Category News

Star quarterbacks falter as 49ers eye home Super Bowl – best of week 17

By in News, Sports News
Images courtesy of Getty
Higham, Paul

Journalist for BBC Sport
  • 168 Comments

One of three final-day deciders was set up by the Pittsburgh Steelers, who had a shot to win the play-off spot in week 17.

The 49ers edged the grittier Chicago Bears in a thrilling game in San Francisco, but the so-called “Super Bowl preview” between the Buffalo Bills and the Philadelphia Eagles saw both teams exhibit some significant offensive weaknesses.

As Seattle moved one step closer to the top seed in the NFC, Sam Darnold made history, and Drake Maye and Trevor Lawrence impressed once more as the AFC’s main contenders finished strong.

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The “Super Bowl preview” highlights flaws, according to the breakdown

Both sides have concerns about their offensive performance, despite how exciting Philadelphia’s 13-12 victory over Buffalo was and how impressive the defense was overall.

Josh Allen, who had the game on its last three quarters, dragged the Bills back into the game with his usual brilliance, but he missed the crucial throw in the dying seconds that would have secured victory.

Allen also lost a fumble that led to the Eagles’ touchdown, which led to a crazy scramble that ended in a 19-yard sack and was a cautious runner after a fourth down attempt from three yards out.

The reigning champion is unquestionably a superstar, but when it comes to play-off time, Buffalo will have to go on the road as a wildcard side to make those big plays.

The main issue would have been Jalen Hurts’ inability to pass a pass in the second half if Allen had connected with that late pass.

The Eagles need more from Hurts despite their defense being among the best in the league, which means they are the first team since the 1987 Patriots to win two games in a row without making a second-half pass.

Nick Sirianni, the head coach, is a brash person who won’t let up. Only two coaches have won more games in their first five seasons in charge of a team than he does, and he certainly knows how to win.

Philadelphia are content to take the lead and trust their defense, but they are prone to failure by gaining just 16 second-half yards, as they did in Buffalo.

Quarterback Josh Allen throws a pass for the Buffalo Bills in their defeat to the Philadelphia EaglesImages courtesy of Getty

    • three days ago

Steelers have blown their chances, in focus.

The Pittsburgh Steelers lost 13-6 to Cleveland just as we anticipated Aaron Rodgers, 42, would be back in the play-offs, setting up a mouthwatering finale showdown with Baltimore.

We anticipated a classic Rodgers comeback after a brutal defensive contest, but he did so unexpectedly with a brilliant late drive to get 10 yards from the end zone.

However, Rodgers fell short of clinching the AFC North with three straight touchdowns with top receiver DK Metcalf suspended.

In week 18 of the play-offs, the Steelers could have rested players if they had prevailed, but instead they now face bitter rivals in Pittsburgh’s winner-takes-all showdown.

Aaron Rodgers complains to the referees during Pittsburgh's defeat in Cleveland in the NFLImages courtesy of Getty

    • a day ago

Game of the week: Niners defeat Bears in a shootout.

The 49ers won a thrilling 42-38 victory over the Chicago Bears in a thrilling game on Sunday night.

The way Caleb Williams and Brock Purdy traded blows all night gave way to the tie at 7-7, 14-14, 21-21, 28-28, and 35-35 in the first regular-season game.

The Bears were the first team to score 35 points, a defensive touchdown, no turnovers, and no sacks while still falling.

Williams just missed out on a second late comeback when the final field goal attempt was incomplete.

Purdy has had a great season since coming back from injury, and this year, he has had the most starts or fewer than 23 touchdowns for a quarterback.

If they win their showdown with Seattle next week, the Niners could now finish the regular season as the NFC’s top seed after scoring 40 or more points in consecutive games for the first time in 30 years.

San Francisco’s run is so strong because they managed to recover despite some significant injuries, including the loss of both defensive players Nick Bosa and Fred Warner, while also remaining without Purdy, Ricky Pearsall, and George Kittle for some time this season.

Game notes, stats, and records for Week 17

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Yes, it was only against the Jets, but Patriots quarterback Drake Maye was outstanding, completing 19 of his 21 passes with a 99.8%, the highest ever quarterback rating, on the field.

Maye strengthened his MVP claims as the Pats continued to fight for the AFC title, but they will not be afraid of losing to them away in a play-off game because they are the only team without a win this season.

Sam Darnold, Peyton Manning, Bratt Favre, Aaron Rodgers, and Tom Brady are the only quarterbacks to have won 13 games straight when Seattle defeated the Panthers.

Darnold will play for the top seed in the final game, hoping to do so in a way that was only possible with Detroit, just like he did with Minnesota last year.

With his Jaguars now firmly in contention for the AFC title, Liam Coen is the coach of the year favorite because he became the first head coach to win 12 games since replacing a team with four wins or fewer.

Playoffs: Final-week showdowns

In game 272, the final game of the regular season, Carolina and Tampa Bay battle for the NFC South, while the Ravens and Steelers slug it out for the AFC North.

On Saturday night, the Seahawks and 49ers will square off for the NFC title.

In the event that the Broncos defeat the Chargers, Denver will be the AFC’s top seed with the Patriots and Jaguars waiting in the wings.

Thursday, January 3rd,

Carolina Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC South (21: 30)

Seattle Seahawks versus the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC West on Sunday at 11:00

Sunday, January 4th,

JavaScript must be enabled in your browser to play this video.

full schedule of NFL Week 18

Thursday, January 3rd,

Sunday, January 4th,

related subjects

  • American Football

Star quarterbacks falter as 49ers eye home Super Bowl – best of week 17

By in News, Sports News
Images courtesy of Getty
Higham, Paul

Journalist for BBC Sport
  • 168 Comments

One of three final-day deciders was set up by the Pittsburgh Steelers, who had a shot to win the play-off spot in week 17.

The 49ers edged the grittier Chicago Bears in a thrilling game in San Francisco, but the so-called “Super Bowl preview” between the Buffalo Bills and the Philadelphia Eagles saw both teams exhibit some significant offensive weaknesses.

As Seattle moved one step closer to the top seed in the NFC, Sam Darnold made history, and Drake Maye and Trevor Lawrence impressed once more as the AFC’s main contenders finished strong.

JavaScript must be enabled in your browser to play this video.

The “Super Bowl preview” highlights flaws, according to the breakdown

Both sides have concerns about their offensive performance, despite how exciting Philadelphia’s 13-12 victory over Buffalo was and how impressive the defense was overall.

Josh Allen, who had the game on its last three quarters, dragged the Bills back into the game with his usual brilliance, but he missed the crucial throw in the dying seconds that would have secured victory.

Allen also lost a fumble that led to the Eagles’ touchdown, which led to a crazy scramble that ended in a 19-yard sack and was a cautious runner after a fourth down attempt from three yards out.

The reigning champion is unquestionably a superstar, but when it comes to play-off time, Buffalo will have to go on the road as a wildcard side to make those big plays.

The main issue would have been Jalen Hurts’ inability to pass a pass in the second half if Allen had connected with that late pass.

The Eagles need more from Hurts despite their defense being among the best in the league, which means they are the first team since the 1987 Patriots to win two games in a row without making a second-half pass.

Nick Sirianni, the head coach, is a brash person who won’t let up. Only two coaches have won more games in their first five seasons in charge of a team than he does, and he certainly knows how to win.

Philadelphia are content to take the lead and trust their defense, but they are prone to failure by gaining just 16 second-half yards, as they did in Buffalo.

Quarterback Josh Allen throws a pass for the Buffalo Bills in their defeat to the Philadelphia EaglesImages courtesy of Getty

    • three days ago

Steelers have blown their chances, in focus.

The Pittsburgh Steelers lost 13-6 to Cleveland just as we anticipated Aaron Rodgers, 42, would be back in the play-offs, setting up a mouthwatering finale showdown with Baltimore.

We anticipated a classic Rodgers comeback after a brutal defensive contest, but he did so unexpectedly with a brilliant late drive to get 10 yards from the end zone.

However, Rodgers fell short of clinching the AFC North with three straight touchdowns with top receiver DK Metcalf suspended.

In week 18 of the play-offs, the Steelers could have rested players if they had prevailed, but instead they now face bitter rivals in Pittsburgh’s winner-takes-all showdown.

Aaron Rodgers complains to the referees during Pittsburgh's defeat in Cleveland in the NFLImages courtesy of Getty

    • a day ago

Game of the week: Niners defeat Bears in a shootout.

The 49ers won a thrilling 42-38 victory over the Chicago Bears in a thrilling game on Sunday night.

The way Caleb Williams and Brock Purdy traded blows all night gave way to the tie at 7-7, 14-14, 21-21, 28-28, and 35-35 in the first regular-season game.

The Bears were the first team to score 35 points, a defensive touchdown, no turnovers, and no sacks while still falling.

Williams just missed out on a second late comeback when the final field goal attempt was incomplete.

Purdy has had a great season since coming back from injury, and this year, he has had the most starts or fewer than 23 touchdowns for a quarterback.

If they win their showdown with Seattle next week, the Niners could now finish the regular season as the NFC’s top seed after scoring 40 or more points in consecutive games for the first time in 30 years.

San Francisco’s run is so strong because they managed to recover despite some significant injuries, including the loss of both defensive players Nick Bosa and Fred Warner, while also remaining without Purdy, Ricky Pearsall, and George Kittle for some time this season.

Game notes, stats, and records for Week 17

JavaScript must be enabled in your browser to play this video.

Yes, it was only against the Jets, but Patriots quarterback Drake Maye was outstanding, completing 19 of his 21 passes with a 99.8%, the highest ever quarterback rating, on the field.

Maye strengthened his MVP claims as the Pats continued to fight for the AFC title, but they will not be afraid of losing to them away in a play-off game because they are the only team without a win this season.

Sam Darnold, Peyton Manning, Bratt Favre, Aaron Rodgers, and Tom Brady are the only quarterbacks to have won 13 games straight when Seattle defeated the Panthers.

Darnold will play for the top seed in the final game, hoping to do so in a way that was only possible with Detroit, just like he did with Minnesota last year.

With his Jaguars now firmly in contention for the AFC title, Liam Coen is the coach of the year favorite because he became the first head coach to win 12 games since replacing a team with four wins or fewer.

Playoffs: Final-week showdowns

In game 272, the final game of the regular season, Carolina and Tampa Bay battle for the NFC South, while the Ravens and Steelers slug it out for the AFC North.

On Saturday night, the Seahawks and 49ers will square off for the NFC title.

In the event that the Broncos defeat the Chargers, Denver will be the AFC’s top seed with the Patriots and Jaguars waiting in the wings.

Thursday, January 3rd,

Carolina Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC South (21: 30)

Seattle Seahawks versus the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC West on Sunday at 11:00

Sunday, January 4th,

JavaScript must be enabled in your browser to play this video.

full schedule of NFL Week 18

Thursday, January 3rd,

Sunday, January 4th,

related subjects

  • American Football

New Iraqi parliament holds first session, elects speaker

By in News, World News

Published On 29 Dec 2025

Haybat al-Halbousi has been elected as the new government’s speaker in Iraq, a significant step after months of political unrest.

According to the Taqaddum (Progress) Party, al-Halbousi received 208 votes, a clear victory over two rival candidates who received 66 and nine votes, respectively, according to the media in Iraq on Monday, citing parliament’s media office.

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Sunni heartlands in the west and north of the country are a major source of support for Al-Halbousi’s party.

Iraqis have been eagerly awaited the first session of the country’s parliament, known as the Council of Representatives of Iraq, as they seek certainty over its leadership after the November 11 vote, which created a tense environment for the formation of the new government.

In its first session, parliament elects a consensus Sunni candidate along with two deputies under Iraq’s customary muhasasa system, which has been in place since the first government under the post-2003 constitution.

A Kurdish candidate will be chosen as the winner, according to Muhasasa. The president then chooses the Shia Coordination Framework (SCF) candidate for prime minister.

a complicated image

The Federal Supreme Court (FSC) ratified the results more quickly than usual before the election, prompting Supreme Judicial Council President Faiq Zaidan to urge lawmakers to adhere to the maximum 90-day constitutional deadline for government formation.

Few people, however, anticipate a quick conclusion. There are questions about who the SCF will choose as the ideal candidate for prime minister, which process typically lasts months (more than 300 days in 2021).

Former prime minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani ran an independent electoral list that won about 46 out of 329 seats for his Reconstruction and Development Coalition (RDC), despite having been nominated by the SCF four years prior.

However, he was turned back to the SCF and its leadership, many of whom are external power brokers and do not hold any parliamentary seats.

As the SCF considers how to respond to the growing parliamentary presence of lawmakers affiliated with Shia parties with pro-Iran and pro-West armed wings, it is now up to question whether it supports al-Sudani or an alternative candidate for prime minister.

80 to 90 of the 180 SCF members are members of armed organizations close to Iran, the majority of whom are subject to US sanctions. These organizations only had 17 seats in the Senate in 2021.

Myanmar pro-military party claims huge lead in contentious elections

By in News, World News

Published On 29 Dec 2025

As a result of criticism from Myanmar’s main pro-military party, critics claim that the tightly controlled vote is intended to strengthen the ruling party’s position. The country’s military rulers have already seized the lead in the first phase of elections.

On January 11 and January 25, the first round of voting will take place on Sunday. In 65 townships, voting has been canceled.

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In townships where counting had been completed, a senior official from the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) claimed victory over 82 of the 102 seats in the lower house of the legislature, suggesting it had secured more than 80% of the seats contested on Sunday.

The party also won all eight townships in Naypyidaw, the party’s main town, the official added. The Union Election Commission of Myanmar has not yet released official statistics.

Campaign groups have criticised candidate lists that are dominated by figures affiliated with the military, while the UN’s human rights chief has criticized the elections.

Only about a third of Myanmar’s 330 townships were able to vote in the elections, which is because of fighting between the military and opposition forces following the military coup that overthrew the Aung San Suu Kyi-led government in 2021.

The USDP is anticipated to be the party with the most support. It has long been viewed as a civilian replacement for the military by analysts.

The USDP lost significantly to Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD) in the previous elections held in 2020. Campaigners in the United Kingdom claim that the NLD is one of the 40 political parties that the military has outlawed. Since the military seized power, Suu Kyi has been in custody.

The military government’s leader, Min Aung Hlaing, said it was possible to trust the military to appoint a civilian-led government after the election ended on Sunday. Since the coup, he has been in power by decree.

As pro-democracy activists formed armed resistance groups alongside ethnic minority forces that have long fought the central government, the military takeover sparked a nationwide civil war.

Now Is Time To Change Formation, Says Man Utd Boss Amorim 

By in News, sport-news

Ruben Amorim, manager of Manchester United, insisted that he must create a formation before instructing his squad to play tactically flexible football because succumbing to media pressure would have been “the end” for him.

In Friday’s 1-0 win over Newcastle, Amorim switched from a back three to wing-backs and instead used a conventional back four with two holding midfielders.

The Portuguese boss once remarked that no Pope, not even the Portuguese, could force him to switch up his system.

Amorim, who is currently three points adrift of a Champions League spot, insisted he was never as obstinate as he had initially claimed.

Before Tuesday’s game against relegation-threatened Wolves at Old Trafford, he said, “I came here last season, I realized maybe I don’t have the players play well in that system, but it was the start of a process.”

We were attempting to create an identity. Today has a different significance. We need to adapt because we don’t have many players and they need to understand why we’re changing.

READ MORE: Arsenal Retain Their Premier League Top Spot With A Win Over Brighton

The 40-year-old former Sporting Lisbon boss added: “When you (the media) talk about changing the system all the time, I can’t change because the players will understand that I’m changing because of you, and I believe the manager’s career is over.”

The moment to change is when we play well in our system.

Because we won’t play with three defenders all the time when all the players return, we will become a better team.

Seven senior players will miss the game against bottom-of-the-table Wolves, who have won 18 Premier League games this season, having only two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle.

Bruno Fernandes, the club captain, will miss the Wolves game despite telling his manager that he wants to play again after suffering a hamstring injury in the team’s defeat at Aston Villa on December 21.

Bruno already needs to train, according to Amorim.

“But there’s no way he’s going to play against Wolves,” he said. No chance . That is what you can write.

The 31-year-old playmaker will, however, continue to influence the game.

Amorim remarked, “The guy is a leader.” He can’t possibly be that person who doesn’t talk or speak when he’s not playing. He speaks without stopping. He is the captain because of this.

Large storage box that keeps makeup ‘organised and neat’ gets 77% off in a Boxing Day sale

By in Entertainment News, News

Look no further than this storage solution than is currently on sale if you’re looking for a cheap way to keep your vanity organized, whether it’s makeup, perfume, or skincare.

writer for Meghan Coon Shopping
We may link to affiliate links in this article, but we will make money off of any purchases we make. more information

You might want to think about getting all of your beauty essentials organized and out of the way while also adding a stylish flair to any room if you have a collection of perfumes that are taking up space on your vanity, makeup that is clogging up your dresser, or skincare that is clogging up your bathroom surfaces.

And this doesn’t have to cost a fortune, thanks to Debenhams’ Boxing Day sales, this large capacity organiser is up for grabs for a whopping 77% less, saving shoppers £54.19.

READ MORE: GMB’s Charlotte Hawkins looks “amazing” in a structured mini-dress that is currently discounted by £40.

This hairdresser-approved hair mask, Molly-Mae uses, leaves hair feeling “so silky” (read more)!

This cosmetic storage box, which is described as a clear acrylic makeup holder, saves time while using your bathroom or bedroom. It is simple to access with all of your makeup essentials, boasting an elegant design that goes with any vanity or dressing table decor.

This organiser, which is said to feature thoughtful design elements like pivoting lipstick storage for easy access, is ideal for organizing makeup, skincare, and perfumes. Any countertop should be kept tidy and organized, whether it be for storing stationery or other small items.

Additionally, this organizer, which is designed to be used in bathrooms or on vanities where products may get damaged or dirty, keeps your cosmetics safe, protected, and tidy.

This cosmetic storage box was previously priced at $ 69.99, but thanks to Debenhams’ Boxing Day sales, it has been reduced to just £ 15.80. We’ve found some to browse if you’d rather shop elsewhere or would like to check out alternative designs.

For instance, Dunelm is selling the Joseph Joseph Viva Large Cosmetic Organiser with Removable Mirror Shell for £24.50. This Multi-Function Make-up Organiser is available for £18.99 on Amazon. Or, if you want to spend a little more money, Boots has this StylPro Beauty Podlette for $299.99.

One 5-star reviewer gushing about the storage space’s “great size and looking storage for all makeup” is unheard of by consumers. Side compartments are smaller and the middle bit is larger. looks fantastic.

Another customer writes, “Absolutely amazing product,” and they concur with the full price. I adore it. keeps my makeup neat and organized. Glad I paid less because I wouldn’t have to pay full price for it. Too expensive for what it is, really.

And a third shares, “She likes to keep everything tidy, so it’s a gift for my friend.”

Continue reading the article.

While this customer comments, “Superb makeup box that keeps all of my cosmetics in tact.”