The Pittsburgh Steelers are open to Aaron Rodgers returning for the 2026 season, but that didn't ...

<p>The Pittsburgh Steelers are open to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/747" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/747">Aaron Rodgers</a> returning for the 2026 season, but that didn't factor much into their decision to hire Mike McCarthy as head coach, team owner Art Rooney II said.</p><p>"We decided to bring Mike on because we believe that he's the right coach for us at this point to help lead us to a championship," Rooney told <a href="https://www.steelers.com/news/labriola-on-why-it-was-mike-mccarthy">team reporter Bob Labriola</a>. "We don't know what Aaron's plans are right now, and that did not weigh heavily in the decision. We'll see where Aaron is, and we've left the door open, but obviously we all have to sit down and see if that makes sense. So, that'll happen sometime in the next month or so.</p><p>"But the decision was made based on Mike being the coach we want, and it really had very little to do with whether Aaron is going to be back or not."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Rodgers won 10 of his 16 starts with Pittsburgh this season, throwing for 24 touchdowns versus seven interceptions. The Steelers won the AFC North for the first time since 2020, though they lost in the wild-card round, with longtime head coach Mike Tomlin stepping down the following day.</p><p>The 62-year-old McCarthy, whom the Steelers made their fourth head coach since 1969 on Saturday, coached Rodgers for 13 seasons with the Green Bay Packers.</p><p><a href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/83531">Mason Rudolph</a> and <a href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/210204">Will Howard</a> are Pittsburgh's only quarterbacks currently under contract for next season. McCarthy apparently sees potential in Howard, who was a sixth-round pick in 2025.</p><p>"He likes Will Howard, thinks Will has tremendous upside, and is looking forward to working with him," Rooney added. "Obviously feels like Mason can be a contributor."</p><p>Rooney also defended McCarthy's hiring against criticism, pointing to his resume and experience coaching successful quarterbacks.</p><p>"He is someone who has a longer track record than many of the other candidates, a winning track record," Rooney said. "He's been a winner everywhere he's been. Probably just as important for our purposes, the quarterbacks that he's worked with have all been very successful. So, he has a proven track record of developing top flight quarterbacks. Those are the things that maybe stick out the most."</p><p>In addition to McCarthy, the Steelers held in-person interviews with just two candidates: Brian Flores and Anthony Weaver. Rooney said they didn't bring in more candidates because the franchise felt that it had identified its next coach.</p><p>"The message for our fans is: We're very excited," Rooney said. "We think we have a coach who is well-equipped to lead us into the next winning phase of Steelers football, and that's what it's all about. I think they're going to love Coach Mike."</p>

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 12: Aaron Rodgers #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers stands for the national anthem prior to the AFC Wild Card playoff game against the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium on January 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

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Steelers' Rooney: McCarthy hire 'had very little to do with' Rodgers

The New York Mets have signed veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel to a minor-league deal that includes...

<p>The New York Mets have signed veteran reliever <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1378" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/1378">Craig Kimbrel</a> to a minor-league deal that includes an invite to spring training, <a href="https://x.com/JonHeyman/status/2015231881684365607?s=20">Jon Heyman of the New York Post</a> reports.</p><p>Kimbrel posted a 2.25 ERA last season in 12 innings across 14 appearances with the Atlanta Braves and Houston Astros. He struck out 17 batters and allowed 10 hits plus seven walks. </p><p>He also spent time in the Texas Rangers' system but did not make an MLB appearance with the club.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The addition of Kimbrel is the latest signing in what has been a busy offseason stretch for the Mets. They acquired center fielder <a href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9624">Luis Robert Jr.</a> on Tuesday and two-time All-Star right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9771" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9771">Freddy Peralta</a> the following day. Former Toronto Blue Jays shortstop <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9615" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9615">Bo Bichette</a> also signed with the Mets last week.</p><p>Kimbrel, 37, is a nine-time All Star and has racked up 440 saves over his career, fifth most in MLB history.</p><p>If Kimbrel finds a spot on the big-league roster, he'll join a retooled bullpen that includes newcomers <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/11736" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/11736">Devin Williams</a> and <a href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5394">Luke Weaver</a>. The Mets' bullpen took a big blow after losing closer <a href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5384">Edwin Díaz</a> to the Los Angeles Dodgers in free agency.</p>

HOUSTON, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 21: Craig Kimbrel #46 of the Houston Astros pitches in the seventh inning against the Seattle Mariners at Daikin Park on September 21, 2025 in Houston, Texas.

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Report: Mets sign Kimbrel to minor-league deal

Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith is finalizing a contract to with Ohio Stat...

<p>Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith is finalizing a contract to with Ohio State for the same position, a source told <a href="https://x.com/AdamSchefter/status/2015210229877625022?s=20">ESPN's Adam Schefter</a>.</p><p>Smith will succeed Brian Hartline at Ohio State. Hartline left the program to take South Florida's head coaching job.</p><p>The news comes after the Steelers hired Mike McCarthy as their new head coach. The franchise reportedly told staff members they were free to seek other jobs after former head coach Mike Tomlin resigned.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Smith was in the running for the Tennessee Titans' head coaching job and the Los Angeles Chargers' offensive coordinator role. However, both teams went in different directions, though the Titans talked to Smith about possibly bringing him back as their offensive coordinator, a position he held from 2019-2020, according to <a href="https://x.com/JFowlerESPN/status/2014736060304298377?s=20">ESPN's Jeremy Fowler</a>.</p><p>Smith's best years as an offensive coordinator came in Tennessee where he led a unit spearheaded by quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/21390" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/21390">Ryan Tannehill</a>, running back <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/72385" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/72385">Derrick Henry</a>, and wide receiver <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/111194" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/111194">A.J. Brown</a>. The club finished in the top 10 in scoring in each of his two seasons.</p><p>The 43-year-old assistant spent the last two years in Pittsburgh, where his unit showed moderate growth, going from averaging 22.4 points per game in 2024 to 23.4 in 2025. He worked with four different quarterbacks in that span with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/161671" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/161671">Justin Fields</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/12258" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/12258">Russell Wilson</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/747" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/747">Aaron Rodgers</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/83531" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/83531">Mason Rudolph</a> all starting games.</p><p>Smith will have Heisman finalist <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/195816" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/195816">Julian Sayin</a> as his quarterback at Ohio State in addition to star wide receiver <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/195944" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/195944">Jeremiah Smith</a>. The Buckeyes made the College Football Playoff this past season but were eliminated by Miami in the quarterfinals.</p>

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - AUGUST 17: Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on from the sidelines in the first quarter during the preseason game against the Buffalo Bills at Acrisure Stadium on August 17, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

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Report: Ohio State tabs Arthur Smith as next OC

The Denver Broncos are turning to Jarrett Stidham on Sunday in place of the injured Bo Nix. Many ...

<p>The Denver Broncos are turning to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/93574" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/93574">Jarrett Stidham</a> on Sunday in place of the injured <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199735" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199735">Bo Nix</a>. Many are counting the Broncos out already, but if there's one thing NFL history has taught us, it's that the postseason is no stranger to heroic performances from backup quarterbacks.</p><p>Here are five backup QBs who turned in iconic playoff games after being thrust into action. For clarity, this list only includes second-string passers who were called to start during the playoffs or shortly before. Backup signal-callers who took over the starting job early in the season are excluded.</p><h3>Nick Foles - Super Bowl LII</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818542/cropped_GettyImages-914987296.jpg?ts=1769054029" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818542/w220xh124_GettyImages-914987296.jpg?ts=1769054029 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818542/w320xh180_GettyImages-914987296.jpg?ts=1769054029 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818542/w640xh360_GettyImages-914987296.jpg?ts=1769054029 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818542/w768xh432_GettyImages-914987296.jpg?ts=1769054029 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818542/w1080xh607_GettyImages-914987296.jpg?ts=1769054029 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">David E. Klutho / Sports Illustrated / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>It's impossible to compile a collection of iconic postseason performances by backup quarterbacks without mentioning the almighty Foles. The passer, also known as St. Nick, capped a miraculous run for the Philadelphia Eagles by outdueling Tom Brady in Super Bowl LII. Foles, who was forced into the spotlight late in the 2017 season after Carson Wentz suffered a torn ACL, exploded for 373 yards, three passing touchdowns, and an unforgettable receiving score on a trick play dubbed the "Philly Special." He was recognized as the Super Bowl MVP that day, but to the city of Philadelphia, which earned its first Lombardi Trophy, Foles is immortalized.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Frank Reich - 1992 wild-card round</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818543/cropped_GettyImages-359264.jpg?ts=1769054101" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818543/w220xh124_GettyImages-359264.jpg?ts=1769054101 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818543/w320xh180_GettyImages-359264.jpg?ts=1769054101 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818543/w640xh360_GettyImages-359264.jpg?ts=1769054101 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818543/w768xh432_GettyImages-359264.jpg?ts=1769054101 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818543/w1080xh607_GettyImages-359264.jpg?ts=1769054101 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Rick Stewart / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Before he was an NFL head coach, Reich was a longtime backup who engineered the largest comeback in playoff history versus the Houston Oilers. Filling in for Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly, who injured his knee during the regular-season finale (also against the Oilers), Reich threw a pick-6 early in the third quarter. Buffalo, trailing 35-3, appeared all but dead in the wild-card rematch. He then flipped a switch, leading touchdown drives on the Bills' next four possessions to close the gap to 35-31. A fourth-quarter touchdown pass to Andre Reed put them in front late, and while Houston managed to send the game to overtime, Buffalo emerged victorious by a score of 38-35. Reich passed for 289 yards and four touchdowns in a rally for the record books.</p><h3>Jeff Hostetler - Super Bowl XXV</h3><p>The New York Giants could've packed it in when Phil Simms broke his foot versus Buffalo in Week 15 of the 1990 season. Instead, Hostetler stepped up and guided New York to Super Bowl XXV, a rematch against the dynamic Bills. "Hoss" led the resilient Giants on an epic comeback featuring lengthy drives, finishing with 222 passing yards and a touchdown while completing 62.5% of his throws. He became the first backup QB to start and win a Super Bowl.</p><h3>Doug Williams - Super Bowl XXII</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818544/cropped_GettyImages-628260968.jpg?ts=1769054152" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818544/w220xh124_GettyImages-628260968.jpg?ts=1769054152 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818544/w320xh180_GettyImages-628260968.jpg?ts=1769054152 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818544/w640xh360_GettyImages-628260968.jpg?ts=1769054152 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818544/w768xh432_GettyImages-628260968.jpg?ts=1769054152 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818544/w1080xh607_GettyImages-628260968.jpg?ts=1769054152 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Williams joined Washington in 1986 with five seasons of experience starting for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, yet, in 1987, head coach Joe Gibbs tabbed Jay Schroeder as his primary quarterback for the second consecutive campaign. But after consistently impressing Gibbs over five regular-season appearances in relief of an injured Schroeder, Williams was named the full-time starter for the team's postseason run. The 32-year-old propelled Washington to three playoff wins, saving his best performance for Super Bowl XXII. The Grambling State product passed for 340 yards and four touchdowns in a 42-10 rout of the Denver Broncos and was awarded Super Bowl MVP.</p><h3>Earl Morrall - Super Bowl V</h3><p>The New York Jets embarrassed the Baltimore Colts' Morrall in Super Bowl III, intercepting him three times before he was benched. Two years later, the former league MVP got his chance at redemption when Johnny Unitas exited Super Bowl V due to a rib injury sustained during the second quarter. With the Colts trailing the Dallas Cowboys 13-6, Morrall keyed a fourth-quarter push and served as the placeholder for Jim O'Brien's game-winning field goal. He became the first quarterback - starter or backup - to lead a comeback victory in the Super Bowl.</p>

Football: Super Bowl LII: Philadelphia Eagles QB Nick Foles (9) victorious, holding Vince Lombardi trophy after winning game vs New England Patriots at US Bank Stadium. Minneapolis, MN 2/4/2018 CREDIT: David E. Klutho (Set Number: X161665 TK1 )

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Stidham's shoes: 5 backup QBs who turned in heroic playoff performances

The Indianapolis Colts confirmed Thursday that the FBI are investigating the death of former team...

<p>The Indianapolis Colts confirmed Thursday that the FBI are investigating the death of former team owner Jim Irsay, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/47697153/colts-say-fbi-aunched-probe-death-former-owner-jim-irsay">ESPN's Stephen Holder</a>. </p><p>The investigation centers on the potential involvement of Irsay's recovery doctor, Dr. Harry Haroutunian, who reportedly provided him with prescription pain pills and ketamine in his final months, Holder adds.</p><p>The FBI is seeking information about Irsay's death, his substance use, and his relationship with Haroutunian, according to a federal grand jury subpoena reviewed by Will Hobson, Albert Samaha, and Sam Fortier of <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2026/01/22/jim-irsay-death-fbi-addiction/">The Washington Post</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Multiple people close to Irsay in Indianapolis were also reportedly interviewed by the FBI in January about the latter years of his life. </p><p>The Colts say the FBI hasn't reached out to them nor have they received any subpoenas, according to Holder.</p><p>Irsay, who battled addiction issues throughout his life, died at the age of 65 at a Beverly Hills Hotel in May 2025. Haroutunian was also at the hotel and helped Irsay with treatment before his death, according to The Washington Post. Cardiac arrest caused by pneumonia and heart issues were the reasons for Irsay's death, according to a death certificate reportedly signed by Haroutunian.</p><p>Irsay became the Colts' sole owner in 1997 after his father and former owner Rob passed away. He rose through the ranks within the organization, first becoming the youngest general manager in NFL history at the age of 24 in 1984 before taking over day-to-day operations in 1995.</p>

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - SEPTEMBER 08: Indianapolis Colts Own Jim Irsay looks on during the ceremony for Dwight Freeney at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

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Colts confirm FBI opened investigation into Irsay's death

The Baltimore Ravens are hiring Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter as their ...

<p>The Baltimore Ravens are hiring Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter as their next head coach, the team announced Thursday.</p><p>"I am truly honored to serve as the head coach of the Baltimore Ravens," Minter said in a statement. "This is an organization whose values, culture, and tradition of excellence reflect everything I believe about the game of football and how it should be played."</p><p>The Ravens are giving Minter a five-year contract, sources told <a href="https://x.com/AdamSchefter/status/2014463420045664655?s=20">ESPN's Adam Schefter</a>. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Minter's hiring marks a return to the organization where he entered the NFL coaching ranks. He served on the Ravens' staff under former head coach John Harbaugh from 2017-20 as a defensive assistant before coaching the defensive backs in the final year of his initial stint with the team.</p><p>Minter then spent the 2021 season in the college ranks as Vanderbilt's defensive coordinator. He took the same position at Michigan under Jim Harbaugh from 2022-23 before following him to the NFL in February 2024.</p><p>Minter, who has only worked under the Harbaugh brothers in the NFL, now succeeds the elder sibling in Baltimore. The Ravens fired John Harbaugh after an 8-9 season, capping his 18-year tenure as head coach.</p><p>The former Chargers coordinator was regarded as one of the most promising defensive minds in the league, making him an enticing target for teams this coaching cycle. In addition to his two interviews with Baltimore, Minter was a finalist for the Cleveland Browns' coaching vacancy. The Las Vegas Raiders also expressed interest.</p><p>The Chargers' defense ranked first in points allowed during Minter's first season, surrendering just 17.7 points per game. The unit regressed slightly in his second year but still finished in the top 10. Los Angeles also gave up the fifth-fewest yards among all teams in 2025.</p><p>Minter will inherit a Ravens roster that features two-time league MVP <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/97162" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/97162">Lamar Jackson</a> and three-time Pro Bowl defensive back <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/173993" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/173993">Kyle Hamilton</a>, among others.</p>

INGLEWOOD, CA - AUGUST 10: Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter during pregame warmups before an NFL preseason football game between the New Orleans Saints and the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Aug. 10, 2025, in Inglewood, California.

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The Minnesota Vikings agreed to a contract extension with defensive coordinator Brian Flores, the...

<p>The Minnesota Vikings agreed to a contract extension with defensive coordinator Brian Flores, the team announced Wednesday.</p><p>The extension ensures that Flores, who was on an expiring contract, stays with the Vikings unless he accepts a head coaching offer, according to <a href="http://x.com/TomPelissero/status/2014132983934984351?s=20">NFL Network's Tom Pelissero</a>.</p><p>Flores is reportedly a candidate for the Baltimore Ravens' and Pittsburgh Steelers' coaching vacancies.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Other teams have also shown interest in Flores for their defensive coordinator roles, <a href="https://x.com/TomPelissero/status/2014132983934984351?s=20">Pelissero</a> reports. The Washington Commanders had him in for an interview for their defensive coordinator opening.</p><p>The 44-year-old has been the Vikings' defensive coordinator for the past three seasons. Minnesota has ranked inside the top 10 in points allowed in each of the last two years, with Flores' unit surrendering 19.5 points per game in 2024 (fifth) and 19.6 PPG this past season (seventh).</p>

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 04: Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores looks on during the second half of the NFL game between the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings on January 4th, 2026, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, MN.

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Vikings extend Flores; will reportedly return barring HC offer

The Tennessee Titans are finalizing a five-year deal that will make 49ers defensive coordinator R...

<p>The Tennessee Titans are finalizing a five-year deal that will make 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh their head coach, a source told <a href="https://x.com/AdamSchefter/status/2013648923202588928?s=20">ESPN's Adam Schefter</a>.</p><p>Saleh had an in-person interview with the Titans on Monday and was scheduled to visit the Arizona Cardinals. Tennessee also interviewed Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy on Monday, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/47667622/sources-titans-finalizing-deal-make-robert-saleh-coach">ESPN's Turron Davenport</a>.</p><p>Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi was inclined toward hiring Nagy, but team ownership swayed the decision in Saleh's favor, a source told Davenport.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>This will be Saleh's second chance as a head coach. The 46-year-old previously spent three-plus seasons in charge of the New York Jets, producing a 20-36 record. The Jets fired Saleh after a 2-3 start in 2024 that followed back-to-back 7-10 campaigns.</p><p>He's expected to call plays on defense for the Titans, which he didn't do with the Jets, according to <a href="https://x.com/MikeGarafolo/status/2013479649746063728?s=20">NFL Network's Mike Garafolo</a>.</p><p>Saleh worked for the Green Bay Packers as a consultant after the Jets fired him, then rejoined Kyle Shanahan's 49ers staff as defensive coordinator in 2025 after building his reputation in the same job from 2017-20. San Francisco's defense under Saleh peaked in 2019, ranking second in yardage allowed and eighth in points as the team made a Super Bowl appearance.</p><p>The Titans offer Saleh a potential franchise quarterback in <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/209905" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/209905">Cam Ward</a>. The former No. 1 overall pick is coming off a rookie season where he put up 15 passing touchdowns, two rushing scores, and seven interceptions. Their defense needs work after ranking 28th in points allowed this season and 30th in 2024.</p><p>The Titans have not had a winning record or made the postseason since a 12-5 campaign in 2021.</p>

SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 07: Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh of the San Francisco 49ers looks on during the first quarter against the Seattle Seahawks during the game at Lumen Field on September 07, 2025 in Seattle, Washington

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Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix will miss the remainder of the postseason after sustaining a br...

<p>Denver Broncos quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199735" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199735">Bo Nix</a> will miss the remainder of the postseason after sustaining a broken bone in his ankle during Saturday's divisional-round win over the Buffalo Bills, head coach Sean Payton announced, according to <a href="https://x.com/TomPelissero/status/2012710025828126988?s=20">NFL Network's Tom Pelissero</a>.</p><p>Nix suffered the injury near the end of overtime on the second-to-last play, according to Payton. The passer will undergo surgery Tuesday.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Here’s the play on which Broncos coach Sean Payton said QB Bo Nix suffered a broken bone in his ankle that will require surgery and end his season, pressing Jarrett Stidham into the lineup for next week’s AFC Championship Game. <a href="https://t.co/2QvotSfmJR">pic.twitter.com/2QvotSfmJR</a></p>— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) <a href="https://twitter.com/TomPelissero/status/2012714963597504908?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/93574" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/93574">Jarrett Stidham</a> will be the starting quarterback for the AFC Championship Game, which will be played in Denver. The Broncos' opponent will either be the New England Patriots or Houston Texans.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Nix completed 26 of 46 passes for 279 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception against the Bills.</p><p>The 2024 first-round pick led the Broncos to the No. 1 seed in the AFC after going 14-3 in the regular season. Nix threw 25 touchdowns to 11 interceptions and added five scores on the ground.</p><p>Stidham has made four career starts, though none have come in the postseason. He owns a 59.4% completion rate with eight touchdowns to eight interceptions. He played one snap this season: a kneel down on the final play of a blowout victory over the Dallas Cowboys in Week 8.</p><p>A win in the AFC title game would send the Broncos to their first Super Bowl since the 2015 season, when Peyton Manning and Co. secured the franchise's third Lombardi Trophy.</p>

DENVER, CO - JANUARY 17: Bo Nix #10 of the Denver Broncos celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills during the second half of an AFC Divisional Playoff game at Empower Field At Mile High on January 17, 2026 in Denver, Colorado.

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Nix out for remainder of postseason with broken bone in ankle

The Green Bay Packers have agreed to a multi-year contract extension with head coach Matt LaFleur...

<p>The Green Bay Packers have agreed to a multi-year contract extension with head coach Matt LaFleur, sources told <a href="https://x.com/TomPelissero/status/2012673120528699732?s=20">NFL Network's Tom Pelissero</a>.</p><p>General manager Brian Gutekunst is also working toward an extension, according to <a href="https://x.com/RapSheet/status/2012682378271957297?s=20">NFL Network's Ian Rapoport</a>.</p><p>An earlier <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3457627" href="https://thescore.com/news/3457627">report</a> indicated that LaFleur and Gutekunst were likely to receive new deals. The Packers are coming off a wild-card defeat to the Chicago Bears, during which they squandered an 18-point lead.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>LaFleur's extension is reportedly a real commitment rather than a prove-it deal, <a href="https://x.com/RobDemovsky/status/2012673113813627341?s=20">ESPN's Rob Demovsky</a> reports.</p><p>LaFleur, who started coaching Green Bay in 2019, owns a 76-40-1 regular-season record. His tenure began with three consecutive 13-win campaigns, but he's only managed to crack 10-plus wins in one of the last four seasons. Despite the regression, the Packers have made the playoffs in six of LaFleur's seven years as head coach, with 2022 being the outlier.</p><p>However, playoff success has been difficult to find under LaFleur. Green Bay is 3-6 in the postseason over his tenure, including a 1-4 mark since 2021.</p><p>The Packers went 9-7-1 in 2025, ranking 16th in points scored and 11th in points allowed.</p>

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - SEPTEMBER 15: Head coach Matt LaFleur of the Green Bay Packers leaves the field following a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lambeau Field on September 15, 2024 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Colts 16-10.

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Report: Packers, LaFleur reach multi-year extension

Red Bull and Racing Bulls became the first Formula 1 teams to reveal their 2026 liveries at their...

<p>Red Bull and Racing Bulls became the first Formula 1 teams to reveal their 2026 liveries at their season launch event in Detroit, Michigan, on Thursday.</p><p>Red Bull's new look gets away from its usual matte finish and returns to a glossy livery, last used in 2015. As a nod to Ford, collaborating with Red Bull on its power unit this year, the blue livery is also brighter.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">You thought it was gonna be the same livery, didn't you? 😜<br><br>🎨 <a href="https://twitter.com/SimonRDesigns?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@simonrdesigns</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/F1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#F1</a> || <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RedBullRacing?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RedBullRacing</a> <a href="https://t.co/K0prVkTrWV">pic.twitter.com/K0prVkTrWV</a></p>— Oracle Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) <a href="https://twitter.com/redbullracing/status/2012008822957883781?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Meanwhile, Racing Bulls unveiled an evolved version of its predominantly white livery that it used in 2025.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">A touch of class - the 2026 Racing Bulls design ⚪️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/F1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#F1</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/visacashapprb?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@visacashapprb</a> <a href="https://t.co/3saqDjT9Pm">pic.twitter.com/3saqDjT9Pm</a></p>— Formula 1 (@F1) <a href="https://twitter.com/F1/status/2012010572208894015?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Red Bull's RB22 and Racing Bulls' VCARB 03 will be the first cars that utilize a power unit developed by Red Bull Powertrains and Ford.</p>

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Red Bull, Racing Bulls unveil 2026 liveries 

Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer will return for the 2026 season, the team announced Thursday.  T...

<p>Oklahoma quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/171555" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/171555">John Mateer</a> will return for the 2026 season, the team announced Thursday.</p><p>The 21-year-old signed a contract to play for the Sooners again next season, a source told <a href="https://x.com/PeteThamel/status/2011951843757220266?s=20">ESPN's Pete Thamel</a>.</p><p>He wasn't among the players who declared for the 2026 NFL Draft by Wednesday's deadline, thus foreshadowing his return.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Mateer came to Oklahoma from Washington State after the 2024 campaign. He led the Sooners to a 4-0 start in 2025 before undergoing hand surgery in September, which forced him to miss one game. He struggled to find the same form upon returning, with the team going 5-3 to end the season.</p><p>He finished the year with 2,885 passing yards, 14 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. He also contributed eight scores on the ground.</p><p>Oklahoma announced that linebacker <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/171701" href="https://thescore.com/ncaaf/players/171701">Kip Lewis</a> is returning as well.</p>

NORMAN, OKLAHOMA - DECEMBER 19: John Mateer #10 of the Oklahoma Sooners warms up before a 2025 College Football Playoff First Round Game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on December 19, 2025 in Norman, Oklahoma.

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Mateer returning to Oklahoma for 2026 season

Formula 1 officially concluded the ground-effect era at the close of the 2025 season, marking the...

<p>Formula 1 officially concluded the ground-effect era at the close of the 2025 season, marking the end of regulations introduced in 2022. The rules changed the trajectory of several careers on the grid, elevating champions into eventual all-time greats, turning promising drivers into proven products, and altering the competitive landscape.</p><p>After all the dust has settled, here were the top 10 drivers of F1's ground-effect era:</p><h3>10. Alex Albon</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817220/cropped_GettyImages-2226084108.jpg?ts=1768171214" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817220/w220xh124_GettyImages-2226084108.jpg?ts=1768171214 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817220/w320xh180_GettyImages-2226084108.jpg?ts=1768171214 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817220/w640xh360_GettyImages-2226084108.jpg?ts=1768171214 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817220/w768xh432_GettyImages-2226084108.jpg?ts=1768171214 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817220/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2226084108.jpg?ts=1768171214 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Bradley Collyer - PA Images / PA Images / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Category</th>
<th>Total</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Starts</td>
<td> 91</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Wins</td>
<td> 0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Poles</td>
<td> 0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Podiums</td>
<td> 0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Top 5 finishes</td>
<td> 4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Top 10 finishes</td>
<td> 25</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><strong>Key stat</strong>: Albon outscored at least one Ferrari driver in seven Grand Prix weekends in 2025</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The start of the ground-effect era also coincided with Albon's return to the grid, joining Williams for 2022. It didn't take long to see why Williams gave the ex-Red Bull pilot a chance. Albon scored his first points of the season in Australia, finishing 10th despite starting last and completing 57 of 58 laps on a single set of hard tires. While he obliterated most of his unproven teammates, Carlo Sainz's arrival pushed Albon to new heights. In 2025, Albon recorded points in 11 races - his most with Williams - and became the team's first driver to finish eighth or better in the standings since 2016.</p><h3>9. Pierre Gasly</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Category</th>
<th>Total</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Starts</td>
<td> 92</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Wins</td>
<td> 0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Poles</td>
<td> 0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Podiums</td>
<td> 2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Top 5 finishes</td>
<td> 4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Top 10 finishes</td>
<td> 31</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><strong>Key stat</strong>: Gasly outscored his teammates by 56 points over the ground-effect era (149-93)</p><p>Gasly drove for two teams during this era: AlphaTauri (2022) and Alpine (2023-present). Both outfits carried limited ceilings, but thanks to Gasly, the floors never gave out. The French pilot delivered valuable points each season, compiling 31 points finishes in 91 race starts (34.1%). He was also a familiar face in Q3 with 34 appearances. Notably, Gasly put up a good margin over his teammates, who managed only 21 points finishes and 25 Q3 appearances. Whenever grand opportunities did roll around, Gasly made sure to capitalize, earning podiums in 2023 and 2024.</p><h3>8. Oscar Piastri</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Category</th>
<th>Total</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Starts</td>
<td> 70</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Wins</td>
<td> 9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Poles</td>
<td> 6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Podiums</td>
<td> 26</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Top 5 finishes</td>
<td> 40</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Top 10 finishes</td>
<td> 56</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><strong>Key stat</strong>: Piastri was one of only two drivers to win three or more consecutive races during the ground-effect era (Bahrain to Miami 2025)</p><p>High expectations surrounded Piastri, a former F3 and F2 champion, after his McLaren signing sparked controversy over his contractual rights with Alpine. However, he's lived up to the price tag. The Australian made serious strides in each of his three seasons since his 2023 debut. While people will remember his 2025 title bid for blowing a 34-point lead to teammate Lando Norris and a 104-point gap to Max Verstappen, it's crucial to still recognize Piastri for the growth that allowed him to compete in the first place. A driver doesn't lead the championship for 15 consecutive race weekends or collect eight straight podiums by fluke. Being disappointed over how Piastri performed in a gruelling 24-race title fight is understandable, but his rivals will surely be wary of his trajectory continuing to point upward.</p><h3>7. Lewis Hamilton</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Category</th>
<th>Total</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Starts</td>
<td> 92</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Wins</td>
<td> 2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Poles</td>
<td> 1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Podiums</td>
<td> 20</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Top 5 finishes</td>
<td> 43</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Top 10 finishes</td>
<td> 79</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><strong>Key stat</strong>: Hamilton was the second driver to record five consecutive podiums in the ground-effect regulations (Canadian GP to Hungarian GP in 2022), with only Verstappen accomplishing the feat faster</p><p>The past two seasons have been brutal for Hamilton, who appeared to drift further and further from the pace as this generation of cars progressed. Although his recent dreadful form seems to have begun just after the 2024 summer break, that shouldn't erase his earlier success. Hamilton had a run of five consecutive podiums during the 2022 season, something only four other drivers have matched under the ground-effect regulations. He was also the highest-scoring non-Red Bull driver in 2023 and picked up two wins in 2024. That's quite the list of achievements for a driver who apparently never felt comfortable in these cars.</p><h3>6. Carlos Sainz</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Category</th>
<th>Total</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Starts</td>
<td> 91</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Wins</td>
<td> 4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Poles</td>
<td> 6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Podiums</td>
<td> 23</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Top 5 finishes</td>
<td> 43</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Top 10 finishes</td>
<td> 64</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><strong>Key stat</strong>: Sainz ended the ground-effect era as Ferrari's latest Grand Prix winner and Williams' most recent podium finisher</p><p>Sainz carved out a reputation for finding a way to make it happen when everything suggests he has no chance. He was the only non-Red Bull driver to win a race in 2023. He also ended Verstappen's 10-race and nine-race winning streaks. And when Ferrari appeared to toss him to the curb in favor of Hamilton, Sainz got two podiums for Williams in 2025, becoming the team's first driver to grab multiple podiums in a season since 2015. All the while, his replacement at Ferrari never made it onto the podium. No matter how many times he's counted out, Sainz has demonstrated an ability to adapt and eventually thrive. He's the only driver to have stepped on the podium for multiple teams during the ground-effect era.</p><h3>5. George Russell</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817221/cropped_GettyImages-2220303349.jpg?ts=1768171346" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817221/w220xh124_GettyImages-2220303349.jpg?ts=1768171346 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817221/w320xh180_GettyImages-2220303349.jpg?ts=1768171346 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817221/w640xh360_GettyImages-2220303349.jpg?ts=1768171346 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817221/w768xh432_GettyImages-2220303349.jpg?ts=1768171346 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817221/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2220303349.jpg?ts=1768171346 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Kym Illman / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Category</th>
<th>Total</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Starts</td>
<td> 92</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Wins</td>
<td> 5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Poles</td>
<td> 7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Podiums</td>
<td> 23</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Top 5 finishes</td>
<td> 58</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Top 10 finishes</td>
<td> 81</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><strong>Key stat</strong>: Russell finished in the points in 81 of 92 races in the ground-effect era, trailing only Verstappen (88)</p><p>Russell has put up a pretty impressive catalogue since his permanent promotion to Mercedes. He secured his maiden win and led the series in top-five finishes in 2022. By the end of this regulation cycle, Russell surpassed seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, outqualifying him 39-29 over their time together. Russell delivered five of Mercedes' seven wins and seven of its eight poles during the ground-effect era. A subpar 2023 campaign is Russell's only blemish, though his emergence as Mercedes' No. 1 driver has since overshadowed that setback.</p><h3>4. Lando Norris</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Category</th>
<th>Total</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Starts</td>
<td> 92</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Wins</td>
<td> 11</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Poles</td>
<td> 15</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Podiums</td>
<td> 39</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Top 5 finishes</td>
<td> 51</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Top 10 finishes</td>
<td>77</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><strong>Key stat</strong>: Norris was the only driver to eclipse 30-plus podiums (31) over the final two seasons of the ground-effect regulations</p><p>The ground-effect rules turned one youngster into a world champion. Norris, who began the era as one of the top midfield drivers, grew into a title challenger before finally claiming his maiden championship last season. He had a steep learning curve to overcome in 2024 as he adapted to fighting at the front, but he earned his championship credentials in 2025. Although the British driver encountered more bumps along the way, it became apparent by the end of his breakthrough title year that his blistering one-lap pace could match anyone's and that he possessed upper-echelon tire-whispering skills. Norris' trajectory to the top was never about a car carrying an undeserving pilot - a point he proved when he was the only midfield driver to get a podium in 2022. Instead, Norris maximized the platform he was given to reach truly eye-opening heights.</p><h3>3. Fernando Alonso</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Category</th>
<th>Total</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Starts</td>
<td> 92</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Wins</td>
<td> 0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Poles</td>
<td> 0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Podiums</td>
<td> 8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Top 5 finishes</td>
<td> 16</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Top 10 finishes</td>
<td> 57</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><span style="margin:0px; padding:0px; text-align:left"><strong>Key stat</strong>: Alonso was the only driver outside of Red Bull, McLaren, Ferrari, or Mercedes to record 10-plus points finishes in each season of the ground-effect regulations</span></p><p>Age is only a number to Alonso, who continues to drive at a high level in his 40s. The ground-effect era provided the Spaniard with an opportunity to remind F1's newer audience what they missed during his prime years - now roughly two decades ago - by grabbing eight podiums in 2023, the most of any non-Red Bull driver. Aston Martin fell off massively after that, but you could still count on Alonso to sneak into Q3 and finish in the points, even as his teammates struggled to sniff the top 10. Alonso's greatest strength is his ability to extract every ounce from his car, which he continues to do again and again.</p><h3>2. Charles Leclerc</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Category</th>
<th>Total</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Starts</td>
<td> 91</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Wins</td>
<td> 6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Poles</td>
<td> 18</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Podiums</td>
<td> 37</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Top 5 finishes</td>
<td> 61</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Top 10 finishes</td>
<td> 76</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><strong>Key stat</strong>: Leclerc was one of two drivers (Verstappen the other) to earn a pole in each year of these regulations. He accomplished this despite driving for teams that ranked between second and fourth in the constructors' standings</p><p>Leclerc started these regulations in a Ferrari that looked poised to make him a champion. While that didn't happen, the once-young and hopeful title challenger enhanced his reputation as one of the sport's fastest qualifiers, perhaps ever (see Monaco 2022 or any of his Baku poles). More importantly, Leclerc proved to be one of the most adaptable drivers, getting the most out of his Ferraris, regardless of how rapid or challenging they were to tame. Leclerc has proven he has all the qualities of a champion. Now it's a matter of getting a team to power him into a title fight.</p><h3>1. Max Verstappen</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817222/cropped_GettyImages-2249893099.jpg?ts=1768171403" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817222/w220xh124_GettyImages-2249893099.jpg?ts=1768171403 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817222/w320xh180_GettyImages-2249893099.jpg?ts=1768171403 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817222/w640xh360_GettyImages-2249893099.jpg?ts=1768171403 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817222/w768xh432_GettyImages-2249893099.jpg?ts=1768171403 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817222/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2249893099.jpg?ts=1768171403 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">GIUSEPPE CACACE / AFP / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Category</th>
<th>Total</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Starts</td>
<td> 92</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Wins</td>
<td> 51</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Poles</td>
<td> 35</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Podiums</td>
<td> 67</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Top 5 finishes</td>
<td> 78</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Top 10 finishes</td>
<td> 88</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><strong>Key stat</strong>: Verstappen collected more wins (51), poles (35), and podiums (67) than any driver or team during the ground-effect era</p><p>Verstappen won the drivers' championship in three of four seasons in the ground-effect era, falling just two points short in his only unsuccessful bid. He displayed almost untouchable consistency when he had a dominant car underneath him, and he still maintained his winning ways even when he clearly had inferior machinery. Make no mistake, there wasn't a better driver during these regulations than Verstappen.</p><p><em>Daniel Valente is theScore's lead Formula 1 writer. Follow Daniel on X at <a href="https://x.com/F1GuyDan?s=20">@F1GuyDan</a>.</em></p>

Red Bull Racing's Max Verstappen after winning the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, as Ferrari's Charles Leclerc applauds. Picture date: Sunday May 19, 2024.

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Top 10 drivers of F1's ground-effect regulations

Warning: Video contains coarse language  Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson really doesn't like...

<p><em>Warning: Video contains coarse language</em></p><p>Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson really doesn't like the Green Bay Packers, and he says that's how it's supposed to be.</p><p>"This is a rivalry," Johnson said Monday according to <a href="https://x.com/CourtneyRCronin/status/2010756799813861398?s=20">ESPN's Courtney Cronin</a>. He added, "The city of Chicago and Green Bay. It needs to be a rivalry."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Two moments featuring the first-year Bears coach went viral following his team's wild-card win Saturday. Johnson offered a very brief <a href="https://x.com/SportsCenter/status/2010209952325935185?s=20">handshake</a> to Green Bay head coach Matt LaFleur on the field and then didn't mince words about the Packers in the locker room.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bears?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bears</a> HC Ben Johnson: “FUCK THE PACKERS. FUCK THEM”<br><br>From the official <a href="https://twitter.com/ChicagoBears?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChicagoBears</a> account <a href="https://t.co/oISBXXJnAT">pic.twitter.com/oISBXXJnAT</a></p>— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) <a href="https://twitter.com/jacobinfante24/status/2010234467890364477?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Johnson said Bears chairman George McCaskey shares his perspective.</p><p>"There's a rivalry that exists between these two teams," Johnson <a href="https://x.com/CourtneyRCronin/status/2010758600629576191?s=20">said</a>. "Something that I fully recognize and am a part of. ... I don't like that team. George and I have talked and we're on the same page."</p><p>The former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator has stoked the flames of this rivalry since arriving in Chicago. At his introductory press conference, Johnson discussed the state of the NFC North and said, "I kind of enjoyed beating Matt LaFleur twice a year."</p><p>Chicago won two of three matchups against Green Bay in Johnson's debut season, including Saturday's comeback from a 21-3 deficit. It was also Chicago's first postseason victory since the 2010 campaign.</p><p>The Bears welcome the Los Angeles Rams in the divisional round Sunday.</p>

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 28: Head coach Ben Johnson of the Chicago Bears looks on against the San Francisco 49ers during the first quarter of the game at Levi's Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Santa Clara, California.

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Johnson: Bears vs. Packers 'needs to be a rivalry'

If there's one defense no AFC team wants to see in the postseason, it's the Houston Texans'.  The...

<p>If there's one defense no AFC team wants to see in the postseason, it's the Houston Texans'.</p><p>The Texans, winners of nine in a row, have built one of the most fearsome units in the NFL. Houston surrendered just 17.4 points per game this season, the second fewest in the NFL, though that number is inflated by many second-string players finishing a Week 18 game that resulted in 30 points allowed. Even more impressive, the Texans allowed opponents to score on only 27.6% of their drives, the best mark in the league.</p><p>Houston begins its playoff journey Monday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers and 42-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers. What exactly is Pittsburgh up against? We'll compare the Texans to some of the most notorious defenses since 2000 using a wide variety of traditional and advanced stats.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><strong>Points and yards allowed per game, total takeaways, and total sacks</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Team</th>
<th>Points</th>
<th>Yards</th>
<th>Takeaways</th>
<th>Sacks</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>2025 Texans</td>
<td>17.4</td>
<td> 277.2</td>
<td>29</td>
<td>47</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2015 Broncos</td>
<td> 18.5</td>
<td> 283.1</td>
<td>27</td>
<td>52</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2013 Seahawks</td>
<td>14.4</td>
<td> 273.6</td>
<td>39</td>
<td>44</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2009 Jets</td>
<td> 14.8</td>
<td>252.3</td>
<td>31</td>
<td>32</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2008 Steelers</td>
<td> 13.9</td>
<td>237.2</td>
<td>29</td>
<td>51</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2006 Bears</td>
<td>15.9</td>
<td> 294.1</td>
<td>44</td>
<td>40</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2000 Ravens</td>
<td> 10.3</td>
<td>247.9</td>
<td>49</td>
<td>31</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><strong>Rushing and passing yards allowed per game and yards per play allowed</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Team</th>
<th>Rushing Yards</th>
<th>Passing Yards</th>
<th>Yards Per Play</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>2025 Texans</td>
<td> 93.7</td>
<td> 183.5</td>
<td> 4.8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2015 Broncos</td>
<td> 83.6</td>
<td> 199.6</td>
<td> 4.4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2013 Seahawks</td>
<td>101.6</td>
<td> 172.0</td>
<td> 4.4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2009 Jets</td>
<td> 98.6</td>
<td> 153.7</td>
<td> 4.2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2008 Steelers</td>
<td> 80.3</td>
<td> 156.9</td>
<td> 3.9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2006 Bears</td>
<td> 99.4</td>
<td> 194.8</td>
<td> 4.6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2000 Ravens</td>
<td> 60.6</td>
<td> 187.3</td>
<td> 4.3</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><strong>Advanced stats, courtesy of TruMedia</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Team</th>
<th>Def EPA Per Play</th>
<th>Def Success Rate</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>2025 Texans</td>
<td> 0.12</td>
<td> 60.1%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2015 Broncos</td>
<td> 0.12</td>
<td> 63.7%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2013 Seahawks</td>
<td> 0.14</td>
<td> 59.6%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2009 Jets</td>
<td> 0.18</td>
<td> 64.4%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2008 Steelers</td>
<td> 0.16</td>
<td> 62.4%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2006 Bears</td>
<td> 0.14</td>
<td> 60.4%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2000 Ravens</td>
<td> 0.22</td>
<td> 64.9%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The game has changed significantly over the last 25 years, with the dynamics shifting to favor the offense. That's made playing defense more challenging. Let's compare the 2025 Texans' defense to units over the past decade to see how it stacks up in recent times.</p><p><strong>How the Texans' defense ranks since 2015</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Category</th>
<th>Texans </th>
<th>Rank</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Yards</td>
<td> 277.2</td>
<td> 5th</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Points</td>
<td> 17.4</td>
<td> 13th</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>EPA per play</td>
<td> 0.12</td>
<td> T-13th</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Those marks may not seem spectacular on paper, but the final numbers are affected by the Texans resting key players down the stretch of their regular-season finale. Without the final week of the season, Houston's defense would rank second since 2015 in yards allowed, trailing only the 2023 Cleveland Browns, and seventh in points per game.</p><p>The unit also performed exceptionally well against elite passers, holding the Los Angeles Rams to 14 points, the Buffalo Bills to 19 points (seven coming via special teams), and the Kansas City Chiefs to 10 points.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Passer</th>
<th>Completions</th>
<th>Attempts</th>
<th>Yards</th>
<th>TDs</th>
<th>INTs</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Matthew Stafford</td>
<td> 21</td>
<td> 29</td>
<td> 245</td>
<td> 1</td>
<td> 0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Josh Allen</td>
<td> 24</td>
<td> 34</td>
<td> 253</td>
<td> 0</td>
<td> 2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Patrick Mahomes</td>
<td> 14</td>
<td> 33</td>
<td> 160</td>
<td> 0</td>
<td> 3</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>While elite offenses dominate the headlines in today's NFL, the Texans are out to prove that it is indeed defenses that win championships.</p>

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How the Texans compare to other great defenses since 2000

Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni played down his sideline exchange with A.J. Brown du...

<p>Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni played down his sideline exchange with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/111194" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/111194">A.J. Brown</a> during Sunday's 23-19 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, describing it as just a part of football.</p><p>"I love A.J. and I think he knows how I feel about him. I have a special relationship with him," Sirianni said postgame. "We've probably went through every emotion you can possibly have together. We've laughed together, we've cried together, we've yelled at each other. We're both emotional."</p><p>Cameras caught Sirianni and Brown jawing at each other in what appeared to be a heated argument. However, the Eagles coach said he was only trying to tell his receiver to get off the field to avoid a penalty being called.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"I was trying to get him off the field because we were about to punt and that was really it," Sirianni said.</p><p>He added: "That happens in this game but I love him."</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Nick Sirianni and A.J. Brown with a heated exchange on the sidelines.<br><br>(📺 FOX) <a href="https://t.co/vDlLkM8uzu">pic.twitter.com/vDlLkM8uzu</a></p>— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) <a href="https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/status/2010486141456162962?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Brown's frustration with the Eagles' offense was one of the team's biggest storylines this season. The three-time Pro Bowl wideout was targeted seven times Sunday but could only catch three passes for 25 yards. </p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">A critical drop from AJ Brown on third down... <a href="https://t.co/3YAwkprWO2">pic.twitter.com/3YAwkprWO2</a></p>— Arye Pulli (@AryePulliNFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/AryePulliNFL/status/2010511070452973702?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Philadelphia finished the season ranked 19th in points scored and 24th in yardage.</p>

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 11: Head coach Nick Sirianni of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on during the second quarter in the NFC Wild Card Playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers at Lincoln Financial Field on January 11, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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Sirianni downplays spat with Brown: 'I love him'

The Baltimore Ravens have begun their search to replace former head coach John Harbaugh.   The Ra...

<p>The Baltimore Ravens have begun their search to replace former head coach John Harbaugh. </p><p>The Ravens requested to interview Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver, a source told <a href="https://x.com/TomPelissero/status/2008985880317579414?s=20">NFL Network's Tom Pelissero</a>. Weaver previously served on Baltimore's staff from 2021-23 as a defensive line coach. A former player, Weaver was drafted by the Ravens in 2002 and played his first four seasons for the franchise.</p><p>Baltimore also asked to interview Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, a source told <a href="https://x.com/TomPelissero/status/2008986392119119879?s=20">Pelissero</a>. Kubiak is one of the hottest names on the coaching carousel, having reportedly received five interview requests.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Kubiak engineered a high-octane offense in Seattle this season that averaged 28.4 points per game, good for third in the league.</p><p>The Ravens shockingly fired Harbaugh on Tuesday following an 8-9 season that ended without a playoff appearance. Although Harbaugh has a Super Bowl victory to his name, Baltimore's struggled to find postseason success with star quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/97162" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/97162">Lamar Jackson</a>. The Ravens own a 3-6 postseason record since 2018 when Jackson became the starter, though he missed one playoff game - a wild-card loss to the Cincinnati Bengals during the 2022 season - due to injury.</p>

MADRID, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 13: Anthony Weaver, defensive coordinator, attends his press conference during their training day ahead the National Football League (NFL) 2025 Madrid Game against Washington Commanders at Riyadh Air Metropolitano on November 13, 2025, in Madrid, Spain.

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Report: Ravens ask to interview Dolphins' Weaver, Seahawks' Kubiak

It's time to determine who was the fastest driver for every team on the 2025 grid. The easiest an...

<p>It's time to determine who was the fastest driver for every team on the 2025 grid. The easiest and simplest way to do this is by analyzing their one-lap performances in qualifying. </p><p>We're taking the best times from the qualifying sessions that both drivers participated in at each track. Wet qualifying sessions were excluded. The average difference between drivers is then converted to a gap on a normalized lap completed in 100 seconds. </p><h3>McLaren</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Category</th>
<th>Norris</th>
<th>Piastri</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Poles</td>
<td> 7</td>
<td> 6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Front-row starts</td>
<td> 15</td>
<td> 11</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Q3 appearances</td>
<td> 24</td>
<td>24</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Best qualifying position</td>
<td> 1st (x7)</td>
<td> 1st (x6)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Average qualifying position</td>
<td> 2.96</td>
<td> 3.04</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Qualifying H2H wins</td>
<td> 13</td>
<td> 11</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Faster</td>
<td> 0.042s</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>Mercedes</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Category</th>
<th>Russell</th>
<th>Antonelli</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Poles</td>
<td> 2</td>
<td>0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Front-row starts</td>
<td> 3</td>
<td> 1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Q3 appearances</td>
<td> 23</td>
<td> 16</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Best qualifying position</td>
<td> 1st (x2)</td>
<td> 2nd</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Average qualifying position</td>
<td> 4.38</td>
<td> 8.58</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Qualifying H2H wins</td>
<td> 21</td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Faster</td>
<td> 0.312s</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>Red Bull</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Category</th>
<th>Verstappen</th>
<th>Tsunoda</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Poles</td>
<td> 8</td>
<td> 0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Front-row starts</td>
<td> 12</td>
<td> 0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Q3 appearances</td>
<td> 23</td>
<td> 9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Best qualifying position</td>
<td> 1st (x8)</td>
<td> 5th</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Average qualifying position</td>
<td> 3.50</td>
<td> 12.58</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Qualifying H2H wins</td>
<td> 22</td>
<td>0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Faster</td>
<td> 0.604s</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>Ferrari</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Category</th>
<th>Leclerc</th>
<th>Hamilton</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Poles</td>
<td> 1</td>
<td> 0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Front-row starts</td>
<td> 5</td>
<td> 0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Q3 appearances</td>
<td> 23</td>
<td> 15</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Best qualifying position</td>
<td> 1st</td>
<td> 3rd</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Average qualifying position</td>
<td> 5.46</td>
<td> 9.04</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Qualifying H2H wins</td>
<td> 19</td>
<td> 5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Faster</td>
<td> 0.221s</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>Williams</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Category</th>
<th>Sainz</th>
<th>Albon</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Poles</td>
<td> 0</td>
<td>0 </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Front-row starts</td>
<td> 1</td>
<td>0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Q3 appearances</td>
<td> 11</td>
<td>8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Best qualifying position</td>
<td> 2nd</td>
<td> 5th</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Average qualifying position</td>
<td> 10.61</td>
<td> 12.65</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Qualifying H2H wins</td>
<td> 14-9</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Faster</td>
<td> 0.148s</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>*Both Williams drivers were disqualified from qualifying in Singapore</em></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Racing Bulls</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Category</th>
<th>Hadjar</th>
<th>Lawson</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Poles</td>
<td> 0</td>
<td>0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Front-row starts</td>
<td> 0</td>
<td>0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Q3 appearances</td>
<td> 16</td>
<td> 8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Best qualifying position</td>
<td> 4th</td>
<td> 3rd</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Average qualifying position</td>
<td> 9.67</td>
<td> 12.54</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Qualifying H2H wins</td>
<td> 16</td>
<td>6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Faster</td>
<td> 0.205s</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>Aston Martin</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Category</th>
<th>Alonso</th>
<th>Stroll</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Poles</td>
<td> 0</td>
<td>0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Front-row starts</td>
<td> 0</td>
<td>0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Q3 appearances</td>
<td> 13</td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Best qualifying position</td>
<td> 5th (x2)</td>
<td> 6th</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Average qualifying position</td>
<td> 10.38</td>
<td> 15.96</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Qualifying H2H wins</td>
<td> 24</td>
<td>0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Faster</td>
<td> 0.391s</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>Haas</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Category</th>
<th>Bearman</th>
<th>Ocon</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Poles</td>
<td> 0</td>
<td>0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Front-row starts</td>
<td> 0</td>
<td>0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Q3 appearances</td>
<td> 6</td>
<td> 3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Best qualifying position</td>
<td> 8th (x3)</td>
<td> 8th (x2)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Average qualifying position</td>
<td> 13.79</td>
<td> 14.91</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Qualifying H2H wins</td>
<td> 13</td>
<td>10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Faster</td>
<td> 0.161s</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>*Esteban Ocon was disqualified from qualifying in Azerbaijan</em></p><h3>Sauber</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Category</th>
<th>Bortoleto</th>
<th>Hulkenberg</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Poles</td>
<td> 0</td>
<td>0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Front-row starts</td>
<td> 0</td>
<td>0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Q3 appearances</td>
<td> 5</td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Best qualifying position</td>
<td> 7th (x2)</td>
<td> 10th</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Average qualifying position</td>
<td> 14.21</td>
<td> 14.88</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Qualifying H2H wins</td>
<td> 12</td>
<td>12</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Faster</td>
<td> 0.034s</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>Alpine</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Category</th>
<th>Gasly</th>
<th>Colapinto</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Poles</td>
<td> 0</td>
<td>0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Front-row starts</td>
<td> 0</td>
<td>0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Q3 appearances</td>
<td> 10</td>
<td> 0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Best qualifying position</td>
<td> 5th</td>
<td> 12th</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Average qualifying position</td>
<td> 13.42</td>
<td> 16.94</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Qualifying H2H wins</td>
<td> 13</td>
<td>5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Faster</td>
<td> 0.269s</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>Qualifying H2H records leaderboard</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Team</th>
<th> Winner</th>
<th> Record</th>
<th> Loser</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Aston Martin</td>
<td> Fernando Alonso</td>
<td> 24-0</td>
<td> Lance Stroll</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Red Bull</td>
<td> Max Verstappen</td>
<td> 22-0</td>
<td> Yuki Tsunoda</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Red Bull</td>
<td> Max Verstappen</td>
<td> 2-0</td>
<td> Liam Lawson</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mercedes</td>
<td> George Russell</td>
<td> 21-3</td>
<td> Kimi Antonelli</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ferrari</td>
<td> Charles Leclerc</td>
<td> 19-5</td>
<td> Lewis Hamilton</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Alpine</td>
<td> Pierre Gasly</td>
<td> 13-5</td>
<td> Franco Colapinto</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Alpine</td>
<td> Pierre Gasly</td>
<td> 5-1</td>
<td> Jack Doohan</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Racing Bulls</td>
<td> Isack Hadjar</td>
<td> 16-6</td>
<td> Liam Lawson</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Racing Bulls</td>
<td> Isack Hadjar</td>
<td> 1-1</td>
<td> Yuki Tsunoda</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Williams</td>
<td> Carlos Sainz</td>
<td> 14-9</td>
<td> Alex Albon</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Haas</td>
<td> Oliver Bearman</td>
<td> 13-10</td>
<td> Esteban Ocon</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>McLaren</td>
<td> Lando Norris</td>
<td> 13-11</td>
<td> Oscar Piastri</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sauber</td>
<td> Gabriel Bortoleto</td>
<td> 12-12</td>
<td> Nico Hulkenberg</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>Pace difference between teammates leaderboard</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Team</th>
<th>Faster</th>
<th>Gap</th>
<th>Teammate</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Sauber</td>
<td>Bortoleto</td>
<td>0.034s</td>
<td>Hulkenberg</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>McLaren</td>
<td>Norris</td>
<td>0.042s</td>
<td>Piastri</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Williams</td>
<td>Sainz</td>
<td>0.148s</td>
<td>Albon</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Haas</td>
<td>Bearman</td>
<td>0.161s</td>
<td>Ocon</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Racing Bulls</td>
<td>Hadjar</td>
<td>0.205s</td>
<td>Lawson</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ferrari</td>
<td>Leclerc</td>
<td>0.221s</td>
<td>Hamilton</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Alpine</td>
<td>Gasly</td>
<td>0.269s</td>
<td>Colapinto</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mercedes</td>
<td>Russell</td>
<td>0.312s</td>
<td>Antonelli</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Aston Martin</td>
<td>Alonso</td>
<td>0.391s</td>
<td>Stroll</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Red Bull</td>
<td>Verstappen</td>
<td>0.604s</td>
<td>Tsunoda</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>Daniel Valente is theScore's lead Formula 1 writer. Follow Daniel on X at <a href="https://x.com/F1GuyDan?s=20">@F1GuyDan</a>.</em></p>

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