Here are the AP’s top sports stories that have moved or are planned to move today. All times U.S. Eastern. For up-to-the minute information on AP’s coverage, visit AP Newsroom’s Coverage Plan. Sports content can be found at http://newsroom.ap.org/page/APSports.

For access to AP Newsroom and other technical issues, including agate, contact AP Customer Support at apcustomersupport@ap.org or 877-836-9477.

The New York sports desk can be reached at 800-845-8450, ext. 1630. Sports photos, ext. 1918; graphics, ext. 7636.

——————————

UPCOMING

——————————

FBN--ON FOOTBALL-WEEK 16

DESCRIPTION: Maybe the Jacksonville Jaguars and coach Liam Coen will get the credit they deserve now. Trevor Lawrence and the Jags went to Denver and scored 34 points against one of the NFL’s best defenses, extending their winning streak to six games with a 14-point victory on Sunday that gave the Broncos their first loss since Week 3. This was an impressive, convincing win for an underrated team that’s been overlooked throughout the season. The Broncos (12-3) and Patriots (12-3) deserved recognition for double-digit winning streaks. The Colts (8-6) were the talk of the AFC the first two months during a 7-1 start. By Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi.

UPCOMING: By 12/22/2025 6:00 a.m. EST, Text

___

BKW--T25-WOMENS POLL

DESCRIPTION: The Associated Press releases its latest AP Top 25 women’s basketball poll.

UPCOMING: By 12/22/2025 12:00 p.m. EST, Text, Photo, DigitalPlans

___

BKC--T25-MENS POLL

DESCRIPTION: The Associated Press releases its latest AP Top 25 men’s basketball poll.

UPCOMING: By 12/22/2025 1:00 p.m. EST, Text, Photo, DigitalPlans

___

SOC--WCUP TICKETS

DESCRIPTION: World Cup tickets are on sale on FIFA’s official resale platform for prices in excess of $200,000. By James Robson. 500 words, with photos.

UPCOMING: By 12/22/2025 2:00 p.m. EST, Text, Photo

___

BBO--FREE AGENCY-50TH ANNIVERSARY

DESCRIPTION: Sports were turned upside down 50 years ago Tuesday by a man who never threw or kicked a ball. By Baseball Writer Ronald Blum. 1,000 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 12/22/2025 2:00 p.m. EST, Text

___

FBN--CHIEFS-STADIUM

DESCRIPTION: Kansas lawmakers are set to vote Monday on a proposal to attract the Kansas City Chiefs from Missouri. The plan could replace Arrowhead Stadium with a new facility for major year-round events. By Dave Skretta. 700 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 12/22/2025 4:00 p.m. EST, Text, Video, Photo

___

FBC HAWAII JAPANESE KICKER

DESCRIPTION: Kansei Matsuzawa became an instant star this year, with game-tying and game-winning field goals in a 23-20 victory win over Stanford and a singular backstory about teaching himself to kick on YouTube. The Japan-born Matsuzawa’s near-perfect performance during the rest of Hawaii’s 8-4 season was even more impressive. He made 25 consecutive field goals, tying a 43-year-old Football Bowl Subdivision record and earning first-team status as an Associated Press All-American as one the best players in the country.

UPCOMING: By 12/22/2025 4:00 p.m. EST, Text, Photo

___

FBC--T25-MICHIGAN-POGGI

DESCRIPTION: Michigan interim coach Biff Poggi is trying to lead the shaken and 18th-ranked Wolverines after Sherrone Moore’s firing and arrests. By Larry Lage. 500 words, file photos.

UPCOMING: By 12/22/2025 4:30 p.m. EST, Text

___

FBN--49ERS-COLTS

DESCRIPTION: INDIANAPOLIS -- The surging San Francisco 49ers will try to win their fifth straight when they visit Indianapolis on Monday night. Philip Rivers is expected to make his second straight start as the Colts try to snap a four-game losing streak in hopes of getting back into the playoff race. By Michael Marot. UPCOMING: 750 words, more on merit, with photos. Game time is 8:15 p.m. ET.

UPCOMING: By 12/22/2025 11:45 p.m. EST, Text, Photo

——————————

NEW AND DEVELOPING

——————————

FBN--RAVENS-JACKSON

Ravens’ Lamar Jackson forced out of game against Patriots with a back injury

SUMMARY: Lamar Jackson’s injury-plagued season has thrust Baltimore’s star quarterback to the sideline again. And there’s no guarantee the two-time NFL MVP will get back on the field in 2025. Jackson sustained a back bruise in the second quarter of the Ravens’ 28-24 loss to the New England Patriots on Sunday night. After being kneed by safety Craig Woodson just after the two-minute warning, Jackson handed the ball off to Keaton Mitchell before shuffling to the sideline during a timeout. It’s too early to determine if the injury will keep him out of Baltimore’s final two games.

WORDS: 646 - MOVED: 12/22/2025 1:36 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:db9ffe2e581a27d18cd4e61fca571543&mediaType=text

___

FBN--PATRIOTS-RAVENS

Drake Maye leads the Patriots to a 28-24 win over the Ravens that clinches a playoff spot

SUMMARY: Drake Maye guided New England to a pair of fourth-quarter touchdowns, rallying his team from an 11-point deficit to a 28-24 victory over Baltimore that clinched a postseason spot for the Patriots and dealt a devastating blow to the Ravens’ playoff hopes. Down 24-13 in the fourth quarter, Maye answered with a 37-yard scoring strike to Kyle Williams, and a 2-point conversion pass to Rhamondre Stevenson made it a three-point game with 9:01 to play. Then Stevenson scored on a 21-yard run with 2:07 to play. The Ravens lost Lamar Jackson to a back injury in the second quarter.

WORDS: 852 - MOVED: 12/22/2025 12:58 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c8afc3b24613a2c283ba6248ddca5b0c&mediaType=text

___

HKN--PENGUINS-CROSBY

Sidney Crosby breaks Penguins scoring record previously held by Mario Lemieux

SUMMARY: Sidney Crosby broke Mario Lemieux’s franchise scoring record with a goal and an assist in the first period of the Pittsburgh Penguins’ game against the Montreal Canadiens on Sunday night. Crosby, who began the night one point behind Lemieux, now has 645 goals and 1,079 assists for 1,724 points in 1,387 games. It also moved him past Lemieux for the eighth-most points in NHL history. Crosby tipped Erik Karlsson’s point shot at 7:58 of the first period for a goal to tie the record. He then broke the mark with 7:20 left in the period when his shot on a power play hit Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell tapped the rebound behind Jakub Dobes. Crosby, Rust and Rakell embraced behind the net after the goal and the Penguins spilled over the bench to congratulate their captain.

WORDS: 681 - MOVED: 12/21/2025 11:19 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d84e409d64555168e216f624c9cb3c10&mediaType=text

___

FBN--STEELERS-LIONS

Steelers outlast Lions 29-24 in wild finish when penalty on St. Brown negates Goff’s winning TD

SUMMARY: The Pittsburgh Steelers have pushed the Detroit Lions to the brink of elimination from the playoffs thanks to a wild finish. Pittsburgh held on for a 29-24 win when Jared Goff’s touchdown on the final play was negated by an offensive pass-interference penalty on Amon-Ra St. Brown. Goff threw a fourth-down pass to St. Brown just short of the goal line. The receiver pushed off cornerback Jalen Ramsey to get free, and before the Steelers could bring St. Brown to the ground, he threw the quarterback a lateral to set up an apparent score. Officials huddled for some time on the field before announcing the decision.

WORDS: 970 - MOVED: 12/21/2025 9:24 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:6668875ff75496f29c851ba61cf307e7&mediaType=text

___

FBN--JAGUARS-BRONCOS

Trevor Lawrence’s 4 TDs propel Jaguars past Broncos 34-20, ending Denver’s 11-game winning streak

SUMMARY: Trevor Lawrence threw three touchdown passes and ran for a score, leading the Jacksonville Jaguars to a 34-20 win over the Denver Broncos. The Jaguars snapped the Broncos’ 11-game winning streak and handed them their first home loss since October 2024. The Jaguars have won six straight games. Bo Nix threw for a career-high 335 yards but he wasn’t his usual sharp self as he threw an interception in crunch time, short-circuiting Denver’s comeback attempt.

WORDS: 986 - MOVED: 12/21/2025 9:02 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5e5d20d4505412f151cc539aeb2792a6&mediaType=text

___

FBN--STEELERS-METCALF-FAN

Steelers receiver DK Metcalf swipes at Lions fan leaning over railing in front row

SUMMARY: Steelers receiver DK Metcalf swiped at a fan leaning over the railing in the front row at Ford Field during the second quarter of Pittsburgh’s 29-24 win over the Detroit Lions. Metcalf and the fan, wearing a black-and-blue shirt and a blue wig, were speaking to each other before the two-time Pro Bowler threw a right hand toward the man’s face. Metcalf did not appear to make much, if any contact. Although there wasn’t a penalty flag thrown on the field, the league will review the incident and Metcalf could face discipline.

WORDS: 163 - MOVED: 12/21/2025 8:40 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8f0f2729cb0515dcc8b6773b7cebcf89&mediaType=text

___

FBN--CHARGERS-COWBOYS

Justin Herbert keeps Chargers rolling toward playoffs with 34-17 win over Cowboys

SUMMARY: Justin Herbert threw two touchdown passes and ran for a score and the Los Angeles Chargers closed in on a playoff spot with a 34-17 victory over the Dallas Cowboys. The Chargers’ fourth consecutive victory gave them a chance to clinch their second postseason berth in two seasons under coach Jim Harbaugh. LA would be in with a loss or tie by Indianapolis on Monday night. Dak Prescott had TD passes on his first two drives but couldn’t find the end zone again for Dallas. The Cowboys were eliminated from the playoffs for the second year in a row with Philadelphia’s NFC East-clinching victory at Washington on Saturday.

WORDS: 924 - MOVED: 12/21/2025 8:14 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c66ad864cad1a0bf71789b6371fdc463&mediaType=text

___

FBN--DOLPHINS-MCDANIEL

Dolphins’ Mike McDaniel declines to discuss his future after another embarrassing loss

SUMMARY: Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel has declined to address his future with the team after another embarrassing loss. The Dolphins were routed 45-21 by the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. Miami has already been eliminated from the playoffs for the second straight season. And for the second consecutive game, the Dolphins unraveled in the third quarter. NFL Network reported earlier Sunday that owner Stephen Ross is expected to stick with McDaniel in 2026 despite another season of unfulfilled expectations for the Dolphins. McDaniel did not answer when asked if he’s been told he’s coming back.

WORDS: 688 - MOVED: 12/21/2025 8:06 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:bb7567c031197c8bccaa5f9040efd6b0&mediaType=text

___

FBN--COWBOYS-DIGGS

Trevon Diggs faces an uncertain future with the Cowboys as a lengthy and mysterious absence ends

SUMMARY: Trevon Diggs faces an uncertain future with the Dallas Cowboys after a two-month absence that started when he got a concussion in an accident at home. The star cornerback played for the first time since Week 6 in a 34-17 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. The Cowboys have said the delay in Diggs’ return was due to lingering issues with his knees. Diggs acknowledged the reality that he might have played his last home game for the Cowboys in a career that has gone sideways. Dallas is out of the playoffs and finishes the season with two road games.

WORDS: 750 - MOVED: 12/21/2025 8:01 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d1b51593d0783e69211d43f19abd6b03&mediaType=text

___

BKN--BULLS-HAWKS

Bulls beat the Hawks 152-150 in the highest-scoring game in the NBA this season

SUMMARY: Matas Buzelis scored 28 points to lead nine Chicago players in double figures and the Bulls outlasted the Atlanta Hawks 152-150 on Sunday in the highest-scoring game in the NBA this season. Chicago set season highs for points in a first half and game and held on in the closing seconds in the first of two straight games in Atlanta. The teams will meet again Tuesday night. Jalen Johnson led Atlanta with 36 points, and Trae Young had a season-high 35. The Hawks have lost three straight and seven of nine to fall back to .500 at 15-15. Buzelis made a career-high seven 3-pointers in eight attempts for the hot-shooting Bulls. They have won three straight to improve to 13-15.

WORDS: 388 - MOVED: 12/21/2025 7:01 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:7bf45a5f5622d687e30f012ea8c49148&mediaType=text

___

FBN--CHIEFS-MINSHEW HURT

Chiefs lose another QB to a knee injury. Gardner Minshew knocked out of loss to Titans

SUMMARY: Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid says quarterback Gardner Minshew will have an MRI on his injured left knee. Minshew was hurt in the second quarter of the Chiefs’ 26-9 loss to the Tennessee Titans on Sunday. It was the second straight game that Kansas City lost its starting QB to a knee injury. Patrick Mahomes tore two knee ligaments last week, ending his season. Chris Oladokun replaced Minshew and finished the game. Oladukun went 11 of 16 for 111 yards took four sacks in the first extensive action of his career.

WORDS: 535 - MOVED: 12/21/2025 6:36 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:0e3f9902a0a84f1e40042ecb5e86520e&mediaType=text

___

FBN--BROWNS-JUDKINS

Browns rookie running back Quinshon Judkins has dislocated ankle and broken leg

SUMMARY: Cleveland Browns rookie running back Quinshon Judkins was carted off with a right leg injury late in the second quarter against the Buffalo Bills. He suffered the injury after catching a swing pass and being hit low by Bills linebacker Matt Milano. Officials initially ruled a fumble, but replay showed Judkins was down by contact. Before the injury, Judkins led NFL rookies with 784 rushing yards and was tied for first with seven rushing touchdowns. He had eight carries for 22 yards in the game.

WORDS: 574 - MOVED: 12/21/2025 6:24 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:367b840a3496667baf8472880deca088&mediaType=text

___

GLF--PNC CHAMPIONSHIP

Matt Kuchar lost his father in February and ends the year with emotional PNC victory with his son

SUMMARY: Matt Kuchar and his son have finally won the PNC Championship and the timing could not have been better. Kuchar lost his father at the start of the year. The tournament that is all about family and fun ended with Kuchar wiping away tears as his voice choked with emotion. He says he believes something magical exists and his father was watching from above. Kuchar hit 7-iron to 18 inches for eagle on the last hole. They looked destined to win. The Kuchars shot 54 in the scramble format. They smashed tournament records at 33-under par for a seven-shot victory.

WORDS: 731 - MOVED: 12/21/2025 6:14 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:97cfd8860667f1668901eec4044680d9&mediaType=text

___

FBN--VIKINGS-MCCARTHY

X-rays negative for Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy after injuring his right hand

SUMMARY: X-rays were negative on J.J. McCarthy’s injured right hand, coach Kevin O’Connell said after the Minnesota Vikings quarterback left game at the New York Giants and did not return. O’Connell said McCarthy injured the hand at some point in the first half before running for a touchdown. It’s unclear if McCarthy will be able to play in either of the final two games of the season. While the Vikings are eliminated from playoff contention, they’d like McCarthy to get some more valuable experience in his first year playing in the NFL.

WORDS: 580 - MOVED: 12/21/2025 5:38 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a1c59c7a11cfc98f747a0249f58ccaf1&mediaType=text

___

BKC--GEORGETOWN-COOLEY-WATER BOTTLE

Georgetown coach Ed Cooley’s water bottle throw earns him a one-game suspension

SUMMARY: Georgetown men’s basketball coach Ed Cooley has been suspended by the school for one game after throwing a water bottle into the stands at the end of a loss to Xavier. Georgetown announced the punishment on Sunday. Cooley will sit out Monday’s game against Coppin State, and associate head coach Jeff Battle will coach Georgetown instead. The Hoyas are 8-4 in Cooley’s third season at the school. They lost 80-77 to Xavier on Saturday night to fall to 1-1 in Big East Conference play this season.

WORDS: 411 - MOVED: 12/21/2025 3:44 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:417603bfe0a7cb1d9f369b3934e3dae3&mediaType=text

___

BKC--T25-VANDERBILT-WAKE FOREST

Tyler Nickel hits 8 3-pointers to lead unbeaten No. 13 Vanderbilt to blowout of Wake Forest, 98-67

SUMMARY: Tyler Nickel hit eight 3-pointers on his way to 26 points and No. 13 Vanderbilt continued its surprise season as one of a handful of schools in the country that are still undefeated with a 98-67 win over Wake Forest. Duke Miles had 17 points and nine assists, Tyler Harris scored 14 off the bench and Devin McGlockton and Tyler Tanner scored 11 each for Vanderbilt, which holds its highest in-season ranking since 1992-93. Nickel had eight 3s for the second time in a three-game span. Myles Colvin led Wake Forest with 20 points and 12 rebounds. Juke Harris had 19 points.

WORDS: 290 - MOVED: 12/21/2025 3:41 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c74111a701ed818aed031b3c5cef5192&mediaType=text

___

HKN--RANGERS-MILLER

Rangers captain J.T. Miller is week to week with an upper-body injury, AP source says

SUMMARY: New York Rangers captain J.T. Miller is week to week with an upper-body injury. That’s according to a person familiar with the situation who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Sunday because Miller’s injury status had not been announced. Miller’s ability to play for the U.S. at the Milan Olympics if selected is not in jeopardy, the person said. The roster deadline is Dec. 31, and the tournament is set to begin Feb. 11. Miller left the Rangers’ game against Philadelphia with about eight minutes left after taking a big hit from Flyers defenseman Nick Seeler and landing awkwardly.

WORDS: 350 - MOVED: 12/21/2025 3:08 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:39f8fd2c5b1560bf961bd8e5d07a276a&mediaType=text

___

SOC--ENGLISH ROUNDUP

Aston Villa beats Man United 2-1 to seal 10th straight win

SUMMARY: Morgan Rogers has scored two brilliant solo goals to down Manchester United 2-1 and keep Aston Villa in the hunt for the Premier League title. The win at Villa Park was a 10th straight victory in all competitions for Unai Emery’s team, which is third in the standings and three points off leader Arsenal. Rogers whipped two curling shots into the top corner either side of Matheus Cunha’s goal for United. The win maintains Villa’s outstanding run which has seen it win 11 of its last 12 games in the league.

WORDS: 553 - MOVED: 12/21/2025 2:53 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:59cb5de00ab7fac923015b83b30c8a03&mediaType=text

___

BBO--WHITE SOX-MURAKAMI

White Sox add Munetaka Murakami with $34 million, 2-year contract

SUMMARY: The Chicago White Sox have added Munetaka Murakami to their lineup, agreeing to a $34 million, two-year contract with the Japanese slugger. The 25-year-old Murakami joins a promising group of young hitters that also includes Colson Montgomery, Kyle Teel and Chase Meidroth. The White Sox finished last in the AL Central this year with a 60-102 record, a 19-game improvement from the previous season. Murakami was the Central League’s MVP in 2021 and ’22 with the Yakult Swallows.

WORDS: 522 - MOVED: 12/21/2025 2:41 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b8c8ccd00b97b2d5a6f7eedb11df70d6&mediaType=text