NFL:
The divisional round of the NFL playoffs took place this past weekend. Here’s everything that happened …
Broncos 33, Bills 30
“It’s extremely difficult,” Josh Allen said, fighting back tears. “I feel like I let my teammates down.”
A thriller filled with emotions, excitement, highlight-reel moments, and heartbreak opened the NFL divisional round. Down 23-27 with one minute remaining in the fourth, Bo Nix threw a 26 yard floater to Marvin Mims Jr. in the bottom left corner of the end zone, granting the Broncos a three point lead. Nonetheless, a trick play featuring a lateral from Khalil Shakir moved the Bills to the 32-yard line with 10 seconds left, and Matt Prater sank a 50-yard field goal to force overtime.
The Broncos got the first look in overtime, but were forced to punt within a few minutes. In position to seal the game and secure his first overtime win, Allen threw a 50-yard bomb that was controversially intercepted by Ja-Quan McMillian.
“It’s hard for me to understand why it was ruled the way it was ruled. And if it is ruled that way, then why wasn’t it slowed down? Just to make sure that we have this right” said head coach Sean McDermott, visibly upset.
Despite leading the Bills to the playoffs in each of the past seven seasons, McDermott was fired two days after the loss.
Following the interception, with the help from two defensive pass interference calls, Nix led the Broncos down to the 8-yard line, where Wil Lutz nailed a 23-yard field goal to send the Broncos to their first AFC Championship game since 2015.
About an hour after the game, it was revealed that Nix broke his right ankle in overtime, and will be out for the remainder of the season. Jarrett Stidham is expected to start for the Broncos next weekend against the Patriots.
Seahawks 41, 49ers 6
System quarterback.
An allegation that 49ers Brock Purdy has faced since earning his starting position back in 2022. Despite consistently exceeding expectations, Purdy has yet to silence those claims, and Saturday afternoon’s matchup against the Seahawks did little to help his case.
The 49ers were completely outmatched on both sides of the ball, largely as a result of a plethora of injuries, including those to star players Fred Warner, George Kittle and Nick Bosa.
Sam Darnold and the Seahawks delivered a four-quarter win, rolling to a 41-6 victory. Kenneth Walker III finished with three touchdowns and 145 total yards.
“No matter who it is, we’ve got a great squad. A really resilient bunch. A group that I’d play football with any day of the week” said Darnold.
The Seahawks will host the Rams next weekend in the NFC Championship.
Patriots 28, Texans 16
The past two years, the Patriots ended their season 4-13 at the bottom of the AFC East.
Now, they are headed to Empower Field in Denver to take on the Broncos in the AFC Championship.
“This is New England. This is what we try to embrace, what we wanted to embrace all season long” said Drake Maye. “We’re on the go. We keep going and I’m just proud of these guys.”
At 23 years old and in his second season, Maye is already an MVP candidate and just one win away from the Super Bowl.
CJ Stroud threw four interceptions in the first half, including three in the second quarter alone. This gave the Patriots an 11 point lead at half, which they held onto for the remainder of the match.
“I didn’t play my best this year, but I’m going to respond. I’m going to keep my chest up, my chin up high, and I’m going to just keep battling forward.” said Stroud in the postgame interview.
Rams 20, Bears 17
“YEAH YEAH YEAH YEAHHHH YOU KNOW WHAT IT IS” screamed Puka Nacua. “Playoff football. Rams. Here in Chi City. We’ll see you in Seattle, baby.”
27 seconds left. 4th and 4. 14 yards away from the end zone.
Caleb Williams backpedals all the way to the 40 yard line before chucking the pigskin to Cole Kmet in the end zone, and suddenly, we’re going to overtime.
Despite pulling off arguably the most jaw-dropping play of the weekend, Williams failed to secure the win in overtime. With 6:47 left on the clock, his pass intended for DJ Moore was picked off by a diving Kam Curl, marking his third interception of the night.
MVP frontrunner Matthew Stafford capitalized on this mistake, bringing it down to the 24-yard line and setting up the walk-off field goal from Harrison Mevis.
“Like I said, disappointing result” said Bears head coach Ben Johnson “But I am proud of the group.”
Both Stafford and Williams ended with over 250 passing yards, while Kyren Williams totaled 117 yards and two touchdowns.
NBA:
All-Stars
The starters for the 2026 NBA all-star game were announced.
Western Conference
Shai-Gilgeous Alexander (OKC)
Luka Dončić (LAL)
Stephen Curry (GSW)
Victor Wembanyama (SAS)
Nikola Jokić (DEN)
Eastern Conference
Tyrese Maxey (PHI)
Jalen Brunson (NYK)
Cade Cunningham (DET)
Jaylen Brown (BOS)
Giannis Antetokounmpo (MIL)
Trade Deadline
With the Feb. 5 trade deadline approaching, the following players are worth keeping an eye on:
Anthony Davis (DAL)
Ja Morant (MEM)
Jonathan Kuminga (GSW)
Michael Porter Jr. (BKN)
Additional notes
Gilgeous-Alexander, known in the community for his “aura”, is still leading the way in the MVP race. He is currently averaging 31.8 points and 6.2 assists, while the Thunder remain on top of the Western Conference with a 36-8 record.
The Clippers, who began the season 6-21, have seemingly bounced back, winning 13 of their last 15 games. “Whatever it takes… We did that” said James Harden after their most recent win. In the last 10 games, Harden has averaged 24.1 points and 8.2 assists, while his partner in crime, Kawhi Leonard, has averaged 29.9 points and 2.6 steals.
Before suffering a torn meniscus in December 2024, Jared McCain was on his way to winning rookie of the year. McCain has struggled since his return, averaging only 6.1 points, 2.1 boards and 1.5 assists on 35.4% shooting. Recently, he was reassigned to the G-League.
MLB
Recent Offseason Moves
Kyle Tucker signed a four-year, $240 million deal with the Dodgers.
Bo Bichette signed a three-year, $126 million deal with the Mets.
J.T. Realmuto re-signed with the Phillies on a three-year, $45 million deal.
Nolan Arenado was traded from the Cardinals to the Diamondbacks.
Josh Lowe was traded from the Rays to the Angels.
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Featured Illustration by Gina Namkung/Daily Bruin
