The College Football Playoff will expand to 24 teams next year, ending a three-decade era of conference title games. College leaders announced the new format Monday after ESPN agreed to rework its contract to add 11 new games. The deal is for five years and an additional $1.7 billion. The new format will have five automatic qualifiers, including champions from the Power Four leagues. The other teams will be chosen by a selection panel. The top eight seeds will receive first-round byes, and the playoff will start on the second weekend in December.
The Jaguars loaded up to make a run in the AFC. The Bears got an immediate impact from Jeffery Simmons. The Seahawks, 49ers and Lions bolstered their teams. Several significant players have already changed uniforms. More moves are expected before the NFL’s trade deadline Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET. Everyone is watching the Minnesota Vikings (6-2) and wondering what they’ll do after Carson Wentz’s dismal performance against Buffalo on Monday night. The Vikings have to be calling teams looking for an upgrade at quarterback. Kyler Murray is dealing with a hamstring issue and the offense has been mediocre with him.
DENVER (AP) — Devon Key's quick thinking led to a crucial improbable interception for the Denver Broncos. During Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers, Key grabbed the ball after it bounced off Tommy Tremble's hands and right wrist. Initially, it seemed like the play was over, but Broncos coach Sean Payton challenged the call just in time. Replays confirmed Key's interception, helping Denver secure a 26-21 victory. This win marks the Broncos' 16th consecutive one-score victory, setting an NFL record. Denver has benefited from key officiating calls in several games this season, contributing to their strong 7-2 record.
Detroit Tigers infielder Kevin McGonigle has won the American League Rookie of the Year award after a stellar all-around season that sets him up to be a franchise cornerstone. Cincinnati Reds slugger Sal Stewart took home the National League honor. The 22-year-old McGonigle had a .278 batting average and .806 OPS with 18 homers, 72 RBIs, 28 doubles and 12 stolen bases while splitting time between shortstop and third base. He’s the first Tigers player to win the award since pitcher Michael Fulmer in 2016 and the first Detroit infielder since Lou Whitaker in 1978. Stewart was a force in the middle of the Reds’ lineup with 32 homers and 112 RBIs while playing in all 162 games.
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills have beaten the Vikings 23-6 and sent Minnesota deeper into its offensive slump. Allen threw a touchdown pass with 44 seconds left before halftime, and James Cook rushed 31 times for 107 yards and a late score. Linebackers Terrel Bernard and Dorian Williams had interceptions and Tyler Bass made three field goals to stretch his franchise-record streak to 24 straight as the Bills matched their best eight-game start since 1993. Carson Wentz started at quarterback for the Vikings and had one of the worst performances of his 11-year career.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Rams receiver Puka Nacua is expected to be out for at least a month after he sprained ligaments in his right knee and developed turf toe during Los Angeles’ win at Washington. Coach Sean McVay says the Rams expect to put Nacua on injured reserve. He’ll join fellow star receiver Davante Adams, who has no set return date from his hamstring injury. McVay’s offense will be without Matthew Stafford’s top two targets for an extended period, dealing a devastating blow to a team that began the season as a Super Bowl favorite.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are making a Super Bowl push. The Jaguars acquired defensive tackle Jordan Davis from the Philadelphia Eagles for a 2027 first-round draft pick and a 2029 second-rounder. It was the most significant of three trades for the Jaguars, who believe they have a shot at the No. 1 seed in the AFC and a chance to make the franchise’s first Super Bowl. The 6-2 Jaguars previously traded for Atlanta safety Jessie Bates III and for New Orleans defensive tackle Davon Godchaux.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is considered day to day after injuring his elbow during a game against the Jets, coach Andy Reid said Monday. Mahomes was strip-sacked by David Bailey, causing a fumble and leaving his arm dangling. He was examined but returned to the game, finishing with 242 yards and two touchdown passes. Reid added that wide receiver Xavier Worthy and right tackle Jaylen Moore are day to day with injuries. The Chiefs face the Falcons on Sunday. Reid also hasn't decided whether to bench kicker Harrison Butker after another missed kick, with Justin Tucker as a potential replacement.
MIAMI (AP) — The NBA is planning a Nov. 30 event to announce Miami as the site of the 2028 All-Star weekend, according to a person with knowledge of the matter. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, Miami Heat chairman Micky Arison and other league officials are expected at the event, according to the person who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Monday because neither side announced any details publicly. Miami was picked by the league “months ago,” said the person, adding that the Nov. 30 date is slightly fluid. But the biggest parts of the agreement have been reached.
TORONTO (AP) — Carey Price first visited the Hockey Hall of Fame as a teenager. Now he's one of the players enshrined there. The longtime Montreal Canadiens goaltender was inducted Monday alongside Patrice Bergeron, Pekka Rinne, Keith Tkachuk and Cindy Curley in the player category. Brian Burke was enshrined as a builder. The No. 5 pick of the 2005 draft, Price won the Hart Trophy as league MVP and the Vezina Trophy as its top goaltender in 2015. He finished with a 361-261-79 record, .917 save percentage, 2.51 goals-against average and 49 shutouts across 712 games. Bergeron spent all 19 of his NHL seasons with Boston and won the Stanley Cup in 2011.
Finals
NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE
Final Philadelphia 3 Vancouver 1
Final Edmonton 3 N-Y Rangers 1
Final SO San Jose 3 N-Y Islanders 2
NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Final Buffalo 23 Minnesota 6
TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Final (4)UConn 83 Wagner 41
Final (7)Texas 93 Grambling State 62
Final (11)Tennessee 70 Radford 47
Final (17)Miami (FL) 89 North Florida 51
Final (18)Alabama 109 Oakland 68