Bye, bye: NFC's top prize goes to 49ers-Seahawks winner

There will be plenty on the line Saturday night when the Seattle Seahawks meet the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara, Calif.

Namely, the NFC West title, the conference's top playoff seed and a first-round playoff bye.

Both the Seahawks (13-3) and 49ers (12-4) carry six-game winning streaks into the matchup.

The 49ers have overcome season-ending injuries to defensive stalwarts Nick Bosa and Fred Warner to move into position to earn home-field advantage through the Super Bowl, which is scheduled for Feb. 8 in Santa Clara, with a victory.

"Back when Fred got hurt, if you told anybody we'd be 12-4 and be battling Week 18 for that one seed, you're absolutely crazy," 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk said. "Nobody would've believed you. So it's been a special season already, and one I definitely don't take for granted. But we're not done. I have all the confidence in the world that we can get this thing done."

The 49ers would get the No. 1 seed with a victory by virtue of the head-to-head tiebreaker because they won 17-13 at Seattle in the season opener. Brock Purdy threw a 4-yard touchdown pass to backup tight end Jake Tonges with 1:34 remaining and Bosa clinched the victory with a strip-sack of Sam Darnold with 36 seconds left and the Seahawks at San Francisco's 9-yard line.

The preparation time for both teams will be shorter than usual.

The Seahawks had to make a cross-country flight home after a 27-10 road victory over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. Zach Charbonnet rushed for a season-high 110 yards and two touchdowns in the win.

The 49ers beat the visiting Chicago Bears 42-38 in a nationally televised game Sunday night as Purdy overcame a pick-6 on the opening play from scrimmage to throw for 303 yards and three touchdowns and rush for two more scores.

"I wish it wasn't (a short week). We just had a short week," said 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan, referring to his team having played on Monday, Dec. 22, at Indianapolis. "So I really wish it would have been Sunday, but it is what it is. Hopefully the guys can heal up and be ready to go."

Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald didn't seem concerned.

"Whatever," he said on Seattle Sports 710 AM. "When's the game? All right, let's go put together a plan. Let's go."

The short week could affect injured players and whether they can make it back.

Seahawks left tackle Charles Cross didn't play the past two games because of a hamstring injury and missed practice time this week, as did his backup Josh Jones (ankle/knee). Seattle signed rookie Amari Kight off the practice squad just in case.

Seattle safety Coby Bryant (knee) didn't practice on Wednesday. On the plus side, the Seahawks will get linebacker Derick Hall back after a one-game suspension.

San Francisco left tackle Trent Williams (hamstring) and defensive end Keion White (groin) missed practice on Wednesday. Juszczyk (hip), running back Christian McCaffrey (back), tight end George Kittle (ankle), wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (knee/ankle), defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos (knee) and cornerback Upton Stout (concussion) were limited.

Kittle, asked if he would be ready to play Saturday, replied, "Absolutely."

The Seahawks can't afford another sluggish start, especially against a 49ers team that has scored 37 or more points in each of its past three games.

Seattle has scored an average of seven points before halftime over its past five games.

"We've had some games where we've started really great (and) we've had some games where we haven't and been able to rebound," Macdonald said. "I think it's hard to attribute it to just one thing. If not, I think we would have probably found a solution by now."

-Field Level Media

byAlex Forten

in

January 01, 2026

Bye, bye: NFC's top prize goes to 49ers-Seahawks winner

There will be plenty on the line Saturday night when the Seattle Seahawks meet the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara,...

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Joe Burrow argues for 'change' with Bengals in three-year playoff drought: 'What we've been doing hasn't worked'

NFL fans know Joe Burrow is a true franchise quarterback, one of the few elite players who can lift up an entire team and immediately make it a contender. Despite the presence of Burrow, however, the Cincinnati Bengals haven't made the playoffs in three seasons.

That's quite the feat, one that hasn't gone unnoticed by Burrow, whoadvocated for "change" within the organizationWednesday, per ESPN.

"We don't want to be in the spot we are in now, so something's got to change," Burrow said Wednesday. "Whether it's players we have continuing to improve and get better and play championship-caliber football or bringing in guys that will or whatever it may be. Obviously, something has to [change]."

It marks yet another eyebrow-raising comment by the 29-year-old Burrow over the past few weeks. With the Bengals in the midst of their worst season since 2020, Burrow has been vocal abouthis enjoyment of the gameandadmitted he's considered a futurewhere he's no longer a Bengal.

Burrow kept his "change" comments centered around players, saying either those currently on the team need to take a step forward or the organization needs to bring in championship-caliber talent to lift the team back into the playoffs.

While Burrow didn't mention coaching or front-office upheaval, there may be some Bengals fans who believe that could be the necessary "change" to push the Bengals back into contention. Under Zac Taylor, the Bengals have been criticized for their slow starts. While he was able to lead the team to a Super Bowl in his third season, the fact that Taylor has failed to take a Burrow-lead team to the playoffs in three straight years is a concern.

Burrow, however, isn't completely blameless in his team's failure to make the postseason the past three seasons. When healthy, Burrow is undoubtedly an elite quarterback. But various injuries have prevented him leading the Bengals to glory. Burrow missed seven games in 2023 due to a wrist issue and nine games this season with a toe injury. Both injuries essentially sunk the team's chances in those seasons.

Keeping Burrow healthy and upright would go a long way toward the Bengals returning to the Super Bowl in the next couple seasons. The team's front office was criticized for not doing enough last offseason to strengthen its offensive line. Those critiques were immediately validated after Burrow went down in Week 2 with his injury.

Because of that, it shouldn't come as a surprise that Burrow is advocating for change. If he can avoid taking big hits, Burrow has it in him to lead the Bengals to a championship. But if the Bengals continue to embrace the status quo — like they did last offseason — the remainder of Burrow's time in Cincinnati could end in bitter disappointment.

byAlex Forten

in

January 01, 2026

Joe Burrow argues for 'change' with Bengals in three-year playoff drought: 'What we've been doing hasn't worked'

NFL fans know Joe Burrow is a true franchise quarterback, one of the few elite players who can lift up an entire team and...

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Gabon's government appears to have suspended national team and fired staff after poor Africa Cup

RABAT, Morocco (AP) — Gabon's government appears to have suspended its national soccer team after a disappointing performance at the Africa Cup of Nations and fired its coaching staff.

Gabon failed to win a game at the ongoing tournament.

The country's interim sports minister, Simplice-Désiré Mamboula, reportedly made the announcement on national TV late Wednesday with no time frame on when Gabon would play again. He also said that the government had decided to remove players Pierre Émerick Aubameyang and Bruno Ecuélé Manga from the squad.

However, the video clip of Mamboula's declaration was later removed from the social media channels of Gabon Télévision, and no corresponding statement was published on the government website.

Aubameyang, the team captain, did not feature in Gabon'sfinal group game against Ivory Coaston Wednesday after returning to his club Marseille with an injury.

The Panthers were already assured of last place and elimination after losing their first two games to Cameroon and Mozambique.

Before Wednesday's final group game, Gabon's president, Brice Oligui Nguema, criticized the team for its performance in Morocco and blamed a "lack of method and the application of resources."

Nguema said there was "a worrying erosion of patriotic sentiment in the management of sporting affairs," according to broadcaster Gabon 24.

Nguema seized power in a2023 military coup.

AP at the Africa Cup:https://apnews.com/hub/africa-cup-of-nations

byAlex Forten

in

January 01, 2026

Gabon's government appears to have suspended national team and fired staff after poor Africa Cup

RABAT, Morocco (AP) — Gabon's government appears to have suspended its national soccer team after a disappointing per...

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Maria Shriver mourns cousin Tatiana Schlossberg – Read her touching tribute

Maria Shriveris mourning her cousin and friend,Tatiana Schlossberg.

Shriver – who is the cousin of Schlossberg's mother,Caroline Kennedy– paid tribute to Schlossberg, whom she called "sweet, beloved" as well as "valiant, strong" and "courageous."

"I return to this space to pay tribute and honor her loving and supportive family, who came together and did everything they possibly could do to help her," Shriver, 70, captioned acarousel of Instagram photosof Schlossberg, including a New Yorker photo with her hair short and styled in a graying pixie cut. "I return to this space heartbroken because Tatiana loved life. She loved her life, and she fought like hell to try to save it."

Schlossbergdied at 35, the John F. Kennedy Library FoundationconfirmedDec. 30. The news came after she revealed a terminalcancerdiagnosis ofacute myeloid leukemiaina heart-wrenching essayfor the New Yorker published Nov. 22.

Caroline Kennedy's daughter Tatiana Schlossberg, 35, has died after revealing her terminal cancer diagnosis in a New Yorker essay published Nov. 22. See the granddaughter of former U.S. President John F. Kennedy's life in photos, beginning here at the 2023 Profile in Courage Award ceremony at the John F. Kennedy Library in Boston, Oct. 29, 2023.

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Tatiana Schlossberg, Caroline Kennedy's daughter, dies. See her career

Caroline Kennedy's daughter Tatiana Schlossberg, 35,has diedafter revealing her terminal cancer diagnosis in a New Yorker essaypublished Nov. 22. See the granddaughter of former U.S. President John F. Kennedy's life in photos, beginning here at the 2023 Profile in Courage Award ceremony at the John F. Kennedy Library in Boston, Oct. 29, 2023.

Tatiana Schlossbergand the curse of tabloid cruelty

"She will always be in our hearts," her parents, siblings, husband and childrensaid in an Instagram post.

Schlossberg is President John F. Kennedy's granddaughter, while Shriver's mother is Eunice Kennedy Shriver – the sister of the former president, aunt of Caroline Kennedy, 68, and great-aunt of Schlossberg.

"I cannot make sense of this. I cannot make any sense of it at all. None. Zero," Shriver continued. "Tatiana was a great journalist, and she used her words to educate others about the earth and how to save it. She created a beautiful life with her extraordinary husband George, and children Eddie and Josie. She fought like a warrior."

Tatiana Schlossberg,John F. Kennedy's granddaughter, has died

View this post on Instagram

Shriver recalled growing up with Schlossberg's mother, Caroline Kennedy, and their other cousins, calling her a "rock" amid the loss.

Shriver also encouraged her followers to read Schlossberg'sNew Yorker essay. "Her piece is extraordinary. Whatever your faith, please pray for Tatiana and her grieving family."

In the essay, Schlossberg wrote that she learned she hadacute myeloid leukemiaafter giving birth to her second child in May 2024, and her doctor noticed an imbalance in her white blood cell count. She described how she handled the diagnosis with her family. She said she tried to stay present with her children even when it was difficult.

"For my whole life, I have tried to be good, to be a good student and a good sister and a good daughter, and to protect my mother and never make her upset or angry," she wrote. "Now I have added a new tragedy to her life, to our family's life, and there's nothing I can do to stop it."

Shriver called the journalist "a perfect daughter, sister, mother, cousin, niece, friend, all of it." She added: "Those of us left behind will make sure (her children) Eddie and Josie know what a beautiful, courageous spirit their mother was and will always be. May we all hold Tatiana's family in our collective embrace not just today, but in the days ahead."

Contributing: Sarah D. Wire and Nicole Fallert, USA TODAY

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Tatiana Schlossberg death: Maria Shriver mourns cousin

byAlex Forten

in

December 31, 2025

Maria Shriver mourns cousin Tatiana Schlossberg – Read her touching tribute

Maria Shriveris mourning her cousin and friend,Tatiana Schlossberg. Shriver – who is the cousin of Schlossberg...

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Kate Beckinsale addresses weight loss following death of her mom: 'I think it’s shock and trauma'

Ernesto S. Ruscio/Getty for Campari

Kate Beckinsaleissued a "PSA" after receiving some critical comments about her appearance under a recentInstagram post.

TheUnderworldstar said that she has been mourning her mother's death, which has compounded her grief toward her late father and stepfather. She said she has been struggling with eating since her stepdad, actor Roy Battersby,diedin January 2024.

"It doesn't make you feel very hungry, and I don't know if there's some sort of survivor's guilt because it started after my stepdad died," Beckinsale said in anInstagram Reeladdressing the comments about her body. "And it's not like anorexia where you're starving and it's a kind of willpower thing. It's like your body has closed down. I think it's shock and trauma."

Jon Furniss/WireImage

Beckinsale said that watching her family members suffer at the end of their lives has caused her to lose her appetite. Despite witnessing their pain, theSerendipityactress said she refuses to become a "cruel piece of s--- that would say the stuff that a lot of you guys say to me." She also said that she wouldn't make "nasty" remarks about other people's appearances.

"It just wouldn't cross my mind and I am so grateful to have been brought up by people who raised me like that," she said. "And I really miss them."

Judy Loe, Beckinsale's mother,died of cancerat the age of 78 in July. Beckinsale previously spoke about the "immeasurable suffering" that her mother endured.

"Jude was the compass of my life, the love of my life, my dearest friend," the actress shared on Instagram at the time. "The vastness and huge heart of this tiny woman has touched so many people who love her dearly. She has been brave in so many ways, forgiving sometimes too much, believing in the ultimate good in people, and the world is so dim without her that it is nearly impossible to bear."

JC Olivera/Getty

Get your daily dose of entertainment news, celebrity updates, and what to watch with ourEW Dispatch newsletter.

Beckinsale is not the only celebrity to receive criticism about her weight loss. Earlier this month, Kelly Osbournerespondedto similar comments about her weight and appearance following the death of her father Ozzy Osbourne.

"You say that I look ill," Osbourne shared. "Well, I am ill right now. My life is completely flipped upside down. I don't understand how people expect me to bounce back and look like everything is just fine in my life when it's not."

Read the original article onEntertainment Weekly

byAlex Forten

in

December 31, 2025

Kate Beckinsale addresses weight loss following death of her mom: 'I think it’s shock and trauma'

Ernesto S. Ruscio/Getty for Campari Kate Beckinsaleissued a "PSA" after receiving some critical comments about her appearance un...

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MTV Channels Going Offline Like They Began, with The Buggles' 'Video Killed the Radio Star'

TheBugglesVEVO/YouTube

NEED TO KNOW

• MTV first debuted in the US on Aug. 1, 1981, adding MTV Europe to their slate in Aug. 1987

• This fall, MTV announced that MTV Music, MTV 80s, MTV 90s, Club MTV and MTV Live would shutter at the year's end

• The closures impact viewers in the UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Austria, Poland, Hungary, Australia and Brazil

MTV chose to end its reign as a music network just as it began.

The 24-hour music broadcaster that became an international phenomenon in the 1980s has aired its final hours. The UK and Ireland were the first to bid farewell to MTV Music, MTV 80s, MTV 90s, Club MTV and MTV Live.  France, Germany, Austria, Poland, Hungary, Australia and Brazil will also be impacted, per theBBC.

MTV debuted in Aug. 1981 in the US, with a debut in the UK and Ireland in August 1987. The channel's debutteased music videos from the day's biggest artists—Prince,Whitney HoustonandGeorge Michael.

It's been over 10 years since the main MTV channel in these localities stopped airing music videos daily, shifting the focus to reality TV to meet viewers' shifting interests. Music videos were then relegated to the sister stations, except for the annual MTV European Music Awards.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE's free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

MTV Music's last song was Video Killed The Radio Starpic.twitter.com/48WNnbgesb

— Jono Read (@jonoread)December 31, 2025

After 38 years of introducing fans to different artists and genres, MTV Music, the flagship channel, chose to end its run the way MTV began, playing the Buggles' "Video Killed the Radio Star."

BBC journalist Jono Read shared the moment the channel went off-air in a videopostedto X. Each channel aired a different final video. MTV 90s airedSpice Girls' "Goodbye."

Viewers who try to tune in to these channels now see a scene cycling through the affected channel's logos, with a chyron noting that they can access MTV content on the main channel, MTV HD.

Neither MTV or its parent company, Paramount Skydance, have commented on the brand's future in the United States.

On August 1st, 1981, at 12:01 AM EST, the MTV channel was officially launched nationwide in the USA, with the spoken words of "Ladies and gentlemen, rock and roll," followed by the MTV theme song, and then followed by MTV's first music video: "Video Killed the Radio Star" by the…pic.twitter.com/L6uEb52IpT

— History Defined (@historydefined)December 6, 2025

In 2025, PEOPLE spoke with former MTV DJ and television personalityDaisy Fuentesabout the era of change at MTV.

"I thought, while it's a bit sad, it's been a bit sad for a while. I think MTV had its time and history that time will never repeat, and it's time to change," Fuentes shares.

"We all change. We have to evolve. And I hope that there's another version of them, just like there's another version of us, us who were part of that we're no longer the same. Why should we expect them to be? The world has changed so much."

As for the future, she continues, "I'm curious to see its evolution. It could be great. I think change is good. I think it's time. It will always be part of our youth."

Read the original article onPeople

byAlex Forten

in

December 31, 2025

MTV Channels Going Offline Like They Began, with The Buggles' 'Video Killed the Radio Star'

TheBugglesVEVO/YouTube NEED TO KNOW MTV first debuted in the US on Aug. 1, 1981, adding MTV Europe to their slate in Aug. 1987 This fall,...

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Chief Justice says Constitution remains 'firm and unshaken' with major Supreme Court rulings ahead

WASHINGTON (AP) — Chief Justice John Roberts said Wednesday that the Constitution remains a sturdy pillar for the country, a message that comes after a tumultuous year in the nation's judicial system withpivotal Supreme Court decisionson the horizon.

Roberts said the nation's founding documents remain "firm and unshaken," a reference to a century-old quote from President Calvin Coolidge. "True then; true now," Roberts wrote in his annual letter to the judiciary.

The letter comes after a year in which legal scholars and Democrats raised fears of a possibleconstitutional crisisas Republican President Donald Trump's supporters pushed back against rulings that slowed his far-reaching conservative agenda.

Roberts weighed inat one point, issuing a rare rebuke after Trump called for the impeachment of a judge who had ruled against him in a case over the deportation of Venezuelan migrants accused of being gang members.

The chief justice's Wednesday letter was largely focused on the nation's history, including an early 19th-century case establishing the principle that Congress shouldn't remove judges over contentious rulings.

While the Trump administration faced pushback in the lower courts, it has scored a series of some two dozen wins on the Supreme Court's emergency docket. The court's conservative majority has allowed Trump to move ahead for now withbanning transgender people from the military, clawing back billions of dollars of congressionally approved federal spending, moving aggressively on immigration and firing the Senate-confirmed leaders ofindependent federal agencies.

The court also handed Trump a few defeats over the last year, including in his push to deploy theNational Guardto U.S. cities.

Other pivotal issues are ahead for the high court in 2026, including arguments over Trump's push to end birthright citizenship and a ruling on whether he can unilaterally impose tariffs on hundreds of countries.

Roberts' letter contained few references to those issues. It opened with a history of the seminal 1776 pamphlet "Common Sense," written by Thomas Paine, a "recent immigrant to Britain's North American colonies," and closed with Coolidge's encouragement to "turn for solace" to the Constitution and Declaration of Independence "amid all the welter of partisan politics."

byAlex Forten

in

December 31, 2025

Chief Justice says Constitution remains 'firm and unshaken' with major Supreme Court rulings ahead

WASHINGTON (AP) — Chief Justice John Roberts said Wednesday that the Constitution remains a sturdy pillar for the country...

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