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Chiefs take down Ravens as hunt for 3rd straight Super Bowl starts off on right foot

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Chiefs take down Ravens as hunt for 3rd straight Super Bowl starts off on right foot

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A sliver of Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely’s toe was the difference between overtime in the first game of the NFL season and the Kansas City Chiefs’ first win of the year. 

The final play of the game saw Lamar Jackson and the Ravens needing a touchdown to force overtime, and he fired a strike to Likely, who secured it and looked to get two feet in. 

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However, after review, Likely’s toe was on the back line, and he was ruled out of bounds, ending the game in dramatic fashion in favor of the home team, 27-20. 

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy (1) scores a touchdown against Baltimore Ravens linebacker Malik Harrison (40) during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. (Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images)

Ravens head coach John Harbaugh discussed Likely’s performance after the game, calling it a “courageous game” where he “made so many plays, especially down the stretch.” But that one play will be talked about for quite some time, as it appeared Harbaugh was motioning to go for the win with a two-point conversion. 

The Chiefs are hunting for NFL history this season as the first team to win three straight Super Bowls, and on the night they unveiled their latest banner, they did what needed to be done – and saw some luck fall their way in the end – to start off on the right foot (no pun intended).

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Earlier this year, the Chiefs defeated the Ravens in the AFC Championship Game to get to the Super Bowl in Las Vegas, and they kept that domination alive at home this time in Kansas City. 

And while Patrick Mahomes showcased his regular magic on the football field as quarterback for the Chiefs, it was his new weapon, rookie speedster Xavier Worthy, that really shined in his NFL debut.

One of the reasons the Chiefs are expected to have more explosive plays this season is Worthy, the new record holder in the 40-yard dash after posting a 4.21-second run at the NFL Scouting Combine. 

That speed was showcased immediately in this game, as he had just three touches on the football, but two of them went for touchdowns. 

The Chiefs needed just four plays to get downfield in scoring territory on its first drive of the season, and it was Mahomes hitting his second-year receiver Rashee Rice, who had two catches for 27 yards, his last a 16-yard catch-and-run with a horse collar tackle that added 15 yards on top of that. 

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Then, the ball went in the hands of rookie receiver Xavier Worthy, the new record holder in the NFL Combine’s 40-yard dash, for the first time and he didn’t disappoint. The blazing speed was on full display, as he worked his way around the Ravens’ defense and into the end zone for a 21-yard touchdown run – his first touch in the NFL. 

The Ravens, though, were the first to put up a touchdown in the new year, and it was their new addition, running back Derrick Henry, plunging in from five yards out for his first end zone trip as a Raven. 

After such a hot start, though, the Chiefs and Ravens both punted on their next drives, but we then saw our first turnover of the new year. 

Chiefs star defensive tackle Chris Jones, who wreaked havoc all game, got into the backfield and forced the ball out of Jackson’s hands on the first play of the Ravens’ third drive. That set the Chiefs up for another potential touchdown drive, but Juju Smith-Schuster, who rejoined the Chiefs this offseason, couldn’t handle a ball on the goal line. 

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Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) scrambles against Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton (98) during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. (Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images)

Harrison Butker kicked his first field goal of the year to take the lead for Kansas City. 

It was a lead Kansas City wouldn’t relinquish the rest of the game, as Baltimore just couldn’t get going like they usually did on their way to the best record in the league last season (though their final drive made things interesting). Justin Tucker, who struggled from beyond 50 yards last season, missed his first field goal of the year from 53 yards out.

And despite picking off Mahomes late in the first half, the Ravens had to settle for a field goal to head into the locker room down three points, 13-10. 

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The Chiefs created a gap with its first drive in the second half, as Mahomes led the way on a six-play, 81-yard drive that ended with a Pacheco score from one yard out. 

But while the Ravens were struggling on offense, we all know it takes just one play to turn things around, and that’s exactly what happened when Jackson simply threw it up for Isaiah Likely, the Ravens’ tight end who shined last year in place of the hurt Mark Andrews.

Likely secured the pass with linebacker Nick Bolton draped all over him, and he started to make the Chiefs miss. After maneuvering around Bolton, he found a couple blocks and started streaking downfield. He hit the brakes just before the goal line and walked into the end zone for a 49-yard touchdown that made it a three-point game again. 

However, Worthy’s second touchdown came immediately after Baltimore felt momentum on its sideline again, as Marlon Humphrey thought he had safety help over the top, and Mahomes didn’t miss his rookie on the right side as he waltzed into the end zone for a 35-yard score. 

The Ravens would cut the lead to seven with another Tucker field goal, and they were able to get the ball back at the two-minute warning in an attempt to tie, or perhaps win, the game. 

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Kansas City Chiefs starting quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) drops back to pass during the first half against the Baltimore Ravens at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. (Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images)

Baltimore made its way downfield, as Jackson started dissecting the defense by finding Likely. Then, things got fascinating when Rashod Bateman went up to grab a 38-yard reception to land on Kansas City’s 10-yard line. 

With second-and-goal and 10 seconds remaining, Jackson danced around the pocket and fired a pass to a wide-open Zay Flowers, but he threw behind him. Then, the Likely mishap occurred, ending the Ravens’ night in heartbreak. 

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Dolphins’ Tua Tagovailoa open to fresh start elsewhere after disappointing season: ‘That would be dope’

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Dolphins’ Tua Tagovailoa open to fresh start elsewhere after disappointing season: ‘That would be dope’

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Tua Tagovailoa appears to be ready to move on from the Miami Dolphins – a feeling that seems mutual between the two sides. 

Tagovailoa was benched for the final three games of the season due to poor performance. A day after the Dolphins’ season ended with a 38-10 loss to division rival New England, the sixth-year signal-caller appeared open to the idea of a “fresh start.” 

Mike McDaniel speaks with Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) in the fourth quarter of a game against the Buffalo Bills at Hard Rock Stadium on Sept. 25, 2022, in Miami Gardens, Florida.  (Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

“That would be dope. I would be good with it,” Tagovailoa said Monday, according to The Palm Beach Post, when asked specifically if he was “hoping for a fresh start.” 

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When asked by another reporter if he understood “fresh start” as playing “elsewhere,” Tagovailoa reportedly confirmed it.

The remarks came the same day that head coach Mike McDaniel confirmed that the team would be approaching the 2025-2026 season with a competitive mindset for the position. 

“In 2026, I think there will be competition for our starting quarterback. What that is and how that looks, there’s a lot that remains to be seen. It’s the most important position on the football field, and you have to make sure you do everything possible to get the best person out there on the field.”

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa runs off the field during the first half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on Jan. 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

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“Who that is – whether they’re in-house or somewhere else, that’s something that we’ll be extremely diligent on,” he continued. “But I know there will be competition for those reins. That much I do know.”

Tagovailoa threw for 2,660 yards with 20 touchdowns this season, but he struggled with accuracy and mobility, throwing a career-high of 15 interceptions. His poor performance comes just one season after signing a four-year, $212.4 million contract extension in July 2024.

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa speaks during a press conference after an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025, in Miami Gardens, Florida. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

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The Dolphins face a serious decision regarding Tagovailoa, as releasing him next year would result in a $99 million dead cap charge. If the move is designated as a post-June 1 release, those charges would be split over two years, with $67.4 million allocated to the 2026 cap and $31.8 million in 2027.

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

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Snoop Dogg hilariously keeps pace with furious Steve Kerr’s ejection-producing rant

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Snoop Dogg hilariously keeps pace with furious Steve Kerr’s ejection-producing rant

In a warm-up for his role in the upcoming Winter Olympics, Snoop Dogg was given a microphone during the second half of the NBA game between the Golden State Warriors and the Clippers on Monday night at the Intuit Dome.

Can’t wait for those Olympics! Snoop hilariously sizzled when Warriors coach Steve Kerr stormed the court in the fourth quarter of the Clippers’ 103-102 victory.

“The Arizona Wildcat done came out of him. Look at him!” Snoop said, alluding to Kerr’s college team. “Aw, Rawwwr, rawwwr, rawwwr!”

Kerr was hit with two technical fouls in less than a minute. He nearly got one with 8:44 to play when Warriors guard Stephen Curry made a shot that appeared to be a continuation after a foul, but the officials nullified the basket.

Less than a minute later, Kerr found a new level of vehemence after the Clippers’ John Collins wasn’t called for goaltending on a shot by Gary Payton II. The four-time NBA championship coach flew into a rage, aggressively gesturing at officials and screaming.

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Kerr picked up the two technicals — his first in nearly four seasons — and was held back by Payton and assistant coaches before exiting to the locker room.

Snoop Dogg, who had joined regular Peacock/NBC announcers Reggie Miller and Terry Gannon for the second half, rose to the occasion, his commentary keeping pace with Kerr’s antics.

“Oh, Steve gonna get thrown out! Get him out of there. Get him out of there! Back him up!” Snoop barked.

All Miller and Gannon could do was laugh as Snoop continued, referencing the location of the Intuit Dome and Kerr’s Southern California ties: “Steve back in Inglewood right now. Inglewooood!!! Get him, Steve! You in Inglewood, Steve!”

Snoop will join NBC Olympics host Mike Tirico in Italy in February, riffing on stories that unfold at the Winter Games the way he did at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics. The NBA game was an indication he’ll again be up to the task.

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“We are excited to have Snoop bring his unique energy and passion to our NBA coverage,” NBC Sports executive producer Sam Flood said in a statement. “It will be a once in a lifetime opportunity to watch Snoop, Reggie and Terry talk hoops with a side order of fun.”

Snoop said in the release that his debut as an NBA game broadcaster “is a dream come true for me. I can’t wait to bring a fresh vibe to the analysis.”

For the record, official Brian Forte acknowledged after the game that goaltending should have been called against Collins. Curry told reporters that he appreciated his coach’s passion.

“Two crazy calls in a row that you feel like can dictate the momentum of the game, it doesn’t mean a win or a loss, it just dictates the momentum,” Curry said. “I love that fired up Steve, for sure. Somebody had to do it.”

Visiting Los Angeles has been emotional for Kerr since the Pacific Palisades wildfire a year ago destroyed his childhood home, which his family bought in 1969. His mother, 90-year-old Ann Kerr, still lived in the house, located near Rivas Canyon, and was evacuated safely.

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Russell Wilson not thinking about retirement, plans to play in 2026: ‘I know what I’m capable of’

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Russell Wilson not thinking about retirement, plans to play in 2026: ‘I know what I’m capable of’

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Russell Wilson went from starting quarterback of the New York Giants to third string just a few weeks into the 2025 season, leaving many to question if the 10-time Pro Bowler decides to play next season.

Wilson, 37, doesn’t sound like he’s mulling over his decision. He wants to play in 2026.

“I’m not blinking,” Wilson said, per SNY. “I know [what] I’m capable of. I think I showed that in Dallas, and I want to be able to do that again, you know, and just be ready to rock and roll, and be as healthy as possible and be ready to play ball.”

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New York Giants’ Russell Wilson attempts to escape a sack by Dallas Cowboys defensive end James Houston (53) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas.  (Julio Cortez/AP Photo)

Wilson signed a one-year, veteran minimum deal with the Giants this past offseason worth $10.5 million, which had tons of incentives if he were to play the entire season.

That same offseason, the Giants traded back into the first round to select Jaxson Dart out of Ole Miss, and he proved during training camp to have NFL-ready chops under center.

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Still, then-head coach Brian Daboll was steadfast in his decision to start Wilson despite Dart’s success. But, after just three games, where the Giants went 0-3, a change was made.

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Daboll went with Dart in Week 4 against the Los Angeles Chargers at home, and the rookie defeated Justin Herbert and company to not only get his first career win, but cement himself as the team’s starter moving forward.

Even then, Wilson remained positive, saying in interviews after practice that he understands the direction of the team and wanted to help Dart develop and grow in his new role.

New York Giants’ Russell Wilson, left, and Jaxson Dart, right, talk on the bench in the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas.  (Julio Cortez/AP Photo)

In his three starts for the Giants, Wilson threw for 831 yards with three touchdowns to three interceptions, though all of those touchdowns came in a Week 2 overtime heartbreaker for New York. Over half of Wilson’s passing yards also came in that game, throwing for 450 in the 40-37 loss.

Wilson also said that he tore his hamstring during that game against the Cowboys.

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“I played that game, you know, I tore my hamstring on Friday in practice – the last play of practice. And I had a Grade 2 (tear). I couldn’t tell anybody. I had to go and play on it just because I knew the circumstance, I had to play on it, no matter what,” Wilson explained.

“I actually ended up going to the Dallas Mavericks’ facility, training. And you know, just kept it quiet, just trying to get treatment on it and just knowing that I probably couldn’t run from the goal line to the 10-yard line if I wanted to, but I feel like… I got to play this game.”

New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson (3) scans the field at the line against the New York Jets during the first half at MetLife Stadium. (Rich Barnes/Imagn Images)

It will be interesting to see if Wilson will land anywhere, and better yet, if a team is willing to try him out as a starter again.

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