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.
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UPCOMING
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FBN--ALL-PRO-INSIDE THE NUMBERS
DESCRIPTION: Matthew Stafford has finally been named a first-team AP NFL All-Pro, ending the longest wait ever for a quarterback to receive this honor. Stafford, who just completed his 17th NFL season, surpasses Fran Tarkenton’s 15-year wait for the accolade. By Pro Football Writer Josh Dubow. 850 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 01/12/2026 6:00 a.m. EST, Text
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FBN--ON FOOTBALL-PHILLY FLOPS
DESCRIPTION: The NFL won’t have a repeat Super Bowl champion. Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley and the Philadelphia Eagles were eliminated by the San Francisco 49ers in an NFC wild-card game on Sunday. Now, the heat will be turned up on coach Nick Sirianni and offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo. Sirianni’s job shouldn’t be in jeopardy. He’s been a winner since he arrived in Philly in 2021. Five playoff appearances, three division titles, two Super Bowl appearances and one Lombardi trophy in five seasons. But there will be accountability for a stagnant offense that plagued Philadelphia throughout the season and showed up again in a one-and-done performance. By Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi. 900 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 01/12/2026 6:00 a.m. EST, Text
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BKW--T25-LSU’S REBOUND
DESCRIPTION: LSU coach Kim Mulkey tapped into her Louisiana roots — and specifically, her home state’s cooking culture — to tighten up the Tigers’ form after their two-game skid to open Southeastern Conference play. Mulkey says that just as onions, celery and bell peppers comprise the “holy trinity” of Louisiana cooking, protecting the ball, rebounding and defending are three foundational ingredients for winning basketball. The 12th-ranked Tigers demonstrated an appetite for relentless, hard-nosed and composed basketball against No. 2 Texas. LSU led throughout the second half of a 70-65 victory. Mulkey, who questioned her team’s toughness after losses to Kentucky and Vanderbilt in the first week of January, says her team improved on that front against Texas. By Brett Martel. 660 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 01/12/2026 6:00 a.m. EST, Text
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BKW--T25-WOMENS POLL
DESCRIPTION: The Associated Press releases its latest AP Top 25 women’s basketball poll.
UPCOMING: By 01/12/2026 12:00 p.m. EST, Photo, Text, DigitalPlans
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BKC--T25-MENS POLL
DESCRIPTION: The Associated Press releases its latest AP Top 25 men’s basketball poll.
UPCOMING: By 01/12/2026 1:00 p.m. EST, Photo, Text, DigitalPlans
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HKN--PACIFIC DIVISION WOES
DESCRIPTION: The Pacific Division struggled through the first half of the season, creating the possibility for a wide-open playoff race in the second half. By Mark Anderson. 700 words, file photos.
UPCOMING: By 01/12/2026 7:00 p.m. EST, Text
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FBN--49ERS-ANALYSIS
DESCRIPTION: The San Francisco 49ers have been overcoming setbacks all season but took that to a new level in their wild-card win at defending champion Philadelphia. The Niners rallied from a fourth-quarter deficit after losing star tight end George Kittle to a season-ending injury to advance to the divisional round and a rematch against NFC West rival Seattle. By Pro Football Writer Josh Dubow. 700 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 01/12/2026 8:00 p.m. EST, Text
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HKN--RED WINGS-FEDOROV JERSEY
DESCRIPTION: The Detroit Red Wings are retiring Sergei Fedorov’s jersey, ending a long wait for the Hockey Hall of Famer. By Hockey Writer Larry Lage. 450 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 01/12/2026 10:30 p.m. EST, Photo, Text
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HKN--OILERS-BLACKHAWKS
DESCRIPTION: Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers take on Connor Bedard and the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center. By Jay Cohen. 300 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 01/12/2026 10:45 p.m. EST, Photo, Text
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FBN--TEXANS-STEELERS
DESCRIPTION: The Houston Texans (12-5) visit the Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7) in the final game of opening round of the NFL playoffs. By Will Graves.
UPCOMING: By 01/12/2026 11:30 p.m. EST, Photo, Text
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NEW AND DEVELOPING
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FBN--CHARGERS-PATRIOTS
Maye throws late TD pass and Patriots’ defense roughs up Herbert, Chargers in 16-3 playoff win
SUMMARY: Drake Maye threw a touchdown pass to Hunter Henry in the fourth quarter, and New England’s defense roughed up Justin Herbert as the Patriots beat the Los Angeles Chargers 16-3 in an AFC wild-card playoff game. Andy Borregales kicked three field goals for the Patriots, who won a playoff game for the first time since their Super Bowl victory to cap the 2018 season. They’ll host the winner of Monday night’s game between Pittsburgh and Houston in the divisional round. New England held the Chargers to 207 yards of offense and sacked Herbert six times.
WORDS: 824 - MOVED: 01/12/2026 12:55 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ded11bcd8d7519e34e99da1181c8b257&mediaType=text
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FBN--NFL-PLAYOFF PICTURE
Patriots, 49ers, Bills, Bears and Rams advance to NFL’s divisional round
SUMMARY: Brock Purdy, Christian McCaffrey and the 49ers eliminated the defending Super Bowl champion Eagles, the Patriots dominated the Chargers and Josh Allen willed the Bills past the Jaguars. San Francisco, New England and Buffalo joined the Chicago Bears and Los Angeles Rams in advancing to the divisional round of the NFL playoffs with victories in the wild-card round. The No. 6 seed 49ers will face the top-seeded Seahawks next Saturday. The No. 6 seed Bills will visit the No. 1 seed Broncos, also on Saturday. On Sunday, the No. 2 seed Bears host the No. 5 seed Rams, and the No. 2 seed Patriots will be home against the winner of Monday night’s game between the Texans and Steelers.
WORDS: 542 - MOVED: 01/11/2026 11:33 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:fcec51bd8cf91133f368051ff60c3cbe&mediaType=text
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FBN--BILLS-JAGUARS
Josh Allen carries Bills to 27-24 win at Jags for Buffalo’s first road playoff victory in 33 years
SUMMARY: Josh Allen took a pounding, doled out punishment and delivered Buffalo its first road playoff victory in more than three decades, 27-24 over Jacksonville. Allen found Brandin Cooks for 36 yards just before the two-minute warning and then capped the go-ahead drive with a 1-yard touchdown run in which Jacksonville let him score. On the play before his score, Allen gained 10 yards on a sneak, refusing to go down while being pushed and pulled to the goal line. Allen completed 28 of 35 passes for 273 yards and two rushing touchdowns. He was sacked just once and played turnover-free football.
WORDS: 919 - MOVED: 01/11/2026 11:15 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:19d49b4054f7b4394d677e8e778d7f2a&mediaType=text
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FBN--49ERS-KITTLE INJURED
49ers’ George Kittle tears Achilles tendon in playoff win over Eagles
SUMMARY: San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle tore his right Achilles tendon late in the first half of a victory in a wild-card playoff game at Philadelphia. Kittle was pushed out of bounds on a 6-yard reception and grabbed the back of his lower right leg. He was ruled out for the rest of the game. Kittle is a key part of both the run and pass game for the 49ers but played in just 11 games this season because of injuries. He clapped for his teammates as he was driven to the locker room on a cart.
WORDS: 424 - MOVED: 01/11/2026 10:52 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8872262fe847ac41e92bb0f2ce26cbaf&mediaType=text
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FBN--49ERS-EAGLES
Purdy, 49ers eliminate defending Super Bowl champion Eagles with 23-19 win in wild-card game
SUMMARY: Brock Purdy threw a 4-yard touchdown pass to Christian McCaffrey, leading San Francisco to a 23-19 victory over defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia in a wild-card game. The 49ers next face top-seeded Seattle next weekend for an NFC divisional playoff game. Purdy threw for 262 yards and had two interceptions. The 49ers might be without star tight end George Kittle, who was injured in the first half. Philadelphia struggled offensively, with Jalen Hurts throwing for only 168 yards. The Eagles’ final drive ended with an incomplete pass, sealing their elimination from the playoffs.
WORDS: 1058 - MOVED: 01/11/2026 10:31 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:2a7a5ecd0146dbd86fe2d2ed93f87268&mediaType=text
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FBN--EAGLES ELIMINATED
Eagles’ season-long issues apparent in playoff loss to 49ers, sideline spat between Sirianni, Brown
SUMMARY: A.J. Brown’s frustration boiled over during the Eagles’ 23-19 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in an NFC wild card game. Brown dropped a crucial third-down pass, leading to a sideline spat with coach Nick Sirianni. The Eagles struggled offensively, with Jalen Hurts throwing for only 168 yards and a touchdown. The team failed to capitalize on a 13-10 halftime lead, gaining just 36 yards in the third quarter. Brown, who had 1,003 yards this season, finished with only three catches for 25 yards. The Eagles’ offensive woes and missed opportunities ultimately ended their championship hopes.
WORDS: 750 - MOVED: 01/11/2026 9:41 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:da0161d5a7b4bc2eb88804c2b840801e&mediaType=text
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OLY--FIG-US TEAM
World champ Malinin leads one of the strongest US Figure Skating teams ever into Winter Olympics
SUMMARY: Ilia Malinin and the ice dance duo Madison Chock and Evan Bates will lead a strong U.S. Figure Skating team at the Milan Cortina Olympics. Fresh off his fourth national title, Malinin aims to follow Nathan Chen’s footsteps for men’s gold. Chock and Bates, with their seventh U.S. championship, are also top contenders. Alysa Liu, rejuvenated after a brief retirement, joins the women’s team alongside Amber Glenn. The U.S. team includes 16 athletes, with notable names like Andrew Torgashev and Maxim Naumov.
WORDS: 797 - MOVED: 01/11/2026 6:58 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b8a82ff44bc9e23cd4d0a6f922f2d45d&mediaType=text
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SOC--SPANISH SUPER CUP
Barcelona beats Real Madrid again to win Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia clasico
SUMMARY: Raphinha scores twice as Barcelona beats Real Madrid 3-2 in the final of the Spanish Super Cup played in Saudi Arabia. Raphinha’s 73rd-minute winner came in a fortuitous manner after he slipped while shooting and the shot deflected off Madrid defender Raúl Asencio to fool goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. Sunday’s clasico final featured a hectic end to the first half when three stoppage-time goals were scored before the break, two by Real Madrid and one by Barcelona, which beat Madrid 5-2 in last year’s final.
WORDS: 613 - MOVED: 01/11/2026 6:17 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:32c6f9792a8d63c1903895400920db74&mediaType=text
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FBN--JAGUARS-LAWRENCE
Trevor Lawrence has to ‘live with’ costly turnovers in Jaguars’ playoff loss to Bills
SUMMARY: It’s hard to blame Jacksonville coach Liam Coen for relying on quarterback Trevor Lawrence against Buffalo. Lawrence pretty much carried the Jaguars to the playoffs. But Lawrence looked little like the AFC player of the month for December and January in a 27-24 loss to the Bills that ended one of the franchise’s most surprising seasons. Lawrence threw two interceptions, including one on the final possession, and turned the ball over on downs early in the second quarter when his shin touched the ground on a fourth-and-2 run deep in Buffalo territory. He says “you’ve got to live with it. It’s life.”
WORDS: 569 - MOVED: 01/11/2026 6:17 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:7bdba6f4f5dc23909563f46f5e10b74a&mediaType=text
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SOC--ENGLISH ROUNDUP
Man United crashes out of FA Cup as club weighs up candidates for interim coach
SUMMARY: Managerless Manchester United crashes out of the FA Cup with a 2-1 defeat to Brighton in the third round. At the end of a week that saw the storied Premier League team and 13-time FA Cup winner fire head coach Ruben Amorim, the loss at Old Trafford has likely consigned United to another trophyless season and was greeted with loud jeers from home fans. Former United striker Danny Welbeck scored the decisive goal in the 64th minute. United’s only chance of silverware this term is the Premier League, which would require a remarkable turnaround with the 20-time champion currently 17 points behind leader Arsenal. United’s hierarchy hope an interim coach can salvage the season by securing Champions League qualification.
WORDS: 1011 - MOVED: 01/11/2026 5:52 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:83c394e34ef4c2713d628ef544a7d3a7&mediaType=text
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BKW--T25-TEXAS-LSU
Williams scores 20 as No. 12 LSU hands No. 2 Texas its first loss, 70-65
SUMMARY: Mikaylah Williams scored 20 points, capped by her 3 as the shot clock expired with 1:20 to go in the game, and No. 12 LSU handed second-ranked Texas its first loss this season, 70-65. Madison Booker scored 24 points, 14 after committing her fourth foul just 11 seconds into the fourth quarter. Kyla Oldacre had 16 points, 16 rebounds and three blocks. Jordan Lee added 12 points for the Longhorns. Flau’jae Johnson, Milaysia Fulwiley, ZaKiyah Johnson and Jada Richard each scored 10 points for LSU, which led the entire second half and by as many as 13 points. Texas led briefly in the first half but never by more than four points.
WORDS: 446 - MOVED: 01/11/2026 5:35 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:893d88068b3ef7b73d13800d302f143f&mediaType=text
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SOC--NORWICH-SARGENT
US international Josh Sargent refused to play in FA Cup game, says Norwich coach
SUMMARY: Norwich head coach Philippe Clement says U.S. international Josh Sargent refused to play in Sunday’s FA Cup match against Walsall. Clement also insisted Sargent would not leave the second-tier club in the January transfer window despite reported interest from MLS team Toronto FC. The 25-year-old Sargent joined Norwich from Werder Bremen in 2021. He has eight goals this season. His absence did not cost Norwich against Walsall with Jovon Makama scoring a hat trick to help his team advance to the fourth round of the Cup with a 5-1 win.
WORDS: 169 - MOVED: 01/11/2026 2:33 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:153497abacf9bf31375c1e2de4afcb25&mediaType=text
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FBC--CFP-INSIDE THE NUMBERS
Inside the Numbers: How Indiana and Miami stack up going into CFP national championship game
SUMMARY: Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza originally planned to attend Yale, where he was recruited five years ago. Yale highlighted its history, including Heisman Trophy winners Larry Kelly and Clint Frank. Mendoza won the Heisman this season. Yale is the only major college football team to finish a season 16-0, achieving this in 1894. Indiana can match this if it wins the College Football Playoff national championship against Miami on Jan. 19. Other teams in lower divisions have gone 16-0. And Miami has a chance to become the first team to finish 8-0 against AP-ranked opponents.
WORDS: 1153 - MOVED: 01/11/2026 2:18 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8bebce83e256fde76ef807d87ec76fff&mediaType=text
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