PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Eagles’ backup plan backfired, and the Super Bowl champions will start their postseason defense of the title as the No. 3 seed in the NFC.

With Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley and most key Eagles starters sitting out even with playoff seeding at stake, the Washington Commanders got fourth-quarter passing and rushing touchdowns from Josh Johnson to beat Philadelphia 24-17 on Sunday.

The NFC East champion Eagles (11-6) will open the playoffs at home next weekend against San Francisco.

The Eagles needed help to earn the No. 2 seed. They had to beat the Commanders and Detroit needed to win at Chicago. Sure enough, the Lions beat the Bears 19-16 to add some sting to the Eagles’ loss.

With Jayden Daniels shut down and Marcus Mariota dealing with a leg injury, the Commanders (5-12) started Johnson, their 39-year-old third-stringer. Johnson rallied the Commanders from a 17-10 hole with a 2-yard touchdown pass to John Bates and then scored on a 1-yard run with 2:32 left.

Even with the No. 2 seed at stake and the possibility of two home playoff games that would come with it, Eagles coach Nick Sirianni decided to sit his starters, saying: “Tt’s not a guarantee that we can get the 2 seed, but I can rest the starters.”

Hurts, Barkley, wide receiver A.J. Brown and tight end Dallas Goedert sat out.

The Eagles had to watch and root — for the Lions, too — like everyone else.

Eagles fans cheered when each Detroit score against Chicago was shown on the videoboard. Sirianni said during the week he also would be scoreboard-watching, though he kept the cheering to his team’s own plays, such as Tanner McKee’s 15-yard TD pass to Grant Calcaterra for a 7-0 lead in the second quarter.

The Commanders, also playing backups in a forgettable season a year after they faced the Eagles in the NFC championship game, refused to roll over and twisted the stomachs of Eagles fans into knots — and got them ready to light up talk radio this week.

McKee had been impressive in limited action as Hurts’ backup over the last two seasons but did little to improve his stock in the finale.

He was 21 of 40 for 241 yards with an interception and was sacked on the final drive.

Jake Moody sent Washington into halftime with a 10-7 lead on a 56-yard field goal.

The Eagles pounced on a fumble in the third quarter and Tank Bigbsy, the sure-handed backup to Barkley, scored for a 14-10 lead. Jake Elliott kicked a 39-yarder for a 17-10 lead.

The Eagles’ shot at the 2 seed was upended when Kelee Ringo — yes, a backup — was flagged for pass interference to set up Johnson’s go-ahead rushing TD.

1,000 yards for DeVonta Smith

Smith was one of the Eagles regulars who earned snaps, and he topped 1,000 yards receiving for the third time in his career.

Smith entered the game 44 yards shy and exceeded 1,000 yards before the end of the first quarter. He had three catches for 52 yards — including a 27-yarder on his final reception that gave him a team-high 1,008 yards.

Smith was immediately pulled from the game.

Brown didn’t need to play because he already had 1,003 yards.

Injuries

Eagles: Calcaterra left with an ankle/knee injury. Offensive lineman Brandon Toth was evaluated for a concussion.

Up next

The Commanders are set to have a top-10 pick in the NFL draft.

The Eagles could play two road games if they want to return to the Super Bowl.

___

AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

In an atrocious ending to the 2025 season for the Miami Dolphins, there weren’t many positives.

Defensive tackle Zach Sieler made his mark on the game with a blocked field goal late in the second quarter which was recovered by rookie cornerback Jason Marshall Jr.

The kick is BLOCKED by @zachsieler & @jasonjr3_ recovers! 🙅‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/5x7IjCOhWD

— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) January 4, 2026

Sieler totaled three tackles and a tackle for loss on Sunday in addition to his blocked kick.

At the time it seemed like Sieler’s blocked kick could have sparked a momentum swing for the Dolphins. Miami used the blocked kick to set up a Riley Patterson field goal to cut the Patriots’ lead to 14-10. Unfortunately for the Dolphins, their third quarter woes continued and New England scored 24 unanswered to end the game.

Sieler played in all 17 games for the Dolphins in 2025, finishing the year with 47 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and 10 tackles for loss. His numbers were significantly down from his previous two seasons, but he received a lot more attention from opposing offensive lines after back-to-back 10-sack seasons.

While many big changes will made in the offseason, Sieler’s spot on the defensive line is almost definitely safe after he signed an extension through the 2029 season. Sieler has been a team captain for the Dolphins over the last two seasons.

This article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: Dolphins player of the game, Week 18: DT Zach Sieler

The Tennessee Titans finished up the NFL’s 2025 season with a 3-14 record after falling to the Jacksonville Jaguars 41-7 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida, in their Week 18 finale.

Heading into Week 18, the Titans were slated to have the No. 4 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft. With the regular season officially at an end, we now know the Titans will have the No. 4 overall pick in the upcoming draft.

At the conclusion of the early slate of games, the Las Vegas Raiders secured the No. 1 overall pick in the draft. Following the Raiders are the New York Jets (lost to Buffalo) and the Arizona Cardinals (lost to the Los Angeles Rams). The Jets win the strength-of-schedule battle with the Titans, and the Titans defeated the Cardinals earlier this season, so both will pick ahead of Tennessee.

The Titans currently have eight picks in the draft, but having a top-five pick gives them an opportunity to add an impact player. Most mock drafts peg the Titans to select a defensive player like Miami’s Rueben Bain or Ohio State’s Arvell Reese, which isn’t surprising given how the Titans’ defense played this year.

But let’s remember that the depleted secondary needs some serious love, and the offensive line needs bolstering. Ohio State’s Caleb Downs, if available, would be a nice addition to the Titans’ defense, and Miami’s Francis Mauigoa is the top-ranked offensive tackle in the draft. Of course, there are others, but if we’re looking specifically at the Titans’ first-round pick, these are some of the names that will be tossed around.

Other names the Titans might consider are Spencer Fano (OT, Utah), Kadyn Proctor (OT, Alabama), Peter Woods (DL, Clemson), and Keldric Faulk (DE, Auburn). Some of these players won’t be available when it’s the Titans’ turn, but Tennessee will have plenty of players to choose from, and many of them have the potential to have an immediate impact.

The remaining draft order will be determined as the playoffs continue and finalized after the Super Bowl.

This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: Tennessee Titans will select No. 4 overall

Penn State continues to add players from Iowa State. This time, the Nittany Lions added two players in the trenches.

Offensive linemen Kuol Kuol II and Trevor Buhr have both committed to Penn State.

Buhr will enter as a junior guard with playing experience. His play earned him a Big 12 Honorable Mention in 2025 after playing at left guard, protecting new Penn State quarterback Rocco Becht.

He was listed as a three-star transfer in the portal, ranked as the No. 174 player in the portal and No. 11 interior offensive linemen, according to 247Sports.

pic.twitter.com/mK5wpTr8sk

— Trevor Buhr (@BuhrTrevor) January 4, 2026

Joining him is Kuol II, who will have four years of eligibility remaining, and an exterior offensive lineman.

He entered Iowa State as a four-star recruit, the No. 34 offensive tackle and No. 14 player in Ohio. As a redshirt freshman transfer, Kuol II is a three-star, ranked as the No. 477 player and No. 29 offensive tackle in the transfer portal, according to 247Sports.

Both players add much-needed depth to a rather depleted unit after many departures. Each player will have a chance to earn a starting role under the new offensive line coach, and former Iowa State offensive line coach Ryan Clanton.

WE ARE 🦁❗️ pic.twitter.com/DNWwBdISXG

— kuol kuol🇸🇸 (@kuolkuo1) January 4, 2026

This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Penn State earns transfer commits from Iowa State OL duo

The Baltimore Ravens received a huge injury boost ahead of their Week 18 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday Night Football.

Carrying a questionable injury designation into Sunday, Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey (illness) was notably absent from Baltimore’s Week 18 inactive list — a green light that he’ll play against Pittsburgh.

.@marlon_humphrey is ACTIVE‼️ pic.twitter.com/MUk6PBcz6W

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) January 4, 2026

Earlier in the week, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh was hopeful that Humphrey and Rashod Bateman, two players who were battling illnesses during practice, would play in Week 18. And while Humphrey will suit up on Sunday, Bateman was ruled out.

Follow along with our live blog here at Steelers Wire for any breaking news, updates, and scoring plays from the Week 18 matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens.

For up-to-date Steelers coverage, including Pittsburgh’s Week 18 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday Night Football, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.

This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers vs. Ravens: Marlon Humphrey (illness) to play in Week 18

Colorado and Deion Sanders continued their transfer portal blitz by picking up a seventh commitment in two days. Albany transfer defensive end Balansama Kamara is the latest player to commit to Colorado.

Kamara totaled 67 tackles, 13.5 tackles for a loss, and 7.5 sacks in 2025. He has one year of eligibility left. Kamara joins Yamil Talib and Lamont Lester as the three defensive line commitments the Buffs have brought in since the portal opened on Jan. 2.

247Sports ranks Kamara as a three-star transfer portal prospect and the No. 59 edge in the portal.

#SkoBuffspic.twitter.com/jhkJywvV7C

— Balansama Kamara (@Bkamara2002) January 4, 2026

While Kamara is slightly heavier than Talib and Lester, he is under 260 pounds, which is on the lighter side. Whether that is an issue remains to be seen, but if he stays at his current size, he will almost certainly remain an edge defender.

Kamara’s commitment elevates Colorado’s 2026 recruiting class to No. 58 overall and No. 6 in the transfer portal class.

Follow Charlie Strella on X, Threads and Instagram.

Contact/Follow us @BuffaloesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Colorado news, notes and opinions.

This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Colorado football adds Albany DE Balansama Kamara via portal

MINNEAPOLIS – The Green Bay Packers won’t know their 2026 schedule until May, but they now know all their opponents.

With the regular season’s conclusion, the final pieces of the Packers‘ 2026 opponents puzzle are complete. The Packers will have a lopsided home schedule next season after playing more road games in 2026.

The home and road opponent breakdown entering Week 18 was as follows:

Home:Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, NFC East second-place finisher and AFC South second-place finisher.

Road: Bears, Lions, Vikings, New England Patriots, New York Jets, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, NFC West second-place finisher.

Because the Packers finished second in the NFC North, they play the same-place finishers in those three divisions. After Week 18 results, that will put the Packers on the road against the Los Angeles Rams in 2026. The Packers will host the Houston Texans and Dallas Cowboys.

Some quick thoughts that stand out on the Packers’ non-divisional home opponents:

Texans: A potential Super Bowl preview between two of the league’s expected top defenses, with Jordan Love and C.J. Stroud at quarterback.

Bills: Best player coming to Lambeau Field next season will be Josh Allen.

Cowboys: Micah Parsons vs. Jerry Jones, the sequel. Perhaps this time it won’t end in a tie.

Panthers: A rematch of the Packers’ upset loss in November against the eventual 2025 NFC South champs.

Dolphins: Will Malik Willis be the quarterback?

Falcons: Thought Derrick Henry was tough to tackle, get ready for Bijan Robinson. Might be the second best player coming to Lambeau Field next season.

This article originally appeared on Packers News: Who will the Packers play in 2026? Here’s the final list of opponents

Here is the latest news and buzz surrounding free agent outfielder/first basemanCody Bellinger and his chances of returning to New York with the Yankees or Mets…

Jan. 4, 7:09 p.m.

After making a formal offer to the outfielder earlier this week, the Yankees have reportedly made a second offer to the 30-year-old, per NY Post’s Joel Sherman.

The offer comes on the heels of the news that New York is eying starting pitcher Edward Cabrera in a possible trade with the Miami Marlins which connects to the Yankees’ offer to Bellinger because if he were to stay in New York he would likely play left field, alongside Aaron Judge in right and Trent Grisham in center.

With that outfield configuration, the Yanks could afford trading away a player like OF Jasson Dominguez to a team, like the Marlins, for a different area of need such as starting pitching, although Sherman writes that that is merely speculation. 

However, it does help that both teams have been trade partners in the past which shows a willingness on both sides to get a potential deal done.

Jan. 2, 5:22 p.m.

As the offseason continues, it seems the Yankees have formally made an offer to Bellinger earlier this week, per the NY Post’s Jon Heyman.

It’s no surprise the Yankees did so, as Bellinger is the team’s No. 1 target this offseason, but Heyman added that with both sides in a weekslong standoff, the Mets can’t be ruled out. 

Other teams linked to Bellinger are the Dodgers, where the outfielder started his career, and the Giants. Heyman also adds the Blue Jays as a potential landing spot if Toronto does not land Kyle Tucker, Alex Bregman or Bo Bichette. 

Dec. 26, 9:50 a.m.

While the holiday season has lowered the hot stove temperature, it appears the Yankees’ hopes of re-signing Cody Bellinger remain high enough.

A reunion with the star outfielder is still a priority in the Bronx, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, and the club feels “pretty confident” he won’t move boroughs for a deal over in Queens.

The pursuit of Bellinger is also endorsed by the Yankees’ captain. Heyman reports Aaron Judge is “a big advocate” for a long-term commitment with the former MVP, who hit .272 with 29 home runs and 98 RBI as a one-year rental in pinstripes last season.

It’s unclear when Bellinger will take himself off the free-agent market, but with high demand from championship contenders, some projections have him earning around $30 million annually on a six-year contract. The Yankees may have to sweeten the pot in order to convince him to stay.

Dec. 14, 7:35 p.m.

While reports indicated that the San Francisco Giants “do not anticipate making the nine-figure investment” required to sign free agents this offseason, they aren’t checked out of the marketplace altogether.

The San Francisco Chronicle’s Susan Slusser reported recently that the Giants “have checked in on” Cody Bellinger, the Yankees’ No. 1 target.

Bellinger proved to be a big part of the Yanks’ last season, contributing well on both sides of the ball with 29 home runs, 98 RBI, and a .272/.334/.480 slash line for an .813 OPS (125 OPS+ and wRC+) while ranking in the 93rd percentile in outs above average (seven) and with 12 defensive runs saved.

Dec. 4, 11:42 a.m.

While other suitors are certainly in the mix, Cody Bellinger remains the Yankees’ No. 1 target, and the club is making a “big effort” to bring him back, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post.

Heyman lists the Mets, Phillies, Angels, and Dodgers as other possibilities.

ESPN’s Jeff Passan has previously reported that signing Bellinger would be a “multipart move” for the Yankees, as the club would almost certainly need to move one of their other outfield pieces –potentially Jasson Dominguez or up-and-coming prospect Spencer Jones.

With Trent Grisham accepting the qualifying offer, the Yanks would have a surplus of outfielders if Bellinger was to re-sign.