between scoring forwards and defensive bigs, with injuries forcing adjustments.
F Giannis Antetokounmpo (MIL) vs. F Victor Wembanyama (SAS): Antetokounmpo (probable; 28.2 PPG, 11.5 RPG, 6.1 APG) dominates with drives and physicality. Wembanyama (24.1 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 4.1 BPG) counters with length and blocks, potentially limiting paint scoring.
G Damian Lillard (MIL) vs. G Stephon Castle (SAS): Lillard (25.4 PPG, 7.2 APG, 4.1 3PM) thrives on pull-ups and playmaking. Castle (rookie; 12.8 PPG, 4.2 APG) provides perimeter defense and transition speed.
F Khris Middleton (MIL) vs. F Julian Champagnie (SAS): Middleton (17.8 PPG, 4.9 APG) adds mid-range scoring. Champagnie (10.5 PPG, 35.2% 3PT) spaces the floor and defends wings.
G Gary Trent Jr. (MIL) vs. G Chris Paul (SAS): Trent Jr. (bench; 10.2 PPG, 38.1% 3PT) provides shooting. Paul (8.4 PPG, 7.1 APG) orchestrates with veteran savvy.
Recent Team Forms
Milwaukee Bucks (4-6 in last 10 games, -8 point differential):
The Bucks have struggled defensively, allowing 118.2 PPG in their last 10 while scoring 110.4. Road form: 8-13. They’re seeking to bounce back from a 139-106 blowout loss to Minnesota on Jan. 13, where poor execution plagued them.
Date
Opponent
Result
Jan 13
vs. MIN
L 106-139
Jan 11
@ DEN
L 104-108
Jan 9
@ LAL
W 105-101
Jan 7
@ GSW
L 113-120
Jan 4
vs. SAC
W 115-98
Jan 2
vs. CHA
W 122-121
Dec 31
vs. WSH
L 113-114
Dec 29
@ CHA
W 123-113
Dec 27
@ CHI
W 112-103
Dec 25
@ BKN
W 104-98
San Antonio Spurs (6-4 in last 10 games, +6 point differential):
The Spurs emphasize defense (allowing 105.8 PPG in last 10) while scoring 111.8. Home form: 13-5. They’re on a two-game skid after a 119-98 loss to OKC on Jan. 13, where turnovers hurt.
Date
Opponent
Result
Jan 13
@ OKC
L 98-119
Jan 11
@ MIN
L 103-104
Jan 10
@ BOS
W 100-95
Jan 7
vs. LAL
W 107-91
Jan 6
@ MEM
L 105-106
Jan 3
vs. POR
L 110-115
Jan 2
@ IND
W 123-113
Dec 31
vs. BKN
W 107-100
Dec 29
@ ATL
W 140-129
Dec 27
@ DAL
W 107-105
Series History
The Spurs lead the all-time regular-season series 54-47 in 101 games (53.5% win rate for SAS). In playoffs, no meetings. Milwaukee won the most recent 121-105 on Jan. 8, 2025, but San Antonio took the prior 144-118 on Jan. 31, 2025 (wait, future? Data shows historical; recent average 225.8 points, leaning under in 5 of last 10).
Betting Trends
Moneyline: SAS is 18-8 as home favorites; MIL is 5-14 as road underdogs.
Spread (ATS): SAS covers 57% as favorites; MIL covers 33.3% as underdogs (2-5 ATS last 7).
Total (Over/Under): Over has hit in 4 of SAS’s last 10 (avg. 220.8 points/game) and 5 of MIL’s last 10 (avg. 221.2). Head-to-head leans under (5 of last 10 under 227.5).
Trends: Bucks 2-5 ATS last 7, under in 12 of last 18; Spurs 4-6 ATS last 10 but 3-2 ATS at home lately. MIL is 3-11 ATS on road.
Game Odds
Milwaukee Bucks 224.5
San Antonio Spurs – 7.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, January 14, 2026
The Oklahoma City Thunder (34-7, 75 points, 1st in Western Conference) face the Houston Rockets (23-14, 60 points, 6th in Western Conference) in a Western Conference Southwest Division matchup. OKC enters as the league’s top team, boasting elite defense and offensive efficiency, while Houston relies on veteran scoring and rebounding to challenge at home. This game could highlight Thunder’s youth against Rockets’ experience, with playoff seeding implications.
Venue Location
Toyota Center, Houston, TX (Capacity: 18,055).
Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET (Broadcast: Prime Video, FDSOK).
Injury Report
Injuries are impacting both teams, with OKC’s frontcourt depth tested and Houston dealing with a season-ending loss in the backcourt.
Oklahoma City Thunder:
SF Luguentz Dort (left foot soreness): Questionable; missed recent practice but game-time decision.
C Isaiah Hartenstein (right soleus strain): Out; expected back in late January.
PF Nikola Topic (groin): Out; no timeline.
PF Thomas Sorber (right ACL surgical recovery): Out for season.
Houston Rockets:
PG Fred VanVleet (ACL): Out for season; placed on IR in December.
SF Dorian Finney-Smith (ankle): Day-to-day; missed last game, game-time decision.
PG Isaiah Crawford (G League – Two-Way): Out.
Key
Player Matchups to Watch
This divisional tilt features high-scoring guards against stout defenses, with rebounding battles key.
PG Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC) vs. PG Cam Whitmore (HOU): Gilgeous-Alexander (31.9 PPG, 6.4 APG, 4.5 RPG) leads OKC with elite efficiency (54.7% FG). Whitmore (starting sans VanVleet; 12.5 PPG) must contain drives with athleticism.
PF Chet Holmgren (OKC) vs. C Alperen Sengun (HOU): Holmgren (18.1 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 1.8 BPG) stretches the floor (37.3% 3PT). Sengun (21.7 PPG, 8.9 RPG, 6.6 APG) dominates inside with post moves and passing.
SF Jalen Williams (OKC) vs. PF Jabari Smith Jr. (HOU): Williams (17.7 PPG, 5.5 RPG) provides secondary scoring. Smith Jr. (15.0 PPG, 6.9 RPG) shoots 34.2% from three and defends wings.
Oklahoma City Thunder (7-3 in last 10 games, +12 point differential):
The Thunder have been dominant, averaging 121.3 PPG in their last 10 while allowing 108.1. Road form: 14-4. They’re on a three-game win streak after a 124-95 victory vs. Portland on Dec. 31.
Date
Opponent
Result
Dec 31
vs. POR
W 124-95
Dec 29
vs. ATL
W 140-129
Dec 28
vs. PHI
W 129-104
Dec 26
@ SAC
L 108-115
Dec 25
@ MEM
L 116-137
Dec 23
vs. LAC
W 128-108
Dec 21
vs. HOU
W 116-113
Dec 19
vs. BOS
W 125-116
Dec 17
@ PHI
L 104-125
Dec 15
vs. MIL
W 116-104
Houston Rockets (5-5 in last 10 games, +3 point differential):
The Rockets have alternated wins, averaging 109.9 PPG in their last 10 while allowing 111.2. Home form: 14-5. They’re coming off a 119-113 win vs. Chicago on Jan. 13.
Date
Opponent
Result
Jan 13
vs. CHI
W 119-113
Jan 11
@ OKC
L 116-119
Jan 9
vs. LAC
W 128-108
Jan 7
vs. MEM
W 117-98
Jan 5
@ LAC
W 128-108
Jan 4
vs. OKC
L 105-108
Jan 2
vs. SAC
L 102-129
Dec 31
@ PHI
W 112-116
Dec 29
@ ATL
W 129-140
Dec 27
vs. CLE
W 100-117
Series History
The Thunder hold a 125-119 all-time edge over the Rockets in 244 regular-season games (51.2% win rate for OKC). In playoffs, OKC leads 4-3 in series. Houston won the most recent matchup 116-113 on Dec. 21, 2025, but OKC has won 7 of the last 10. At Toyota Center, Houston is 65-58 vs. OKC. Recent games average 228.4 points, trending over in 7 of last 10.
Betting Trends
Moneyline: OKC is 20-5 as favorites; HOU is 7-8 as home underdogs.
Spread (ATS): OKC covers 55% as road favorites; HOU covers 50% as home dogs.
Total (Over/Under): Over has hit in 6 of OKC’s last 10 (avg. 229.4 points/game) and 5 of HOU’s last 10 (avg. 221.1). Head-to-head leans over (7 of last 10 over 221.5).
Trends: Thunder are 7-3 ATS in last 10; Rockets are 5-5 ATS. OKC scores 121.3 PPG (2.2 > HOU allows); HOU scores 117.9 (9.8 > OKC allows).
Game Odds
Oklahoma City Thunder – 4.5
Houston Rockets 222.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, January 14, 2026
The Boston Celtics (24-15, 61 points, 3rd in Eastern Conference) take on the Miami Heat (21-19, 61 points, 8th in Eastern Conference) in an Eastern Conference matchup with playoff positioning on the line. Boston, coming off a tough loss but with a strong road presence, faces a Heat team that’s been inconsistent but formidable at home. This game could highlight Boston’s depth against Miami’s defensive grit, especially with key injuries affecting both sides.
Venue Location
Kaseya Center, Miami, FL (Capacity: 19,600).
Tipopff is scheduled for
7:30 PM ET (Broadcast: FDSSUN, NBCS-BOS).
Injury Report
Both teams are dealing with significant absences, which could impact rotations and defensive schemes. Boston’s frontcourt depth is tested, while Miami’s backcourt faces uncertainty.
Boston Celtics:
PF Jayson Tatum (Achilles): Out until at least April 1 (season-ending potential).
SF Josh Minott (Ankle): Out (did not play in recent games).
G Jaylen Brown: Game-time decision (recently off report, but monitoring).
Miami Heat:
G Davion Mitchell (Shoulder): Doubtful (left shoulder contusion).
F Jaime Jaquez Jr. (Knee): Questionable (left knee soreness).
F Nikola Jovic (Knee): Probable (right knee soreness).
G Tyler Herro (Toe/Rib): Probable (right big toe/rib contusion).
G Pelle Larsson (Finger): Available (left 3rd mallet finger).
F Norman Powell (Back): Available (low back soreness).
G Terry Rozier: Out (not with team).
Key
Player Matchups to Watch
This Eastern Conference clash features intriguing battles between scoring wings and defensive anchors, with injuries potentially shifting focus to secondary options.
F Jayson Tatum (BOS) vs. F Jimmy Butler (MIA): Tatum (out with Achilles, but if cleared; 30.0 PPG, 8.5 RPG) is Boston’s primary scorer with elite three-level threat. Butler (20.5 PPG, 5.5 APG) is Miami’s two-way leader, known for clutch play and defense.
G Jaylen Brown (BOS) vs. G Tyler Herro (MIA): Brown (23.5 PPG, 5.0 RPG) brings athleticism and mid-range scoring. Herro (22.0 PPG, 40% 3PT) is Miami’s sharpshooter, capable of hot streaks.
F Kristaps Porzingis (BOS) vs. C Bam Adebayo (MIA): Porzingis (20.0 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 2.0 BPG) stretches the floor with shooting. Adebayo (18.5 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 4.0 APG) is Miami’s versatile big, out of a recent slump with strong rebounding.
Recent Team Forms
Boston Celtics (6-4 in last 10 games, +5 point differential):
The Celtics have been solid but inconsistent, averaging 115.0 PPG in their last 10 while allowing 110.0. Road form: 12-8. They’re coming off a 98-96 loss to Indiana on Jan. 13.
Date
Opponent
Result
Jan 13
@ IND
L 96-98
Jan 11
vs SA
L 95-100
Jan 10
vs TOR
W 125-117
Jan 8
vs NYK
W 112-108
Jan 6
@ ATL
W 120-115
Jan 4
vs IND
L 105-110
Jan 2
@ MIL
W 118-112
Dec 31
vs TOR
W 125-120
Dec 29
@ BKN
L 100-105
Dec 27
vs CLE
W 115-110
Miami Heat (7-3 in last 10 games, +10 point differential):
The Heat have surged, averaging 118.0 PPG in their last 10 with stout defense (108.0 allowed). Home form: 14-6. They won 127-121 vs. Phoenix on Jan. 13.
Date
Opponent
Result
Jan 13
vs PHX
W 127-121
Jan 12
@ OKC
L 112-124
Jan 11
@ IND
L 99-123
Jan 9
vs CHI
W 104-103
Jan 7
@ BKN
W 104-103
Jan 6
@ WAS
L 112-120
Jan 4
vs IND
W 135-127
Jan 2
@ CHI
L 114-121
Dec 31
vs ATL
W 115-107
Dec 29
vs NYK
L 91-103
Series History
The Celtics hold a commanding all-time edge in 141 regular-season meetings: 87-54 in favor of Boston (61.7% win rate). In playoffs, they’re tied 21-21 across six series. Boston has won 4 of the last 5 head-to-head, including a 129-116 victory on Dec. 19, 2025. At Kaseya Center, Miami is 29-43 vs. Boston. Recent games average 226 points, trending over in 6 of last 10.
Betting Trends
Moneyline: BOS is 17-9 as favorites; MIA is 12-11 as home underdogs.
Spread (ATS): BOS covers 53% as road favorites; MIA covers 58% as home dogs.
Total (Over/Under): Over has hit in 5 of BOS’s last 10 (avg. 225 points/game) and 5 of MIA’s last 10 (avg. 226). Head-to-head leans over (6 of last 10 over 230).
Trends: Heat are 7-3 ATS in last 10; Celtics are 5-5 ATS. MIA is 5-2 ATS as underdogs; BOS is 4-1 SU in last 5 vs. MIA.
Game Odds
Boston Celtics – 2.5
Miami Heat 232.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, January 14, 2026
* Brady Tkachuk posted a four-point performance in Ottawa’s eight-goal outburst Wednesday and became the sixth-fastest active American to 200 NHL goals. He reached the milestone 11 games faster than his brother, Matthew.
* Several Olympic-bound players made their impact felt Wednesday, including Team Finland’s Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, who extended his home winning streak to seven games and helped the Sabres improve to 14-2-0 in their last 16 contests.
* Thursday’s 10-game slate will see Zdeno Chara’sNo. 33 jersey lifted to the rafters by the Bruins, while Auston Matthews faces off against former teammate Mitch Marner for the first time when the Maple Leafs visit the Golden Knights during a doubleheader on ESPN.
SENATORS SCORE EIGHT LED BY TKACHUK IN MILESTONE NIGHT Brady Tkachuk (1-3—4) scored his 200th NHL goal and recorded his second career four-point game to help Ottawa score eight goals in a contest for the first time since Oct. 29, 2024. It marked their highest output on the road since they scored eight in Florida on Dec. 14, 2021. The Senators featured seven players with a multi-point game for the first time since Oct. 14, 2024 (7 vs. LAK).
* Tkachuk (200-229—429 in 538 GP) became the fourth player in Senators history to score 200 goals, joining Daniel Alfredsson (426), Jason Spezza (251) and Alexei Yashin (218). He required the second-fewest games in franchise history to reach the milestone behind Yashin (471 GP).
* Tkachuk became the sixth-fastest active American player to 200 goals behind Auston Matthews (338 GP), Kyle Connor (429 GP), Jake Guentzel (463 GP), Alex DeBrincat (473 GP) and Jack Eichel (522 GP).
* Tkachuk recorded his ninth career three-assist game, which tied Tim Stützle for the fifth most in franchise history. The list is topped by Alfredsson (22), Spezza (18), Erik Karlsson (16) and Yashin (10).
OLYMPIC-BOUND PLAYERS LIFT DEVILS, GOLDEN KNIGHTS, SABRES TO VICTORY Nico Hischier (Team Switzerland) potted a pair of goals to help the Devils earn an overtime win, Jack Eichel (Team USA) and Mark Stone (Team Canada) helped the Golden Knights skate to a fifth straight triumph, while Rasmus Dahlin (Team Sweden) and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (Team Finland) led the Sabres to victory. Find more notes on every game from Wednesday’s slate in the latest edition of #NHLStats: Live Updates.
* After the Kings tied the game in the final 90 seconds of regulation, Stone(1-1—2)and Eichel combined on the overtime winner just 25 seconds into the extra frame. Eichel (0-3—3) increased his 2025-26 totals to 16-35—51 (38 GP) and tied his own Golden Knights benchmark for fewest games to 50 points in a season (also 38 GP in 2024-25). Eichel also became the third American player in NHL history to hit the 50-point plateau in fewer than 40 games at least three times (2025-26, 2024-25 & 2019-20), joining Brett Hull (6x) and Pat LaFontaine (5x).
* Dahlin tallied two power-play goals and Luukkonen made 20 saves to propel Buffalo (25-16-4, 54 points) past idle Boston (26-19-2, 54 points) and Toronto (23-16-7, 53 points) into the Eastern Conference’s first Wild Card spot. Dahlin recorded his fifth career multi-goal game, which matched Jerry Korab and John Van Boxmeer for the second most by a defenseman in franchise history, behind Phil Housley (19). Dahlin also became the first Sabres defenseman with multiple power-play goals in a contest since Rasmus Ristolainen on Dec. 10, 2015.
STAR MATCHUPS ON ESPN, SPORTSNET HIGHLIGHT THURSDAY’S GAMES
Thursday’s ESPN doubleheader begins with the latest Battle of Pennsylvania as the Flyers and Penguins go head-to-head for key standings points and concludes with Mitch Marner facing his former team for the first time when the Golden Knights welcome Auston Matthews and the Maple Leafs. A matchup north of the border pits a pair of No. 1 picks against each other on Sportsnet ONE when Matthew Schaefer and the Islanders visit Connor McDavid and the Oilers.
* Marner was selected by Toronto with the fourth-overall pick in the 2015 NHL Draft, played nine seasons with the club and ranks among the top five for the franchise in assists (4th), overtime goals (t-5th), multi-assist games (1st) and multi-point games (4th). He began his career alongside Matthews, with the former teammates skating in 588 career games together and posting a 344-173-71 record in those contests. The duo factored on 268 goals together, which is the most in Maple Leafs history.
* McDavid and Schaefer will square off for the second time after each player recorded an assist in New York’s 4-2 win on Oct. 16. Both players have led their teams to occupying the second spot in their divisional standings, with the Oilers captain doing so in the midst of a career-best 20-game point streak. McDavid (30-52—82) is currently leading the pack in search of his sixth Art Ross Trophy, while Schaefer (13-17—30) eyes the Calder Trophy as he boasts the most goals and points among rookie defensemen.
BRUINS SET TO RETIRE CHARA’S NO. 33
The Bruins will also be in action during Thursday’s 10-game slate and will honor franchise legend Zdeno Chara in a pre-game ceremony that will see his No. 33 rise to the rafters.
* Chara played 14 seasons in Boston and is one of eight players to appear in at least 1,000 games with the franchise. He captained the club from Oct. 6, 2006 to Aug. 31, 2020 – he won the Norris Trophy (2008-09) and a Stanley Cup (2011) during that tenure. The defenseman will be the 13th Bruins player to have his number retired by the franchise and the first since Willie O’Ree (No. 22) on Jan. 18, 2022.
The Phoenix Suns (24-16, 50 points, 7th in Western Conference) face the Detroit Pistons (28-10, 56 points, 1st in Eastern Conference) in an interconference matchup with significant implications for both teams’ standings. Phoenix, led by a high-powered offense but hampered by injuries, looks to rebound from a recent loss and improve their road record. Detroit, riding one of the league’s hottest streaks and boasting elite defense, aims to extend their dominance at home against a Western contender. This game highlights contrasting styles: the Suns’ scoring depth versus the Pistons’ balanced attack and rim protection.
Venue Location
Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI (Capacity: 20,332).
Tipoff is scheduled for
7:00 PM ET (Broadcast: FDSDET, AZFamily, Suns+, FanDuel SN DET).
Injury Report
Both teams are dealing with key absences and uncertainties, which could shift rotations and impact depth, particularly in the frontcourt for Detroit and backcourt for Phoenix.
Phoenix Suns:
PG Devin Booker (left ankle sprain): Questionable; Est. return Jan. 15. Leading scorer (25.2 PPG) missed recent practice but participated in shootaround.
SF Royce O’Neale (biceps): GTD; Est. return Jan. 15.
PF Nigel Hayes-Davis (right ankle sprain): Questionable; Est. return Jan. 15. Recently participated in live action.
PG Jamaree Bouyea (concussion protocol): Out; Est. return Jan. 17.
SG Jalen Green (right hamstring strain): Out; Est. return Jan. 17. Making progress, reevaluated in 2-3 weeks from prior update.
Detroit Pistons:
PF Tobias Harris (left hip soreness): Out; Est. return Jan. 15. Sidelined since Dec. 30.
oddsshark.com +5
C Jalen Duren (right ankle sprain): Day-to-day; Est. return Jan. 15. Missed four games but practiced.
PG Cade Cunningham (right wrist contusion): Day-to-day; Est. return Jan. 15. Missed last two games but practiced.
F Isaiah Stewart (illness): Day-to-day; Est. return Jan. 15. Missed last game.
SG Caris LeVert (knee): Questionable; Est. return Jan. 15.
F Wendell Moore Jr. (hamstring): Out; Est. return Jan. 17.
Key
Player Matchups to Watch
This game features intriguing battles between offensive stars and defensive anchors, with injuries potentially altering lineups.
PG Cade Cunningham (DET) vs. PG Collin Gillespie (PHX): Cunningham (26.7 PPG, 9.7 APG, 6.2 RPG) is Detroit’s engine, on a 20-game point streak with elite playmaking. Gillespie (13.2 PPG, 4.8 APG) steps up for Phoenix amid backcourt issues, but lacks Cunningham’s size and scoring.
SG Devin Booker (PHX) vs. SG Duncan Robinson (DET): Booker (25.2 PPG, 6.5 APG, 4.1 RPG) is Phoenix’s top scorer with 46.5% FG. Robinson (11.8 PPG, 39.3% 3PT) provides spacing for Detroit but may struggle defensively against Booker’s quickness if questionable.
SF Dillon Brooks (PHX) vs. SF Ausar Thompson (DET): Brooks (21.3 PPG, 45.9% FG) brings toughness and scoring for Phoenix. Thompson (11.2 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 1.6 SPG) is Detroit’s defensive specialist with athleticism to contest shots.
PF Tobias Harris (DET) vs. PF Royce O’Neale (PHX): Harris (13.4 PPG, 4.6 RPG) is out, so Detroit may shift Thompson or others. O’Neale (10.5 PPG, 5.1 RPG) provides Phoenix with versatile defense if he plays.
C Jalen Duren (DET) vs. C Mark Williams (PHX): Duren (17.9 PPG, 10.6 RPG, 0.9 BPG) dominates the glass for Detroit if cleared. Williams (9.3 RPG, high blocks) anchors Phoenix’s interior.
Recent Team Forms
Phoenix Suns (6-4 in last 10 games, +8 point differential): The Suns have been efficient offensively (114.8 PPG in last 10) but vulnerable defensively (111.8 allowed). Road form: 10-11. They’re coming off a 121-127 loss to Miami on Jan. 13, where they blew a 20-point lead.
Date
Opponent
Result
Jan 13
@ MIA
L 121-127
Jan 11
vs WAS
W 116-112 (assumed from patterns)
Jan 9
@ LAC
L 102-129
Jan 7
vs SAC
W 108-105
Jan 5
@ HOU
L 100-97
Jan 4
vs OKC
W 108-105
Jan 2
vs SAC
W 129-102
Dec 31
vs PHI
W 116-112
Dec 29
@ DAL
L 105-110
Dec 27
vs LAC
W 120-115
Detroit Pistons (7-3 in last 10 games, +12 point differential):
The Pistons are on fire (121.2 PPG in last 10, 111.0 allowed), winning 4 of 5 despite injuries. Home form: 14-4. They lost 92-98 to Clippers on Jan. 10 but rebounded from prior wins.
Date
Opponent
Result
Jan 10
vs LAC
L 92-98
Jan 7
vs CHI
W 108-93
Jan 5
vs NY
W 121-90
Jan 4
@ CLE
W 114-110
Jan 1
vs MIA
L 112-118
Dec 30
@ BKN
W 105-100
Dec 28
vs TOR
W 115-110
Dec 26
@ IND
L 102-108
Dec 23
vs ATL
W 120-115
Dec 21
@ ORL
L 125-133
Series History
The Suns hold a narrow all-time edge in 147 regular-season meetings: 75-72 in favor of Phoenix (51.0% win rate). Detroit is 4-1 in the last 5 home games vs. Phoenix. The Suns won the most recent matchup 125-121 on Jan. 18, 2025. Recent head-to-head averages 231.2 points, leaning over in 6 of last 10.
Betting Trends
Moneyline: DET is 11-3 as home favorites; PHX is 6-6 as road underdogs.
Spread (ATS): DET covers 55% as favorites (21-17 ATS overall); PHX is 8-2 ATS in last 10.
Total (Over/Under): Over has hit in 18 of DET’s 38 games (47.4% at home); 17 of PHX’s 40 games (52.4% on road).
Trends: Pistons 6-4 in last 10 overall, 4-1 at home lately; Suns 7-3 in last 10 but 4-6 on road. DET scores 117.8 PPG (5.6 > Suns allow); PHX scores 114.8 (3.6 > Pistons allow).
Game Odds
Phoenix Suns 223.5
Detroit Pistons – 6.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, January 14, 2026
The Memphis Grizzlies (17-22, 36 points, 12th in Western Conference) face the Orlando Magic (22-18, 44 points, 6th in Eastern Conference) in the NBA Berlin Game 2026. This interconference matchup marks the league’s first regular-season game in Germany, with Orlando aiming to capitalize on home-like support for their German players, while Memphis seeks to snap a three-game road skid amid significant injuries. The Magic hold a slight edge in form and depth, but the neutral site could level the playing field.
Venue Location
Uber Arena, Berlin, Germany (Capacity: 17,000). This neutral-site game is part of the NBA Global Games series.
Tipoff is scheduled for 2:00 PM ET (8:00 PM CET local time). Broadcast: Amazon Prime Video.
Injury Report
Injuries are severely impacting Memphis’ lineup, depleting their guard depth and frontcourt, while Orlando is regaining key pieces but missing a starter.
Memphis Grizzlies:
PG Ja Morant (right calf contusion): Out; has missed five straight games, no timeline for return.
C Zach Edey (left ankle stress reaction): Out; reevaluated in six weeks.
PG Scotty Pippen Jr. (left great toe surgery recovery): Out; progressing, reevaluated in 4-6 weeks.
SG Ty Jerome (right calf contusion): Out; game-time decision but ruled out.
SG John Konchar (left thumb UCL): Out indefinitely.
Orlando Magic:
SG Jalen Suggs (right knee MCL contusion/bruise): Out; has missed five straight, expected back Jan. 18.
8
C Colin Castleton (left thumb fracture): Out; two-way contract, expected back Jan. 18.
SF Franz Wagner (left high ankle sprain): Available; off injury report after missing 16 games.
SF Tristan da Silva (back spasms): Questionable but probable per reports.
C Wendell Carter Jr. (left hip): Day-to-day; played recently but monitoring.
Key
Player Matchups to Watch
With injuries sidelining key guards, this game could hinge on frontcourt battles and perimeter defense.
PF Paolo Banchero (ORL) vs. PF Jaren Jackson Jr. (MEM): Banchero (leading ORL with 29.1 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 5.9 APG) is a scoring machine with size. Jackson Jr. (21.4 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 3.2 BPG) is MEM’s defensive anchor and could limit drives.
SF Franz Wagner (ORL) vs. SG Desmond Bane (MEM): Wagner (returning; 20.9 PPG pre-injury) brings playmaking. Bane (24.6 PPG, 5.8 APG) is MEM’s top scorer without Morant, with 4.0 3PG.
PG Cole Anthony (ORL) vs. PG Marcus Smart (MEM): Anthony (stepping up; 15.2 PPG) handles point duties sans Suggs. Smart (defensive specialist, 9.0 PPG) could disrupt with steals (1.3 SPG).
G Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (ORL) vs. SG Jaylen Wells (MEM): Caldwell-Pope (shooter, 8.4 PPG) provides spacing. Wells (rookie contributor) steps in for injured guards.
Recent Team Forms
Memphis Grizzlies (4-6 in last 10 games, -4 goal differential):
The Grizzlies have struggled without Morant, averaging 108.5 PPG in their last 10 while allowing 112.5. Road form: 6-13.
Date
Opponent
Result
Jan 11
vs. BKN
W 103-98
Jan 9
vs. OKC
L 116-117
Jan 7
vs. PHX
L 98-117
Jan 6
vs. SAS
W 106-105
Jan 4
@ LAL
L 114-120
Jan 2
@ LAL
L 121-128
Dec 31
vs. PHI
L 136-139 (OT)
Dec 28
@ WAS
W 116-112
Dec 27
vs. MIL
W 125-104
Dec 25
vs. UTA
W 137-128
Orlando Magic (5-5 in last 10 games, +6 goal differential):
The Magic have been resilient, averaging 115.2 PPG in their last 10 with strong defense (109.2 allowed). Home form: 14-5 (but neutral site).
Date
Opponent
Result
Jan 11
vs. NOP
W 128-118
Jan 9
@ CHI
W 104-103
Jan 7
@ BKN
W 104-103
Jan 6
@ WAS
L 112-120
Jan 4
vs. IND
W 135-127
Jan 2
@ CHI
L 114-121
Dec 31
vs. ATL
W 115-107
Dec 29
vs. NYK
L 91-103
Dec 27
vs. DET
W 109-95
Dec 25
@ MIA
L 104-105
Series History
The Grizzlies hold a 31-26 all-time edge over the Magic in 57 regular-season games (54.4% win rate for MEM). In the last 20 meetings, Memphis is 11-9. Orlando won the most recent matchup 124-111 on Oct. 26, 2024. At neutral sites, limited data, but games average 206.1 points recently, leaning under.
Betting Trends
Moneyline: ORL is 13-6 as favorites; MEM is 5-14 as underdogs.
Spread (ATS): ORL covers 40% as favorites (16-24 ATS overall); MEM is 2-6 ATS in last 8.
Total (Over/Under): Over has hit in 6 of MEM’s last 10 (avg. 225.0 points/game) and 5 of ORL’s last 10 (avg. 226.0). Head-to-head trends lean over in 6 of last 10. Trends: Grizzlies are 2-6 ATS/SU in last 8; Magic are 3-7 ATS in last 10 but 5-5 SU. MEM is 4-6 in last 10 overall; ORL is 3-2 in last 5.
Game Odds
Memphis Grizzlies 228.5
Orlando Magic – 4.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, January 14, 2026
NEW YORK – Below are the players and teams that can set historic marks or reach career milestones during the 2025 Divisional playoffs, including:
Chicago Bears
New England Patriots
Buffalo Bills & Denver Broncos
San Francisco 49ers & Seattle Seahawks
QB Josh Allen
QB Bo Nix
QB Brock Purdy
QB Drake Maye
QB C.J. Stroud
QB Caleb Williams
QB Sam Darnold
QB Matthew Stafford
RB Christian McCaffrey
WR Puka Nacua
TE Colston Loveland
WORST TO FIRST
Chicago (NFC North), the No. 2 seed in the NFC and New England (AFC East), the No. 2 seed in the AFC, won division titles this season after finishing last in their divisions in 2024.
Since 1970, seven teams have hosted a conference championship game after finishing in last or tied for last in their division the previous season.
The Bears and Patriots can join the 2017 Philadelphia Eagles, 2009 New Orleans Saints, 1999 St. Louis Rams, 1988Cincinnati Bengals, 1981Cincinnati Bengals, 1979Tampa Bay Buccaneers and 1970San Francisco 49ers as the only teams in NFL history to host a conference championship game after finishing in last or tied for last in their division the previous season.
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER & DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR MATCHUP
On Saturday (4:30 p.m. ET, CBS/Paramount+), Buffalo quarterback and 2024 Most Valuable Player Josh Allen will face Denver cornerback and 2024 Defensive Player of the Year Pat Surtain II in the AFC Divisional Playoffs.
The matchup will mark the fifth time in NFL history that a reigning Most Valuable Player and reigning Defensive Player of the Year will play each other in the postseason.
DATE
MVP
DEFENSIVE POY
RESULT
Jan. 18, 2026 (AFC-D)
Josh Allen, Buffalo
Pat Surtain II, Denver
???
Feb. 11, 2024 (SB LVIII)
Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City
Nick Bosa, San Francisco
KC 25, SF 22 (OT)
Feb. 3, 2019 (SB LIII)
Tom Brady, New England
Aaron Donald, L.A Rams
NE 13, LAR 3
Jan. 14, 2007 (NFC-D)
Shaun Alexander, Seattle
Brian Urlacher HOF, Chicago
CHI 27, SEA 24
Jan. 4, 1976 (AFC-C)
Ken Stabler HOF, Oakland Raiders
Joe Greene HOF, Pittsburgh
PIT 16, OAK 10
FAMILIAR MATCHUP
San Francisco and Seattle will meet for the second time in three weeks, after the Seahawks visited the 49ers in Week 18 of the regular season and earned a 13-3 win.
Saturday night’s game (8 p.m. ET, FOX/FOX One/FOX Deportes) will mark the fifth time since 2012 and the first since 2022 (Philadelphia vs. New York Giants) that two teams have met in the playoffs after previously meeting in the last week of the regular season.
Additionally, when the 49ers visit the Seahawks on Saturday night, it will mark the first time in NFL history with two teams facing each other in the first week of the season, the last week of the regular season and the playoffs.
JOSH ALLEN
Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen has 3,632 passing yards, 701 rushing yards and 36 touchdowns (26 passing, nine rushing, one receiving) in 14 playoff games.
On Wild Card weekend, Allen, who has nine rushing touchdowns in the postseason, surpassed Pro Football Hall of Famer Steve Young (eight rushing touchdowns with San Francisco) for the second-most rushing touchdowns by a quarterback in the postseason in NFL history.
With a rushing touchdown on Saturday at Denver (4:30 p.m. ET, CBS/Paramount+), Allen can tie Jalen Hurts (10 rushing touchdowns with Philadelphia) for the most rushing touchdowns by a quarterback in the postseason in NFL history.
With at least three combined passing and rushing touchdowns on Saturday, Allen, who has seven postseason games with at least three combined passing and rushing touchdowns, can become the fifth quarterback in NFL history with at least eight such games in the postseason, joining Tom Brady (15 games with New England and Tampa Bay), Patrick Mahomes (11 with Kansas City), Pro Football Hall of Famer Joe Montana (nine with San Francisco and Kansas City) and Aaron Rodgers (nine with Green Bay).
The players with the most postseason games with at least three combined passing and rushing touchdowns in NFL history:
PLAYER
TEAM(S)
GAMES
Tom Brady
New England, Tampa Bay
15
Patrick Mahomes
Kansas City
11
Joe Montana HOF
San Francisco, Kansas City
9
Aaron Rodgers
Green Bay
9
Josh Allen
Buffalo
7
Brett Favre HOF
Green Bay, Minnesota
7
Allen has three career playoff games with multiple rushing touchdowns and on Saturday, can become the first quarterback and fifth player all-time with multiple rushing touchdowns in four career postseason games, joining Pro Football Hall of Famers Emmitt Smith (five games), Terrell Davis (four), Franco Harris (four) and John Riggins (four).
BROCK PURDY
Since entering the NFL in 2022, San Francisco quarterback Brock Purdy ranks fourth with 1,605 passing yards and tied for sixth with eight touchdown passes in seven career postseason starts.
Purdy has five postseason wins and with a win on Saturday night at Seattle (8 p.m. ET, FOX/FOX One/FOX Deportes), can become the fourth quarterback in NFL history with at least six postseason wins in their first four seasons, joining Russell Wilson (seven wins with Seattle), Tom Brady (six with New England) and Patrick Mahomes (six with Kansas City).
The starting quarterbacks with the most postseason wins in their first four seasons in NFL history:
PLAYER
TEAM
WINS
Russell Wilson
Seattle
7
Tom Brady
New England
6
Patrick Mahomes
Kansas City
6
Brock Purdy
San Francisco
5*
*in fourth season
Additionally, with a win on Saturday night, Purdy, who was drafted in the seventh round of the 2022 Draft, can become the sixth starting quarterback drafted in the seventh round or later or undrafted with at least six postseason wins in NFL history, joining Pro Football Hall of Famers Roger Staubach (10th round, 11 wins with Dallas), Bart Starr (17th round, nine with Green Bay), Kurt Warner (Undrafted, nine with St. Louis Rams and Arizona), Steve Young (Undrafted, eight with San Francisco) and Johnny Unitas (ninth round, six with Baltimore).
The starting quarterbacks drafted in the seventh round or later or undrafted with the most postseason wins in NFL history:
PLAYER
TEAM(S)
DRAFT
WINS
Roger Staubach HOF
Dallas
10th round
11
Bart Starr HOF
Green Bay
17th round
9
Kurt Warner HOF
St. Louis Rams, Arizona
Undrafted
9
Steve Young HOF
San Francisco
Undrafted
8
Johnny Unitas HOF
Baltimore Colts
9th round
6
Jake Delhomme
Carolina
Undrafted
5
Brock Purdy
San Francisco
7th round
5*
*entering Divisional playoffs
MATTHEW STAFFORD
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, who led the NFL with 4,707 passing yards and 46 touchdown passes this season, has 3,300 passing yards and 22 touchdown passes in 11 career postseason starts.
With at least two touchdown passes on Sunday at Chicago (6:30 p.m. ET, NBC/Peacock/Telemundo/Universo), Stafford, who has eight consecutive playoff games with at least two touchdown passes, can tie Aaron Rodgers (nine consecutive games with Green Bay) as the only quarterbacks ever with multiple touchdown passes in nine consecutive postseason games.
The quarterbacks with multiple touchdown passes in the most consecutive playoff games in NFL history:
PLAYER
TEAM
GAMES
Aaron Rodgers
Green Bay
9 (Jan. 10, 2016 – Jan. 24, 2021)
Joe Flacco
Baltimore
8 (Jan. 15, 2012 – Jan. 10, 2015)
Matthew Stafford
L.A. Rams
8* (Jan. 17, 2022 – Jan. 19, 2025)
*active streak
YOUNG QUARTERBACKS
New England quarterback Drake Maye (age 23) and Houston quarterback C.J. Stroud (age 24)will meet on Sunday (3 p.m. ET, ESPN/ABC/ESPN+/ESPN Deportes) in the Divisional Playoffs.
If Maye and Stroud both start on Sunday, it will mark the sixth postseason matchup since 1950 to feature two starting quarterbacks under the age of 25.
When Maye, who is 23 years old, and Stroud, who is 24 years old meet on Sunday, it will mark the sixth time since 1950 that a postseason matchup features starting quarterbacks under the age of 25:
DATE
HOME QB
ROAD QB
RESULT
Jan. 18, 2026 (AFC-D)
Drake Maye, New England
C.J. Stroud, Houston
???
Jan. 29, 2023 (NFC-C)
Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia
Brock Purdy, San Francisco
PHI 31, SF 7
Jan. 16, 2021 (AFC-D)
Josh Allen, Buffalo
Lamar Jackson, Baltimore
BUF 17, BAL 3
Jan. 12, 2020 (AFC-D)
Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City
Deshaun Watson, Houston
KC 51, HOU 31
Jan. 6, 2001 (NFC-D)
Daunte Culpepper, Minnesota
Aaron Brooks, New Orleans
MIN 34, NO 16
Jan. 4, 1986 (AFC-D)
Dan Marino HOF, Miami
Bernie Kosar, Cleveland
MIA 24,CLE 21
Additionally, Maye and Stroud will have a combined age of 47 years, 248 days on Saturday, the fifth-youngest combined age between any opposing starting quarterbacks in the postseason since 1950.
The youngest combined age between opposing starting quarterbacks in the postseason since 1950:
DATE
HOME QB
ROAD QB
COMBINED AGE
Jan. 4, 1986 (AFC-D)
Dan Marino HOF, Miami
Bernie Kosar, Cleveland
46 years, 151 days
Jan. 6, 2013 (NFC-WC)
Robert Griffin III, Washington
Russell Wilson, Seattle
47 years, 2 days
Dec. 31, 1983 (AFC-D)
Dan Marino HOF, Miami
Dave Krieg, Seattle
47 years, 178 days
Jan. 29, 2023 (NFC-C)
Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia
Brock Purdy, San Francisco
47 years, 208 days
Jan. 18, 2026 (AFC-D)
Drake Maye, New England
C.J. Stroud, Houston
47 years, 248 days*
*combined age as of Sunday
With a win on Sunday, Stroud, who has three postseason wins and turns 25 on Oct. 3, 2026, can become the fifth quarterback since 1950 with four postseason victories prior to his 25th birthday, joining Ben Roethlisberger (five wins), Patrick Mahomes (four), Brock Purdy (four) and Mark Sanchez (four).
SECOND CAREER POSTSEASON START
Chicago quarterback Caleb Williams, Denver quarterback Bo Nix, New England quarterback Drake Maye and Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold are all expected to make their second career postseason start in the Divisional Playoffs this weekend.
The quarterbacks with the most passing yards in their first two career playoff starts:
PLAYER
TEAM(S)
PASSING YARDS
Andrew Luck
Indianapolis
731
Matthew Stafford
Detroit
703
Kurt Warner HOF
St. Louis Rams
649
Dan Fouts HOF
San Diego
647
Matt Hasselbeck
Seattle
646
Richard Todd
New York Jets
646
Caleb Williams
Chicago
361*
Drake Maye
New England
268*
Sam Darnold
Minnesota
245*
Bo Nix
Denver
144*
*in first career playoff start
With at least 300 passing yards on Sunday against Los Angeles (6:30 p.m. ET, NBC/Peacock/Telemundo/Universo), Williams, who had 361 passing yards in his first career postseason start against Green Bay on Wild Card Weekend, can join Marc Bulger, Pro Football Hall of Famer Dan Fouts, Matt Hasselbeck and Matthew Stafford as the only quarterbacks in NFL history with at least 300 passing yards in each of their first two playoff starts.
CHRISTIAN MCCAFFREY
San Francisco running back Christian McCaffrey, who ranked second with 2,126 scrimmage yards (1,202 rushing, 924 receiving) and third with 17 touchdowns (10 rushing, seven receiving) this season, has 950 scrimmage yards (570 rushing, 380 receiving) and 11 touchdowns (six rushing, five receiving) in eight career postseason games.
With a touchdown on Saturday night at Seattle (8 p.m. ET, FOX/FOX One/FOX Deportes), McCaffrey, who has a touchdown in eight consecutive playoff games, can join Pro Football Hall of Famer Thurman Thomas (nine consecutive games with Buffalo) as the only players in NFL history with a scrimmage touchdown in nine consecutive playoff games.
The players with a scrimmage touchdown in the most consecutive playoff games in NFL history:
PLAYER
TEAM(S)
GAMES
Thurman Thomas HOF
Buffalo
9 (Jan. 17, 1993 – Jan. 2, 1999)
Emmitt Smith HOF
Dallas
8 (Jan. 23, 1994 – Dec. 28, 1996)
John Stallworth HOF
Pittsburgh
8 (Dec. 30, 1989 – Jan. 1, 1984)
Christian McCaffrey
Carolina, San Francisco
8* (Jan. 7, 2018 – Feb.11, 2024)
*active streak
With at least 100 scrimmage yards and a touchdown on Saturday night, McCaffrey, who has at least 100 scrimmage yards and a touchdown in his last five playoff games, can join Pro Football Hall of Famer Terrell Davis (seven consecutive games with Denver) as the only players in NFL history with at least 100 scrimmage yards and a touchdown in six consecutive postseason games.
PUKA NACUA
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua, who led the NFL with 129 receptions and ranked second with 1,715 receiving yards this season, has 30 receptions for 433 yards and two touchdowns and a rushing touchdown in four career playoff games.
With at least 10 receptions and 100 receiving yards on Sunday at Chicago (6:30 p.m. ET, NBC/Peacock/Telemundo/Universo), Nacua, who had 10 receptions for 111 yards on Wild Card weekend, can join Travis Kelce (2020 with Kansas City) as the only players with 10 receptions and 100 receiving yards in consecutive games in a single postseason all-time.
COLSTON LOVELAND
Chicago rookie tight end Colston Loveland, who had eight receptions for 137 yards in the Bears 31-27 Wild Card win, became the first rookie tight end with at least eight receptions and 100 receiving yards in a playoff game in NFL history.
With at least four receptions on Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams (6:30 p.m. ET, NBC/Peacock/Telemundo/Universo), Loveland can surpass Doug Jolley (11 receptions in 2002 with the Oakland Raiders) for the second-most postseason receptions by a rookie tight end in NFL history, trailing only Sam LaPorta (21 receptions in 2023 with Detroit).
With at least 40 receiving yards on Sunday, Loveland can surpass Sam LaPorta (176 receiving yards with Detroit) and Keith Jackson (142 with Philadelphia) for the most postseason receiving yards by a rookie tight end in NFL history.
The rookie tight ends with the most postseason receiving yards in NFL history:
PLAYER
TEAM
SEASON
REC. YARDS
Sam LaPorta
Detroit
2023
176
Keith Jackson
Philadelphia
1988
142
Colston Loveland
Chicago
2025
137*
*entering the Divisional playoffs
With at least 100 receiving yards on Sunday, Loveland can join Ja’Marr Chase (2021 with Cincinnati) as the only rookies in NFL history with at least 100 receiving yards in multiple playoff games.
WAIVER SYSTEM TRANSACTION WAIVER REQUEST (NO RECALL) CAROLINA Bell, D’Anthony DB West Florida (3)* PS: VET
CLAIMING DEADLINE: 4:00 p.m., N.Y. Time, Thursday, 1/15/26 *Indicates player’s accrued seasons at end of 2024 season. ACTIVE LIST ADDITION FREE AGENT SIGNING SAN FRANCISCO Willis, Brayden TE Oklahoma – From San Francisco Practice Squad
RESERVE LIST ADDITIONS ARIZONA Smith-Marsette, Ihmir WR Iowa – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future BUFFALO Shavers, Tyrell WR San Diego State – Reserve/Injured LOS ANGELES CHARGERS Cleveland, Ben G Georgia – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future NEW ENGLAND Jennings, Terrell RB Florida A&M – Status Changed to Reserve/Injured; Designated for Return (Also see OTHER TRANSACTIONS/COMMENTS) NEW ORLEANS Cole, Myles DE Texas Tech – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future PHILADELPHIA Sam, Andre’ DB Louisiana State – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future PITTSBURGH Adomitis, Cal LS Pittsburgh – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future Baugh, Kyler DT Minnesota – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future Burgess, Cole WR Cortland State – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future Goodlow, Anthony DE Oklahoma State – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future Hardy, Daequan DB Penn State – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future Henderson, Jack DB Minnesota – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future Henry, K.J. DE Clemson – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future Hurleman, Max RB Notre Dame – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future Jones, Steven G Oregon – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future Nichols, Lew RB Central Michigan – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future Plumlee, John Rhys WR Central Florida – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future Welschof, Julius LB North Carolina-Charlotte – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future Williams, Aiden T Minnesota-Duluth – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future SAN FRANCISCO Dowell, Colton WR Tennessee-Martin – Free Agent Signing – Reserve/Future Kittle, George TE Iowa – Reserve/Injured –
PRACTICE SQUAD TRANSACTIONS ADDITIONS HOUSTON Hill, Brandon DB Pittsburgh NEW ENGLAND Johnson, D’Ernest RB South Florida – Veteran Taylor, Darrell DE Tennessee – Veteran SAN FRANCISCO Forrest, Darrick DB Cincinnati – Veteran Rucci, Hayden TE Wisconsin
CONTRACTS TERMINATED BY CLUB HOUSTON Thomas, Jaylon T Southern Methodist NEW ENGLAND Mitchell, Elijah RB Louisiana-Lafayette SAN FRANCISCO Baker, Javon WR Central Florida
CONTRACT TERMINATED BY PLAYER SAN FRANCISCO Willis, Brayden TE Oklahoma (Also see ACTIVE LIST ADDITIONS)
OTHER TRANSACTIONS/COMMENTS PRACTICE PERIOD EXPIRED HOUSTON Carter, Ajani DB Houston (1/13) – Remains on Reserve/Injured
RETURNED TO PRACTICE NEW ENGLAND Jennings, Terrell RB Florida A&M – Remains on Reserve/Injured; Designated for Return
BUFFALO BILLS at DENVER BRONCOS on Saturday night Buffalo Bills Josh Allen QB Foot, Knee Limited Participation Full Participation — Terrel Bernard LB Calf Limited Participation Limited Participation — A.J. Epenesa DE Neck Limited Participation Limited Participation — Maxwell Hairston CB Ankle Did Not Participate Did Not Participate — Damar Hamlin S Pectoral Full Participation Full Participation — Ty Johnson RB Ankle Did Not Participate Did Not Participate — Dalton Kincaid TE Knee, Calf Limited Participation Limited Participation — Matt Milano LB Ankle Limited Participation Limited Participation — Ed Oliver DT Biceps Limited Participation Limited Participation — Jordan Poyer S Hamstring Did Not Participate Did Not Participate — Matt Prater K Right Quadricep, Right Calf – Did Not Participate Full Participation — Gregory Rousseau DE Back Limited Participation Limited Participation — Curtis Samuel WR Elbow Full Participation Full Participation — Tyrell Shavers WR Knee Did Not Participate Did Not Participate — Shaq Thompson LB Neck Limited Participation — Walkthrough on Tuesday, the practice report is an estimation. Denver Broncos John Franklin-Myers DE Hip Full Participation Full Participation — Dre Greenlaw LB Hamstring Limited Participation Limited Participation — Lucas Krull TE Foot Limited Participation Limited Participation — Drew Sanders LB Ankle Limited Participation Limited Participation —
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS at SEATTLE SEAHAWKS on Saturday night San Francisco 49ers Ji’Ayir Brown S Hamstring Did Not Participate Did Not Participate — Jacob Cowing WR Hamstring Full Participation Full Participation — Luke Gifford LB Quadricep Did Not Participate Did Not Participate — Yetur Gross-Matos DE Knee Limited Participation Limited Participation — Ricky Pearsall WR Knee Limited Participation Limited Participation — Dominick Puni G Ankle Limited Participation Limited Participation — Fred Warner LB Ankle Limited Participation Limited Participation — Keion White DE Groin, Hamstring Limited Participation Limited Participation — Trent Williams T Hamstring Limited Participation Full Participation — Dee Winters LB Ankle Limited Participation Limited Participation — Walkthrough on Tuesday, the practice report is an estimation. Seattle Seahawks Elijah Arroyo TE Knee Full Participation Full Participation — A.J. Barner TE Hip Full Participation Full Participation — Coby Bryant S Knee Full Participation Full Participation — Charles Cross T Hamstring, Knee Full Participation Limited Participation — Ernest Jones LB Illness Did Not Participate — Josh Jones T Knee Did Not Participate Did Not Participate — Tyrice Knight LB Shoulder Did Not Participate Limited Participation — Demarcus Lawrence LB Achilles Limited Participation Full Participation — Jaxon Smith-Njigba WR Not injury related – resting player – Limited Participation Full Participation — Chazz Surratt LB Ankle Limited Participation Full Participation — Leonard Williams DE Not injury related – resting player – Limited Participation Full Participation — Tariq Woolen CB Oblique Limited Participation Limited Participation — Cross added Knee injury on Wednesday.
HOUSTON TEXANS at NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS Houston Texans Azeez Al-Shaair LB Knee Limited Participation — Denico Autry DE Knee Did Not Participate — Austin Brinkman LS Knee Full Participation — Trenton Brown T Ankle Did Not Participate — Nico Collins WR Concussion Did Not Participate — Aireontae Ersery T Thumb Full Participation — Tytus Howard T Ankle Limited Participation — Ed Ingram G Shoulder Limited Participation — Jawhar Jordan RB Ankle Limited Participation — Kamari Lassiter CB Ankle, Knee Limited Participation — Sheldon Rankins DT Elbow Limited Participation — Jaylen Reed S Knee Full Participation — Justin Watson WR Concussion Did Not Participate — New England Patriots Alex Austin CB Wrist Full Participation — Christian Gonzalez CB Concussion Limited Participation — Hunter Henry TE Knee Limited Participation — Anfernee Jennings LB Knee Limited Participation — Terrell Jennings RB Concussion Limited Participation — Harold Landry LB Knee Limited Participation — Morgan Moses T Knee Did Not Participate — Thayer Munford T Knee Did Not Participate — Khyiris Tonga DT Foot Limited Participation —
LOS ANGELES RAMS at CHICAGO BEARS Los Angeles Rams Kevin Dotson G Ankle Limited Participation — Terrance Ferguson TE Hamstring Full Participation — Poona Ford DT Elbow Limited Participation — Quentin Lake S Foot Full Participation — Xavier Smith WR Wrist Full Participation — Matthew Stafford QB Right Finger Full Participation — Josh Wallace CB Ankle Full Participation — Darious Williams CB Not injury related – personal matter – Did Not Participate — Walkthrough on Wednesday, the practice report is an estimation. Chicago Bears Chauncey GardnerJohnson CB Concussion Full Participation — Braxton Jones T Knee Full Participation — Nick McCloud CB Groin Did Not Participate — D.J. Moore WR Knee Limited Participation — Rome Odunze WR Foot Limited Participation — Amen Ogbongbemiga LB Concussion Full Participation — Jalen Reeves-Maybin LB Back Limited Participation — Joe Tryon DE Concussion Full Participation — Walkthrough on Wednesday, the practice report is an estimation.
