Bills head to Miami with hopes of securing AFC No. 2 seed

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January 3, 2024

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The race to the playoffs comes down to this.

The NFL is entering the final week of the regular season and nine teams have already clinched their spot in the postseason. With just one game left on the schedule and five spots remaining, fans can expect to see some of the most exciting football of the year.

Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce (31) celebrates a kickoff return for a touchdown against the Cleveland Browns at NRG Stadium in Houston on Dec. 24, 2023. (Ken Murray/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Among the scenarios heading into the weekend, the Buffalo Bills have one of the more interesting breakdowns.

A win against the Miami Dolphins would guarantee the Bills the division title and the No. 2 seed in the playoffs. Without a win, Buffalo could also advance with a loss or tie by the Pittsburgh Steelers, a loss or tie by the Jacksonville Jaguars, or a tie between the Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts.

Interestingly, there is a scenario (a complicated one) that could see Buffalo go in the opposite direction.

If Pittsburgh were to pull off a victory over the top-seed Baltimore Ravens, and the Jaguars defeated the Titans, and the Texans-Colts game ended in anything but a tie, and the Bills fell short on Sunday, Buffalo’s season would come to an end.

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) celebrates with teammates after scoring against the Dallas Cowboys during the second quarter, Dec. 17, 2023, in Orchard Park, New York. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)

All four things would need to happen for this outcome, but nothing is guaranteed.

LIONS’ DAN CAMPBELL ADMITS TRYING TO CONFUSE COWBOYS DEFENSE BEFORE CONTROVERSIAL PENALTY

The Bills have had an up-and-down season. Entering the bye week, the Bills held a 6-6 record and their hopes of reaching the playoffs were in question. But after returning to the field, Buffalo pulled ahead, winning four straight.

“I really think it’s just about our players continuing to grow every week,” head coach Sean McDermott told reporters Monday after a win over the New England Patriots on Sunday.

“Our coaches have done a phenomenal job of working on things with them, developing players at the individual level and then at the unit level as well. I really believe that the players have taken on that challenge head-on, and they’ve come together and formed an identity as a football team. I’ve just been very impressed by that over the last few weeks in particular.”

Several other teams face similar situations with just one game left. Read below to see which teams are sitting comfortably, which will be waiting on the final whistle, and which teams will have to watch the playoffs from home, per the NFL.

MOVING ON

AFC

Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens high-fives a fan at halftime of the game against the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara, California, on Dec. 25, 2023. (Loren Elliott/Getty Images)

1. Baltimore Ravens

Record: 13-3, AFC North division title

2. Miami Dolphins

Record: 11-5, 1st in AFC East

3. Kansas City Chiefs

Record: 10-6, AFC West division title

4. Cleveland Browns

Record: 11-5, 2nd in AFC North

NFC

Christian McCaffrey of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after scoring a rushing touchdown during the second quarter against the Arizona Cardinals, Dec. 17, 2023, in Glendale, Arizona. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

1. San Francisco 49ers

Record: 12-4, NFC West division title

2. Dallas Cowboys

Record: 11-5, 1st in NFC East

3. Detroit Lions

Record: 11-5, NFC North division title

4. Philadelphia Eagles

Record: 11-5, 2nd in NFC East

5. Los Angeles Rams

Record: 9-7, 2nd in NFC West

IN THE HUNT

AFC

Case Keenum (18) of the Houston Texans hands the ball off to Devin Singletary during the second half, Dec. 17, 2023, in Nashville, Tennessee. (Justin Ford/Getty Images)

Houston Texans clinch AFC South division title with:

1. HOU win + JAX loss or tie

Houston clinches playoff berth with:

1. HOU win OR

2. HOU tie + JAX loss + PIT loss or tie

–

Indianapolis Colts clinch AFC South division title with:

1. IND win + JAX loss or tie OR

2. IND tie + JAX loss

Indianapolis clinches playoff berth with:

1. IND win OR

2. IND tie + PIT loss or tie

–

Jacksonville Jaguars clinch AFC South division title with:

1. JAX win OR

2. JAX tie + HOU-IND tie

Jacksonville clinches playoff berth with:

1. JAX tie + PIT loss or tie OR

2. PIT loss + DEN loss or tie + HOU-IND doesn’t end in tie

–

Pittsburgh Steelers clinch playoff berth with:

1. PIT win + BUF loss OR

2. PIT win + JAX loss or tie OR

3. PIT win + HOU-IND tie OR

4. PIT tie + JAX loss + HOU-IND doesn’t end in tie OR

5. JAX loss + DEN win + HOU-IND doesn’t end in tie

NFC

Taylor Heinicke (4) of the Atlanta Falcons hands the ball off to Tyler Allgeier during the second quarter against the Indianapolis Colts, Dec. 24, 2023, in Atlanta. (Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

Atlanta Falcons clinch NFC South division title with:

1. ATL win + TB loss

–

Green Bay Packers clinch playoff berth with:

1. GB win OR

2. GB tie + SEA loss or tie + NO loss or tie OR

3. GB tie + SEA loss + TB loss OR

4. GB tie + SEA tie + TB loss or tie OR

5. MIN loss or tie + SEA loss + TB loss OR

6. MIN loss or tie + SEA loss + NO loss

–

Minnesota Vikings clinch playoff berth with:

1. MIN win + GB loss + SEA loss + TB loss OR

2. MIN win + GB loss + SEA loss + NO loss

–

New Orleans Saints clinch NFC South division title with:

1. NO win + TB loss or tie OR

2. NO tie + TB loss

New Orleans clinches playoff berth with:

1. NO win + SEA loss or tie + GB loss or tie OR

2. NO tie + SEA loss + GB loss

–

Seattle Seahawks clinch playoff berth with:

1. SEA win + GB loss or tie OR

2. SEA tie + GB loss + TB loss or tie OR

3. SEA tie + GB loss + NO loss or tie

–

Tampa Bay Buccaneers clinch NFC South division title with:

1. TB win OR

2. TB tie + NO loss or tie

Tampa Bay clinches playoff berth with:

1. TB tie + SEA loss + GB loss or tie

Week 18 kicks off with the Ravens hosting the Steelers on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. ET and closes out with the Bills in Miami on Sunday at 8:20 p.m. ET.

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How weight loss drugs could upgrade New Year’s Resolutions commitment: ‘Total gamechanger’

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January 3, 2024

OZEMPIC AND WEGOVY WEIGHT LOSS DRUGS COULD HELP REDUCE ALCOHOL USE DISORDER SYMPTOMS, STUDY SUGGESTS

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New year, new motivation?

For 2024, some of the most common New Year’s resolutions include adopting fitness and diet regimens, plus losing weight, according to a Forbes survey.

As weight-loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy peak in popularity, experts believe these meds could make it more likely that people stick with their resolutions.

Galit Shokrian, a Los Angeles-based CEO and co-founder of the online weight loss program Trimly, agreed that the widespread use of GLP-1s will impact the way people approach New Year’s goals.

GLP-1 agonists, which include semaglutides, are medications that help to reduce blood sugar and aid in weight loss.

“Semaglutides are a total game-changer in New Year’s resolutions this year,” she told Fox News Digital.

As weight-loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy peak in popularity moving into the New Year, semaglutide experts believe these meds could make it more likely that people will stick with their resolutions. (iStock; SEBASTIEN BOZON/AFP via Getty Images)

Millions of Americans make resolutions to lose weight each year — but 40% to 50% give up by the end of January, according to Shokrian.

“The introduction of semaglutide and tirzepatide treatments are finally allowing overweight women and men to not only lose the weight, but successfully keep it off,” she said.

(Tirzepatide, another GLP-1 medication, is sold under the brand name Mounjaro.)

OZEMPIC-WEGOVY PILL MAY BE ON THE WAY: TRIAL SHOWS PROMISING RESULTS FOR NEW WEIGHT LOSS TABLET

“They kickstart a new lifestyle for someone who needs a boost in getting to their health goals.”

Losing weight via medication “staves off future health complications, increases confidence, increases sex drive and allows patients to become more active,” Shokrian noted.

Galit Shokrian, co-founder and CEO of Trimly, said semaglutide and tyrzepatide treatments are “finally allowing overweight women and men to not only lose the weight, but successfully keep it off.” (Myles Pettengill III)

Colin Banas, M.D., M.H.A., Virginia-based chief medical officer at the medication data platform DrFirst, said in a statement to Fox News Digital that he’s “never seen a therapy adopted so quickly.”

He said, “Our research shows that 80% of Americans believe more people will take these drugs for weight loss in the future, most stating it will become the norm.”

Semaglutide medications have “transformed” lives, effecting “dramatic results” for people who previously had complications with weight loss, Banas added.

OZEMPIC, WEGOVY AND PREGNANCY RISK: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE ISSUE

Avantika Waring, 9amHealth’s chief medical officer and a trained physician and endocrinologist in San Francisco, noted that these previous complications have led to many failed resolutions.

“So many people make weight-loss resolutions for the New Year but find the months ahead to be challenging and frustrating because weight-loss and lifestyle changes are not easy to maintain,” she told Fox News Digital.

Wegovy is an injectable prescription weight-loss medicine that has helped people with obesity. (Michael Siluk/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

With the aid of semaglutide and related drugs, Waring said people are seeing quicker success with their weight-loss efforts.

“I predict this will get them even more motivated to make resolutions and stick with them, because they’re more likely to see a real impact,” she said.

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION IDEAS AND HOW TO CRUSH THEM: 10 STEPS TO TAKE

Insurance plans, said the physician, often require a “demonstrated commitment to lifestyle change” in order for people to access these drugs.

“So it will be even more important to start with a firm commitment to a healthy lifestyle to ‘supercharge’ those New Year’s resolutions,” she said.

Colin Banas, Virginia-based chief medical officer at the medication data platform DrFirst, said he’s “never seen a therapy adopted so quickly.” (DrFirst)

Although semaglutide treatments are “quickly changing the paradigm” for how people approach weight loss, Banas said it’s important to remember that it is “not a magic wand.”

He added, “For sustained weight loss, people will still need to exercise and follow a healthy diet.“

“Semaglutide and tyrzepatide treatments are finally allowing overweight women and men to not only lose the weight, but successfully keep it off.”

A recent study by Morgan Stanley found that weekly exercise doubled — rising from 35% to 71% — after participants began taking weight-loss medication.

Teddy Savage, national lead trainer at Planet Fitness in Maryland, told Fox News Digital that he doesn’t foresee fitness motivation decreasing in 2024.

A Planet Fitness gym in New York is pictured on Nov. 2, 2023. Teddy Savage, national lead trainer at Planet Fitness, told Fox News Digital that he doesn’t foresee fitness motivation decreasing in the New Year. (Michael Nagle/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

“The COVID-19 pandemic opened people’s eyes to the importance of getting and staying healthy, so I’d say more people are making their health a priority,” he said.

“We always see more people committing to their fitness goals in the New Year, which is great,” he added. “We encourage everyone to start slow, set achievable goals and enjoy the journey.”

He also said, “It’s a marathon, not a sprint.”

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Despite the growing popularity and availability of weight-loss drugs, Savage said staying active should remain a priority.

“Physical activity is always a key ingredient to overall health and well-being, and we believe it’s important to prioritize fitness no matter the time of year,” he said.

A recent study by Morgan Stanley found that weekly exercise rose from 35% to 71% after participants began taking weight-loss medication. (iStock)

Savage also noted that mental health is just as important as physical health. “It’s not just how you look, it’s how you feel.”

Said Savage, “Regular exercise benefits your heart, muscles and body, but exercise also has immense mental health benefits. It can help you sleep better, feel less stressed, and ready to tackle all that 2024 brings.”

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For optimal wellness, Savage said it’s important to have a “full-body workout consisting of both cardio and strength training while eating a balanced, nutritious diet.”

To reduce cancer risk, skip the alcohol, report suggests: ‘No safe amount’

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January 3, 2024

DOES ‘DRY JANUARY’ ACTUALLY IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH? HERE’S WHAT TO KNOW

For those participating in “Dry January,” another potential benefit of giving up alcohol has emerged.

Giving up alcoholic drinks — or reducing the amount that’s consumed — could reduce the risk of getting oral or esophageal cancer, according to a special report published in The New England Journal of Medicine on Dec. 28.

Researchers from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the World Health Organization (WHO), analyzed multiple studies to determine the relationship between alcohol consumption and cancer occurrence.

“Based on the evidence reviewed from relevant studies published to date, the Working Group concluded that there is sufficient evidence that, compared with continuing consumption, reduction or cessation of alcoholic beverage consumption reduces the risk of oral cancer and oesophageal cancer,” said Beatrice Lauby-Secretan, PhD, head of the IARC Handbooks of Cancer Prevention in France, in a statement to Fox News Digital.

More research is needed to determine if curbing alcohol intake could also reduce the risk of other types of cancer.

For those participating in Dry January, another potential benefit of giving up alcohol has emerged in the form of a new cancer report. (iStock)

“The evidence that reduction or cessation of alcoholic beverage consumption reduces cancer risk was limited for laryngeal, breast and colorectal cancers,” Lauby-Secretan noted.

Stopping alcohol consumption for a period of five to nine years was shown to reduce oral cancer risk by 34%, the researchers found.

CANCER RISK COULD INCREASE WITH CONSUMPTION OF CERTAIN FOODS AND DRINKS, STUDY FINDS

Cutting out alcohol completely for 10 to 19 years reduced the risk by 55%.

For esophageal cancer, five to 15 years without alcohol cut the risk by 15% — and 15 years or more of alcohol abstinence reduced the risk by 65%.

For esophageal cancer, five to 15 years without alcohol cut the risk by 15%, and 15 years or more of alcohol abstinence reduced the risk by 65%. (iStock)

When someone drinks alcohol, the body metabolizes it to acetaldehyde, which is a known carcinogen.

Eliminating alcohol prevents this from occurring, the researchers found.

Alcohol has also been shown to have genotoxicity, which means it causes damage to DNA — which can lead to cancer.

Finally, alcohol consumption can affect the immune and inflammatory systems, Lauby-Secretan noted.

VACCINE FOR DEADLY SKIN CANCER SHOWS ‘GROUNDBREAKING’ RESULTS IN CLINICAL TRIAL

The main limitation of the review is that there were only a certain number of existing studies available to review.

“The Working Group was surprised about the limited number of studies available for review on the reduction in cancer risk associated with reduction or cessation of alcohol consumption,” Lauby-Secretan told Fox News Digital.

“Such studies are abundant for tobacco cessation, but much less so for alcohol consumption,” she went on.

“Also, very few studies investigated the effect of reducing the amount of alcohol consumed, with most studies looking at cessation.”

Giving up alcoholic drinks — or reducing the amount consumed — could reduce the risk of getting oral or esophageal cancer, according to a special report published in The New England Journal of Medicine on Dec. 28. (iStock)

Prior research has shown that even low amounts of alcohol consumption increase the risk of breast and other types of cancers, including oral, pharyngeal and oesophageal cancers.

“And now we have evidence that reduction or cessation of alcoholic beverage consumption can reduce the risk caused by consumption for those who currently consume alcohol,” Lauby-Secretan said. “In short, less is better.”

IN POTENTIAL CANCER BREAKTHROUGH, NEWLY FOUND ‘KILL SWITCH’ TRIGGERS DEATH OF CANCER CELLS: ‘ONE-TWO PUNCH’

Alcohol consumption is a “major public health concern,” the researcher noted.

“The risk of developing cancer increases substantially the more alcohol is consumed.”

“It is important to raise awareness about the fact that alcoholic beverage consumption causes cancer,” said Lauby-Secretan. “The risk of developing cancer increases substantially the more alcohol is consumed.”

All types of alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine and spirits, are linked to cancer, she added, regardless of their quality or price.

7 WAYS DRINKING ALCOHOL CAN IMPACT YOUR GUT HEALTH: ‘SOBERING’ EFFECTS

Sudarsan Kollimuttathuillam, M.D., a medical oncologist and hematologist at City of Hope Orange County in California, was not involved in the study but said he did not find the results surprising.

“A growing body of evidence links alcohol use to increased risk for several types of cancer,” he told Fox News Digital.

“Alcohol consumption is associated with around 6% of all U.S. cancer diagnoses,” he added. “The associations and mechanisms are not yet fully understood, but include accumulated damage to DNA, the cells and the liver.”

All types of alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine and spirits, are linked to cancer, the researcher said. (KENZO TRIBOUILLARD/AFP via Getty Images)

Although consuming alcohol does not definitely lead to cancer for everyone, Kollimuttathuillam noted there is “no safe amount” to drink, just as there isn’t a safe number of cigarettes you can smoke.

“Simply put, when it comes to preventing cancer, the less you drink, the better, and not drinking at all is best,” he advised.

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For those who choose to consume alcohol, the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggests limiting intake to no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.

“The good news is that alcohol use is among the cancer risk factors we can act on,” Kollimuttathuillam said.

“One of my most frequent recommendations to patients is to make — and maintain — healthy lifestyle changes as part of their cancer prevention or treatment plan,” a medical oncologist told Fox News Digital. (iStock)

“As a medical oncologist, one of my most frequent recommendations to patients is to make — and maintain — healthy lifestyle changes as part of their cancer prevention or treatment plan.”

Those changes typically include limiting alcohol, quitting tobacco if used, eating more green, leafy vegetables and whole grains, reducing or eliminating highly processed foods, maintaining a healthy body weight and being physically active, the doctor said.

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health.

“If you are a patient with cancer or a cancer survivor, speak with your oncologist about your alcohol intake and ways to reduce or eliminate drinking if needed,” he recommended.

Melissa Rudy is health editor and a member of the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital.

What we learned from the thrilling College Football Playoff Semifinals

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January 3, 2024

ALABAMA STAR DALLAS TURNER PLOTS NFL FUTURE IMMEDIATELY AFTER ROSE BOWL LOSS: ‘I’M GONE’

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The conversation leading to the College Football Playoff semifinals on New Year’s Day largely focused on who wouldn’t be playing.

Undefeated ACC champion Florida State was left out of the CFP due to star quarterback Jordan Travis missing the rest of the season after a serious leg injury late in the season.

Florida State players pose after defeating Louisville in the Atlantic Coast Conference championship, Dec. 2, 2023, in Charlotte, North Carolina. (AP Photo/Erik Verduzco)

The rage coming from Tallahassee was palpable, as was the anger of many within the college football world.

“Win and you’re in” is the usual thinking in sports, so an undefeated Power 5 conference champion missing out on a chance for a national championship was unthinkable.

And yet, two things can be true at once.

Florida State sitting at home without a loss was a bad look, and the College Football Playoff committee gave fans two thrilling matchups.

Michigan rallied late in the fourth quarter before stopping Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe on fourth-and-goal in overtime to continue on their “us against the world” march, and the Washington Huskies barely avoided an all-time collapse to keep the existence of the Pac-12 alive for one more week.

Let’s look at what was learned on Monday as the final edition of the four-team CFP reaches its end.

Michael Penix Jr. looks like the one who was snubbed

The 2023 Heisman Trophy went to LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels after the senior had a spectacular statistical season.

Daniels single-handedly carried the Tigers, throwing for 40 touchdowns and adding 1,134 yards and 10 scores on the ground. Despite his heroics, LSU lost three games by early November, and was out of the SEC West and CFP race.

WASHINGTON FENDS OFF TEXAS IN THRILLING HALF, ADVANCES TO CFP NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

Washington Huskies quarterback Michael Penix Jr. celebrates with teammates and fans after beating the Texas Longhorns in the Sugar Bowl at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on Jan. 1, 2024. (Matthew Hinton-USA Today Sports)

If Florida State was snubbed by the CFP committee due to going undefeated, wouldn’t it make sense that Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. was also snubbed by the Heisman Trophy voters when he was selected as the runner-up?

Penix led Washington to an undefeated season and the Pac-12 title, going over 4,000 passing yards for the second consecutive year.

While the wins weren’t always pretty – Washington’s last 10 games have been decided by 10 points or fewer – the Huskies found a way to stay out of the loss column.

On Monday night, Penix and the Huskies continued on their winning path, needing a last-second play by cornerback Elijah Jackson to defeat Texas 37-31. Penix was spectacular for Washington, picking apart the Texas defense through the air and using his legs when needed.

The sixth-year senior attacked the Texas defense down the field, completing six passes of at least 20 yards. He finished the night 29 of 38 for 430 yards and two touchdowns, adding 31 yards on the ground.

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Michael Penix Jr. of the Washington Huskies throws a pass against the Texas Longhorns during the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 1, 2024, in New Orleans. (Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

He looked every part of the Heisman and now will play for the national championship as his NFL stock continues to rise.

Penix also has a story that’s made for the most prestigious individual award in sports.

In his first four seasons at Indiana, Penix suffered three season-ending injuries, including major injuries to both knees. He transferred to Washington in 2022 and decided to return for his sixth season of college football, where he now has the opportunity to leave Seattle as a legend.

“It was the tough times. I feel like everything I’ve been through built me for this,” Penix said after beating Texas.

Penix has a legitimate gripe with the Heisman committee, but a national championship will quickly make him forget the snub.

Offensive line issues doomed Alabama

Michigan may have defeated Alabama to advance to the CFP national championship, but the Crimson Tide know they let one get away.

The offensive line issues that plagued Alabama during the early part of the 2023 season reared its ugly head on New Year’s Day.

Quarterback Jalen Milroe was sacked 44 times this season, the most by the program in the last 35 years, according to ESPN.

Alabama offensive lineman Tyler Booker, left, and quarterback Jalen Milroe walk off the field after losing to Michigan in the Rose Bowl on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024, in Pasadena, California. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

MICHIGAN RALLIES BACK, ADVANCES TO CFP NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP WITH OVERTIME VICTORY OVER ALABAMA

The Michigan defense overwhelmed Alabama’s offensive line in the first half, sacking Milroe five times. The Wolverines finished the day with six sacks and 10 tackles for loss.

“It was a combination of several things,” Alabama head coach Nick Saban said of the offensive line’s woes, including missed opportunities redirecting protection because the clock was running down, according to ESPN. “I thought we did a better job in the second half, but we didn’t give Jalen an opportunity to make some plays, nor our receivers to make some plays down the field, which was a big part of this game.”

In the second half, Alabama made adjustments, allowing Milroe more time in the pocket, but miscues by the offensive line persisted.

Michigan Wolverines linebacker Michael Barrett sacks Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe during the Rose Bowl, Monday, Jan. 1, 2024. (Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

On the first drive of the half, Alabama got down to the Michigan 47-yard line before two bad snaps backed the Crimson Tide up before having to punt. In overtime, a low snap on fourth-and-goal appeared to throw off Alabama’s final play when Milroe was stuffed at the line of scrimmage.

“We shot ourselves in the foot,” Saban said.

Alabama has now gone three straight years without a national championship, a first under Saban.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Jarrett Stidham’s wife celebrates Broncos QB’s first career win after Russell Wilson’s benching

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January 3, 2024

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Jarrett Stidham has bounced around since he was selected in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. But on Sunday, the veteran got his first opportunity to start for the Denver Broncos.

Stidham was named the starter for Week 17 after Super Bowl winner Russell Wilson was abruptly benched, partly due to an apparent injury guaranteed in his contract. Stidham had somewhat of an uneven performance this past Sunday, but he did enough to help lift the Broncos to a 16-9 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers.

The Broncos win marked Stidham’s first win of his NFL career as a starter. The victory also sparked a reaction from one of Stidham’s biggest supporters, his wife Kennedy.

Jarrett Stidham #4 of the Denver Broncos walks on the field before a game against the New England Patriots at Empower Field at Mile High on December 24, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. (Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)

“Last home game, first start in the orange & blue, first career win!!” Kennedy wrote over a photo that was put on display on the big screen at Empower Field, which read: “WIN.”

Kennedy is a former Baylor University soccer player, the school where Stidham’s college football career began. The quarterback eventually transferred to Auburn.

SINGER-SONGWRITER CIARA, WIFE OF RUSSELL WILSON, FINDS OUT SHE’S RELATED TO DEREK JETER: ‘YOU ARE KIDDING ME’

She also posted a series of celebratory posts to her Instagram story, including a video of what appeared to be a postgame toast.

A sperate photo showed Stidham and Kennedy walking out of the Broncos home stadium with their one-year-old daughter Lennon. “Now time to celebrate,” the caption read.

Nov 13, 2023; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham (4) warms up before a game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. (Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports)

Another video showed Stidham raising a glass during a dinner with a group of friends. “Cheers to many things!!! but most of all this team fam,” Kennedy wrote over the video.

Stidham and Kennedy have been married since 2019.

Russell Wilson and Jarrett Stidham warm up before a game

Russell Wilson #3 and Jarrett Stidham #4 of the Denver Broncos warm up before a game against the New England Patriots at Empower Field at Mile High on December 24, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. (Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)

The 27-year-old signal caller completed 20 of his 32 pass attempts for 224 yards, with one touchdown. First-year Broncos coach Sean Payton praised Stidham for his ability to remain calm under pressure.

“(Stidham) was collected, calm,” Payton said after the game. “He was efficient in and out of the huddle.”

Auburn’s blowout win over Purdue in the 2018 Music City Bowl previously marked Stidham’s most recent victory as a starting quarterback.

The Broncos will close out the season when they travel to Las Vegas this weekend for a matchup with the Raiders.

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Chantz Martin is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

Marcus Smart’s hustle play leads to strange hand injury in Grizzlies-Pelicans game

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January 3, 2024

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The Memphis Grizzlies have had three games since they played the New Orleans Pelicans on Dec. 26 and came away with an overtime win.

But guard Marcus Smart continues to deal with an injury he suffered during the victory, and it’s quite the peculiar one.

Smart, wearing tape around his left hand, revealed to reporters after his shootaround Tuesday that he is dealing with the after effects of splinters he suffered after diving for a loose ball.

Marcus Smart #36 of the Memphis Grizzlies looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings at FedExForum on December 31, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee. (Justin Ford/Getty Images)

“When I dove, my hand slid into the court, and the court just took everything with it,” Smart told the Memphis Commercial Appeal. “Last night, [the sore] kept getting re-opened. Every time the ball hit it, it just busted open with blood.”

“When I caught the ball, by the time it got enough feeling back, it was time to make a play, shoot it or drive it,” Smart added. “Nothing I put on it — Band-Aid, nothing — it won’t stay on it. It just kept re-opening, re-opening. Every time we close it, it’ll re-open again.”

Smart was seen during the TV broadcast of the game getting attention from a team trainer, who appeared to pull the splinter out of Smart’s hand.

Marcus Smart #36 of the Memphis Grizzlies brings the ball up court during the game against the Sacramento Kings at FedExForum on December 31, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee. (Justin Ford/Getty Images)

Smart took off the bandage on his hand to show reporters what he’s dealing with, one of which from The Daily Memphian calling the wound “nasty.” The report added that it’s the size of a ping-pong ball.

Despite the pain and annoyance in his hand, Smart won’t be taking any time off. He’s expected to be on the court against the San Antonio Spurs at home on Tuesday night.

Marcus Smart #36 of the Memphis Grizzlies looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings at FedExForum on December 31, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee. (Justin Ford/Getty Images)

Since that win over the Pelicans, though, Memphis hasn’t been able to add to its win column. They’ve lost three straight, though Smart has done well with 17 points, 3.0 assists and 2.3 steals averaged per game.

Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

NFL officiating crew at center of Cowboys-Lions controversy gets crucial Week 18 game

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January 3, 2024

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The officiating crew from this past weekend’s Cowboys-Lions game has been assigned yet another high-profile game, this one with playoff implications.

Brad Allen and his crew became Public Enemy No. 1 when video appeared to show Detroit offensive linemen Taylor Decker, Penei Sewell and Dan Skipper seemingly discussing eligibility before a two-point conversion that was initially successful, being caught by Decker.

However, referees ruled that Decker never reported as eligible, and thus, a flag was thrown, wiping out the play. The Lions eventually lost, 20-19.

Dec 10, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Referee Brad Allen (122) talks with his referee crew during the second half of the game between the New York Jets and the Houston Texans at MetLife Stadium. (Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports)

In the postgame, the explanations contradicted each other. Lions quarterback Jared Goff said he was sure Decker reported as an eligible receiver and Skipper had not. Allen said Skipper reported to him as an eligible receiver but then went to the tackle spot, which meant he didn’t have to report at all. Decker was already in the game.

NFL fans, and seemingly the Lions, seemed certain that referees deemed the wrong lineman eligible, robbing the Lions of a likely victory.

It was then later revealed that this wasn’t the first primetime scandal involving Allen’s crew.

Well, Allen and Co. will have another tall task on their hands this week.

That crew will be in Baltimore for a crucial matchup between the Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Ravens have already clinched the No. 1 seed in the AFC, and Lamar Jackson likely cemented his second MVP Award with his five-touchdown performance this past weekend. So, the Purple Birds don’t have much to play for.

Referee Brad Allen (122) checks the instant replay during the game between the Miami Dolphins and the Philadelphia Eagles on October 22, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field. (Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

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However, this game means everything for the black and yellow.

The Steelers do not control their own destiny for a path to the playoffs, but a victory keeps them alive.

If the Steelers do get the win on the road, they will need one of the Buffalo Bills or Jacksonville Jaguars to lose — or they will need the Colts-Texans matchup to end in a tie.

A loss to the Ravens doesn’t officially knock Pittsburgh out, but they would need tons of help.

If the Steelers lose, they would need the Jaguars to win, the Denver Broncos to lose, and they would need the Colts-Texans game to not end in a tie.

Head coach Dan Campbell of the Detroit Lions reacts to a penalty during a two point conversion attempt against the Dallas Cowboys during the fourth quarter in the game at AT&T Stadium on December 30, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)

But one thing is for certain: The Steelers do not want to have to root for a game to not end in a tie, so one could assume Mike Tomlin will have lengthy discussions with Allen and crew leading into the 4:30 p.m. ET matinée this Saturday.

Tomlin said Mason Rudolph will get the start despite Kenny Pickett being healthy.

Fox News’ Ryan Gaydos contributed to this report.

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Bill Belichick on why he’s curt toward questions about future, jokes about announcing decision on ‘MyFace’

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January 3, 2024

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Rumors have run rampant across the NFL this season, speculating over whether Bill Belichick will return as the New England Patriots head coach despite the team’s struggles.

Belichick has been the focus of the rumors, which started to surface before the team’s Germany game and continued from then on. The six-time Super Bowl-winning head coach appeared on WEEI Radio’s “The Greg Hill Show” and talked about why he’s not commenting on the rumors one way or another.

Rumors have run rampant across the NFL this season, speculating over whether Bill Belichick will return as the New England Patriots head coach despite the team’s struggles. (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

“Whatever success I have had, I’ve tried to go about my job the same way every week: win, lose, good years, bad years, whatever they are,” he said. “Each week, get ready to go for that week, do the best you can to help your team win, and after that game, move on to the next one. And at the end of the season, that’s the end of the season.”

“But on a week-to-week basis, I don’t want to spend time or get caught up in what happened five years ago or what’s going to happen two years from now and a bunch of other random stuff – just working on the Jets.”

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Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots is shown prior to the game against the Buffalo Bills in Orchard Park, New York, on Dec. 31, 2023. (Rich Barnes/Getty Images)

Before he signed off, Belichick joked about how he would go about addressing his future.

“You know, if I was going to do anything, I’d put it out there on Twitter and MyFace so everybody could see it,” he said. “If I don’t do that, then I’ll just keep it private.”

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Rumors initially floated that Belichick could be fired if the game against the Indianapolis Colts in Germany didn’t go well. The Patriots lost the game, 10-6, and apparently that’s when the clock started to tick.

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, left, and head coach Bill Belichick are shown before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Dec. 17, 2023, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

NBC Sports Boston’s Tom Curran said last month that a decision was already made.

New England has a chance to end the 2023 season on a high note with a win against the New York Jets.

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Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.

Aaron Rodgers takes Epstein-related dig at Jimmy Kimmel; late-night host fires back

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January 3, 2024

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New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers took a dig at comedian Jimmy Kimmel and said the late-night talk show host’s name would appear on the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein’s client list.

Rodgers made the remark during his weekly spot on ESPN’s “The Pat McAfee Show” on Tuesday, and it appeared to be just another page in the ongoing feud between the two.

“There’s a lot of people, including Jimmy Kimmel, who are really hoping that doesn’t come out,” Rodgers said. “I’ll tell you what, if that list comes out, I definitely will be popping some sort of bottle.”

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers took a dig at comedian Jimmy Kimmel and said the late-night talk show host’s name would appear on Jeffrey Epstein’s client list. (Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

Kimmel, whose show runs on ABC, took a shot at Rodgers in March before he was traded to the Jets when he talked about theories of UFOs being shot down in the midst of the Chinese spy balloon scandal.

“Needless to say, all this UFO talk has the tinfoil-hatters going wild, including Green Bay whack Packer Aaron Rodgers, who offered this hot take on ‘The Pat McAfee Show,’” Kimmel said before leading into a clip where Rodgers made note of potential names of Jeffrey Epstein’s client list being released.

“Might be time to revisit that concussion protocol,” Kimmel quipped.

Kimmel didn’t appear to be laughing at the jab he took from Rodgers on McAfee’s show and threatened to get lawyers involved if he kept it up.

“For the record, I’ve not met, flown with, visited, or had any contact whatsoever with Epstein, nor will you find my name on any ‘list’ other than the clearly-phony nonsense that soft-brained wackos like yourself can’t seem to distinguish from reality,” Kimmel wrote on X. “Your reckless words put my family in danger. Keep it up and we will debate the facts further in court.”

Kimmel didn’t appear to be laughing at the jab he took from Rodgers on McAfee’s show and threatened to get lawyers involved if he kept it up. (Mindy Small/Getty Images)

JEFFREY EPSTEIN’S FRIEND LIST: GHISLAINE MAXWELL LAWSUIT HOLDS CLUES TO NAMES ABOUT TO BE MADE PUBLIC

Nearly 200 names that had previously been redacted from court documents in a lawsuit against Epstein’s former lover and accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell will soon be made public after a federal judge in New York ordered their unsealing last month.

U.S. District Judge Loretta Preska issued a 51-page order in explanation for her reasoning on whether to unseal or continue to redact the names of about 180 John and Jane Does, giving some clues as to who they may be.

Some of the names were previously known through other means despite having been withheld from the public’s eye in the lawsuit. Many had publicly known ties to Epstein. Others on the list include his alleged victims, who were taken to his private island in the U.S. Virgin Islands or one of his mansions in New York City and Florida.

Jimmy Kimmel, left, and Aaron Rodgers (Getty Images)

Virginia Giuffre, an Epstein accuser who said that he trafficked her as a minor in the early 2000s, sued Maxwell in 2015. The parties settled out of court in 2017. Epstein had relationships with numerous influential figures, from politicians, including former presidents and prime ministers, to Hollywood stars, leading academics and the U.K.’s Prince Andrew, whom Giuffre also sued.

Fox News’ Michael Ruiz contributed to this report.

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Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.

Super Bowl champion Brock Osweiler takes issue with Tennessee trying to score up 35-0

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January 3, 2024

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Iowa offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz, the son of Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz has faced a significant amount of criticism this season. In October, Iowa confirmed that the offensive playcaller would not return for the 2024 season.

The Hawkeyes struggled to put points on the scoreboard throughout the 2023 season, and their offensive woes continued on New Year’s Day. Iowa played Tennessee in the Citrus Bowl on Monday and trailed by 21 points entering the fourth quarter.

Iowa’s offense only managed to produce 106 yards of total offense through the game’s first three quarters. The Volunteers ultimately shut out the Hawkeyes en route to a 35-0 victory.

Brock Osweiler #17 of the Denver Broncos looks on before a game against the Dallas Cowboys at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on September 17, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)

The Hawkeyes were also shutout in their last game, a 26-0 loss to Michigan in the Big Ten Championship game. Things were so bad for Iowa that ESPN analyst Brock Osweiler was pleading for mercy at the end of the game.

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Even as it appeared almost certain that Tennessee would win the game, the Volunteers did not take their foot off the pedal. Tennessee was in the red zone with less than one minute remaining, but decided to take and score on a fourth down.

The Hawkeyes were flagged for jumping offside, prompting the Volunteers to again try and get into the end zone. Tennessee then gained enough yards for a first down, but at that point they seemed content with the score and let the clock run out.

Brock Osweiler, who was a member of the Denver Broncos Super Bowl 50 team, expressed his displeasure with Tennessee’s late-game decisions.

Tennessee quarterback runs into the end zone

Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava (8) runs into the end zone for a touchdown during the Citrus Bowl NCAA College football game between Tennessee and Iowa in Orlando, Fla., Monday, Jan. 1, 2024. (Saul Young/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK)

“I don’t love this move here by the Vols right now,” said Osweiler who was one of the game’s broadcasters. “They had an opportunity to run out the clock, I get it, you got some backups in there. They’ve worked hard, they’ve earned reps. But there is also a sportsmanship element to this game well within hand, 35-0.”

Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback throws the ball

Jan 1, 2024; Orlando, FL, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Deacon Hill (10) throws the ball against the Tennessee Volunteers in the third quarter at Camping World Stadium. (Jeremy Reper-USA TODAY Sports)

Dave Flemming, who was broadcasting the game alongside Osweiler, also suggested that Tennessee should have simply taken a knee sooner and let the clock tick down.

Fans also took to X, the company formerly known as Twitter, to share their thoughts on Iowa’s lackluster offensive performance.