A total beatdown for the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday night led to franchise history, as they demolished the Los Angeles Chargers, 63-21, to improve to 6-8 on the season. 

It is the most points scored by a Raiders team in franchise history. 

The Chargers, reeling already without Justin Herbert and Keenan Allen in this game, fell to 5-9 on the year with head coach Brandon Staley’s seat even hotter now after this complete letdown of a game. 

Los Angeles might have been the most uninspired a team has looked all season to start a game, and it began with a three-and-out on Easton Stick’s first career drive as a starter, gaining just seven yards before punting it to the Raiders. 

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Then, Los Angeles saw back-to-back fumble drives, with Stick getting stripped sacked before Joshua Kelley fumbled on the first play of the third drive for the Chargers. It was almost three fumbles lost in a row when Gerald Everett had the ball stripped from him, but the Chargers were able to recover.

Finally, rookie Derius Davis fumbled a punt return, adding insult to injury at this point in the game. 

Throughout all the Chargers’ struggles, rookie quarterback Aidan O’Connell and the Raiders’ offense were make the best of their opportunities. 

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It started with a 12-play, 68-yard drive that the Raiders capped with a rushing touchdown by Zamir White, who was one of three running backs filling in for the injured Josh Jacobs. 

After the first Chargers fumble, O’Connell needed just four plays to find Tre Tucker streaking across the end zone for a 30-yard touchdown pass to make it 14-0. O’Connell showed off his deep ball skills on the very next drive, as Jakobi Meyers laid out from the five-yard line and caught a 22-yard touchdown to start pulling away in the first quarter. 

But the Raiders weren’t done beating down on their AFC West rival.

Wide receiver Tre Tucker #11 of the Las Vegas Raiders scores a touchdown in front of cornerback Michael Davis #43 of the Los Angeles Chargers during the second quarter at Allegiant Stadium on December 14, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Candice Ward/Getty Images)

Davis’s fumble on the punt return led to a perfect play-action pass to tight end Michael Mayer, who walked into the end zone for an 11-yard score. 

Then, a direct snap to Brandon Bolden on a third-down play led to a 26-yard run for the fifth touchdown of the half. An ensuing turnover on downs by the Chargers led to another Raiders score, with Tucker getting in the colored paint yet again to cement this as a blowout with two quarters still to play. 

Remember, this was a Raiders squad that wasn’t able to score a single point against the Minnesota Vikings four days ago, and interim head coach Antonio Pierce wasn’t sure if Jimmy Garoppolo should be back under center. 

Instead, O’Connell led the way, thanks to some turnovers, to put together the second-largest halftime lead by an NFL team in history. 

Meanwhile, the Chargers weren’t out of playoff contention, but this performance shows what path they’re heading for toward the end of the season. 

Quarterback Aidan O’Connell #4 of the Las Vegas Raiders stands behind center against the Los Angeles Chargers during the first quarter at Allegiant Stadium on December 14, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

The second half was more of the same for the Raiders, who found Davante Adams with a trick play touchdown on a pass from Meyers. Meyers actually threw the ball to him twice, helping Adams rack up eight catches for 101 yards. 

Even the Raiders’ defense got involved in the scoring, picking up touchdowns on back-to-back drives in the second half on fantastic plays. The first was Malcolm Koonce hitting Stick on his blindside, which forced the ball out for John Jenkins to scoop up and bring back 44 yards for a scoop-and-score. 

Then, Jack Jones read a screen to Austin Ekeler perfectly, jumping the route and making a spectacular one-handed interception that he ran back for a pick-six. 

Los Angeles was finally able to get on the scoreboard thanks to no one being around Josh Palmer on a 79-yard catch-and-run down the left sideline on the Chargers’ first drive of the second half.  Alex Erickson and Quentin Johnston would also find the end zone in the fourth quarter. 

But, at the end of the day, it was garbage points. The Chargers wanted to get out of Sin City as fast as possible and try to put this one behind them. 

Running back Brandon Bolden #34 of the Las Vegas Raiders celebrates after scoring a touchdown with teammate tight end Michael Mayer #87 against the Los Angeles Chargers during the second quarter at Allegiant Stadium on December 14, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Candice Ward/Getty Images)

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Looking at the stat sheet, O’Connell went 20-for-34 for 248 yards and four touchdowns. Stick didn’t have the worst of games when all was said and done, going 23-of-32 for 257 yards with three touchdowns and one interception. 

The Las Vegas Raiders set a franchise record in style, and the night somehow got even worse for the Los Angeles Chargers.

The Chargers committed their fifth turnover of the game early in the fourth quarter, but it was perhaps the most impressive one by the Raiders.

Coming off a fumble recovery for a touchdown, it took just a few more plays for the Raiders defense to score once again thanks to Jack Jones’ highlight reel of a pick-six.

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Justin Herbert’s replacement, Easton Stick, turned to his right to throw a screen pass to Austin Ekeler, but Jones read the play better than anyone in the Chargers’ offensive huddle.

Jones jumped the route so cleanly that he was practically in the backfield before Stick even caught the snap.

In fact, Jones even jumped the route so far that he had to turn his body back around to try for the pick.

Defensive tackle John Jenkins #95 of the Las Vegas Raiders celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers during the third quarter at Allegiant Stadium on December 14, 2023, in Las Vegas, Nevada.  (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

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But, he did so with no problem, grabbing Stick’s pass in midair with one hand before returning it to the house.

The play even left owner Mark Davis in disbelief.

The pick-six made it a 63-7 lead for the Raiders, setting a franchise record for the most points they ever scored in a game.

It was an abysmal night for the Chargers, who trailed 42-0 at halftime and finally scored on a broken play when Stick found Joshua Palmer for a 79-yard touchdown. But it was way too little and way too late.

Fans arrive at Allegiant Stadium before a game between the Baltimore Ravers and the Las Vegas Raiders on September 13, 2021, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Chris Unger/Getty Images)

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At this point, the Chargers were just counting down the seconds to get out of Vegas. Eventually, they dropped to 5-9 on the season, as the final score was 63-21 in favor of the black and silver.

All the Los Angeles Dodgers’ headlines Thursday revolved around Shohei Ohtani’s news conference, but the team didn’t stop adding firepower. 

The Dodgers have reportedly acquired right-handed starter Tyler Glasnow and outfielder Manuel Margot from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for right-handed starter Ryan Pepiot and outfield prospect Jonny Deluca, according to multiple reports. 

ESPN also adds that the trade is contingent upon Glasnow agreeing to an extension with the Dodgers. Glasnow would otherwise become a free agent after the 2024 season. 

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ESPN reported the window for an extension was opened Thursday morning, and the team is hopeful the deal can become official by Friday. 

It’s a massive acquisition for the Dodgers, who made the biggest splash in league history when they signed Ohtani to a 10-year, $700 million contract. 

Glasnow has been dominant, striking out 678 over 529.2 career innings with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Rays. In 21 starts last season, Glasnow had 162 strikeouts and just 37 walks in 120 innings with a 3.53 ERA. 

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But injuries have slowed Glasnow’s career. 

He underwent Tommy John surgery in 2021 after making 14 starts that season. Glasnow started two games in 2022 before returning last year and dealing with a back injury. 

The Dodgers, though, have seen what Glasnow brings to the table and are willing to bring his ace-like qualities to their rotation. 

Ohtani might not be helping the pitching staff this season due to a UCL injury. Ohtani’s contract deferments allow the Dodgers to continue making moves. 

Tampa Bay Rays right fielder Manuel Margot gets a welcome back to the dugout after a home run during a spring training game against the Minnesota Twins at the Charlotte Sports Park March 29, 2022, in Port Charlotte, Fla. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

Glasnow will make $25 million next season before he hits free agency. 

The 26-year-old Pepiot was expected to be in the Dodgers’ rotation after posting a 2.76 ERA between starts and bullpen stints. He had a 2.14 ERA last season in 42 innings. 

For the Rays, it’s a good pickup because Pepiot has five years of team control remaining before he can hit free agency. 

Margot would land in a perfect situation with Mookie Betts expected to move full time to second base for the Dodgers. While Los Angeles still has James Outman, Jason Heyward and Chris Taylor in the outfield, Margot’s elite defense will give him plenty of opportunity in the lineup. 

The scary thing for other teams around the league is Los Angeles might not be done. 

Tyler Glasnow of the Tampa Bay Rays pitches in the fifth inning against the Texas Rangers during Game 1 of a wild-card series at Tropicana Field Oct. 3, 2023, in St Petersburg, Fla. (Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

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Pitchers like Dylan Cease of the Chicago White Sox and the Milwaukee Brewers’ Corbin Burnes are rumored to be on the trading block, and the Dodgers are clearly gunning for more star power in 2024.

Miami Dolphins star Tyreek Hill found himself in some hot water as details of two paternity suits against him came to light on Thursday.

The Daily Mail first reported that Brittany Lackner, 30, and Kimberly Kaylee Baker, 29, filed the petitions over the course of the year. Lackner filed her petition on Jan. 17 and Baker filed her petition on May 15. Both suits were filed separately in Broward County, Florida.

Representatives for Hill didn’t immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

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Hill, who married Keeta Vaccaro last month, is being demanded to pay more child support than the $2,500 per month he is already paying them, according to the report.

Lackner says she gave birth to their son on Feb. 7 and that a prenatal test revealed a 99.9% probability that he is the father of the baby. In a separate filing, she said Hill demanded a second DNA test before eventually voluntarily paying $2,500 per month. She says the amount is “woefully inadequate.”

Hill reportedly filed a separate paternity petition in Kansas regarding the Lackner child, saying he was “willing and able to perform parental duties for his minor child should he be determined to be the father” and proposed potential joint custody arrangements. He also tried to get the Broward petition dismissed, saying Lackner moved the child to Florida for “strategic” reasons.

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In Baker’s lawsuit, she alleged that Hill is showing “utter and abject unconcern” for their child “wholly failing to act as a parent and is completely failing” to support their daughter. Baker also said the $2,500 is an inadequate sum, and that the expenses total around $10,000.

Tyreek Hill of the Miami Dolphins warms up prior to a game against the New England Patriots at Hard Rock Stadium on October 29, 2023, in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Perry Knotts/Getty Images)

Hill accepted that he was the child’s father but also tried to get Baker’s suit dropped because she is based in Los Angeles, the Daily Mail reported.

“Before an unmarried father may be accorded standing to assert an interest in parental responsibility and/or timesharing, he must demonstrate that he has manifested substantial concern for the welfare of the child,” the suit says.

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Both women reportedly pointed to Hill’s $30 million annual salary as part of the reason why their child support money is not up to snuff. Hill already pays more than $13,500 in child support for three children he shares with his ex-fiancee. He signed a four-year, $120 million extension after he was traded from the Kansas City Chiefs to the Dolphins.

Hill and Vaccaro were married in November. She was seen supporting him as the Dolphins took on the New York Jets on Black Friday, and she was at the team’s Monday night game against the Tennessee Titans.

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Keeta Vaccaro attends The Model Experience’s Fashion Week Festival at the Los Angeles Convention Center on September 30, 2023. (Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

The Super Bowl champion receiver is having a magnificent year on the field. He leads the NFL with 12 touchdown catches and 1,542 receiving yards.

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The Buffalo Bills’ Jordan Poyer recently opened up about his battle with alcoholism and his road to recovery. 

The three-time Pro Bowler told The Athletic his struggle with alcohol nearly cost him his family. It also created problems in his everyday life. 

Poyer recalled a trip to Costa Rica where he had an experience with ayahuasca he described as an “awakening.” 

The Bills defensive back gave up alcohol a few years ago, but at times in the past, he would consume an excessive amount of drinks. He said he would black out after drinking a six-pack of beer in under 30 minutes.

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Amid ongoing issues within his marriage and day-to-day life, Poyer started attending Alcoholics Anonymous. He said he has been sober almost four years. 

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Jordan Poyer of the Buffalo Bills warms up prior to a game against the Cincinnati Bengals in an AFC divisional playoff game at Highmark Stadium Jan. 22, 2023, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)

However, it was the ayahuasca that really helped change the 32-year-old’s life. Poyer took the psychedelic during his visit to a retreat center in Costa Rica last year. He described seeing “the highest version of himself” after he consumed ayahuasca.

“At first, what it felt like was my soul left my body for a good two minutes. People try to control it, but you can’t. It took me about five or 10 minutes to figure it out,” Poyer said of his experience. “The ego has to die so the medicine can work. In order to let go and let the medicine do what it’s supposed to do, we have to just breathe.”

Poyer said his marriage is now in a much better place, and he was named a Pro Bowler for the first time in his career last season.

“My life has been changed forever,” Poyer said. “And my purpose is to be a bright light for everybody that I touch and connect with.”

Buffalo Bills safety Jordan Poyer addressed the media at training camp in Pittsford, N.Y., July 24, 2022.  (AP Photo/ Jeffrey T. Barnes)

The Philadelphia Eagles selected Poyer in the seventh round of the 2013 NFL Draft. After appearing in just three games during his rookie year, Poyer was released. He finished the 2013 season with the Cleveland Browns, before leaving the team after the 2016 campaign.

The 32-year-old is in his seventh season with the Bills. He has 74 total tackles and one sack in 12 games this season.

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The Bills are coming off an upset win over the Kansas City Chiefs, a victory clouded by a controversial offsides call against the Kansas City Chiefs that nullified a go-ahead touchdown late in the game. 

Buffalo looks to keep its playoff hopes alive when it hosts the Dallas Cowboys this weekend. 

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The Tampa Bay Rays want to upgrade their stadium from Tropicana Field, but co-president Brian Auld will not be changing the team’s name to do so. 

Auld spoke with the St. Petersburg City Council on Thursday, saying he will not agree to have a new ballpark deal if it requires the team to change its name from “Tampa Bay” to “St. Petersburg.”

Former St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Baker had previously suggested the city have the Rays swap the origin of the team in exchange for an estimated $600 million in public funding and land development rights to build a new ballpark. 

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However, Auld made his intentions known before the city council. 

“Within the context of this particular issue, there will not be a new ballpark nor a development project if there’s a requirement to change our franchise’s name,” he said. 

“The name of the team is the Tampa Bay Rays, and it’s going to remain the Tampa Bay Rays,” Auld added, per WUSF. 

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Tropicana Field has long been considered a stadium that needed to fall out as an MLB destination. The dome in St. Petersburg has fallen behind other stadiums that have been erected and renovated over the years. 

Auld, though, hasn’t been in the best of light when it comes to the Rays in recent years. In 2021, Auld told the Wall Street Journal that he “concluded that it’s next to impossible that full-season baseball can succeed in Tampa Bay today.”

At the time, Auld was trying to see if the Rays could split their season between Tampa Bay and Montreal. That obviously never worked itself out. 

Since being rebranded from “Devil Rays” to “Rays” in 2008, “Tampa Bay” has never been featured across the uniforms of the players. (Alika Jenner/Getty Images)

Presently, the Rays are fully committed to full-season ball in Tampa Bay. However, Auld and the franchise have not budged on making that happen.

As for the argument surrounding the potential name change, Auld says the Rays are just as synonymous with Tampa Bay as the NFL’s Buccaneers and NHL’s Lightning. 

“The Lightning and the Buccaneers recognize this, too,” Auld explained. “It’s absolutely vital to what we do. And we want to make sure that this entire project screams inclusive welcomeness to everyone, and Tampa Bay is the best way for us to do that.”

Auld noted that the team has plans to wear a “St. Pete” uniform for “at least one game,” though “complications with Major League Baseball’s arrangements with people like Nike” prevent them from committing to it fully.

Since being rebranded from the Devil Rays to just Rays in 2008, “Tampa Bay” has never been featured across the uniforms of the players. 

Since being rebranded from “Devil Rays” to “Rays” in 2008, “Tampa Bay” has never been featured across the uniforms of the players. (Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

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Tropicana Field is set to host yet another Rays season in 2024, but fans still have hopes that a new stadium can begin to be framed out for the future.

Shohei Ohtani’s contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers is easily the most talked about in sports for a variety of reasons.

For one, it’s worth $700 million, by far the largest in North American sports.

Ohtani also decided to defer $680 million until after his 10-year pact ends.

So, he’ll be making just $2 million with the Dodgers annually over the next decade.  

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But there’s another oddity in the contract. 

It allows Ohtani to opt out of his deal if either owner Mark Walter sells the team or president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman leaves the organization.

When Ohtani was officially introduced as a Dodger Thursday, he explained why he wanted to have the “safety net” in his deal.

Shohei Ohtani speaks with Mark Walter, Dodgers owner and chairman, and Stan Kasten, Dodgers president and CEO, at Dodger Stadium Dec. 14, 2023, in Los Angeles.  (Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)

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“Everybody has to be on the same page in order to have a winning organization,” Ohtani said. “I feel like those two are at the top of it, and they’re in control of everything. I feel almost like I’m having a contract with those two guys. I feel like if one of them are gone, then things might get a little out of control. I just wanted, like, a safety net.”

Friedman was hired by the Dodgers in 2014 after spending a decade with the Tampa Bay Rays. And Ohtani’s deal appears to give Friedman some job security. 

The Dodgers have won nine division titles, three pennants and the 2020 World Series under Friedman.

Shohei Ohtani is introduced by the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium Dec. 14, 2023, in Los Angeles.  (Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)

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Walter is the controlling owner of the club as part of the Guggenheim group that bought the team in 2012 for $2.15 billion.

In his MLB career, Ohtani has a .922 OPS and a 3.01 ERA, ranking eighth and 10th in the majors, respectively, since his career began in 2018.

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Shohei Ohtani signed a $700 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers, shattering the previous MLB record set by former teammate Mike Trout, who inked a $426 million deal in 2019.

That was jaw-dropping enough. 

Then, news dropped Ohtani would defer $680 million of that until 2034.

Despite the annual average value of Ohtani’s deal being $70 million, he will be making just $2 million per year the next 10 years, then $68 million annually from 2034 to 2043.

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Ohtani’s compensation will still register as a $46 million cap hit because of the calculations of the deferrals by Major League Baseball.

The 29-year-old was officially introduced as a member of the Dodgers Thursday at Dodger Stadium, and he explained why he decided to defer over 97% of the money until after the contract ends.

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“I was looking into it, doing some calculations, and I figured if I can defer as much money as I can, that’s gonna help the (collective bargaining tax). That’s gonna help the Dodgers and be able to sign better players and make a better team,” he said. “I felt like that was worth it, and I was willing to go in that direction. That’s why I made that choice.”

Ohtani joins Bobby Bonilla, Ken Griffey Jr., Chris Davis and Max Scherzer as players with unusual deferred deals.

San Francisco Giants president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi revealed his team also offered Ohtani $700 million, before Ohtani signed with LA.

Japanese player Shohei Ohtani takes part in a press conference at Dodgers Stadium in Los Angeles Dec. 14, 2023, after signing a record-shattering $700 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers. (Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images)

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At the plate, Ohtani led the majors in 2023 with a .654 slugging percentage and 1.066 OPS. His .412 on-base percentage was second, his 44 homers were fourth and his .304 average ranked ninth. On the mound, he went 10-5 with a 3.14 ERA and 167 strikeouts in 132 innings. Among pitchers who threw 130 innings, his ERA was the ninth-lowest in the majors, and his K/9 was sixth.

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The Detroit Lions are getting one of their key secondary pieces back after safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson was medically cleared to join his teammates. 

Head coach Dan Campbell told reporters Gardner-Johnson’s 21-day window to return could start as soon as next week. 

Gardner-Johnson has been sidelined since Week 2 with a torn pectoral muscle he suffered in an overtime loss to the Seattle Seahawks. He was promptly placed on injured reserve with the expectation he could miss the rest of the season. 

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However, Gardner-Johnson has been hinting at a return, posting to social media Wednesday with a clip from “The Simpsons” in which a doctor uses defibrillation paddles and says, “Clear!”

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“He’s one of the X-Men. He’s got these mutant genes because he has healed extremely quickly, and he’s gotten his strength back,” Campbell said, via ESPN. “It is secure. So, yeah, he’s going to be ready to go here pretty soon.”

After losing two of their last three games, the Lions can use help on defense. They’ve given up 25 or more points in five straight games, the longest active streak in the NFL. 

Detroit Lions safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson before a game against the Kansas City Chiefs Sept. 7, 2023, at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. (Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Gardner-Johnson played a crucial role in the Lions’ hot start to the season that began with an upset victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. He had 13 total tackles with two passes defended over the first two games of the year, both of which he started. 

He’s a leader on and off the field, too, rallying his defensive brothers around him like he did on a star-studded Philadelphia Eagles defense in 2022 when he helped them to a Super Bowl appearance. 

Campbell knows the impact Gardner-Johnson can make on his team, which is why the Lions hope he can be available soon.

“It’s good news, and certainly the plan will be, let’s get him going ASAP to get him practicing, get his legs back under him, get him in shape … football shape,” Campbell explained. “But that’s great news. That’s a credit to him, too, now. He’s been working.”

Detroit Lions safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson (2) gestures to the crowd to get loud before a play during the fourth quarter of a game against the Seattle Seahawks Sept. 17, 2023, at Ford Field in Detroit.  (Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

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Gardner-Johnson is in his fifth NFL season, his first with the 9-4 Lions after just one year in Philly. His played his first three seasons with the New Orleans Saints, the team that drafted him in the fourth round in 2019.

Alabama’s Jalen Milroe is vying for a national championship in a few weeks, but he already has has mind made up on his short-term future.

The quarterback announced Thursday he is returning for his senior year.

Milroe made the announcement on “The Next Round.”

“I’m coming back for my senior year,” he said when asked about his plans.

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Milroe led the Crimson Tide to an SEC championship upset of Georgia, which was the top-ranked team at the time. Entering that contest, Bama was the eighth seed, but it was enough to get it a nod in the College Football Playoff.

Alabama and 12-1 Big 12 champ Texas knocked out Florida State, which went 13-0 and won the ACC. Some argued one loss to Bama wasn’t enough for Georgia, which had won 29 straight until that loss, to be excluded from the playoff.

Milroe has thrown for 2,718 yards and 23 touchdowns with six interceptions. He also has 12 rushing scores.

But it didn’t come that easy for Milroe. He started the season as the No. 1 quarterback but was benched after losing at home to Texas in Week 2. 

Jalen Milroe of the Alabama Crimson Tide looks to pass against the Auburn Tigers during the first quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium Nov. 25, 2023, in Auburn, Ala. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

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The benching lit a fire under Milroe. He’s thrown 17 touchdown in his last eight games, throwing multiple touchdowns in seven of those contests. In the one game he didn’t throw for any, he ran for four.

Milroe finished sixth in Heisman Trophy voting, and with the four finalists likely to go pro, the rising senior will be among the favorites for next year’s Heisman.

Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe rushes the ball during the SEC championship game against the Georgia Bulldogs Dec. 2, 2023, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.   (Jeffrey Vest/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

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Alabama is the No. 4 seed in the playoff and will face top-ranked Michigan in the Rose Bowl New Year’s Day.

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