Here’s a rewritten version of the CBS Sports HQ AM Newsletter editorial content:
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Good morning and happy Friday! Carter Burns here to welcome you to a weekend packed with thrilling sports action, featuring the kickoff of the college football postseason, exciting NFL matchups, and the NBA Cup semifinals.
This weekend brings the Heisman Trophy ceremony. While I don’t have a vote, I would back Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza. Both Mendoza and Diego Pavia are deserving candidates—Pavia is an excellent ambassador for the award. Mendoza, an undefeated future first-round prospect who led the nation with 33 touchdown passes, has my slight edge.
Now, onto the highlights you need to know this Friday:
1. The Falcons staged a stunning fourth-quarter comeback to defeat the Buccaneers 29-28, setting the tone for a crucial Week 15 in the NFL. This week holds intense drama, including comeback attempts from 44-year-old Philip Rivers, postseason survival bids by the Chiefs, and streak-chasing teams. Four squads risk elimination, while the Patriots could clinch the AFC East, and the Rams eye a playoff spot.
2. Saturday features a college football marathon, including the 126th Army-Navy Game at 3 p.m. on CBS, showcasing the sport’s unique traditions and rivalry impact. The Heisman Trophy ceremony airs at 7 p.m., with the postseason bowl games starting later, highlighted by Boise State and Washington State competing in the final LA Bowl.
3. The NBA Cup semifinals take place Saturday with the Magic facing the Knicks and the Thunder playing the Spurs. The Magic, with a historic 24-1 record start, are favorites, and their path could get easier if Victor Wembaneyama remains sidelined.
4. Free agent closer Robert Suarez has agreed to a three-year, $45 million deal with the Atlanta Braves. Suarez, the National League’s save leader, will join a Braves bullpen led by Raisel Iglesias and could be a crucial late-inning weapon.
5. Steelers star TJ Watt was hospitalized and might miss Week 15 after lung discomfort post-practice. He’s the second Steelers player in the hospital this week following wide receiver DK Metcalf’s tests for abdominal pain.
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In other news, Sherone Moore has been fired amid controversy at Michigan, with speculation about potential successors including Bills OC Joe Brady and Arizona State’s Kenny Dillingham. Meanwhile, Week 15’s NFL schedule promises incredible quarterback showdowns, including matchups featuring Drake Maye, Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow, Justin Herbert, and Patrick Mahomes.
College football awards are out: Diego Pavia named Player of the Year; Malachi Tony earns Freshman of the Year again; Kurt Cignetti takes Coach of the Year. The 2026 SEC schedule is set, and Cedee Lamb cleared concussion protocol for the Cowboys’ game. NASCAR settled with Michael Jordan’s Race Team, and former NBA player Jason Collins revealed he is fighting stage 4 brain cancer.
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Weekend highlights include:
– Friday’s college football awards and NBA games.
– Saturday’s college football rivalries, Heisman Trophy ceremony, bowl games, and NBA Cup semifinals.
– Sunday’s Premier League action, NHL games, and a packed NFL Sunday slate featuring Chiefs vs. Chargers, Patriots vs. Bills, Packers vs. Broncos, and Cowboys vs. Vikings.
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Fan Take: The Braves’ signing of Robert Suarez strengthens an already dominant bullpen, signaling their intent to compete at the highest level. For baseball fans, adding such a high-caliber closer could mean more intense late-game excitement and bolster Atlanta’s chances for a deep postseason run.
