Penn State football’s 2025 season ended on a high note with a win over Clemson in the Pinstripe Bowl.

It’s a win for the Nittany Lions that closes a season that got away from them after being a preseason top-three-ranked team. After the game, interim coach Terry Smith got emotional during a postgame interview with ESPN’s Taylor McGregor inside Yankee Stadium.

‘I love this group. They’re just a special group of guys. This is the greatest moment in my life,’ Smith told McGregor. ‘It’s just a great moment for me, my family. God, I said I wasn’t going to do that (cry) again, but I’m just so happy for our guys.’

He added: ‘I love Penn State. I love football. And the game and Penn State have done amazing things for me and my family. I’m just thankful and grateful.’

Saturday’s win over Clemson closes out Smith’s run as interim coach tenure with a 4-3 record since he took over for James Franklin, who was fired on Oct. 12 following an 0-3 start to Big Ten play. Since beginning his stint with an 0-3 record, he led the Nittany Lions to four straight wins, including three wins to end the regular season and become bowl eligible.

In the winding seconds of the Pinstripe Bowl, Penn State fans began chanting Smith’s name, a gesture that highlights the job Smith did in his interim stint to salvage a season that once had national championship aspirations. The chants resurfaced during the trophy presentation at Yankee Stadium.

‘We dictated the terms of the last four games. I can’t be more proud of these guys, these kids. They played their hearts out,’ Smith said. ‘What a resilient group. They could have laid down and quit. They didn’t have to play. They didn’t have to come show up here at the Pinstripe Bowl, but they did.

‘They played really, really hard. It’s just a testament of Penn State and the character it builds coming to a great university like that.’

Smith, a former Penn State wide receiver and a member of Franklin’s staff since 2013, interviewed for the full-time coaching position but ultimately was not chosen, as Penn State hired Matt Campbell away from Iowa State. Despite not getting the full-time job, Smith is being retained by Campbell and was rewarded with a new, four-year deal to stay in Happy Valley.

The Nittany Lions’ win over Clemson marked their 34th bowl win in program history, which ranks for the fourth most in Division I FBS history.

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Anthony Davis is once again expected to miss time for the Dallas Mavericks due to his latest injury, ESPN reports.

Davis played just 11 minutes against the Golden State Warriors on Christmas Day before leaving with a groin injury. He did not return to the game and finished with just three points and three rebounds as the Mavericks fell to the Warriors 126-116.

Here’s the latest on Davis’ injury:

Anthony Davis injury status

Davis suffered a groin strain during Thursday’s game and is listed on the latest NBA injury report as questionable for Saturday’s game against the Sacramento Kings. Davis’ official designation is ‘right adductor soreness.’

What is a groin strain injury?

A groin strain is caused when muscles in the groin are stretched enough to tear or damage them and is common among athletes, according to the Cleveland Clinic. The athlete will feel a sharp and twinging pain.

Anthony Davis season stats

Davis has averaged 20.5 points, 10.9 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game in 16 games played.

Who is Anthony Davis’ backup?

Davis is a forward who has spent time playing at the center position for the Dallas Mavericks this season. Daniel Gafford is expected to replace Davis in the lineup as the starting center.

The United States didn’t have as easy a time as it did the last two times it faced Germany, but it got scoring at the right times for a 6-3 win and a 1-0 record at the world junior hockey championship.

The two-time defending champions beat Germany 10-4 last year and 8-0 in a pre-tournament game this year. It appeared to be heading toward another blowout on Friday, Dec. 26 by taking a 3-0 lead in the first period in Saint Paul, Minnesota, but Germany cut that lead to 4-3 in the second period.

University of North Dakota forward Will Zellers and Boston University’s Cole Eiserman restored the USA’s three-goal lead before the end of the second period. The Americans outshot Germany 15-4 in the third period to prevent any further comeback.

Zellers, a Minnesota native, finished with two goals, as he did in the pre-tournament game.

The USA, trying for its first three-peat at the tournament, will face Switzerland on Saturday (6 p.m. ET, NHL Network).

The Americans are in a group with Germany, Switzerland, Slovakia and Sweden. Group play will take place through New Year’s Eve. The quarterfinals will be Jan. 2, the semifinals on Jan. 4 and the medal games on Jan. 5.

USA TODAY provided live updates from the USA vs. Germany game. Here are the highlights:

USA vs. Germany highlights

Up next for Team USA

The USA will face Switzerland, which will be playing its first game of the tournament, on Saturday. The Americans routed Switzerland 7-2 in the tournament last year.

Players of the game

Dustin Willhoft (two assists) was Germany’s player of the game. The USA award went to Denver University’s Brendan McMorrow, who had an assist and played a physical game.

Final score: USA 6, Germany 3

The USA built a 3-0 lead, saw it cut to 4-3 but then pulled away with two late goals in the second period. The Americans and Germans played a scoreless third period, but the USA dominated. It outshot Germany 15-4 in the period and 47-21 for the game. Will Zellers had two goals and an assist.

Germany power play

Anthony Spellacy is called for high sticking.

One minute left

6-3 USA.

Germany power play

Cole McKinney is called for interference. Germany didn’t score on its lone power play earlier and the USA has a bunch of short-handed chances early. The USA kills the penalty and McKinney is stopped on a breakaway chance after he comes out of the penalty box.

Midway through third period

No goals in this period, but the USA is outshooting Germany 7-0 so far.

Third period underway

USA leads 6-3.

End of second: USA 6, Germany 3

Germany played better defensively at the start of the period and cut the USA lead to 4-3. But the Americans showed their superior firepower with goals by Will Zellers and Cole Eiserman a little more three minutes apart. Zellers has two goals and an assist and Cole Hutson has two assists. Shots are 32-17 USA.

USA pulling away

Lennart Neisse robbed Cole Eiserman. Not on the second opportunity as the USA takes a three-goal lead. USA 6, Germany 3

USA’s Will Zellers scores again

Will Zellers scored twice in the exhibition game against Germany. Now he has two goals in this game. He takes a pass near the blue line from Anthony Spellacy, skates to the high slot and rips in a shot. USA 5, Germany 3

Team USA chance

Chase Reid’s one-timer hits the post. Still 4-3 USA.

USA power play

Timo Kose is called for boarding. USA is 0-for-2 so far on the power play. Now 0-for-3. Germany’s Lennart Neisse stops Will Horcoff in tight.

Germany responds with quick goal

Lenny Boos scores 56 seconds after Zellers’ goal. Dustin Willhoft gets his second assist of the game. USA 4, Germany 3

USA scores

Right after the USA power play ends, Will Zellers scores a big goal. He’s in front and deposits a rebound of a Cole Hutson shot. USA 4, Germany 2

Germany penalized

Elias Pul is called for interference. Eight seconds of four-on-four, then a USA power play.

Germany power play

Chase Reid is called for slashing.

Germany pulls closer

Dustin Willhoft blocks a USA clearing attempt, makes a move and finds Simon Seidl alone in front. USA 3, Germany 2

Second period underway

3-1 USA, which opens the period on a power play. Germany kills it off.

End of first: USA 3, Germany 1

The Americans, who routed Germany 8-0 in an exhibition and 10-4 in last year’s tournament, is off to another good start. The USA has Germany on its heels with long stretch passes, good forechecking and balanced scoring. Nine U.S. players have at least a point. Germany gets a goal late to keep it closer. Shots are 13-10 USA.

USA power play

Germany’s Moritz Kretzschmar is called for holding at 18:56. The penalty will carry into the second period.

LJ Mooney injury update

He’s back in the game after blocking a shot with his hand earlier in the period. He draws a penalty.

Germany scores

USA goalie Caleb Heil makes a chest save on a Carlos Handel shot, but the rebound drops into the crease, where Timo Kose pokes it home. USA 3, Germany 1

USA makes it 3-0

Will Horcoff scores from the slot after a pass from Brodie Ziemer. James Hagens picks up the second assist. USA 3, Germany 0

USA makes it 2-0

Defenseman Chase Reid puts in a rebound after a USA flurry. USA 2, Germany 0

LJ Mooney injury update

USA’s LJ Mooney heads to the dressing room after blocking a shot with his hand.

USA takes the lead

Teddy Stiga hits the post on a breakaway and Max Plante scores on the rebound at 5:34. USA 1, Germany 0.

Team USA save

Caleb Heil stops Maxim Schafer’s shot from the slot to keep the game scoreless.

Game underway

USA’s Caleb Heil and Germany’s Lennart Neisse are the goaltenders.

USA vs. Germany streaming

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

TV channel: NHL Network

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

Watch USA vs. Germany on Fubo

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

Date: Friday, Dec. 26

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) from Grand Casino Arena in Saint Paul, Minnesota, the home of the Minnesota Wild.

World juniors USA vs Germany: How to watch, stream

Time: 6 p.m. ET on Friday, Dec. 26

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

Friday, Dec. 26

• Sweden 3 Slovakia 2: Blackhawks prospect Anton Frondell had a goal and an assist as Sweden took a 2-0 lead before Slovakia rallied. Draft-eligible Ivar Stenberg broke the tie to give Sweden the win.
• Finland 6, Denmark 2: Roope Vesterinen scored twice for Finland, which outshot Denmark 43-10.
• USA 6, Germany 3: Will Zellers had two goals and an assist for the USA, which outshot Germany 47-21.
• Canada 7, Czechia 5: Flames prospect Zayne Parekh scored twice for Canada, which had lost to Czechia in the last two quarterfinals.

Full schedule

USA lines vs. Germany

Germany lines vs. USA

USA vs. Germany world juniors history

This will be the 16th meeting between the USA and Germany at the world junior championships. Team USA has won all but one of the first 15 meetings. The Americans beat Germany 10-4 in the 2025 tournament..

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. Stiga scored the overtime goal in the gold-medal game against Finland.

Rosters: USA | Every team

Who is Team USA’s coach?

University of Minnesota head coach Bob Motzko is guiding the U.S. national junior team for the third time. He led Team USA to a gold medal in 2017 and to a bronze in 2018.

World juniors players to watch

Two players who are battling to be the No. 1 overall pick in 2026 are among the players to watch at the tournament. Penn State’s Gavin McKenna had been the top prospect but has dropped a little. Sweden’s Ivar Stenberg is considered No. 1 at the moment but that could change with this tournament. Stenberg scored the tiebreaking goal in Sweden’s 3-2 win against Slovakia.

World juniors 2026 predictions

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

Kon Knueppel did not return to the Charlotte Hornets’ 120-105 victory over the Orlando Magic on Friday after suffering an injury.

The fourth overall pick suffered a right ankle sprain, according to the Hornets. Knueppel had jumped to try and block a shot under the basket before landing awkwardly on his ankle.

Hornets head coach Charles Lee said that Knueppel’s X-ray results were negative, according to Rod Boone of the Charlotte Observer.

Kon Knueppel stats

Knueppel had 16 points and three rebounds in 15 minutes of play on Friday. The rookie has averaged 19.4 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.5 assists in 30 games played.

When do the Charlotte Hornets play next?

The Hornets host the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday, Dec. 29 at 7 p.m. ET. Knueppel’s status for the game has not been disclosed.

When Naoya Inoue fights David Picasso Saturday, he’ll be facing an opponent seven years younger, three inches taller and unbeaten at 32-0-1.

But there’s a reason Inoue is known as ‘The Monster’ and why the Japanese sensation is an overwhelming favorite to defend his undisputed super bantamweight title

At 5-foot-5, Inoue packs a wicked punch. The power has served him well while winning world titles as a light flyweight, junior bantamweight, bantamweight and super bantamweight while amassing a record of 31-0 with 27 knockouts.

By contrast, the 5-foot-8 Picasso, a rangy 25-year-old from Mexico, relies more on volume. And he’ll also be making his first appearance in a title fight.

USA TODAY Sports will have results for the Naoya Inoue vs David Picasso fight, so check back here for updates.

Naoya Inoue vs David Picasso: Time, PPV, streaming for fight

Naoya Inoue will face David Picasso on Saturday, Dec. 27, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

• Date: Saturday, Dec. 27
• Time: 4 a.m. ET
• Inoue vs Picasso main event ringwalks: 7:57 a.m. ET (estimate)
• Stream: DAZN PPV

Watch Inoue vs Picasso on DAZN PPV

What time is Naoya Inoue vs David Picasso fight card?

Inoue vs Picasso starts at 4 a.m. ET with the main card estimated to begin at 7:57 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 27.

When is the Naoya Inoue vs David Picasso main event ring walk?

The main card between Inoue and Picasso has an estimated start time of 7:57 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 27.

Inoue vs Picasso price: How much to watch fight

The fight available on DAZN will cost $39.99.

Naoya Inoue stats

Naoya Inoue is 31-0 with 27 KOs. He has won by knockout in 11 of his past 12 fights.

How much does Naoya Inoue weigh

Naoya Inoue weighed in at 121.1 pounds, under the maximum weight limit of 122 pounds for super bantamweights.

Naoya Inoue net worth

Naoya Inoue’s estimated net worth is between $7 million and $10 million, according to various reports.

Super fight on the line

There’s extra incentive for Naoya Inoue entering the bout against David Picasso. Inoue likely needs to keep his perfect record intact to secure a super fight with Junto Nakatani, a feared three-division world champion from Japan. Nakatani relinquished his bantamweight title to move up to the super bantamweight division and stalk Inoue.

Nakatani (31-0, 24 KOs) will be fighting Sebastian Hernandez (20-0, 18 KOs) on the main card Saturday.

Naoya Inoue among pound-for-pound best

ESPN and The Ring both rank Naoya Inoue No. 3 in their pound-for-pound rankings, behind only top-ranked Terence Crawford and No. 2-ranked Oleksandr Usyk. BoxRec, the official record keeper for boxing, ranks Inoue No. 1.

Why Naoya Inoue is nicknamed ‘The Monster’

Naoya Inoue earned the nickname ‘The Monster’ thanks to his punching power. You can watch some of his most brutal KOs here.

Is Naoya Inoue vulnerable?

Naoya Inoue has been knocked down twice in his last five fights.

In 2024, Luis Nery knocked down Inoue in the first round, and Inoue won the fight by TKO in Round 6.

In May, Ramon Cardenas knocked down Inoue in Round 2, and Inoue won the fight by TKO in Round 8.

Naoya Inoue vs David Picasso fight card, odds:

• Naoya Inoue (-5000) vs David Picasso (+1000) – Undisputed super bantamweight titles
• Junto Nakatani vs. Sebastian Hernandez – super bantamweight bout
• Reito Tsutsumi vs. Leobardo Quintana – super featherweight bout
• Taiga Imanaga vs. Eridson Garcia – lightweight bout
• Willibaldo Garcia Perez (+275) vs. Kenshiro Teraji (-400) – super flyweight

Caitlin Clark stars in a new Nike basketball commercial, featuring cameos from Jason and Travis Kelce, rapper Travis Scott and comedian Michael Che.

“To me, this is more than just a logo, it’s a dream come true,” Clark said at the time. “People always talk about leaving your mark on the game — and this is another way I can do that.”

Clark was an All-Star in her second WNBA season, but played only 13 games due to injury.

“At Nike, we’ve always drawn inspiration not only from the world’s greatest athletes but also from those who elevate the spirit of sport itself. Caitlin exemplifies both — an exceptional basketball player and an outstanding ambassador for the game,” Ann Miller, executive vice president of Nike Global Sports Marketing, said. “We’re excited to take this next step together, continuing to shape this historic time for women’s basketball, and pushing the game and industry forward.”

Amazon MGM Studios used the platform of the Denver Broncos-Kansas City Chiefs game, airing on Prime Video on Christmas night, to share a teaser trailer for its 2026 movie chronicling the life of John Madden.

The teaser said the movie, currently titled ‘Madden,’ is set to be released Thanksgiving 2026.

Nicolas Cage is playing Madden, the Hall of Fame coach turned legendary broadcaster turned video game icon. Christian Bale is playing Al Davis, the longtime owner of the Raiders.

Other billed stars in the trailer include Kathryn Hahn, John Mulaney, Sienna Miller and Shane Gillis. The director is David O. Russell.

Watch ‘Madden’ teaser trailer

The description on the YouTube video of the teaser reads: ‘Inspired by a true story, MADDEN follows the football legend from Super Bowl glory with the Raiders to revolutionizing the game with Madden NFL.’

The Christmas Day showcase for the defending NBA champions this year featured one of the few teams to actually beat them this season, and still the Thunder remain winless against them.

The San Antonio Spurs defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 117-102 on the road to hand a lump of coal to the home crowd on Christmas.

The Spurs haven’t just beaten the Thunder this year, they’ve throughly dominated them, and have won every matchup the two teams have had this year. Three of Oklahoma City’s five losses have come against these Spurs, which has to have Thunder fans shaking in their boots.

Oklahoma City suffered its second largest loss of the season – a 15-point defeat at the hands of the Spurs – who handed the Thunder their largest loss of the year just two days prior.

Despite Victor Wembanyama coming off the bench in this game as well, the big man still had a massive impact, recording 19 points and 11 rebounds. De’Aaron Fox led all scorers with 29 points, while Harrison Barnes continued to provide veteran aggressiveness in a showdown between two of the youngest teams in the league. Barnes added 15 points of his own, giving him 35 over the team’s last two games against OKC.

Here’s what happened during the NBA’s Christmas Day game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs:

Spurs vs. Thunder highlights

Spurs vs Thunder final player stats

Spurs scoring leaders

• De’Aaron Fox 29 points, Stephon Castle 19 points, Victor Wembanyama 19 points

Spurs rebound leaders

• Victor Wembanyama 11, Keldon Johnson 7

Thunder scoring leaders

• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 22 points, Isaiah Hartenstein 12 points, Alex Caruso 12 points

Thunder rebound leaders

• Isaiah Hartenstein 12, Chet Holmgren 12

Spurs vs Thunder final team stats

• FG%: Spurs 54%, Thunder 39%
• 3PT%: Spurs 38%, Thunder 28%
• FT%: Spurs 76%, Thunder 68%
• Rebounds: Spurs 49, Thunder 48
• Assists: Thunder 23, Spurs 20
• Turnovers: Thunder 7, Spurs 12
• Steals: Thunder 7, Spurs 3
• Blocks: Thunder 6, Spurs 4

FINAL: Spurs 117, Thunder 102

The San Antonio Spurs (23-7) scored their third consecutive victory against the reigning NBA champions this season and moved to just 2.5 games behind the Oklahoma City Thunder (26-5) at the top of the Western Conference standings.

Thunder hot to start fourth

Less than two-and-a-half minutes into the fourth, the Thunder have found a groove. The reigning champs have rattled off six straight points to begin the quarter, and have been gathering offensive rebounds as well to reduce San Antonio’s lead to just 10 points.

The Thunder were so dominant in that short stretch that the Spurs were forced to use a timeout. Hopefully that small break will be enough to shift the momentum back in the Spurs’ favor.

End Q3: Spurs 95, Thunder 79

The San Antonio Spurs continued to take advantage of OKC’s offensive woes. The Thunder really struggled with the three-ball in the third quarter, particularly Alex Caruso who finally hit his first field goal of the afternoon with just over a minute left in the quarter.

The Spurs have dominated pace of play, forcing several bad shots from OKC and not letting the Thunder get away with committing offensive fouls. The Spurs find themselves up 16 heading into the final quarter. De’Aaron Fox leads all scorers with 25.

Spurs take advantage of OKC offensive struggles

On three of OKC’s last four offensive possessions, the Thunder have turned the ball over due to offensive fouls. Jalen Williams committed two of them, with Isaiah Hartenstein committing the final foul.

The only other possession in that span wasn’t much prettier, requiring two offensive rebounds by Hartenstein before Williams could cap the possession off with a midrange floater.

San Antonio has taken advantage of these offensive flubs, extending their lead to 17. Spurs lead 85-68.

Spurs vs. Thunder halftime stats

• FG%: Spurs 61.4, Thunder 47.9
• FT%: Spurs 61.5, Thunder 57.1
• 3PT%: Spurs 43.8, Thunder 33.3
• Rebounds: Spurs 25, Thunder 29
• Assists: Spurs 12, Thunder 12
• Turnovers: Spurs 6, Thunder 4
• Blocks: Spurs 3, Thunder 1

End Q2: Spurs 69, Thunder 60

After a solid first quarter, one that ended with an 11-0 San Antonio run, the Spurs have built a solid lead headed into halftime.

Oklahoma City’s shooting cooled in the second period, and the defensive impact Victor Wembanyama created can’t be overlooked. Though he recorded just 1 block in the quarter, Wembanyama’s presence down low constantly affected the shots the Thunder tried to take in the paint and near the rim.

That was compounded by Oklahoma City’s inefficient shooting from downtown in the period; the Thunder made just two of their eight 3-point shot attempts in the second. This is the issue when playing the Spurs: when scoring in the low block becomes difficult, making perimeter shots becomes essential.

Thunder guard Alex Caruso, in particular, has struggled from deep, failing to hit any of his eight shots from 3-point range.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander spent a chunk of the period on the bench, but he has been the most consistent OKC player, scoring 16 points.

De’Aaron Fox continues to lead the Spurs in scoring with 21 points. Stephon Castle has added 13 points and 4 assists. Victor Wembanyama has added 9 points and 6 rebounds.

End Q1: Spurs 41, Thunder 36

After a thrilling finish in the first Christmas Day game, the Spurs and Thunder picked things right up in the second leg of the slate, though it was the Spurs who ended the period on an 11-0 run.

Both teams played quick and loose, which allowed consistent shot-making to follow; both teams combined to shoot a ridiculous 30-of-48 (62.5%) from the floor in the first period.

The numbers were also impressive from beyond the arc: (9-of-18; 50%).

Spurs guard De’Aaron Fox set the tone early and knocked down 5-of-6 shots to lead all players with 13 points. Fellow Spurs guard Stephon Castle added 9 points.

Victor Wembanyama (calf strain) came off the bench as San Antonio continues to manage his minutes  and played 4:08 in the first period, scoring 5 points and collecting 1 rebound. He was active and physical and appeared to frustrate OKC players.

The Thunder were led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams, each of whom had 9 points.

Is Victor Wembanyama playing vs Thunder

Spurs star Victor Wembanyama is not starting San Antonio’s Christmas Day contest, but he’s available to come off the bench. The team has made it clear they’re managing his minutes since he strained his left calf on Dec. 13.

Jalen Williams off to fast start

Thunder guard Jalen Williams has made all three of his shot attempts in the early going as the Thunder have jumped out to an 18-12 lead with 8:10 to go in the first quarter.

OKC is currently on a 10-2 run.

What time is Spurs vs. Thunder Christmas game today?

The Oklahoma City Thunder will host the San Antonio Spurs in one of five NBA on Christmas games on Thursday, Dec. 25 at 2:30 p.m. ET. The game will take place at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Watch NBA Christmas games with Fubo

How to watch Spurs vs. Thunder NBA Christmas game: TV, live streaming

The game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs will be broadcast nationally on ABC and ESPN and can be live streamed via Fubo.

• Date: Dec. 25, 2025
• Time: 2:30 p.m. ET
• Location: Paycom Center (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma)
• TV: ABC, ESPN
• Streaming: ESPN Unlimited, Fubo

Spurs vs. Thunder odds

The Oklahoma City Thunder are favored to beat the San Antonio Spurs, according to DraftKings odds as of Dec. 24.

• Line: Thunder -9.5
• Over/under: 232.5

Spurs starting lineup

The Dallas Cowboys already own Thanksgiving. This year, they owned Christmas.

Dallas took down the Washington Commanders, 30-23, in the first of three games on Christmas Day in 2025. The Cowboys leaned heavily on their run game against a Washington front missing Daron Payne, gashing them for 211 yards on the ground to earn their seventh win of the season.

The Commanders put up an admirable fight despite injuries to Payne, quarterbacks Jayden Daniels and Marcus Mariota, left tackle Laremy Tunsil, and running back Chris Rodriguez, who was dealing with an illness. Their defensive struggles against Dallas’ run game doomed Washington to its 12th loss of the season.

Each team has one game left to play against another divisional rival — the Cowboys play the Giants on the road; the Commanders travel to Philadelphia — in Week 18. They’ll both head into long offseasons after missing the playoffs this year.

Here’s how the Cowboys’ Week 17 Christmas win went down as USA TODAY Sports provided live updates for the first game in the holiday triple-header:

Cowboys at Commanders takeaways from Christmas game

• Brian Schottenheimer does not care about your fantasy football matchup. During the week of most leagues’ championship matchups, the Cowboys’ top two receivers — CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens — combined for eight catches, 103 yards and zero touchdowns. Dallas leaned a lot more heavily on its run game with four different rushers accumulating a total of 190 yards and a touchdown on 38 combined carries — averaging five yards per carry. Malik Davis led the way with 90 yards on 17 carries.
• The Cowboys will have to spend this offseason overhauling their defense. Dallas’ secondary made a 39-year-old Josh Johnson look like he deserved to be starting all season long at some points of the game — yet it was his first start since 2021 and just the 10th start of his career. The Commanders’ third-string quarterback finished with 198 yards and a passer rating of 92.3 while only taking [one sack], and Washington’s offense mostly kept up with Dallas’ scoring efforts. The Cowboys’ offense ranks second in yards per game (393.1 on average) and fifth in points scored (28.3 per game). Yet Dallas was eliminated from the playoffs by Week 16. An upgraded defense could get the Cowboys back on track for another playoff push in 2026.
• Deebo Samuel was playing like a pending free agent hungry for his next payday. Which he is. Samuel didn’t get many touches, but each one of them stood out. He finished the game with two catches for 68 yards and 2 carries for 25 more scrimmage yards. Each time Samuel had the ball, he looked fast, took on would-be tacklers and trucked a couple of them to tack on more yards after contact on several of his touches. Outside of rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt — who had more than 100 yards and two touchdowns in the game — Samuel was Washington’s biggest standout on offense throughout their Christmas clash with the Cowboys.

Commanders vs. Cowboys highlights

Cowboys vs. Commanders final score: Dallas 30, Commanders 23

Cowboys vs. Commanders score update: Jake Moody knocks through 51-yard field goal

Commanders head coach Dan Quinn opted to be strategic with his possession and time left, asking his kicker to attempt a field goal on third down with just over two minutes left. That will force an additional clock stoppage during the Cowboys’ next possession while Washington can hang onto its three timeouts while on defense.

Moody’s longest field goal attempt of the day went through the uprights like his first two, drawing the Commanders within seven points. It’s 30-23 Cowboys at the two-minute warning. The Cowboys have the ball at their own 33-yard line.

Cowboys vs. Commanders score update: Brandon Aubrey hits second 50+ yard field goal

Aubrey missed a 58-yard field goal on the Cowboys’ previous drive, but he bounced back with a 51-yarder on Dallas’ second possession of the fourth quarter.

The Cowboys’ lead is back up to 10 points. Dallas leads 30-20 with four minutes left in the game.

Cowboys vs. Commanders score update: Jake Moody boots another field goal

The Commanders’ kicker sent a 23-yard field goal through the uprights after another Washington drive stalled in the red zone.

Moody’s second field goal of the day brings the Commanders back within seven points. The Cowboys still lead, 27-20, with 16 seconds left in the third quarter.

Jake Ferguson injury update

Ferguson exited the Christmas game against the Commanders with a calf injury and has been ruled out for the remainder of the matchup, according to Jon Machota of The Athletic. The Cowboys tight end’s sole catch before his injury was a six-yard touchdown reception — his eighth of the season.

Cowboys vs. Commanders score update: Brandon Aubrey knocks through another field goal

Dallas extends its lead back to 10 points on a 52-yard field goal from its kicker. Aubrey is 2-for-2 on field goal attempts on Christmas, in addition to a perfect 3-for-3 mark on extra point attempts.

It’s 27-17 Cowboys with 4:42 left in the third quarter.

Javonte Williams injury update

The Cowboys’ running back is questionable to return to his team’s Christmas game with a shoulder injury, according to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport. Williams already has 54 yards on 13 carries and a touchdown.

Cowboys vs. Commanders score update: Jacory Croskey-Merritt doubles up on Christmas TDs

Moments after former Washington running back Clinton Portis joined Netflix’s broadcast, Croskey-Merritt broke through with a 72-yard touchdown run on the Commanders’ first play of their second possession of the second half.

The score brought Washington within seven points of Dallas, but the Cowboys still lead, 24-17, with 9:34 left in the third quarter.

Cowboys vs. Commanders score update: Brandon Aubrey knocks through 42-yard field goal

Aubrey’s first field goal attempt of the afternoon is good from just over 40 yards out.

It gives the Cowboys a 24-10 lead with 19 seconds left in the first half.

Cowboys vs. Commanders score update: Jacory ‘Bill’ Croskey-Merritt scores Commanders’ first TD

Washington took advantage of three costly Cowboys penalties to score its first touchdown: a kickoff short of the landing zone, a horse collar tackle and a defensive pass interference.

The Commanders cut Dallas’ lead to 11 points after Croskey-Merritt’s seventh touchdown of his rookie season on his 10-yard run. They’ll kick the ball back to the Cowboys, who lead 21-10 with 4:35 left in the first half.

Cowboys vs. Commanders score update: KaVontae Turpin streaks past defender for 86-yard touchdown

Commander’s safety Frankie Luvu jumped offside, and Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott took advantage of the free play with a deep shot downfield. Turpin hauled in the throw right across the 50-yard line and took it the rest of the way for another Cowboys touchdown.

Dallas’ 97-yard touchdown drive took the fewest plays and the least time to score of any of their drives today. The Cowboys’ lead is up to 21-3 with seven minutes left in the first half.

Cowboys vs. Commanders score update: Javonte Williams slams through defenders for TD

The Cowboys have been gashing the Commanders on the ground. They’re up to 92 yards on 17 carries (5.4 yards per carry) through two possessions.

Williams was the latest beneficiary of Washington’s poor run defense, pounding the rock through a few defenders to score Dallas’ second touchdown in as many possessions. The Cowboys now lead 14-3 with 12 minutes left in the first half.

Dallas has scored on two straight drives that each lasted over five minutes and featured more than a dozen plays each possession.

Cowboys vs. Commanders score update: Jake Moody gets Washington on the board

The Commanders made it inside the Cowboys’ 5-yard line before quarterback Josh Johnson took a third-down sack.

On the ensuing fourth down, Washington’s kicker gave his team its first points of the holiday matchup with a 29-yard field goal. It’s 7-3 Cowboys with 4:44 left in the first quarter.

Cowboys vs. Commanders score update: Jake Ferguson snags one-handed TD catch

The Cowboys’ fourth-year tight end has his eighth touchdown of the season, extending his career high, and he did it with flair. Quarterback Dak Prescott’s throw was a bit high, but the 6-foot-5 tight end reached up to tip the ball to himself.

Ferguson’s score and kicker Brandon Aubrey’s extra point gave the Cowboys a 7-0 lead. The Commanders will begin their first possession with 9:42 left in the first quarter.

How to watch Cowboys game today vs. Commanders

• Matchup: Dallas Cowboys at Washington Commanders
• Location: Landover, Maryland
• Venue: Northwest Stadium
• Time: 1 p.m. ET
• How to watch: Netflix

Netflix is broadcasting the Cowboys-Commanders game on Christmas to a national audience. There is no national broadcast of the game available on cable TV.

Fans living in the local markets (Dallas or Washington) can watch the game on their local CBS affiliate.

How to buy Cowboys vs. Commanders tickets for NFL Week 17

You can buy tickets to see the Cowboys take on the Commanders from multiple sources.

• StubHub: Buy Cowboys vs. Commanders tickets on StubHub
• SeatGeek: Buy Cowboys vs. Commanders tickets on SeatGeek
• Vivid Seats: Buy Cowboys vs. Commanders tickets on Vivid Seats

Josh Johnson football player

The Commanders are starting veteran journeyman quarterback Josh Johnson for their Christmas game against the Cowboys, head coach Dan Quinn announced.

It will be the 39-year-old’s first start since 2021 and 10th start of his career. Johnson holds a 1-8 record in his nine career starts.

Johnson notably holds the NFL record for most teams played for in a career, with 14. Here’s who he has played for, in alphabetical order:

• Baltimore Ravens
• Buffalo Bills
• Cincinnati Bengals
• Cleveland Browns
• Denver Broncos
• Detroit Lions
• Houston Texans
• Indianapolis Colts
• Las Vegas (then-Oakland) Raiders
• New York Giants
• New York Jets
• San Francisco 49ers
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Washington Commanders

NFL games today on TV

There are three NFL games taking place on Christmas, though none of them are available on national TV with a cable subscription or antenna.

Here’s which games kick off on Dec. 25, when they start and how to watch each holiday matchup:

Commanders vs. Cowboys:

• Kickoff: 1 p.m. ET
• Streaming: Netflix (national)
• TV channel: N/A (national) | KTVT – CBS 11 (Dallas) | WUSA – CBS 9 (Washington)

Vikings vs. Lions

• Kickoff: 4:30 p.m. ET
• Streaming: Netflix (national)
• TV channel: N/A (national) | WWJ-TV – CBS 62 (Detroit) | WCCO – CBS 4 (Twin Cities)

Chiefs vs. Broncos

• Kickoff: 8:20 p.m. ET
• Streaming: Amazon Prime Video (national)
• TV channel: N/A (national) | KMGH – ABC 7 (Denver) | KSHB – NBC 41 (Kansas City)

What TV channel is the Commanders vs Cowboys game on?

• TV channel (national) N/A
• TV channel (Dallas market): KTVT (CBS Channel 11)
• TV channel (Washington market): WUSA (CBS Channel 9)

The Commanders vs. Cowboys Christmas Day game will not air on a national TV network, as it is being streamed on Netflix.

Viewers in the Dallas and Washington markets can watch the game on their local CBS affiliate.

What time is the Cowboys game on?

• Start time: 1 p.m. ET

The Cowboys and Commanders are scheduled to kick off at 1 p.m. ET. Dallas travels to Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland for the matchup.

Commanders vs Cowboys stream

• Live stream: Netflix

The Cowboys vs. Commanders matchup is the first of two Christmas games on Netflix. A subscription is required to watch the games.

Cowboys vs. Commanders picks, predictions

Here’s how the USA TODAY Sports NFL experts feel the Cowboys vs. Commanders matchup is going to tilt:

• Jarrett Bell: Cowboys, 30-24
• Nick Brinkerhoff: Cowboys, 30-24
• Chris Bumbaca: Cowboys, 33-22
• Nate Davis: Cowboys. 27-17
• Tyler Dragon: Cowboys, 30-21
• Mike Middlehurst-Schwartz: Cowboys, 34-23

Cowboys vs. Commanders odds, moneyline, O/U

National Football League odds courtesy of BetMGM. Odds updated Tuesday at 7:28 a.m. ET. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub.

• Spread favorite: Cowboys (-6.5)
• Moneyline: Cowboys (-285), Commanders (+230)
• Total: 50.5 points

NFC East standings

The Cowboys enter today’s game in second place in the NFC East. The Commanders are in third. Both teams are eliminated from playoff contention.

• Philadelphia Eagles (10-5)
• Dallas Cowboys (6-8-1)
• Washington Commanders (4-11)
• New York Giants (2-13)

Dallas Cowboys inactives today vs. Commanders

• WR Ryan Flournoy
• CB Caelen Carson
• RB Jaydon Blue
• DT Jay Toia
• LB DeMarvion Overshown
• DT Perrion Winfrey

Lakers guard Austin Reaves’ night ended early as he was ruled out for the remainder of Los Angeles’ Christmas Day game against the Houston Rockets due to ‘left calf soreness.’

Reaves had missed three straight games for the Lakers, from Dec. 14-20, due to a calf strain. He returned to the lineup on Dec. 23, playing nearly 22 minutes off the bench.

The fifth-year guard was back in the starting lineup on Thursday, but his night ended after 15 minutes of play. He did manage to score 12 points in his time on the court, going 5-for-8 from the field.

Marcus Smart was on the court in place of Reaves when the second half began.

Reaves entered the Lakers’ Christmas contest averaging 27.3 points, 5.4 rebounds and 6.5 assists per game.

‘Austin clearly felt something,’ Lakers coach JJ Redick said after the game. Redick did not have any further updates for reporters.