Here’s a rewritten version of the content:
CBS Sports HQ AM Newsletter – Your Daily Sports Rundown
Good morning and happy Friday! Carter Burns here to kick off this special day — if you’re a college football enthusiast like me, today feels like an early Christmas as the College Football Playoff (CFP) kicks off tonight. This edition dives into the Alabama vs. Oklahoma matchup and previews the remaining first-round games.
Last night, Week 16 of the NFL gave us a thrilling game impacting the playoff race. We’ll explore what’s next for the NFL postseason and other key updates.
Let’s get started!
5 Key Sports Stories for Friday
Seahawks over Rams in dramatic overtime thriller, claiming NFC lead. Trailing by 16 points in the fourth quarter, Seattle stunned Los Angeles with back-to-back touchdowns and two-point conversions in under two minutes to tie the game 30-30 in a wild finish. The Seahawks then scored again in OT, sealing a 38-37 victory and securing first place in the NFC West and the conference. Sam Darnold overcame two interceptions, while Matthew Stafford and Puka Nacua shined for the Rams in a rollercoaster game impacting playoff positioning.
College Football Playoff starts tonight with Alabama vs. Oklahoma. Three other first-round games follow Saturday: Texas A&M hosts Miami, Ole Miss faces Tulane, and Oregon takes on James Madison. Winners move on to meet the top four seeds, while losers face tough scrutiny for falling short on college football’s biggest stage.
Jake Paul takes on Anthony Joshua in a major boxing showdown tonight. The social media star squares off against the two-time unified heavyweight champ in Miami at 8 p.m. Odds heavily favor Joshua (-900), sparking debate if Paul can pull off an upset. Boxing insiders lean toward a Joshua TKO win.
Nikola Markovic picked first overall by DC United in the MLS SuperDraft. The NC State standout could shore up DC’s defense, which allowed 66 goals last season. FC Dallas followed with picks Ricky Lewis and Nicholas Simmons. Defending champs Inter Miami ended the first round by signing Abdel Talabi.
Tragic plane crash claims NASCAR legend Greg Biffle and family members. The motorsport community mourns the loss of Biffle, his wife Christina, daughter Emma, and son Ryder in an accident at North Carolina’s Statesville Regional Airport. Dennis Dutton, Jack Dutton, and Craig Wadsworth also died. Biffle, 55, was hailed as one of NASCAR’s greatest drivers.
Must-See: Top 150 College Football Players for 2025
CBS Sports’ Blake Brockermeyer ranks the players set to define 2025, from No. 1 to No. 150, including recent Heisman winners and some surprising names. The top 10 features standout QBs, LBs, RBs, and edge rushers from major programs like Indiana, Vanderbilt, Ohio State, and Texas A&M. These rankings reflect productivity and importance, not draft predictions.
College Football Playoff 1st Round Predictions
Experts weigh in on this weekend’s CFP games:
- Alabama vs. Oklahoma: Alabama favored to edge out Oklahoma after a strong season. (Pick: Alabama -1)
- Miami vs. Texas A&M: Texas A&M’s explosive offense could be decisive at home. (Pick: Texas A&M -3.5)
- Ole Miss vs. Tulane: Ole Miss talent expected to dominate. (Pick: Ole Miss -17.5)
- Oregon vs. James Madison: Oregon predicted to win decisively. (Pick: Oregon -21.5)
Want bold takes? Will Backus predicts a Group of 5 resurgence, SEC embarrassment, and big moments involving key coaches.
NFL Week 16 Impact and Predictions
Six of the 10 most critical games shaping the playoffs happen this week. Highlighted matchups include Seahawks-Rams (already thrilling), Packers-Bears, Lions-Steelers, Panthers-Buccaneers, Colts-49ers, and Patriots-Ravens.
Expert predictions differ: one favors Bears over Packers citing recent Chicago form, the other trusts Packers’ offense and defense for a close win.
Other Headlines
- Joe Burrow addresses Bengals future amid retirement chatter.
- Giannis Antetokounmpo denies Bucks trade talks.
- Texas hires Will Muschamp as new defensive coordinator.
- Ohio fires coach Brian Smith over personal misconduct allegations.
- Kentucky’s Jaden Quinton may return in CBS Sports Classic.
- Colts prepare rookie QB Anthony Richardson for playoff role.
- Team USA adds key pitchers for the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
- Jaguars reportedly extend wide receiver Myers’ contract.
- Puka Nacua’s brother arrested, while Puka apologizes for controversial livestream.
- WNBA players authorize strike if necessary amid CBA talks.
- Christian Pulisic shines in Serie A but AC Milan falls short in Supercoppa.
- South Carolina player files criminal charges against Texas state trooper.
- Kevin Garnett to rejoin Timberwolves in business role.
- U.S. government involved in elite figure skater’s fatal crash.
- NCAA opposes a transfer portal betting proposal.
- Claims of artificial crowd noise at Texas A&M surface during Miami game.
Weekend TV Highlights
Friday: College Football Playoff Alabama-Oklahoma, Anthony Joshua vs. Jake Paul boxing, NBA games including 76ers-Knicks and Timberwolves-Thunder.
Saturday: Multiple soccer Premier League matchups, College Football Playoff games including Miami vs. Texas A&M, CBS Sports Classic basketball, NHL games, and more.
Sunday: NFL action featuring Bills, Dolphins, Chiefs, Jets, Cowboys, Vikings, College basketball, and additional NHL games.
Fan Take: This Friday marks a thrilling start to the College Football Playoff, setting the stage for some of the most intense football matchups of the year, while the Seahawks’ stunning win reshapes NFL playoff dynamics. For fighting sports fans, the Joshua vs. Paul matchup is a pivotal moment that could redefine the crossover appeal of social media influencers in professional boxing, keeping the sport buzzing with excitement and controversy.
