INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams had to pile up a veritable mountain of points, yards and time-of-possession advantage early on to give themselves even a chance against the Buffalo Bills’ ferocious fourth-quarter rally and a historic six-touchdown performance by Josh Allen. The Rams (7-6) just barely had enough to hang on for a victory that might change their season. Stafford passed for 320 yards and hit Puka Nacua for a 19-yard touchdown with 1:54 to play, and the Rams overcame Allen’s three TD passes and three TD runs to snap the Bills’ seven-game winning streak with a 44-42 victory Sunday. Allen passed for 342 yards and rushed for 82 yards for the Bills (10-3), who hadn’t lost since Oct. 6 in Houston. He became the first player in NFL history with three passing TDs and three rushing TDs in a game during his league-record fifth career outing with at least two of each — but it wasn’t enough to overcome Buffalo’s 17-point deficit entering the fourth.
DALLAS (AP) — Star outfielder Juan Soto and the New York Mets agreed Sunday to a record $765 million, 15-year contract, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press, a deal that could escalate to $805 million and is believed to be the largest pact in team sports history. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the agreement, first reported by the New York Post, was subject to a successful physical. While there are no definitive records in sports beyond the United States, Soto’s deal is thought to eclipse those in all other team sports. The deal, spurning the New York Yankees’ attempt to retain the star who helped them reach the World Series, was reached on the eve of the first full day of baseball’s annual winter meetings.
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Saquon Barkley knew the Eagles season rushing record could be his on Sunday with the type of stellar performance that has become the standard during his first season in Philadelphia. As for the exact moment Barkley hit the milestone, he wasn’t sure — until the “MVP!” chants echoed throughout the Linc after a 9-yard run in the fourth quarter. “The records are great, they put a smile on your face,” Barkley said, “but the season is far from over.” Needing 109 yards to break LeSean McCoy’s record, Barkley rushed for 124 yards and pushed his season total to 1,623 in a 22-16 victory over Carolina. Barkley needed just 13 games to pass McCoy, who rushed for 1,607 yards in 2013. He also overtook Wilbert Montgomery, who had 1,512 yards in 1978. “I never wrote the goal down to break it,” Barkley said. “You’re always aware of it. That’s how I train. That’s how I operate in the offseason. I want to be great.” Barkley also maintained his pace to break Eric Dickerson’s NFL single-season rushing record of 2,105 yards, set in 1984 with the Los Angeles Rams.
FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Ashlyn Watkins had her third career dunk, MiLaysia Fulwiley scored 20 points and third-ranked South Carolina overwhelmed No. 9 TCU 85-52 on Sunday night. Te-Hina Paopao and Raven Johnson each added 11 points, and Chloe Kitts had 12 rebounds for the Gamecocks (9-1). Hailey Van Lith had 21 points and six assists for the Horned Frogs (9-1), who finished their first week ever as a top 10 team with a lopsided loss against the reigning national champion. They had their second 9-0 start since coach Mark Campbell’s arrival after going 8-23 the year before that. Watkins now has a dunk in each of her three seasons with South Carolina.
SUNDAY SCORES
National Football League
Pittsburgh 27, Cleveland 14
New Orleans 14, NY Giants 11
Miami 32, NY Jets 26 OT
Minnesota 42, Atlanta 21
Jacksonville 10, Tennessee 6
Philadelphia 22, Carolina 16
Tampa Bay 28, Las Vegas 13
Seattle 30, Arizona 18
San Francisco 38, Chicago 13
Kansas City 19, LA Chargers 17
LA Rams 44, Buffalo 42