The Bears have won 8 of last 9 games. Are they contenders or pretenders?

The New York Mets are grappling with the consequences of Edwin Diaz's departure to the Los Angeles Dodgers, which has reignited discussions about their bullpen shortcomings and unresolved closer situation. Diaz's signing with the Dodgers for a three-year, $69 million contract is seen as a significant loss for the Mets, who are seeking stability in their late-game performances.

Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault shared insights on how his team effectively limited San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama during their recent matchup, which marked the Thunder's first victory over the Spurs this season. Daigneault emphasized a straightforward approach in their defensive strategy to contain Wembanyama's impact on the game.

The New Orleans Pelicans have drawn comparisons between rookie Derik Queen and two-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic, highlighting Queen's potential as he continues to develop in the league. While Jokic is recognized for his unique offensive skills and championship contributions, Queen is still in the early stages of his professional career.

The Buffalo Bills are gearing up for a crucial playoff matchup against the Denver Broncos, with quarterback Josh Allen expected to play despite a recent foot injury. This game is pivotal as the Bills aim to keep their Super Bowl aspirations alive in the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs.

The Detroit Lions are set to interview former Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Zac Robinson, who has a prior connection with quarterback Jared Goff, as they seek a new offensive coordinator following a disappointing end to their 2025 season. Despite having one of the NFL's top statistical offenses, the Lions struggled to maintain the dynamic play seen under former coordinator Ben Johnson, now head coach of the Chicago Bears.

Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase has garnered attention from other NFL quarterbacks, indicating his rising prominence in the league. This recognition comes amidst a challenging season for the Bengals, where Chase has continued to perform despite the team's struggles.

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid achieved a significant career milestone by successfully making a three-pointer during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Xfinity Mobile Arena. This accomplishment comes on the heels of the 76ers' recent victory over the Toronto Raptors, where they won 115-102, improving their record to 6-2 in the last 10 games.

The Detroit Tigers have signed veteran pitcher Bryan Sammons to a minor league deal as part of their strategy to enhance pitching depth ahead of the 2026 season. This move reflects the team's commitment to building a versatile roster while minimizing financial risk.