NFL playoff picture Week 16: Eagles look to lock up NFC East, finish Cowboys
- - NFL playoff picture Week 16: Eagles look to lock up NFC East, finish Cowboys
Nate Davis, USA TODAYDecember 20, 2025 at 6:01 PM
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NFL playoff picture Week 16: Eagles look to lock up NFC East, finish Cowboys
Every week for the duration of the 2025 regular season, USA TODAY Sports will provide timely updates to the NFL's ever-evolving playoff picture − typically starting Sunday afternoon and then moving forward for the remainder of the week (through Monday's and Thursday's games or Saturday's, if applicable. And, when the holidays roll around, we'll be watching then, too).
What just happened? What does it mean? What are the pertinent factors (and, perhaps, tiebreakers) prominently in play as each conference's seven-team bracket begins to crystallize? All will be explained and analyzed up to the point when the postseason field is finalized on Sunday, Jan. 4.
Here's where things stand with Week 16 underway:
makes a catch for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/fo8okmfdHRvDHl_AjAyGtw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/ece3b009de0e7aba961c9dfc2585f6aa class=caas-img data-headline="Best images of the 2025 NFL season" data-caption="
Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.
">Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/fo8okmfdHRvDHl_AjAyGtw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/ece3b009de0e7aba961c9dfc2585f6aa class=caas-img>
1 / 4Best images of the 2025 NFL season
Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.
AFC playoff picture
x − 1. Denver Broncos (12-2), AFC West leaders: The first team in the league to 12 wins and first AFC squad to clinch a playoff berth, New England's loss Sunday also boosted the Broncos' odds of winding up with the No. 1 seed. They can claim it in Week 16 if enough things break their way. Remaining schedule: vs. Jaguars, at Chiefs, vs. Chargers
2. New England Patriots (11-3), AFC East leaders: Their 10-game heater snapped, they failed to clinch the division Sunday and lost valuable ground in their bid for the No. 1 seed. But the Pats are still in driver's seat to win AFC East and can wrap up a playoff spot with a win at Baltimore. Remaining schedule: at Ravens, at Jets, vs. Dolphins.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars (10-4), AFC South leaders: Win their sixth straight Sunday, and they'll get at least a wild-card spot. But they could fall out of first place with a loss. Remaining schedule: at Broncos, vs. Colts, at Titans
4. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-6), AFC North leaders: They throttled Miami on Monday night, eliminating the Dolphins from postseason contention. No matter what else happens over the next three games, sweep the Ravens, and Pittsburgh secures the division. Remaining schedule: at Lions, at Browns, vs. Ravens
5. Los Angeles Chargers (10-4), wild card No. 1: They completed a season sweep of the Chiefs, officially eliminating the three-time-defending AFC champions from playoff consideration. The Bolts have now won six of seven but need another (and help) to wrap up a berth Sunday. A one-win advantage in AFC games (8-2) keeps them ahead of Buffalo. Remaining schedule: at Cowboys, vs. Texans, at Broncos
6. Buffalo Bills (10-4), wild card No. 1: Still alive to win their sixth straight AFC East crown after salvaging a split with the Pats, the Bills can lock into the field this weekend. Remaining schedule: at Browns, vs. Eagles, vs. Jets
7. Houston Texans (9-5), wild card No. 3: They've won seven of eight, including six in a row. Another victory plus a Jacksonville loss jumps Houston into first place in the AFC South. Remaining schedule: vs. Raiders, at Chargers, vs. Colts
8. Indianapolis Colts (8-6), in the hunt: Now in the hands of 44-year-old QB Philip Rivers, they face a steep climb back to relevance − their 7-1 start already feeling like ancient history. Rivers gave a valiant effort at Seattle last weekend, his first NFL action in nearly five years, but came up short. And the Colts' schedule doesn't let up henceforth, including Monday night's date with San Francisco. Remaining schedule: vs. 49ers, vs. Jaguars, at Texans
9. Baltimore Ravens (7-7), in the hunt: Simply win out, and they retain the division title for the third straight year. Remaining schedule: vs. Patriots, at Packers, at Steelers
NFC playoff picture
x − 1. Seattle Seahawks (12-3), NFC West leaders: Splitting their season series with the Rams in Thursday night's classic means they'll wind up with the No. 1 seed if they simply win their final two games. Remaining schedule: at Panthers, at 49ers
2. Chicago Bears (10-4), NFC North leaders: How tightly packed is the NFC? One narrow Week 14 loss dropped the Bears from first place in the conference to seventh. Sunday's win, in conjunction with Green Bay's loss, put Da Bears back up to second overall. Now they're a win (and a little help) from locking up a spot this weekend. Remaining schedule: vs. Packers, at 49ers, vs. Lions
3. Philadelphia Eagles (9-5), NFC East leaders: Win Saturday at Washington, and the division title remains in Philly for another year − while also sending the Cowboys home. Remaining schedule: at Commanders, at Bills, vs. Commanders
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-7), NFC South leaders: Hopefully coach Todd Bowles' charges care (expletive) enough this week. A fifth loss in their past six games dropped them to .500 in Week 15, but Carolina's loss put the Bucs back in first place. Their one-game advantage in the common-games tiebreaker is currently the difference with the Panthers. Beat Carolina twice, and the Bucs will still win the NFC South. Remaining schedule: at Panthers, at Dolphins, vs. Panthers
their new "Rivalries" uniform for the "Sunday Night Football" game, which the Patriots won, 23-20.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Week 5: Buffalo Bills wide receiver Curtis Samuel makes a catch against the New England Patriots at Highmark Stadium. The Bills wore their new "Rivalries" uniform for the "Sunday Night Football" game, which the Patriots won, 23-20.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/ZeGhPQgsXq6Ng1blD2CNGQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/7c3f337bbc44f0dd99f902e2d29228c9 class=caas-img data-headline="Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season" data-caption="
Week 5: Buffalo Bills wide receiver Curtis Samuel makes a catch against the New England Patriots at Highmark Stadium. The Bills wore their new "Rivalries" uniform for the "Sunday Night Football" game, which the Patriots won, 23-20.
">Week 5: Buffalo Bills wide receiver Curtis Samuel makes a catch against the New England Patriots at Highmark Stadium. The Bills wore their new "Rivalries" uniform for the "Sunday Night Football" game, which the Patriots won, 23-20.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/ZeGhPQgsXq6Ng1blD2CNGQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/7c3f337bbc44f0dd99f902e2d29228c9 class=caas-img>
Week 5: Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield awaits the snap against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Both teams wore throwback uniforms in the Buccaneers' 38-35 win. The Buccaneers and Seahawks entered the NFL together as expansion teams in 1976.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/TT2oM2YXMJa1o5DH2w6Ufg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/677f39c594a84d31620582c122cca70a class=caas-img data-headline="Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season" data-caption="
Week 5: Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield awaits the snap against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Both teams wore throwback uniforms in the Buccaneers' 38-35 win. The Buccaneers and Seahawks entered the NFL together as expansion teams in 1976.
">Week 5: Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield awaits the snap against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Both teams wore throwback uniforms in the Buccaneers' 38-35 win. The Buccaneers and Seahawks entered the NFL together as expansion teams in 1976.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/TT2oM2YXMJa1o5DH2w6Ufg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/677f39c594a84d31620582c122cca70a class=caas-img>
"Monday Night Football" game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Empower Field at Mile High. The Broncos wore their "Midnight Navy" uniforms for the 28-3 win.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Week 4: Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) hands the ball off to running back J.K. Dobbins during the "Monday Night Football" game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Empower Field at Mile High. The Broncos wore their "Midnight Navy" uniforms for the 28-3 win.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/aS2oirAk5mt9j6wPx42IJw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/3a30b18fa97e5116121c6b97691eb4d3 class=caas-img data-headline="Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season" data-caption="
Week 4: Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) hands the ball off to running back J.K. Dobbins during the "Monday Night Football" game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Empower Field at Mile High. The Broncos wore their "Midnight Navy" uniforms for the 28-3 win.
">Week 4: Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) hands the ball off to running back J.K. Dobbins during the "Monday Night Football" game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Empower Field at Mile High. The Broncos wore their "Midnight Navy" uniforms for the 28-3 win.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/aS2oirAk5mt9j6wPx42IJw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/3a30b18fa97e5116121c6b97691eb4d3 class=caas-img>a 27-21 win on "Monday Night Football" at Hard Rock Stadium. The Dolphins wore their new their Nike "Rivalries" uniforms – the team version dubbed "Dark Waters."
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Week 4: Miami Dolphins running back De'von Achane rushes the ball against the New York Jets during a 27-21 win on "Monday Night Football" at Hard Rock Stadium. The Dolphins wore their new their Nike "Rivalries" uniforms – the team version dubbed "Dark Waters."
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/GeSzEbaRz.fpqDCpehKfuw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/ea9c55e0ff8d3c0cef4124211fe79ed8 class=caas-img data-headline="Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season" data-caption="
Week 4: Miami Dolphins running back De'von Achane rushes the ball against the New York Jets during a 27-21 win on "Monday Night Football" at Hard Rock Stadium. The Dolphins wore their new their Nike "Rivalries" uniforms – the team version dubbed "Dark Waters."
">Week 4: Miami Dolphins running back De'von Achane rushes the ball against the New York Jets during a 27-21 win on "Monday Night Football" at Hard Rock Stadium. The Dolphins wore their new their Nike "Rivalries" uniforms – the team version dubbed "Dark Waters."
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/GeSzEbaRz.fpqDCpehKfuw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/ea9c55e0ff8d3c0cef4124211fe79ed8 class=caas-img>the first NFL team to wear the new Nike "Rivalries" uniform in a game. The Seahawks won the game, 23-20.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Week 4: The Arizona Cardinals defense tackles Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) during the first quarter of a "Thursday Night Football" game at State Farm Stadium. The Cardinals became the first NFL team to wear the new Nike "Rivalries" uniform in a game. The Seahawks won the game, 23-20.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/BgOsyh6FU1hUZ9JUWzDPtA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/d7d4c1e0279b1ffac6eb7e0dddfae709 class=caas-img data-headline="Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season" data-caption="
Week 4: The Arizona Cardinals defense tackles Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) during the first quarter of a "Thursday Night Football" game at State Farm Stadium. The Cardinals became the first NFL team to wear the new Nike "Rivalries" uniform in a game. The Seahawks won the game, 23-20.
">Week 4: The Arizona Cardinals defense tackles Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) during the first quarter of a "Thursday Night Football" game at State Farm Stadium. The Cardinals became the first NFL team to wear the new Nike "Rivalries" uniform in a game. The Seahawks won the game, 23-20.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/BgOsyh6FU1hUZ9JUWzDPtA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/d7d4c1e0279b1ffac6eb7e0dddfae709 class=caas-img>
Week 3: New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller (5) stiff arms Seattle Seahawks linebacker Tyrice Knight (48) during the second quarter at Lumen Field. The Saints wore their all-white uniform and helmet combo for the first time in the 44-13 loss.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/56la2TSls8UGPl1fnusZ_g--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/f8b85f04ffcb38123704a83197911f65 class=caas-img data-headline="Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season" data-caption="
Week 3: New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller (5) stiff arms Seattle Seahawks linebacker Tyrice Knight (48) during the second quarter at Lumen Field. The Saints wore their all-white uniform and helmet combo for the first time in the 44-13 loss.
">Week 3: New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller (5) stiff arms Seattle Seahawks linebacker Tyrice Knight (48) during the second quarter at Lumen Field. The Saints wore their all-white uniform and helmet combo for the first time in the 44-13 loss.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/56la2TSls8UGPl1fnusZ_g--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/f8b85f04ffcb38123704a83197911f65 class=caas-img>Week 3: San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey carries the ball against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers wore throwback jerseys - an homage to the team's 1950s look, as well as its 1994 Super Bowl-winning season - in the 16-15 win against the Cardinals.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/bpStb24k6.UoY2gUP0YIEA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/ad3fed8890f4fb81879fd0e858d43b85 class=caas-img data-headline="Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season" data-caption="
Week 3: San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey carries the ball against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers wore throwback jerseys - an homage to the team's 1950s look, as well as its 1994 Super Bowl-winning season - in the 16-15 win against the Cardinals.
">Week 3: San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey carries the ball against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers wore throwback jerseys - an homage to the team's 1950s look, as well as its 1994 Super Bowl-winning season - in the 16-15 win against the Cardinals.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/bpStb24k6.UoY2gUP0YIEA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/ad3fed8890f4fb81879fd0e858d43b85 class=caas-img>
Week 2: Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) runs the ball against the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium. Sporting "The Vikings Classic" throwback uniform inspired by the team's look during the 1960s and '70s, Minnesota was defeated, 22-6.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/iVS54rP.I_InQtCpOctWCA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/39b932830e47d58b5bf101ed5364299e class=caas-img data-headline="Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season" data-caption="
Week 2: Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) runs the ball against the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium. Sporting "The Vikings Classic" throwback uniform inspired by the team's look during the 1960s and '70s, Minnesota was defeated, 22-6.
">Week 2: Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) runs the ball against the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium. Sporting "The Vikings Classic" throwback uniform inspired by the team's look during the 1960s and '70s, Minnesota was defeated, 22-6.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/iVS54rP.I_InQtCpOctWCA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/39b932830e47d58b5bf101ed5364299e class=caas-img>
1 / 25Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL seasonWeek 6: Washington Commanders wide receiver Chris Moore (19) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during the "Monday Night Football" game against the Chicago Bears at Northwest Stadium. The Commanders wore their all-black alternate uniforms for the game.
x − 5. Los Angeles Rams (11-4), wild card No. 1: They became the first team to clinch a playoff spot but lost the inside track for home-field advantage and a first-round bye after failing to sweep Seattle. Remaining schedule: at Falcons, vs. Cardinals
6. San Francisco 49ers (10-4), wild card No. 2: A win Monday locks them into the field and a tie for second place in the NFC West. Win out, which would entail completing a season sweep of Seattle on the final weekend of the regular season, and the Niners would get the No. 1 seed. Remaining schedule: at Colts, vs. Bears, vs. Seahawks
7. Green Bay Packers (9-4-1), wild card No. 3: DE Micah Parsons got hurt Sunday, and so did the Pack's positioning − down from the No. 2 seed to seventh due to their loss at Denver. But Green Bay is headed to postseason with a sweep of Chicago on Saturday night ... and a little help from the Steelers. Remaining schedule: at Bears, vs. Ravens, at Vikings
8. Detroit Lions (8-6), in the hunt: Tough loss to the Rams drops them 1½ games behind the projected playoff field. Yet Detroit remains within striking range of a wild-card berth and maybe still the NFC North crown. Remaining schedule: vs. Steelers, at Vikings, at Bears
9. Carolina Panthers (7-7), in the hunt: Had they beaten the Saints on Sunday, they simply would have needed one win over Tampa Bay to win the NFC South. But the Panthers came up light in New Orleans. Carolina and the Buccaneers will decide this on the field with two meetings between Weeks 16 and 18. Remaining schedule: vs. Buccaneers, vs. Seahawks, at Buccaneers
10. Dallas Cowboys (6-7-1), in the hunt: Sunday night's crushing loss to the Vikings all but eliminated them − Dallas needing to win all its games and hoping the Eagles lose all of theirs if "America's Team" is to win the NFC East. Remaining schedule: vs. Chargers, at Commanders, at Giants
NFL playoff-clinching scenarios for Week 16
Denver Broncos clinch AFC West and the AFC’s No. 1 seed with:
▶ Win + Chargers loss or tie + Patriots loss + Bills loss or tie
Denver clinches AFC West with:
Win + Chargers loss or tie OR
Broncos tie + Chargers loss
Buffalo clinches playoff berth with:
Win + Colts loss or tie OR
Win + Texans loss or tie OR
Tie + Colts loss OR
Tie + Texans loss
New England clinches playoff berth with:
Win or tie OR
Colts loss or tie OR
Texans loss or tie
Jacksonville clinches playoff berth with:
Win + Colts loss or tie OR
Win + Texans loss or tie OR
Tie + Colts loss OR
Tie + Colts tie + Texans loss
Los Angeles Chargers clinch playoff berth with:
Win + Colts loss or tie OR
Win + Texans loss or tie OR
Tie + Colts loss OR
Tie + Colts tie + Texans loss
Philadelphia clinches NFC East division title with:
Win OR
Cowboys loss OR
Tie + Cowboys tie
Chicago clinches playoff berth with:
Win + Lions loss or tie OR
Tie + Lions loss
Green Bay clinches playoff berth with:
Win + Lions loss or tie OR
Tie + Lions loss
San Francisco clinches playoff berth with:
Win OR
Lions loss OR
Tie + Lions tie
NFL teams eliminated from playoff contention in 2025
▶ New York Giants
▶ Arizona Cardinals
▶ New Orleans Saints
▶ Tennessee Titans
▶ Las Vegas Raiders
▶ Washington Commanders
▶ Atlanta Falcons
▶ New York Jets
▶ Cleveland Browns
▶ Cincinnati Bengals
▶ Kansas City Chiefs
▶ Minnesota Vikings
▶ Miami Dolphins
x – clinched playoff berth
y – clinched division
z – clinched home-field advantage, first-round bye
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NFL playoff picture Week 16: Eagles, Packers, Bears seek playoff spots
Source: “AOL Sports”
