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Saquon’s hurdle, Josh Allen’s heroics: The NFL season’s best moments, week by week

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Saquon’s hurdle, Josh Allen’s heroics: The NFL season’s best moments, week by week

After 272 games and 1,387 touchdowns — and Camryn Bynum’s many interpretive dances — the NFL’s regular season is officially in the books. It was an awesome, serpentine and sometimes surreal four months of football. Cheers to all of us that made it through and did not blink.

Of course, the playoffs are a zero-sum game, and only one person will be commemorated Most Valuable Player. But there was so much to celebrate across the past 18 weeks, and the Super Bowl outcome certainly does not negate all the coolness that preceded it.

Here, we’ll remember the top three on-field moments from each weekly slate. May this be a space for recollection and appreciation as we trek toward the postseason.

Week 1

An un-Likely finish — The games kicked off with an absolute banger in Ravens-Chiefs. Lamar Jackson led a furious final push down the field, capped with Isaiah Likely’s spectacular would-be game-tying touchdown snag. Better still, Baltimore’s offense looked ready to go for the two-point conversion and steal a win. Upon further review, Likely’s toe grazed the back of the end zone. Kansas City eked out the narrowest of wins — a season’s motif if there ever was one.

Saquon Barkley’s first Eagles score — What a bonkers introduction by Philly’s new running back. Barkley established himself from the jump in Brazil, and his three TDs were the deciding factor in a win over the Packers that went to the brink.

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A new-age rivalry in overtime — The latest episode of the Goff-Stafford Exchange was a thriller. Week 1’s Sunday night game went back and forth for 70 minutes, sealed by David Montgomery’s walk-off plunge.

Week 2

Jefferson Starship — The ascending Sam Darnold to the intergalactic Justin Jefferson, for 97 yards, six points and one of the loudest crowd reactions of the year.

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Sack City — Aidan Hutchinson notched 4 1/2 sacks in one afternoon, wholly terrorizing the Tampa Bay front line. We didn’t know it, but this would be the triumphant last highlight before a broken leg truncated his season.

Another Bengals-Chiefs stunner — With under a minute to go, Patrick Mahomes and company trailed 25-23 and faced fourth down from their own territory. They converted on a deep ball to Rashee Rice, only for a Wanya Morris penalty to set them back to fourth-and-16. The subsequent try fell incomplete … but a pass interference call on Daijahn Anthony gave the Chiefs new life, and ultimately set up their game-winning 51-yard field goal.

Week 3

Hook-and-Lions — If video-game makers choose to revive the Backyard Football or NFL Street franchises, well, here’s their mood board:

Daniels goes deep — Jayden Daniels forced a collective double-take with the start to his pro career: fourteen consecutive scoring drives (excluding two kneel downs), obliterating the previous rookie record. The few remaining skeptics noted that Washington’s No. 2 pick was relying on short throws and cautious offense. They were promptly quieted on Monday night.

A modern-day Mossing — Jauan Jennings put Quentin Lake on a poster. It was the jewel of his breakout three-touchdown game in Los Angeles.

Week 4

Ogunbowale calls game — The Texans passing offense was sporting Nico Collins, Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell … yet it was journeyman back Dare Ogunbowale who caught the game-winning touchdown from C.J. Stroud. He got to celebrate in the corner end zone with his sister, WNBA star Arike Ogunbowale.

Throwing a perfect game — Once again finding itself in a national TV spot, Detroit’s offense was systematically grooving against the Seahawks. Jared Goff connected on all 18 of his throws, setting an NFL record, and he also caught a touchdown pass from Amon-Ra St. Brown.

Koo, calm and collected — In a decidedly NFC South-y game, Younghoe Koo drilled a 58-yarder for the win in Atlanta.

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Week 5

Surtain chance — Pat Surtain II’s 100-yard pick-six may have re-routed Denver’s season. It certainly trumpeted the arrival of this Broncos defense, and kick-started the fourth-year corner’s campaign for Defensive Player of the Year.

Thursday night chaos — This 36-30 overtime marathon won by the Falcons was sneakily one of the most fun watches of 2024. On a short comeback route, KhaDarel Hodge broke a tackle and then outran a half-dozen Buccaneers for the walk-off.

“He threw him away like a rag doll!” — Both Ravens-Bengals matchups this season were pure serotonin releases. The world would be a better place if we had more Ravens and Bengals. More on this later. For now, play us out, Kevin Harlan:

Week 6

Shenault’s vault — The new kickoff rules took some getting used to, with the landing zone being particularly harsh on the eyes. But Laviska Shenault’s 97-yard house call looked instantly familiar.

Turning back time — Thinking about these New York Jets is bad for our well-being, and there were few highlights from their dystopian season. But Aaron Rodgers connecting on yet another Hail Mary was undoubtedly one of them. Allen Lazard was the recipient of this buzzer-beating 52-yard heave vs. Buffalo.

Courtland’s catch — Superhuman stuff from Sutton here.

Week 7

Bates’ first magic moment — With the 4-1 Lions and 5-0 Vikings scrapping for supremacy atop the NFC North, everything came down to Detroit’s rookie kicker Jake Bates … a kickoff specialist and soccer player in college. But Bates was right on the money to give Detroit the win 31-29. We’ll revisit him shortly.

Conner in the clutch — For a moment, the Arizona revival (Cardinalissance?) looked like it had staying power. It was hard to not dig the desert vibes after James Conner plowed his way into game-winning field goal range on Thursday night.

Getting tricky with it — Geno Smith slung a swing pass to Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who about-faced and heaved it field. The loping ball hung in the air forever, only for DK Metcalf to come down with a particularly acrobatic grab.

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Week 8

Winston for the win — Two more football axioms that rang true in 2024: The Ravens will find bizarre ways to lose games, and Jameis Winston will be a vehicle for metaphysical chaos. Kyle Hamilton dropped what would’ve been the clinching interception. With the extra chance, Winston hit Cedric Tillman for the decisive touchdown. As we did for the aforementioned Jets, we’ll do our best to limit your exposure to the Cleveland Browns … but this was a cool moment.

“It’s a miracle! It’s Noah Brown” — Are we positive this really happened? Was it some sort of fever dream conjured to torment the Chicago Bears?

(Almost) Paid in Full — Week 8 nearly had a second completed Hail Mary. Much like the Ravens and Bengals, the Falcons and Bucs combined for two deeply entertaining games this season. Rakim Jarrett caught Baker Mayfield’s prayer ball but couldn’t keep himself in the end zone.

Week 9

Come What Maye — The 2024 Patriots may well be remembered for botching the No. 1 draft pick and immediately canning their coach. But this was bonkers, delightful and borderline-inexplicable:

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Saquon breaks Madden — When EA Sports has to develop new animations based on something that happened in real-life football, well, you’re singularly awesome and deserve extended cheers. Saquon Barkley’s “reverse hurdle” was instantly canonized.

One-handed walk-off — Matthew Stafford’s dime and Demarcus Robinson’s showmanship not only made the year-end highlight reel but also helped decide the log-jammed NFC West. If the Rams make a run this postseason, this game-winner will be remembered as a primary propellant.

Week 10

Chiefs block upset bid — Kansas City routinely reduced football fans to a Jesse Pinkman impression … they couldn’t keep getting away with these last-second victories. Denver looked set to blemish the Chiefs’ undefeated campaign, until Wil Lutz’s 35-yarder was stuffed at the line. Kevin Harlan hit that upper vocal register accordingly.

Everything about Bengals-Ravens — In what may well be considered the game of the year, Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson traded dizzying haymakers until the final whistle. The final numbers: Burrow threw for 428 yards and four scores, while Ja’Marr Chase had an absurd 11-catch, 264-yard, 3-TD stat line. But Jackson had four touchdowns of his own, and Baltimore’s defense hung tight on the deciding two-point conversion. To paraphrase Tracy Morgan, live every week like it’s Bengals-Ravens week.

Bates’ second magic moment — We promised we’d circle back here, too. Detroit survived a five-interception Goff game thanks to Bates, who squeezed clutch kicks of 58 and 52 yards between the uprights.

Week 11

Un-Bear-able — Caleb Williams had pieced together a spirited if imperfect first game since the waning of the Shane Waldron era. Cairo Santos was set up to lift Chicago over its archrival. Then special teamer Karl Brooks won the gap, elevated and got a hand on the football for a wild Packers win.

McPherson’s misses — The Sunday night squabble-up between the Bengals and Chargers was also Game of the Year material. Cincinnati completed a massive comeback, down 24-6 at halftime, on the heels of two fourth-down touchdown passes. We can only imagine how sorely the Bengals want those biffed Evan McPherson tries back.

“The play of the year in the NFL” — Chiefs-Bills never disappoints. Without further ado, Jim Nantz:

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Week 12

Barkley’s blasts — The Eagles’ star running back rushed for a franchise-best 255 yards, with 182 coming in the second half. Momentum-seizing house calls of 70 and 72 yards deflated the Rams and cemented Philly as a team to fear. As Mike Tirico said: “What a night, and what a player.”

Mamba mentality — Much-needed fourth-down stop? Yup. Galvanizing defensive moment for Mike McDonald’s group? For sure. Coby Bryant for six? Put it on the board.

How does this keep happening?! — Jayden Daniels seemingly fit a lifetime of heroics into his rookie season. Here, he lofted a desperation ball to Terry McLaurin between a Cowboys prevent zone, only for McLaurin to hit the accelerator and stun the football universe.

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Don’t worry, Austin Seibert’s subsequent extra point sailed wide, recalling an all-time NFL blooper from the Saints and Jaguars in 2003.

Week 13

Time keeps on slippin’ — Caleb Williams had a shot at upsetting the Lions in Detroit on Thanksgiving. It could’ve been a signature career moment. But some disarmingly strange sideline decisions left the Bears with no time left. Coach Matt Eberflus was fired the next day.

Vengeance in the Meadowlands — Geno Smith and Leonard Williams each stuck it to their former team in the Seahawks’ 26-21 win over the Jets. The latter stole the day with a soul-crushing 92-yard pick-six of Aaron Rodgers.

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Blizzard in Buffalo — If/when a Josh Allen statue gets put up in Orchard Park, it just might look like this:

Week 14

Lord Byron — Safe to say that Kirk Cousins did not enjoy his return trip to Minnesota. Byron Murphy, in his sixth year, had his best season to date as a chaos element in Brian Flores’ defense.

Fantasy football history — Every snap of Josh Allen’s herculean Week 14 performance deserves consideration here. Even if the Bills didn’t win this relay race in Los Angeles against the Rams, those employing Allen on their fantasy teams certainly got the dub. Buffalo’s captain tallied six total touchdowns: three through the air to go with his 342 passing yards, and three on the ground as part of his 82 rushing yards.

Sweet Charbonnet — Zach Charbonnet, Seattle’s second-year second-stringer, enjoyed a massive day against the Cardinals. He evaded tacklers and scrapped for extra space all afternoon long, capped by an electrifying 51-yard scoring burst.

Week 15

Yes, another Josh Allen highlight — Take your pick from the presumptive MVP’s cinematic effort against the Lions. Perhaps it was when he escaped two pass rushers and threw across his body to connect with James Cook. Maybe it’s his fake-out keeper to walk into the end zone and give his Bills a 14-0 lead. It could certainly be the evasion of a stunting Josh Paschal that created a Keon Coleman chunk play. Allen finished game with 430 yards, four touchdowns and a whole bunch of jaw-dropping plays.

Pose for the Kamara — For the second time this season, a receiver’s surprise drop back was redeemed by a sublime catch. Cedrick Wilson Jr. is not a professional quarterback, but Alvin Kamara is not a professional wideout. It balanced out here:

Bonitto cashes in — After scanning the list, here’s a necessary reminder that not every trick play works out. Nik Bonitto accentuated his spectacular season with a fourth-quarter defensive touchdown off Indianapolis’ attempted deception.

Week 16

Jourdan Lewis, by sheer will — Tampa Bay looked on its way to a Sunday night comeback in Dallas, with a streaking Jalen McMillan having a step on the Cowboys secondary. Lewis had other ideas, and his first interception of the season was ice-cold.

Crowder for the win — Once again, Jayden Daniels with some late-game alchemy. Washington beat Philadelphia in the final minute, after Daniels connected with Jamison Crowder, who started the game with four catches all season and finished it with a game-winning touchdown.

Jared to Jameson Williams — This was a riveting play in itself, with the Lions’ primary vertical threat getting loose for a clean 82-yard strike. But the coolest moment was when the camera panned to receivers coach Antwaan Randle El, who celebrated his wideout’s catharsis with the joy of a proud father.

Week 17

Myles Garrett’s greatness — With a sack of Miami quarterback Tyler Huntley, Cleveland’s prodigious edge rusher became the first player in league history to post at least 14 sacks in four straight seasons.

Lamar Jackson breaks Vick’s record on Christmas — Beyoncé is a transcendent talent. But she did not break Michael Vick’s career QB rushing mark. That was, of course, the two-time MVP under center in Baltimore.

Mims is Him(s) — The enduring image may be “Joe Shiesty” dancing in the end zone after the overtime victory, but we should never let this miraculous fourth-down connection go unrecognized. If aliens beamed down to our planet and asked why we like football so much, we’d probably show them this:

Week 18

Special revenge — The stakes were not quite the same, but good on Chicago for avenging its Week 11 special teams disaster against Green Bay. Between Cairo Santos’ redemption on the game-winning field goal and a crafty misdirected punt return for 94 yards by Josh Blackwell, the Bears won Sunday thanks to their kicking unit.

Wiggins caps it off — They already had one bewildering Browns loss this season. Could the Ravens find themselves in some wonky wild-card territory by dropping Saturday’s finale? Nope. Rookie corner Nate Wiggins certainly wasn’t going to let it get that far.

Barnett’s big man TD — What’s a season-long highlight reel without a defensive lineman’s stumbling scoop-and-score? Derek Barnett seemed predestined to cross the plane this past Sunday.

(Top illustration: Will Tullos / The Athletic; photos: Mitchell Leff, Jonathan Bachman, Cooper Neill, Bryan M. Bennett, Andy Lyons / Getty Images)

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Hawks trade 4-time All-Star Trae Young to Wizards in blockbuster deal: reports

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11 hours ago

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January 8, 2026

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Hawks trade 4-time All-Star Trae Young to Wizards in blockbuster deal: reports

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The Atlanta Hawks have parted ways with four-time NBA All-Star point guard Trae Young, trading him to the Washington Wizards in a blockbuster move, according to ESPN.

The Hawks will reportedly be receiving veteran shooting guard CJ McCollum and forward Corey Kispert in the deal. 

Washington was Young’s preferred destination, and the two sides were working on a deal to get the 27-year-old point guard to the nation’s capital.

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Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks looks on during the game against the Boston Celtics during Round 1 Game 6 of the 2023 NBA Playoffs on April 27, 2023 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.   ( Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images)

Young’s agents were having conversations with the Hawks, who sit at 17-21 so far this season, about trading their client out of Atlanta.

There is a mutual connection in Washington, too, as executive Travis Schlenk drafted Young fifth overall in 2018 out of Oklahoma.

It marks the end of an era for the Hawks. Young has been the focal point of their offense since he was taken in that draft. He is the team’s career leader in three-pointers and assists, having led the team to the postseason in three of his eight seasons. The Hawks went the furthest in 2021, where they made the Eastern Conference Finals.

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However, the new era was brewing already in Atlanta, with forward Jalen Johnson taking the next step in his career, averaging 23.7 points per game this season. The pickup of Nickeil Alexander-Walker also helps, as he’s averaged 20.5 points per game in 36 appearances.

Meanwhile, Young has played just 10 games this season, as he’s been dealing with leg injuries, most notably a right MCL sprain.

Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks looks on after the game against the Boston Celtics during Round One Game Five of the 2023 NBA Playoffs on April 25, 2023 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Hawks also get some flexibility on their books, as they could make some more moves. Anthony Davis is reportedly available from the Dallas Mavericks, making him a good target for Atlanta.

Young has $95 million remaining on his deal that runs through the 2026-27 season, which includes a player option this offseason.

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Atlanta will be taking on McCollum’s contract, though the veteran guard has a $30.6 million expiring deal.

Through his 10 games this season, Young is averaging 19.2 points, 8.9 assists and 1.5 rebounds per game, while shooting 41.5% from the field.

Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks drives down the court during the first half against the Philadelphia 76ers at State Farm Arena on April 7, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia.  (Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

Over his career, Young has dropped 25.2 points and 9.8 assists per game, while leading the league in the latter category last season with 11.6 per contest.

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Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

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Prep basketball roundup: Loyola upsets Sherman Oaks Notre Dame in Mission League opener

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January 8, 2026

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Prep basketball roundup: Loyola upsets Sherman Oaks Notre Dame in Mission League opener

On the opening night of Mission League basketball action Wednesday, there was a huge upset, one close call and two easy victories.

Loyola, down 16 points going into the fourth quarter, started making threes and stunned Sherman Oaks Notre Dame on the road 72-68. Deuce Newt scored 23 points for the Cubs (10-9). First-year coach Cam Joyce saw his team take a leap in ability when Newt became eligible on Dec. 26 after transferring from Campbell Hall. Randall Sanders added 15 points.

No. 1-ranked Sierra Canyon (14-1) held on for a 50-47 win over St. Francis. The Golden Knights gave the Trailblazers a real scare with a chance to tie at the end of regulation. Maxi Adams made two clutch free throws in the final seconds for Sierra Canyon. Brandon McCoy had 19 points and 12 rebounds. Cherif Millogo scored 14 points for the Golden Knights.

Harvard-Westlake improved to 18-2 with an 84-51 win over Chaminade (18-2). Amir Jones made six threes and had 26 points. Joe Sterling added 21 points and Dominique Bentho had 11 points and 13 rebounds.

Crespi (14-6) defeated Bishop Alemany 87-59. Jasiah Williams and Christian Tshina-Nzambi each scored 20 points.

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On Friday night, it will be Notre Dame at Sierra Canyon, Harvard-Westlake at Crespi and Chaminade at Loyola.

Arcadia 87, Burroughs 51: Owen Eteuati Edwards scored 23 points and had eight rebounds for Arcadia.

Fairfax 77, Carson 40: Dominick Bowie had 14 points for the Lions.

San Pedro 67, Hamilton 37: Chris Morgan had 14 points and eight rebounds for the Pirates (13-4).

California 105, Saddleback 77: Jair Linares had 26 points for 11-7 California.

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Tesoro 78, Capistrano Valley 39: Dean Mika finished with 23 points for 18-3 Tesoro.

St. Monica 67, St. Bernard 58: St. Monica won in overtime. Jordan Ballard scored 20 points for St. Bernard.

Los Alamitos 57, Huntington Beach 47: Sophomore Isaiah Williamson contributed 11 points and 12 rebounds in the Sunset League win.

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Auburn fans shower officials with debris after wild buzzer-beater gets overturned

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23 hours ago

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January 7, 2026

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Auburn fans shower officials with debris after wild buzzer-beater gets overturned

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A chaotic scene unfolded at Auburn University on Tuesday night as a wild buzzer-beater was waved off well after the Tigers had celebrated on their own court.

With 0.6 seconds remaining and Auburn trailing 90-88, KeShawn Murphy, somehow left wide open, caught an inbounds pass and nailed a long 3-pointer for what was thought to be the game-winner.

However, officials went to the scorer’s table to review the play, which was awfully close.

 

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Auburn Tigers players watch the replay of a possible game-winning shot that was called back as Auburn Tigers take on Texas A&M Aggies at Neville Arena in Auburn, Alabama on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026. (Jake Crandall/USA Today Network via Imagn Images)

Ultimately, officials ruled that the shot had not gone off in time, ending the Tigers’ celebration and prompting one from Texas A&M.

The officials quickly made themselves public enemy number one and were showered with debris from fans on their way off the court. At least one referee needed his head to be covered.

One fan sitting courtside even turned his back and threw his drink over his shoulder aimed at an official.

“They didn’t say a word. They just said it was no good and ran off the floor. I probably wouldn’t want to talk to me in that moment, anyway,” Auburn head coach Steven Pearl, who took over for his dad, Bruce this season, said after the game. “So, I get why they’d run away from me. Just from the angles that I saw, it looked like it was off his fingers. But that was just, I don’t have all the same angles they have.”

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Texas A&M Aggies players celebrate victory as Auburn Tigers take on Texas A&M Aggies at Neville Arena in Auburn, Alabama, on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026. (Jake Crandall/USA Today Network via Imagn Images)

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It is now six losses in their last 10 games for the Tigers after starting 5-1. They lost in the Final Four last year to Florida, who won the national championship over Houston.

Auburn (9-6, 0-2) led 47-37 at halftime and extended the margin to 61-45 with 12:29 remaining.

KeShawn Murphy of the Auburn Tigers reacts after officials ruled that his last-second shot did not beat the shot clock to win the game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Neville Arena on Jan. 6, 2026 in Auburn, Alabama. (Stew Milne/Getty Images)

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Texas A&M answered with a steady run fueled by outside shooting, taking its first lead at 8:42 when Pop Isaacs buried a 3-pointer. The Aggies followed with back-to-back triples from Isaacs to open a five-point cushion that they would not relinquish, by the skin of their teeth.

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