Texans beat Bengals just like they won the AFC South -- ugly
As in most of their games this season, the Texans didn't play pretty football Saturday, but their win over the Bengals gave them the AFC South title.
Favoritessettings
Blue breaks through for 28-yard TD in Texans' win (0:28)
Raiders QB Carr out indefinitely with broken fibula
Raiders QB Derek Carr suffered a broken right fibula in Saturday's win over Indianapolis, according to coach Jack Del Rio. Carr will undergo surgery on Sunday.
Vikings DBs ditch Zimmer's game plan for Nelson
The Minnesota Vikings' cornerbacks elected during the week to disregard coach Mike Zimmer's strategy that called for Xavier Rhodes to shadow Packers receiver Jordy Nelson on Saturday.
Jets' blowout loss stirs Richardson-Marshall feud
Jets receiver Brandon Marshall called Saturday's 41-3 loss to the Patriots "embarrassing," to which teammate Sheldon Richardson responded, "He should be embarrassed."
Titans' Mariota done for season after breaking leg
Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota was carted off with what was later announced as a fractured right fibula in Tennessee's loss to Jacksonville on Saturday. He won't play again this season.
Sources: Kings passages deleted from Karl's book
George Karl's book included some comments about DeMarcus Cousins and the Kings front office that were 'not authorized' by him and removed from the final version, sources told ESPN.
Christmas miracle: Browns get 1st win of season
The Browns collected their first win of the season Saturday, beating the Chargers 20-17 to avoid falling to 0-15.
Derek Carr's injury major concern for Raiders, postseason hopes
The Raiders' playoff fortunes took a turn for the worse after quarterback and NFL MVP candidate Derek Carr suffered a broken fibula.
NFL Playoff Picture: Giants, Texans are in; will Steelers follow?
Saturday's slate brought the NFL playoff picture further into focus, with the Giants getting in via the Bucs' loss and the Texans winning their way in.
Biggest NFL injuries of Week 16
Raiders QB Derek Carr is out indefinitely after breaking his right fibula against the Colts on Sunday. Here are some other big names who got nicked up this week.
The Big Story for every NFL team
How will the Titans and Raiders move forward without their starting quarterbacks? A look at the top storylines for all 32 NFL teams heading into Week 17.
5-on-5 predictions: Who would win a Warriors-Cavs series right now?
Are the Cavs and Warriors superteams good for the NBA? What moves should these contenders make? Our 5-on-5 team forecasts Sunday's Christmas matchup and more.
The Cavs and Warriors might be doing this Finals thing for a long time
It's reasonable to think it could be years before anyone supplants Cleveland or Golden State in the NBA Finals, because of their youth, writes FiveThirtyEight.
Remembering Steph and LeBron's last Christmas duel (1:30)
LeBron hand delivers $1.3M cash to family (3:32)
Watch: 30 For 30 Marathon on ESPN2/WatchESPN
Tune in to the 30 For 30 marathon featuring: Free Spirits, Tim Richmond: To The Limit, Muhammad and Larry, and Once Brothers on ESPN2 and streaming on the ESPN App/Watch ESPN.
Joe Thomas on Browns' win: 'I shouldn't be this happy' (0:45)
Browns back in position for top pick in 2017 draft
Cleveland got its first win of the season on Saturday afternoon and an early Christmas present from San Francisco on Saturday night.
Titans lose to Jaguars, lose Marcus Mariota and then lose the division
A season in which the Titans built giant playoff hopes crashed with a painful loss of their franchise QB and no help from AFC South rival Houston.
Top plays from Sunday's games
Top plays from Sunday's games
LaFell outruns Texans' defense for 86-yard TD in loss
LaFell outruns Texans' defense for 86-yard TD in loss
Top plays from Sunday's games
Catanzaro drills FG to stun Seahawks at the buzzer
Catanzaro drills FG to stun Seahawks at the buzzer
Top plays from Sunday's games
Kearse skies for incredible TD catch
Kearse skies for incredible TD catch
Top plays from Sunday's games
Heisman winner Ingram does Heisman pose in Saints' win
Heisman winner Ingram does Heisman pose in Saints' win
Top plays from Sunday's games
Rodgers celebrates rushing TD with Lambeau leap
Rodgers celebrates rushing TD with Lambeau leap
Top plays from Sunday's games
Blue breaks through for 28-yard TD in Texans' win
Blue breaks through for 28-yard TD in Texans' win
Top plays from Sunday's games
Jags get tricky as Bortles catches TD in win
Jags get tricky as Bortles catches TD in win
Top plays from Sunday's games
Late TD and two-point conversion win it for 49ers
Late TD and two-point conversion win it for 49ers
Top plays from Sunday's games
Kaepernick dances around the defense for 13-yard TD
Kaepernick dances around the defense for 13-yard TD
Top plays from Sunday's games
Austin takes fly sweep to the house from 30 yards out
Austin takes fly sweep to the house from 30 yards out
![]()
Sponsored
Highlights from Sunday's games
Highlights from Sunday's games
Cardinals walk off with win over Seahawks
Cardinals walk off with win over Seahawks
Highlights from Sunday's games
Raiders lose Carr for season in win over Colts
Raiders lose Carr for season in win over Colts
Highlights from Sunday's games
Ingram returns to form as Saints defeat Bucs
Ingram returns to form as Saints defeat Bucs
Highlights from Sunday's games
49ers rally to stun the Rams 22-21
49ers rally to stun the Rams 22-21
Highlights from Sunday's games
Rodgers, Nelson set team TD record in win over Vikings
Rodgers, Nelson set team TD record in win over Vikings
Highlights from Sunday's games
Brady's three TDs carry Patriots over Jets
Brady's three TDs carry Patriots over Jets
Highlights from Sunday's games
Falcons race past Panthers 33-16
Falcons race past Panthers 33-16
Highlights from Sunday's games
Browns stun Chargers to get first win
Browns stun Chargers to get first win
Highlights from Sunday's games
Cousins leads Redskins to victory
Cousins leads Redskins to victory
David Johnson has another record-breaking game in Cardinals' win
David Johnson was his usual spectacular self for the Cardinals, who held off a Seahawks comeback to earn a last-second victory over their rivals.
Falcons take 'another step' by winning NFC South crown
The Falcons won their first NFC South title since 2012. But just as important, Atlanta can earn a first-round playoff bye with a victory in Week 17.
Bradshaw rips Tomlin: 'Not a great coach at all'
Former Steelers quarterback Terry Bradshaw said he doesn't consider Mike Tomlin a great coach, saying only that Tomlin is "a nice coach ... a great cheerleader guy."
![]()
Top Stories
Rousey absent from UFC 207 media schedule
Ronda Rousey will not be taking part in traditional fight week media appearances ahead of UFC 207 on Dec. 30. Defending champion Amanda Nunes is also absent from the media event.
Velasquez off UFC 207 card as NSAC won't OK
Cain Velasquez will not fight at UFC 207 because the Nevada State Athletic Commission will not approve him for next week's fight against Fabricio Werdum.
2016 college football quotes of the year
No Steve Spurrier? No problem. Led by the great (crazy?) Jim Harbaugh and an esteemed cast of characters, this season was full of memorable one-liners.
How a win over Washington gave rise to Alabama and football in the South
In 1926, Alabama traveled to the Rose Bowl and beat Washington, making a name for itself and football in the South. This time, the tables are turned, but the stakes are just as high.
Hawai'i digs into its bag of tricks to win first bowl game since 2006
Some unorthodox calls worked for Hawai'i, which knocked off Middle Tennessee to win the Hawai'i Bowl and cap off an unlikely 7-7 season.
#NBArank All-Time Kicks: Air Jordan XI is No. 1
Our countdown of the best basketball sneakers hits No. 1, as our panel picks the greatest NBA kicks of all time.
#NBArank All-Time Kicks
Ten things I like and don't like, including 3s that don't add up
Zach Lowe highlights a Celtic shooter, a Mav revival, a Thunder bucket getter and "Cha-Cha Slide" torture.
Global #NBArank: Top 50 international players
With players from outside the U.S. making a huge impact in the NBA, we used ESPN.com's #NBArank list to rank the top 50 international players -- 18 will be in action on Christmas Day.
![]()
![]()
Nate Silver
Nate Silver
Which teams helped their NCAA tourney position in nonconference play?
Florida State looked like a bubble team in the preseason, but after a 12-1 start, BPI says the Seminoles should be safely in the field. Which other teams improved their NCAA tourney status?
![]()
ESPN.com
- Tom Junod
In defense of participation trophies
Tom Junod explores what's at stake in stigmatizing participation trophies.
To the legends and the lost: Best photos of 2016
This year, we crowned champions and bid some farewell. Here are a few of the most iconic moments of 2016.
![]()
English Premier League
![]()
ESPN Deportes
- Mexsport
Tuca Ferretti será milenario en final de la Liga MX
A los 37 años inició con el pie derecho una carrera que lo tiene vigente y encumbrado en el futbol.
Now
Blue breaks through for 28-yard TD in Texans' win
Alfred Blue gets the handoff and gets through the Bengals' defense for a 28-yard touchdown run. Houston beat Cincinnati, 12-10 to win the AFC South.
Dave Tuley ESPN Staff Writer
Hawai'i beats Middle Tennessee State 52-35 on its home field in Hawai'i Bowl. The ViewFromVegas is the Rainbow Warriors did it as 7.5-point underdogs and +250 on the money line. The game went over the betting total of 70 points. Favorites have won 10 of the 14 bowls so far, but underdogs lead 10-4 ATS. Unders dip to 9-5.
Sarah Barshop ESPN Staff Writer
The Texans' locker room is giddy right now. When the media walked in, players were jumping around in AFC South title hats and taking pictures together.
Paul Kuharsky ESPN Staff Writer
Titans eliminated from playoff contention as Bengals missed last-second field-goal attempt, giving Texans a win. Tennessee's 1-4 AFC South record doomed it.
ESPN Stats and Information
Texans win the AFC South with their win over the Bengals. The Texans finish 7-1 at home, the best home record in team history.
Dave Tuley ESPN Staff Writer
Texans hold off Bengals 12-10 and clinch AFC South as Cincinnati kicker Randy Bullock missed FG as time expires. The ViewFromVegas is they did NOT cover after closing as 3-point home favorites. However, they did cover for those that bet earlier lines (or in contests that used a lower number from earlier in the week such as the Westgate SuperContest where Houston was -1). The game stayed well under the betting total of 41.5 points.
ESPN Stats and Information
With Derek Carr injured, the Raiders will turn to Matt McGloin, who has 1 career NFL win
David Lombardi ESPN Staff Writer
Hawai'i's Nick Rolovich is coaching with reckless abandon on this drive. After that fake punt, he calls another fourth down throw. His team converts and scores. The Warriors are playing away from tendency in their first bowl game since 2010, and it's working.
Nick Wagoner ESPN Staff Writer
In the final tally, it was 103 days between victories for the San Francisco 49ers. Related note: it was also 103 days between games against the Los Angeles Rams.
David Lombardi ESPN Staff Writer
Hawai'i just executed one of the nuttiest fake punts ever: The Warriors lined a second player up behind their punter, and required a 20-plus yard diagonal long snap -- followed by a perfect throw -- to convert.
Katherine Terrell ESPN Staff Writer
The Bengals offense finally shows signs of life thanks to an 86-yard TD by Brandon LaFell. It was the longest touchdown pass of Andy Dalton's career, and the first Bengals fourth quarter TD since Week 8. They lead 10-6
David Lombardi ESPN Staff Writer
Here comes Middle Tennessee: The Blue Raiders rank No. 12 nationally with 317 pass yards per game, so brace for plenty of throws as they attempt to mount a comeback at Hawai'i. It's 38-28 after an MTSU touchdown.
Paul Gutierrez ESPN Staff Writer
When Derek Carr suffered a broken fibula in his right leg, it came on only the fifth sack of the season for a team leading by as many as 19 points in the 4th quarter, per ESPN Stats & Info.
Alden Gonzalez ESPN Staff Writer
Rams interim coach John Fassel has something up his sleeve to motivate his team for this last game. "I have an idea," he said. "I'll share it with you maybe next week, but it's something I've used before with special teams and I think it'll be something they can really think about. Whether it motivates them or not, it gives them something to think about the rest of their lives."
Sheil Kapadia ESPN Writer
Here's what needs to happen for the Seahawks to still get a bye: They beat the 49ers in Week 17. The Falcons lose to the Saints in Week 17. The Lions lose one of their final two against the Cowboys Monday night or against the Packers in Week 17. Unless all three of those things happen, the Seahawks will be playing in the first round.
David Lombardi ESPN Staff Writer
Hawai'i averaged 26.5 points per game this season -- 35 in the first half in this bowl against MTSU.
David Lombardi ESPN Staff Writer
We have fireworks: Hawai'i QB Dru Brown was too nonchalant as he ran out of bounds, so MTSU LB Darius Harris drilled him. Brown didn't appear to be out of bounds, but officials flagged Harris anyway, and they also flagged Hawai'i players for leaving their bench area in retaliation.
Paul Kuharsky ESPN Staff Writer
From Titans: "Marcus Mariota will undergo surgery for his fractured right fibula over the next few days."
Sarah Barshop ESPN Staff Writer
There were been 12 punts in the first half of the Texans-Bengals game, and Cincinnati leads 3-0 at halftime. QB Tom Savage is 2-of-7 for 13 yards on 6 drives. He has been sacked 3 times for a loss of 18 yards. The Texans' defense has played well, allowing 122 yards, 8 first downs and forcing 6 punts.
Arash Markazi ESPN Senior Writer
Jared Goff promises Rams fans that they're going to get things fixed.
David Lombardi ESPN Staff Writer
Middle Tennessee offense ranked No. 16. Hawai'i defense ranked No. 115. But so far, the Warriors' defense has risen to the occasion with two picks and a fourth down stop.
Mike Sando ESPN Senior Writer
Two very close games between Seattle and Arizona this season. That is fitting. Both are 19-11-1 since the start of last season, and they share the tie. The Patriots, Chiefs, Panthers and Broncos all have 20+ wins over that span. Steelers can join the 20+ club with a victory Sunday.
David Lombardi ESPN Staff Writer
Bowl games break trends: Hawai'i was ranked No. 121 nationally in turnover margin, but the Warriors are +2 in the first half against Middle Tennessee -- including that pick six which has made it 28 unanswered points for them.
David Lombardi ESPN Staff Writer
If Middle Tennessee can't find a way to cover 6-foot-5, 240-pound Hawai'i TE Metuisela 'Unga, the Warriors will maintain control of the tempo in this game. 'Unga has hauled in a pair of big catches downfield.
Alden Gonzalez ESPN Staff Writer
Full quote from Jared Goff, on his promise: "To all the fans, and everybody who came out today -- we're appreciative and understand where we are. And we know they understand where we are. It's just hard. It's hard for all of them, it's hard for all of us. But I promise you guys it will get fixed. Everything in my heart and soul to get to all fixed."
