A busy and exciting round of matches took place in the Nigeria Premier Football League on Sunday, with several home teams recording important wins, while some visitors earned hard-fought draws.

Ikorodu City began the day in fine form with a 2-0 victory over Tornadoes. Joseph Arumala was the hero, scoring from the penalty spot in the 33rd minute before adding a second goal late in the game to seal the win.

Rangers and Abia Warriors played out a tight contest that ended goalless, while El Kanemi Warriors and Warri Wolves also shared points in a scoreless draw.

Kun Khalifat continued their strong home record with a 2-0 win against 3SC. James Ekebuike opened the scoring in the 24th minute, and Blessed Iyamu added another shortly after the break to make the points safe.

Kano Pillars also made home advantage count, defeating Remo Stars 1-0. Luis Dadong scored the only goal of the match in the 57th minute.

Plateau United claimed a late 1-0 win over Kwara United, with Sadiq Yusuf scoring the decisive goal in the 88th minute.

In Lafia, Nasarawa United and Bayelsa United played to a 1-1 draw. Victor John gave the hosts an early lead in the seventh minute, but Energy Otunuya equalised before halftime.

The most dramatic match of the day was in Bauchi, where Wikki Tourists and Katsina United played out a thrilling 3-3 draw. The game was disrupted by fan protests and was briefly stopped due to poor visibility. Katsina United also had Uche Collins sent off after receiving a second yellow card. The match is expected to resume from the 78th minute on Monday morning.

Sunday’s results showed how competitive the NPFL remains, with teams still battling hard for points as the season continues.

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland scored a late penalty as his team came from behind to beat Liverpool 2-1 at Anfield.

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland told Liverpool goalscorer Dominik Szoboszlai that he didn’t want to talk to him moments before scoring the winner at Anfield. The Norwegian centre-forward had a quiet afternoon for the most part on Merseyside but with the scores level he was given the chance to win the game.

In the first minute of second half stoppage time, Matheus Nunes was brought down by Alisson to gift City a chance to win the game. Before the penalty could be taken, Nunes was receiving treatment and this gave Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister an opportunity to try and put the forward off.

Reflecting on that moment, the forward told Sky Sports: “He [Szoboszlai] started speaking with me, also Mac Allister, but I don’t remember [what he said] I was just focusing. I told him [Szoboszlai]: ‘This is the first time I don’t want to speak with you, so move away,’ but in the end I was nervous and then I am just happy that I scored.”

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Haaland and Szoboszlai would then be at the centre of VAR controversy. With Alisson at the other end of the pitch as Liverpool pushed for an equaliser, City won the ball back and Rayan Cherki looked to have scored from his own half.

Both Haaland and Szoboszlai were chasing the ball as it trickled towards the goal. VAR intervened and ruled out the goal and the makeshift full-back was sent off for fouling Haaland.

Amidst that confusion, City managed to see out the game but Haaland admitted he felt sympathy for Szoboszlai, who he played alongside at RB Salzburg. “Of course the referee has to follow the rules but this will give him three games and in the end I feel bad for him because he gets three games [ban],” Haaland said.

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“Just give the goal, don’t give a red card. Simple as that.”

Moments before that disallowed goal, Gianluigi Donnarumma produced a world class save to deny Mac Allister’s long range effort and Haaland reserved praise for the Italian. He concluded: “You see in the second half they managed to play good football and we managed to keep it away.

“Look at Gigi, look at the last save he made. It was incredible, the one with Mac Allister shooting. This is, for me, out of this world and it shows why he is the best in the world.”

The Minnesota Vikings’ offseason is in full motion, evidenced by the termination of general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah nine days ago. Things are changing. The club will embark on free agency in one month and the NFL draft in April. Expect three roster areas to get love and garner all the attention.

Minnesota’s offseason hinges on stabilizing the secondary and clarifying the QB room, with free agency and the draft both in play.

There is a litany of depth roster teams, as many teams encounter in February, but these are the biggies.

Three Vikings Roster Areas Drawing Special Attention in 2026

It’s a three-horse race for Minnesota’s paramount roster need.

1. Safety

Who’s Under Contract in 2026:

• Josh Metellus
• Theo Jackson
• Jay Ward
• Kahlef Hailassie

The 2025 campaign might have been the end of the road for Harrison Smith, and if so, the Vikings will need an immediate replacement, mainly because Lewis Cine didn’t work out four years ago.

In theory, Brian Flores might be able to get by with Metellus, Jackson, and Ward. That just doesn’t feel likely, though. From free agency or the draft, Minnesota needs a Smith replacement if he walks away.

It’s also worth mentioning that Smith could return one more time with Flores back in the saddle as defensive coordinator, allowing Minnesota to push the safety timeline in 2027.

SKOR North‘s Judd Zulgad noted on Smith this week, “There remains no word on Smith’s plans, and that leaves the door ajar for the recently turned 38-year-old to continue playing. What could influence him? Many veterans will tell you that at the end of the season — and the few weeks that follow — that they give thought to walking away.

“This is a brutal sport, and the nearly constant in-season grind makes retirement seem attractive. Those same veterans will acknowledge that as they get into the offseason their minds drift toward what they love about the game. The camaraderie that comes from being in the locker room, the thrill of competing on game day, the ability to play a kids’ game into their 30s.”

Who the Vikings Could Target:

• Dane Belton (NYG)
• Reed Blankenship (PHI)
• Nick Cross (IND)
• Andre Cisco (NYJ)
• Alohi Gilman (BAL)
• Jalen Thompson (ARI)
• Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (Rookie, Toledo)
• Dillon Thieneman (Rookie, Oregon)

The Athletic‘s Alec Lewis recommended Thompson this week: “If Harrison Smith retires, safety will be one of the team’s primary needs for 2026. Thompson is similar to Mays. He’s only 27 and has played for the Arizona Cardinals since 2019. He has the smarts to man the controls for Flores’ defense, and his athleticism would help the Vikings stick with receivers on the back end.”

“There are plenty of enticing free-agent safeties. The Los Angeles Rams’ Kamren Curl feels like a perfect player for Flores’ system, but Minnesota might be priced out of a rangy ball hawk like him.”

2. Cornerback

Who’s Under Contract in 2026:

• Byron Murphy Jr.
• Isaiah Rodgers
• Dwight McGlothern
• Zemaiah Vaughn

Vikings fans have yearned for a productive young cornerback from the draft since the days of Trae Waynes and Mackensie Alexander — guys drafted a decade ago. In fact, various Vikings general managers have swung and missed on virtually all cornerbacks in the draft, to the tune of eight and hopefully none counting.

The purple team limped into 2025 with an extremely skimpy CB room, got away with it, and will probably take measures to get deeper at the roster spot in 2026. Remarkably, Murphy Jr. and Rodgers didn’t miss a single game in 2025.

Who the Vikings Could Target:

• Montaric Brown (JAX)
• Cordale Flott (NYG)
• Greg Newsome II (JAX)
• Alontae Taylor (NO)
• Jaylen Watson (KC)
• Tariq Woolen (SEA)
• Aveion Terrell (Rookie, Clemson)
• Brandon Cisse (Rookie, South Carolina)
• Colton Hood (Rookie, Tennessee)
• Jermod McCoy (Rookie, Tennessee)
• Mansoor Delane (Rookie, LSU)

3. Quarterback

Who’s Under Contract in 2026:

• J.J. McCarthy
• Max Brosmer

This one is for all the marbles. Minnesota will likely enter 2026 with McCarthy somewhere on the roster, but he’s no longer guaranteed a starter’s job “just because.”

McCarthy has played in 30% of Vikings games since joining the team in 2024. That isn’t enough. He’s officially injury-prone. And in his first season as a starter, he played about five good games, missed seven due to injury, and played poorly in the other five contests.

Whether it’s a competition this summer or just an insurance policy, Kevin O’Connell will add a quarterback or two from this list:

Who the Vikings Could Target:

• Teddy Bridgewater
• Jake Browning
• Jimmy Garoppolo
• Joe Flacco
• Case Keenum
• Daniel Jones
• Marcus Mariota
• Gardner Minshew
• Kenny Pickett
• Aaron Rodgers
• Tyrod Taylor
• Mitchell Trubisky
• Carson Wentz
• Malik Willis
• Russell Wilson
• Zach Wilson
• Mac Jones (trade)
• Will Levis (trade)
• Drew Lock (trade)
• Davis Mills (trade)
• Jalen Milroe (trade)
• Kyler Murray (trade)
• Spencer Rattler (trade)
• Anthony Richardson (trade)
• Tua Tagovailoa (trade)
• Jameis Winston (trade)

NFL free agency gets underway in four weeks.

Chris Gotterup is your 2026 WM Phoenix Open champion — and he earned it in unforgettable fashion.

Standing on the 13th tee, Gotterup’s chances of victory looked all but gone. After bogeying the par-3 12th, his 11-under total left him five shots off the lead. A solid top-10 finish (and a healthy paycheck) seemed likely. Taking home hardware did not.

That assumption didn’t last long.

Over the final six holes, Gotterup caught fire, carding five birdies to surge into the clubhouse lead at 16 under. The run included a clutch wedge shot from the gallery on the 18th hole that finished inside five feet, putting the finishing touches on his final-round 64.

“I knew I’d need to make birdie on 18,” Gotterup said. “But you never know.”

Even then, his fate wasn’t fully in his hands. Hideki Matsuyama, the 54-hole leader, still sat one stroke clear, leaving Gotterup to wait on the driving range and hope for a mistake.

That blunder came on the final hole.

Needing only a par to claim his third victory at TPC Scottsdale, Matsuyama hooked his tee shot on 18 into the church pew bunkers left of the fairway. His approach clipped the bunker’s lip and squirted into the intermediate rough more than 40 yards short of the green. When Matsuyama failed to get up and down, the two headed back to the 18th tee for a playoff.

The playoff hole unfolded eerily similar to regulation. Gotterup once again blasted his drive into wedge range, while Matsuyama again missed left, this time finding the water. Moments later, Gotterup poured his birdie putt into the center of the cup to seal the win.

“I’m just having such a good time playing right now,” Gotterup said, choking back tears. “I know everyone at home is watching, and it’s just so awesome.”

With the victory, Gotterup earns $1.7 million, moves to the top of the FedEx Cup standings and becomes the first player to win multiple events during the 2026 season, following his victory at The Sony just three weeks ago.

“There are just so many people who believe in me,” he said. “It’s so much fun.”

Green Day rocked Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, ahead of Super Bowl LX as the NFL honors Super Bowl MVPs of the past.

The punk rock band played “Holiday” and “American Idiot” – two of their most political songs – for fans who were trickling in before kickoff. However, the band refrained from taking jabs at President Donald Trump and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during their performance.

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Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day performs in Super Bowl LX between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks at Levi’s Stadium on Feb. 8, 2026 (Carlos Barria/Reuters via Imagn Images)

NFL and Green Day fans who tuned into the performance were hoping that the group would have more criticism for Trump and his administration with millions watching around the world.

One X user wrote that it was “b—h move” to avoid any politics.

“Green Day skipping the entire middle of ‘American Idiot’ with the ‘anti maga’ lyrics when they had the chance to sing it in front of millions during the current political state of our country is such a bitch move sorry,” the X user wrote.

Another X user shared similar sentiments.

“Green Day could’ve blown that s— up more than just by doing two political songs and cutting out the sauce from them,” they wrote on X.

BLACK NATIONAL ANTHEM STOKES SOCIAL MEDIA OUTRAGE BEFORE SUPER BOWL LX

Green Day performs before the start of the game between New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium on Feb. 8, 2026. (Darren Yamashita/Imagn Images)

One user wrote that Green Day failed to do anything “meaningful.”

“Green Day turning out to be performative losers was a pretty big disappointment,” the person wrote. “They talk a whole bunch of talk but when given the opportunity to play at the biggest event in America they don’t f—ing say ANYTHING meaningful. What a complete joke of a band”

Some BlueSky users were just as annoyed with the band.

“‘American Idiot’ still shreds but Green Day skipped the ‘sieg heil to the president’ part of ‘Holiday;’ Roger Goodell must’ve told Billie Joe there’s a sniper trained on him from the rafters,” one person wrote on the platform.

Former NFL punter Chris Kluwe added, “Green Day ruled, though I was hoping they were going to play the second verse of ‘American Idiot.’”

Green Day’s performance ahead of the Super Bowl didn’t appear to be enough.

The band played at a pregame party Friday night at Pier 29 in San Francisco, where frontman Billie Joe Armstrong made a strong statement against ICE agents.

“To all the ICE agents out there, wherever you are, quit your s—-y-a-s job. Quit that s—-y job you have,” Armstrong said during the show.

Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day looks on from the field before Super Bowl LX between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots at Levi’s Stadium on Feb. 8, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. (Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

“Because when this is over — and it will be over at some point in time — Kristi Noem, Stephen Miller, JD Vance, Donald Trump, they’re gonna drop you like a bad f—–g habit. Come on this side of the line.”

Armstrong also said the performance “goes out to Minneapolis” amid the protests and shooting deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti. He also changed lyrics of “Holiday” from “the representative from California has the floor” to “the representative from Epstein Island has the floor.”

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Armstrong has been critical of the president in the past. He has likened Trump to Hitler, and the band frequently changes the line “I’m not part of a redneck agenda” from its 2004 hit “American Idiot” to “I’m not part of the MAGA agenda” in more recent live performances.

Fox News’ Ryan Morik contributed to this report.

The 2026 Winter Olympics have arrived as Milano Cortina hosts the quadrennial festival of snow and ice-based sports.

The last Winter Olympics in Beijing saw Norway top the medal table with 16 golds, ahead of Germany, USA and hosts China, while Team GB claimed just two medals – both in curling, right at the end of the Games, with Eve Muirhead skipping the women’s team to gold and Bruce Mouat skipping the men’s team to silver.

Hopes are higher for more British medals this time around, not only in the curling rink but in a number of the snow events, with regular World Cup wins coming in disciplines such as snowboarding, snowboard cross and freestyle skiing from British competitors

Milano Cortina 2026 will gets underway on 4 February, with the opening ceremony two days later on 6 February, and will run until the closing ceremony on 22 February, with 116 medal events across the 19 days in Italy.

The events are split up into four main geographical zones: Milano (hosting the ceremonies and sports such as ice hockey, speed skating and figure skating), Valtellina (hosting freestyle skiing and snowboard events), Cortina (home of the women’s alpine skiing and ice sports such as curling , skeleton and luge) and Val di Fiemme (where the ski jumping and cross-country skiing will take place).

Here is a closer look at the full day-by-day schedule for the Games, including every session for every sport:

Full day-by-day Winter Olympic schedule (all times GMT)

***********************************************************************************************************

Day 3 (Monday 9 February 2026) – 5 gold medal events

Alpine skiing

Curling

Figure skating

Freestyle skiing

Ice hockey

Luge

Ski jumping

Snowboarding

Speed skating

***********************************************************************************************************

Day 4 (Tuesday 10 February 2026) – 9 gold medal events

Alpine skiing

Biathlon

Cross-country skiing

Curling

Figure skating

Freestyle skiing

Ice hockey

Luge

Ski jumping

Short track speed skating

***********************************************************************************************************

Day 5 (Wednesday 11 February 2026) – 8 gold medal events

Alpine skiing

Biathlon

Curling

Figure skating

Freestyle skiing

Ice hockey

Luge

Nordic combined

Snowboarding

Speed skating

***********************************************************************************************************

Day 6 (Thursday 12 February 2026) – 9 gold medal events

Alpine skiing

Cross-country skiing

Curling

Freestyle skiing

Ice hockey

Luge

Short track speed skating

Skeleton

Snowboarding

Speed skating

***********************************************************************************************************

Day 7 (Friday 13 February 2026) – 7 gold medal events

Biathlon

Cross-country skiing

Curling

Figure skating

Ice hockey

Skeleton

Snowboard

Speed skating

***********************************************************************************************************

Day 8 (Saturday 14 February 2026) – 8 gold medal events

Alpine skiing

Biathlon

Cross-country skiing

Curling

Freestyle skiing

Ice hockey

Short track speed skating

Skeleton

Ski jumping

Speed skating

***********************************************************************************************************

Day 9 (Sunday 15 February 2026) – 9 gold medal events

Alpine skiing

Biathlon

Bobsleigh

Cross-country skiing

Curling

Figure skating

Freestyle skiing

Ice hockey

Skeleton

Ski jumping

Snowboard

Speed skating

***********************************************************************************************************

Day 10 (Monday 16 February 2026) – 6 gold medal events

Alpine skiing

Bobsleigh

Curling

Figure skating

Freestyle skiing

Ice hockey

Short track speed skating

Ski jumping

Snowboarding

***********************************************************************************************************

Day 11 (Tuesday 17 February 2026) – 7 gold medal events

Biathlon

Bobsleigh

Curling

Figure skating

Freestyle skiing

Ice hockey

Nordic combined

Snowboarding

Speed skating

***********************************************************************************************************

Day 12 (Wednesday 18 February 2026) – 8 gold medal events

Alpine skiing

Biathlon

Cross-country skiing

Curling

Freestyle skiing

Ice hockey

Short track speed skating

Snowboarding

***********************************************************************************************************

Day 13 (Thursday 19 February 2026) – 7 gold medal events

Curling

Figure skating

Freestyle skiing

Ice hockey

Nordic combined

Ski mountaineering

Speed skating

***********************************************************************************************************

Day 14 (Friday 20 February 2026) – 6 gold medal events

Biathlon

Bobsleigh

Curling

Freestyle skiing

Ice hockey

Short track speed skating

Speed skating

***********************************************************************************************************

Day 15 (Saturday 21 February 2026) – 10 gold medal events

Biathlon

Bobsleigh

Cross-country skiing

Curling

Figure skating

Freestyle skiing

Ice hockey

Ski mountaineering

Speed skating

***********************************************************************************************************

Day 16 (Sunday 22 February 2026) – 4 gold medal events

Bobsleigh

Cross-country skiing

Curling

Ice hockey

CLOSING CEREMONY

Super Bowl Sunday has arrived, and if this year’s showdown between the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots is even half as thrilling as the last time these franchises met on this stage, fans are in for a wild ride. Eleven years after their Super Bowl XLIX classic, the teams meet again tonight with the Lombardi Trophy on the line.

The Seahawks, much like their previous Super Bowl runs, have been powered by one of the NFL’s best defenses. Seattle allowed the fewest points in the league this season and finished first in both yards per pass attempt allowed and yards per rush attempt allowed. The unit flexed its muscle in a 41-6 divisional-round win over the San Francisco 49ers, surrendering just 3.9 yards per play — San Francisco’s worst mark all season.

Seattle’s offense delivered its biggest statement in the NFC Championship Game. Sam Darnold threw for 346 yards and three touchdowns in a 31-27 win over the Los Angeles Rams, with 153 yards and a score going to Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Kenneth Walker III added 111 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown, while Cooper Kupp and Jake Bobo also reached the end zone.

Though the unit was inconsistent late in the regular season, it has found its rhythm in the playoffs — and, crucially, has not committed a turnover. Seattle enters tonight’s game with a plus-four turnover differential this postseason.

Turnovers have also defined New England’s playoff run — but on the other side of the ball. No defense has forced more this postseason than the Patriots, who have wreaked havoc against the Los Angeles Chargers, Houston Texans and Denver Broncos. New England is allowing just 8.7 points per game in the playoffs, the fewest by any team through three games since the 2000 Baltimore Ravens‘ historic defense.

The Patriots’ offense, which powered much of the regular-season success, has been quieter in January. New England’s 18.0 points per game this postseason is the fewest entering a Super Bowl appearance since the 1979 Rams. Still, Drake Maye has delivered timely plays with both his arm and legs, and the Patriots’ firepower presents a major test for Seattle’s defense.

Here’s how to watch tonight’s game, followed by keys to the matchup and a prediction.

For live updates, highlights and analysis throughout the game, follow our Super Bowl LX live blog.

Super Bowl LX: Where to watch Patriots vs. Seahawks

Patriots-Seahaws Super Bowl big questions

Can the Patriots force Sam Darnold into mistakes? 

For as good as Darnold has been this season — and especially this postseason — he does have a penchant for turnovers. In fact, his 20 turnovers this season were most in the NFL, and his 14 interceptions were third-most. Eight of those 14 turnovers happened when he was pressured, tied with Geno Smith for most in the NFL.

Now (mostly) healthy, the Patriots’ pass rush has been dominant this postseason with an NFL-best 52% pressure rate. For comparison’s sake, the highest pressure rate during the regular season was 45% (by the Minnesota Vikings). 

The Seahawks have done a good job keeping Darnold clean for the most part, and play-caller Klint Kubiak does a good job of getting him out of the pocket via play-action and giving him easy answers. 

But Milton Williams, who had a big impact in last year’s Super Bowl for the Philadelphia Eagles, K’Lavon Chaisson and other members of the New England front seven will hope to make an impact so talented cornerbacks Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis have a chance to make Darnold pay for a poor decision.

Can the Patriots’ offensive line hold up?

The path for the underdogs to come out on top starts with getting to Darnold. The next step is protecting their own quarterback. Maye has taken five sacks in all three of his playoff games so far, and while that’s come against three of the NFL’s best defenses, it’s not as if the Seahawks’ unit is any easier. 

Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald dials up a variety of different schemes and pressure looks, and he has both a disruptive duo inside (Leonard Williams, Byron Murphy II) and a plethora of edge rushers to generate pressure. 

When the Seahawks do get pressure, Maye has to be careful with the ball: He has six fumbles (three lost) this postseason, both most of any player.

Can Maye hit the deep ball?

The Seahawks’ excellent cornerbacks play very aggressively, and it almost always works. The results speak for themselves.

But if the offensive line holds up, Maye might have the opportunity for a deep ball or two, and he’s been as good as anyone in those scenarios: His 35 completions at least 20 yards downfield this regular season were second-most in the NFL behind Matthew Stafford.

2026 Super Bowl expert predictions, odds, picks, best bets, where to watch Seahawks vs. Patriots today

Tyler Sullivan

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Super Bowl LX pick, prediction

Expect some nerves early, especially from the quarterbacks, but as both settle in, this should be a great, close battle between an ascending star and an unlikely one.

Maye is looking to become the youngest quarterback to win a Super Bowl, and Darnold is looking to become the first quarterback to win a Super Bowl after playing for at least five different teams.

Ultimately, the Seahawks’ defense gets a few timely stops, and Seattle leaves with its second championship.

Pick: Seahawks 24, Patriots 20

The Minnesota Vikings have all but confirmed they will add another quarterback this offseason, probably via trade or free agency. And based on the landscape of possibly available signal-callers, San Francisco 49ers QB2 Mac Jones might move the needle. Wouldn’t you know it? He sure sounded like a guy this week who would welcome a trade.

The fit runs through Shanahan roots, a more straightforward path to snaps, and the Vikings’ need for an absolute contingency behind J.J. McCarthy.

Jones spoke to NFL.com, explaining his desire to start again, which won’t happen in San Francisco unless Brock Purdy gets injured.

Jones-to-Vikings Has Real Logic

Jones chatter in the purple rumor mill won’t die anytime soon.

Jones on His Plans to Start Again

Reporters asked Jones this week if he’d like to start elsewhere, and he replied, “Honestly, it’s a business. You know how this goes. I’ve proven I can be a starter. I’ve proven I can be a starter in multiple different spots. I have 50-plus starts or whatever.”

“I know how to do it, but it’s also a business. I understand both sides of it. If you’re a quarterback that’s a free agent or could get traded or whatever your situation is, you want to go somewhere that fits and makes sense. At the end of the day, that’s what I want in San Francisco. We’ll see what happens. It’s good to be talked about.”

He also said about the 2025 campaign, “Getting back to having fun and being around a group of guys that I really mesh well with, coaches and players. I felt like it was very laid back, but we put in a lot of work in OTAs.”

“Just for them to take me under their wing and for me to learn from all the Hall of Fame players we have, it was awesome. Kyle has been great for me. We’re really on the same … I call it ‘wi-fi.’ We’re just a really good match.”

That sounds like a man who wouldn’t mind a trade and starting gig in 2026.

Just an Insurance Policy in SF

Why does Jones want to eventually wiggle out of San Francisco? Simple — he can’t start there. The 49ers pay Brock Purdy the megabucks, and unless Purdy gets hurt again, Jones is merely an insurance policy.

Elsewhere, with the Vikings, New York Jets, Arizona Cardinals, or Pittsburgh Steelers, Jones could be the top guy.

It’s all a matter of San Francisco’s willingness to trade him this offseason. General manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan said a couple of weeks ago that they have no desire to offload Jones. Some have reasoned that 1st- or 2nd-Round draft pick might change their minds.

The Numbers in 2025

The case for Jones to Minnesota — or anywhere — is really straightforward. He started eight games in 2025, with the 49ers finishing 5-3 on his watch. If one scales his eight-game performance to a full 17 games, the numbers look like this:

• 4,570 Passing Yards
• 28 Passing TDs
• 13 INTs
• 69.6% Completion

That’s close to 2024 Darnold output, and Minnesota finished 14-3 that year.

There’s no reason to believe that Jones would arrive in Minnesota and suddenly struggle.

SI.com‘s Jose Sanchez compiled a list of Jones’s trade spots this week and noted on the Vikings, “Last, but not least, is the most obvious team — the Vikings. It was recently reported that they have Jones on their radar, which makes sense.”

“They are the most playoff-ready team on this list and can offer the 49ers a great deal. Justin Jefferson is what fans would love to hear, but that won’t happen. It’s more likely for the 49ers to get a pick and Jordan Addison from the Vikings. Minnesota gets its quarterback, while the 49ers add draft capital and needed speed at receiver with Addison.”

The Next Darnold/Mayfield?

Baker Mayfield turned his career all the way around in Tampa Bay. So did Sam Darnold in 2024 and 2025. Jones could be next.

He also opined on Darnold, who will play in the Super Bowl on Sunday: “I get asked that a lot. Everyone’s journey is so different. I feel like I’ve watched him in interviews, and he does say that learning from Kyle and Brock really changed his career. I see why now.”

“I’ve learned so much this year. I know Sam probably felt the same way (in his one year in San Francisco). You can see it on the tape, there’s a lot of crossover.”

If anyone replicates the Mayfield-Darnold path as early as 2026, it will probably be Jones. He already showed his ability to produce at an impressive level in the right system.

Jones will turn 28 in September.

Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga, center, celebrates with teammates (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)

Sri Lanka began their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup campaign on a confident note, overcoming Ireland by 20 runs in their opening fixture on Sunday, thanks to a composed unbeaten half-century from Kamindu Mendis and a clinical display from their spinners. Asked to bat first, the hosts were rocked early when Mark Adair removed Kamil Mishara for six in the fourth over. Despite the early setback, Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis ensured Sri Lanka finished the powerplay on solid footing, taking the score to 50 with a blend of caution and timely aggression.

The partnership added 34 for the second wicket before George Dockrell broke through in the ninth over, dismissing Nissanka for 24 off 23 balls. Dockrell struck again soon after, sending Pavan Rathnayake back for 5, leaving Sri Lanka wobbling at 68 for three after 11 overs. Ireland tightened the screws through the middle phase, drying up the boundaries and forcing Sri Lanka to crawl to 95 for four by the 15th over. The momentum shifted dramatically thereafter. Kamindu Mendis and Kusal Mendis counter-attacked with a vital 67-run stand that revived the innings. Kamindu changed the complexion of the match with a blistering burst, smashing 44 off just 19 balls, before settling into a mature unbeaten 56 off 43 deliveries. His knock guided Sri Lanka to a competitive total of 163. In reply, Ireland lost skipper Paul Stirling early, trapped by Maheesh Theekshana in the fourth over. Ross Adair showed intent but was bowled by Wanindu Hasaranga for 34, while a promising 49-run stand between Harry Tector and Lorcan Tucker briefly kept Ireland in the hunt. Sri Lanka’s spinners then took control. Hasaranga removed Tector for 40 and Dunith Wellalage accounted for Tucker, triggering a collapse. Theekshana struck twice late to seal the contest as Ireland were bowled out for 143. Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga claimed three wickets apiece, underlining Sri Lanka’s all-round dominance.

Team India arrives at the residence of Indian Cricket Team Head Coach Gautam Gambhir (ANI Video Grab)

NEW DELHI: Indian cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir hosted a special dinner at his residence in New Delhi on Sunday, ahead of India’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup match against Namibia on February 12 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. BCCI Vice President Rajiv Shukla was also present at the gathering, which came as the team prepared for their second group-stage match of the tournament.Watch:India began their T20 World Cup campaign with a solid win against the United States at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on February 7. Batting first, India posted a competitive total of 161 runs for 9 wickets in 20 overs.Captain Suryakumar Yadav led from the front with a brilliant unbeaten 84 off 49 balls, anchoring the innings after India lost early wickets. Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma also made useful contributions to help the team reach a defendable score. For the USA, Shadley van Schalkwyk and Harmeet Singh stood out with the ball, picking up key wickets.In reply, the USA fought hard but were restricted to 132 for 8 in their 20 overs, losing the match by 29 runs. Milind Kumar, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, and Shubham Ranjane played fighting innings to keep the chase alive, but Indian bowlers Mohammed Siraj, Axar Patel, and Arshdeep Singh took important wickets to seal the victory.With the opening win under their belt, the defending champions will now look to continue their momentum when they take on Namibia in Delhi. The dinner hosted by Gambhir was seen as a team-bonding moment as India gears up for the crucial match on home soil.