SPORTS HEADLINES

Vikings win 7th straight to forge tie for NFC North lead with 30-12 blowout of reeling Bears

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Aaron Jones and Cam Akers had touchdown runs in the second half to complement a smothering performance by the Minnesota defense, and the Vikings moved into a tie for first place in the NFC North by beating the Chicago Bears 30-12 for their seventh consecutive victory. Justin Jefferson had seven catches for 73 yards and a touchdown from Sam Darnold in the first quarter. The Vikings are 12-2, matching Detroit atop the division. The Bears took their eighth straight loss and fell to 4-10.

Jefferson turns TD celebration into Moss tribute during Vikings win: ‘We love you Randy’

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Justin Jefferson raced across the back of the end zone, leaped to catch the pass from Sam Darnold and launched into his latest touchdown celebration after an early score for the Minnesota Vikings. He finished the dance with a special tribute to one of his greatest inspirations, Randy Moss. Moss revealed last week his diagnosis of cancer in his bile duct that was removed with a six-hour surgery and kept him hospitalized for six days. Jefferson and the Vikings made sure to share their love and support for the Pro Football Hall of Fame receiver at their game against Chicago.

Taylor’s goal line gaffe costly not only to Colts’ playoff chances but to fantasy football players

DENVER (AP) — Jonathon Taylor’s goal line gaffe that turned a touchdown into a touchback hit a nerve with NFL players and fans. Ususally it’s not a star running back who drops the ball before crossing the goal line but a defender who isn’t accustomed to scoring touchdowns. That’s what happened the Bengals safety Jordan Battle on Sunday. But Taylor has scored more than 100 touchdowns across college and the NFL over the last eight years. His blunder also was huge for fantasy football players in the first weekend of their playoffs because the TD would have been worth more than 10 points.

From Caitlin Clark and Simone Biles to a new hockey league, women’s sports had a pivotal year

Record numbers of basketball fans filled arenas to watch the rookie seasons of Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese unfold. Simone Biles captivated the world at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Coco Gauff made women’s tennis history. It was all part of a pivotal year for women in sports, both financially and culturally, and after a steady rise in popularity and reach over the past few years, the women’s game is more valuable than ever. The WNBA had one of its most successful seasons ever, and new leagues and athletes in other sports have been able to capitalize on that momentum.

Analysis: As NBA prepares new All-Star format, the stars taking a wait-and-see approach

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard is the reigning NBA All-Star Game MVP, after scoring 39 points last February in the highest-scoring game the league has ever seen. East 211, West 186. It rewrote the record book. It did not make the league happy. So, the NBA is changing the how the midseason showcase works once again.

Chelsea’s Mykhailo Mudryk confirms banned substance found in doping test

Mykhailo Mudryk, one of the most expensive players in soccer history, says he is in “complete shock” after the results of a doping test contained a banned substance. The Chelsea forward, who cost $108 million when signed from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2023, said he had never knowingly broken any rules. Chelsea said Tuesday the 23-year-old Mudryk was contacted by the English Football Association following an “adverse finding” in a routine urine test. The FA did not comment on the situation when approached by The Associated Press and Chelsea did not say if he had been suspended. Mudryk was last included in a Chelsea squad as an unused substitute on Dec. 1.

FIFA set to announce its top players in men’s and women’s soccer in ‘The Best’ awards

DOHA, Qatar (AP) — FIFA’s “The Best” awards are about to take place when the top men’s and women’s soccer players of 2024 will be announced based on voting by fans, the current captains and coaches of all national teams, and media representatives. It is FIFA’s version of the older and more prestigious Ballon d’Or prize. Real Madrid star Vinícius Júnior is on an 11-player shortlist for the best men’s player. He was so disappointed to lose out to Manchester City midfielder Rodri for the Ballon d’Or in October that he snubbed the ceremony. Barcelona playmaker Aitana Bonmati won the best women’s player for 2023 and is seeking back-to-back FIFA prizes. The FIFA ceremony starts at 1700 GMT Tuesday in Doha.

Kirk Cousins acknowledges he must play better if Atlanta Falcons are to make a playoff push

LAS VEGAS (AP) — If the Atlanta Falcons are going to make a playoff push, coach Raheem Morris and quarterback Kirk Cousins both know the 13-year veteran needs to improve his play over the last three games of the season. Cousins was a lackluster 11-of-17 passing for 112 yards with one touchdown and an interception during Monday night’s 15-9 victory over the lowly Las Vegas Raiders. He entered with no touchdown passes and eight interceptions over his previous four starts.

Cousins and Falcons do just enough to beat Raiders 15-9 and keep pace with Bucs in NFC South

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Kirk Cousins threw his first touchdown pass in five weeks and the Atlanta Falcons did just enough to beat the struggling Las Vegas Raiders 15-9 and keep pace in the NFC South race. The Falcons are 7-7. They ended a four-game losing streak to remain a game behind the first-place Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Atlanta owns the head-to-head tiebreaker. Las Vegas is 2-12 after losing its 10th consecutive game. It’s the NFL’s longest active skid, and the Raiders are tied with the New York Giants for the league’s worst record.

Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes has high-ankle sprain, status for Houston remains unclear, AP source says

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has a high-ankle sprain and his status for this week’s game against Houston remains in question, a person familiar with the results told The Associated Press on Monday. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the team did not announce any updates. The testing confirmed what the Chiefs had initially expected. They did not have any usual availability Monday, but are scheduled to resume practice Tuesday ahead of their Saturday matchup with the Texans. Mahomes was hurt late in the Chiefs’ win over Cleveland on Sunday. Carson Wentz finished the game.