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NBA Game Preview: Indiana Pacers (6-21) vs. New Orleans Pelicans (6-22)

NBA Editor
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NBA Game Preview: Indiana Pacers (6-21) vs. New Orleans Pelicans (6-22)

The 2025-26 NBA season features a matchup between two struggling teams at the bottom of their respective conferences: the Indiana Pacers and the New Orleans Pelicans. Both squads have endured tough starts, plagued by injuries and inconsistencies, but the Pelicans are showing signs of life with a recent winning streak, while the Pacers continue to slide. This interconference clash offers an opportunity for either team to build momentum heading into the holiday break, with defensive lapses and high-scoring potential likely to define the action.

Venue Location

The game will be held at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. This 16,867-seat arena has been the Pelicans’ home since 2002 and is known for its vibrant atmosphere, especially during rare winning stretches.

Tip-off is set for 7:00 PM ET (6:00 PM CT local time). The game will be broadcast on FanDuel Sports Network Indiana (FDSIN) for Pacers fans, Gulf Coast Sports and Pelicans+ for New Orleans viewers, with streaming available on NBA League Pass.

Team Records

Indiana Pacers: 6-21, 14th in the Eastern Conference (5th in Central Division).

New Orleans Pelicans: 6-22, 15th in the Western Conference (5th in Southwest Division).

Recent Team Forms

The Pacers are mired in a slump, having lost their last three games and seven of their last ten. Their most recent defeat was a narrow 114-113 home loss to the New York Knicks on December 18, where they nearly mounted a comeback but fell short due to late-game execution issues. Prior setbacks include a 115-105 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on December 12 and a defeat to the Washington Wizards on December 14. Offensively, they’ve averaged 110.2 points over their last five, but their defense has surrendered 118.4 points, highlighting perimeter vulnerabilities without key players.

In contrast, the Pelicans are on an upswing with a three-game winning streak, their first of the season. They capped it with a stunning 133-128 overtime comeback victory over the Houston Rockets on December 18, erasing a 25-point deficit behind strong bench play. Earlier wins included triumphs over the Minnesota Timberwolves, boosting their confidence at home where they’ve gone 3-12 overall but shown improvement lately. Over their last five, they’ve averaged 122.6 points while allowing 120.8, relying on transition scoring to offset defensive woes.

TeamLast 5 GamesStreakPoints For/Against (Last 5)FG% (Season)3PT% (Season)
Indiana Pacers1-4L3110.2 / 118.445.8%35.1%
New Orleans Pelicans3-2W3122.6 / 120.846.2%36.4%

Series History

The Pacers hold a historical edge over the Pelicans, leading the all-time regular-season series 30-21. They’ve met 51 times, with Indiana winning the majority, including a strong 15-10 record on the road in New Orleans. Recent encounters have been competitive: The Pelicans won their last meeting on July 18, 2025 (113-104, though date formats vary in records), but Indiana took the prior game on December 15, 2024 (119-104). Over the last five matchups, the home team has won three times, and games have averaged 220.8 total points. This is the first of two scheduled games this season, with a rematch set for later in 2026.

Injury Report

Indiana Pacers: Guard Tyrese Haliburton (Out – Right Achilles tendon surgery, missing entire season); Forward Obi Toppin (Out – Right foot stress fracture); Center Tony Bradley (Questionable – Undisclosed injury). These absences have decimated Indiana’s playmaking and frontcourt depth, forcing reliance on younger players and contributing to their poor form. No additional day-to-day issues reported.

New Orleans Pelicans: Guard Trey Alexander (Out – G League two-way assignment); Center Hunter Dickinson (Out – G League assignment). The Pelicans are relatively healthy compared to Indiana, with core players like Zion Williamson available despite earlier calf concerns for others (cleared). This gives New Orleans a significant edge in depth.

Player Matchups

Several key battles could determine the game’s flow, pitting Indiana’s veteran forwards against New Orleans’ athletic core:

Pascal Siakam (IND, F) vs. Zion Williamson (NOP, F): Siakam, leading the Pacers with 22.4 points and 8.7 rebounds per game, brings scoring versatility but faces Williamson (24.6 points, 9.8 rebounds in limited action), whose explosive drives could overwhelm Indiana’s depleted frontcourt. Williamson’s recent health has fueled the Pelicans’ streak.

Andrew Nembhard (IND, G) vs. Jordan Poole (NOP, G): With Haliburton out, Nembhard (15.8 points, 6.2 assists) handles primary ball duties, but Poole (18.3 points, efficient from deep) could exploit mismatches with his scoring burst, especially in transition.

Myles Turner (IND, C) vs. Saddiq Bey (NOP, F): Turner (14.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, shot-blocking) anchors Indiana’s paint, but Bey’s season-high 29 points in the recent comeback win highlight his perimeter threat (15.1 points, 36% from three), potentially pulling Turner out of position.

Aaron Nesmith (IND, F) vs. Trey Murphy III (NOP, F): Nesmith’s defense (12.6 points) will test Murphy (20.4 points, leading Pelicans scorer), whose three-point shooting (38%) could open the floor for New Orleans.

These matchups favor the Pelicans’ health and home energy against Indiana’s injury-hit lineup.

Betting Trends

Both teams have been unpredictable against the spread (ATS) this season, but recent patterns emerge. The Pacers are 9-4 ATS in their last 13 games overall but struggle on the road (5-7 ATS), going 5-15 straight up (SU) in their last 20. The under has hit in four of Indiana’s last five, reflecting low-scoring defensive battles amid injuries. The Pelicans are 4-1 ATS in their last five games, buoyed by their streak, and 7-5 ATS on the road, though home trends show 3-9 ATS in Smoothie King Center. In head-to-heads, the under has cashed in six of the last ten meetings, with the home team covering 60% of the time. League-wide December trends favor unders in 52% of games involving bottom-feeders, due to fatigue and conservative play.

Game Odds

Indiana Pacers                                  233.5

New Orleans Pelicans                    – 2.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, December 19, 2025

NBA Game Preview: Houston Rockets (16-8) vs. Denver Nuggets (20-6)

NBA Editor
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NBA Game Preview: Houston Rockets (16-8) vs. Denver Nuggets (20-6)

The 2025-26 NBA season delivers a compelling Western Conference showdown as the Houston Rockets travel to face the Denver Nuggets. Houston, boasting a young and athletic core, has been competitive despite key injuries, while Denver, led by perennial MVP candidate Nikola Jokic, rides a hot streak and looks to solidify its position atop the West. This matchup could highlight contrasting styles: the Rockets’ defensive grit against the Nuggets’ efficient offense. With playoff seeding implications early on, expect a high-intensity affair at high altitude.

Venue Location

The game will take place at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. This state-of-the-art facility, with a capacity of over 19,000, has been the Nuggets’ home since 1999 and is known for its raucous crowds and the thin air that often fatigues visiting teams.

Tip-off is scheduled for 5:00 PM ET (3:00 PM MT local time). The game will be broadcast nationally on NBA TV, with local feeds on Space City Home Network (SCHN) for Houston and Altitude Sports (ALT) for Denver. Streaming options include NBA League Pass.

Team Records

Houston Rockets: 16-8, third in the Western Conference Southwest Division.

Denver Nuggets: 20-6, first in the Western Conference Northwest Division.

Recent Team Forms

Houston has hit a rough patch, dropping three of their last five games, including back-to-back overtime losses. Their most recent defeat came on December 18 against the New Orleans Pelicans (133-128 OT), where they mounted a comeback but faltered in the extra period despite strong bench contributions. Prior to that, they fell in overtime to Denver on December 15 (128-125). The Rockets have shown offensive firepower, averaging 118.4 points over their last five, but defensive lapses have allowed 121.8 points against. Key wins include a close victory over the Clippers on December 11 (115-113).

Denver, conversely, is scorching hot with a six-game winning streak, including a thrilling 134-133 road win over Atlanta on December 5 and a 128-125 OT victory over Houston on December 15. Their offense has been clicking, led by Jokic’s triple-doubles, averaging 127.2 points per game over the streak. Defensively, they’ve held opponents to 119.0 points on average in their last five. The Nuggets’ home dominance (winning their last four at Ball Arena) makes them formidable.

TeamLast 5 GamesStreakPoints For/Against (Last 5)FG% (Season)3PT% (Season)
Houston Rockets2-3L2118.4 / 121.845.2%34.8%
Denver Nuggets5-0W6127.2 / 119.049.1%37.5%

Series History

The Rockets and Nuggets have met 209 times in the regular season, with Houston holding a slight edge at 107-102. In playoffs, Denver leads 8-4 across two series. Recently, the series has been competitive: Denver won the most recent matchup on December 15, 2025 (128-125 OT in Denver), but Houston took the November 21, 2025, game (112-109 in Houston). Over the last 10 meetings, the home team has won 7 times. This is the third of four scheduled games this season, with the final one set for March 11, 2026, in Houston.

Injury Report

Houston Rockets: Guard Fred VanVleet (Out – Torn ACL, expected to miss the entire season); Forward Tari Eason (Out – Left Lower Leg/Oblique); Forward Dorian Finney-Smith (Out – Ankle). These absences have forced reliance on younger players like Amen Thompson for perimeter defense and playmaking. No day-to-day issues reported, but the team has adjusted lineups accordingly.

Denver Nuggets: Guard Tamar Bates (Out – G League Two-Way Assignment); Forward Peyton Watson (Questionable – Right Trunk Contusion). Watson’s potential absence could impact bench depth, but core stars like Jokic and Jamal Murray are healthy. The Nuggets have managed minor injuries well during their streak.

Player Matchups

This game boils down to several pivotal individual battles that could swing the outcome:

Alperen Sengun (HOU, C) vs. Nikola Jokic (DEN, C): The marquee matchup. Sengun, averaging 18.5 points and 10.2 rebounds, brings crafty post moves, but Jokic (28.4 points, 13.1 rebounds, 10.2 assists) is a triple-double machine who dominated their last meeting with 35 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists. Sengun must avoid foul trouble in the altitude.

Jalen Green (HOU, G) vs. Jamal Murray (DEN, G): With VanVleet out, Green (20.1 points) handles more ball-handling duties. Murray (22.3 points, 6.4 assists) has been clutch in recent wins and could exploit Green’s defensive inconsistencies.

Amen Thompson (HOU, F/G) vs. Michael Porter Jr. (DEN, F): Thompson’s athleticism (17.6 points, versatile defense) will test Porter’s shooting (18.7 points, 38% from three). This wing battle could decide perimeter scoring.

Jabari Smith Jr. (HOU, F) vs. Aaron Gordon (DEN, F): Smith (15.3 points, strong rebounding) faces Gordon’s energy and defense. Gordon’s ability to guard multiple positions gives Denver an edge.

These matchups emphasize Denver’s experience against Houston’s youth and athleticism.

Betting Trends

The Nuggets have been a bettor’s delight recently, going 5-0 straight up in their last five games and 3-2 against the spread (ATS). They’re 9-5 ATS on the road but even stronger at home (8-5 ATS). Over/Under trends lean toward the over in Denver’s games (15-11 this season), thanks to high-scoring affairs like their recent OT wins. Houston is 14-10 ATS overall, with a stellar 9-5 ATS on the road, but they’ve struggled as underdogs (4-6 ATS). In head-to-heads, the under has hit in 6 of the last 10 meetings, and the home team covers 70% of the time. League-wide, Western Conference games in December 2025 have seen unders hit 55% due to defensive adjustments post-In-Season Tournament.

Game Odds

Houston Rockets              236.5

Denver Nuggets                – 1.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, December 19, 2025

NFL Week 16 Injury Report – Friday, December 19, 2025

NFL Editor
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NFL Week 16 Injury Report – Friday, December 19, 2025

GREEN BAY PACKERS at CHICAGO BEARS on Saturday night
Green Bay Packers
Christopher Brooks RB Chest Limited Participation Limited Participation Limited Participation Questionable
Brenton Cox DE Groin Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation Questionable
Kingsley Enagbare DE Illness Did Not Participate Questionable
Matthew Golden WR Wrist Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation —
Josh Jacobs RB Knee, Ankle Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Questionable
Darian Kinnard T Neck Limited Participation Limited Participation Limited Participation Questionable
MarShawn Lloyd RB Calf, Hamstring Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Out
Jordan Love QB Left Shoulder Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation —
Collin Oliver LB Hamstring Limited Participation Limited Participation Full Participation Out*
Micah Parsons LB Knee Did Not Participate Did Not Participate —
Jayden Reed WR Not injury related –
personal matter
Did Not Participate Full Participation —
Zach Tom T Back, Knee Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Questionable
Lukas Van Ness DE Foot Did Not Participate Limited Participation Limited Participation —
Christian Watson WR Chest, Shoulder Did Not Participate Limited Participation Limited Participation Questionable
Josh Whyle TE Concussion Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Out
Dontayvion Wicks WR Ankle Did Not Participate Limited Participation Limited Participation Questionable
Evan Williams S Knee Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Questionable
John Williams G Back Limited Participation Limited Participation Out
Savion Williams WR Foot Limited Participation Limited Participation Full Participation —
Walkthrough on Tuesday, the practice report is an estimation. Oliver (Out) did not travel with the team.
Chicago Bears
Tyson Bagent QB Illness Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation —
Andrew Billings DT Illness Did Not Participate Full Participation Full Participation —
Luther Burden WR Ankle Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Out
Tremaine Edmunds LB Groin Limited Participation Limited Participation Full Participation Questionable
Travis Homer RB Ankle Limited Participation Full Participation Full Participation —
Cole Kmet TE Ankle, Knee Limited Participation Limited Participation Full Participation Questionable
Rome Odunze WR Foot Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Out
Amen Ogbongbemiga LB Hamstring Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Limited Participation Out
D’Andre Swift RB Groin Limited Participation Limited Participation Questionable
Walkthrough on Tuesday, the practice report is an estimation.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES at WASHINGTON COMMANDERS on Saturday night
Philadelphia Eagles
Saquon Barkley RB Stinger Did Not Participate Full Participation Full Participation —
Zack Baun LB Hand Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation —
Tank Bigsby RB Illness Limited Participation Full Participation Full Participation —
Jalen Carter DT Shoulders Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Out
Landon Dickerson G Calf, Not injury related – resting player –
Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Full Participation —
Fred Johnson T Ankle Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Full Participation —
Lane Johnson T Foot Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Out
Cameron Latu TE Stinger Did Not Participate Limited Participation Full Participation Questionable
Jaelan Phillips LB Knee Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation —
Cameron Williams T Shoulder Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation Questionable
Walkthrough on Tuesday, the practice report is an estimation.
Dickerson added Not injury related – resting player injury on Wednesday.
Washington Commanders
Jayden Daniels QB Left Elbow Limited Participation Limited Participation Limited Participation Out
George Fant T Knee Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation —
Eddie Goldman DT Concussion Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Out
Drake Jackson DE Groin, Knee Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation —
Jonathan Jones CB Rib Full Participation Full Participation Did Not Participate Questionable
Von Miller LB Not injury related – resting player – Did Not Participate —
Jer’Zhan Newton DT Illness Did Not Participate Questionable
Daron Payne DT Not injury related – resting player – Did Not Participate —
Chris Rodriguez RB Groin Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation —
Laremy Tunsil T Oblique Did Not Participate Limited Participation Did Not Participate Out
Bobby Wagner LB Knee Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Full Participation —
Colson Yankoff TE Ankle Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Out
Wagner removed Not injury related – resting player injury on Wednesday.

ATLANTA FALCONS at ARIZONA CARDINALS
Atlanta Falcons
Dee Alford CB Illness Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation —
Jessie Bates S Not injury related – resting player – Limited Participation —
Brandon Dorlus DT Illness, Shoulder Did Not Participate Limited Participation Questionable
Kaden Elliss LB Not injury related – resting player – Limited Participation —
Leonard Floyd DE Illness Did Not Participate Full Participation Full Participation —
KhaDarel Hodge WR Shoulder Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Out
Mike Hughes CB Ankle Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Out
Drake London WR Knee Limited Participation Limited Participation Did Not Participate Questionable
Lacale London DT Shoulder Limited Participation Full Participation —
Jake Matthews T Not injury related – resting player – Limited Participation —
David Onyemata DT Not injury related – resting player – Did Not Participate —
Ruke Orhorhoro DT Groin Limited Participation Full Participation —
James Pearce LB Foot Did Not Participate Questionable
Kyle Pitts TE Knee Limited Participation Limited Participation —
Bijan Robinson RB Illness Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation —
Easton Stick QB Not injury related – personal matter – Did Not Participate —
Charlie Woerner TE Not injury related – resting player – Did Not Participate —
Dorlus added Shoulder injury on Thursday.
Arizona Cardinals
Budda Baker S Thumb Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation —
Kelvin Beachum T Not injury related – resting player – Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Limited Participation —
Evan Brown G Not injury related – personal matter – Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Out
Calais Campbell DT Not injury related – resting player – Did Not Participate —
L.J. Collier DE Knee Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation Questionable
Darren Hall CB Concussion Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Out
Marvin Harrison WR Heel Limited Participation Limited Participation Limited Participation Questionable
Paris Johnson T Knee Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Out
Will Johnson CB Thumb Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation —
Max Melton CB Heel Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Out
Cody Simon LB Knee, Ankle Limited Participation Limited Participation Limited Participation Questionable
Josh Sweat LB Not injury related – resting player – Did Not Participate Limited Participation Full Participation —
Dadrion TaylorDemerson
S Ankle Limited Participation Limited Participation Limited Participation Questionable
Jalen Thompson S Hamstring Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Out
Xavier Weaver WR Hamstring Limited Participation Limited Participation Limited Participation Questionable
Walkthrough on Wednesday, the practice report is an estimation.

BUFFALO BILLS at CLEVELAND BROWNS
Buffalo Bills
Christian Benford CB Toe Limited Participation Limited Participation Full Participation —
Terrel Bernard LB Elbow Limited Participation Full Participation Full Participation —
Dion Dawkins T Illness Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Full Participation —
Mecole Hardman WR Calf Limited Participation Full Participation Full Participation Questionable
Taron Johnson CB Quadricep, Not injury related – – resting player – Full Participation Limited Participation Did Not Participate —
DaQuan Jones DT Calf, Not injury related – resting- player
Full Participation Limited Participation Did Not Participate —
Dalton Kincaid TE Knee Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Full Participation —
Cameron Lewis CB Hamstring Limited Participation Limited Participation Questionable
Chase Lundt T Knee Limited Participation Did Not Participate Out
Jordan Phillips DT Ankle Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Out
Matt Prater K Right Quadricep Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Out
Mitch Wishnowsky P Right Knee Limited Participation Limited Participation —
Walkthrough on Wednesday, the practice report is an estimation.
Johnson added Not injury related – resting player injury on Friday. Jones added Not injury related – resting player injury on Friday.
Cleveland Browns
Brenden Bates TE Ankle Limited Participation Limited Participation Full Participation —
Joel Bitonio G Knee Did Not Participate Limited Participation Full Participation —
Jack Conklin T Concussion Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Out
Grant Delpit S Groin Limited Participation Limited Participation Full Participation —
Myles Garrett DE Not injury related –
resting player
Did Not Participate Full Participation Full Participation —
Mason Graham DT Rib Limited Participation Limited Participation Limited Participation —
Michael Hall DT Illness Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Full Participation —
Adin Huntington DT Quadricep Limited Participation Limited Participation Full Participation –
Teven Jenkins G Shoulder Did Not Participate Limited Participation Full Participation —
Sam Kamara DT Elbow Limited Participation Limited Participation Limited Participation Questionable
David Njoku TE Knee Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Out
Winston Reid LB Back Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Out
Dylan Sampson RB Hand Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Out
Carson Schwesinger LB Ankle Limited Participation Limited Participation Full Participation —
yatt Teller G Calf Limited Participation Limited Participation Limited Participation Questionable
Denzel Ward CB Calf Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Out
Deshaun Watson QB Achilles Limited Participation Limited Participation Limited Participation Out
Zak Zinter G Back Limited Participation Limited Participation Full Participation —

CINCINNATI BENGALS at MIAMI DOLPHINS
Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Burrow QB Knee Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation —
Dylan Fairchild G Hamstring Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation —
Noah Fant TE Ankle Did Not Participate Limited Participation Did Not Participate Out
Tee Higgins WR Concussion Limited Participation Limited Participation Full Participation Questionable
B.J. Hill DT Ankle Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Limited Participation Questionable
Kris Jenkins DT Ankle Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Did Not Participate —
Charlie Jones WR Ankle Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Out
P.J. Jules S Ankle Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation Questionable
Amarius Mims T Knee Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation —
Joseph Ossai DE Ankle Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Out
Samaje Perine RB Ankle Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation —
Drew Sample TE Neck Limited Participation Full Participation Full Participation —
Shemar Stewart DE Knee Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation —
D.J. Turner CB Ankle Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation —
Miami Dolphins
Devon Achane RB Ribs Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation —
Larry Borom T Illness Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation —
Jordyn Brooks LB Foot, Knee Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Limited Participation Questionable
Elijah Campbell S Ankle, Knee Did Not Participate Limited Participation Limited Participation Questionable
Joe Cardona LS Hamstring Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation —
Rasul Douglas CB Foot Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation —
Minkah Fitzpatrick S Calf Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Out
Cameron Goode LB Knee Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation —
Ollie Gordon RB Ankle Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation —
Kenneth Grant DT Shoulder Limited Participation Limited Participation Full Participation —
Isaiah Johnson CB Knee Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Limited Participation Questionable
Ifeatu Melifonwu S Thumb, Groin Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation —
Andrew Meyer C Tricep Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation Questionable
Jason Sanders K Right Hip Limited Participation Limited Participation Limited Participation Questionable
Darren Waller TE Not injury related – resting player, – Knee
Limited Participation Limited Participation Full Participation —
Walkthrough on Wednesday, the practice report is an estimation.

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS at DENVER BRONCOS
Jacksonville Jaguars
Arik Armstead DT Hand Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation —
Ezra Cleveland G Shoulder Limited Participation Limited Participation Limited Participation —
Josh Hines-Allen DE Illness, Shoulder Did Not Participate Limited Participation Full Participation —
Walker Little T Concussion Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation —
Jalen Mcleod LB Ankle Limited Participation Limited Participation Limited Participation Out
Danny Striggow DE Ankle Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Out
Bhayshul Tuten RB Finger Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Out
Travon Walker DE Knee Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation —
Denver Broncos
Pat Bryant WR Hamstring Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation —
John Franklin-Myers DE Not injury related – resting player – Limited Participation Full Participation —
R.J. Harvey RB Ribs Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation —
Mike McGlinchey T Neck Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation —
Marvin Mims WR Biceps Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation —
Ben Powers G Biceps Limited Participation Limited Participation Full Participation Questionable
Karene Reid LB Hamstring Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation Questionable
Justin Strnad LB Foot Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Out
Luke Wattenberg C Ankle Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation —

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS at TENNESSEE TITANS
Kansas City Chiefs
Jake Briningstool TE Hamstring Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation Out
Marquise Brown WR Not injury related – personal matter – Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation —
Leo Chenal LB Shoulder Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Out
Bryan Cook S Shoulder Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation —
Mike Edwards S Shoulder Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation —
Kristian Fulton CB Knee Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation —
Noah Gray TE Shoulder Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation —
Nazeeh Johnson CB Shoulder Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation Out
Chris Jones DT Hamstring Limited Participation Limited Participation Full Participation —
Trent McDuffie CB Knee Did Not Participate Limited Participation Did Not Participate Out
Jaylon Moore T Knee Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Out
Derrick Nnadi DT Illness Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Out
Nikko Remigio WR Knee Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation —
Rashee Rice WR Concussion Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Out
Trey Smith G Ankle Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation —
JuJu Smith-Schuster WR Rib Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation —
Jawaan Taylor T Elbow Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Out
Tyquan Thornton WR Concussion Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Out
Tennessee Titans
Jalyn Armour-Davis CB Achilles Limited Participation Limited Participation Limited Participation Questionable
Ali Gaye LB Knee Limited Participation Limited Participation Limited Participation Questionable
Cedric Gray LB Concussion Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Limited Participation Out
Gunnar Helm TE Toe Limited Participation Limited Participation Full Participation Questionable
Amani Hooker S Illness Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Full Participation —
Van Jefferson WR Back Did Not Participate Limited Participation Full Participation Questionable
Arden Key LB Illness Did Not Participate Questionable
Dan Moore T Neck Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation —
Chigoziem Okonkwo TE Not injury related – resting player – Limited Participation Full Participation Full Participation —
Oluwafemi Oladejo LB Fibula Limited Participation Limited Participation Limited Participation Out
Bryce Oliver WR Knee Limited Participation Limited Participation Limited Participation Out
Jeffery Simmons DT Not injury related – Limited Participation Full Participation –
resting player Full Participation
Kevin Zeitler G Groin Did Not Participate Limited Participation Limited Participation Questionable

LAS VEGAS RAIDERS at HOUSTON TEXANS
Las Vegas Raiders
Alex Bachman WR Thumb Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation —
Jeremy Chinn S Back Did Not Participate Limited Participation Full Participation —
Maxx Crosby DE Knee Did Not Participate Limited Participation Full Participation —
Tyler Lockett WR Knee Limited Participation Full Participation Full Participation —
Jordan Meredith C Ankle Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation Questionable
Kolton Miller T Ankle Limited Participation Limited Participation Limited Participation Out
Geno Smith QB Right Shoulder, Back Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation —
Ian Thomas TE Calf Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation —
Houston Texans
Azeez Al-Shaair LB Ankle, Knee Did Not Participate Limited Participation Did Not Participate Questionable
Denico Autry DE Knee Did Not Participate Limited Participation Full Participation —
Trenton Brown T Hand Did Not Participate Full Participation Full Participation —
Nick Chubb RB Ribs Limited Participation Full Participation Full Participation Questionable
Jake Hansen LB Chest Limited Participation Full Participation —
Christian Kirk WR Illness Did Not Participate Questionable
Kamari Lassiter CB Foot Did Not Participate Limited Participation Full Participation —
Woody Marks RB Ankle Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Limited Participation Questionable
Sheldon Rankins DT Knee Did Not Participate Limited Participation Full Participation —
E.J. Speed LB Knee Did Not Participate Limited Participation Full Participation —
Derek Stingley CB Oblique Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Limited Participation Questionable
Darrell Taylor DE Ankle Limited Participation Full Participation Full Participation Questionable
Justin Watson WR Calf Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation Questionable

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS at DALLAS COWBOYS
Los Angeles Chargers
Keenan Allen WR Not injury related – resting player Did Not Participate Full Participation Full Participation —
Derius Davis WR Ankle Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Out
Bud Dupree DE Back Limited Participation Did Not Participate Limited Participation Questionable
Troy Dye LB Hip Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation —
Tre Harris WR Hip Limited Participation Limited Participation Full Participation —
Justin Herbert QB Left Hand Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation —
Quentin Johnston WR Groin Limited Participation Limited Participation Limited Participation Questionable
Khalil Mack DE Not injury related – resting player – Did Not Participate Full Participation Full Participation —
R.J. Mickens S Shoulder Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Out
Elijah Molden S Hamstring Limited Participation Limited Participation Limited Participation Questionable
Trey Pipkins T Ankle Limited Participation Limited Participation Limited Participation Questionable
Teair Tart DT Shin Limited Participation Limited Participation Limited Participation Questionable
Dallas Cowboys
Daron Bland CB Foot Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Out
Josh Butler CB Knee Limited Participation Limited Participation Limited Participation Questionable
Caelen Carson CB Shoulder, Hamstring – Limited Participation Limited Participation Limited Participation Questionable
Alijah Clark S Not injury related – personal matter – Did Not Participate Full Participation —
Trevon Diggs CB Knee Limited Participation Limited Participation Limited Participation Questionable
Jake Ferguson TE Calf Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation —
Tyler Guyton T Ankle Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Out
CeeDee Lamb WR Illness Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Full Participation —
Hunter Luepke FB Concussion Did Not Participate Limited Participation Full Participation Questionable
Phil Mafah RB Shoulder Limited Participation Limited Participation Limited Participation Questionable
Osa Odighizuwa DT Shoulder Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation —
Shavon Revel CB Knee Limited Participation Limited Participation Full Participation —
Nathan Thomas T Shoulder Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation —
Payton Turner DE Ribs Limited Participation Limited Participation Limited Participation Questionable
Javonte Williams RB Neck Limited Participation Limited Participation Full Participation —
Quinnen Williams DT Concussion Did Not Participate Limited Participation Full Participation Questionable
Donovan Wilson S Knee, Hip Limited Participation Limited Participation Full Participation —
Doubtful = Unlikely to play

MINNESOTA VIKINGS at NEW YORK GIANTS
Minnesota Vikings
Jonathan Allen DT Not injury related – resting player – Limited Participation —
Gavin Bartholomew TE Back Limited Participation Full Participation Full Participation Questionable
Ty Chandler RB Knee Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation Questionable
Christian Darrisaw T Knee Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Out
Javon Hargrave DT Thigh Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Out
Ryan Kelly C Knee Did Not Participate Limited Participation Limited Participation —
Austin Keys LB Ankle Limited Participation Limited Participation Full Participation —
Jalen Nailor WR Back Limited Participation Limited Participation Full Participation —
Brian O’Neill T Heel Did Not Participate Limited Participation Limited Participation Questionable
Harrison Smith S Not injury related – resting player – Limited Participation —
Walkthrough on Wednesday, the practice report is an estimation.
New York Giants
Beaux Collins WR Concussion, Neck Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Out
Joshua Ezeudu G Calf Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation Questionable
Demetrius
Flannigan-Fowles
LB Illness Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Questionable
Jamie Gillan P Left Knee Limited Participation Limited Participation Limited Participation —
Art Green CB Illness, Hamstring Limited Participation Full Participation Full Participation Questionable
Dexter Lawrence DT Not injury related – resting player – Limited Participation Full Participation Full Participation —
Evan Neal G Neck, Hamstring Full Participation Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Out
Tyler Nubin S Not injury related – personal matter – Did Not Participate Full Participation —
Rakeem NunezRoches
DT Ankle Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Limited Participation Out
Gunner Olszewski WR Concussion Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation —
Rico Payton CB Back Limited Participation Limited Participation Limited Participation Questionable
Andru Phillips CB Heel Limited Participation Limited Participation Limited Participation —
Kayvon Thibodeaux LB Shoulder Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Out
Neal changed injury from Hamstring to Neck on Thursday. Neal added Hamstring injury on Thursday.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS at BALTIMORE RAVENS
New England Patriots
Christian Barmore DT Knee Limited Participation Full Participation Did Not Participate Questionable
Carlton Davis CB Hip Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Limited Participation Questionable
Christian Elliss LB Illness Did Not Participate Limited Participation Full Participation —
Marcus Jones CB Knee Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Limited Participation Questionable
Harold Landry LB Knee Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Limited Participation Questionable
Robert Spillane LB Ankle Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Out
Barmore changed injury from Not injury related – other to Knee on Friday.
Baltimore Ravens
Chidobe Awuzie CB Foot Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Limited Participation Doubtful
Rashod Bateman WR Ankle Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation —
Teddye Buchanan LB Knee Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Out
Zay Flowers WR Neck Full Participation Full Participation —
Kyle Hamilton S Ankle Limited Participation Questionable
Jay Higgins LB Knee Limited Participation Limited Participation Full Participation Out
Keondre Jackson S Ankle Limited Participation Full Participation Full Participation —
Lamar Jackson QB Illness Did Not Participate Full Participation Full Participation —
John Jenkins DT Illness Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Questionable
Tyler Linderbaum C Knee Limited Participation Full Participation —
Basil Okoye DT Quadricep Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation —
Roquan Smith LB Knee Did Not Participate Full Participation Full Participation —
Ronnie Stanley T Knee, Ankle Did Not Participate Limited Participation Limited Participation Questionable
Kyle Van Noy LB Quadricep Did Not Participate Limited Participation Full Participation —

NEW YORK JETS at NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
New York Jets
Tony Adams S Groin Did Not Participate —
Justin Fields QB Knee Limited Participation Limited Participation Limited Participation Questionable
Breece Hall RB Knee Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation —
Jermaine Johnson DE Neck, Calf Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation —
Francisco Mauigoa LB Neck Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Out
Josh Myers C Ankle Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation —
Xavier NewmanJohnson
G Knee Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation —
Mason Taylor TE Neck Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Out
Tyrod Taylor QB Groin, Knee Limited Participation Limited Participation Full Participation Questionable
Joe Tippmann G Ankle Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation —
Jay Tufele DT Shin Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation —
Eric Watts DE Concussion Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Out
Walkthrough on Wednesday, the practice report is an estimation.
Taylor added Knee injury on Thursday.
New Orleans Saints
Davon Godchaux DT Not injury related – resting player – Did Not Participate Full Participation —
Alvin Kamara RB Knee, Ankle Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Out
Zaire Mitchell-Paden TE Knee Limited Participation Questionable
Devin Neal RB Hamstring Did Not Participate —
Justin Reid S Knee Limited Participation Full Participation Full Participation —
Asim Richards T Ankle Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Out
Cesar Ruiz G Ankle Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Out
Nathan Shepherd DT Ankle, Knee Limited Participation Limited Participation Limited Participation Questionable
Tyler Shough QB Hip Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation —
Mason Tipton WR Illness Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Questionable
Devaughn Vele WR Shoulder Did Not Participate Did Not Participate —

PITTSBURGH STEELERS at DETROIT LIONS
Pittsburgh Steelers
Keeanu Benton DT Ankle Limited Participation Full Participation —
Kyle Dugger S Not injury related – personal matter – Did Not Participate —
Zach Frazier C Triceps Did Not Participate Limited Participation —
Derrick Harmon DT Knee Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation —
Nick Herbig LB Hamstring Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Limited Participation Doubtful
Cameron Heyward DT Not injury related – resting player – Did Not Participate Full Participation —
Christian Kuntz LS Knee Limited Participation Limited Participation Questionable
Andrus Peat G Concussion Limited Participation Limited Participation Limited Participation —
Jabrill Peppers S Illness Did Not Participate Full Participation —
James Pierre CB Calf Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Out
Aaron Rodgers QB Left Wrist Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation —
Isaac Seumalo G Triceps Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Out
Ben Skowronek WR Illness, Hand Limited Participation Limited Participation Full Participation —
T.J. Watt LB Lung Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Out
Detroit Lions
Kayode Awosika G Foot Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation —
Trystan Colon G Wrist Limited Participation Limited Participation Limited Participation Questionable
Taylor Decker T Shoulder, Not injury related – resting player – Did Not Participate Limited Participation Did Not Participate Questionable
Graham Glasgow C Knee Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Questionable
Thomas Harper S Concussion Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation —
Kerby Joseph S Knee Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Out
Christian Mahogany G Fibula Full Participation Full Participation Limited Participation Questionable
Giovanni Manu T Knee Limited Participation Limited Participation Limited Participation Out
Amik Robertson CB Hand Limited Participation Limited Participation Limited Participation Questionable
Sione Vaki RB Thumb Limited Participation Full Participation Full Participation —
Walkthrough on Wednesday, the practice report is an estimation.
Decker added Not injury related – resting player injury on Friday.

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS at CAROLINA PANTHERS
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Lavonte David LB Knee, Not injury related – resting player – Did Not Participate Limited Participation Limited Participation —
SirVocea Dennis LB Hip Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation —
Mike Evans WR Collarbone, Not injury related – resting player – Limited Participation Did Not Participate Full Participation —
Chris Godwin WR Fibula, Not injury related – resting – player
Full Participation Did Not Participate Full Participation —
Cade Otton TE Knee Limited Participation Full Participation Full Participation —
Tykee Smith S Neck, Shoulder Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation —
Rashad Wisdom S Quadricep Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation —
No Injuries to Report on Friday.
David added Not injury related – resting player injury on Friday. Evans added Not injury related – resting player injury on Thursday. Godwin added Not
injury related – resting player injury on Thursday.
Carolina Panthers
Ikem Ekwonu T Knee Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Limited Participation Questionable
Jaycee Horn CB Not injury related – resting player – Limited Participation Full Participation Full Participation —
Damien Lewis G Illness Did Not Participate Limited Participation Full Participation —
Tetairoa McMillan WR Foot, Ankle Did Not Participate Full Participation Full Participation —
David Moore WR Elbow Full Participation Full Participation Full Participation Questionable
Taylor Moton T Back Limited Participation Limited Participation Full Participation —
Trevin Wallace LB Shoulder Full Participation Limited Participation Limited Participation Out
Tershawn Wharton DT Hamstring Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Did Not Participate Out
Walkthrough on Wednesday, the practice report is an estimation.

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS at INDIANAPOLIS COLTS on Monday night
San Francisco 49ers
Tatum Bethune LB Ankle Limited Participation Limited Participation —
Spencer Burford G Knee, Ankle Did Not Participate Limited Participation —
Jordan Elliott DT Knee Did Not Participate Limited Participation —
Renardo Green CB Neck Limited Participation Limited Participation —
Yetur Gross-Matos DE Hamstring Limited Participation Limited Participation —
Nick Martin LB Concussion Did Not Participate Did Not Participate —
Christian McCaffrey RB Not injury related – resting player – Did Not Participate Full Participation —
Sam Okuayinonu DE Ankle Limited Participation Limited Participation —
Ricky Pearsall WR Knee, Ankle Did Not Participate Did Not Participate —
Kurtis Rourke QB Knee Full Participation Full Participation —
Trent Williams T Not injury related – resting player – Did Not Participate Full Participation —
Dee Winters LB Wrist Full Participation —
Indianapolis Colts
Ameer Abdullah RB Knee Full Participation Full Participation —
DeForest Buckner DT Neck Full Participation Full Participation —
Josh Downs WR Not injury related – personal matter – Did Not Participate Full Participation –
Ahmad Gardner CB Calf Did Not Participate Did Not Participate —
Anthony Gould WR Foot Did Not Participate Did Not Participate —
Quenton Nelson G Wrist Full Participation Limited Participation —
Alec Pierce WR Achilles Limited Participation Full Participation —
Germaine Pratt LB Not injury related – personal matter – Did Not Participate Full Participation —
Bernhard Raimann T Elbow Did Not Participate Did Not Participate —
Anthony Richardson QB Eye Limited Participation Limited Participation —
Daniel Scott S Knee Full Participation Full Participation —
Grover Stewart DT Not injury related – resting player – Did Not Participate

Reviewing the 2025 season for all four CFL West Division clubs

CFL Editor
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Reviewing the 2025 season for all four CFL West Division clubs

The West has always been wild—and in the CFL, it always will be. You can overhaul a roster, swap out your franchise quarterback, clean house in the front office, draft a future star, lose a marquee player to injury, or watch a young talent explode onto the scene.

No matter the storyline, West Division teams have a way of veering off the expected path. The chaos is constant, but so is the entertainment.

The 112th Grey Cup champion came from the West in 2025, but the road was anything but smooth. As the recap below shows, every team had its own twists, turns and battles to fight.

EDMONTON ELKS | 7–11 | FIFTH PLACE

If any team embodied “not what we expected” in 2025, it was Edmonton.

Tre Ford looked poised to finally take the reins as a true franchise quarterback—right up until the Elks pivoted to Cody Fajardo. From that moment on, Fajardo owned the job, and his presence reshaped the entire operation. Their similar-but-not-identical styles forced a midseason identity shift that rippled through all three phases.

After dropping six of their first seven games, Edmonton suddenly caught fire, winning four of five—though a humbling OK Tire Labour Day Weekend loss sat awkwardly in the middle of the surge. Through it all, head coach Mark Kilam remained the steadying force. He has the vision, the experience, and now simply needs the time for it all to take root. The payoff is coming, Elks fans.

WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS | 10–8 | FOURTH PLACE

A crossover team for the first time in years, Winnipeg’s season was derailed by injuries at the worst possible moments. There’s never a good time for key players to go down, but the Bombers were hit especially hard.

Even with 2024 MOP Brady Oliveira—who battled injuries of his own—the Bombers struggled to establish a consistent offensive identity. The result was a team that flashed brilliance but couldn’t overcome the avalanche of turnovers: 27 interceptions combined between Zach Collaros (16) and Chris Streveler (11).

2026 needs to be a recalibration year. If Winnipeg finds its footing again, the path back to the top of the West is wide open—though their prairie rivals won’t be giving up the crown easily.

CALGARY STAMPEDERS | 11–7 | THIRD PLACE

Change was the theme in Calgary—everywhere, all at once.

After a bitter end to 2024, the Stampeders revamped the roster, the locker room, and even the surrounding infrastructure. Their reward was Vernon Adams Jr., who at his best looked every bit like an MOP candidate.

But inconsistency, injuries, and a surging BC Lions squad pushed Calgary backward in the standings, ultimately sending them to Vancouver for the Western Semi-Final—where BC closed the book on their season.

Disappointing? Absolutely. A collapse? Not even close. This season felt worse than it truly was. Calgary climbed from 5–12 to 11–7, showed real fight down the stretch, and built a foundation that should serve them well moving forward.

BC LIONS | 11–7 | SECOND PLACE

Nathan Rourke collected hardware. Keon Hatcher Sr. led the league in receiving. The Lions ripped off seven straight wins. And still, they fell just short in the Western Final, losing by inches in Saskatchewan.

So here we are again—another offseason, another round of “when will BC finally break through?”

The answer: soon. Rourke is too gifted, too poised, too smart to let these opportunities slip away for long. Early-career heartbreak is part of the process; it hardens you for the moment when everything finally clicks. Rourke is nearing that moment.

The production, the energy, the organizational alignment—from owner Amar Doman to head coach Buck Pierce—were outstanding. Now the Lions must channel that momentum into an even hungrier offseason.

SASKATCHEWAN ROUGHRIDERS | 12–6 | FIRST PLACE

To the victor go the spoils—and when Saskatchewan wins a Grey Cup, the spoils are plentiful.

Trevor Harris was steady and sharp, leaning on a defence loaded with opportunistic playmakers. The Roughriders toppled BC, advanced to the 112th Grey Cup, and ended the East’s championship streak by defeating Montreal.

After starting 8–1, it was clear Saskatchewan had the talent to win it all. From that point on, head coach Corey Mace focused on refining, toughening, and preparing his team for the biggest moments. When those moments arrived, the Riders delivered.

The result: a season that will be remembered for a long time.

Reviewing the 2025 season for all four CFL East Division clubs

CFL Editor
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Reviewing the 2025 season for all four CFL East Division clubs

The CFL’s East Division remains one of football’s great puzzles.

Between Hamilton, Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal, every matchup feels like a slog through waist‑deep snow—uphill, both ways—just to scrape out a win. Familiarity breeds chaos in the East; the schedule forces these teams to see each other so often that coaches must constantly reinvent themselves just to avoid repeating what the opponent already scouted three weeks earlier.

Sure, a game can occasionally be blown wide open by a Kenny Lawler takeover, like Hamilton’s trip to Toronto this season. But more often, the division is defined by the fundamentals: the stabilizing presence Montreal enjoyed when Davis Alexander was healthy against Ottawa, or the glaring absence of that same stability for the REDBLACKS during Dru Brown’s long stretches on the sideline. No matter who lines up across from you, the East’s rules of engagement rarely shift.

What does change—every single year—is the sheer effort poured into securing the Eastern Final and the coveted bye week, all in the hope of fast‑tracking a Grey Cup run. Just ask Hamilton how quickly that investment, and the reward attached to it, can evaporate.

OTTAWA REDBLACKS | 4–14 | FOURTH PLACE

Ottawa’s reality is simple: without Dru Brown, they cannot function at their best. But even when Brown was available in 2025, the constant rotation between him, Dustin Crum, Matthew Shiltz and Tyrie Adams produced an offence with mismatched parts—each quarterback offering different strengths, none of them blending into a unified identity.

Opponents started drives at their own 39.5‑yard line on average, the most generous field position allowed by any team this season. And with only 27 explosive plays across offence and special teams, Ottawa finished dead last—six behind eighth‑place Montreal and miles behind BC’s league‑leading 63.

Enter Ryan Dinwiddie. His aggressive, vertical mindset should help reshape the REDBLACKS into something more defined, more dangerous, and more consistent. The mission: rediscover the home‑field success of 2024 and finally climb out of the East basement they’ve occupied far too often.

TORONTO ARGONAUTS | 5–13 | THIRD PLACE

Nick Arbuckle gave Toronto everything he had. That should shock no one—his career has been a masterclass in resilience. Before a late‑season calf injury, he was tracking toward Flutie‑level production in Double Blue, all while Chad Kelly’s return date kept drifting further into the distance.

With no reliable run game, Arbuckle carried the offence on his back. Yet the Argonauts kept losing tight games, and the cumulative effect was staggering: despite feeling far more competitive than Ottawa, Toronto finished just one win ahead of them. One Dejon Brissett Superman catch on OK Tire Labour Day Weekend was all that separated the Argos from sharing the same fate as the REDBLACKS. Both teams sputtered enough to let Winnipeg cross over and steal the final East playoff berth.

Defence was the bigger problem. Toronto surrendered 32.4 points per game—the worst mark in the league. And it certainly didn’t help that Bo Levi Mitchell seems to relish every opportunity to carve up the Argos in Black and Gold.

MONTREAL ALOUETTES | 10–8 | SECOND PLACE

With Davis Alexander, Montreal looked like a contender. Without him, they looked lost.

At times, the defence felt like it was simply holding the fort, waiting for their franchise quarterback—already proven, just not fully healthy—to return. Special teams remained a strength under Byron Archambault, and the run game stayed afloat despite injuries.

Montreal’s season boils down to this: we never truly saw the real Alouettes because we never saw a fully healthy Davis Alexander for long enough. Even so, the flashes of brilliance he provided were enough to push Montreal within a few plays of a Grey Cup title. That alone is remarkable.

With Jason Maas, Danny Maciocia and the defensive core largely intact, Montreal feels poised to enter a new era—one built on a healed hamstring, smart roster construction, and unwavering belief in Maas’ vision.

HAMILTON TIGER‑CATS | 11–7 | FIRST PLACE

Hamilton spent the entire season clawing toward the top seed.

They endured the devastating loss of their inspirational general manager.
They embraced the arrival of Kenny Lawler and showcased his chemistry with Bo Levi Mitchell.
They built a roster with a ferocious pass rush, a breakout rookie at middle linebacker, an improved secondary, elite kicking, and a veteran quarterback worthy of MOP consideration.

And then it all collapsed in a home Eastern Final.

Had the game been in Montreal, and had Hamilton lost on the road, the reaction might have been a resigned shrug. But this was at home, in a blackout, with a fan base convinced the drought was finally ending. That’s what makes the loss so crushing.

The CFL playoffs are ruthless: play eight great quarters and you’re a champion; stumble for four and you’re cleaning out your locker.

For Tiger‑Cats fans, it’s another year of waiting—another season where a talented roster earned every accolade except the one that matters most.

British Columbia Lions sign linebacker Darnell Sankey

CFL Editor
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British Columbia Lions sign linebacker Darnell Sankey

VANCOUVER – The BC Lions announced on Friday that the team has agreed to terms with American linebacker Darnell Sankey on a one-year contract.

Sankey had his most productive season in 2022 in Saskatchewan with 120 defensive tackles, three sacks, one interception and two forced fumbles.

Sankey debuted up north in 2021 with the Calgary Stampeders, appearing in all 14 regular season games and registering 97 defensive tackles, one sack and a forced fumble and capped the season off by earning West Division All-CFL.

Before moving to Canada, Sankey suited up in six regular season games with the Indianapolis Colts in 2017 and had stints in Denver, Oakland, Kansas City, Baltimore and Detroit between 2016 and 2020.

He suited up at Sacramento State from 2012-15, recording 330 total tackles (124 solo, 206 assisted), 27.5 tackles for a loss, 12.5 sacks, ten pass knockdowns, four forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and an interception. As a senior, Sankey earned First-Team All-Big Sky honours.

PWHL Game Preview: Montreal Victoire (2-1-0-1) vs. Vancouver Goldeneyes (2-1-0-3)

PWHL Editor
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PWHL Game Preview: Montreal Victoire (2-1-0-1) vs. Vancouver Goldeneyes (2-1-0-3)

The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) continues its 2025-26 season with an intriguing interconference matchup between the Montréal Victoire and the Vancouver Goldeneyes. This game pits a surging Montréal squad against an expansion team finding its footing at home. As one of the league’s original franchises, Montréal brings championship pedigree, while Vancouver, in its inaugural season, has quickly established itself as a tough opponent on home ice. With both teams hovering around .500 early in the campaign, this contest could have playoff implications down the line.

Venue Location

The game will be held at the Pacific Coliseum in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. This historic arena, which seats approximately 16,000 fans, has hosted numerous hockey events, including NHL games and international tournaments. It serves as the primary home venue for the Vancouver Goldeneyes during their debut season, providing a vibrant West Coast atmosphere for PWHL action.

Puck drop is set for 12:00 PM PST (3:00 PM EST). The game will be broadcast on CBC and available for streaming on the PWHL’s official platforms.

Team Records

Montréal Victoire: 3-1-0-0 (Wins-Losses-OT Losses-Shootout Losses), 9 points, tied for second in the Eastern Conference.

Vancouver Goldeneyes: 3-3-0-0, 9 points, fourth in the Western Conference.

These records reflect the teams’ performances through December 19, 2025. Montréal has been efficient in close games, while Vancouver has split its first six outings evenly.

Recent Team Forms

Montréal enters on a hot streak, having won their last three games, including a gritty 2-1 shootout victory over the Toronto Sceptres on December 17. Their defense has been stellar, allowing just four goals over that span, anchored by goaltender Ann-Renée Desbiens’ standout performances (35 saves in the Toronto win). Offensively, they’ve relied on timely scoring from stars like Marie-Philip Poulin, who netted the shootout winner against Toronto. The Victoire have shown resilience in road games, going 2-0-0-0 away from home so far this season.

Vancouver, meanwhile, is riding a two-game win streak and has won its last three home games, most recently a 2-1 triumph over the Ottawa Charge on December 16. Forward Sophia Chan scored her first PWHL goal in that contest, highlighting the team’s emerging depth. The Goldeneyes have been particularly strong at the Pacific Coliseum, outscoring opponents 7-3 in their home wins. However, they’ve struggled on the road (0-3-0-0), making this home matchup crucial for building momentum.

TeamLast 5 GamesStreakGoals For/Against (Last 5)Power Play % (Season)Penalty Kill % (Season)
Montréal Victoire3-1-0-1W312/822.2%88.9%
Vancouver Goldeneyes3-2-0-0W210/918.2%85.7%

(Note: Stats approximated from early-season data; PWHL games often feature low-scoring affairs.)

Series History

This will be the first-ever meeting between the Montréal Victoire and Vancouver Goldeneyes. As an expansion team, Vancouver has no prior history against any PWHL opponent, but they’ve already shown they can compete with established clubs like Ottawa. Montréal, coming off a strong 2024-25 season where they finished atop the league standings, will look to assert dominance in this cross-country clash. Future matchups include a rematch in Montréal on January 11, 2026.

Montréal Victoire: Forward Jade Downie-Landry (LTIR, training camp injury – undisclosed); Forward Catherine Dubois (LTIR, upper-body injury). Defender Dominika Lásková was recently activated from LTIR and is expected to play. No day-to-day injuries reported, but the team has managed well despite the absences, calling up Maya Labad for depth.

Vancouver Goldeneyes: Forward Sarah Nurse (LTIR, upper-body injury) remains out indefinitely, having missed action since opening night. This is a significant loss, as Nurse is a key offensive contributor and leader. No other major injuries reported, with the team relying on forwards like Sophia Chan and recent signee Malia Schneider to fill the gap.

Player Matchups

This game features several compelling individual battles that could decide the outcome:

Marie-Philip Poulin (MTL, F) vs. Vancouver’s Top Defense Pair: Poulin, the Victoire captain and a PWHL scoring leader (4 goals, 3 assists in 4 games), will test Vancouver’s blue line. Expect her to match up against defenders like Micah Hart or Kateřina Mrázová, who have been solid in limiting high-danger chances during the Goldeneyes’ home wins.

Ann-Renée Desbiens (MTL, G) vs. Sophia Chan (VAN, F): Desbiens has been a wall in net (1.50 GAA, .950 SV% this season), but she’ll face pressure from Chan, who broke through with her first PWHL goal recently. Chan’s speed could exploit Montréal’s occasional transition lapses.

Laura Stacey (MTL, F) vs. Vancouver’s Penalty Kill Unit: Stacey, recently named PWHLPA President, leads Montréal’s power play (2 PPGs). Vancouver’s PK (85.7%) has been middling, so Stacey’s playmaking could capitalize if the Goldeneyes take penalties.

Vancouver’s Goaltending Tandem vs. Montréal’s Depth Scoring: Emerance Maschmeyer (expected starter for VAN, 2.33 GAA) will need to contain Montréal’s secondary scorers like Kristin O’Neill. If Maschmeyer falters, backup Corinne Schroeder could see time.

These matchups highlight Montréal’s veteran experience against Vancouver’s youthful energy.

Vancouver’s home dominance makes them the edge, but Montréal’s goaltending could keep it close.

Betting Trends

Early in the 2025-26 PWHL season, trends favor unders and home teams:

Home Teams: 65% win rate league-wide (Vancouver is 3-0 at home, covering the puck line in all).

Totals: Unders have hit in 70% of games (average goals: 4.2 per game), due to strong goaltending and physical play.

Expansion Teams: Vancouver and Seattle are 5-5 combined but 4-1 at home, often exceeding expectations as underdogs.

Montréal-Specific: The Victoire are 3-1 to the over on the road but 4-0 ATS (against the spread) in their last four.

GAME ODDS

Montreal Victoire                            4.5

Vancouver Goldeneyes                 – 115

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, December 19, 2025

San Francisco Giants Sign RHP Adrian Houser to Two‑Year Deal With 2028 Club Option

MLB Editor
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San Francisco Giants Sign RHP Adrian Houser to Two‑Year Deal With 2028 Club Option

SAN FRANCISCO – The Giants have agreed to a two‑year Major League contract with right‑handed pitcher Adrian Houser, a deal that also includes a club option for the 2028 season.

Houser, 33, is coming off one of the strongest campaigns of his career. He opened the 2025 season in Triple‑A Round Rock (Texas) before signing with the Chicago White Sox on May 20. In 11 starts for Chicago‑AL, he delivered an impressive 2.10 ERA (16 ER in 68.2 IP). He was later traded to Tampa Bay at the deadline and finished the year with the Rays.

Across 21 starts in 2025, Houser posted an 8–5 record, 3.31 ERA (46 ER in 125.0 IP), 92 strikeouts, and a 1.28 WHIP. His 2.3 FanGraphs WAR marked a career high.

A veteran of nine Major League seasons, Houser has made 125 starts in 173 career appearances, compiling a 40–44 record, 4.06 ERA (331 ER in 733.2 IP), 576 strikeouts, and a 1.36 WHIP. His career includes stints with Milwaukee (2015, 2018–23), New York‑NL (2024), Chicago‑AL (2025), and Tampa Bay (2025).

Houser, a native of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, was originally selected by the Houston Astros in the second round of the 2011 MLB Draft out of Locust Grove High School (OK).

CFB First-Round Playoff Preview: James Madison Dukes (12-1) vs. Oregon Ducks (11-1)

NCAAFB Editor
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CFB First-Round Playoff Preview: James Madison Dukes (12-1) vs. Oregon Ducks (11-1)

Kickoff: 9:00 PM ET (6:00 PM PT)
Venue: Autzen Stadium, Eugene, Oregon
Broadcast: ESPN (streaming on ESPN app)
Capacity: ~54,000 (expected electric sellout for Oregon’s first on-campus playoff game in the 12-team era)

In a historic David-vs-Goliath College Football Playoff first-round matchup, No. 12 seed James Madison Dukes (12-1), the highest-ranked Group of 5 champion, travel to face No. 5 seed Oregon Ducks (11-1) at raucous Autzen Stadium. JMU earned the automatic G5 bid with a dominant Sun Belt title run, while Oregon secured a top-6 seed and first-round home game after a strong Big Ten campaign (only loss to a fellow playoff team). The winner advances to a New Year’s Six quarterfinal. This cross-conference clash pits JMU’s disciplined, opportunistic style against Oregon’s explosive, up-tempo offense in cold Pacific Northwest conditions.

Team Records

  • James Madison Dukes: 12-1 overall (8-0 Sun Belt, Sun Belt champions)
  • Oregon Ducks: 11-1 overall (8-1 Big Ten)

JMU capped an impressive transition year with G5 supremacy; Oregon finished near the top of the reloaded Big Ten for a protected seed.

Recent Team Forms

  • James Madison (10-1 in last 11; peaking defensively): Curt Cignetti’s (or successor’s) squad won 11 straight after an early non-conference loss, dominating the Sun Belt with elite run defense and timely passing. Offense balanced and mistake-free late; defense forces turnovers at high rate.
  • Oregon (9-1 in last 10; high-powered): Dan Lanning’s Ducks surged with top-5 scoring offense, led by QB (e.g., Dillon Gabriel successor or transfer) and dynamic skill players. Home dominance overwhelming; only loss in a tight Big Ten road game. Playoff motivation high.

Conference vs. Conference (Sun Belt/G5 vs. Big Ten)

Big Ten placed multiple high seeds in 2025 with physical, pro-style play. Sun Belt strong at top with JMU’s run, but power gap evident—P4 teams dominate G5 in postseason (~75% win rate). On-campus playoff games heavily favor hosts, especially in adverse weather.

Weather Forecast

Eugene, OR (December 19, 2025 evening kickoff): Overcast with likely showers, temperatures 42-48°F at kickoff dropping to upper 30s. Winds SW 10-20 mph (gusts possible), 60-80% chance of rain. Typical Oregon winter—wet field could slow JMU’s ground game and affect passing/grip; favors Ducks’ adapted style.

Injury Report (as of final December 18 reports)

  • James Madison Dukes:
    • Out: LB (key tackler opt-out/draft), minor depth pieces.
    • Probable: QB (full-go after minor ankle), RB core healthy.
    • Impact: Defense misses leadership; mostly intact for upset bid.
  • Oregon Ducks:
    • Out: Limited opt-outs (playoff push minimizes); secondary depth piece.
    • Available: WR Tez Johnson/Troy Franklin types full strength, OL dominant.
    • Impact: Near full roster; talent depth overwhelming.

Both motivated—no major opt-outs for playoff stakes.

Key Player Matchups

  • JMU QB vs. Oregon Secondary: Dukes’ signal-caller efficient/dual-threat; faces top-10 Oregon pass defense—protect ball in wet conditions crucial.
  • Oregon RB Jordan James/Noah Whittington vs. JMU Front Seven: Ducks’ rush attack explosive (200+ ypg potential); JMU run D elite but tested by speed.
  • JMU WRs/Reggie Brown vs. Oregon CBs: Deep threats if time; Ducks secondary physical, limits YAC.
  • Oregon WRs/Evan Stewart vs. JMU DBs: Elite targets exploit mismatches; JMU opportunistic but overmatched athletically.
  • Field Position/Special Teams: Wet turf favors punting; turnovers magnified in rain.

Series History

  • All-time: First meeting (no prior matchups).
  • Context: Rare G5 vs. P4 elite; analogs favor Oregon heavily in similar crossovers.

Betting Trends & Historical Betting Results

  • Trends: Public heavy on Oregon ML (P4 prestige); sharps on Under (rainy Eugene nights low-scoring) and JMU + points (G5 covers ~50% as big dogs). Oregon home favorites dominate ATS.
  • Historical ATS: Oregon 9-3 ATS last 12 as heavy favorite; G5 underdogs like JMU cover in ~45% of playoff/bowl spots vs. P4 but rarely outright.
  • Playoff Analogs: Higher seeds hosting win 85%+ first round; G5 auto bids competitive early but fade late.
  • Weather Impact: Unders hit 70% in rainy Autzen games.

Game Odds

James Madison Dukes                   46.5

Oregon Ducks                                    – 20.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Thursday, December 18, 2025

Pittsburgh Pirates Add Three Players in Three‑Team Deal with Tampa Bay Rays and Houston Astros

MLB Editor
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Pittsburgh Pirates Add Three Players in Three‑Team Deal with Tampa Bay Rays and Houston Astros

The Pittsburgh Pirates have acquired second baseman Brandon Lowe (pronounced “now”), outfielder Jake Mangum, and left‑handed reliever Mason Montgomery from the Tampa Bay Rays as part of a three‑team trade. In a corresponding move, Pittsburgh sent right‑handed pitcher Mike Burrows to the Houston Astros.

Brandon Lowe Brings Proven Power to Pittsburgh

Lowe, 31, is coming off an All‑Star season in which he hit .256 (130-for-507) with 19 doubles, 31 home runs, and 83 RBI across 134 games for Tampa Bay. His 25 home runs as a second baseman led all players at the position in Major League Baseball.

In 2025, Lowe’s 31 home runs as a left‑handed hitter tied for the fifth‑most in the American League, while his 70 RBI as a second baseman ranked third among MLB players at the position.

A consistent power threat, Lowe hit 21 home runs in both 2023 and 2024, and his 73 left‑handed homers from 2023–25 were the fourth‑most in the American League during that span, trailing only Corey Seager (84), Gunnar Henderson (82), and Rafael Devers (76).

Lowe’s best season came in 2021, when he launched 39 home runs and drove in 99, finishing tied for sixth in MLB in homers and second among left‑handed hitters behind Shohei Ohtani (46).

Across eight seasons with Tampa Bay (2018–25), Lowe has hit .247 with 126 doubles, 157 home runs, 446 RBI, and an .807 OPS in 745 games. He was previously an All‑Star in 2019 and has appeared in 29 postseason games over three playoff runs.

Jake Mangum Adds Speed, Defense, and Contact Hitting

Mangum, 29, impressed as a rookie in 2025, batting .296 (120-for-405) with 18 doubles, 3 home runs, 40 RBI, and 27 stolen bases in 118 games. He earned the MLBPAA Heart & Hustle Award for Tampa Bay and finished second among MLB rookies in steals.

He ranked third among qualified rookies in batting average and fifth in hits, and he closed the season strong, hitting .341 (28-for-82) in September — the second‑highest rookie average that month.

Defensively, Mangum was one of only three Major League outfielders to post a 1.000 fielding percentage over at least 900 innings in 2025, joining Nick Castellanos and Jacob Young.

Mason Montgomery Strengthens the Bullpen

Montgomery, 25, struck out 63 batters in 46.0 innings across 57 relief appearances for Tampa Bay in 2025. His strikeout total ranked fourth among left‑handed rookie relievers and 11th among all rookie relievers league‑wide.

He debuted in 2024, posting a 1.86 ERA with 17 strikeouts and a .188 opponent average over nine outings.

Corresponding Moves Coming

The Pirates will announce additional 40‑man roster moves later today.

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