Football - Chattanooga Times Free Press

Final weekend of NFL regular season will fill out playoff picture

Even with just two of the NFL's 14 postseason berths still up for grabs, there will be plenty on the line around the league during the final weekend of the regular season.

By ROB MAADDI / The Associated Press January 2, 2026

AP photo by Brian Westerholt / Carolina Panthers receiver Tetairoa McMillan tries to make a one-handed catch in front of Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Benjamin Morrison during an NFC South Division matchup on Dec. 21 in Charlotte, N.C.

Falcons, Saints surge into latest rivalry meeting despite losing campaigns

The Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints have similar goals of trying to complete lost seasons on high notes.

By CHARLES ODUM / The Associated Press January 2, 2026

AP photo by Butch Dill / New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough is sacked by Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. during an NFC South Division rivalry matchup on Nov. 23 at the Superdome.

Titans closing tough season with chance to play spoiler in Jacksonville

The Jacksonville Jaguars have a championship celebration planned for their regular-season finale, and they're finally willing to talk about it.

By MARK LONG / The Associated Press January 2, 2026

AP photo by Stew Milne / The Tennessee Titans offense lines up against the Jacksonville Jaguars defense during an AFC South Division game on Nov. 30 at Nashville's Nissan Stadium.

Titans owner clarifies front office roles ahead of coaching search

Tennessee Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk has streamlined the roles for the franchise's president of football operations and general manager.

By TERESA M. WALKER / The Associated Press January 2, 2026

AP photo by George Walker IV / Tennessee Titans president of football operations Chad Brinker, second from left, walks with team owner Amy Adams Strunk before the start of last Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints at Nashville's Nissan Stadium.

Cam Ward has given Titans rare QB stability by starting every game

With one week to go, Cam Ward has been sacked 55 times so far in the NFL's 2025 season. And yet the rookie quarterback hasn't missed a snap, much less a game.

By TERESA M. WALKER / The Associated Press January 1, 2026

AP photo by Stew Milne / Tennessee Titans starting quarterback Cam Ward (1) runs onto the field before a home game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Dec. 21 at Nissan Stadium in Nashville.

Injury to Falcons defensive lineman less serious than initially feared

Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Brandon Dorlus appears to have avoided a serious injury after making an early exit from Monday's home win against the Los Angeles Rams.

By The Associated Press January 1, 2026

AP photo by Greg M. Cooper / Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Brandon Dorlus lines up during a game against the New England Patriots on Nov. 2 in Foxborough, Mass.

Lions-Vikings game on Netflix sets NFL streaming record

Two of the NFL's three games played on Christmas this season set viewership records.

By The Associated Press January 1, 2026

AP photo by Abbie Parr / Minnesota Vikings cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. celebrates after the team's win against the Detroit Lions in an NFC North Division matchup on Dec. 25 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.

Another bye bites the dust as defending champ Ohio State falls to Miami in CFP quarterfinals

Ryan Day and his Ohio State coaching staff spent a lot of time trying to figure out how to deal with the long break between the Big Ten championship and the College Football Playoff quarterfinals.

By SCHUYLER DIXON / AP Sports Writer December 31, 2025

Miami defensive back Jakobe Thomas, right, makes a tackle on Ohio State tight end Will Kacmarek during the second half of the Cotton Bowl College Football Playoff quarterfinal game Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Gareth Patterson)

Heupel banking on young talent, new defensive coordinator for turnaround next season

The Tennessee Volunteers didn't defeat a single power conference program that finished with a winning record during the 2017 and 2020 football seasons.

By David Paschall December 31, 2025

Tennessee Athletics photo by Kate Luffman / Tennessee freshman receiver Radarious Jackson had two catches for 18 yards during Tuesday night's 30-28 loss to Illinois in the Music City Bowl.

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Prep football season showcased Chattanooga-area’s two-way talent

As the new year approaches it's a good time to re-visit some of the top highlights of the prep football season.

By Stephen Hargis, Patrick MacCoon, Lindsey Young December 31, 2025

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