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'Football 301' predicts win totals for the NFC East, where Dak Prescott's Cowboys are poised to jump Jalen Hurts' Eagles

On a recent episode of "Football 301," Yahoo Sports’ Nate Tice and Matt Harmon continued the show's preseason deep dive series with a top-heavy NFC East. Both see the Cowboys as poised to jump the Eagles and win the division, Philadelphia as a solid playoff-caliber team with transitional questions, and the Commanders and Giants in various states of constructive (but incomplete) overhaul.

Below, Harmon and Tice break down the win total for each squad:

Team

Tice's win total

Harmon's win total

O/U

Cowboys

12

12

9.5

Eagles

10

10

10.5

Commanders

7

7

7.5

Giants

6

7

7.5

Win total projections:

Matt Harmon:12

Nate Tice: 12

Despite a roller-coaster 2025 campaign, both Tice and Harmon are optimistic about Dallas, going well over the Vegas line and de-throning the Eagles atop the division due to a potent offense and defensive gains made in the offseason.

"Their offense goes supernova this year," Tice said. "And I think the defense can surprise some people, especially in the second half of the year. So [I'm] going to go with the Cowboys winning the NFC East and maybe a little bit more."

Harmon added: "If they're like the 17th-best defense in the league that's going to spot the offense a couple of wins. And I think this is an offense that could really tear through the league."

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Win total projections:

Matt Harmon: 10-7

Nate Tice: 10-7

The hosts agreed on a solid but not spectacular season for the Eagles, citing uncertainty surrounding the transition in offensive identity and the continued strength of their defense. They found the hire of Sean Mannion as offensive coordinator fascinating and a bit unconventional, noting that Mannion is a first-time play caller who has barely been a coach in the NFL.

"How much are they going to bring in from Green Bay or his various other stops?" Harmon asked. "[Mannion] will be really fascinating to watch this year. He's one of the most interesting offensive coordinators in the NFL."

Tice is looking forward to seeing how QB Jalen Hurts integrates into Mannion's system: "There's positives of Hurts in this system of doing these things, but there's also kind of some inconclusive kind of results right now."

Win total projections:

Matt Harmon: 7-10

Nate Tice: 7-10

Both hosts were in lockstep with their win total prediction for Washington, especially after LT Laremy Tunsil suffered a torn triceps that will wipe out most, if not all, of his season.

"It's a huge deal. This offensive line goes from interesting to maybe bad," Harmon said. "I am really excited to see just what the passing game looks like."

Win total projections:

Matt Harmon: 7-10

Nate Tice: 6-11

With new head coach John Harbaugh triggering an influx of former Ravens, the Giants are squarely in rebuild mode. There is promising young talent on both sides of the ball, particularly the offense with QB Jaxson Dart, RB Cam Skattebo and WR Malik Nabers, though all three are coming off season-ending injuries in 2025.

"Jackson Dart's rookie season is a Rorschach test," Harmon said. "I saw some good, saw some bad. Let's see more good than bad this year."

Tice characterized Skattebo, the bruising hybrid running back, as "Diet Coke James Conner," praising his utility but doubting his durability: "What part of his run style do you think that that will go away?"

For more NFL insight, tune into "Football 301 on Apple, Spotify or YouTube.

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The Ultimate 2026 Christmas Sports Schedule: Get Primed for the Most Loaded Day of the Year

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December 25 is no longer just about opening presents, eating too much, and debating whether Die Hard is a Christmas movie.

It’s become one of the best days of the year for sports fans.

2026 takes that to another level, with eight NFL and NBA games running from noon ET until late into the night. The NFL brings three marquee matchups, while the NBA has just announced its five-game showcase.

Here’s our guide to the ultimate Christmas Day sports schedule, including every NFL and NBA game, current odds, an early pick and — most importantly — how to plan your day around the action.

Your 2026 Christmas Day schedule🎅

  • 1:00 p.m. ET — Spurs at Knicks
  • 1:00 p.m. ET — Packers at Bears
  • 3:30 p.m. ET — Heat at Celtics
  • 4:30 p.m. ET — Bills at Broncos
  • 6:00 p.m. ET — 76ers at Lakers
  • 9:00 p.m. ET — Thunder at Timberwolves
  • 9:15 p.m. ET — Rams at Seahawks
  • 11:30 p.m. ET — Nuggets at Warriors

Spurs at Knicks (1 p.m. ET, ESPN, ABC)

Spurs at Knicks opening odds

Spurs SpursKnicks Knicks
-105Moneyline-115
+1.5 (-115)Spread-1.5 (-105)
Over 228.5 (-110)TotalUnder 228.5 (-110)

🎁 Presents: OPENED

The real festivities begin with a rematch of the 2026 NBA Finals, as San Antonio heads to Madison Square Garden to face the defending champion Knicks.

While you mix in a mimosa or two, expect the more motivated Spurs side to avenge last year's Finals loss to New York, with Wemby playing Grinch in Gotham. 

Early pick: Spurs moneyline (em-105 at DraftKings/em)

Packers at Bears (1 p.m. ET, Netflix)

Packers at Bears opening odds

Packers PackersBears Bears
-102Moneyline-118
+1.5 (-115)Spread-1.5 (-105)
Over 47.5 (-110)TotalUnder 47.5 (-110)

🍳 Breakfast: OUT OF THE WAY

The NFL gets its Christmas Day party started with one of the league's oldest rivalries... and one that no longer features Aaron Rodgers putting belt to ass. 

Chicago hosts Green Bay after beating the Packers twice last season, including a miracle comeback in the Wild Card round. 

I expect Chicago to be even better in Ben Johnson's second year, so I'll take the Bears at home. 

Early pick: Bears moneyline (em-118 at DraftKings/em)

Heat at Celtics (3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN, ABC)

Heat at Celtics opening odds

Heat HeatCeltics Celtics
+154Moneyline-185
+5.5 (-110)Spread-5.5 (-110)
Over 229.5 (-110)TotalUnder 229.5 (-110)

🦃 Turkey: IN THE OVEN

Last call to get the turkey into the oven, and it's time to watch Giannis Antetokounmpo cook at the Garden.

Erik Spoelstra's team is 9-0 on Christmas, and I'm all over Miami in this spot. 

Early pick: Heat moneyline (em+154 at DraftKings/em)

Bills at Broncos (4:30 p.m. ET, Netflix)

Bills at Broncos opening odds

Bills BillsBroncos Broncos
-130Moneyline+110
-1.5 (-115)Spread+1.5 (-105)
Over 46.5 (-110)TotalUnder 46.5 (-110)

😴 Pre-Dinner Nap at Halftime: MANDATORY

Josh Allen gets another crack at the Broncos, just like you do at another helping of your favorite Xmas dishes.

This matchup will most definitely be pivotal for AFC seeding, and I like Buffalo to exorcise some demons at Mile High.

Early pick: Bills moneyline (em-130 at DraftKings/em)

76ers at Lakers (6 p.m. ET, ESPN, ABC)

76ers at Lakers opening odds

76ers 76ersLakers Lakers
-105Moneyline-115
+1.5 (-115)Spread-1.5 (-105)
Over 235.5 (-115)TotalUnder 235.5 (-105)

🍽️ Dinner: SERVED

LeBron James makes his 21st Christmas Day appearance as he returns to Los Angeles, this time in a Sixers uniform.

This feels like the kind of game where Philly dominates for three quarters before the Lakers inexplicably pull off a massive fourth-quarter comeback and set Twitter on fire.

Take the home side and bet on a Hollywood finish. 

Early pick: Lakers moneyline (em-115 at DraftKings/em)

Thunder at Timberwolves (9 p.m. ET, ESPN, ABC)

Thunder at Timberwolves opening odds

Thunder ThunderTimberwolves Timberwolves
-162Moneyline+136
-3.5 (-115)Spread+3.5 (-105)
Over 232.5 (-110)TotalUnder 232.5 (-110)

🍗 Leftovers: IN PLAY

Jon Metler is bullish on LaMelo Ball taking Minnesota over the top against OKC in his NBA Christmas Day predictions, and we're in firm agreement. 

If your family is still gathered around the table, maybe keep the phone in your pocket, and if you're going to take any peeks, this is a great time to follow the game along on our brand-new Covers app!

Early pick: Timberwolves +3.5 (em-110 at DraftKings/em)

Rams at Seahawks (9:15 p.m. ET, FOX)

Rams at Seahawks opening odds

Rams RamsSeahawks Seahawks
+110Moneyline-130
+1.5 (-105)Spread-1.5 (-115)
Over 47.5 (-110)TotalUnder 47.5 (-110)

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Time: OPTIONAL

Last year, we got Chris Oladokun vs. Bo Nix (woof), but this time, Christmas night brings a matchup between arguably the two best teams in the NFL.

This divisional rivalry has produced one-score finishes in all five of their meetings under Mike Macdonald and Sean McVay. 

The 12th Man is going to be rocking in the PNW, and while Los Angeles may be the Super Bowl favorite, it’s hard to go against the defending champs on primetime.

Early pick: Seahawks moneyline (em-130 at DraftKings/em)

Nuggets at Warriors (11:30 p.m. ET, ESPN, ABC)

Nuggets at Warriors opening odds

Nuggets NuggetsWarriors Warriors
-155Moneyline+130
-3.5 (-110)Spread+3.5 (-110)
Over 238.5 (-105)TotalUnder 238.5 (-115)

🎄Christmas: SURVIVED

Nikola Jokic and Steph Curry close out the night in the Bay Area, with two of the biggest stars of their generation taking the floor.

Jokic is no stranger to lighting it up on the Xmas stage, last boasting a 56-point, 16-rebound, 15-assist performance against Minny last season.

Everybody else has already fallen asleep. I'm tallying up Jokic's PRA and taking the Nuggets to win. 

Early pick: Nuggets moneyline (em-155 at DraftKings/em)

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

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'Football 301' predicts win totals for the AFC West, where the Broncos look to maintain, Chargers look to take a big step and Patrick Mahomes gets help

With the AFC West as intriguing as ever following a flurry of offseason moves and coaching changes, Yahoo Sports’ Nate Tice and Hayden Winks broke down the division's spotlight players and X factors on a recent episode of "Football 301."

The hosts see the AFC West as a two-team race — the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers as likely playoff teams, with Kansas City's fragility a new story and Las Vegas laying the groundwork for relevance in 2027. The division's winner will likely be decided by whether Jaylen Waddle and Ladd McConkey prove to be difference-makers for their respective teams, and whose offensive line stays intact deep into December.

Below, Tice and Winks break down the win total for each squad:

Team

Tice's win total

Winks' win total

O/U line

Broncos

11

12

9.5

Chargers

11

11

9.5

Chiefs

9

9

10.5

Raiders

6

5

5.5

Win total predictions:

  • Hayden Winks: 12

  • Nate Tice: 11

Both Winks and Tice agree: Denver fields one of the league's most complete rosters, coming off an AFC championship game appearance. With the addition of Waddle, expectations remain high. While Waddle gives quarterback Bo Nix a new target, Tice pointed to a potential impact rookie as well.

"Jonah Coleman might be a really good fit in this offense," Tice said. "Being the guy that's the Mark Ingram for Sean Payton in this offense because he likes to have those running back kind of splits.

"If Bo Nix gets even just half a tier better, wow, this offense could be really good."

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Win total predictions:

  • Hayden Winks: 11

  • Nate Tice: 11

There's palpable excitement around new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel's arrival and the integration of his run concepts with Justin Herbert's rare arm talent. Herbert, WR Ladd McConkey and key additions like RB Omarion Hampton and C Tyler Biadasz with a scheme that should help stabilize the offensive line have Winks and Tice thinking a leap is possible if the Chargers stay healthy.

"I have a lot of expectations for Ladd," Winks said. "I think they're going to get him more involved this year without Keenan Allen."

Win total predictions:

  • Hayden Winks: 9

  • Nate Tice: 9

The hosts are concerned with Patrick Mahomes coming off a torn ACL, and the lack of depth with the Chiefs’ pass-catching options. Kenneth Walker III adds backfield firepower, but injuries and question marks linger on both sides of the ball.

"I really don't think you can overstate how much the [Kenneth] Walker signing is going to be," Winks said. "I think they're going to be maybe a little more under center. I would draft him in the first round in fantasy."

Tice added: "They need someone outside Mahomes that can create something — that's why you bring in Walker."

Win total predictions:

  • Hayden Winks: 5

  • Nate Tice: 6

The hosts pointed to new head coach in Klint Kubiak, a stabilized offensive line and No. 1 overall draft pick Fernando Mendoza as giving the Raiders direction after a disastrous 2025 season. But the young roster, receiver weakness and a brutal schedule make a complete turnaround a 2027 proposition.

"My X factor is just normalcy. Kubiak is a pro, Mendoza is a pro, [Kirk] Cousins is a pro," Tice said. "They've really got guys in their head positions now."

For more NFL insight, tune into "Football 301 on Apple, Spotify or YouTube.

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Clayton Kershaw visits longtime friend Matthew Stafford at Rams training camp

Clayton Kershaw got back on the field, but not with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Kershaw took his sons to Rams training camp Wednesday, where the family posed for a picture with quarterback Matthew Stafford.

Clayton Kershaw and his sons pose for a picture with Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford at training camp. X/@RamsNFL

The two superstar athletes are longtime friends and have maintained a close friendship.

Kershaw and Stafford grew up together in Dallas, Texas where they played sports together beginning at the age of nine. The pair also attended Highland Park High School together, where they graduated in 2006.

Both Kershaw and Stafford were first-round picks in their respective sports. Kershaw was the 7th overall pick in the 2006 MLB Draft, while Stafford was the 1st overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft.

The duo reunited in Los Angeles later in their careers as Stafford joined Kershaw in the city after he was traded to the Rams in 2021. Since then, Stafford has attended several Dodgers games including Kershaw’s final regular season start at Dodger Stadium in 2025.

Kershaw retired from baseball last season after 18 seasons in the league. He ended his career on top as the Dodgers became the first team to win back-to-back World Series titles in a quarter century.

Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is entering his 18th season in the NFL. AP Photo/Wally Skalij
Dodgers star Clayton Kershaw retired from baseball after the 2025 season. Getty Images

Kershaw’s legacy with the Dodgers was cemented long before the 2025 campaign, but he ended his storied resume with a third World Series title. The 38-year-old boasts three Cy Young awards, an MVP award, five ERA titles and more than 3,000 strikeouts.

As for Stafford, the quarterback is entering his 18th season in the NFL with the Rams. The LA squad is a Super Bowl favorite, especially with the addition of Myles Garrett.

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Browns owner says his 95-year-old dad gave gut check on Garrett, Giannis trades

It's not often that an executive is attached to league-altering trades in two different sports, but Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam can etch his name in the trivia books after this summer.

In the span of a month, Haslam-led teams traded both NFL All-Pro pass rusher Myles Garrett (to the Los Angeles Rams) and NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo (to the Miami Heat), ringing in new eras for both the NFL's Cleveland Browns and NBA's Milwaukee Bucks.

Haslam has been known to have some questionable transactions under his watch, and the latest gambits were both eye-opening to fans, analysts – and even family members — like Haslam's 95-year-old dad.

Speaking with reporters, Haslam said his father, Jim Haslam, had a small reality check moment with him in the wake of the deals.

"My dad's 95 and a half, but still follows every sports move we make, and he called me up after we traded Giannis and said, 'Do you know that in the last month you've traded Myles Garrett and Giannis?,'" Haslam told reporters with a laugh recently. "I said, 'Yes, sir, I know that.'"

As a minority co-owner of the Bucks, Haslam had a hand in dealing Antetokounmpo to the Heat in July, ending a years-long saga of whether or not the team would deal the superstar. Antetokounmpo led the Bucks to an NBA championship in the 2021 NBA Finals and also added league MVPs to his mantle.

Garrett didn't have the luxury of being a piece of a championship team in Cleveland, but earned plenty of personal accolades, including two Defensive Player of the Year awards and five first-team All-Pro nods (while also becoming the single-season sack record holder in 2025).

Haslam weighs in on Giannis trade

The trade that sent Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat rocked the NBA as one of the biggest dominos of a massive summer across the league.

Haslam said he believes rebuilding in the NBA is more difficult than in the NFL, and that the only way to judge the Antetokounmpo deal is by what happens next. The Bucks netted Tyler Herro, Kel'el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Kasparas Jakučionis in the deal, alongside multiple picks.

"Listen, it's all about what you get, and Giannis is a generational player, won a championship, but we felt the need to get younger," Haslam said. "He was the best asset we had. We had mortgaged our future going forward and I think we got four really good players, and we got two draft picks – No. 1 draft picks - couple of swaps, and second, so, time will tell.

"We've gotta use those picks wisely – just like we have to do with the Myles trade – but cautious optimism. Although, you gotta be realistic, rebuilding is no fun."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Browns owner says his 95-year-old dad gave gut check on Garrett, Giannis trades

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Giants RB Cam Skattebo is cutting down on backflips. Here's why

New York Giants fans won't be seeing as much of running back Cam Skattebo's acrobatics this year – at least in training camp.

Skattebo told reporters at Giants training camp on Friday, July 31 that he's going to stop attempting backflips off of the field for now. His signature celebration became a hot topic earlier in July after a video of a failed backflip attempt – just months removed from a severe ankle injury – went viral.

"Obviously, I do some dumb things here and there," Skattebo said. "But I learn from it. My coach talked to me, told me how he felt, and I learned from it. Will I go do that backflip again? Probably not. We live and we learn, and we move on."

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'Football 301' ranks top 10 NFL offenses: Is it Rams or Cowboys for No. 1?

Yahoo Sports' "Football 301" podcast hosts Nate Tice and Matt Harmon spent an episode going through their top 10 NFL offenses heading into the 2026 season. Their dueling lists consisted largely of the same teams and featured a fun debate on who should be No. 1. Here's how their rankings broke down:

Harmon's top 10

Tice's top 10

  1. Jaguars

  1. Packers

  1. Patriots

  1. 49ers

  1. 49ers

  1. Lions

  1. Chargers

  1. Bears

  1. Bills

  1. Bengals

  1. Bengals

  1. Bills

  1. Cowboys

  1. Patriots

  1. Bears

  1. Chargers

  1. Lions

  1. Rams

  1. Rams

  1. Cowboys

Why Dallas can outgun everyone — if the line holds

It's easy to fall in love with the Cowboys' firepower. CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens form a dazzling one-two punch that can win with finesse or rock fights, and newcomer Ryan Flournoy is no slouch as WR3.

"It's one of the only teams where their third receiver is actually dangerous," Harmon raved, pointing out Flournoy's ability to step up if injuries hit.

(Yahoo Sports)

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The tight end group might be the NFL's most versatile. Jake Ferguson pairs receiving chops with real Y-blocking; Brevyn Spann-Ford is an elite edge-sealer; even the fullback, Hunter Luepke, is a tactical weapon — a "rug that ties the room together," as Tice put it.

But the O-line, long Dallas' calling card, faces a new test. Tyler Guyton is a supreme athlete but, as Tice noted, "He was always hurt in college. Right now, same story … so, can he string together 15-16 games in the NFL?"

Thankfully, Dallas has rare depth. "Nate Thomas wasn't bad last year when he had to play," Tice said, suggesting continuity even if Guyton misses more time.

What sets Dallas apart isn't just stars. The Cowboys are already solving the problems modern defenses throw at them. When teams flood the line with five defenders ("clouds" and 5-man fronts), Dallas answers with pullers and fullbacks, creating mismatches and staying one move ahead.

"That's why I'm so optimistic. They already showed the signs of going supernova … they were good on offense last year. I'm just all systems go," Tice said.

Even weaknesses don't feel fatal. The running back room is solid, if unspectacular. But on this team? "If running back depth is your biggest worry, you're probably going to be alright," Tice said.

With an offense already carving up the trends of 2026 and enough O-line talent to (probably) patch over injuries, the Cowboys are as close as it gets to an offensive sure thing.

If Guyton can string together a healthy campaign — or if Thomas picks up where he left off — expect Dallas to be at the top of every power ranking come Thanksgiving.

At the core of Harmon's justification for putting the Rams No. 1 on his list is the "MVP at quarterback" in Matthew Stafford and the elite playmaker duo of Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, calling Nacua "a top receiver in the NFL, period, end of story" if healthy. The Rams' offense is built around stars at key positions, giving them the capacity to run their entire passing game through explosive weapons.

The tight end group is another area of strength unique to the Rams. With perhaps "the fastest tight end in the NFL in Terrance Ferguson, who can truly be a sacrificial player from 13 personnel" plus proven producers like Colby Parkinson, the Rams have the ability to seamlessly pivot from multi-tight end sets to 11 personnel when the situation demands.

"They're always ahead of it," Harmon says of Sean McVay-led units. The Rams stay atop modern trends, blending a multiple-tight end attack with tempo and versatility. McVay's willingness to adapt — such as increasing fourth-down aggressiveness from 10% to 29% over his Rams tenure — keeps defenses off-balance and maximizes the roster's strengths.

Despite naming them No. 1, Harmon admits there is a "little bit of a house of cards element" to the Rams' setup. He points out some serious risks: Nacua's offseason legal troubles, Adams' age (34, unprecedented for a WR1), depth concerns at receiver behind the top two, and the durability of key linemen like Alaric Jackson. There's also the wild card of Stafford's health and age; any significant time missed could derail L.A.'s ceiling.

For more NFL insight, tune into "Football 301 on Apple, Spotify or YouTube.

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Lebron in Philly? Eagles' Saquon Barkley pitches James on joining 76ers

LeBron James is looking to join a new squad after eight seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers.

The expectation is James will prioritize competing for a championship as he looks to earn a fifth NBA title. That's why it's hardly a surprise the Philadelphia 76ers are among the teams that have frequently been connected to the 41-year-old superstar.

The 76ers are expected to be one of the Eastern Conference favorites for the upcoming NBA season. They added Jaylen Brown to a core that already includes Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe, so signing James would further bolster their chances of winning their first NBA title since 1983.

The Philadelphia 76ers will be among those pitching James on joining their squad, but their argument got an assist from another prominent Philadelphia athlete.

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley made his own pitch to James at a his youth football camp at Haddonfield High School in New Jersey.

"I think it is one of the greatest sports towns in the world," Barkley said when asked how he would pitch James on coming to Philadelphia, per NBC Sports Philadelphia. "I know [New York Knicks forward] Josh Hart said the opposite. I saw that today on Twitter. But I have to disagree with him. If you want to go out with a bang, I feel like a great spot would be in Philly, and bringing a championship to Philadelphia, you'd be remembered forever."

Barkley knows first-hand what it means to bring a championship to Philadelphia. He helped achieve that goal in his first season with the Eagles, becoming just the ninth running back in NFL history to eclipse 2,000 yards and helping power Philadelphia to a 40-22 Super Bowl 59 win over the Kansas City Chiefs.

As sweet as Barkley's championship with the Eagles was, Philadelphia only had a seven-year gap between their Super Bowl wins. By comparison, the 76ers faithful have waited more than four decades for another NBA title and the team hasn't appeared in the NBA finals since 2001.

LEBRON JAMES: NFL teams shoot their shot with free agent after Lakers exit

So Barkley has a point that James could continue to build his elite legacy with a championship in Philadelphia.

Soon enough, NBA fans will see where the 22-time All-Star decides to continue his legendary career.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Lebron in Philly? Eagles' Saquon Barkley pitches James on joining 76ers

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NFL teams shoot their shot with free agent LeBron James after Lakers exit

LeBron James is leaving the Los Angeles Lakers and will instantly become the top available player in NBA free agency.

James will have no shortage of interest as he prepares to change teams for the first time since he initially signed with the Lakers in 2018.

And that will include suitors from outside of the NBA, as a couple of NFL teams proved with social media posts following news of James' imminent departure.

LEBRON JAMES LANDING SPOTS: Where legend could play after Lakers exit

The Jacksonville Jaguars wasted little time throwing their hat into the mix for James. Their social media team posted a meme suggesting their interest in the 22-time All-Star less than two hours after ESPN's Shams Charania first reported that James was leaving the Lakers.

Shortly thereafter, the Green Bay Packers posted a Photoshop edit of James wearing a Packers uniform on their social media accounts.

"Heard he's a free agent," Green Bay's post read.

Of course, the Jaguars and Packers were merely joking, as each knows James, 41, won't be switching sports at this point in his storied career.

That said, their posts provide a reminder that James was once considered a potential football star. James was an All-State receiver during his sophomore and junior seasons at St. Vincent-St. Mary's High School before switching his focus to basketball full-time.

James flirted with the idea of playing football at times, even after being selected No. 1 overall in the 2003 NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers. Notably, he received offers to work out for the Dallas Cowboys and Seattle Seahawks during the 2011 NFL lockout, as he told The Athletic in 2021.

"I always think about it," James said regarding a potential career in football.

James – who was 26 at the time of the lockout – also opined he would have made either team had he gone through with the tryouts, which he ultimately decided against.

"I would have tried out, but I would have made the team," James said. "One thing about it, I don't mind working for something, so if I would have had to try out for the Cowboys or the Seahawks, or if I'd have stayed home and went back home to Cleveland, I'd have tried (out), but I would have made the team. I just know what I'm capable of doing on the football field. Especially at that age."

James' potential as a football star will remain a great "what if," but there's little doubt he made the right decision playing in the NBA

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NFL teams shoot their shot with free agent LeBron James after Lakers exit

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Who are NFL's top 5 defensive players?

On the latest episode of Yahoo Sports' "Football 301," host Nate Tice and guest Diante Lee of The Ringer set out to answer an offseason debate: which defenders are set to define the 2026 NFL season?

Tice and Lee drafted their top picks for a one-year, all-defensive draft, ranking their selections by a blend of advanced stats, positional value and the all-important "culture-setter" factor. Here's a recap of their consensus top-five defenders and some of the reasoning behind their choices.

These five defenders were highlighted not just for their raw production, but also their ability to transform schemes, elevate teammates, and serve as centerpieces for Super Bowl-caliber units. According to Tice and Lee, expect them to be the most influential defensive forces of the 2026 season.

For Lee, the top pick had to be Anderson, the Texans' superstar edge rusher. Lee praised Anderson's "explosion in sack production," pointing to his 12 sacks last season and his dominance as a run defender, which Lee argued was the best at his position league-wide.

Advanced stats back it up: Anderson posted a 97th percentile sack rate and an equally elite QB hit rate. His relentless style sets the tone for the Texans' defense, transforming what it means to play defensive end in Houston.

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Tice followed up by selecting Garrett, now a key piece on the Rams. The panel described Garrett as "one of the true best players in football" and "one of the best players I've ever seen in my life"

Garrett's transition to L.A. is a potential game-changer, reminiscent of era-defining player moves like Randy Moss to the Patriots and Reggie White to the Packers . Garrett's ability to disrupt both run and pass sets him apart, and Lee suggested that L.A.'s infrastructure could unlock his very best season yet.

Lee emphasized Parsons' "transformational" traits, his perennial 2%+ sack rate and his ability to single-handedly elevate the run and pass defense. Parsons' on-off splits, where Green Bay's defense plummets in his absence, drive home just how rare his impact can be.

The consensus: if he's healthy, few defenders can change a game like Parsons.

DENVER, COLORADO - DECEMBER 14: Micah Parsons #1 of the Green Bay Packers is double teamed by Frank Crum #73 and Adam Trautman #82 of the Denver Broncos during the third quarter at Empower Field At Mile High on December 14, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
Micah Parsons is no stranger to double teams. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
Justin Edmonds via Getty Images

Surtain is described as "one of the best corners I've ever watched" and "the prototype" at the position, thanks to a rare blend of size, speed, quickness and football IQ. Both hosts compared Surtain's effect to Darrelle Revis: eliminate half the field, force quarterbacks to look elsewhere and anchor any coverage shell.

Rounding out the top five is Jones, a true game-wrecker. Lee couldn't leave Jones off his board, citing his penchant for taking over games, especially in critical moments like the second half vs. Indianapolis last year.

While Jones "picks and chooses his spots," when he's engaged, he's simply "unblockable." His presence fundamentally redefines what offenses are able to do, even if the box sheet doesn't always show a 10-tackle, 3-sack stat line.

For more on the NFL, listen to "Football 301" wherever you get your podcasts.

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Rams’ Myles Garrett made recruiting pitch for LeBron James to return with Lakers

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Los Angeles Rams defensive end Myles Garrett speaking at a press conference, Image 2 shows LeBron James looking up in his Lakers jersey during an NBA game

The Los Angeles Rams introduced their newest superstar on Tuesday in a city that is already overflowing with them. 

That’s why it didn’t take long for Garrett to mention his friendship with another LA-based sports superstar. 

LeBron James. 

Garrett and James have spent years building a relationship rooted in their common ties to Cleveland. One brought the city their first championship in 52 years, the other became the face of the Browns. 

Rams defensive end Myles Garrett talks to reporters at a press conference at the team’s practice facility on June 2026. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Their connection eventually extended beyond admiration. Garrett joined Rich Paul’s Klutch Sports Group, and purchased a minority ownership stake in the Cavaliers franchise.

Garrett even trained alongside James during the offseason and leaned on him for advice when his frustrations with the Browns boiled over in the winter of 2025, ultimately leading to Garrett demanding a trade out of Cleveland. 

LeBron even tweeted congratulating Garrett for breaking the NFL’s single-season sack record last season.

Now both stars call the City of Angels home. 

“He’s been a positive force in my life,” Garrett said during his introductory press conference at the Rams practice facility on Tuesday. “Giving me advice when he can. Always helping trying to work through different situations early on in my career.”

But then, unsolicited Garrett may have made his recruiting pitch to LeBron to return to the Lakers for next season. 

LeBron James stands on the court in the closing minutes of the Lakers’ Game 4 home loss to the Thunder on May 11, 2026 in the second round of the NBA playoffs. AP

“We’ll see how long LBJ is around here,” Garrett said with a smile. “I’m not sure what his future looks like, but if he wants to stay around for a couple more years, I know they’ll accept him with open arms.”

LeBron’s future remains one of the NBA’s biggest unanswered questions. He is officially a free agent and soon will be able to sign with any team he chooses. He could also opt for retirement or run it back with the Lakers. All possibilities are on the table. 

But Garrett’s message was clear as day. He waived his no-trade clause and came to L.A. to chase championships, and now that he’s in the same city as his longtime mentor, he would be happy to share the city’s sports spotlight with The King for a few more years.

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What to expect from NFL's second-year QBs in 2026, from Cam Ward to Shedeur Sanders

The rookie grace period is over. Now it’s time to see how the 2025 NFL Draft’s quarterback class performs as sophomores.

One this week’s episode of the “Football 301” podcast on Yahoo Sports, Nate Tice and Matt Harmon discuss the most notable QBs entering their second seasons and what fans should look for in 2026.

From No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward to fifth-round selection Shedeur Sanders, there’s a wide range in potential outcomes.

Both Tice and Harmon agreed that Ward’s rookie year stats didn’t stand out, but the surrounding situation was dire — rookie receivers, backup tight ends and an unstable coaching staff. Despite the lack of a single eye-popping stat, Ward showed encouraging traits: good pocket clock, a willingness to push the ball and creativity in his throws. With the addition of rookie first-round receiver Carnell Tate and slight improvements around him, expect Ward to take a noticeable second-year leap, likely shedding most lingering doubts about his viability as a starter, even if he doesn’t suddenly become elite.

Dart impressed with his athleticism and toughness in a difficult situation last season, showing real flashes as a runner and creator. However, he takes too many hits and needs to develop passing consistency, especially over the middle and on in-structure plays. Tice compared him to a raw Russell Wilson or Justin Fields: high upside if he reins himself in, but there’s significant bust risk if he can’t grow his pocket operator skills. The new system under Greg Roman/Matt Nagy should emphasize his running, but big strides as a passer are still needed.

Harmon and Tice both see Shough as the safest bet for Year 2 success. He showed poise, decisiveness and a good football IQ — albeit at 27 years old. He lacks the ceiling of Ward or Dart, but makes good decisions, gets the ball out quickly and fits well in the Saints’ improved offense. The main concern is his sack rate and ability to create under heavy pressure, but he projects as a top-16 to top-18 “steady hand” starter for this season.

Sanders struggled statistically and on film, hampered by dreadful pass protection and inconsistent receivers in Cleveland. He’s neither a top athlete nor a power arm, and must play much faster and with more decisiveness. He projects best as a developmental backup — he showed enough to compete for a backup job, but unless he can overcome his processing and physical limitations, he’s unlikely to develop into a starting-caliber QB. Tice compared his statistical profile to Mitchell Trubisky.

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Travis Kelce buys stake in his hometown Cleveland Guardians: ‘Living the dream’

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Travis Kelce, a Cleveland Heights native, threw out the first pitch at the Guardians game, Image 2 shows Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce

He’s Cleveland through and through.

After being seen cheering on the Cavaliers as they faced the Knicks, Travis Kelce is set to become a minority investor into his hometown Guardians, he told ESPN.

Kelce, 36, is famously a native of nearby Cleveland Heights, Ohio, and said he has “so much love for this city.”

Travis Kelce, a Cleveland Heights native, is seen throwing out the first pitch at a Guardians game. Getty Images

“I say it all the time: I’m just a kid from the Heights living the dream,” he said. “I credit every good thing in my life to Cleveland and being raised here with the values and the people and the work ethic. Cleveland Heights is such a diverse and dynamic place. Every friend, neighbor, teacher and teammate — they all made me the man I am today. It just fueled such a deep appreciation for life and community and service. That mentality of Cleveland against the world runs deep.

“I’ve been lucky enough to have a front-row seat to good ownership in my career, and I know the best teams prioritize culture,” he continued. “Everyone is there to play their role, and right now, I’m here to observe and learn and really to support the team and the city when and where I can.”

It’s not clear what percentage of the team Kelce will own, though the franchise is currently valued at $1.7 billion, according to Forbes.

The Chiefs’ tight end was a star baseball player in high school, and his latest investment will see him form an MLB rivalry with his good friend and teammate Patrick Mahomes.

Mahomes joined the ownership group of the Kansas City Royals in 2020, though he and Kelce also invested in the Alpine F1 team together.

Ever the dedicated Cleveland sports fan, Kelce and his girlfriend Taylor Swift sat courtside Saturday as the Cavs hosted the Knicks in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals.

Kelce and girlfriend Taylor Swift cheered on the Cleveland Cavaliers last weekend NBAE via Getty Images

However, his attempts to rile up the crowd with a beer chug were unsuccessful as the Knicks won Game 3 and ultimately swept the series.

Kelce is gearing up for his 14th season of NFL action after re-signing with Kansas City on a one-year deal in March.

He racked up 76 catches for 851 yards and five touchdowns last season as he still proved to be one of the league’s better tight ends.

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Darryl and Darryn Peterson first brothers to enter NFL, NBA in same year

When the Rams announced their list of undrafted free agents they agreed to terms with, one name should stick out to fans who also follow the NBA.

Darryl Peterson III.

Peterson is the older brother of standout NBA prospect Darryn Peterson, widely considered one of the top two players — alongside BYU’s AJ Dybantsa — available for the 2026 NBA draft.

According to NBA reporter Krysten Peek, the Darryl and Darryn Peterson will be the first pair of brothers to enter the NFL and NBA in the same year.
Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post
According to NBA reporter Krysten Peek, the Darryl and Darryn Peterson will be the first pair of brothers to enter the NFL and NBA in the same year.
Getty Images

After an up-and-down season where Darryn’s character and work ethic were questioned due to random events while at Kansas, Darryn silenced many doubters with a stunning performance at the NBA draft combine this past week.

It was there where he spoke at length with Krysten Peek about his brother Darryl.

“A lot of people don’t know this, but my brother played football at Wisconsin. He’s a really good football player and he just got signed with the LA Rams. We grew up working and having the same dream, different sport and it’s just super cool to see him achieve his and me, hopefully next month, achieve mine. Shout out to our parents. We both worked super hard and they sacrificed so much for us to both chase our dreams. Without them it wouldn’t be possible.”

According to Peek, the duo will be the first pair of brothers to enter the NFL and NBA in the same year.

While Darryn’s NBA future most likely comes down to Washington or Utah, Darryl will be in Los Angeles trying to make the Rams’ team.

Darryl played in all 12 games for Wisconsin as a senior, registering a team-high 11.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. He was named honorable mention All-Big-10 as the Badgers finished 4-8 overall and 2-7 in conference play.