The NFL’s Week 18 schedule is finally here.

The penultimate week of regular-season action clarified which few pieces of the playoff puzzle still have to fall in place. With that coming into focus, the league was able to determine a setup for every team’s finale.

The Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers will meet on Saturday afternoon to determine the likely winner of the NFC South (barring the Atlanta Falcons winning out). Then, the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers will clash Saturday night with the NFC’s No. 1 seed on the line.

The Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers will close out the season on Sunday night to decide the AFC North title.

Here’s a look at the NFL Week 18 schedule with times and dates for all 16 showdowns:

NFL Week 18 schedule

Saturday, Jan. 3

Carolina Panthers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 4:30 p.m. ET

Seattle Seahawks at San Francisco 49ers, 8 p.m. ET

Sunday, Jan. 4

Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings, 1 p.m. ET

Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals, 1 p.m. ET

Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans, 1 p.m. ET

Dallas Cowboys at New York Giants, 1 p.m. ET

Tennessee Titans at Jacksonville Jaguars, 1 p.m. ET

New York Jets at Buffalo Bills, 4:25 p.m. ET

Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears, 4:25 p.m. ET

Los Angeles Chargers at Denver Broncos, 4:25 p.m. ET

Kansas City Chiefs at Las Vegas Raiders, 4:25 p.m. ET

Arizona Cardinals at Los Angeles Rams, 4:25 p.m. ET

Washington Commanders at Philadelphia Eagles, 4:25 p.m. ET

Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers, 8:20 p.m. ET

The San Francisco 49ers earned a critical win in a 42-38 shootout against the Chicago Bears on ‘Sunday Night Football’ in Week 17 to keep themselves alive in the NFC West race.

While offense was the name of the game at Levi’s Stadium throughout Sunday’s action, it was a key defensive stand that sealed the San Francisco victory.

Caleb Williams and the Bears did everything in their power to mount a game-winning drive in the final 2:15 of regulation. Ben Johnson’s team managed to quickly matriculate the ball down the field and survive a fourth-and-5 to set the team up with a goal-to-go opportunity with four seconds remaining.

The Bears were out of timeouts when Williams spiked the ball on first-and-goal to stop the clock after Colston Loveland and D’Andre Swift used a hook-and-ladder play to put Chicago on the 2-yard line. With such little time remaining, the Bears had time for just one shot into the end zone.

Williams snapped the ball on second down and tried to find an open receiver. Nobody broke open immediately before Bryce Huff pressured the second-year quarterback, flushing him to his left. Williams was able to continue surveying the field but still couldn’t find anyone open.

Eventually, Yetur Gross-Matos got pressure in Williams’ face, and the quarterback was forced to just throw the ball at will. It fell harmless to the ground in the end zone, sealing San Francisco’s win.

The 49ers’ victory will give them a chance to earn an NFC West title and the No. 1 overall seed in the NFC in Week 18. They need only beat the Seattle Seahawks head-to-head to earn both honors.

Meanwhile, the Bears have been eliminated from the race for the NFC’s No. 1 seed and will instead be locked into either the conference’s No. 2 or No. 3 seed in the league’s playoff picture.

49ers vs. Bears SNF takeaways

• The 49ers offense is good enough to win a Super Bowl. The 49ers marched the ball down the field at will against the Bears on ‘Sunday Night Football’ despite being without George Kittle and losing left tackle Trent Williams on the first play of the game. Brock Purdy was efficient again, making several spectacular throws on the run and totaling five touchdowns for the second time in as many games. Christian McCaffrey handled 27 touches and turned them into 181 yards and a score, showing off his explosive playmaking ability on the ground and through the air. San Francisco simply has so many ways to beat its opponents and if the team can get fully healthy before their first playoff game, they have a legitimate chance to go on a Super Bowl run.
• The Bears offense might also be title-worthy. Caleb Williams continues to show growth under Ben Johnson. Rookies Luther Burden III and Colston Loveland are also coming along nicely, while Chicago sports one of the most productive running games in the NFL. The main difference between the 49ers and Bears is seasoning, as Williams is in just his first season working with Johnson. Occasionally, some growing pains pop up – live Burden and Loveland’s drops on Chicago’s final drive – but there’s plenty to like about what the Bears are doing. If Chicago’s offense plays as it did against the 49ers, the Bears may have a chance to get hot at the right time and go on a Super Bowl run of their own.
• Luther Burden is a star in the making. Burden has become increasingly involved in the Bears’ offense and was the team’s top receiver against the 49ers. He tallied 138 yards and a touchdown on eight receptions, showing off a knack for getting open and shiftiness that could make him a big-time playmaker. Burden looks like an ideal, long-term complement for Rome Odunze, so the Bears have to be excited about the young core of weapons it has already built around Williams.

49ers vs. Bears highlights

49ers vs. Bears final score: San Francisco 42, Chicago 38

Caleb Williams got the Bears a goal-to-go opportunity after a hook-and-ladder play got Chicago to the 2-yard line. With just four seconds left in the game, Williams snapped the ball and tried to find an open receiver. The 49ers were sticky in coverage and didn’t allowed anyone to get free.

Bryce Huff was the first 49er to pressure Williams, who eventually had to release the ball with Yetur Gross-Matos baring down on him. The throw fell short of the Chicago receiver in the end-zone, clinching a victory for the 49ers and keeping them in the NFC West race.

Caleb Williams completes fourth-down pass to Colston Loveland

The Bears were facing a fourth-and-5 after a couple of incompletions. Williams got time to throw in the pocket and found Loveland open beyond the sticks.

The Bears used their final timeout and there are 26 seconds remaining in regulation. Chicago needs 13 yards to take the lead.

Bears have ball on 49ers’ 26-yard line with 40 seconds left

Caleb Williams and the Bears have methodically moved the ball down the field since getting it back after San Francisco’s touchdown. They are now facing a second-and-5 from the 49ers’ 26-yard line. The Bears have 40 seconds and two timeouts remaining.

Jauan Jennings catches 38-yard TD pass from Brock Purdy to give 49ers lead

The 49ers have re-taken the lead. This time, it’s Jauan Jennings who managed to hit pay-dirt. The veteran receiver came across the middle of the field and found a pocket of space behind the Bears’ linebackers. He then got a quality screen from Ricky Pearsall and managed to run the ball into the end-zone for the score.

Eddy Pineiro’s extra point was good, so the Bears will have 2:15 to overcome a four-point deficit.

49ers 42, Bears 38

Cairo Santos makes 29-yard field goal to give Bears lead

For the first time since opening the game with a pick-six, the Bears have taken a lead against the 49ers. Chicago mounted an 11-play, 78-yard drive but couldn’t quite punch the ball into the end-zone.

Santos was called upon on a fourth-and-goal from the 11-yard line and made the 29-yard kick. The Bears are now leading 38-35 with 5:22 left in regulation.

Bears 38, 49ers 35

Bears pressure Brock Purdy, force Thomas Morstead’s 1,000th punt

The Bears finally managed to stop the 49ers from scoring again. This time, defensive lineman Austin Booker beat backup left tackle Austen Pleasants and pressured Purdy as he was throwing. The quarterback’s throw bounced to the ground as a result, and Morstead was called on to attempt his 1,000th career punt.

Morstead’s kick was a good one, and Devin Duvernay was forced to fair catch it at the 11-yard line. There is 11:23 remaining in regulation and the Bears will now look to take their first lead since it was 7-0.

D’Andre Swift scores 22-yard touchdown to open fourth quarter

The Bears have once again tied the game. One play after Caleb Williams completed a fourth-down pass to Colston Loveland to move the chains, Swift took a hand-off to the left side of the line and his blockers opened up a big lane for him.

Cairo Santos made the extra point to tie the game at 35. The game has been tied at 7, 14, 21, 28 and now 35, which NBC’s play-by-play announcer Mike Tirico said had never before happened in the NFL regular season.

Bears 35, 49ers 35

How much does Brock Purdy get paid?

Purdy is making just $1.1 million in salary this season, which is the last of the four-year rookie deal he signed with the 49ers after being selected in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft.

However, Purdy signed a five-year, $265 million extension during the offseason that will kick in during the 2026 NFL season. He also got a $40 million signing bonus for the 2025 NFL season, per Spotrac.com, so he actually made just over $41.1 million in 2025 when factoring in a $8,820 workout bonus in his contract.

Purdy’s average annual value (AAV) of $53 million per season on his extension is tied for the seventh-highest in the NFL with Jared Goff. His total contract value of $265 million ranks fifth-highest in the NFL behind only Patrick Mahomes ($450 million), Josh Allen ($330 million), Joe Burrow ($275 million) and Trevor Lawrence ($275 million).

Brock Purdy tosses 6-yard TD to Kyle Juszczyk to put 49ers ahead

The 49ers have now scored touchdowns on all five of their red-zone possessions. This time, Purdy made an incredible play after a play-action pass. He was pressured by a couple of Bears defenders but managed to find a lane through them. He then acted as if he was going to run before throwing the ball back to Juszczyk, who was wide open in the end-zone.

Eddy Pineiro made the extra point and San Francisco is once again up by seven.

49ers 35, Bears 28

Trent Williams injury update

The 49ers have officially ruled starting left tackle Trent Williams out for the remainder of Sunday’s game because of a hamstring injury.

Williams suffered the injury on the first play of the game, a Brock Purdy pick-six. Austen Pleasants will continue to play in place of Williams, as he did in the first half.

Bears tie game with D’Andre Swift TD run to open second half

The Bears enjoyed a strong start to the second half. They held the ball for 5:09 and marched down the field, with Caleb Williams hitting Jahdae Walker for a key 19-yard connection on a third-and-14 and Luther Burden scooting for a 23-yard gain after catching a dump-off from Williams.

Chicago capped the drive with a Swift run. The veteran back took the ball around the right side of the line and managed to find a lane into the end-zone.

Cairo Santos then banged through an extra point to tie the game back up early in the second half.

Bears 28, 49ers 28

Bears playoff scenarios

The Bears have already wrapped up the NFC North and a top-three seed in the NFC. However, their game against the 49ers will decide whether Chicago has a chance to remain in the race for the NFC’s No. 1 overall pick.

With a win against the 49ers, the Bears would clinch a top-two seed in the NFC. However, a loss would ensure Chicago would either get the No. 2 or No. 3 seed, pending the results of the team’s Week 18 game against the Detroit Lions and the Philadelphia Eagles’ game against the Washington Commanders.

49ers playoff scenarios

The 49ers have already clinched a playoff berth but need to win against the Bears to remain in the NFC West race.

Below is a look at how the 49ers can clinch the NFC West:

• 49ers win vs. Bears in Week 17 AND
• 49ers win vs. Seahawks in Week 18

If the 49ers can’t beat both the Bears and the Seahawks, they would be either the No. 5 or No. 6 seed in the NFC.

Caleb Williams stats at halftime

Williams and the Bears ran just 19 plays compared to the 49ers’ 47 in the first half. As such, Williams’ stats aren’t quite as impressive as Purdy’s.

Williams has completed 6 of 12 passes for 108 yards and two touchdowns. He had two nice downfield strikes to Luther Burden III and Colston Loveland for the touchdowns but will need to improve upon his shorter-area accuracy to sustain drives in the second half.

Christian McCaffrey stats at halftime

The 49ers have leaned on McCaffrey as their top offensive weapon with George Kittle (ankle) unavailable for Sunday’s game. McCaffrey has generated 121 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries while adding two catches for 20 yards through the air.

Brock Purdy stats at halftime

Purdy has remained hot during his Week 17 ‘Sunday Night Football’ game. He has completed 14 of 20 passes for 164 yards and a touchdown while adding 23 yards and two scores on five rushes.

Purdy’s lone blemish was the pick-six he threw on the first play of the game. Since then, he has been razor-sharp, leading the 49ers to 330 total yards of offense in the first half.

49ers take 28-21 lead into halftime

The 49ers have just a seven-point lead over the Bears, but San Francisco has been dominant across the first 30 minutes of action.

The 49ers completely controlled the clock, holding onto the ball for 21:56 of the first half. They generated a whopping 330 yards of offense in the first half and only punted once despite losing left tackle Trent Williams to a hamstring injury on the first play of the game.

To their credit, the Bears have stayed in Sunday’s game. Caleb Williams has tossed a couple of long touchdowns to rookies Luther Burden III and Colston Loveland while T.J. Edwards opened the game with a pick-six that gave Chicago an early lead.

The Bears will get the ball first coming out of the locker room. They will be looking to sustain drives and keep their defense from tiring in what has thus far been a high-scoring shootout.

Brock Purdy scores 3-yard touchdown on read-option run

Purdy scored his first rushing touchdown of the game on a scramble. His second came on a designed read-option run during which he kept the ball after a fake to Christian McCaffrey. Eddy Pineiro made his fourth extra point of the game to give the 49ers a touchdown lead once again.

San Francisco’s score came just a couple of plays after Purdy threw an interception that was nullified by an illegal use of hands to the face penalty against the Bears.

49ers 28, Bears 21

Caleb Williams hits Colston Loveland for 36-yard TD on free play

Williams managed to get the 49ers to jump offside just before the snap, creating an opportunity for a free play. The second-year quarterback hung back in the pocket and scanned the field while moving to his right before finding Loveland, a rookie tight end, open near the goal-line.

Williams deliver an accurate strike to Loveland, who brought the ball down for a 36-yard touchdown. Cairo Santos made the extra point and the Bears and 49ers are once again tied with 12:20 left in the second quarter.

Bears 21, 49ers 21

Christian McCaffrey scores 5-yard TD on toss play

The 49ers’ latest touchdown drive was capped off by McCaffrey, who took a toss around the right side of San Francisco’s offensive line and was able to weave through the Bears defense for an easy score.

Eddy Pineiro makes the extra point again and the 49ers are once again up by a touchdown.

49ers 21, Bears 14

Caleb Williams hits Luther Burden III for 35-yard TD

The Bears have scored their first offensive touchdown of Sunday’s game. Williams was able to deliver a perfect downfield strike to the rookie Burden, who gained separation from the San Francisco secondary to make the catch in the end-zone.

Cairo Santos made the extra point and the teams are once again all square with 2:58 left in the first quarter.

Bears 14, 49ers 14

Where did Brock Purdy go to college?

Purdy played collegiately at Iowa State. He was a four-year starter for the Cyclones and completed 67.7% of his passes for 12,170 yards, 81 touchdowns and 33 interceptions over the course of his career.

Purdy’s strong performance was enough to get him drafted, but just barely. He was the 262nd (and final) pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. He has since cemented his legacy as one of the best ‘Mr. Irrelevant’ picks in league history.

Brock Purdy scrambles for 10-yard TD to give 49ers lead

The 49ers quickly got into scoring range after getting the ball back from the Bears thanks to a 41-yard run by Christian McCaffrey. Purdy finished off the drive by finding a running lane off a bootleg left and diving across the goal-line to give the 49ers their first lead of the game.

Eddy Pineiro made the extra point and San Francisco now has a seven-point lead.

49ers 14, Bears 7

49ers punt for first time since November

The 49ers went two full games without punting to open December. They managed two more drives in their third one before Thomas Morstead was called on to punt for the first time since Week 13 against the Cleveland Browns.

Morstead unleashed a 49-yarder that pinned the Bears back at their own 16-yard line.

When was the Bears’ last Super Bowl win?

The Bears have just one Super Bowl win in their history. That came in Super Bowl 20, which was played in January 2026 to determine the champion of the 1985 NFL season.

The Bears beat the New England Patriots 46-10 in a game during which Chicago ran for four touchdowns with Jim McMahon, Matt Suhey and William ‘The Refrigerator’ Perry.

Brock Purdy finds Jake Tonges wide open for 1-yard TD

The 49ers managed to strike back quickly against the Bears. Purdy hit Demarcus Robinson for a 25-yard gain that set San Francisco up with a first-and-goal from the 1-yard line.

The 49ers ran a hard, play-action fake on first-and-goal and Tonges was able to completely lose the defense. Purdy tossed him an easy touchdown before Eddy Pineiro made the extra point to tie the game after San Francisco’s early gaffe.

49ers 7, Bears 7

Trent Williams injury update

The 49ers didn’t just throw an interception on the first play of the game. Their star left tackle, Trent Williams, also suffered an apparent injury. He was receiving treatment in the blue medical tent during San Francisco’s second drive and was replaced at his post by backup Austen Pleasants.

The 49ers didn’t immediately provide an update on Williams’ status but later announced he was ‘questionable’ to return because of a hamstring injury.

Brock Purdy throws pick-six on first offensive snap

The 49ers are off to about as bad a start as possible to their ‘Sunday Night Football’ game against the Bears. Purdy tried to fire a pass over the middle of the field to Jauan Jennings to open the game, but Chicago cornerback Jaylon Johnson managed to jump the route and tip it into the air.

T.J. Edwards came down with the deflection and found a clear path to the end-zone, following his blockers to get an early-game score.

Cairo Santos drilled the extra point and the Bears are leading by a touchdown just 15 seconds into the game.

Bears 7, 49ers 0

Why isn’t George Kittle playing?

Kittle suffered an ankle injury in the 49ers’ win over the Indianapolis Colts on ‘Monday Night Football.’ The veteran tight end was unable to practice ahead of the team’s game against the Chicago Bears, so the 49ers listed him as inactive for Sunday’s game.

The 49ers have already clinched a playoff berth, so that may have led the team to approach Kittle’s injury with caution. San Francisco still has a chance to win the NFC West but will need to beat Chicago to create a battle for the division against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 18.

Bears ‘VMH’ patch, explained

The Bears added the ‘VMH’ jersey patch for the 2025 NFL season to pay tribute to their former owner Virginia Halas McCaskey, who died in February at the age of 102.

McCaskey inherited ownership of the Bears from her father, George Halas Sr., following his death in 1983. She oversaw the team when it won Super Bowl 20 following the 1985 NFL season and was the longest-tenured owner at the time of her passing.

Like her father’s ‘GSH’ patch, McCaskey’s patch features a permutation of her initials, which were ‘VHM.’ The ‘VMH’ patch places McCaskey’s last name as the centerpiece of the logo, while her maiden name-turned-middle initial is on the right side of it.

What does ‘GSH’ on the Chicago Bears uniform mean?

That acronym is a reference to the team’s founding owner, George Stanley Halas Sr. It has been incorporated into Chicago’s uniforms since 1983, following his death at age 83.

Chicago Bears inactives list

• WR Rome Odunze
• WR Olamide Zaccheaus
• QB Case Keenum
• CB Dallis Flowers
• DB Nick McCloud
• LB Ruben Hyppolite II
• OL Luke Newman

San Francisco 49ers inactives list

• TE George Kittle
• WR Jordan Watkins
• DL Robert Beal Jr.
• RB Isaac Guerendo
• DL Kevin Givens
• CB Renardo Green
• LB Curtis Robinson

What TV channel is the 49ers vs. Bears game?

• TV channel: NBC

The Week 17 game between the San Francisco 49ers and Chicago Bears game will be broadcast by NBC on Sunday. Mike Tirico (play-by-play), Cris Collinsworth (game analyst) and Melissa Stark (sideline reporter) will be on the call for the ‘Sunday Night Football’ contest.

What time is the Bears at 49ers game?

• Start time: 8:20 p.m. ET

The 49ers vs. Bears game will kick off at 8:20 p.m. ET on Sunday, Dec. 28.

49ers vs. Bears live stream

• Live stream: Peacock

Per usual, NBC will simulcast its ‘Sunday Night Football’ offering on Peacock, its proprietary streaming service. Cord-cutters can also catch the action on the NFL’s own streaming service, NFL+.

Watch ‘Sunday Night Football’ with Peacock

49ers vs. Bears prediction, picks

Here’s how the NFL experts at USA TODAY Sports believe the Week 17 matchup between the 49ers and Bears will shake out:

• Jarrett Bell: 49ers, 26-24
• Nick Brinkerhoff: 49ers, 28-24
• Chris Bumbaca: 49ers, 29-25
• Nate Davis: 49ers, 24-23
• Tyler Dragon: Bears, 25-21
• Mike Middlehurst-Schwartz: 49ers, 35-28

49ers vs. Bears odds, moneyline, O/U

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 6:15 p.m. ET.

• Moneyline (ML): 49ers -200 (Bet $200 to win $100) | Bears +165 (Bet $100 to win $165)
• Against the spread (ATS): 49ers -3.5 (-105) | Bears +3.5 (-115)
• Over/Under (O/U): 52.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Is George Kittle playing today vs. Bears on Sunday night?

The 49ers’ star tight end is officially inactive for tonight’s game.

Kittle was considered ‘highly unlikely’ to play on ‘Sunday Night Football’ against the Chicago Bears, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. He was expected to test his ankle before the team announced its inactives but it appears he needs more time to recover.

49ers inactives today vs. Bears

• RB Isaac Guerendo
• WR Jordan Watkins
• TE George Kittle
• DL Kevin Givens
• CB Renardo Green
• LB Curtis Robinson
• DL Robert Beal Jr.

Bears inactives today vs. 49ers

• QB Case Keenum
• WR Rome Odunze
• WR Olamide Zaccheaus
• CB Dallis Flowers
• DB Nick McCloud
• LB Ruben Hyppolite II
• OL Luke Newman

NFL playoff picture: NFC bracket

1. Seattle Seahawks (13-3, NFC West leaders)*
2. Chicago Bears (11-4, NFC North winners)*
3. Philadelphia Eagles (11-5, NFC East winners)*
4. Carolina Panthers (8-8, NFC South leaders)
5. San Francisco 49ers (11-4, wild card No. 1)*
6. Los Angeles Rams (11-4, wild card No. 2)*
7. Green Bay Packers (9-6-1, wild card No. 3)*

In the hunt: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)

NFL playoff picture: AFC Bracket

1. Denver Broncos (13-3, AFC West winners)*
2. New England Patriots (13-3, AFC East winners)*
3. Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4, AFC South leaders)*
4. Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7, AFC North leaders)
5. Houston Texans (11-5, wild card No. 1)*
6. Los Angeles Chargers (11-5, wild card No. 3)*
7. Buffalo Bills (11-5, wild card No. 3)*

In the hunt: Baltimore Ravens (8-8)

An asterisk (*) denotes teams that have clinched

NFC West standings

The 49ers enter tonight’s game tied with the Rams in second place in the division. They are ahead by virtue of the division head-to-head record.

• Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
• San Francisco 49ers (11-4)
• Los Angeles Rams (11-4)
• Arizona Cardinals (3-13)

NFC North standings

The Bears have locked up the NFC North division title for the first time since 2018 after the Packers’ loss to the Ravens on Saturday in Week 17.

1. Chicago Bears (11-4)* NFC North winners
2. Green Bay Packers (9-6-1)
3. Minnesota Vikings (8-8)
4. Detroit Lions (8-8)

Bears remaining schedule

• Week 17: at San Francisco 49ers (11-4)
• Week 18: vs. Detroit Lions (8-8)

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NFL draft order 2026

Here’s a look at the latest draft order for the first round with strength of schedule information via Tankathon:

1. Las Vegas Raiders: 2-14; .544 SOS
2. New York Giants: 3-13 record; .531 strength of schedule
3. New York Jets: 3-13, .548 SOS
4. Tennessee Titans: 3-13, .576 SOS
5. Arizona Cardinals: 3-13; .577 SOS
6. Cleveland Browns: 4-12, .494 SOS
7. Washington Commanders: 4-12; .504 SOS
8. New Orleans Saints: 6-10; .491 SOS
9. Kansas City Chiefs: 6-10; .511 SOS
10. Cincinnati Bengals: 6-10; .520 SOS
11. Atlanta Falcons (pick belongs to Los Angeles Rams): 6-9; .498 SOS
12. Miami Dolphins: 7-9; .487 SOS
13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 7-8, .530 SOS
14. Dallas Cowboys: 7-8-1; .430 SOS
15. Detroit Lions: 8-8; .493 SOS
16. Baltimore Ravens: 8-8; .507 SOS
17. Minnesota Vikings: 8-8; .515 SOS
18. Indianapolis Colts (pick belongs to Jets): 8-8; .537 SOS
19. Carolina Panthers: 8-8, .521 SOS
20. Pittsburgh Steelers: 9-7; .513 SOS
21. Green Bay Packers (pick belongs to Cowboys): 9-6-1; .479 SOS
22. Los Angeles Chargers: 11-5; .461 SOS
23. Philadelphia Eagles: 11-5; .469 SOS
24. Buffalo Bills: 11-5, .472 SOS
25. Houston Texans: 11-5; .530 SOS
26. San Francisco 49ers: 11-4, .494 SOS
27. Los Angeles Rams: 11-4, .526 SOS
28. Jacksonville Jaguars (pick belongs to Browns): 12-4; .487 SOS
29. Chicago Bears: 11-4; .450 SOS
30. New England Patriots: 13-3; .386 SOS
31. Denver Broncos: 13-3; .425 SOS
32. Seattle Seahawks: 13-3; .494 SOS

AI-assisted summary
• Simone Biles was on the sidelines as a credentialed photographer for the Chicago Bears vs. San Francisco 49ers game.
• Biles’ husband, Jonathan Owens, is a safety for the Chicago Bears.
• The decorated Olympic gymnast often travels to support her husband at his games.

When she’s not winning gold medals, Simone Biles stays busy.

Her latest quest? Becoming a NFL photographer.

The decorated American Olympic gymnast, with seven gold medals to her name, roamed the sidelines of the San Francisco 49ers’ 42-38 victory over the Chicago Bears prior to and during ‘Sunday Night Football’ as a credentialed photographer.

Biles’ husband, Jonathan Owens, is a safety for the Bears. The couple wed in 2023. Biles often travels to his away games, but she’s not typically on the clock.

Biles is not the first athlete to take photography more seriously than a hobby. Baseball Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. has been credentialed for major golf tournaments and former pitcher Randy Johnson has published works chronicling wildlife in Africa. Biles’ fellow Team USA gymnast, Suni Lee, recently snapped some shots at a Minnesota Vikings game.

Owens has seen his role largely confined to special teams over the last month of the season.

Coach JJ Redick and the Los Angeles Lakers bounced back from a three-game skid on Sunday night, earning a 125-101 victory against the Sacramento Kings.

The Lakers spent the weekend looking to regroup following a three-game losing streak. Los Angeles suffered three blowout losses, including a 119-96 loss on Christmas Day against Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets at home.

Redick indicated after the loss on Christmas that an “uncomfortable” meeting was expected.

‘We don’t care enough to do the things that are necessary,” Redick said on Friday, Dec. 26. “We don’t care enough to be a professional.’

The Lakers had a team meeting on Saturday, Dec. 27, to work through some of the miscommunication and lack of effort from members of the team.

Redick spoke further about the results of the meeting and a longer-than-usual practice on Saturday.

‘We had a great meeting as a staff this morning,’ Redick told reporters on Saturday. ‘Came in super early and we met with the players, and it was very positive and it was also listening. It was also for our staff, myself, to listen to the players and what they need.’

There also appeared to be a level of frustration with the recent lack of success. LeBron James, Marcus Smart and Rui Hachimura all declined to comment on Friday after the loss to the Rockets, according to ESPN.

‘We just talked about everybody (players, coaches), we just got to kind of tighten up,’ Hachimura said about the meeting. ‘We had a good stretch in the beginning, and now we kind of, I don’t know, we relaxed. Or we kind of got tired of winning. But we just stopped doing what we’re supposed to do.’

While Hachimura did speak with reporters the following day, James and Smart declined once again.

The Lakers were 10-4 to start the season before James’ season debut on Nov. 18. James missed the first 14 games of the season due to a sciatica injury.

The team managed to continue their success upon the return of the 23-year veteran, winning the first four games with James to start his season. Los Angeles has compiled an 8-5 record since James’ return.

James was one of several players who missed games during the season due to injury. Austin Reaves became the latest player expected to miss time after suffering an injury on Christmas Day. Reaves is likely to miss at least a month of action.

Redick indicated ahead of Sunday’s game against the Sacramento Kings that the Lakers would see changes in the lineup. He didn’t initially share the lineup during the pregame media availability, but mentioned that Nick Smith Jr. would see an increase in consistent minutes within the rotation off the bench with both Reaves and Gabe Vincent out.

Smart was the notable addition to the lineup, replacing Reaves in the starting lineup. Smart went scoreless in 20 minutes of play but produced three defesnive rebounds, two assists and a steal.

Smith had 21 points and three rebounds in 23 minutes off the bench, which was second most behind Jake LaRavia.

Lakers results in last 11 games

The Lakers have gone 5-6 since Dec. 1.

• Dec. 1: Loss, Suns 125, Lakers 108
• Dec. 4: Win, Lakers 123, Raptors 120
• Dec. 5: Loss, Celtics 126, Lakers 105
• Dec. 7: Win, Lakers 112, 76ers 108
• Dec. 10: Loss, Spurs 132, Lakers 119
• Dec. 14: Win, Lakers 116, Suns 114
• Dec. 18: Win,  Lakers 143, Jazz 135
• Dec. 20: Loss, Clippers 103, Lakers 88
• Dec. 23: Loss, Suns 132, Lakers 108
• Dec 25: Loss, Rockets 119, Lakers 96 
• Dec. 28: Win, Lakers 125, Kings 101

Lakers’ upcoming schedule 

• Dec. 30: vs. Detroit Pistons
• Jan. 2: vs. Memphis Grizzlies
• Jan. 4: vs. Memphis Grizzlies
• Jan 6: at New Orleans Pelicans
• Jan. 7: at San Antonio Spurs
• Jan. 9: Milwaukee Bucks
• Jan. 12: at Sacramento Kings
• Jan 13: vs. Atlanta Hawks
• Jan. 15: vs. Charlotte Hornets

The NBA matchup between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Phoenix Suns reached an unexpected level of intensity on Saturday night.

The Suns had built up an 87-83 lead in the final minutes of the third quarter before members of the opposing teams started to exchange blows.

Collin Gillespie had the ball at midcourt for the Suns while teammate Mark Williams began to set up a screen, attempting to guard Jose Alvarado of the Pelicans.

The officials on the court quickly blew the whistle, which led Alvarado to briefly turn toward the referee to express his displeasure before he turned back around to exchange words with Williams.

The two began to exchange blows and had to be separated by teammates and coaches. Both Alvarado and Williams were ejected from the game.

The NBA is expected to issue punishment for the participating parties in the coming days.

The Suns went on to win the game, 123-114.

The Lane Train has made a stop in H-Town.

LSU athletic director Verge Ausberry confirmed to WAFB’s Jacques Doucet prior to kickoff that new LSU football coach Lane Kiffin will be in attendance inside NRG Stadium for the Tigers’ contest against Houston in the Texas Bowl, and will be doing some ‘media coverage.’

Kiffin’s presence was teased by former LSU defensive tackle Booger McFarland on ABC during halftime of the Pop-Tarts Bowl between BYU and Georgia Tech. Kiffin also posted a photo of himself inside a private jet with an LSU pennant flag on his personal X (formerly Twitter) account earlier in the day.

While it is not unusual for an incoming coach to attend a bowl game of his new program, it is the first public appearance for Kiffin since he took over the Tigers program as the successor to Brian Kelly, outside of his introductory news conference.

Kiffin, who congratulated his former program on their first-ever CFP win on Saturday, Dec. 20 against Tulane, led Mississippi to a 55-19 overall record in six seasons.

Here’s what to know about why Kiffin is at NRG Stadium for LSU’s bowl game against Houston:

Why is Lane Kiffin at Texas Bowl between LSU-Houston?

Kiffin is getting an early look at his new team in action, as the former Ole Miss coach was named the successor to Kelly at LSU on Sunday, Nov. 30.

The veteran head coach was one of the most sought-after coaches in this coaching carousel, as he mentioned during his introductory news conference at LSU on Monday, Dec. 1 that there were four options on the table for him, including staying at Ole Miss and continuing to build the Rebels into a powerhouse.

He ultimately chose LSU.

‘This place is different. Having watched this place for a long time and from the other sideline. This place is different, and that’s why we’re here,’ Kiffin said at his introductory news conference.

He added: ‘As we’re going to the office, and you go by Tiger Stadium, and it’s lit up, and you are like, ‘I absolutely made the right decision,’ and (any bad feelings) all went away.’

Kiffin will be tasked with rebuilding the LSU program into a national championship contender, as the Tigers have missed out on the College Football Playoff each year since their national championship in 2020.

Who is coaching LSU in Texas Bowl?

LSU interim head coach Frank Wilson is coaching the Tigers in the Texas Bowl against Houston on Dec. 27. Wilson, a longtime assistant coach at LSU across two different stints, has led the Tigers to a 2-2 record since being elevated to interim head coach by Woodward.

The Texas Bowl will be the final game Wilson coaches at LSU, as he is returning to Ole Miss to be on Pete Golding’s first staff in Oxford. Wilson spent three seasons with the Rebels from 2005 through 2007 as a running back and special teams coach. During availability in Houston on Friday, Dec. 26, Wilson mentioned he and Kiffin couldn’t come to a resolution on keeping him in Baton Rouge, despite Kiffin ‘wanting to find a way to work it out.’

The United States had to overcome adversity to beat Switzerland 2-1 and improve to 2-0 at the world junior hockey championship.

The biggest was the loss of star defenseman Cole Hutson, who left the game on a stretcher after being hit in the head by a shot in the second period. He was evaluated at a local hospital and was discharged to rejoin his teammates, USA Hockey said.

The USA, which led 1-0 at the time on a Brodie Ziemer goal, gave up a tying goal to Switzerland soon after the injury. But Notre Dame goalie Nick Kempf came up with a big save on a breakaway then Will Zellers restored the USA’s lead.

Zellers did the same in the USA’s opening game, scoring each time Germany had pulled within a goal. He has three goals and the game-winning goal in both games.

There wasn’t much room to maneuver as Switzerland played a tight-checking game. After getting 47 shots in the opener, the USA was held to 20 on Saturday.

“It was a battle and I give our guys a lot of credit, they played a heckuva game,” said Team USA Bob Motzko. “They’re (Switzerland) a well-coached team and keep coming at you.’

Next up for the USA is Slovakia on Dec. 29 and Sweden on Dec. 31 to finish group play. The top four advance to the quarterfinals, which will be Jan. 2. The semifinals are on Jan. 4 and the medal games on Jan. 5.

USA vs. Switzerland highlights

Cole Hutson injury update

USA Hockey reports that Cole Hutson was released from the hospital and is back with the team. He’s listed as day-to-day.

Next opponent for USA

The USA will play Slovakia on Monday, Dec. 29. Slovakia is 1-1 after falling to Sweden in the opener and beating Germany on Saturday.

Players of the game

Giam Meier for Switzerland and Brodie Ziemer for the USA.

Final score: USA 2, Switzerland 1

The Americans survive a tight-checking game and the loss of Cole Hutson, who left the game on a stretcher. Brodie Ziemer and Will Zellers scored the goals. Zellers has two game-winning goals in two games. Nick Kempf was steady in net, stopping a breakaway not long after Switzerland had tied the game.

Switzerland hits crossbar

USA still up 2-1 with 43.2 seconds left.

Switzerland pulls goalie

Christian Kirsch is on the bench for an extra attacker with less than two minutes left.

USA flurry

LJ Mooney hits the post and goalie Christian Kirsch stops him on another attempt.

Switzerland power play

Asher Barnett is called for holding the stick. The USA kills it off.

Midway through third period

Still 2-1. Tight-checking period.

USA power play

Robin Antenen is called for roughing. USA is 0-for-5 in the tournament and is now 0-for-6.

Third period underway

2-1 USA. Switzerland kills off the rest of the U.S. power play.

Cole Hutson injury update

NHL Network reported that Cole Hutson is under observation at a local hospital and was conscious and alert.

End of second: USA 2, Switzerland 1

Switzerland tied the game not long after star defenseman Cole Hutson was taken off the ice on a stretcher, but Will Zellers restored the USA lead with his third goal of the tournament.

USA power play

Ludvig Johnson is called for delay of game. The power play will carry into the third period.

USA retakes lead

Will Zellers throws a puck at the net and it beats Christian Kirsch up high for a 2-1 lead. It’s the third goal of the tournament for Zellers. USA 2, Switzerland 1

Switzerland ties it up

Basile Sansonnens takes a shot from the point and it beats a screened USA goalie Nick Kempf over his glove to tie the game. USA 1, Switzerland 1.

Cole Hutson injury update

USA defenseman Cole Hutson is down on the ice after appearing to get hit in the neck or back of the head by a shot. Stretcher is coming out and they’ve immobilized him and wheeled him off. He was moving his feet around while on the ice.

Midway through second period

USA-Switzerland continues to be a tight-checking game. Americans lead 1-0. Just five shots so far in the period.

Canada beats Latvia

No upset this time. Canada’s Michael Hage scores 44 seconds in overtime for a 2-1 win. Gavin McKenna picked up his second assist of the game.

Canada-Latvia score

Latvia ties the game with less than two minutes left and it’s going to overtime with the score 1-1. Latvia upset Canada at last season’s tournament in the round robin.

USA takes the lead

Brodie Ziemer takes a drop pass and rips a shot past Christian Kirsch at 1:12. James Hagens and Will Horcoff get the assists. USA 1, Switzerland 0

Second period underway

Still scoreless.

End of first: USA 0, Switzerland 0

Already a big change from the 2025 quarterfinals, when the USA dominated and Christian Kirsch was pulled. Kirsch has been solid, Switzerland has forechecked well and had the early lead in shots. But the USA plays better down the stretch and now has outshot Switzerland 8-4. Teddy Stiga had two scoring chances and set up Brodie Ziemer on another.

Switzerland power play

Logan Hensler is called for holding. USA kills it off. The Americans get good short-handed chances by Cole Hutson and Brodie Ziemer, but the game remains scoreless.

Teddy Stiga chance

Stiga has been the USA’s most dangerous player this game. Christian Kirsch makes a glove save on him.

USA power play

Jamiro Reber is called for hooking. The USA went 0-for-3 on the power play against Germany in the opener. They’re now 0-for-4 in the tournament. The Americans get one shot with the man advantage.

Eight minutes in

Scoreless. Shots are 3-2 Switzerland. Nick Kempf is called upon to make a few big saves.

Game underway

USA is 1-0. Switzerland is making its 2026 tournament debut.

What channel is USA vs. Switzerland world juniors hockey game today?

TV channel: NHL Network

Livestream: Fubo, which offers a free trial to new subscribers, or Sling TV.

What time is USA vs. Switzerland world juniors hockey game today?

Date: Saturday, Dec. 27

Time: 6 p.m. ET (5 p.m. local time)

The game is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. ET (5 p.m. local time) at the Grand Casino Arena in Saint Paul, Minnesota, the home of the Minnesota Wild.

World juniors USA vs Switzerland: How to watch, stream

Time: 6 p.m. ET on Saturday, Dec. 27

Location: Grand Casino Arena (Saint Paul, Minnesota)

TV: NHL Network

Streaming: Fubo and certain levels of Sling TV carry NHL Network.

Today’s world juniors hockey schedule

All times p.m. ET

Saturday, Dec. 27

• Slovakia 4. Germany 1: Tomas Chrenko had a natural hat trick as Slovakia picked up its first win of the tournament. Germany, which lost for a second time, got a goal from Dustin Willhoft.
• Canada 2, Latvia 1: Canada continues its redemption tour. It beat Czechia in the opener after losing a year ago in the quarterfinals. Now it beat Latvia after losing in the round robin last year. Latvia had tied the game with less than two minutes left, but Canada’s Michael Hage ended it quickly in overtime. Gavin McKenna had two assists.
• USA 2, Switzerland 1: Will Zellers had the game-winning goal for the second game in a row as the USA improved to 2-0. Cole Hutson was taken to the hospital for observation after being hit in the head by a puck and was later discharged, per TSN.
• Czechia 7. Denmark 2: Tomas Galvas had a goal and two assists in the rout. The Czechs scored three power-play goals, including on a five-minute penalty to Denmark defenseman Jesper Olesen, who was ejected for checking to the head. 

Goaltending matchup

USA’s Nick Kempf vs. Switzerland’s Christian Kirsch. Kempf plays for Notre Dame. Kirsch was pulled in the 2025 quarterfinals when the USA scored three goals in less than five minutes.

USA-Switzerland world juniors history

The USA and Switzerland are meeting for the 28th time at the world junior championships. The USA has never lost, recording 25 victories and two ties.

USA lineup

Switzerland lineup

Cole Hutson chasing U.S. record

Capitals prospect Cole Hutson needs one point to tie Erik Johnson (14) for most points by a U.S. defenseman at the world junior championships. Hutson led all scorers last season with 11 points and had two assists in the opener against Germany.

8 U.S. players back from gold-medal team

The United States has brought back eight players from last year’s gold medal team: forwards Cole Eiserman, James Hagens, Max Plante, Teddy Stiga and Brodie Ziemer, plus defensemen Logan Hensler, Cole Hutson and Adam Kleber. 

All except Hensler recorded a point against Germany. Hutson had two points.

Hagens scored twice against Switzerland during last season’s tournament quarterfinal.

How USA beat Germany

Will Zellers scored twice, restoring the USA’s two-goal lead after Germany pulled within 3-2 and 4-3. Cole Eiserman also scored after Zellers’ second goal for the final 6-3 margin. The Americans outshot Germany 15-4 in a scoreless third period and 47-21 for the game.

World juniors 2026 predictions

Who will win gold, silver and bronze at this year’s tournament? Who will take home the individual awards? Here are predictions from The Hockey News staff.

Hockey Canada apologizes for lack of handshakes

Hockey Canada issued a statement apologizing for skating off the ice after its 7-5 win against Czechia on Friday without shaking hands.

‘I didn’t know, but I know now,’ Canada coach Dale Hunter told reporters. ‘There will be a handshake (after the Latvia game), and I’ll say sorry to the Czechs.’

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INGLEWOOD, CA — After an 0-3 regular-season start, the Houston Texans have lifted off.

The Texans held on to beat the Los Angeles Chargers 20-16 on Saturday to clinch a playoff berth.

C.J. Stroud and the Texans got off to an early 14-0 first-quarter lead and held off the Chargers as they attempted to fight back into the game.  

Houston’s top-ranked defense led the way as the unit contained Justin Herbert and the Chargers offense for most of the contest.  

The Texans have won a league-best eight consecutive games and have punched their ticket into the postseason.

Here are the winners and losers from Saturday’s AFC battle:

Winners

Texans defense

The stingy defense flexed its muscle against Los Angeles. Houston had the NFL’s No. 1 total defense and ranked No. 1 in points allowed entering Week 17. In the first half, the Texans defense held the Chargers to three points and six first downs.

Houston sacked Herbert five times and registered eight hits.

The Chargers gained 275 yards of total offense. Omarion Hampton was held to 29 rushing yards.

Danielle Hunter, Will Anderson Jr. entered the game with a combined 24 ½ sacks. Hunter had a sack in the win. Anderson was credited for a half-sack.

C.J. Stroud to Iowa State products in first quarter

Stroud and rookie Jayden Higgins hooked up for a 75-yard touchdown on the third play of the game to lift the Texans to an early 7-0 lead. It was the longest touchdown pass of Stroud’s career. On Houston’s next possession, Stroud tossed a 43-yard touchdown to rookie Jaylin Noel to give the team a 14-0 lead in the first quarter.

Higgins and Noel are the second rookie duo in NFL history and the first since 1938 to each record touchdown receptions of 40-plus yards in the same game, per NFL Research. Higgins and Noel were also teammates at Iowa State.

Stroud started the game 4-of-4 passing for 142 yards and two touchdowns.

It was 14-0 before fans got comfortable in their seats. The Texans outgained the Chargers 171 to 15 in total yards in the first period.

Texans playoff bound

Houston clinched a playoff berth with a win Saturday. The Texans have defeated the Chargers their past two meeting, including in the 2024 playoffs.

Denver Broncos

The Broncos officially clinched the AFC West title as a result of the Chargers’ loss. It’s Denver’s first division title since 2015.

Losers

Chargers’ offensive line

The Chargers offensive line has been ravaged by injuries this season.

The patchwork O-line faltered against Hunter, Anderson and the Texans defense. Herbert was sacked a handful of times. He was under duress all game.

Indianapolis Colts

The Colts have officially been eliminated from playoff contention as a result of Houston’s win.

Chargers’ first-quarter defense

The Chargers secondary performed as though the group was on Christmas vacation. The secondary started the contest with huge busted coverages on back-to-back series. One resulted in a 75-yard touchdown catch by Higgins and the other was a 43-yard touchdown reception by Noel.

The Chargers defense gave up 151 passing yards and two touchdowns in the first quarter.

Rookie mistakes for Oronde Gadsden

Gadsden had two crucial drops. One drop ricocheted off his hands near the end zone and into the hands of Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair. Gadsden had another drop early in the second half that erased what would’ve been a first down.

The Chargers rookie tight end did have a 1-yard touchdown catch late in the third quarter.

Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker, punter JK Scott

Dicker, the most accurate kicker in NFL history, missed an easy 32-yard field goal at the end of the first half. A successful field goal attempt would’ve cut the Chargers’ halftime deficit to 14-6. He also missed an extra point attempt in the fourth quarter with under four minutes remaining that would’ve trimmed Houston’s advantage to three points.

Dicker had made 94.1% of his career field goals entering Week 17.

Scott had punts of just 22 and 34 yards in the second half.

Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.