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The Buffalo Bills had a tough weekend, not only seeing their team fall in overtime to the Denver Broncos on Saturday, but subsequently seeing arch-rivals and historical divisional ‘big brother’ the New England Patriots take apart the Houston Texans in a 28-16 win on Sunday. The Patriots will now go on to face a Bo Nix-less Denver Broncos team, after head coach, Sean Payton revealed the second-year quarterback broke his ankle in the Divisional round game, ruling him out for the rest of the postseason, whilst Buffalo look to find a new head coach in the wake of Sean McDermott’s Monday morning firing. However, perhaps the biggest gripe fans will have is not about the loss itself, or the head coaching-decision, but the double-standard in officiating across the different games in this past weekend’s games. The Bills effectively lost the game on a controversial Ja’Quan McMillian interception of a Josh Allen throw in overtime, which saw Brandin Cooks haul in a long, downfield interception before McMillian ripped the ball away from the veteran wideout just after his knee hit the ground. RIPPED IT FROM HIS HANDS 😳 JOSH ALLEN PICKED OFF IN OVERTIME 😱 (via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/kjDJw3pVLf — SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 18, 2026 Bills Get Tough Decision On Overtime Catch The ruling was justified as an interception on the basis that Cooks did not maintain possession through hitting the ground. However, an almost identical play occurred the following day in the fourth quarter of the final Divisional round matchup between the Los Angeles Rams and Chicago Bears. All-Pro wide receiver, Davante Adams caught a pass from Rams quarterback, Matthew Stafford over the middle in the red zone during the fourth quarter, with the game tied at 10-10. And having caught the pass and had his knee touch the ground – much like Cooks – the ball was stripped away by cornerback Tyrique Stevenson almost immediately. How is this a catch from Davante Adams but the Brandin Cooks play wasn’t? *Both plays are catches fyi #BillsMafia | #GoBills pic.twitter.com/UWz2dkuTqU — Peter DiBiasi (@DibiasiPeter) January 19, 2026 Bills Fans Take To Social Media After Davante Adams Ruling And suffice to say Buffalo Bills fans were very much unhappy with the lack of consistency between the two key decisions across the two matchups. This catch by Davante Adams was ruled complete in the Rams – Bears game… This SAME PLAY was ruled an interception in the Bills – Broncos game… 🥶 These NFL Refs are so inconsistent… pic.twitter.com/lTRQrPHGHi — Mikerophone (@MikerophoneNFL) January 19, 2026 “This catch by Davante Adams was ruled complete in the Rams – Bears game… This SAME PLAY was ruled an interception in the Bills – Broncos game…  These NFL Refs are so inconsistent…” One fan wrote on X. How is this davante Adams catch different than the Brandin cooks play . If anything the bears db had more possession than the broncos player yesterday pic.twitter.com/uoUJ4VO9kD — John (@iam_johnw) January 19, 2026 “How is this davante Adams catch different than the Brandin cooks play . If anything the bears db had more possession than the broncos player yesterday”, another user posted on X after the game. Even if the Cooks catch was ultimately ruled an interception, one fan argued that the most important thing is consistency between the two decisions. Whether you believe it’s a catch or not, one thing MUST be true: Davante Adams and Brandin Cooks both DROPPED the football. Davante Adams and Brandin Cooks both CAUGHT the football. It’s not one or the other. It was the same exact thing. — Ajay Cybulski (@AjayCybulski) January 19, 2026 “Whether you believe it’s a catch or not, one thing MUST be true: Davante Adams and Brandin Cooks both DROPPED the football. Davante Adams and Brandin Cooks both CAUGHT the football. It’s not one or the other. It was the same exact thing.” The user noted. Although there were some points made by non-fan commentators in favor of both…

The Boston Red Sox entered the offseason knowing they would look very different on the left side of the infield. By the time Alex Bregman signed with the Chicago Cubs and Bo Bichette followed him off the board by choosing the New York Mets, the reality became unavoidable: Boston would have to look inward for answers at third base.That reality now centers on Marcelo Mayer, even if the organization still appears hesitant to declare the position permanently his.Mayer Says He’s Healthy—and ReadyMayer, the Red Sox’s former first-round pick and one of the most highly regarded prospects in baseball over the past several years, is coming off a frustrating and shortened 2025 season. A wrist injury ended his year in July, cutting short what had been an uneven but quietly instructive debut campaign in the majors. As spring training approaches, however, Mayer says the health concerns that clouded his rookie season are no longer an issue.“I feel good,” Mayer told The Boston Globe’s Pete Abraham earlier this week. “I’m pretty much doing full baseball activities like a normal ramp-up. I feel like I’m in a good spot.”That update alone matters for a Red Sox team still searching for clarity on the infield corners. With Bregman gone and no marquee replacement added, Mayer is penciled in—at least for now—as Boston’s Opening Day third baseman. But penciled in does not mean inked.Mayer played third base in 29 games last season, most of them while Bregman was sidelined, and graded out well defensively. He posted plus-two outs above average at the position, reinforcing the idea that third base is a viable long-term home if the bat develops. Offensively, the results were far less convincing. In 44 total games, Mayer finished with a .674 OPS and showed little power, hitting four home runs.Why Third Base Still Feels Temporary in BostonThe Red Sox, to their credit, are not ignoring that gap. According to Abraham, Mayer added roughly 10 pounds this offseason at the team’s request, an effort aimed at unlocking more consistent extra-base damage without compromising his defensive value.“My goal right now is just to get to spring training in the best shape I can and go out there and perform,” Mayer said. “You’re in the big leagues now. For me, the real work starts now.”There were at least some encouraging signs before the injury. Over his final 15 games of the season, Mayer slashed .262/.295/.357, a marked improvement from the .212 average he posted across his first 29 games. The power still lagged, but the contact quality and timing looked closer to what evaluators expected when he entered pro ball as one of the sport’s most polished hitters.Still, the Red Sox appear reluctant to treat third base as fully settled. Boston explored several infield options after losing Bregman. The team pursued Bichette earlier in the winter. Trade speculation followed. League chatter still suggests the front office prefers flexibility over committing fully to Mayer at third base.That hesitation is understandable. Injuries have followed Mayer since 2021. He has yet to play more than 91 games in a season at any level. That uncertainty creates risk for a Red Sox team trying to stay competitive.For now, Mayer represents both opportunity and uncertainty. He is healthy, stronger, and positioned for everyday at-bats. But until he proves he can stay on the field and drive the ball with authority, the Red Sox seem unwilling to close the door on alternative plans.Spring training may not determine Mayer’s future outright—but it will go a long way toward deciding whether third base finally becomes his for good. Like Heavy Sports's content? Be sure to follow us. This article was originally published on Heavy SportsThe post Red Sox Face Uncertain Infield Future as Young Star Provides Health Update appeared first on Heavy Sports.

The Pittsburgh Steelers gained a potential head coaching candidate in Sean McDermott on Monday. But they also lost one with Jeff Hafley going off the board.ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Monday evening the Miami Dolphins are hiring Hafley as their next head coach. Hafley completed his second interview with the Dolphins hours before Schefter’s report.Hafley greatly impressed the Dolphins front office during his first interview and became the favorite to land the job. ESPN Sources: Dolphins are hiring former Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley as their head coach. Hafley completed his second interview with the team today and will be their new head coach. pic.twitter.com/SCXhKvQsO7 — Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 19, 2026 Hafley has also impressed Steelers pundits, including Steelers Depot’s Alex Kozora. The Steelers writer argued last week that Hafley would be his choice to fill the team’s head coaching vacancy.Instead, Jeff Hafley lands in Miami.According to Steelers senior director of communications Burt Lauten, Hafley was one of seven candidates the Steelers met with virtually over the past week. The #Steelers completed virtual interviews this past week with:-Ejiro Evero, CAR -Jeff Hafley, GB -Klay Kubiak, SF -Jesse Minter, LAC -Nate Scheelhaase, LAR -Chris Shula, LAR -Anthony Weaver, MIA ***In-person interviews to begin this week for selected candidates. — Burt Lauten (@SteelersPRBurt) January 19, 2026 The Steelers also met with Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, who they will also interview in person this week. Schefter reported Sunday the Steelers plan to speak with former head coach Mike McCarthy about the opening as well. Like Heavy Sports's content? Be sure to follow us. This article was originally published on Heavy SportsThe post Steelers Lose Head Coaching Candidate to AFC Foe: Report appeared first on Heavy Sports.

The San Francisco 49ers have a significant decision to make this offseason on wideout Jauan Jennings. Now that their 2025 NFL season is over, the 49ers are in full offseason mode, and it’s time to decide which players could be leaving as the front office looks to improve the roster.In mid-March, Jennings can hit the open market as a free agent and secure a hefty payday, so the Niners will need to decide whether to let him walk or make an effort to keep him.Jennings had 55 catches for 643 yards and scored nine touchdowns in 15 games for the 49ers this season, per StatMuse. With the situation regarding Brandon Aiyuk and the departure of Deebo Samuel last offseason, Jennings took advantage of his increased role with San Francisco.On Jan. 19, 49ers QB Brock Purdy made his feelings known that he wants Jennings back in San Francisco next season. “I’m extremely hopeful,” Purdy told reporters (h/t 95.7 The Game). “He’s my guy and [I] love playing with him and everything that we’ve been through. He’s a war daddy that every time you step out on that field, man, you know you’re going to get your best and get everything from JJ. Obviously, I want my guy back.”Jauan Jennings Comments on 49ers FutureMoreover, Jennings made a brief comment on his future with the 49ers.“We’ll see… I have to talk to my guy [Drew] Rosenhaus,” Jennings said (h/t 95.7 The Game).It will be interesting to see what the 49ers decide to do, as they need to bolster their wide receiver group, especially with Aiyuk likely to be gone this offseason. They may also consider taking a different approach with their wideouts.The wideout could command more money from another team than what the 49ers are willing to offer. The next few weeks leading up to free agency will be crucial in determining how far San Francisco is willing to go to keep him.He previously held out before the season, seeking a long-term contract. Now, he has the chance to secure that deal either with the 49ers or elsewhere.49ers Want to Keep Jauan JenningsAhead of free agency opening up in a few weeks after the Super Bowl, NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco shared the latest regarding Jennings’ future with the 49ers.“[The 49ers’] top free agent is Jauan Jennings, but there’s no guarantee that Jauan Jennings will be back on the team after the sides could not come to a contract resolution on a long‑term extension before the season,” Maiocco said on his YouTube channel on Jan. 18.“You know, the numbers that I heard that Jauan Jennings and his representation were asking for—I don’t fault the 49ers, and I can see why there wasn’t a long‑term extension signed.“So now that he is in line to hit the open market in mid‑March, the team can have an idea of what other teams value him, and then the 49ers can play off of that. Now that didn’t work out so well with Dre Greenlaw… But Jennings is definitely somebody the 49ers would like to have back.” Like Heavy Sports's content? Be sure to follow us. This article was originally published on Heavy SportsThe post 49ers’ Brock Purdy Doesn’t Hold Back on Jauan Jennings’ Future appeared first on Heavy Sports.

The Boston Celtics have moved into the No. 2 spot in the Eastern Conference thanks to their strong recent play–most notably a run of 11 wins in 15 games going back to December 19. But despite that progress they remain comfortably behind the Detroit Pistons, the top team in the conference, which established an East lead thanks to a 15-2 start and has held firm since. The Pistons had gone through a dip in performance but won five of their last six. The Celtics need a full complement of players, and that includes Payton Pritchard.Last time out for the Celtics, Pritchard was sidelined with an ankle injury and missed Boston’s win over Atlanta. But going into Detroit, Boston will be facing a hefty favorite.It is a surprise, of course, that the Celtics (with Jayson Tatum rehabbing from an Achilles tendon tear) have gotten as far as they have in the East, but beating the Pistons and making headway on the No. 1 seed in the conference would represent a step forward in what has been a surprise season.Celtics Will Have Payton PritchardPritchard, it turns out, will be on the floor. He was listed as questionable coming into the day, but the Celtics altered their injury report to move him to “available.”Here’s the official injury list from the Celtics for Monday:“Injury Report Update: Chris Boucher – Low Back Spasms – PROBABLE Josh Minott – Left Ankle Sprain – OUT Payton Pritchard – AVAILABLE Jayson Tatum – Right Achilles Repair – OUT”Pritchard has continued to improve here in his fifth season, with 16.6 points, 5.4 assists and 4.5 rebounds this year. His shooting has dipped considerably, to 44.7% from the field and 33.8 from the free-throw line. He had undergone a rough stretch in December, but in the 12 games before he was injured, Pritchard had averaged 18.3 points on 47.5% shooting and 36.0% 3-point shooting.Pistons Will Try to ‘Control Chaos’When it comes to great stories in the Eastern Conference, where bad news has been the norm (ask the Pacers, Knicks and Bucks), the Pistons might be the only tale that can rival that of the Celtics this year. Detroit showed promise last year in its first season under BJ Bickerstaff, but no one saw the Pistons controlling the conference the way they have.Bickerstaff credits the team’s motto, one that would suit the Celtics this year, too: “Control the chaos.”Explained Bickerstaff: “You know something is coming. I think that was the most important thing is figuring out, how do we prepare for whatever it is that’s coming? Coming into the season, we expected the outside noise of higher expectations, guys in contract years, we had new guys, you know at some point in time, an injury is gonna happen. And we wanted to be in position where we were prepared when those moments happen, that we could handle them.“That’s where the motto came from and that’s where our mindset still is.” Like Heavy Sports's content? Be sure to follow us. This article was originally published on Heavy SportsThe post Celtics Get Major Update on Payton Pritchard Before Pistons Showdown appeared first on Heavy Sports.