In the nick of time: 4 NHL contests feature game-tying goals within final 15 seconds of regulation

Now this is coming through in the nick of time.

For the first time in NHL history, there were four contests that featured game-tying goals within the final 15 seconds of regulation on the same day.

Cutting it even more close, two of the tying scores on Tuesday night came within the final 2 seconds, which marks just the second time that's happened on the same day (Oct. 8, 2009), accordingto NHL Stats.

There was plenty of late-night drama on the ice.

Pavel Dorofeyevof Vegas tied his game against the New York Islanders with 14 seconds left, while Colorado'sCale Makar camethrough on a power-play goal with 8 seconds remaining at Nashville.

Connor McDavidcut it a little closer by scoring the equalizer for Edmonton with 2 seconds on the clock versus Buffalo, and 19-year-oldBeckett Sennecke of Anaheimreally had a flair for the dramatic, scoring with 1 second left in Pittsburgh.

Alas, not all the tying goals resulted in favorable endings.

Of the four late-scoring teams, only Anaheim prevailed — in a shootout, no less. Dorofeyev and the Golden Knights lost to the Islanders in a shootout. It was the same fate for Makar and the Avalanche, who lost in a shootout.

As for McDavid and the Oilers, they lost 33 seconds into OT when Buffalo's Alex Tuch scored.

So far this season, the NHL has had 372 close contests, which is defined as a one-goal margin or two-plus with an empty-net goal. It's the most at this stage of a season in league history (475 games played), according toNHL research.

AP NHL:https://apnews.com/hub/nhl

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In the nick of time: 4 NHL contests feature game-tying goals within final 15 seconds of regulation

Now this is coming through in the nick of time. For the first time in NHL history, there were four contests that...

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Egypt and Iran complain about planned World Cup 'Pride' match in Seattle

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Egypt and Iran, two Middle East nations which target gays and lesbians, have complained to FIFA over a World Cup soccer match in Seattle that is expected to celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride.

Leaders in the nation's soccer federations publicly rebuked the idea of playing the match June 26 at Seattle Stadium, which local organizers say will include a "once-in-a-lifetime moment to showcase and celebrate LGBTQIA+ communities in Washington."

Already, organizers in Seattle have promoted an art contest for the match, including one entry of a rainbow-flagged sun rising over Mount Rainier as a crab goalie goes for a soccer ball while holding a cup of coffee in its pinchers.

"With matches on Juneteenth and pride, we get to show the world that in Seattle, everyone is welcome," Seattle's Mayor-elect Kate Wilson wrote on social media. "What an incredible honor!"

AWorld Cup draw in Washingtonselected the teams and matches last week for the tournament's first round, placing Iran and Egypt as the teams to compete in the June 26 game.

Angry response in Iran, Egypt

In Iran, where gays and lesbians can face the death penalty, the president of Iran's Football Federation criticizedscheduling the matchduring an interview aired on state television late Monday. He said Iran would bring up the issue during a FIFA meeting planned in Qatar in the coming weeks.

"Both Egypt and we have objected, because this is an unreasonable and illogical move that essentially signals support for a particular group, and we must definitely address this point," Mehdi Taj said. State TV on Tuesday confirmed a complaint would be sent to FIFA.

Taj already had threatened to boycott the World Cup draw over complaints about Iranian officials not receiving visas from the United States to attend the ceremony held in Washington.

Iranians are subject to atravel banimposed by President Donald Trump's administration and the U.S. in the past has denied visas for those with ties to Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, like Taj. Iran ended up attending.

Tensions remain high between Tehran and Washington over Iran's nuclear program, particularly afterAmerican warplanes bombed atomic sitesin the country during Israel's 12-day war with the Islamic Republic in June. Unlike the 2022 World Cup, however, Iran is not scheduled to play the United States in the World Cup's opening matches.

In Egypt, its football federation issued a statement online Tuesday night saying it sent a letter to FIFA "categorically rejecting any activities related to supporting homosexuality during the match between the Egyptian national team and Iran."

"Information had circulated indicating the local organizing committee's decision and plans to hold some activities related to supporting homosexuality during that match, and that it completely rejects such activities, which directly contradict the cultural, religious and social values ​​in the region, especially in Arab and Islamic societies," the letter added.

It urged FIFA to stop the celebration to "avoid activities that may trigger cultural and religious sensitivity between the presented spectators of both countries, Egypt and Iran, especially as such activities contradict the cultures and religions of the two countries."

Asked about the complaint Wednesday, Seattle's organizing committee said it was "moving forward as planned with our community programming outside the stadium during Pride weekend and throughout the tournament."

"The Pacific Northwest is home to one of the nation's largest Iranian-American communities, a thriving Egyptian diaspora and rich communities representing all nations we're hosting in Seattle," spokesperson Hana Tadesse said in a statement. "We're committed to ensuring all residents and visitors experience the warmth, respect and dignity that defines our region."

FIFA did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Iran, Egypt target LGBTQ+ community

For years, Egyptian police have targeted gays and lesbians, sparkingwarnings even from the app Grindr in the past. Though Egypt technically does not outlaw homosexuality, authorities frequently prosecute members of the LGBTQ+ community on the grounds of "debauchery," or "violating public decency."

Iran also has targeted the LGBTQ community and its theocracy is believed to have executed thousands of people for their sexuality since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Hard-line former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad once famously went as far as to claim during a 2007 visit to the United States: "We don't have homosexuals like in your country." A crowd at Columbia University responded by laughing and heckling the leader.

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Egypt and Iran complain about planned World Cup 'Pride' match in Seattle

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Egypt and Iran, two Middle East nations which target gays and lesbians, have complaine...

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Pressure is on Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso ahead of Champions League match against Man City

MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Thepressure is mountingon Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso ahead of Wednesday's Champions League match with Manchester City.

Madrid has won just two of its last seven in all competitions including a 2-0 loss to Celta Vigo over the weekend.

Ahead of the City match, Alonso had to contend with reports in the Spanish media that he had lost control of the locker room.

"This is a team, and we all stand together," he said. "In soccer, you can change perspective quickly, and we're at that point."

Doubts over Kylian Mbappé's availabilityadded to Alonso's concerns. The France striker trained separately to the rest of the team on Tuesday, having reportedly had issues with is left leg.

City manager Pep Guardiola sympathized with Alonso, who he coached as a player at Bayern Munich.

"Barcelona and Real Madrid are the toughest clubs to be manager of because of the environment," he said. "It's a difficult place but he knows it — it's the reality of being here."

Other games on Wednesday include defending champion Paris Saint-Germain at Athletic Bilbao, Arsenal at Club Brugge and Italian champion Napoli at Benfica.

James Robson is athttps://x.com/jamesalanrobson

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Pressure is on Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso ahead of Champions League match against Man City

MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Thepressure is mountingon Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso ahead of Wednesday's Champions Lea...

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South Korea to require advertisers to label AI-generated ads

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea will require advertisers to label their ads made withartificial intelligencetechnologies from next year as it seeks to curb a surge ofdeceptive promotionsfeaturing fabricated experts or deep-faked celebrities endorsing food or pharmaceutical products on social media.

Following a policy meeting chaired by Prime Minister Kim Min-seok on Wednesday, officials said they will ramp up screening and removal of problematic AI-generated ads and impose punitive fines, citing growing risks to consumers — especially older people who struggle to tell whether content is AI-made.

Lee Dong-hoon, director of economic and financial policy at the Office for Government Policy Coordination, said in a briefing that such ads are "disrupting the market order," and that "swift action is now essential."

"Anyone who creates, edits, and posts AI-generated photos or videos will be required to label them as AI-made, and the users of the platform will be prohibited from removing or tampering with those labels," he said.

AI-generated ads using digitally fabricated experts or deepfake videos and audios of celebrities, promoting everything from weight-loss pills and cosmetics to illegal gambling sites, have become staples across the South Korean spaces of YouTube, Facebook and other social media platforms.

The government will seek to revise the telecommunications act and other related laws so the AI-labeling requirement, along with strengthened monitoring and punitive measures, can take effect in early 2026. Companies operating the platforms will also be responsible for ensuring that advertisers comply with the labeling rules, Lee said.

AI fuels surge in false ads

Officials say it's becoming increasingly difficult to monitor and detect the growing number of false ads fueled by AI. South Korea's Food and Drug Safety Ministry identified more than 96,700 illegal online ads of food and pharmaceutical products in 2024 and 68,950 through September this year, up from around 59,000 in 2023.

The problem is also spreading into areas such as private education, cosmetics and illegal gambling services, leaving the Korea Consumer Agency and other watchdogs struggling to keep pace, the Government Policy Coordination Office said.

Beyond deceptive ads and misinformation, South Korea is also grappling withsexual abuseenabled by AI and other digital technologies. A Seoul court last month sentenced a 33-year-old man tolife in prisonfor running an online blackmail ring that sexually exploited or abused more than 200 victims, including many minors who were threatened with deepfakes and other manipulated sexual images and videos.

Officials plan to raise fines and also introduce punitive penalties next year to discourage the creation of false AI-generated ads, saying those who knowingly distribute false or fabricated information online or through other telecommunications networks could be held liable for damages up to five times the losses incurred.

Officials will also strengthen monitoring and faster takedown procedures, including enabling reviews within 24 hours and introducing an emergency process to block harmful ads even before deliberation is complete. They also plan to bolster the monitoring capabilities of the Food and Drug Safety Ministry and the Korea Consumer Agency — using AI, of course.

Despite risks, South Korea's love for AI grows

Prime Minister Kim, Seoul's No. 2 official behindPresident Lee Jae Myung, said during the policy meeting that it's crucial to "minimize the side effects of new technologies" as the country embraces the "AI era."

The plans to label AI-generated ads were announced as Lee, in a separate meeting with business leaders, reiterated hisgovernment's ambitions for AI,pledging national efforts to strengthen South Korea's capabilities in advanced computer chips that power the global AI race.

Government plans include more research and development spending on AI-specific chips and other advanced semiconductor products as well as expanding the country's chip manufacturing hubs beyond metropolitan areas near the capital city of Seoul to the southern regions. South Korean chipmakers, includingSamsung Electronicsand SK Hynix, combined for more than 65% of the global memory chip market last year.

The science and telecommunications ministry also said Wednesday it will require the country's wireless carriers to transition to 5G standalone networks, which are seen as optimal for advanced AI applications because of their higher bandwidth and lower latency, as a condition for renewing their 3G and LTE licenses.

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SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea will require advertisers to label their ads made withartificial intelligencetechnol...

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US ambassador to Ankara says Trump is moving closer to resolving Turkey's F-35 ban

ISTANBUL (AP) — The close relationship between U.S. President Donald Trump and Turkish PresidentRecep Tayyip Erdoganhas brought the countries closer to resolving issues that led to Turkey beingkicked off the F-35 fighter jet program, the United States ambassador to Ankara said Wednesday.

"The positive relationship between President Trump and President Erdogan has created a new atmosphere of cooperation, which has led to the most fruitful conversations we have had on this topic in nearly a decade," Ambassador Tom Barrack wrote in a social media post.

During Trump's first term, the U.S. removed NATO ally Turkey from the next-generation fighter program after Turkey purchased an air defense system from Russia. U.S. officials worried that Turkey's use ofRussia's S-400 missile systemcould be used to gather data on the capabilities of the F-35 and that the information could end up in Russian hands.

Ankara has long sought to be readmitted to the project, which was developed by the U.S. and other NATO members. Erdogan has said Turkey invested $1.4 billion before it was suspended from the program in 2019. The U.S. also imposed sanctions on Turkey under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act the following year.

Barrack, who is also Trump's special envoy for Syria, said there were "ongoing discussions with Türkiye regarding their desire to rejoin the F-35 program and their possession of the Russian-made S-400 air defense system."

Using the Turkish government's preferred spelling for Turkey, he said the "positive relationship" between Trump and Erdogan had "created a new atmosphere of cooperation, which has led to the most fruitful conversations we have had on this topic in nearly a decade.

"Our hope is that these talks will yield a breakthrough in the coming months that meets both the security requirements of the United States and Türkiye."

While it has been excluded from receiving F-35s, Turkey has been looking elsewhere to bolster its air force, includingEurofighter TyphoonsandU.S.-made F-16s. It is developing its ownfifth-generation KAAN fighter jet, which is expected to enter service in 2028.

In a meeting with Erdogan at the White House in September, Trump signaled that theU.S. might soon lift the ban on sales of F-35sto Ankara. The two leaders forged what Trump has described as a "very good relationship" during his first White House term.

The Obama and Biden administrations kept Erdogan, who has ruled Turkey for 22 years, at arm's length. U.S. officials cited concerns about Turkey's human rights record and the country's ties with Russia. Tensions between Turkey and Israel, another important American ally, have made relations difficult with Turkey at times.

Trump sees Erdogan as an intermediary in his efforts to find ends to the wars in Ukraine and Gaza. U.S. and European leaders have followed Erdogan in embracingSyria's new interim government.

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US ambassador to Ankara says Trump is moving closer to resolving Turkey's F-35 ban

ISTANBUL (AP) — The close relationship between U.S. President Donald Trump and Turkish PresidentRecep Tayyip Erdoganhas b...

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Venezuelan opposition leader Machado will not attend Peace Prize ceremony

OSLO, Norway (AP) — The head of the Nobel Institute said Peace Prize winner María Corina Machado will not attend the awards ceremony in Oslo on Wednesday.

Institute director Kristian Berg Harpviken told public broadcaster NRK the Venezuelan opposition leader was not in the Norwegian capital on the day of the ceremony and her daughter will accept the prize on Machado's behalf.

A day earlier, a news conference that Machado was expected to attend was canceled. She last appeared in public 11 months ago.

The 58-year-old's win for her struggle to achieve a democratic transition in her South American nation was announced on Oct. 10, and she was described as a woman "who keeps the flame of democracy burning amid a growing darkness."

Machado won an opposition primary election and intended to challenge President Nicolás Maduro in last year's presidential election, but the government barred her from running for office. Retired diplomat Edmundo González took her place.

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NFL 2025 team grades 3 quarters through the season

AFC East:Patriots|Bills|Dolphins|JetsAFC North:Steelers|Ravens|Bengals|BrownsAFC South:Colts|Jaguars|Texans|TitansAFC West:Broncos|Chargers|Chiefs|Raiders

NFC East:Eagles|Cowboys|Commanders|GiantsNFC North:Packers|Lions|Bears|VikingsNFC South:Buccaneers|Panthers|Falcons|SaintsNFC West:Seahawks|Rams|49ers|Cardinals

Now that Week 14 is behind us, we're three quarters of the way through the NFL regular season. We'll learn the fate of every team soon enough, but for now let's grade how each of their years have gone.

AFC East

New England Patriots(11-2)

This season the Patriots made a home-run hire at head coach, figured out they have a franchise quarterback, had a great haul in free agency and the NFL Draft, and are on the doorstep of taking the AFC East crown from the Bills. How's that for a turnaround? Sure, the Patriots have played the easiest schedule in the NFL. That shouldn't lessen any excitement for what has been, to this point, a nearly perfect season.

Buffalo Bills(9-4)

Considering the Bills were heavy favorites to win the AFC East, seeing them well behind the Patriots is surprising and disappointing. Blowout losses to the Falcons and Dolphins are inexplicable. There have been too many times this season in which the defense and offense around Josh Allen have been a big letdown, though Allen has covered a lot of it up. Maybe the Bills make a postseason run, but right now a wild-card spot is not what anyone expected.

Miami Dolphins(6-7)

The Dolphins turned an F into something better by winning five of six games. Four of those games came against teams with losing records, but there was also a blowout of the Bills. Mike McDaniel might have saved his job. Tua Tagovailoa is still struggling, there is a question about what happens with Tyreek Hill after the season, and the defense and offensive line need major work. At least the Dolphins turned around a miserable season.

New York Jets(3-10)

The Jets' hope is in the future. The present has been bleak. Justin Fields was signed to be at least a bridge quarterback, but he was benched after nine largely ineffective starts. The Jets have put together a few wins after an 0-7 start, which quells some heat on Aaron Glenn after a horrible start to his coaching career. The team's trades of Quinnen Williams and Sauce Gardner helped stock the team's draft capital. The Jets still have to hit on those picks, but at least there's something to look forward to.

AFC North

Pittsburgh Steelers(7-6)

Many Steelers fans won't be happy with winning a bad division with a record barely above .500 and a quick playoff exit. The realistic expectation shouldn't have been much higher than that. The future doesn't look rosy, with another round of quarterback merry-go-round coming, but a division title is never a bad way to end a season. If the Ravens beat the Steelers for the division, the grade will drop. And offseason changes might be coming.

Cleveland Browns(3-10)

The record has been terrible. Look beyond that. The Browns' rookie draft class is excellent. Defensive tackle Mason Graham, linebacker Carson Schwesinger, running backs Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson, and tight end Harold Fannin Jr. have all been good. And yes,quarterback Shedeur Sanders might bea fifth-round steal. There have been some exciting moments amid a lot of losses.

Baltimore Ravens(6-7)

The only thing keeping the grade from being an F is the chance the Ravens still rally and at least make the playoffs winning a weak AFC North. That wouldn't make for a great season, but missing the playoffs would be a complete failure. The Ravens haven't been good all season. Back-to-back home losses to the Bengals and Steelers drive home the fact that it's unlikely to turn around. It's likely a wasted season in Lamar Jackson's prime.

Cincinnati Bengals(4-9)

Joe Burrow is on a Hall of Fame path. And the Bengals are about to miss the playoffs for the third straight season in his prime. Injuries cost Burrow time in two of those seasons, but the Bengals are still letting precious time with Burrow slip away with nothing to show for it. And Burrow's injury that kept him out most of the season isn't the reason the defense has been a flop yet again. Cincinnati might need major changes in the offseason.

AFC South

Indianapolis Colts(8-5)

BeforeDaniel Jones tore his Achilles,the Colts were one of the most inspiring success stories in the NFL. But a 7-1 start to the season has gone sour, and the season seems lost with Jones out for the season. IfPhilip Rivers or anyone elsecan save this team and get them to the playoffs, it will be an A+ season. That seems unlikely. We'll still credit them for what they had built, and not punish them too much for a heartbreaking injury.

Jacksonville Jaguars(9-4)

The Jaguars have made the playoffs twice since 2007. They were 4-13 last season. Assuming the Jaguars make the playoffs (NFL.comhas them projected with a 97% chance), it's a fantastic outcome in Liam Coen's first season as head coach. There are things to work on, like a passing game that is 19th in the NFL in yards and 20th in touchdowns, but overall it's a big success.

Houston Texans(8-5)

The Texans' grade continues to rise. They have the best defense in football. They overcame an injury to C.J. Stroud to win five in a row to get back in the playoff mix. It's not all perfect, but DeMeco Ryans deserves a lot of credit for rallying his team after a rough start. Houston is peaking at the right time, which isworth keeping an eye on in a flawed AFC.

Tennessee Titans(2-11)

Cam Ward has shown flashes of his potential.That's about where the positive news ends. And even Ward's highlights don't erase the massive struggles of an offense that is 31st in points scored and 32nd in yards gained. Ward's struggles aren't all his fault; the supporting cast around him is one of the worst in the NFL. The Titans are already looking for a new head coach after firing Brian Callahan, and it's a total rebuild around the quarterback.

AFC West

Denver Broncos(11-2)

Maybe the grade could have been a little lower because Bo Nix has followed up his strong rookie season with a bit of a step back. The offense isn't pretty. But the results are fantastic. Yes, they had close (and fortunate) wins. Also, their two losses came with no time on the clock at the Colts and at the Chargers. They are poised to win the AFC West for the first time since 2015.

Los Angeles Chargers(9-4)

Had the Chargers' offensive line stayed healthy, this might be the best team in football. The Chargers deserve credit for fighting through some key injuries and still be in good position to make the playoffs. Jim Harbaugh is a heck of a head coach. Justin Herbert continues to grow as a quarterback. It hasn't been a bad season but it might end up as a massive "what if?"

Kansas City Chiefs(6-7)

Either this season was the end of theChiefs' dynasty, or we'll look back on it as a weird year when Kansas City missed the playoffs amid a great run of success. Of course there's a chance the Chiefs still make the playoffs … and they might be the favorites to win the AFC if they do. A bunch of close losses are to blame for their record. It's not a bad team, but an unlucky one. Ultimately though, not making the playoffs is a massive disappointment.

Las Vegas Raiders(2-11)

There's not much to like. The Raiders made four major acquisitions in the offseason in an attempt to be more competitive right away: Pete Carroll, Chip Kelly, Geno Smith and Ashton Jeanty. Carroll is having his worst season as a head coach, Kelly has already been fired, Smith has been bad and is getting booed by home fans, and Jeanty has been a major disappointment as the fifth overall draft pick. The Raiders have won once since Week 1, and that was against the Titans at home. This season has been an absolute disaster.

NFC East

Philadelphia Eagles(8-5)

We can't give the Eagles a failing grade, though many of their fans might. They still are in control of the NFC East. But watching Eagles games has become a chore. The offense has been broken all season, and there's plenty of blame to go around. It took the defense a while to come around, but now that it has the offense continues to spiral. The Eagles get a below-average grade because they look so much worse than last season.

Dallas Cowboys(6-6-1)

Cowboys fans would look at missing the playoffs as a miserable failure. It wouldn't be great, but this was a flawed team. Yet it has renewed hope after playing better following a trade for Quinnen Williams, and that could spark offseason optimism. The offense, and Dak Prescott in particular, have been good. It's just not a great team on the way to a middling season.

New York Giants(2-11)

There are some bright signs with some of the young players on the Giants, though Cam Skattebo and Malik Nabers suffered season-ending injuries, and Jaxson Dart's reckless style has led to him missing time too. Still, unlike some other teams with double-digit losses already, there is hope. The Giants have already fired Brian Daboll, andthis should be an attractive opening.

Washington Commanders(3-10)

The Commanders went from the NFL's final four last season to maybe not even reaching four wins this season.Jayden Daniels hasn't justspent most of the season dealing with injuries, he has been ineffective when he has played.Washington has a very old roster,expected to compete for at least an NFC East title, and everything has been horrific.

NFC North

Detroit Lions(8-5)

This grade might end up as an F if the Lions miss the playoffs. And they're in danger of it. Detroit has too much talent to not be in the postseason, and failing to qualify after a 15-2 season would make for a really long offseason. Detroit still has shown signs of potential greatness, usually when Jahmyr Gibbs has the ball, so there's still hope to save the season.

Chicago Bears(9-4)

It's fair to point out the Bears' soft schedule and their penchant for close wins against bad teams. It doesn't matter that much. Having nine wins and being in position to make the playoffs in Ben Johnson's first year as head coach is a big win. Caleb Williams is far from perfect, but the strides he is making are a good sign. If the Bears don't make the playoffs, it would be a tough blow. But this is a growth season worth praise.

Green Bay Packers(9-3-1)

The Packers' record is good. Losses to the Browns and at home against the Panthers were bad. Barely beating teams like the Cardinals and Giants was troubling. Let's not forget that a few weeks ago, there was actually talk of Matt LaFleur coaching for his job. Ultimately, a 9-3-1 record and some impressive wins lately gives the Packers a pretty good grade. Just not an "A" yet.

Minnesota Vikings(5-8)

The Vikings lost three regular-season games last season. They could more than triple that this season. The biggest issue isn't hard to figure out: The quarterback play has been dreadful.J.J. McCarthy's first season as a starter has been alarmingly bad,though he had a good game in Week 14. Maybe there's time for him to salvage his season. The same can't be said for the Vikings as a whole.

NFC South

Tampa Bay Buccaneers(7-6)

It seems like this version of the Buccaneers is worse than the past two seasons, which is bad. The Buccaneers didn't have a loss against a losing team until Sunday, when they fell to the 3-10 Saints. Not great. Baker Mayfield's play has slipped badly, and that's as the rest of the offense gets healthy. Tampa Bay is still favored to win the division, but they don't seem like much of a threat to make noise in the playoffs.

Carolina Panthers(7-6)

The Panthers have been very inconsistent. But they have quality wins at Green Bay and against the Rams, and are in a first-place tie in their division with four games left. Think back to the offseason and ask yourself if the Panthers would be thrilled to be in that position. It has been a long road for Carolina since David Tepper bought the team. They haven't made the playoffs since the 2017 season. A whiff of success has been exciting.

Atlanta Falcons(4-9)

When the Falcons traded next season's first-round draft pick to the Rams so they could pick pass rusher James Pearce Jr., they felt they could compete for a playoff spot this season. Instead they have found weird ways to lose, Michael Penix Jr. was up and down before suffering another season-ending injury and head coach Raheem Morris might be on the hot seat. This isn't what Atlanta expected.

New Orleans Saints(3-10)

The Saints have road wins over the Buccaneers and Panthers, the top two teams in the NFC South. That doesn't erase all the losses, but at least it's a sign that there's some buy-in from the players to coach Kellen Moore's culture. The roster will need a lot of work because there aren't many good young players, and not many have emerged this season, although rookie quarterback Tyler Shough has had a few moments. It's a lost season, but Moore has a shot to be the right fit.

NFC West

Seattle Seahawks(10-3)

The Seahawks got it right with their 2024 hire of head coach Mike Macdonald. They might have hit on a long-term quarterback in Sam Darnold too. It's hard to find many faults with their season. Darnold has been good, Jaxon Smith-Njigba leveled up to be a superstar, Macdonald's defense is one of the best in the NFL and the Seahawks have an argument that they're the best team in football. Nobody saw that coming before the season started.

Los Angeles Rams(10-3)

Back in August, the talk of the NFL was Matthew Stafford's back injury, and what his status looked like for the season. Months later, he's the MVP favorite and the Rams are the Super Bowl favorite. It has been a remarkable season for the team on offense and defense. When Aaron Donald retired it seemed like the Rams might dip, especially with Stafford in his late 30s. Instead, they got back on an upward trajectory. We'll have to see if the Rams can finish this dream season in style.

San Francisco 49ers(9-4)

The 49ers are unlikely to win the NFC West. A long playoff run might not be in their future due to defensive deficiencies. But taking a look at what they've overcome, being at nine wins is impressive. San Francisco dealt with injuries to Brock Purdy, George Kittle, Ricky Pearsall, Jauan Jennings, Brandon Aiyuk, Fred Warner and Nick Bosa among others. And they're still very close to locking up a playoff spot. What a job by Kyle Shanahan this season.

Arizona Cardinals(3-10)

The Cardinals had high hopes and started 2-0. They've won once since. Many of the losses have been close, but it doesn't matter much when you've lost 10 of 11.Head coach Jonathan Gannonmight be in trouble.Quarterback Kyler Murray's futurewith the team seems murky at best. Receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. hasn't made the strides hoped for him. It has been a big step back.

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NFL 2025 team grades 3 quarters through the season

AFC East:Patriots|Bills|Dolphins|JetsAFC North:Steelers|Ravens|Bengals|BrownsAFC South:Colts|Jaguars|Texans|TitansAFC Wes...

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