Soaring Jaguars brace for test against AFC-leading Broncos

The Denver Broncos were considered an AFC front-runner entering the season. The Jacksonville Jaguars were not remotely on that radar.

And yet both teams find themselves as division leaders with three weeks left in the regular season ahead of Jacksonville's trip to face Denver on Sunday.

The Broncos (12-2) have a one-game cushion in the race for the AFC's No. 1 seed thanks to their win over the Green Bay Packers last week and the New England Patriots' loss to the Buffalo Bills. Denver is two games ahead of the second-place Los Angeles Chargers in the AFC West.

Denver showed its resilience in the latest victory, outscoring the Packers 20-3 over the final 25 minutes on the way to a 34-26 win. It was the Broncos' 11th straight win.

Jacksonville (10-4) enters on a more modest five-game winning streak that has helped the team rise up to the No. 3 seed in the AFC. The Jaguars hold a one-game lead over the Houston Texans in the AFC South.

The Jaguars, who are coming off a 48-20 win over the New York Jets, have scored 35-plus points in three of their past five games.

"They're doing a lot of things really well. They're scoring," Broncos coach Sean Payton said. "... We've got to be on point."

However, only four of Jacksonville's wins have come against teams currently over .500.

Jacksonville coach Liam Coen said of opposing the Broncos, "It's a great opportunity for us to go compete and earn everything we get."

Both teams' quarterbacks are coming off what could be the best games of their careers. Denver's Bo Nix completed 23 of 34 passes (67.6%) for 302 yards and a career-high-tying four touchdown passes in the Green Bay win.

Nix moved into a tie for fourth-most wins by a QB in his first two NFL seasons (22). With two more wins, he would tie Russell Wilson atop the leaderboard.

"It's an honor," Nix said. "The great thing about wins is it's a team award. I think winning is the ultimate sign of how your team's doing. To me, it's a sign that we've got a really good team that I'm on. I wouldn't be able to do it without the guys in the locker room."

Jacksonville's Trevor Lawrence diced a depleted Jets defense last week, throwing for a season-high 330 yards and a career-high five touchdowns while also rushing for 51 yards and his sixth touchdown of the season, a career high.

Over the past three games, the fifth-year quarterback has nine touchdown passes and no interceptions. He enters this week's game with 23 TD tosses, two off his career high.

Lawrence hasn't been sacked in the last two games. Extending that trend will be a test against a Denver defense that has 58 sacks, 10 more than any other team and just off the pace of breaking the Bears' NFL record of 72 sacks in 1984.

"They're really, really good. Obviously, the numbers are historic," Lawrence said. " ... It's not just the group up front. It's the whole defense, every level. They're well-coached, they're flying around, making plays, they're physical."

Jacksonville's defense, on the other hand, had three interceptions last week to bring its season tally to 18, second in the league.

Jaguars running back Bhayshul Tuten (finger) won't play on Sunday and is reportedly set to miss the rest of the regular season. Jacksonville signed running back Deejay Dallas off the Carolina Panthers' practice squad and added him to its active roster on Tuesday.

Jacksonville defensive lineman Danny Striggow (ankle) and linebacker Jalen McLeod (ankle) also were ruled out for Sunday.

Linebacker Justin Strnad (foot) is the only active Bronco officially listed as out. Guard Ben Powers (biceps) and linebacker Karene Reid (hamstring) are considered questionable.

--Field Level Media

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December 19, 2025

Soaring Jaguars brace for test against AFC-leading Broncos

The Denver Broncos were considered an AFC front-runner entering the season. The Jacksonville Jaguars were not remotely...

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Jake Paul says he broke his jaw during Anthony Joshua fight

Jake Paul stepped into the ring with Anthony Joshuaanddidn't get the result he wantedin the Netflix main event on Friday night.

Paul was knocked out in the sixth round of the fight and told Ariel Helwani during the post-fight interview that he would be taking a break to recover.

"I think my jaw is broke, by the way,'' Paul said during his in-ring interview. "It's definitely broke."

Joshua was credited with knocking Paul down on multiple occasions during the contest.

Highlights from Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua fight

Paul was not fully discouraged about his boxing future following the loss, but said he would take some time off to recover and figure out his next fight.

Paul sustained a bloodied mouth after Joshua delivered a right-handed punch to the face in the corner. Paul dropped to the ground and the fight was declared over by the referee.

#JakeJoshuapic.twitter.com/646n9qrwNU

— Netflix (@netflix)December 20, 2025

"The end goal was to get Jake Paul, pin him down and hurt him," Joshua said during an in-ring interview. "… It took a little bit longer than expected. But, the right hand finally found its destination."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Jake Paul injury update after boxer says he broke his jaw

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December 19, 2025

Jake Paul says he broke his jaw during Anthony Joshua fight

Jake Paul stepped into the ring with Anthony Joshuaanddidn't get the result he wantedin the Netflix main event on Fri...

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Los Angeles Dodgers to pay record $169 million luxury tax after winning 2nd straight World Series

NEW YORK (AP) — The Los Angeles Dodgers will pay a record $169.4 million luxury tax afterwinning their second straight World Series title, raising their two-year tax bill to $272.4 million.

The New York Mets have the second-highest tax assessment among the record-tying nine teams that pay at $91.6 million despite missing the 12-team playoffs, raising their tax owed to $320.3 million in the last four years under high-spending owner Steve Cohen.

The Dodgers will pay tax for the fifth consecutive season. Their total broke the previous high of $103 million they had set last year and overtook the New York Yankees for the first time in total tax since the penalty started in 2003, $519.4 million to $514.2 million.

Los Angeles' $417.3 million tax payroll topped the previous record of $374.7 million by the 2023 Mets. The Dodgers' total included $949,244 in noncash compensation for two-way star Shohei Ohtani, whose contract calls foruse of a suite for games at Dodger Stadium and an interpreter.

The Mets' payroll of $346.7 million included $369,886 in noncash compensation for Juan Soto, whose contract specified theteam will pay for his use of a luxury suite, up to four premium tickets and personal team securityfor the All-Star outfielder and his family. Soto finished with a record tax salary of $51,769,868 after earning $400,000 in award bonuses.

The Yankees owe $61.8 million, according to figures finalized Friday by Major League Baseball and the players' association and obtained by The Associated Press. They were followed by Philadelphia ($56.1 million), AL champion Toronto ($13.6 million), San Diego (just under $7 million), Boston and Houston (both around $1.5 million), andTexas(about $190,000).

Nine teams paying matches the record set year and the $402.6 million tax total topped the previous high of $311.3 million last year. Tax money is due to MLB by Jan. 21.

By cutting payroll with a series of deals ahead of the 2024 trade deadline and getting below that year's threshold, the Blue Jays reset their tax rates and saved about $21 million this year. Had they been over the threshold for the third consecutive season, their tax bill would have risen to almost $34.65 million.

More than $1.63 billion in taxes have been assessed to 15 teams since the penalty started in 2003.

The Dodgers, Mets, Yankees and Phillies have paid tax in four straight seasons, with Philadelphia at $80.3 million surpassing Boston at $53.2 million for the fourth-highest total since 2003. San Diego is sixth at $49.5 million. The top four teams all exceeded the fourth threshold level, added in the 2022 labor contract and nicknamed theCohen Taxin an initiative aimed at slowing his spending.

After paying tax in consecutive years, Atlanta dropped under the threshold at $234.8 million.

Among teams paying the tax, the Mets, Astros and Rangers missed the playoffs.

Miami had the lowest tax payroll at $86.9 million, about one-fifth the Dodgers' total, and the Chicago White Sox were 29th at $91.8 million.

Total spending on luxury tax payrolls rose 2.3% for the second straight season, to $6.06 billion from $5.93 billion.

Tax payrolls are calculated by average annual values, including earned bonuses, for players on 40-man rosters along with just over $17 million per team for benefits and $1.67 million for each club's share of the $50 million pool for pre-arbitration players that started in 2022. Deferred salaries and deferred bonus payments are discounted to present-day values.

Because they owe tax for three straight years, the Mets, Dodgers, Yankees and Phillies pay at a 50% rate on the first $20 million above the $241 million threshold, a 62% rate on the next $20 million, a 95% rate on the amount from $281 million to $301 million and a 110% amount above that.

Houston owes for the second year in a row and pays 30% on the amount over $241 million.

Boston, San Diego and Toronto pay a 20% rate on the amount over $241 million but less than $261 million, a 32% rate on the amount over $261 million but less than $281 million and a 62.5% rate on the amount over $281 million but less than $301 million.

The labor contract calls for the first $3.5 million of tax money to be used to fund player benefits and 50% of the remainder to fund player Individual Retirement Accounts. The other 50% of what's left is dedicated to a supplemental commissioner's discretionary fund that is distributed among teams that are eligible to receive revenue-sharing money and have grown their non-media local revenue.

Next year's initial threshold is $244 million. If the Dodgers, Mets, Yankees or Phillies go over, they would pay at the highest tax rate, rising to 110% for the amount over $304 million.

Regular payroll figures, which include 2025 salaries, prorated shares of signing bonuses and earned bonuses, have not been finalized yet.

AP MLB:https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

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December 19, 2025

Los Angeles Dodgers to pay record $169 million luxury tax after winning 2nd straight World Series

NEW YORK (AP) — The Los Angeles Dodgers will pay a record $169.4 million luxury tax afterwinning their second straight Wo...

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NASCAR's Brad Keselowski breaks leg in skiing accident, expected to recover for Daytona 500

CHARLOTTE,N.C. (AP) — NASCAR driver Brad Keselowski, a former series champion who is now co-owner of RFK Racing, broke his right leg while on a ski trip, the team announced Friday.

Keselowski underwent surgery Thursday and doctors have told him to expect a quick recovery that will have him back for the season-opening Daytona 500 in February. He is winless in 16 starts in the showcase race as he enters the final years of his driving career.

"Life has a way of reminding you to slow down," Keselowskiposted on social mediawith photos of him in the hospital surrounded by his wife and children, an image of the break, and video of him using a walker. "Grateful for my family by my side, an excellent medical team, and the ability to take a few steps forward today. Focused on Daytona. Bonus — I'm now bionic!"

Keselowski did not reveal the extent of his injury, or what bones are broken.

Keselowski, who turns 42 just days before the Feb. 15 "Great American Race," is entering his 17th full season of racing at the top Cup Series level. He spent the bulk of his career at Team Penske but purchased a stake in Roush Fenway Racing in 2022 and became an owner/driver of the rebranded team.

Theorganization is reelingfrom Thursday'sfatal plane crash that killed longtime Roush driver Greg Biffleand six others, including his wife and two children. Biffle had retired by the time Keselowski joined the team.

"First and foremost, our hearts remain heavy with the news of yesterday's tragic events," the team said. "The RFK Racing family, as well as the NASCAR community, as a whole, continues to keep those close to The Biffle Family and all those affected in our thoughts. Albeit untimely, we feel that in the interest of transparency we share RFK Racing co-owner and driver Brad Keselowski suffered a broken leg while on a ski trip with his family Thursday."

The team called the surgery "routine" and said doctors expect a "a quick and full recovery."

Keselowski broke his ankle in 2011 when he crashed during a test session and won a Cup Series race at Pocono just days later.

"I'm grateful to the medical team who took great care of me and for the support system around me," Keselowski said in a statement. "I'm motivated to get back to full strength as quickly as possible and will work relentlessly to be ready for Daytona."

Keselowski won the 2012 Cup Series championship for Penske and has 36 career victories at NASCAR's top level. He won the Xfinity Series title in 2010 and 39 races in NASCAR's second-tier series. He has won one points-paying race since leaving Penske as he works to help rebuild RFK into the once-proud organization founded by Hall of Fame team owner Jack Roush.

Chase Elliott, NASCAR's most popular driver, missed six races in the 2023 season when he broke his leg in a snowboarding crash early in the season. Kyle Busch missed 11 races when he broke his leg in a crash at Daytona in 2015 but recovered to win the Cup championship that year.

AP auto racing:https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing

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December 19, 2025

NASCAR's Brad Keselowski breaks leg in skiing accident, expected to recover for Daytona 500

CHARLOTTE,N.C. (AP) — NASCAR driver Brad Keselowski, a former series champion who is now co-owner of RFK Racing, broke hi...

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Germany's Julia Taubitz wins World Cup women's luge, American sliders take next 3 spots

LAKE PLACID, N.Y. (AP) — Germany's Julia Taubitz had the fastest time in the second heat and that was enough to give her a World Cup women's luge win on Friday night, with American sliders grabbing the next three places on home ice.

Taubitz finished her two runs in 1 minute, 28.824 seconds — less than one-quarter of a second faster than the three U.S. contenders. Ashley Farquharson was second, Summer Britcher was third and Emily Fischnaller was fourth for the Americans.

Russia had a slider in a World Cup race for the first time in nearly four years. Daria Olesik, competing as a neutral slider, was 21st in her lone run; only the top 20 made it to the second heat.

Olesik is presumably the only female luge athlete from Russia with a chance to reach the Milan Cortina Games in February.

Weather forced the schedule to be changed Friday, with both the men's and women's doubles events postponed to Saturday. That means five World Cup races will be held on one day — the two doubles races, men's singles, mixed doubles and mixed singles.

At Sigulda, Latvia, Belgium's Kim Meylemans won a World Cup women's skeleton race for the second consecutive day — rallying to beat Anna Fernstaedt of Czechia on Friday.

Meylemans won in 1:44.16, 0.08 seconds ahead of Fernstaedt and 0.14 seconds ahead of Britain's Amelia Coltman. Kelly Curtis was 22nd for the U.S.

In the men's skeleton race, Britain went 1-2 with Matt Weston cruising to a win over countryman Marcus Wyatt. Felix Keisinger was third, nearly a second back of Weston's winning time. Austin Florian tied for 14th for the U.S.

Luge: World Cup racing at Lake Placid on Saturday.

Skeleton: Men's skeleton at Sigulda on Saturday.

Bobsled: Women's monobob, two-man races at Sigulda on Saturday.

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December 19, 2025

Germany's Julia Taubitz wins World Cup women's luge, American sliders take next 3 spots

LAKE PLACID, N.Y. (AP) — Germany's Julia Taubitz had the fastest time in the second heat and that was enough to give ...

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Who are the NBA players most likely to be traded before deadline?

For a certain caliber of NBA superstar, the trade rumors often don't stop once they start. Not in previous generations of the league and certainly not in the current climate, in which what comes out of anNBAtrade machine often resonates more than what comes out of an NBA game.

Milwaukee BucksstarGiannis Antetokounmpo is feeling the effect this season, partly through his own doing and lack of clarity. He's twice had to address reports about his uncertain future with the team ‒once during the preseasonandagain earlier this weekas he recovers froma calf injury. It's why the two-time former NBA MVP leads the list of players most likely to be traded – and the most sought-after player – before the league's deadline arrives on Feb. 5.

But Antetokounmpo is not the only big name who might be on the trading block in the weeks and months ahead, with expiring contracts to be dealt and disappointing teams trying to rebuild. Here's a breakdown of notable NBA players with the best chance to be traded by the deadline, as well as some trade rumors to watch:

Oct. 26: The Brooklyn Nets' Michael Porter Jr. dunks in front of the San Antonio Spurs' Victor Wembanyama at Frost Bank Center.

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NBA players most likely to be traded by deadline

Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks

Trade rumors about Antetokounmpo haven't stopped even while he's on the shelf.The Bucks were scufflingbefore he got hurt and and haven't gotten better without him.Antetokounmpo insisted he has not spoken to team officialsabout wanting a trade since this season began, but also didn't rule out the possibility his agent may have done so. If Antetokounmpo comes back and the Bucks aren't competing to be in the top-six of the Eastern Conference standings around the trade deadline, both sides could decide it's the right time to make a move.

Anthony Davis, Dallas Mavericks

TheDallas Maverickshave a dilemma with Davis if they're looking to rebuild aroundCooper Flaggin the aftermath offiring former General Manager Nico Harrison. Davis is still one of the NBA's best big men when he plays, and the Mavericks' recent uptick coincides with his season debut. But durability concerns linger for the 32-year-old, who is set to make more than $58 million next season and has a player option for more than $62 million in 2027-28. That complicates Davis' status at the trade deadline because his value has decreased sincehe was dealt by the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Luka Doncic last February. Are the Mavericks willing to sell low?

Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks

Young recently returned to actionafter missing 22 games due to injury, while theHawksblossomed behind new starJalen Johnson. If the team loses its momentum with Young back in the lineup, speculation will ramp up about his future as the trade deadline approaches. Young has a player option on his contract for next season, which means he could become a free agent. The more complicated question for Atlanta (and potential suitors) is whether he's still worth paying like a No. 1 option long term.

DeMar DeRozan, Sacramento Kings

The Kings are a mess with an expensive roster of players that don't fit well together. Just about the entire lineup could be available at the trade deadline this year, withZack Lavine,Domantas Sabonis,Malik MonkandKeon Ellisamong the other options prominently mentioned in rumors. But DeRozan might be the easiest to trade because his contract is only partially guaranteed next year, and he's making less than $25 million this season unlike Lavine and Sabonis. The 36-year-old is averaging more than 18 points per game and tied his season high with 33 points in theKings' 134-133 loss to the Portland Trail Blazerson Dec. 18.

Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors

It'd probably be best for everyone involved if Kuminga and theWarriorsfigured out how to resolve their increasingly awkward relationship by the NBA's trade deadline.Kuminga has been in-and-out of Golden State's rotation this seasondue to decisions made by coach Steve Kerr or mysterious injuries, leading to continued speculation about Kuminga's desire to remain with the team. The 23-year-old ended an offseason stalemate by agreeing to a 2-year deal with the Warriors as a restricted free agent, but it doesn't appear he ever really wanted to return to Golden State.

Chris Paul, Los Angeles Clippers

Paul is still technically on the Clippers despite being sent home by the team earlier this month.There are indications Paul would like to continue playingsomewhere else this season,and outside Los Angeles if necessary, after previously announcing this would be his last season. He signed a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Clippers this offseason and would be an easy throw-in if the team elects to make a major trade in response to its poor start to the 2025-26 campaign.NBA commissioner Adam Silver said at the NBA Cuphe would "love" to see Paul find a new team to close his final season.

See highlights from Chris Paul's NBA career

NBA trade rumors: Players to watch

Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies

Though Morant's name ismentioned frequently in NBA trade gossip, his injury issues and significant contract make a deal more challenging in the near term. Even if the Grizzlies were looking to trade Morant – the team insists they're not, though it has a better record without him than with him through Dec. 18 – he needs to be healthy for a deal to occur at the trade deadline, which isn't a given according to recent history. Memphis will have a hard time getting much in return for Morant in the next two months withhis stock so lowand two more years left on his max rookie extension. If Morant is traded, it's more likely to happen after this season ends.

LaMelo Ball, Charlotte Hornets

Morant's situation in Memphis has some parallels for Ball,as rookie Kon Knueppel emergesas an intriguing new option for the Hornets. Unless Ball is included in a trade for Young or Morant, his max rookie extension and the potential he could still blossom in Charlotte alongside Knueppel and Brandon Miller likely outweighs what the team would get in return right now given Ball's max contract, recent injury history andreputation for lackadaisical play at times.

Lauri Markannen, Utah Jazz

Markannen has quietly been one of the best players in the NBA during the opening two months of the 2025-26 season, even as the Jazz appear destined for the draft lottery again. He could change the complexion of the postseason race if he were to land onthe right contender, and that comes with a steep price. Utah General Manager Danny Ainge has never been eager to deal, andthere's no rushwith Markannen in the first season of a new 4-year contract worth nearly $196 million.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:NBA trade rumors: Players most likely to be traded before deadline

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December 19, 2025

Who are the NBA players most likely to be traded before deadline?

For a certain caliber of NBA superstar, the trade rumors often don't stop once they start. Not in previous generation...

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Raiders QB Geno Smith back as starter vs. Texans

Quarterback Geno Smith will return to the starting lineup for the Las Vegas Raiders after a one-game absence, coach Pete Carroll said Friday.

Smith missed last Sunday's 31-0 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles due to shoulder and back injuries. He returns to face the Houston Texans, who feature the NFL's top defense.

Smith sat out the final quarter of a 24-17 loss to the Denver Broncos on Dec. 7 due to the right shoulder injury and a cut on his throwing hand.

Kenny Pickett replaced Smith in the Denver contest and started against the Eagles. Things didn't go well against Philadelphia as Las Vegas managed just 75 total yards and seven first downs. Pickett was 15-of-25 passing for 64 yards and one interception and he was sacked four times.

Smith has thrown for 2,648 yards, 16 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. He also has been sacked 49 times in 13 games.

The Texans feature two of the best pass rushers in the NFL in defensive ends Danielle Hunter (12 sacks) and Will Anderson Jr. (10.5). Houston leads the league in scoring defense (16.3 points per game) and total defense (269.2 yards per game) and also has intercepted 16 passes.

The Raiders (2-12) have lost eight straight games while Houston (9-5) has won six in a row.

--Field Level Media

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December 19, 2025

Raiders QB Geno Smith back as starter vs. Texans

Quarterback Geno Smith will return to the starting lineup for the Las Vegas Raiders after a one-game absence, coach Pe...

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