NFL playoff picture: Updated standings, projected matchups, eliminated teams, wild card candidates

The 2022 NFL season is more than three-quarters complete, and every week brings more chances at teams clinching — or missing out on — playoff berths. The postseason picture is really taking shape, with contenders in both conferences looking to not only secure a ticket to the dance but lock up top seeding.

Here’s a link to the story.

NFL Week 15 grades: Patriots get a ‘D’ for shocking loss to Raiders; Cowboys earn a ‘C’ for surprising setback

After a wild Saturday that gave us the biggest comeback win in NFL history, the action on Sunday might have actually topped that.

Here’s a link to the story.

Week 15 recap: Justin Fields makes history (again) in the Chicago Bears’ 25-20 loss

Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields reached 1,000 rushing yards for the season and the Bears defense had three takeaways Sunday at Soldier Field.

But neither was enough to stop the Eagles from recording their 13th victory of the year.

Here’s a link to the story.

Holiday Tournament Central ’22 at Section 618

Here are all the pairings and schedules for the holiday tournaments across the region.

Here’s a link to Holiday Tournament Central at Section 618.

College basketball scores, winners and losers: Arizona, Kansas make big statements; No. 1 Purdue struggles

The busiest day of the college basketball season to date doubled as the best of the season with buzzer-beaters, late-game drama, scoring explosions and everything in between filling a full day on the Saturday slate.

Here’s a link to the story.

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker named next NCAA president, will succeed Mark Emmert at pivotal time

Massachusetts governor Charlie Baker will be the next president of the NCAA, the association announced Thursday. Baker succeeds Mark Emmert and takes over as the lead figure of the collegiate sports governing body at a transformational time. Baker, a Republican, is nearing the end of his second term as governor.

Here’s a link to the story.

Vikings clinch NFC North after greatest comeback in NFL history The Vikings were down 33-0 at halftime but forced overtime and won in miraculous fashion

Minnesota Vikings fans need to close their eyes, take a deep breath and recover after the mix of emotions at U.S. Bank Stadium Sunday afternoon.

Here’s a link to the story.

No. 18 Illinois survives a scare from Alabama A&M, pulling away for a 68-47 victory to improve to 8-3

CHAMPAIGN — Matthew Mayer scored 21 points and added seven rebounds to help No. 18 Illinois overcome Alabama A&M’s comeback attempt for a 68-47 win Saturday.

Here’s a link to the story.

Shortstop Dansby Swanson and the Chicago Cubs reportedly agree to a 7-year, $177 million contract

The Chicago Cubs landed their new shortstop.

Here’s a link to the story.

2022-23 college football bowl schedule, scores, games, dates, TV channels, kickoff times, locations

The full college football bowl game schedule for the 2022 season was released on Sunday, and it features 43 contests spanning three weeks in December and January.

Here’s a link to the story.

Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News