NFC EAST CHAMPIONS | SINCE 2006

CHARGERS EDGE REIGNING EAGLES CHAMPIONS EAGLES AFTER DEFENSIVE SHOW

Tony Jefferson, center, of the Los Angeles Chargers intercepts a pass in overtime intended for Philadelphia's Jahan Dotson, left, and the Chargers beat the Eagles 22-19 in overtime in an NFL game (RONALD MARTINEZ)
 

Tony Jefferson intercepted a Jalen Hurts pass in overtime to give the Los Angeles Chargers a 22-19 victory over Philadelphia on Monday in an NFL thriller between playoff contenders.

Justin Herbert, playing a week after surgery on his broken left (non-throwing) hand, withstood a career-high seven sacks to throw for 139 yards and a touchdown for the Chargers.

Cameron Dicker kicked five field goals, including the 54-yard game winner in overtime.

The Chargers defenders forced Hurts to throw four interceptions and surrender a fumble for a career-worst five turnovers as the Eagles fell to 8-5 with a third consecutive loss.

"The defense played incredible. They came up with so many big stops," Herbert said. "I'm so proud to be able to play for those guys.

"Not the way we drew it up but the battle in these guys is so much fun. They never quit. It's fun to be a part of. We'll have to keep getting better at it and keep moving forward."

Philadelphia's Saquon Barkley ran 52 yards for a touchdown to give the Eagles a 16-13 lead nine seconds into the fourth quarter.

Dicker kicked a 31-yard field goal, Philadelphia's Jake Elliott answered for 44 yards but Dicker kicked connected on a 46-yard field goal with eight seconds to play in regulation to force overtime at 19-19.

After Dicker kicked the winner 3:36 into the extra session, the Eagles faced a must-score drive and were rescued on a fourth-down penalty by the Chargers.

Philadelphia drove to the LA 17-yard line but a Hurts pass was deflected by LA's Cam Hart and Jefferson made the grab for the game's eighth and final turnover to end the game.

"It's just staying in it, every yard matters, every play matters," Jefferson said.

"It was a team effort. We did what we had to do to get the stop."

Jefferson praised Herbert, who wears number 10, for his gritty comeback just to play.

"We'll ride or die for number 10," Jefferson said.

"He's literally the strongest, most willed quarterback I've ever been around. Nothing is too big for him. Broken hand. Surgery. Out there practicing the next couple days. Much respect."

Herbert said after the game, "I feel pretty good."

- 'Going to sting' -

The reigning champion Eagles saw their lead over Dallas in the NFC East shrink to 1.5 games despite Barkley running 20 times for 122 yards and a touchdown.

"We know we've got to be better," Barkley said. "We continue to beat ourselves. We're not doing the little things right, not focusing on the details.

"Last year was last year. That was a good team. We've got to move on. This one is going to sting."

In the AFC playoff chase, the Indianapolis Colts suffered a major blow to their playoff bid when Daniel Jones was confirmed Monday to have a torn right Achilles tendon.

The quarterback will have season-ending surgery later this week.

 - AFP

NICK SIRIANNI CELEBRATES JALEN HURTS ON STAGE AFTER NFC CHAMPIONSHIP WIN

The Eagles head coach made sure to give Jalen Hurts his flowers after leading the team to a huge win over the Commanders.

Eagles players supported Nick Sirianni through some hard times earlier this season, and encouraged the head coach to be true to himself and all the big energy that comes with that. As the team celebrated their NFC Championship victory, Sirianni did just that, and took a moment on stage to shine a spotlight on Jalen Hurts and his incredibly impressive performance.

Hurts appears bashful at first, but when Sirianni points out that all the QB does is win, he smiled from ear-to-ear.

Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images

The tenuous relationship between Hurts and Sirianni was talked about going all the way back to last season. It wasn’t until the two connected during the Week 5 bye and established a new rapport that the speculation was put to rest. They were able to come together with a plan to turn things around, and went on to lead this team to an NFC Championship on the way to another Super Bowl appearance.

For his part, Hurts spoke to reporters after the game and celebrated Sirianni, saying, “He’s done a great job. He’s done a great job. I guess he let me out of my straight jacket a little bit today.”

It’s great to see them on the same page and celebrating together, because this pair might be able to do some special things in Philly for a long time.

- Alexis Chassen

EAGLES, CHIEFS SUPER BOWL FAVOURITES; SPORTS BOOKS SMILING AFTER LION'S LOSS

A lone Detroit Lions fan reacts to the stunning 45-31 loss to the Washington Commanders in the NFC divisional round NFL playoff game at Ford Field in Detroit on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025.

Sportsbooks took a partial victory lap following the elimination of the Detroit Lions, Super Bowl favorites entering the divisional playoff with the highest handle and ticket percentage for most major operators in that futures market.

The Lions were bounced from the NFC field by the Washington Commanders, who were a 10-point underdog by kickoff on Saturday night. Money shifted to Washington as the number grew ahead of the game and it paid off in a 45-31 win. The Commanders had a moneyline of anywhere between +376 to +430 and wound up in their first NFC Championship game since 1991.

"The Lions losing was a great result for the futures market at BetMGM. On top of knocking our biggest liability out of the running, the Commanders win also ruined the popular chalk money line parlay of Lions, Chiefs, and Ohio State," Christian Cipollini, BetMGM trading manager, said Monday.

After wins at Tampa Bay and Detroit, the Commanders are ticketed for a third road game this weekend and their third matchup this season with NFC East division rival Philadelphia. The Eagles and Commanders split two entertaining games in the regular season.

FanDuel lists the Eagles as 5.5-point favorites Monday and the Commanders are fourth of the remaining four teams in the Super Bowl futures odds market. Kansas City is a 1.5-point favorite over the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship at ESPN Bet and Fan Duel.

BetMGM moved the Eagles from +400 to win the Super Bowl last week to current +180 odds, overtaking the Lions as the favorite.

The Chiefs went from +350 last week to +240, narrowly ahead of the Bills. Buffalo went from +400 to +250 and the Commanders moved from +3000 at kickoff of the Lions' game to +700 at BetMGM. FanDuel lists Washington at +750, the Eagles as the favorite at +180 and Kansas City (+220) ahead of the Bills (+250).

The most popular exact result Super Bowl matchup on the board at FanDuel and Draft Kings is the Chiefs beating the Eagles (+380), just ahead of the Eagles beating the Chiefs (+410).

Like Washington to keep it rolling? Consider the Commanders to beat the Chiefs (+1300) or Bills (+1600) at Fan Duel.

Washington rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels is +700 in the Super Bowl MVP futures market, fifth behind Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (+550) and quarterback Jalen Hurts (+400) and co-favorites Bills quarterback Josh Allen and Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (+280) at Draft Kings.

- Field Level Media

LIONS SECURE 8-0 ROAD RECORD WITH WIN OVER 49ERS

SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- If there was any question on whether Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell would play or rest his starters ahead of the playoffs, he answered that immediately by going full throttle with his top guys on Monday night.

In a rematch of 2023 NFC Championship Game, the Lions got revenge, winning 40-34 after the San Francisco 49ers denied Detroit its first-ever Super Bowl appearance last season.

Detroit hadn't won a road game at San Francisco since 1975, losing 14 straight -- including the postseason -- but overcame a 21-13 first-half deficit to end that road drought against the 49ers.

The Lions also close the regular season with a perfect 8-0 record on the road -- the longest road winning streak in franchise history.

Lions quarterback Jared Goff led the team to their eight road win this season. Jed Jacobsohn/AP Photo

Detroit Lions (14-2)

QB breakdown: Lions quarterback Jared Goff was able to thrive in pressure moments on the prime-time stage. All three of Goff's touchdowns were on either third or fourth down. He now has 17 touchdowns and zero interceptions on third and fourth down this season. He also finished the game with 303 passing yards against the 49ers, while completing 26 of 34 passes.

Promising trend: WR Jameson Williams scored a receiving touchdown for a third straight game. Against the 49ers, he scored a 3-yard rushing touchdown as well as a 41-yard receiving touchdown in the first half. In last season's NFC championship at the 49ers, Williams also had multiple touchdowns. He is now 33 yards shy of the first 1,000-yard receiving season of his career.

Troubling trend: Detroit's defense. San Francisco quarterback Brock Purdy picked the Lions' defense apart with his accuracy and pinpoint playmaking, notably during the first half. The 49ers scored a touchdown on their first three possessions, with Purdy also completing two 40-yard passes in the game. Against tougher competition, such as the Minnesota Vikings this week, this could be a major issue. -- Eric Woodyard

Next game: vs. Minnesota Vikings (8:20 p.m. ET, Sunday)

George Kittle reached 1,000 receiving yards for the fourth time in his career -- tied for second most by a tight end in NFL history. Godofredo A. Vásquez/AP Photo

San Francisco 49ers (6-10)

In an NFC Championship Game rematch that was supposed to be a battle of NFC titans, the 49ers and Lions entered Monday's matchup headed in decidedly different directions.

As 49ers end Nick Bosa succinctly put it on Thursday, "They're doing great, and we had an off year."

By Monday's kickoff, neither the 49ers nor the Lions really had much to play for as San Francisco was eliminated from postseason contention last week and Detroit's season finale against Minnesota is all that matters for the NFC's top seed.

That didn't stop the Niners, who were down to their fourth-string running back and left tackle and were missing key starters all over the roster, from pushing the equally if not more injured Lions to the brink in an entertaining offensive shootout.

There's no such thing as moral victories in the NFL, but Monday's defeat offered plenty of evidence that there is still plenty of fight left in the Niners and that their belief in coach Kyle Shanahan hasn't wavered. Those are things that can be helpful as they head toward an offseason that holds plenty of uncertainty and could bring a lot of change.

In more practical terms, Monday's loss is better for the 6-10 Niners in that it clinched a last-place schedule for them in 2025 and maintains their chances of holding on to the No. 11 pick in the next NFL draft.

Those are small consolations in a lost season that the 49ers didn't see coming, but if nothing else, they can take additional solace in the fact that a nightmare 2024 is almost over.

Describe the game in two words: All offense. It's little surprise that the high-octane Lions moved the ball up and down the field, but the 49ers' offense hasn't done much of that this season. The Niners and Lions scored touchdowns on their first five possessions combined and there wasn't an incomplete pass thrown by either side until 4:59 remained in the second quarter. By night's end, they combined for 74 points and 914 yards.

Most surprising performance: 49ers rookie receiver Ricky Pearsall has been mostly quiet since a big Week 10 performance in Tampa Bay, posting six catches for 58 yards in the ensuing six games. But Pearsall was prominently in the mix Monday night, finishing with 8 receptions for 141 yards and a touchdown. He's the first 49ers rookie since Deebo Samuel Sr. in 2019 to have 100 receiving yards and a score in a game.

QB breakdown: Purdy was, at least statistically, perfect for the better part of the first three quarters Monday night against the Lions. Holding a "perfect" passer rating of 158.3 with 4:19 left in the third quarter, Purdy overthrew Pearsall into the waiting arms of Lions safety Kerby Joseph for the game's first turnover. It put a damper on an otherwise stellar performance from Purdy, who finished 27-of-35 for 377 yards (a career high) with three touchdowns and a rushing score. In the final two minutes of the game, Purdy exited with an apparent elbow injury. He said postgame that he will have an MRI on Tuesday.

Troubling trend: 49ers kicker Jake Moody's struggles -- of which there have been many -- have largely been limited to the road this season. He hadn't missed a field goal or extra point attempt at Levi's Stadium. Until Monday night. He missed two field goals from over 50 yards (51 and 58). Moody was drafted in the third round because he's supposed to be able to convert those kicks. He also missed an extra point at the end of the fourth quarter. Since Week 10, he's 10-of-18 on field goal tries, a 55.6% conversion rate. Add kicker to the list of positions the 49ers will need to take a long look at in the offseason. -- Nick Wagoner

Next game: at Arizona Cardinals (4:25 p.m. ET, Sunday)

- Eric Woodyard and Nick Wagoner

BRITISH & IRISH LIONS ENHANCE DIGITAL EXPERIENCE WITH 2025 KIT

The British and Irish Lions has unveiled its 2025 jersey, incorporating a Near Field Communication (NFC) tag to enhance fan engagement.

New Zealand-based sports brand Canterbury, utilising concepts indicative of the critical role technology plays in modern sports performance. The firm has integrated its  Vapodri technology to keep players cool and comfortable on the field.

Additionally, Former British and Irish Lions captain, Sam Warburton, was also brought in to provide design input and advise on player needs, while extensive on-field testing ensured durability and performance.

Ben Calveley, CEO of British and Irish Lions, commented: “We’re incredibly proud and excited to unveil the new Lions jersey today alongside Canterbury, who have been a fantastic partner to The British and Irish Lions for many years dating back to the 1959 Tour of New Zealand. 

“This will be the third Tour in a row for us to partner with them and the 2025 jersey launch represents another key milestone as we continue to build towards Australia. The famous red jersey is a crucial part of the Lions DNA, and I have no doubt that the players and our supporters all around the world will enjoy wearing this jersey as well as the wider Lions lifestyle apparel. 

The standout feature of this kit is its integration of NFC technology. By scanning the tag located at the bottom right of the jersey, fans can gain access to the Lions Clubhouse app – a platform for exclusive content, which also launches today and will remain live throughout the Tour.

In the app, supporters can explore exclusive behind-the-scenes content, including player videos from the Tour, matchday highlights and Q&As with team members. This new feature aims to bring supporters closer to the action and provides access to a fan forum in the community section.

Calveley concluded: “Our amazing fans are a core part of what makes a great Lions Tour, they were dearly missed in South Africa in 2021, but we will now be more connected with them than ever before thanks to this innovative new design and exciting digital experience. 

“We look forward to seeing this jersey form the iconic Sea of Red next year across Australia, in Dublin, and in homes and clubs all over the UK and Ireland.”

The first Test kicks off at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium (19 July). The second Test will take place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (26 July). The series concludes with the final Test at Sydney’s Accor Stadium (2 August) in front of over 80,000 fans.

Late last year, Sky Sports announced it would exclusively broadcast nine British and Irish Lions games for the Rugby Union team’s tour of Australia in 2025. 

The British and Irish Lions has unveiled its 2025 jersey, incorporating a Near Field Communication (NFC) tag to enhance fan engagement.

New Zealand-based sports brand Canterbury, utilising concepts indicative of the critical role technology plays in modern sports performance. The firm has integrated its  Vapodri technology to keep players cool and comfortable on the field.

Additionally, Former British and Irish Lions captain, Sam Warburton, was also brought in to provide design input and advise on player needs, while extensive on-field testing ensured durability and performance.

Ben Calveley, CEO of British and Irish Lions, commented: “We’re incredibly proud and excited to unveil the new Lions jersey today alongside Canterbury, who have been a fantastic partner to The British and Irish Lions for many years dating back to the 1959 Tour of New Zealand. 

“This will be the third Tour in a row for us to partner with them and the 2025 jersey launch represents another key milestone as we continue to build towards Australia. The famous red jersey is a crucial part of the Lions DNA, and I have no doubt that the players and our supporters all around the world will enjoy wearing this jersey as well as the wider Lions lifestyle apparel. 

The standout feature of this kit is its integration of NFC technology. By scanning the tag located at the bottom right of the jersey, fans can gain access to the Lions Clubhouse app – a platform for exclusive content, which also launches today and will remain live throughout the Tour.

In the app, supporters can explore exclusive behind-the-scenes content, including player videos from the Tour, matchday highlights and Q&As with team members. This new feature aims to bring supporters closer to the action and provides access to a fan forum in the community section.

Calveley concluded: “Our amazing fans are a core part of what makes a great Lions Tour, they were dearly missed in South Africa in 2021, but we will now be more connected with them than ever before thanks to this innovative new design and exciting digital experience. 

“We look forward to seeing this jersey form the iconic Sea of Red next year across Australia, in Dublin, and in homes and clubs all over the UK and Ireland.”

The first Test kicks off at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium (19 July). The second Test will take place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (26 July). The series concludes with the final Test at Sydney’s Accor Stadium (2 August) in front of over 80,000 fans.

Late last year, Sky Sports announced it would exclusively broadcast nine British and Irish Lions games for the Rugby Union team’s tour of Australia in 2025. 

- Kieran O'Connor 

COWBOYS HOLDS OFF NFC EAST RIVAL GIANTS IN DEFENSIVE BATTLE

Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Entering Thursday night's game, the New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys shared last place in the NFC East at 1-2, a game behind the 2-1 Washington Commanders and Philadelphia Eagles.

The Cowboys scored two first-half touchdowns and limited the Giants to three field goals to lead 14-9 at the half. It was a defensive battle the rest of the way, as neither team scored a touchdown in the second half.

Dallas picked up their second win of the season with a final score of 20-15, but star edge rusher Micah Parsons was carted off the field late in the game to get an X-ray.

Here are the most important things to know from Thursday night for both teams:

Dallas Cowboys

Dak Prescott did not speak to the media prior to Thursday's game against the New York Giants. He said he would speak "post win." The Cowboys got the win, but it wasn't an artistic beauty. However, after the Cowboys were embarrassed in back-to-back home losses to the New Orleans Saints and Baltimore Ravens, the only thing that mattered was getting a win on a short week.

Being 2-2 is so much better than 1-3. Had the Cowboys lost, it would have marked the first time they lost three September games since 2001, and they would have been in last place in the NFC East.

Prescott was sharp, especially in the first half with touchdown passes to CeeDee Lamb (55 yards) and Rico Dowdle (15 yards). The defense finally stopped the run and stiffened in the red zone, holding the Giants to five field goals.

Prescott has now won 13 straight against the Giants. His last loss came in 2016 as a rookie. He tied the second-longest win streak by a quarterback against a single opponent since quarterback stats were first tracked in 1950. Tom Brady beat the Buffalo Bills 13 straight times from 2003 to 2010, and Steve Young beat the Rams 13 straight from 1987 to 98. He will get a chance for No. 14 on Thanksgiving.

Promising trend: When Lamb has some sideline issues, the best seems to come out of him. During last year's loss at San Francisco, Lamb kept to himself on the sideline and then followed with six games with at least 11 catches and seven games with more than 100 yards. In last week's loss to New Orleans, Lamb had a spat with Prescott and did not speak to the media after the game. On Tuesday, Lamb was apologetic and said he would be better. In the first half alone, he had six catches for 94 yards (both season highs) and a touchdown.

Eye-popping stat: Brandon Aubrey has played 21 games for the Cowboys. He has three field goals of 60 yards in his career, including a 60-yarder in the third quarter against the Giants. That's one off the NFL record held by Brett Maher, who made four with the Cowboys over two different stints. Aubrey made a 60-yarder last week against the Ravens. He is 2-for-2 from 60 yards this season. The rest of the league is 0-for-2, according to ESPN Research.

Silver lining: The Cowboys will have 10 days to get ready for the presently undefeated Pittsburgh Steelers. The time will help because there is still a lot that needs to be corrected, even with the win. In the past three games, opposing quarterbacks have missed on only 19 passes. Against the Saints and Ravens, that was understandable because both teams were so dominant on the run. Giants quarterback Daniel Jones had too much time to throw for much of the game after previously being tormented by the Cowboys, who sacked him 24 times in eight games prior to Thursday. Oh, and they were penalized nine times in the first half alone. --Todd Archer

Next game: at Pittsburgh Steelers (8:20 p.m. ET, Sunday, Oct. 6.)

Luke Hales/Getty Images

New York Giants

The Giants kept it close against the Cowboys, but they still didn't come away with a win. After last season, when the Giants were outscored 89-17 in their two meetings with the Cowboys, this has to be viewed as progress, right?

Sure there are no moral victories in the NFL, but this was the third straight step in the right direction for the Giants (1-3) after an ugly opener.

The gap, at least to some degree, has narrowed between the division rivals. Dallas still owns the Giants. It has won 14 of the past 15 matchups, and Prescott has beaten them 13 straight times. New York still isn't quite there yet, but this proved its at least improving.

QB breakdown: Jones was efficient, completing 29 of 40 passes (73% completion) for 281 yards with an interception on a Hail Mary in the finals seconds. But the Giants were kept out of the end zone and Jones was short on most of his deep throws. It's especially notable considering this was a problem early in training camp. There was a lot of good for Jones, but it was not quite enough. Jones is clearly playing better since the opener. Having rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers (12 catches for 115 yards) certainly helps.

Eye-popping stat: Nabers keeps adding to his records. He became the first player in NFL history with at least 25 receptions and three touchdowns in his first four career games when he caught a 3-yard pass early in the second quarter. He now has 35 receptions for 386 yards and three touchdowns in four games.

Troubling trend: Giants top cornerback Deonte Banks has been the nearest defender on four touchdown passes already this season, according to NFL Next Gen Stats. Banks was beat again on Thursday night, this time by Lamb for a 55-yard score in the second quarter. The Giants were hoping Banks would step into the CB1 role this season. Instead, it has been a struggle so far.

Biggest hole in the game plan: The Giants weren't able to get anything going in the running game against the league's worst run defense. Dallas came into the contest allowing 185.7 yards on the ground per contest. The Giants came into the game thinking they would have success, but had only 29 yards rushing in the first half -- and they finished with 26 yards on 24 carries. -- Jordan Raanan

Next game: at Seattle Seahawks (4:25 p.m. ET, Sunday, Oct. 6)

- Todd Archer and Jordan Raanan

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS TROPHY CEREMONY | NFC CHAMPIONSHIP

LIONS TAME BUCS, REACH FIRST NFC TITLE IN 32 YEARS

 

Jared Goff. USA TODAY Sports 

Jared Goff passed for 287 yards and two touchdowns and the Detroit Lions advanced to the NFC Championship Game with a 31-23 victory over the visiting Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday afternoon.

Seeking their first Super Bowl berth, the Lions will travel to California to face the San Francisco 49ers next Sunday. Detroit will be playing in the conference title game for the first time since the 1991 season.

Jahmyr Gibbs rushed for 74 yards, including the go-ahead 31-yard score in the fourth quarter. Amon-Ra St. Brown caught eight passes for 77 yards and a touchdown, while Sam LaPorta had nine receptions for 65 yards for Detroit.

The Lions' second playoff win in as many weeks came three years to the day after Dan Campbell was introduced as the downtrodden franchise's new head coach.

TUG-OF-WAR ADDED TO PRO BOWL GAMES SKILLS EVENT

USA TODAY Sports 

The tug-of-war will make its debut in the 2024 Pro Bowl Games skills competitions, the NFL announced.

The Pro Bowl Skills Show will take place in the Nicholson Fieldhouse at UCF in Orlando, Fla.

Teams of five players representing both the AFC and NFC will compete in a best-of-three format. This league's intent is likely to capture the attention of the offensive linemen, who may not be as willing to participate in the flag-football competition.

The tug-of-war will join "Madden NFL" head-to-head, gridiron gauntlet and move the chains events (offensive, defensive linemen strength and speed competition) is slated for Feb. 4.

Precision passing, best catch, closest to the pin, high stakes, dodgeball and a kick-tac-toe kicking competition are scheduled for Feb. 1.

--Field Level Media

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS BECOME 1ST TEAM TO CLINCH PLAYOFF BERTH AFTER PACKERS' LOSS TO GIANTS

The San Francisco 49ers have been the top dog in the NFC this season, and they are now the first team to secure an NFL Playoff berth.

The 49ers win over the Seattle Seahawks 28-16 on Sunday and the the Green Bay Packers loss to the New York Giants on Monday night locked in San Francisco's spot in the playoffs.

NFL CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP MIC'D UP

FULL PRO BOWL GAMES: AFC VS NFC

NFC VS. AFC PRO BOWL HIGHLIGHTS

PRECISION PASSING: PRO BOWL SKILLS SHOWDOWN

EPIC PRO BOWL DODGEBALL: PRO BOWL SKILL

NFL PLAYOFF PICTURE: NFC & AFC

DALLAS COWBOYS ARE BACK ON TOP OF THE NFC EAST DIVISION | NFC CHAMPIONS

 

BUCCANEERS VS. PACKERS | NFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME HIGHLIGHTS | NFL 2020-21 PLAYOFFS