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Zac Efron Reacts to Minnesota Vikings’ High School Musical Dance
Of course, High School Musical is just the latest movie-inspired celebration dance Bynum has led with his team with. During the Vikings’ Dec. 22 victory over the Seattle Seahawks, they channeled their inner Mitchie Torres with the Camp Rock 2 dance—earning shoutouts from Demi Lovato and the Jonas Brothers. Plus, they’ve recreated the iconic dance off from White Chicks and the Parent Trap handshake in recent games.
So, what’s the inspiration behind their many viral field moments? “In the NFL, it’s hard to make plays,” Bynum explained in a recent NFL profile. “So, when we have the success, we make sure to live in the moment and really celebrate it.”
While he’s officially a safety on the team, the athlete noted that is also the Vikings’ “celebration coordinator.” And while he takes pride in recreating moments from his and teammates’ favorite movies, Bynum points to the team’s impressive season—they lead the NFC North with a 14-2 record—as proof the lighthearted moments are making an impact.
“The wins that we’ve had, the plays that we’ve been able to make,” he added, “I think it’s a full circle of why we’re winning. And I think having fun is the formula for all of this.”
As fans await the movie magic the Vikings have in store next, keep reading for secrets from the High School Musical movies.
Zac Efron Reacts to Minnesota Vikings’ High School Musical DanceZac Efron, the heartthrob known for his role in the popular movie High School Musical, recently took to social media to share his thoughts on the Minnesota Vikings’ performance of a dance routine inspired by the hit film.
The NFL team surprised fans during a recent game by breaking out into a choreographed dance routine to one of the songs from High School Musical. The performance caught the attention of Efron, who was quick to praise the team for their dedication to the dance.
In a tweet, Efron wrote, “Wow, the @Vikings really nailed that High School Musical dance! Who knew football players could move like that? #Wildcats”
Fans of both Efron and the Vikings were delighted by the actor’s response, with many commenting on how impressed they were with the team’s performance. Some even joked that Efron should join the Vikings for their next dance routine.
It’s clear that the High School Musical legacy lives on, and it’s always fun to see unexpected homages to the beloved movie. Who knows, maybe we’ll see more NFL teams busting out dance routines from the film in the future!
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Zac Efron Reacts to Minnesota Vikings’ High School Musical Dance
Originally appeared on E! Online
Here and now, it’s time for celebration.
Once again, the Minnesota Vikings’ defense didn’t stick to the status quo and delivered yet another viral on-the-field dance performance. And this time they caught the attention of Zac Efron with their High School Musical routine.
Early during their game against the Green Bay Packers Dec. 29, Vikings safety Camryn Bynum recovered a fumble and to celebrate led several teammates in doing the choreography from the 2006 film’s closing number, “We’re All in This Together.”
As for how Efron reacted? The actor—who played Troy Bolton, high school basketball superstar and walk-on musical aficionado, in all three of the films—gave the Vikings’ execution his seal of approval, writing on his Instagram Story “Nailed it!!”
And Bynum made it clear that the NFL players’ commitment extends far beyond football. The 26-year-old shared a glimpse of him rehearsing with several teammates, including Theo Jackson, Joshua Metellus, Dwight McGlothern and Byron Murphy Jr. as well as showing how their practice compared with their game day performance and the High School Musical scene itself.
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In addition to Efron, several HSM alum weighed in on social media, with Corbin Bleu channeling his inner Ms. Darbus with a simple, “Bravo” while KayCee Stroh wrote, “Get it wildcats!!! Mad impressed.”
Camryn Bynum/Instagram
Of course, High School Musical is just the latest movie-inspired celebration dance Bynum has led with his team with. During the Vikings’ Dec. 22 victory over the Seattle Seahawks, they channeled their inner Mitchie Torres with the Camp Rock 2 dance—earning shoutouts from Demi Lovato and the Jonas Brothers. Plus, they’ve recreated the iconic dance off from White Chicks and the Parent Trap handshake in recent games.
So, what’s the inspiration behind their many viral field moments? “In the NFL, it’s hard to make plays,” Bynum explained in a recent NFL profile. “So, when we have the success, we make sure to live in the moment and really celebrate it.”
While he’s officially a safety on the team, the athlete noted that is also the Vikings’ “celebration coordinator.” And while he takes pride in recreating moments from his and teammates’ favorite movies, Bynum points to the team’s impressive season—they lead the NFC North with a 14-2 record—as proof the lighthearted moments are making an impact.
“The wins that we’ve had, the plays that we’ve been able to make,” he added, “I think it’s a full circle of why we’re winning. And I think having fun is the formula for all of this.”
As fans await the movie magic the Vikings have in store next, keep reading for secrets from the High School Musical movies.
1. The title High School Musical was initially just a placeholder as Disney and the filmmakers had not yet decided on a name.
2. Hunter Parrish and Sterling Knight both auditioned for the role of Troy Bolton, losing out, of course, to Zac Efron. However, they would go on to star alongside him in 17 Again, playing his high school nemesis/daughter’s loser boyfriend and his son, respectively.
3. Corbin Bleu, meanwhile, first auditioned for Ryan Evans, telling Buzzfeed, “At the time, I didn’t know about the role of Chad Danforth.” Once he landed the role, Corbin actually became the person to come up with all of the catchphrases on Chad’s signature graphic t-shirts. “They’re in a box in my garage,” he revealed of Chad’s collection.
4. Before going on to land the roles of Sharpay and Taylor, both Ashley Tisdale and Monique Coleman auditioned for Gabriella. “I just knew that I was terrible,” Monique said of her Gabriella audition. “I didn’t really feel equipped to sing and dance.”
5. Lucas Grabeel, meanwhile, first read for the part of Troy, but knew right away he wasn’t landing the role: “I went in right after Drew Seeley, who ended up singing for Troy in the movie,” he told Buzzfeed. “I obviously heard him because it was in a trailer, so it was really thin walls and I was like, oh shit. I’m totally not gonna get this because that guy’s incredible.”
6. Oh yeah, in case you didn’t know: Drew actually provided the singing voice for Troy in the first HSM movie. Drew would go on to fill in for Zac on the High School Musical tour when scheduling conflicts got in the way, but for the follow-up movies, it was all Zac on Troy’s tracks.
“That was a very huge point for me. I had to put my foot down and fight to get my voice on these tracks,” Zac told the Orlando Sentinel. “In the first movie, after everything was recorded, my voice was not on them. I was not really given an explanation. It just kind of happened that way. Unfortunately, it put me in an awkward position.”
7. According to Rolling Stone‘s iconic cover story on Zac (aka “The New American Heartthrob”), one in three teenage girls in America actually had a poster of him on their wall (though they cited a random web site for this factoid).
8. The sibling rivalry was just as real off-screen as it was on-screen for Ashley and Lucas…at least at first. “We were not close. We were not good friends…we hated each other,” Ashley admitted during a video she recorded with Lucas for her YouTube channel. Lucas added that the pair “didn’t get off on the best foot” when they started filming the first movie, but eventually became close friends. How fabulous!
9. In an interview with Buzzfeed, Lucas revealed he pushed for Ryan’s sexuality to be explored early on. “After reading the script, the first thing I said to [Kenny Ortega] was, ‘OK, Kenny, Ryan’s gay, right? I know it’s Disney Channel so I’m not really gonna be gay, but I mean, yeah, right?’ And he’s like, ‘Well, think of it this way: You have the opportunity to play a character who’s young, he’s into theater, he’s an artist and let’s go at it from that point of view,’” Lucas explained. “He talked to me about his own life and he was like, ‘I see a lot of myself in Ryan. Yeah, I knew I was gay in high school, but I didn’t tell anybody.’ It was about making it real.”
10. Ryan’s iconic jazz squares were all Lucas’ creation, along with Ryan and Sharpay’s vocal warm-up exercises. “It’s making fun of, but also an homage to two different choreographers I had when I was a kid who would put jazz squares in every single number,” Lucas revealed. “They never said, ‘Everybody loves a good jazz square,’ but it just fit, so I wanted to make it a thing that Ryan wanted to put a jazz square in every number.”
11. On the set, Kenny kept a yawn jar, which anyone who yawned had to contribute to. “Every year for, like, five years, on Christmas he would donate to a charity in our names,” Monique said, noting the money went to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Utah.
12. After filming on the first movie finished, Monique returned home to discover an eviction notice on her door and was struggling to pay her bills, as was Lucas who had trouble booking another job after the HSM.
13. After the record-breaking success of the first film, Disney gave fans the chance to weigh in on decisions on the highly anticipated sequel, including slogans that would appear on Chad’s t-shirts, the type of sandwiches Troy and Gabriella would eat on their date and the (very brief) appearance by Hannah Montana star Miley Cyrus.
14. Like her on-screen character Ms. Darbus, the drama teacher at East High, Alyson Reed helped mentor the kids off-screen too. In fact, she even went on to become Monique’s acting teacher. “She was the person I felt the most comfortable with,” Monique told Buzzfeed. “I really credit her with helping me get my confidence back.”
15. The third film in the franchise was initially intended to be a Halloween-themed feature called Haunted High School Musical, but the concept was ultimately (and fortunately) dropped, with Zac telling MTV at the time, “Yeah, I don’t think the haunted thing lasted very long.” The third and final film, the only HSM movie to hit theaters, was then called High School Musical: Senior Year.
16. Selena Gomez was almost cast in HSM 3 as Tiara Gold, Sharpay’s new rival. But, the Disney darling decided to turn down the role “because I didn’t want to do it,” she told the New York Daily News at the time. “I plan to take other roles in acting that are challenging for me. After Disney, I want to be taken seriously as an actress for many years.” Ali Lohan also reportedly went out for the role that ultimately went to Jemma McKenzie-Brown.
17. Chad’s dad appears for the first time in the third installment, and Mr. Danforth is played by Corbin’s real-life father, David Reivers. (They also played father and son in Jump In! and Free Style.)
18. Ashley revealed to Buzzfeed that she took home almost all of Sharpay’s wardrobe from the first movie, admitting, “Did I think I was going to wear them on the red carpet? Probably, at the time.” And when Disney tried to eventually get the items back, Ashley pulled a Sharpay and said she’d rather stick toothpicks into her eyes. “I was like, “No, this is mine.’ So they don’t have any of the clothes from the first movie. I do.”
19. When the first movie came out, fans obsessed over which cast members might be dating, with many thinking Zac and Ashley were an item. “I remember people thinking that Zac Efron and I dated, because we were on a lot of magazine covers together, because we were promoting the first movie,” Ashley recalled. “So, we just thought that was really funny, because he was obviously dating someone else, and he’s my best friend.”
20. Ah yes, Zanessa. HSM fans had a near meltdown when it was revealed Zac and Vanessa were a couple IRL. They would go on to date for four years, becoming one of young Hollywood’s most beloved couples before their split in 2010. “It started off really organically,” Vanessa recalled on THR’s Awards Chatter podcast. “I could not have been more grateful to have that relationship at the time.”
21. While they kept it professional on the set of the movies, they once fought during HSM 3. “I remember one time we did have a fight and it was while we were at rehearsals,” she remembered, “and I remember Kenny Ortega coming around the corner with the most concerned look on his face like, ‘Oh no, is our movie going to fall apart right?’”
22. In 2016, Disney Channel announced a casting call for High School Musical 4, looking for a new generation of east High Wildcats to continue the franchise. Jeffrey Hornaday, who directed Disney Channel hits Teen Beach Movie and Teen Beach 2, was attached to direct and choreograph the new movie, which ultimately never ended up coming to fruition.
23. The High School Musical soundtrack was the top-selling album of 2006, per Billboard, with 3.7 million copies sold, and was the first-ever TV Movie soundtrack to hit No. 1 on the sales chart.
24. High School Musical 2 is still one of the highest rated Disney Channel Original Movie of all-time, drawing a whopping 17.2 million viewers. “This was our Super Bowl,” Disney Channel president Gary Marsh said at the time. “I think we have officially crossed the line from High School Musical the movie to High School Musical the mania.”
25. With a budget of just $11 million, High School Musical 3: Senior Year grossed over $250 million worldwide in 2008, debuting at No. 1 at the box office in its first week.
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Zac Efron, the heartthrob actor known for his role in High School Musical, recently reacted to a viral video of the Minnesota Vikings’ football team performing a dance routine inspired by the hit Disney movie.In the video, the players can be seen dancing and singing along to the iconic song “We’re All In This Together” from High School Musical, complete with coordinated choreography and enthusiastic energy. The video quickly gained traction on social media, with fans of both the Vikings and High School Musical praising the team for their creative performance.
Zac Efron, who played the role of Troy Bolton in the High School Musical franchise, took to Twitter to share his thoughts on the Vikings’ rendition of the popular song. He tweeted, “Love seeing the @Vikings getting their High School Musical on! Looks like they’ve got some serious dance moves. Maybe I should join them for a game sometime #Wildcats”
Fans of both Zac Efron and the Vikings were thrilled to see the actor’s reaction to the viral video, with many expressing their excitement at the prospect of seeing Efron join the team for a game. Whether or not that will actually happen remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure – the Vikings’ High School Musical dance has definitely caught the attention of fans and celebrities alike.
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OKC Thunder Favorites Against Minnesota, 12 in a Row in Sights
The Oklahoma City Thunder are riding an 11 game winning streak – a victory away from tying its best such streak in franchise history. On Tuesday night, it will be the New Years Eve Matchup between the Thunder and Timberwolves to carry on the annual tradition inside the Paycom Center.
Oklahoma City is seven point point favorite in this game according to FanDuel despite facing a healthy Timberwolves team that is rolling with three straight wins under their belt. The Thunder will be without two key rotational pieces in Alex Caruso and Chet Holmgren – both have spent significant time on the sideline but have not detered the Thunder from a 26-5 record.
Minnesota’s been clunky at best on both ends ranking 21st in offensive rating and climbing to no. 6 ranked squad despite starting a mess on that end.
Oklahoma City owns the NBA’s best defense – on pace for a historic unit – that could force the Timberwolves to labor in its scoring efforts, especially if Lu Dort and Cason Wallace can fluster Anthony Edwards holding the star to a subpar game. There aren’t many options for the Timberwolves past the head of the snake.
With role players typically shooting better at home, if the Oklahoma City Thunder can get consistent shooting as it did in the first half against Memphis on Sunday – the Thunder should be able to win and cover the seven point spread.
Sure, Oklahoma City is due to drop a game and tonight could be it! But there are too many factors that could lead to an eight-plus point win with the chance of a push to not lean the Thunder’s way.
The Bet: Thunder -7
The Record: 20-11-1
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER
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The Oklahoma City Thunder are on a hot streak, winning 11 games in a row and looking to make it 12 as they face off against the Minnesota Timberwolves. With their recent success, the Thunder are the clear favorites in this matchup.Led by stars such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luguentz Dort, the Thunder have been dominating both offensively and defensively. Their chemistry on the court has been evident, and they have been able to pull out close wins in clutch moments.
On the other hand, the Timberwolves have been struggling this season and are currently at the bottom of the Western Conference standings. Despite having talented players like Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards, they have been unable to put together consistent performances.
As the Thunder look to extend their winning streak and continue their climb up the standings, all signs point to them coming out on top in this matchup against the Timberwolves. With their sights set on win number 12 in a row, the Thunder are ready to prove why they are a force to be reckoned with in the NBA.
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First Look: Virginia Tech vs. Minnesota
BLACKSBURG – After a busy conclusion to 2024 with National Signing Day and staff changes, Virginia Tech football will open the new year against Minnesota in search of consecutive bowl game victories. The Hokies will face the Golden Gophers at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina on Friday, Jan. 3 at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.
How to Follow
TV: The game will be televised on ACC Network with Matt Barrie (play-by-play), Aaron Murray (analyst) and Harry Lyles (sidelines) on the call.
Radio: The Virginia Tech Sports Network will carry the contest over the airwaves in Blacksburg on 93.1 FM and 105.9 FM. Bill Roth will handle play-by-play duties while Mike Burnop provides color commentary and Zach Mackey reports from the sideline.
Streaming: Catch the game online at ESPN.com and the ESPN mobile app.
Live Audio: Listen to live audio coverage of the matchup at HokieSports.com/Listen or in the HokieSports mobile app.
Live Stats: Monitor the game through live stats on HokieSports.com, including play-by-play updates and full team and individual statistics.
Social Media: Stay connected with the Hokies on Twitter (@HokiesFB), Instagram (@hokiesfb) and Facebook (@VirginiaTechFB).
Things to Know
Inaugural Matchup
Virginia Tech’s football program boasts an enticing history of accolades in the regular season and bowl games. The Hokies will be presented with an intriguing opportunity at Bank of America Stadium, as it will be the first-ever meeting between the two programs. Head coach Brent Pry and company are no strangers to Big Ten programs, as they’ve competed three times against the conference over the last two seasons. Friday’s contest against Minnesota will mark the fourth bowl matchup against the conference. With a victory over the Golden Gophers, Tech can move to 2-2 in postseason contests against Big Ten opponents based on the in-season conference alignment, with the most recent victory against Indiana in 1993 during the Independence Bowl. Learn more about Minnesota and how it stacks up against Virginia Tech.Back in Charlotte
The postseason storylines continue to roll in the Hokies’ latest trip to North Carolina. Tech’s upcoming matchup will be its third appearance in the Charlotte-hosted postseason contest. The first two appearances occurred under different naming rights, with the inaugural matchup resulting in a 35-24 victory over Arkansas in 2016. Now, in their first trip under the current naming rights sponsor, Duke’s Mayo, the Hokies will aim to earn a 2-1 record in the bowl. Not to mention, a staff member from the winning team will get doused in mayonnaise to cement the moment of victory. Dive deeper into the program’s history with Bowl Snapshot, presented by Kroger.Defensive Preparation
Following staff changes after the 2024 regular season, Tech’s defensive play calling will look different. Addressing the media after the decision, Pry mentioned that he and STARs coach Shawn Quinn will handle bowl game preparation for the defense. “And we’ll decide as we get closer to it where the play calling actually comes from,” Pry stated. With weeks of game planning, the Hokies can lean on the valuable coaching experience of Quinn if needed.Be at the Game!
While the Virginia Tech ticket allotment is exhausted for the matchup, fans are encouraged to visit the Duke Mayo Bowl website for tickets or other avenues. Additional tickets can be found on SeatGeek, the Official Fan-to-Fan Ticket Marketplace of Virginia Tech Athletics.
The highly anticipated matchup between Virginia Tech and Minnesota is set to take place this upcoming weekend, and fans are buzzing with excitement. Both teams are coming off strong seasons and have high expectations for the upcoming year.Virginia Tech, led by head coach Justin Fuente, is known for their high-powered offense and stout defense. Quarterback Braxton Burmeister will look to lead the Hokies to a victory, while running back Raheem Blackshear will be a key player to watch on the offensive side of the ball.
On the other side, Minnesota, coached by P.J. Fleck, is known for their explosive offense and physical defense. Quarterback Tanner Morgan will look to lead the Golden Gophers to a win, while running back Mohamed Ibrahim will be a key player to watch on offense.
This game is sure to be a thrilling matchup between two talented teams, and fans can expect a hard-fought battle until the final whistle. Be sure to tune in this weekend for what is sure to be a memorable game between Virginia Tech and Minnesota.
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#Virginia #Tech #MinnesotaSan Antonio Spurs vs Minnesota Timberwolves Dec 29, 2024 Box Scores
San Antonio Spurs vs Minnesota Timberwolves Dec 29, 2024 Box ScoresFinal Score:
San Antonio Spurs: 110
Minnesota Timberwolves: 105Top Performers:
San Antonio Spurs:
– DeMar DeRozan: 28 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists
– Keldon Johnson: 23 points, 9 rebounds
– Derrick White: 19 points, 5 assistsMinnesota Timberwolves:
– Karl-Anthony Towns: 32 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists
– Anthony Edwards: 25 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists
– D’Angelo Russell: 18 points, 8 assistsKey Stats:
– The Spurs shot 48% from the field compared to the Timberwolves’ 45%.
– San Antonio outrebounded Minnesota 45-39.
– The Timberwolves had 18 turnovers, while the Spurs only had 12.It was a close game throughout, but the Spurs were able to hold on for the win thanks to a strong performance from DeMar DeRozan and key contributions from Keldon Johnson and Derrick White. Karl-Anthony Towns had a standout game for the Timberwolves, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Spurs’ balanced scoring attack.
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NFC North title down to Week 18 game vs. Minnesota Vikings
Dave Birkett – Detroit Free Press
Dave Birkett, Carlos Monarrez, Jeff Seidel, Shawn Windsor – Detroit Free Press
Dave Birkett – Detroit Free Press
Dan Hajducky – ESPN.com
Eric Woodyard – ESPN.com
Mel Kiper Jr. – ESPN.com
Mike Sando – The Athletic
Jeffri Chadiha – NFL.com
Andrew Birkle – Detroit Free Press
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Richard Silva – Detroit News
Richard Silva – Detroit News
Mike Jones – The Athletic
Rob Maaddi – Associated Press
Around the NFL Staff – NFL.com
Justin Rogers – Detroit Football Network
Justin Rogers – Detroit Football Network
Justin Rogers – Detroit Football Network
Jeremy Reisman – Pride of Detroit
Jeremy Reisman – Pride of Detroit
Dave Birkett – Detroit Free Press
Dave Birkett – Detroit Free Press
Dave Birkett – Detroit Free Press
Richard Silva – Detroit News
Richard Silva – Detroit News
Richard Silva – Detroit News
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Jeremy Reisman, Erik Schlitt – Pride of Detroit
The NFC North title race comes down to Week 18 showdown against the Minnesota VikingsAfter a grueling 17-week regular season, the NFC North title will be decided in a highly anticipated Week 18 matchup between the top two teams in the division, the Green Bay Packers and the Minnesota Vikings.
Both teams have had impressive seasons, with the Packers currently holding a slight edge in the standings. Led by star quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the Packers have been dominant on both sides of the ball, boasting one of the top offenses in the league and a solid defense to match.
On the other hand, the Vikings have been on a hot streak in recent weeks, winning crucial games to stay in the playoff race. Quarterback Kirk Cousins has been playing at a high level, and the Vikings’ defense has been formidable, making them a tough opponent for any team.
The Week 18 matchup between these two rivals is sure to be a thrilling and intense game, with the NFC North title hanging in the balance. Both teams will be fighting tooth and nail for the division crown and a spot in the playoffs, making this game a must-watch for football fans everywhere.
So mark your calendars and get ready for an epic showdown as the Packers and Vikings battle it out for supremacy in the NFC North. It’s sure to be a game for the ages, with plenty of drama and excitement in store. Don’t miss it!
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Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Minnesota, Detroit Play For NFL Division Titles
Sam Darnold and the Vikings are one victory away from claiming the top seed in the NFC playoffs. (AP … [+]
Before the National Football League playoffs come this weekend’s play-ins.
Week 18 of the NFL regular season includes 10 games that will determine division winners and/or wild seedings and matchups in the first round of the playoffs, which are to begin Jan. 11-13 after a one-week pause.
The NFC North, AFC North and NFC South championships are at stake, as is the last of the seven playoff berths in each conference and a final tweaking of the first-round matchups.
Jared Goff and the Lions play host to Minnesota to decide the NCF North on Sunday night, (AP … [+]
Two-time defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City (15-1) has clinched the No. 1 seed in the AFC and home field advantage throughout the playoffs. The NFC No. 1 seed will come down to the final prime time game of the season, when Detroit plays host to Minnesota on Sunday night. Both are 14-2.
The Chiefs remain the favorite to win the Super Bowl, which would be the first three-peat in league history. Detroit, Buffalo, Baltimore, Philadelphia and Minnesota are all 8-1 shots or better, according to FanDuel.
A look at the scenarios in each division:
AFC EAST
Playoff team: Buffalo Bills (13-3)
Still alive: Miami Dolphins (8-8)
Nothing to see here. The Bills have clinched the No. 2 seed in the NFC and are the only team to beat Kansas City behind top MVP candidate quarterback Josh Allen. They will open the wild card playoffs against the lowest-seeded qualifier, which would be Denver as things stand now.
Josh Allen and the Bills are the only team to get past Kansas City this season. (AP Photo/Adrian … [+]
The Dolphins will be the seventh and final AFC seed if they beat the New York Jets and the Chiefs beat the Broncos.
AFC NORTH
Playoff teams: Baltimore Ravens (11-5), Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6)
Still alive: Cincinnati Bengals (8-8)
Both Baltimore and Pittsburgh are in, and the Ravens will be the division champ and the No. 3 seed if they beat reeling Cleveland on Saturday, when they are a whopping 17 1/2-point favorite. If the Ravens lose and Pittsburgh beats Cincinnati, the Steelers will win the division by virtue of a better division record, the second tiebreaker.
Even if Baltimore wins, the Steelers have something on the line. They will be the No. 5 seed if they win or the Los Angeles Chargers lose to the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. It raises an interesting question. The fifth seed will play at NFC South winner and No. 4 seed Houston in the first round, a much more favorable matchup than a return visit to Baltimore.
Despite Joe Burrow’s remarkable season, Cincinnati is a long shot to make the playoffs. (AP … [+]
The Bengals stayed alive with a 30-24 victory over Denver last week and would get the final playoff spot if they beat Pittsburgh and both Denver and Miami lose.
AFC SOUTH
Playoff team: Houston (9-7)
The Texas are the only team over .500 in this division, the worst in the conference by any measure. They are unlikely to be favored in any playoff game, even with the first one at home. The NFL mandates that all four division winners get home field advantage in their first game.
Patrick Mahomes is considered unlikely to play when No. 1 AFC seed Kansas City visits Denver. (AP … [+]
AFC WEST
Playoff teams: Kansas City (15-1), Los Angeles Chargers (10-6)
Still alive: Denver Broncos (9-7)
Kansas City Coach Andy Reid has rested many of his starters when the Chiefs have been in this position recently, and he is likely to do it again the season finale at Denver.
The struggling Broncos, who lost to Kansas City on a blocked field goal attempt in their previous meeting, could use the help. A win and they are in, but a loss and they need both Miami and Cincinnati to lose.
Behind Coach of the Year candidate Jim Harbaugh, the Chargers could claim the No. 5 seed with a victory and a Steelers’ loss.
Calling Canton. Philadelphia halfback Saquon Barkley is 100 yards short of tying the NFL season … [+]
NFC EAST
Playoff teams: Philadelphia Eagles (13-3), Washington (11-5)
The Eagles clinched the No. 2 seed in the NFC with a dominating 41-7 victory over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday. They played that one without injured quarterback Jalen Hurts but got another big game from running back Saquon Barkley, who leads the league with 2,005 yards rushing and is 100 yards short of tying Eric Dickerson’s season record of 2,105 set in 1984.
Jayden Daniels’ late heroics lifted Washington to victories over the Eagles and Atlanta the last two weeks to guarantee the the Commanders their first playoff berth since 2020. They have not won a playoff games since 2005.
Rookie Jayden Daniels’s heroics the last two weeks pushed the Commanders into the playoffs. (AP … [+]
The Commanders will be the No. 6 seed if they beat the Cowboys or the Green Bay Packers (11-5) lose to the Bears on Sunday. The Commanders would meet Philadelphia for the third time this season if they drop to the No. 7 seed.
NFC NORTH
Playoff teams: Detroit Lions (14-2), Minnesota Vikings (14-2), Green Bay Packers (11-5)
The best division in the league will provide the most riveting finish when the Lions play host to the Vikings to decide the division title on Sunday night.
Lions halfback Jahmyr Gibbs has 1,600 yards from scrimmage to bring the Lions with a win of the NFC … [+]
The stakes are huge. The Detroit-Minnesota winner will earn the NFC No. 1 seed, a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. The loser will be the No. 5 seed, with a wild card road game against either the Los Angeles Rams or the NFC South winner, Tampa Bay or Atlanta.
The Vikings set up the winner-take-all match against the Lions with a 27-25 victory over Green Bay last Sunday, a loss that could drop the Packers as low the No. 7 seed if they lose at home to the Bears on Sunday.
Quarterback Sam Darnold’s rebirth has keyed the Vikings’ jump from a 7-10 record in 2023. Darnold has 4,153 passing yards, more than 1,000 more than in the best of his previous six seasons spent with the Jets, Carolina and San Francisco.
Sam Darnold has a carer-high 4,153 passing yards in his seventh NFL season, his first with the … [+]
NFC SOUTH
Still alive: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7), Atlanta Falcons (8-8)
The final NFC playoff spot will be decided between these two Sunday. The Buccaneers will claim the division, the No. 4 seed and a first-round home game with a victory or tie at home against New Orleans or an Atlanta home loss to Carolina. If both finish 9-8, the Falcons would win the division by beating the Bucs twice this season.
Matthew Stafford and the Rams clinched the NFC West title last week. (AP Photo/Alex Gallardo)
NFC West
Playoff team: Los Angeles Rams (10-6)
The Rams won the division and a playoff berth during a fortuitous holiday weekend. They beat Arizona 13-9 on Saturday to get a leg up, and four other results fell their way Sunday to give them the tiebreaker edge over Seattle (9-7) and render their game at the Seahawks this week meaningless except for seeding purposes.
The Rams are the NFC No. 3 seed and will remain there with a victory or tie against Seattle or a Tampa Bay loss.
This Sunday, the Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Ravens, Minnesota Vikings, and Detroit Lions will battle it out for their respective NFL division titles. With the season coming to a close, these teams are looking to secure their spots in the playoffs and make a run for the Super Bowl.The Steelers will face off against the Cleveland Browns in a crucial AFC North matchup, while the Ravens will take on the Cincinnati Bengals. In the NFC North, the Vikings will go head-to-head with the Green Bay Packers, and the Lions will battle the Chicago Bears.
Each of these games will have major implications for the standings, with playoff spots on the line. Fans can expect intense competition as these teams fight for division supremacy.
Who will come out on top and secure their division title? Tune in to find out as Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Minnesota, and Detroit play for NFL division titles this weekend.
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Dan Campbell’s wife references Game of Thrones as Lions prepare for decisive Week 18 clash against Minnesota
As Minnesota secured a narrow 27-25 victory over Green Bay Sunday evening, the stakes for
Week 18’s thrilling showdown between the Vikings and Detroit grew even further, with the
winner laying claim to not just the NFC North but the entire conference as well.Detroit coach Dan Campbell’s family seems to be approaching this fateful divisional matchup
with the theatrical reverence it deserves, likening the Lions’ defense of Ford Field to the beloved
HBO drama “Game of Thrones.”Campbell’s wife, Holly, posted an image of GOT character Sansa Stark with the following quote
overlayed: “If we don’t take back the North, we’ll never be safe. I want you to help me, but I’ll do
it myself if I have to.”
Campbell led Detroit to a 2023 NFC North championship The Lions currently reign as defending champions of the “North,” winning their first divisional title in three decades last season thanks to a stunning revival of the long-suffering franchise led by Campbell. Returning much of their young core, the Lions entered the 2024-25 season as favorites to repeat their success in the NFC North, but Minnesota has since emerged from the opposite end of the preseason spectrum and matched Detroit’s 13-2 record entering the
penultimate week.Minnesota was the first of the two teams to play this weekend, surging to an early lead against
another divisional rival in Green Bay and carrying a 27-10 edge into the midway point of the
fourth quarter. Jordan Love promptly led the Packers on consecutive touchdown drives,
narrowing the deficit to 27-25 by the two-minute warning, but Minnesota ultimately held on and
improved to 14-2 on the season, also eliminating Philadelphia from contention for the No. 1
overall seed.Detroit, meanwhile, will face off against San Francisco on Monday night. However, because the Lions beat Minnesota earlier in the season, they will win the NFC North with a victory over Minnesota almost regardless of their result in Monday’s game — beating San Francisco would allow Detroit to advance in the case of a tie against the Vikings.
Campbell and company will kick off in San Francisco at 8:15 p.m. ET Monday night before heading home to face the Vikings on short rest. The Week 18 matchup between Detroit and Minnesota will broadcast on NBC at 8:15 p.m. ET Sunday.
As the Detroit Lions gear up for their crucial Week 18 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings, head coach Dan Campbell’s wife made an interesting reference to the popular TV show Game of Thrones.In a recent interview, Mrs. Campbell compared the Lions’ underdog mentality to the Stark family in Game of Thrones, saying, “Just like the Starks, we may not have all the power or resources, but we have heart and determination that can’t be underestimated.”
With the Lions fighting for a playoff spot in the final week of the regular season, the comparison to the resilient Stark family seems fitting. As they face off against the Vikings in a must-win game, Detroit fans are hoping that their team can channel the same strength and resilience that the Starks displayed in the face of adversity.
As the Lions prepare for this decisive clash, Dan Campbell’s wife’s Game of Thrones reference serves as a reminder that sometimes, it’s not about having the most talent or resources, but about having the heart and determination to overcome the odds. Let’s see if the Lions can channel their inner Stark and come out victorious in this crucial Week 18 matchup.
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Minnesota Vikings’ Jordan Addison Joins Odell Beckham In NFL History
The Minnesota Vikings denied a spirited comeback from their NFC North counterparts for a much-needed 27-25 victory over the Green Bay Packers to improve to 14-2 on the season and set up a winner-take-all scenario against the Detroit Lions next week. The former USC Trojans wide receiver hauled in six receptions for 69 receiving yards and a highlight reel touchdown from a fellow USC Trojan in quarterback Sam Darnold. Addison has firmly cemented himself as one of the best wide receiver two’s, 1b as some like to call it, in the NFL.
In his second season, Addison is now up to 62 receptions, 875 receiving yards, and nine receiving touchdowns. His nine receiving touchdowns ranks tied for tenth in the NFL, and only All-Pro’s Mike Evans, Tyreek Hill, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Ja’Marr Chase have more receiving touchdowns since Addison entered the league in 2023.
Addison has accomplished the feat in 14 games played so far due to injury earlier in the season. After slowly working his way back into the fold, Addison has been one of the most productive pass catchers in the last six games of the regular season.
Trojan + Trojan = touchdown
— USC Football (@uscfb) December 29, 2024
“It’s going to be tough. You know what I’m saying? We need all the Vikings fans heading to Detroit this weekend, and we’re going to put it out for them,” said Jordan Addison of the challenge ahead next weekend in the FOX post-game field interview.
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With his ninth touchdown reception of the season and 19th of his career, Addison is now tied with Odell Beckham Jr. for the fourth-most receiving touchdowns by a player under the age of 23 in NFL history. Only Rob Gronkowski, Randy Moss, and Ja’Marr Chase have had more. With All-Pro wide receiver Justin Jefferson playing opposite him, Addison has become one of the biggest mismatches on the field.
“I’m not even going to lie it’s a lot of fun. It doesn’t even feel like work. When everyone comes in the building we’re smiling, laughing, playing with good energy and we’re just doing our thing,” Addison continued.
With his ninth touchdown reception of the season and 19th of his career, WR Jordan Addison is now tied with Odell Beckham Jr. for the fourth-most receiving touchdowns by a player under the age of 23 in NFL history.
28 – Randy Moss
27 – Rob Gronkowski
22 – Ja’Marr Chase
19 -… https://t.co/XoVRE2t4VY— Vikings Communications (@VikingsPR) December 29, 2024
Next up, the Vikings take on the Detroit Lions for a winner-take-all all matchup to determine the NFC No. 1 seed, the NFC North division crown, and home-field advantage throughout the 2025-2025 NFL Playoffs. Addison and company will all need to have big days to overcome that obstacle and defeat the Lions.
MORE: USC Trojans Coach Lincoln Riley’s Questionable Clock Management vs. Texas A&M Aggies
MORE: USC Trojans vs. Texas A&M Aggies Draws Disappointing Crowd For Las Vegas Bowl
MORE: USC Trojans Or Texas A&M Aggies To Land Five-Star Recruit Brandon Arrington?
MORE: USC Trojans Wide Receiver Transfer Zachariah Branch Predicted To Georgia Bulldogs
Minnesota Vikings rookie wide receiver Jordan Addison has officially joined Odell Beckham Jr. in NFL history after recording an impressive performance in his first season.Addison, who was drafted by the Vikings in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, has quickly made a name for himself with his outstanding play on the field. In just his first season, Addison has already racked up over 1,000 receiving yards and multiple touchdowns, earning him a spot alongside Beckham Jr. in the NFL record books.
Beckham Jr., who burst onto the scene in 2014 with the New York Giants, quickly became one of the league’s most dynamic and electrifying wide receivers. Known for his one-handed catches and explosive playmaking ability, Beckham Jr. set numerous records in his first few seasons in the league.
Now, Addison is following in Beckham Jr.’s footsteps, making a name for himself as one of the most exciting young receivers in the NFL. With his speed, agility, and hands, Addison has proven to be a force to be reckoned with on the field.
As Addison continues to make his mark in the NFL, fans are excited to see what the future holds for this talented young receiver. With his exceptional talent and work ethic, Addison has the potential to become a standout player in the league for years to come.
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Preview: Wild vs. Senators | Minnesota Wild
Last Season on Wild vs. Senators
Minnesota went 1-0-1 in the season series against Ottawa.
Ottawa won the series-opening game, 2-1, in a shootout at the 2023 NHL Global Series in Stockholm, Sweden (11/18). Minnesota won the second meeting, 3-2, in St. Paul (12/18).
C Marco Rossi, LW Matt Boldy, RW Vinni Lettieri and C Mason Shaw all scored for Minnesota. G Filip Gustavsson saved 30-of-31 shots faced for Minnesota in the first meeting. G Marc-André Fleury stopped 30-of-32 in the second meeting.
RW Drake Batherson (1-1=2) and D Jakob Chychrun (1-1=2) had two points each. D Erik Brannstrom also tallied a goal. G Anton Forsberg saved 24-of-25 shots faced for Ottawa in the first meeting. G Jonas Korpisalo stopped 16-of-19 shots faced in the second game.
The Minnesota Wild are set to take on the Ottawa Senators in an exciting matchup that is sure to keep fans on the edge of their seats. The Wild are currently sitting in a playoff spot in the Western Conference and will be looking to secure a win to solidify their position.On the other hand, the Senators are near the bottom of the standings in the Eastern Conference, but they have shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season. They will be looking to play spoiler and pull off an upset against the Wild.
Both teams have talented rosters and the game is sure to be a fast-paced and intense battle. With the Wild’s strong defensive play and the Senators’ offensive firepower, this game has all the makings of a thrilling showdown.
Be sure to tune in to see which team comes out on top in this exciting matchup between the Wild and the Senators. It’s sure to be a game you won’t want to miss!
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![<p>8. The sibling rivalry was just as real off-screen as it was on-screen for Ashley and Lucas...at least at first. "We were not close. We were not good friends...we hated each other," Ashley admitted during a video she recorded with Lucas for her YouTube channel. Lucas added that the pair "didn't get off on the best foot" when they started filming the first movie, but eventually became close friends. How fabulous!</p> <p>9. In an interview with Buzzfeed, Lucas revealed he pushed for Ryan's sexuality to be explored early on. "After reading the script, the first thing I said to [<strong>Kenny Ortega</strong>] was, 'OK, Kenny, Ryan's gay, right? I know it's Disney Channel so I'm not really gonna be gay, but I mean, yeah, right?' And he's like, 'Well, think of it this way: You have the opportunity to play a character who's young, he's into theater, he's an artist and let's go at it from that point of view,'" Lucas explained. "He talked to me about his own life and he was like, 'I see a lot of myself in Ryan. Yeah, I knew I was gay in high school, but I didn't tell anybody.' It was about making it real."</p>](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/LlkSsChWGQFlXTK2_6DuwA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTE1NTE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/e__181/91f51a22263faab82eb90cbbe05662a8)
