
By SuperWest Sports Staff
Sports
4 QB Paths the Minnesota Vikings Can Take This Offseason
There has been a lot of hoopla surrounding the Minnesota Vikings and the quarterback position so far this offseason.
That topic has only picked up steam in the aftermath of the firing of Kwesi Adofo-Mensah last Friday, following which many talking points circulated that not everybody was on the same page with how the position was handled last offseason when Sam Darnold was let go.
Now, the Vikings have to make a really big decision this offseason at that quarterback spot, which could shape the direction of the franchise for the next decade. With so many options being thrown out there, here are the four paths Minnesota can take at quarterback this offseason.
Stand Pat with J.J. McCarthy as the Sure Starter
This probably won’t happen based on the Minnesota’s current QB options, but technically, they could decide to just stick with what they have.
Perhaps there is no doubt that McCarthy is the starting quarterback heading into 2026, which wouldn’t be entirely out of the realm of possibility after his fairly strong conclusion to the season prior to his hand injury, and they don’t want to spend more money on the position when there are other pretty glaring needs on the roster.
That being said, this is very unlikely to happen given McCarthy’s concerning injury history over his first two NFL seasons. As of now, the Vikings only have Max Brosmer as the backup option behind their 2024 first-round pick. Brosmer was signed as an undrafted free agent last season, and when he did play last year while McCarthy was out with various injuries, it was pretty apparent he is not ready to start at the NFL level.
Bring in a Veteran Free Agent to Compete
Let’s say the Vikings are still plenty confident that McCarthy is capable of starting at the NFL level, but they just want to give him an extra “umph” of competition heading into training camp while also having an insurance policy in case the injury bug bites him again.
There are a number of free agents out there who could be cheap enough to reasonably bring in as a backup quarterback while also pushing McCarthy in camp and potentially being an extra voice in his ear this season.
One name that comes to mind is Jimmy Garoppolo, who spent the 2025 season as the backup for the Los Angeles Rams. Vikings fans will remember that Kevin O’Connell came from Sean McVay’s system before he took the head coaching job in Minnesota. Garoppolo also had plenty of experience with Kyle Shanahan in San Francisco. If there is a veteran QB who will immediately be ready to play in O’Connell’s system, it’s hard to rationalize one better fitted for it than Garoppolo.
Trade for a Bonafide Starter
The Vikings could go down this path for a number of reasons.
Perhaps they flat out don’t believe McCarthy should be the starting quarterback moving forward, and Minnesota simply wants to turn the page by bringing in an established starter and not having to think about the position again for a few years.
On the other hand, maybe they think McCarthy can be a starter down the road, but the play he put on tape in 2025 showed the coaching staff and front office that the time for him to be under center is not right now if Minnesota wants to compete sooner than later.
Two names have continuously circulated around the Vikings if they were to try to trade for a true, bonafide starting quarterback: Kyler Murray and Joe Burrow.
Murray makes a bit of sense if they want to go all in on 2026 while still offering McCarthy a chance to develop and eventually start down the road. He is under contract through 2027, and while his cap hits of $52.66 million and $43.5 million over the next two years may seem daunting, they rank 8th and 10th in the NFL over those two years. The Vikings would also only eat $7.2 million of that $43.5 million in 2027 if they decided it was time to part ways.
However, if the Vikings ended up going the Burrow option and somehow put together a package of picks and players to convince the Bengals to part with the 2020 No. 1 overall pick, that would instantly indicate they are building around their new quarterback for the long haul. Burrow is under contract through 2029 with ever growing cap numbers through that year.
Take Another Stab in the Draft
Given the depth of the QB class in this year’s draft, this is probably the least likely option heading into 2026. Of course, Fernando Mendoza is being chalked in as the No. 1 overall pick this April whether that be to the Las Vegas Raiders or another team via trade.
After that though, the options get thin in a hurry, especially now that Dante Moore has announced he will be going back to Oregon for another year.
The most obvious choice would be Ty Simpson out of Alabama, who is the other QB who could end up landing in the latter half of the first round or early in the second round. Simpson isn’t the most physically gifted player with underwhelming size and arm speed, but he has tremendous poise in the pocket that could turn him into a starting caliber player at the NFL level.
In this scenario, Minnesota almost certainly would ship McCarthy out for picks. The question is: are the Vikings really ready to use another high end pick on a quarterback experiment without landing the best player in the class?
Editor’s Note: Information from Spotrac helped with this article.
Sports
Updated Colorado Buffaloes All-Time Football Seasons
After last year’s 3-9 campaign, Colorado football has played 136 seasons, dating back to 1890.
The Buffs have compiled a record of 735–556–36 (.577) through the 2025 season.
The program ranks 27th on the all-time win list and 40th in all-timewinning percentage.
Colorado also has two Heisman Trophy winners in Rashaan Salaam (1994) and Travis Hunter (2024).
Since the program’s initial season, the Buffaloes have appeared in 29 bowl games, winning 27 conference championships, five division championships, and an AP National Championship in 1990.
—Conference affiliations—
- Independent (1890–1892, 1905)
- Colorado Football Association (1893–1904, 1906–1908)
- Colorado Faculty Athletic Conference/Rocky Mountain Faculty Athletic Conference (1909–1937)
- Mountain States Conference (1938–1947)
- Big Eight Conference (1948–1995)
- Big 12 Conference (1996–2010, 2024–present)
- Pac-12 Conference (2011–2023)
- Big 12 Conference (2024-present)
The table below gives an all-time season rundown with Conference, W-L record, win percentage, coach, and bowl game, if any, for each year
| Year | Conf | W | L | T | Pct | Coach | Bowl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Big 12 | 3 | 9 | 0 | .250 | Deion Sanders | |
| 2024 | Big 12 | 9 | 4 | 0 | .692 | Deion Sanders | Alamo Bowl-L |
| 2023 | Pac-12 | 4 | 8 | 0 | .333 | Deion Sanders | |
| 2022 | Pac-12 | 1 | 11 | 0 | .083 | Karl Dorrell/Mike Sanford | |
| 2021 | Pac-12 | 4 | 8 | 0 | .333 | Karl Dorrell | |
| 2020 | Pac-12 | 4 | 2 | 0 | .667 | Karl Dorrell | Alamo Bowl-L |
| 2019 | Pac-12 | 5 | 7 | 0 | .417 | Mel Tucker | |
| 2018 | Pac-12 | 5 | 7 | 0 | .417 | Kurt Roper Mike MacIntyre | |
| 2017 | Pac-12 | 5 | 7 | 0 | .417 | Mike MacIntyre | |
| 2016 | Pac-12 | 10 | 4 | 0 | .714 | Mike MacIntyre | Alamo Bowl-L |
| 2015 | Pac-12 | 4 | 9 | 0 | .308 | Mike MacIntyre | |
| 2014 | Pac-12 | 2 | 10 | 0 | .167 | Mike MacIntyre | |
| 2013 | Pac-12 | 4 | 8 | 0 | .333 | Mike MacIntyre | |
| 2012 | Pac-12 | 1 | 11 | 0 | .083 | Jon Embree | |
| 2011 | Pac-12 | 3 | 10 | 0 | .231 | Jon Embree | |
| 2010 | Big 12 | 5 | 7 | 0 | .417 | Dan Hawkins Brian Cabral | |
| 2009 | Big 12 | 3 | 9 | 0 | .250 | Dan Hawkins | |
| 2008 | Big 12 | 5 | 7 | 0 | .417 | Dan Hawkins | |
| 2007 | Big 12 | 6 | 7 | 0 | .462 | Dan Hawkins | Independence Bowl-L |
| 2006 | Big 12 | 2 | 10 | 0 | .167 | Dan Hawkins | |
| 2005 | Big 12 | 7 | 6 | 0 | .538 | Gary Barnett Mike Hankwitz | Champs Sports Bowl-L |
| 2004 | Big 12 | 8 | 5 | 0 | .615 | Gary Barnett | Houston Bowl-W |
| 2003 | Big 12 | 5 | 7 | 0 | .417 | Gary Barnett | |
| 2002 | Big 12 | 9 | 5 | 0 | .643 | Gary Barnett | Alamo Bowl-L |
| 2001 | Big 12 | 10 | 3 | 0 | .769 | Gary Barnett | Fiesta Bowl-L |
| 2000 | Big 12 | 3 | 8 | 0 | .273 | Gary Barnett | |
| 1999 | Big 12 | 7 | 5 | 0 | .583 | Gary Barnett | Insight Bowl-W |
| 1998 | Big 12 | 8 | 4 | 0 | .667 | Rick Neuheisel | Aloha Classic-W |
| 1997 | Big 12 | 5 | 6 | 0 | .455 | Rick Neuheisel | |
| 1996 | Big 12 | 10 | 2 | 0 | .833 | Rick Neuheisel | Holiday Bowl-W |
| 1995 | Big 8 | 10 | 2 | 0 | .833 | Rick Neuheisel | Cotton Bowl-W |
| 1994 | Big 8 | 11 | 1 | 0 | .917 | Bill McCartney | Fiesta Bowl-W |
| 1993 | Big 8 | 8 | 3 | 1 | .708 | Bill McCartney | Aloha Bowl-W |
| 1992 | Big 8 | 9 | 2 | 1 | .792 | Bill McCartney | Fiesta Bowl-L |
| 1991 | Big 8 | 8 | 3 | 1 | .708 | Bill McCartney | Blockbuster Bowl-L |
| 1990 | Big 8 | 11 | 1 | 1 | .885 | Bill McCartney | Orange Bowl-W |
| 1989 | Big 8 | 11 | 1 | 0 | .917 | Bill McCartney | Orange Bowl-L |
| 1988 | Big 8 | 8 | 4 | 0 | .667 | Bill McCartney | Freedom Bowl-L |
| 1987 | Big 8 | 7 | 4 | 0 | .636 | Bill McCartney | |
| 1986 | Big 8 | 6 | 6 | 0 | .500 | Bill McCartney | Bluebonnet Bowl-L |
| 1985 | Big 8 | 7 | 5 | 0 | .583 | Bill McCartney | Freedom Bowl-L |
| 1984 | Big 8 | 1 | 10 | 0 | .091 | Bill McCartney | |
| 1983 | Big 8 | 4 | 7 | 0 | .364 | Bill McCartney | |
| 1982 | Big 8 | 2 | 8 | 1 | .227 | Bill McCartney | |
| 1981 | Big 8 | 3 | 8 | 0 | .273 | Chuck Fairbanks | |
| 1980 | Big 8 | 1 | 10 | 0 | .091 | Chuck Fairbanks | |
| 1979 | Big 8 | 3 | 8 | 0 | .273 | Chuck Fairbanks | |
| 1978 | Big 8 | 6 | 5 | 0 | .545 | Bill Mallory | |
| 1977 | Big 8 | 7 | 3 | 1 | .682 | Bill Mallory | |
| 1976 | Big 8 | 8 | 4 | 0 | .667 | Bill Mallory | Orange Bowl-L |
| 1975 | Big 8 | 9 | 3 | 0 | .750 | Bill Mallory | Bluebonnet Bowl-L |
| 1974 | Big 8 | 5 | 6 | 0 | .455 | Bill Mallory | |
| 1973 | Big 8 | 5 | 6 | 0 | .455 | Eddie Crowder | |
| 1972 | Big 8 | 8 | 4 | 0 | .667 | Eddie Crowder | Gator Bowl-L |
| 1971 | Big 8 | 10 | 2 | 0 | .833 | Eddie Crowder | Bluebonnet Bowl-W |
| 1970 | Big 8 | 6 | 5 | 0 | .545 | Eddie Crowder | Liberty Bowl-L |
| 1969 | Big 8 | 8 | 3 | 0 | .727 | Eddie Crowder | Liberty Bowl-W |
| 1968 | Big 8 | 4 | 6 | 0 | .400 | Eddie Crowder | |
| 1967 | Big 8 | 9 | 2 | 0 | .818 | Eddie Crowder | Bluebonnet Bowl-W |
| 1966 | Big 8 | 7 | 3 | 0 | .700 | Eddie Crowder | |
| 1965 | Big 8 | 6 | 2 | 2 | .700 | Eddie Crowder | |
| 1964 | Big 8 | 2 | 8 | 0 | .200 | Eddie Crowder | |
| 1963 | Big 8 | 2 | 8 | 0 | .200 | Eddie Crowder | |
| 1962 | Big 8 | 2 | 8 | 0 | .200 | Bud Davis | |
| 1961 | Big 8 | 9 | 2 | 0 | .818 | Everett Grandelius | Orange Bowl-L |
| 1960 | Big 8 | 6 | 4 | 0 | .600 | Everett Grandelius | |
| 1959 | Big 7 | 5 | 5 | 0 | .500 | Everett Grandelius | |
| 1958 | Big 7 | 6 | 4 | 0 | .600 | Dallas Ward | |
| 1957 | Big 7 | 6 | 3 | 1 | .650 | Dallas Ward | |
| 1956 | Big 7 | 8 | 2 | 1 | .773 | Dallas Ward | Orange Bowl-W |
| 1955 | Big 7 | 6 | 4 | 0 | .600 | Dallas Ward | |
| 1954 | Big 7 | 7 | 2 | 1 | .750 | Dallas Ward | |
| 1953 | Big 7 | 6 | 4 | 0 | .600 | Dallas Ward | |
| 1952 | Big 7 | 6 | 2 | 2 | .700 | Dallas Ward | |
| 1951 | Big 7 | 7 | 3 | 0 | .700 | Dallas Ward | |
| 1950 | Big 7 | 5 | 4 | 1 | .550 | Dallas Ward | |
| 1949 | Big 7 | 3 | 7 | 0 | .300 | Dallas Ward | |
| 1948 | Big 7 | 3 | 6 | 0 | .333 | Dallas Ward | |
| 1947 | MSAC | 4 | 5 | 0 | .444 | Jim Yeager | |
| 1946 | MSAC | 5 | 4 | 1 | .550 | Jim Yeager | |
| 1945 | MSAC | 5 | 3 | 0 | .625 | Frank Potts | |
| 1944 | MSAC | 6 | 2 | 0 | .750 | Frank Potts | |
| 1943 | MSAC | 5 | 2 | 0 | .714 | Jim Yeager | |
| 1942 | MSAC | 7 | 2 | 0 | .778 | Jim Yeager | |
| 1941 | MSAC | 3 | 4 | 1 | .438 | Jim Yeager | |
| 1940 | MSAC | 5 | 3 | 1 | .611 | Frank Potts | |
| 1939 | MSAC | 5 | 3 | 0 | .625 | Bunny Oakes | |
| 1938 | MSAC | 3 | 4 | 1 | .438 | Bunny Oakes | |
| 1937 | RMC | 8 | 1 | 0 | .889 | Bunny Oakes | Cotton Bowl-L |
| 1936 | RMC | 4 | 3 | 0 | .571 | Bunny Oakes | |
| 1935 | RMC | 5 | 4 | 0 | .556 | Bunny Oakes | |
| 1934 | RMC | 6 | 1 | 2 | .778 | William Saunders | |
| 1933 | RMC | 7 | 2 | 0 | .778 | William Saunders | |
| 1932 | RMC | 2 | 4 | 0 | .333 | William Saunders | |
| 1931 | RMC | 5 | 3 | 0 | .625 | Myron Witham | |
| 1930 | RMC | 6 | 1 | 1 | .813 | Myron Witham | |
| 1929 | RMC | 5 | 1 | 1 | .786 | Myron Witham | |
| 1928 | RMC | 5 | 1 | 0 | .833 | Myron Witham | |
| 1927 | RMC | 4 | 5 | 0 | .444 | Myron Witham | |
| 1926 | RMC | 3 | 5 | 1 | .389 | Myron Witham | |
| 1925 | RMC | 6 | 3 | 0 | .667 | Myron Witham | |
| 1924 | RMC | 8 | 1 | 1 | .850 | Myron Witham | |
| 1923 | RMC | 9 | 0 | 0 | 1.000 | Myron Witham | |
| 1922 | RMC | 4 | 4 | 0 | .500 | Myron Witham | |
| 1921 | RMC | 4 | 1 | 1 | .750 | Myron Witham | |
| 1920 | RMC | 4 | 1 | 2 | .714 | Myron Witham | |
| 1919 | RMC | 2 | 3 | 1 | .417 | Joe Mills | |
| 1918 | RMC | 2 | 3 | 0 | .400 | Joe Mills | |
| 1917 | RMC | 6 | 2 | 0 | .750 | Bob Evans | |
| 1916 | RMC | 1 | 5 | 1 | .214 | Bob Evans | |
| 1915 | RMC | 1 | 6 | 0 | .143 | Fred Folsom | |
| 1914 | RMC | 5 | 1 | 0 | .833 | Fred Folsom | |
| 1913 | RMC | 5 | 1 | 1 | .786 | Fred Folsom | |
| 1912 | RMC | 6 | 3 | 0 | .667 | Fred Folsom | |
| 1911 | RMC | 6 | 0 | 0 | 1.000 | Fred Folsom | |
| 1910 | RMC | 6 | 0 | 0 | 1.000 | Fred Folsom | |
| 1909 | CFAC | 6 | 0 | 0 | 1.000 | Fred Folsom | |
| 1908 | CFA | 5 | 2 | 0 | .714 | Fred Folsom | |
| 1907 | CFA | 5 | 3 | 0 | .625 | Frank Castleman | |
| 1906 | CFA | 2 | 3 | 4 | .444 | Frank Castleman | |
| 1905 | Ind | 8 | 1 | 0 | .889 | Willis Keinholtz | |
| 1904 | CFA | 6 | 2 | 1 | .722 | David Cropp | |
| 1903 | CFA | 8 | 2 | 0 | .800 | David Cropp | |
| 1902 | CFA | 5 | 1 | 0 | .833 | Fred Folsom | |
| 1901 | CFA | 5 | 1 | 1 | .786 | Fred Folsom | |
| 1900 | CFA | 6 | 4 | 0 | .600 | T. W. Mortimer | |
| 1899 | CFA | 7 | 2 | 0 | .777 | Fred Folsom | |
| 1898 | CFA | 4 | 4 | 0 | .500 | Fred Folsom | |
| 1897 | CFA | 7 | 1 | 0 | .875 | Fred Folsom | |
| 1896 | CFA | 5 | 0 | 0 | 1.000 | Fred Folsom | |
| 1895 | CFA | 5 | 1 | 0 | .833 | Fred Folsom | |
| 1894 | CFA | 8 | 1 | 0 | .889 | Harry Heller | |
| 1893 | CFA | 2 | 3 | 0 | .400 | None | |
| 1892 | Ind | 3 | 2 | 0 | .600 | None | |
| 1891 | Ind | 1 | 4 | 0 | .200 | None | |
| 1890 | Ind | 0 | 4 | 0 | .000 | None |
Sports
Milano-Cortina: Venues delivered at the 'final breath'

The 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics open tomorrow following a frantic race to complete venues like the Cortina sliding centre and Milan ice hockey arena just in time. While the total cost has climbed to $6.7 billion—exceeding original estimates—it remains significantly lower than the record-breaking budgets of Sochi and Beijing. Despite these financial pressures, organizers view the Games as a vital infrastructure investment expected to draw two million spectators and boost tourism in Northern Italy by 160%.
Sports
Winter Olympics 2026 LIVE: Team GB curling updates and controversy over penis injections ahead of Opening Ceremony
Winter Olympics opening ceremong
The Winter Olympics officially kick off today, with the Opening Ceremony celebrating the start of two weeks of the very best of winter sport.
The main Opening Ceremony takes place in Milan’s San Siro Stadium, one of the historic site’s final events before it is slated to be torn down.
But due to the spread-out nature of these Games – taking place all across northern Italy – there will also be athlete parades in the mountain clusters, including Cortina, where the curling, bobsleigh, skeleton and luge all take place.
This Opening Ceremony has taken ‘Harmony’ as its theme, and will celebrate the two main sites hosting this Games: Milan and Cortina, which also hosted the 1956 Winter Olympics.
Mike Jones6 February 2026 11:01
Good morning!
Welcome to The Independent’s coverage of the Winter Olympics.
Though the Games have already begun tonight sees the official opening ceremony of the winter sports festival ahead of two weeks of intense sporting action.
The ceremony is scheduled to begin at 7pm GMT so we’ll have all the updates from Milan before it kicks off.
Mike Jones6 February 2026 10:59
Sports
Caulfield return for 2026 Australian Guineas hope Planet Red
Planet Red, the Caulfield Guineas placegetter, prepares for his seasonal reappearance in a high-class Stakes race at Caulfield.
On Saturday, the Group 2 Autumn Stakes (1400m) stands as Planet Red’s singular foray before the Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington set for February 28.
Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr’s charge, a three-year-old gelding, was last seen placing second to Autumn Boy during the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) in October.
With three prior Australian Guineas triumphs under his belt, Price admitted Planet Red was drained following his Caulfield Guineas exertions.
“He had five weeks off after the Caulfield Guineas,” Price said.
“When he went into the Caulfield Guineas, he only had a certain amount of energy left in him, but we got it to come together in the last two weeks before that race and he ran super.
“He had five weeks off, but I haven’t got enough horse to do the Space Rider prep.
“Space Rider is going to have three runs into the Australian Guineas, but I’m going to take a punt on Planet Red. He runs in the 1400 metres and then it is three weeks to the Guineas.
“He has improved a little bit as a gelding, but it’s a quick turnaround from the spring.”
Space Rider placed 11th when last facing the Caulfield Guineas field and resumed winning the Group 3 Manfred Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield January 26.
His trajectory leads to the Group 3 C S Hayes Stakes (1400m) at Flemington a week from Saturday.
Price’s Australian Guineas ledger shines with Light Fantastic (2008), Heart Of Dreams (2009), Grunt (2018) victories, plus Tarzino’s near-miss against Palentino in 2016 where the protest failed.
Teaming with Kent Jnr, Price eyes his first joint Guineas score.
“The Australian Guineas has been good to me,” Price said.
“Planet Red will be pretty cherry ripe come the Australian Guineas and I think he’ll run well.”
Those keen on the Autumn Stakes action have plenty of options in the racing betting markets to consider for Planet Red’s performance.
The post Caulfield return for Guineas hope first appeared on Just Horse Racing.
Sports
Seahawks vs. Patriots odds, picks: Experts reveals exact score predictions for the Big Game
All eyes will be on Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., when the New England Patriots take on the Seattle Seahawks in the Big Game. It’s an unlikely matchup after the Patriots came into the season off back-to-back 4-13 seasons and hadn’t been to the NFL playoffs since the 2021 season. Seattle hadn’t been to the playoffs since the 2022 season, but made huge strides in the second season under head coach Mike Macdonald and quarterback Sam Darnold, a free-agent acquisition.
Kickoff is at 6:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, Feb. 8. The latest Seahawks vs. Patriots odds from DraftKings Sportsbook list Seattle as the 4.5-point favorite, with the over/under at 45.5 points. The Seahawks are -230 money line favorites (risk $230 to win $100), while the Patriots are +190 underdogs. Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III is -195 (risk $195 to win $100) to score a touchdown, Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba is -110 and Patriots RB Rhamondre Stevenson is +140. SportsLine’s NFL experts teamed up to give exact score projections for the Big Game, and while they’re unanimously backing the Seahawks to win, their score predictions lead to some different spread and total picks.
The team of NFL betting experts includes R.J. White, who is SportsLine’s all-time No. 1 NFL spread expert and Larry Hartstein, who enters the game on a 43-33 run on NFL ATS picks (+596). Other NFL betting experts featured include Alex ‘PropStarz’ Selesnick, who is on a 62-44 (+916) roll on NFL player props and Jeff Hochman, who is 83-66-3 (plus +1217) over the past four NFL seasons.
Now, SportsLine’s NFL experts have analyzed the NFL odds and locked in their final score predictions for Seahawks vs. Patriots.
Patriots vs. Seahawks score predictions
R.J. White
Big Game score prediction: Seahawks 19, Patriots 16
“The last four Big Games have seen both teams get to 20 points, but I think there’s a chance touchdowns will be hard to come by in this game. The Seahawks defense is elite, allowing just two touchdowns in the six games since Week 12 where they haven’t faced the Rams. The Patriots defense has risen to that level in the postseason thanks to getting key players back in the front seven as well as playcaller Zak Kuhr putting on a masterclass each week. There’s no denying the talent on these offenses, but I see two defensive units that will be tough to crack in the red zone and a lot of kicking points in this game.” New users can target the DraftKings promo code, which offers $300 in bonus bets if your bet wins, and target the Patriots +4.5:
Larry Hartstein
Big Game score prediction: Seahawks 23, Patriots 16
“It’s been four months since a team not named the Rams excelled offensively versus Seattle’s No. 1 defense. Unless Drake Maye runs wild, I have a hard time seeing the Patriots getting to 20 points. New England’s defense is stout too, with a front that shuts down the run and Christian Gonzalez patrolling the back end. But Seattle has better weapons, led by the unstoppable Jaxon-Smith Njigba. He, Rashid Shaheed and Cooper Kupp will make enough plays to complete the Sam Darnold redemption story.” You can bet Seahawks (-4.5) at DraftKings:
Jeff Hochman
Big Game score prediction: Seahawks 27, Patriots 20
“Seattle’s edge in Net Yards Per Play (+1.4 vs. +1.0) is even more impressive considering they played the fourth-toughest schedule, while New England had the league’s easiest. Since 2000, just four teams have captured the title with a negative sack differential, while teams with a +20 or higher sack differential — such as Seattle — have won six times. The Patriots’ sack differential of -13 is the lowest ever for a championship team in this span. After monitoring both teams all season, Seattle appears superior in every phase: offense, defense and special teams.” You can go Over on the total (45.5) at DraftKings:
Alex ‘PropStarz’ Selesnick
Big Game score prediction: Seahawks 23, Patriots 19
“This looks like a game where both offenses could find it difficult to score touchdowns. New Englands defense has been dominant through the playoffs and features the type of scheme and personnel that could potentially give Sam Darnold fits coupled with limiting Seattle’s run game. I also expect Mike McDonald’s defense to make life really difficult on Drake Maye who has not been same player that was a bonafide MVP candidate through the entirety of the regular season. I think this is ultimately a low scoring game decided by 4 points or less. The Seahawks have been very fortunate in high leverage situations and I do expect some major regression in the turnover department, however that may not come to fruition until next season. Seattle feels like a team of destiny.” You can pick Under (45.5) the total at DraftKings:
How to get more Patriots vs. Seahawks picks
SportsLine’s model has simulated Seahawks vs. Patriots 10,000 times and revealed its picks. See who wins and covers the spread here, all from the model that’s on a 53-37 roll on top-rated NFL picks.
Sports
Risky Business Gets Baked into Vikings Decision on ‘Backer with Pass Rush Upside
Soon enough, a Vikings decision needs to arrive on Eric Wilson.
The off-ball ‘backer soaked up plenty of snaps at edge rusher, filling in for the injured Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel at various points. He did so despite being in his early 30s, not having a ton of experience at the position, and being undersized for the task at 6’1″ and 231 pounds. Wilson responded by dropping down a career-high 6.5 sacks alongside 17 tackles for loss. Not too shabby.
The Vikings Decision on Eric Wilson Looks Risky
Bringing Brian Flores back makes keeping Wilson more likely.
Coach Flores, affectionately called “The Mad Scientist” in Minnesota, figured out how to unlock Wilson’s various skills. Not just someone who could run down running backs and tight ends, Wilson could pin his ears back to create havoc as a pass rusher. Essentially every linebacker prefers to run forward rather than backward, so one has to assume to Wilson enjoyed playing for Flores.
Originally, Eric Wilson got added to Minnesota’s roster as an undrafted talent who turned pro after getting completely overlooked in the 2017 NFL Draft.
At the time, Mike Zimmer’s Vikings were on the cusp of one of the franchise’s all-time great seasons. The linebacker spot was being led by Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks, both of whom were very good players in Minnesota.
Wilson came to town as a speedy, athletic linebacker who looked like he could stick around as a special teams menace and depth defender. For most of his career, Wilson lived up to that description, though he did earn a solid amount of playing time on defense over the years.
What’s notable is that he has had staying power. He’s impressive on the field in a physical sense, often demonstrating good speed and physicality. So, too, have coaches uplifted his acumen, an intelligence that allows him to stay a step ahead while also helping his teammates. Add it all together and there’s a veteran defender who possesses nice athleticism (though undersized) as well as someone who thinks and communicates the game at a high level.
In February of 2026, Eric Wilson is coming off a career-best season just as he jaunts into free agency. Soon, he’s going to get paid.
Wilson’s NFL journey has involved working for the Vikings, the Texans, the Eagles, the Saints, the Packers, and now for the Vikings again. At the high-end of his past paydays has been a yearly amount coming in at $3,259,000, which was when he worked for Minnesota in 2020.
Wilson is going to smash that number in March, blowing it to smithereens.
Spotrac offers an estimate that puts Eric Wilson at roughly $4.3 million per season. If that’s indeed what he’ll play for, then Minnesota would be wise to keep him around. Goodness, pay Wilson more than that. A two-year deal for $5 million per season would be a great deal for the Vikings.
Given the success Wilson had in 2025, then the ask on the open market may be much higher. Journeying over to the linebacker section of Over the Cap clarifies that there are a lot of linebackers who make $5 million per season or more. Wilson, very likely, is going to find himself among them. How high is too high?
In the NFL, the contracts that get handed out should be all about the future. Looking to the past is helpful only insofar as past play offers hints about future play.
Eric Wilson is coming off a sizzling season and he legitimately has earned a hearty payday. Whether that comes in Minnesota remains to be seen; the budget is snug and the roster needs to get younger. Is it too risky to pay for a breakout season for Wilson?
Eric Wilson will turn 32 in September of 2026.
Sports
Former WWE female star makes a personal confession
The WWE Universe has seen a major evolution in the women’s professional wrestling picture over the years. However, appearance has been one of the most important factors in the wrestling business, and many acknowledge that. Recently, a former female superstar made a similar confession about herself.
The former star in question is Brooke Adams. Speaking in an interview with WrestlingNewsCo’s The Velvet Ropes, she talked about how women had to trust in the process and opened up about her time in the Stamford-based promotion. She came in as a dancer when she didn’t even know how to dance, and also said that she had a “beautiful booty.”
Thanks for the submission!
“Another example of trust the process, I came in as a dancer. Honey, I cannot dance. I know it kinda looks like it. Fake it till you can make it. I can just pop it. I was twerking before twerking was a thing because I was blessed with a beautiful booty, okay, I cannot dance, and you get into that ring with a double bounce, and you want me to hear a beat on some speakers that don’t match, and I am like no, trust the process,” she said. (From 6:45 – 7:08)
Why Did WWE Waste This Year’s Royal Rumble? Find Out!
Top WWE women’s champion made Brooke Adams question herself
Speaking on the same interview, Brooke Adams spoke highly about one-half of the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, Rhea Ripley, and said that she is obsessed with The Nightmare. Here is what she expressed:
“I’m obsessed with her [Rhea]. If I was going to be a lesbian, girl, let’s be honest, you couldn’t get me off you. I don’t know what it is, but she makes me question [myself]. She’s so hot, and it’s just her aura. She walks in, and you just have it. She’s one in a million girls, and I don’t think you’ll ever see anybody like her. She gets the attention and brings the energy like the men do, and that’s very rare for the women,” she said.
Currently, the former Women’s World Champion is ruling the WWE Women’s Tag Team division on Monday Night RAW alongside IYO SKY.
Edited by Sanchari Bhattacharya
Sports
Christian McCaffrey thankful for 2025 success after last season’s injuries
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SAN FRANCISCO – As long as Christian McCaffrey is on the field, he’s going to show out.
The San Francisco 49ers star running back was the only non-quarterback to be an MVP finalist, and was also in the running for his second Offensive Player of the Year Award in three years after putting up 2,126 scrimmage yards and scoring 17 total touchdowns.
In most cases, that should surprise nobody, but given McCaffrey’s devastating 2024 season, when he missed 13 games due to Achilles tendinitis and a knee injury, “what if” was in the conversation.
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Kyle Juszczyk of the San Francisco 49ers and Christian McCaffrey of the San Francisco 49ers celebrate after McCaffrey’s receiving touchdown during the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium on Oct. 15, 2023, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
“Yeah, you know, I think last year was tough. There was a lot of uncertainty for me the whole offseason just working extremely hard day and night to try to come back to where I needed to be,” McCaffrey told Fox News Digital on Radio Row. “I really just thank God. I feel very fortunate that I played in every game. You know, that’s something I don’t take for granted ever anymore. And I feel blessed to be able to come out of the season healthy.”
McCaffrey became just the second player ever to be nominated for MVP, Offensive Player of the Year, and Comeback Player of the Year in the same season. He was also voted by fans as one of FedEx’s Air & Ground Players of the Year.
“This is a cool award. Voted for by the fans, which makes it really cool, and it’s been going on for 23 years now, so it’s one of the longest NFL awards. So, I’m super thankful,” McCaffrey said. “They’re also giving $15,000 to Feeding America, a local food bank here in San Francisco. So, you know, getting an award, being able to give back a little bit, it’s pretty cool.”

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey celebrates after scoring against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Glendale, Arizona. (AP Photo/Matt York)
McCaffrey won the Comeback Player of the Year on Thursday night given last year’s injuries and this year’s rousing success. Given his age, many were worried that it was the beginning of the end.
McCaffrey, too, was admittedly nervous, but that is not exactly a new feeling for him.
“I’ve been worrying since I was in high school. Most of my mindset is just worrying. You know, part of what drives me is just that, you know, that anxiety of not living up to my potential or not being able to play. So, that’s definitely something that’s always in my head transparently,” McCaffrey said. “But I think that’s the beauty of training. Whenever that’s kind of how you start, and then you train and train and train and do all the things you can to get to where you want to be, which will instill confidence that, you know what? I trust my training. I know that I can do this now. I feel good about where I’m at.”

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey, right, celebrates his touchdown with offensive tackle Trent Williams during the first half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023, in Inglewood, California. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
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McCaffrey will be 30 years old by the time he plays meaningful football again, but after nearly another 1,000-1,000 yard season, there’s not much to worry about.
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Sports
2026 WM Phoenix Open Friday TV coverage: Watch Round 2
Sports
Honkai Star Rail 4.0 banners schedule
The much-anticipated Honkai Star Rail 4.0 livestream revealed the upcoming banner schedule. With that, Trailblazers now know which limited-time 5-stars will accompany Yao Guang and Sparxie. Like most updates, this one is split into two phases that feature different banners.
This article goes over all the Honkai Star Rail 4.0 banners and details every character and Light Cone that Trailblazers can get during the patch.
Honkai Star Rail 4.0 first half banners
Characters


When Honkai Star Rail version 4.0 commences, players can get the brand-new Elation unit, Yao Guang, alongside the rerun characters, Black Swan, Evernight, and Hysilens. Although a brand-new destination is getting introduced, the 4-star roster remains unchanged.
While phase one is active, three 4-star characters will be featured in all gacha banners. However, players can get every unit from the aforementioned rarity as well.
That said, here are all the characters that Trailblazers can obtain during the first phase:
- 5-star: Yao Guang (Physical, Elation Path)
- 5-star: Evernight (Ice, Remembrance Path)
- 5-star: Hysilens (Physical, Nihility Path)
- 5-star: Black Swan (Wind, Nihility Path)
- 4-star: Pela (Ice, Nihility Path)
- 4-star: Hanya (Physical, Harmony Path)
- 4-star: Qingque (Quantum, Erudition Path)
Note: Similar to Cyrene, Yao Guang’s banner will be available until version 4.1.
Light Cones


Alongside all the characters, the Light Cone banners will be available to all players. These will feature Yao Guang, Evernight, Black Swan, and Hysilens’ signature LCs simultaneously. Although the banners are separate, their pity carries over to the other.
Moreover, three 4-star Light Cones will be featured on the banner with a boosted drop rate. Hence, if players want one of them, they can specifically pull for them.
Let’s take a look at all the LCs that Trailblazers can get from the gacha banners:
- 5-star: When She Decided to See (Elation Path)
- 5-star: To Evernight’s Stars (Remembrance Path)
- 5-star: Why Does the Ocean Sing (Nihility Path)
- 5-star: Reforged Remembrance (Nihility Path)
- 4-star: Planetary Rendezvous (Harmony Path)
- 4-star: The Story’s Next page (Remembrance Path)
- 4-star: Resolution Shines As Pearls of Sweat (Nihility Path)
Honkai Star Rail 4.0 second half banners
Characters


When the second phase goes live, Sparxie’s limited-time banner will go live alongside the rerun characters, Sparkle, Cerydra, and Rappa. During this time, Trailblazers can spend their Special Passes to get the unit they desire. Similar to the first half, the second phase gacha banners also feature three 4-star units.
Here are the units players can acquire while the Honkai Star Rail 4.0 second half is active:
- 5-star: Sparxie (Fire, Elation Path)
- 5-star: Cerydra (Wind, Harmony Path)
- 5-star: Rappa (Imaginary, Erudition Path)
- 5-star: Sparkle (Quantum, Harmony Path)
- 4-star: Pela (Ice, Nihility Path)
- 4-star: Hanya (Physical, Harmony Path)
- 4-star: Qingque (Quantum, Erudition Path)
Light Cones


Sparxie’s signature Light Cone will be available during the second phase of Honkai Star Rail 4.0. Besides that, the rerun units’ 5-star LC will be featured in a separate banner alongside Dazzled By a Flowery World. Although there will be multiple Light Cone banners, the 4-star with boosted drop rate will be identical.
The following section lists every LC that can be obtained from the gacha banners during phase two of HSR 4.0:
- 5-star: Dazzled By a Flowery World (Elation Path)
- 5-star: Epoch Etched in Golden Blood (Harmony Path)
- 5-star: Ninjutsu Inscription: Dazzling Evilbreaker (Erudition Path)
- 5-star: Earthly Escapade (Harmony Path)
- 4-star: Planetary Rendezvous (Harmony Path)
- 4-star: The Story’s Next page (Remembrance Path)
- 4-star: Resolution Shines As Pearls of Sweat (Nihility Path)
For more articles related to this turn-based gacha title from HoYoverse, Honkai Star Rail, check out the following section:
Are you stuck on today’s Wordle? Our Wordle Solver will help you find the answer.
Edited by Argha Halder
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