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Tag: Remains
Inflation remains stubborn. Could it get worse under Trump? : NPR
Gas and food prices such as eggs helped push up inflation last month. Egg prices were up nearly 37% in December from a year earlier.
Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images
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Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images
Inflation has been an economic scourge for many Americans under President Biden — and it could remain a continued problem under Donald Trump.
Consumer prices rose 2.9% in December compared to a year ago, according to government data out on Wednesday. That’s substantially lower than the four-decade high of 9.1% that the U.S. hit in mid-2022. But here’s the worrying bit: It marks the third consecutive month in which annual inflation has slowly ticked higher — not lower.
It’s a sign of both how much progress the Federal Reserve has made in beating down inflation, but also of how much policymakers are struggling to wrestle it down to the Fed’s preferred target of 2%.
And now, economists worry inflation could get worse under Trump. Here are three things to know about inflation.
Inflation is hitting where it hurts most
Americans have been fed up with inflation for a while — and for good reason. Some of the prices that have risen the highest are on goods that are key to most households.
In December, gas and food prices were among the biggest contributors to inflation. Egg prices, which have been driven higher by the avian flu, were up by nearly 37% from a year ago.
Car insurance costs were up 11% from last year. Meanwhile, gas prices are also on the rise, up 4.4% in December over November.
Sarah House, a senior economist at Wells Fargo Corporate and Investment Banking, called the price increases “an ongoing challenge for a lot of households.” And she points out that although wages have generally been rising, this trend is not substantially easing the financial burdens on households.
“If you look at where wage growth has been over the past year, it’s still outpacing the overall increase in inflation, but not by a lot, especially when again we look at some of the more frequently purchased items of a lot of households,” she says.
But there’s some not-so-negative news. Rent prices, for example, are stabilizing — though that just means they are not rising as fast as they were before. Shelter prices, which covers rent, were up 4.6% from a year ago, a smaller increase than in recent months.
And prices excluding those for food and energy, which are the most volatile, rose 3.2% in December compared to a year earlier. That’s the smallest gain in months for this measure, which is called “core inflation.”
Investors saw the slowdown in the core consumer price index very positively: On Wednesday, stocks surged, with all three main indexes, including the Dow Jones Industrial Average, posting their best day since Nov. 6, the day after Trump got elected.
The Fed is still trying to get inflation down
Inflation, though, is still above where the Federal Reserve would like it to be. And that will likely mean the Fed will need to keep interest rates higher for longer, despite making significant progress in bringing inflation down from its 2022 peak.
After cutting interest rates by a full percentage point last year, the Fed projected last month that it would only make two quarter-point cuts in 2025 — and some economists see even fewer rate cuts ahead.
Still, the Fed feels it has room to maneuver. Data last week showed the labor market is still growing strongly, with 256,000 jobs added last month.
That means the Fed does not need to rush to cut interest rates. Instead, it can keep rates higher and hope a healthier economy and rising wages help offset the pain from inflation.
Gas prices are also on the rise, having risen 4.4% in December from November.
Andrew Harnik/Getty Images/Getty Images North America
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Andrew Harnik/Getty Images/Getty Images North America
Why Trump could make inflation worse
There’s another major reason some Fed policymakers are hesitant to cut rates: Donald Trump.
Anger over inflation was a big reason why many Americans voted for Trump last year — but some of Trump’s economic policies could make inflation worse.
One main worry is his threat to impose tariffs on imports from other nations, which economists warn would end up being paid directly by American consumers.
Among the nations Trump has named are three of the country’s top trading partners: Mexico, Canada and China. Tariffs on those three alone could raise prices for a whole range of goods, from cars to oil to electronics.
Omair Sharif, founder and president of Inflation Insights, says the tariffs Trump imposed in his first term were more targeted and not on “things you go out and buy at Home Depot on the weekends.”
This time however, Trump is threatening widespread tariffs. If he follows through, the impact would be felt by many households, Sharif said: “More likely than not, you will be paying higher prices.”
Meanwhile, Trump is also threatening mass deportations of immigrants, although there is uncertainty about who he will target and how he can do so. That could also drive up prices by raising the cost of labor, according to economists.
For now, it’s hard to say what Trump will actually do during his term. The country will start getting clues about that soon enough, however, after his inauguration on Monday.
Inflation remains stubborn. Could it get worse under Trump? : NPRAs inflation continues to present challenges for the economy, many are wondering if the situation could worsen under President Trump’s administration. The latest data shows that inflation has remained stubbornly high, with prices continuing to rise across various sectors.
Some experts believe that Trump’s economic policies, such as tax cuts and deregulation, could potentially exacerbate inflationary pressures. These policies could lead to increased demand and higher prices, putting further strain on consumers and businesses.
Additionally, the ongoing trade tensions with China and other countries could also contribute to inflationary pressures. Tariffs and trade restrictions could disrupt supply chains and drive up prices for goods and services.
While the Federal Reserve has been raising interest rates in an effort to curb inflation, there are concerns that Trump’s criticism of the central bank could undermine its independence and ability to effectively manage inflation.
Overall, the outlook for inflation remains uncertain, but many are keeping a close eye on how Trump’s policies will impact the economy in the months ahead.
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Hyatt Hotels stock remains Outperform at Mizuho, target raised amid growth potential By Investing.com
On Monday, Mizuho (NYSE:) Securities exhibited confidence in Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE:NYSE:) by increasing the company’s price target to $207 from the previous $198, while sustaining an Outperform rating on the stock. The adjustment reflects a positive outlook on the hotel chain’s prospects, which is supported by InvestingPro data showing a “GREAT” financial health score and impressive gross profit margins of nearly 69%.
The endorsement comes on the heels of Mizuho’s analysis, which highlighted three key factors that position Hyatt favorably in the lodging sector. First, the firm anticipates a more robust Net Unit Growth for Hyatt than the market expects, projecting an approximate 9% increase in 2025 compared to the consensus estimate of around 3%. This growth is seen as a significant driver of the company’s future performance. InvestingPro subscribers have access to 8 additional key insights about Hyatt’s growth prospects and financial position.
Secondly, Mizuho analysts believe that Hyatt stands to benefit from upcoming credit card negotiations, which could potentially boost the company’s earnings. These negotiations are expected to yield favorable terms for Hyatt, contributing to its financial strength.
Lastly, the firm points to the potential for improvement in Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR), a key performance metric in the hospitality industry. Mizuho’s outlook is buoyed by sustained positive trends in U.S. luxury travel and the Chinese market. Additionally, there are signs of stabilization in the Caribbean and Mexico markets, which could further enhance Hyatt’s RevPAR.
Mizuho’s updated price target and rating reflect a belief in Hyatt’s ability to capitalize on these developments and deliver strong financial results. The firm’s analysis underscores the potential for Hyatt to outperform within the lodging industry, backed by solid growth prospects and strategic business advantages.
Based on InvestingPro‘s comprehensive Fair Value analysis, the stock appears to be trading near its fair value, with analyst targets ranging from $127 to $198 per share. For detailed valuation metrics and expert analysis, investors can access the full Pro Research Report, available for Hyatt and 1,400+ other top US stocks.
In other recent news, Hyatt Hotels Corporation has been making strategic moves to bolster its position in the hospitality industry. The company has finalized a joint venture with Grupo Piñero to manage Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts properties, adding 22 resorts and approximately 12,000 rooms to its portfolio. Hyatt also entered exclusive negotiations for a potential takeover of Playa Hotels & Resorts N.V., valued at $1.2 billion.
Baird maintained a Neutral rating on Hyatt shares, acknowledging Hyatt’s long-term licensing agreement with The Venetian Resort Las Vegas as a positive development expected to increase Hyatt’s net unit growth by over 200 basis points.
In financial developments, Hyatt issued $600 million in senior notes, planning to use the proceeds to repay its existing debt due in 2025. Additionally, the Pritzker family stockholders are considering the sale of up to 15,360,573 restricted shares in the public market, as disclosed in a recent SEC filing.
This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.
Hyatt Hotels stock remains Outperform at Mizuho, target raised amid growth potentialMizuho Securities has reaffirmed its Outperform rating on Hyatt Hotels Corporation (H) stock, citing strong growth potential in the hospitality industry. The investment firm also raised its price target on the stock, reflecting its bullish outlook on the company’s performance in the coming months.
Hyatt Hotels has been benefiting from a rebound in travel demand as COVID-19 restrictions ease and consumers become more comfortable with taking vacations and business trips. The company’s diverse portfolio of brands, including Hyatt Regency, Grand Hyatt, and Andaz, has positioned it well to capitalize on the recovery in the hospitality sector.
Mizuho analysts believe that Hyatt Hotels is well positioned to outperform its peers in the coming quarters, thanks to its strong brand recognition, loyal customer base, and strategic growth initiatives. The investment firm raised its price target on the stock to reflect its confidence in the company’s ability to deliver strong financial results and drive shareholder value.
Investors are advised to keep a close eye on Hyatt Hotels stock as it continues to benefit from the rebound in travel demand and executes on its growth strategy. With Mizuho’s bullish outlook and raised price target, the stock could be poised for further gains in the near term.
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Maryland’s GOP congressman Andy Harris remains undecided on speaker Johnson’s future
WASHINGTON D.C. (WBFF) — Rep. Andy Harris, Maryland’s lone republican congressman and Chairman of the House Freedom Caucus, remains undecided on whether he will support Speaker of the House Mike Johnson on Frida, when the House of Representatives is expected to decide who will lead Congress.
Congressman Harris is concerned with the current national debt, which now amounts to $36.19 trillion, according to the U.S. Department of Treasury, and is critical of Speaker Johnson’s handling of the budget.
“Since President Trump’s historic election to bring down spending, deficits, and inflation, the ‘Republican’-led House has INITIATED $300 billion in unpaid for new spending, without even ATTEMPTING offsets to prevent skyrocketing the deficit and debt. Future generations deserve better,” the congressman told FOX45. “I am now undecided on what House leadership should look like in the 119th Congress.”
On Dec. 21st, the House approved a stopgap measure to keep the government funded. Rep. Harris was one of 34 Republican representatives who voted against the spending bill.
In an interview with FOX45 on Dec. 20th, Harris said he was still supportive of the Speaker, but added that some of his Republican colleagues were “much more questionable” of leader Johnson.
ALSO READ | Key Bridge funding at risk as Maryland lawmakers oppose trimmed spending bill
“I am still supportive of Speaker Johnson. There are some of my colleagues who are much more questionable after what has happened in the last two weeks. But, again, we still have a while to go not only on this ball, but until January 3rd. We’ll see what develops,” Harris said.
On Dec. 30, only a few days prior to the Speaker’s vote on Jan. 3, President-elect Donald Trump endorsed Speaker Johnson. “Speaker Mike Johnson is a good, hard working, religious man. He will do the right thing, and we will continue to WIN. Mike has my Complete & Total Endorsement. MAGA!!!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
GOP Rep. Thomas Massie from Kentucky said that, while he supports and respects Trump, he does not plan to protect Johnson’s leadership.
“I respect and support President Trump, but his endorsement of Mike Johnson is going to work out about as well as his endorsement of Speaker Paul Ryan. We’ve seen Johnson partner with the democrats to send money to Ukraine, authorize spying on Americans, and blow the budget,” Rep. Massie wrote.
As his influence grows in Congress, some have suggested that Congressman Harris himself might be a good fit for the speakership. “His stock has been rising. It’s certainly plausible he could be a name out there,” Flavio Hickel Jr., a political science professor at Washington College in Chestertown, told FOX45’s media partner, The Baltimore Sun.
However, during an interview with Rob Finnerty from Newsmax on Monday, Harris said that his “undecided” position is not in reference to him seeking the leadership position.
In the midst of the turmoil surrounding Speaker Johnson’s future, Maryland’s GOP congressman Andy Harris has yet to make a decision on where he stands. With tensions running high within the Republican party, Harris’s hesitation to choose a side has left many constituents wondering where his allegiance truly lies.As the debate over Speaker Johnson’s future continues to dominate headlines, Harris’s indecision has not gone unnoticed. Some have criticized him for not taking a firm stance on the issue, while others believe that he is carefully considering all aspects before making a decision.
Harris’s constituents are eagerly awaiting his announcement on how he plans to vote on the matter. As one of Maryland’s representatives in Congress, his decision could have a significant impact on the outcome of the vote.
As the pressure mounts for Harris to make a choice, all eyes are on him to see which direction he will ultimately choose to go in. Only time will tell where his allegiance truly lies in this high-stakes political battle.
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Watch These Apple Stock Price Levels as $4T Market Cap Remains in Striking Distance
Key Takeaways
- Apple shares moved lower Monday morning, tracking a broader decline for U.S. stocks, but the company remains in striking distance of becoming the first ever to reach a $4 trillion market capitalization.
- A bearish evening star pattern has formed over the past three trading sessions, indicating a potential reversal in the stock.
- Investors should watch key support levels on Apple’s chart around $237 and $218, while also monitoring a chart-based bullish price target near $278.
Apple (AAPL) shares moved lower Monday morning, tracking a broader decline for U.S. stocks, but the company remains in striking distance of becoming the first ever to reach a $4 trillion market capitalization.
Last Thursday, the company set a fresh record high just above $260 after Wedbush analysts led by Apple bull Dan Ives said that artificial intelligence (AI) demand sets the tech giant up for a “golden era of growth” in 2025. This week, investors will be watching if Apple shares can hit $264.62, the price need to reach a $4 trillion market cap.
The company first unveiled its AI-software marketed as Apple Intelligence back in June, but the rollout has been slow, with investors watching if a major upgrade cycle to access the features drives 2025 sales.
Apple shares were down 1.2% at $252.50 in midday trading Monday. Since the start of the year, Apple shares have gained around 31%, handily outpacing the S&P 500’s 24% increase over the same period.
Below, we take a closer look at Apple’s chart and apply technical analysis to identify several important price levels that investors may be watching.
Evening Star Pattern Emerges
Apple shares have trended higher since breaking out above a broad ascending triangle formation earlier this month. However, a bearish evening star pattern has formed on the iPhone maker’s chart over the past three trading sessions, indicating a potential reversal.
Moreover, as the stock climbed to a record high last week, the relative strength index (RSI) made a comparatively shallower high to create a bearish divergence, a technical signal pointing to weakening price momentum.
It’s also worth noting volume spikes in the stock on June 21, Sept. 20, and Dec. 20, with these dates coinciding with triple witching days, suggesting portfolio rebalancing by larger market participants, such as institutional investors and hedge funds.
Let’s identify key support levels to watch if the stock undergoes a reversal, but also forecast a bullish price target to monitor if the shares continue their longer-term uptrend.
Key Support Levels to Watch
The first level to eye sits around $237. This location on the chart could attract buying interest near the 50-day moving average and the ascending triangle’s top trendline, an area that may flip from prior resistance into future support.
A decisive close below this area could see Apple shares retrace to the $218 level, a region where investors may look for entry points near a trendline that links a range of comparable price action on the chart between June and September.
Bullish Price Target to Monitor
Investors can forecast a bullish price target by using the measuring principle, a technique that analyzes prior chart patterns to projects potential future moves.
To apply the tool to Apple’s chart, we calculate the distance between the ascending triangle’s two trendlines near their widest point and add that amount to the initial breakout area. For instance, we add $41 to $237, which forecasts a target of $278, a location where technical traders may look for exit points.
The comments, opinions, and analyses expressed on Investopedia are for informational purposes only. Read our warranty and liability disclaimer for more info.
As of the date this article was written, the author does not own any of the above securities.
Apple Inc. has been on a steady rise in recent years, with its stock price reaching new heights as the company continues to innovate and expand its product offerings. As the tech giant inches closer to a $4 trillion market cap, investors are keeping a close eye on key price levels to watch for potential buying or selling opportunities.Here are some important levels to keep an eye on as Apple’s stock price continues to climb:
1. $150: This level has acted as a key support and resistance level in the past, and a break above $150 could signal further upside potential for the stock.
2. $175: Another important level to watch is $175, which could serve as a key resistance level for the stock. A break above $175 could signal a bullish breakout and potential further gains.
3. $200: If Apple’s stock price continues to climb, $200 could be the next major milestone for the company. Breaking above $200 could attract more buyers and propel the stock even higher.
4. $4 trillion market cap: As Apple inches closer to a $4 trillion market cap, investors will be closely watching for any signs of a potential pullback or consolidation. A break above $4 trillion could signal a major milestone for the company and attract more attention from investors.
Overall, as Apple’s stock price continues to climb, investors should keep a close eye on these key price levels to watch for potential buying or selling opportunities. With a $4 trillion market cap within striking distance, Apple’s stock remains an attractive option for investors looking to capitalize on the company’s continued growth and innovation.
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Eagles RB Saquon Barkley will not play in Week 18 vs. Giants; Eric Dickerson’s single-season record remains
He became just the ninth player in NFL history to rush for 2,000 yards, accomplishing the feat in Week 17 against the Dallas Cowboys. Barkley also became the very first 2,000-yard rusher to hit the milestone with his second NFL team.
During his time with the Giants, Barkley had his share of injury issues and that history likely played at least a part in the thinking of shutting him down. Entering the final week, Barkley leads the NFL with 345 carries, his 2,005 rushing yards, 125.3 yards per game, 378 touches and 2,283 scrimmage yards.
He’d already well surpassed his previous career highs in carries (295) and touches (352 twice), so worries about his workload were glaring, especially as the NFC East champions are hoping to make some noise in the postseason.
In his first game playing against the Giants back in Week 7, Barkley was sensational to the tune of 176 yards and a touchdown on only 17 carries. Consequently, Sirianni asked Barkley during the 28-3 blowout if the RB wanted to remain in the game to set a new single-game career high. At the time it was 189 yards and Barkley declined. During his remarkable season, Barkley blew past his previous game high with a Week 12 showing of 255 yards.
This time around, Barkley won’t be going back in against the Giants, either, as the onus on him emerging unscathed for the Eagles’ playoff run has taken precedence over individual history.
The Philadelphia Eagles will be without star running back Saquon Barkley in their Week 18 matchup against the New York Giants. Barkley, who has been dealing with a lingering injury, has been ruled out for the season finale, meaning he will not have a chance to break Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing record.Dickerson set the record in 1984 when he rushed for 2,105 yards in a single season. Barkley, who has had a productive season when healthy, falls short of that mark with 1,250 rushing yards on the season.
While it is disappointing for Barkley and Eagles fans that he will not have the opportunity to break the record, his health and long-term success are the top priority. The Eagles will look to other running backs to step up in Barkley’s absence and finish the season strong against their division rival.
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Altice pulls plug on MSG Networks as carriage dispute remains unresolved
MSG Networks went dark on Altice’s Optimum TV service as the new year began at midnight, the result of a carriage dispute between the two companies.
Barring an agreement during the day on Wednesday, homes that subscribe to Optimum will not be able to watch the Knicks try to stretch their winning streak to nine when they host the Jazz on Wednesday night.
The MSG signal went black at about 12:01 a.m., as an episode of the sitcom “Brockmire” was beginning to air.
MSG also carries the games of all three metropolitan-area NHL teams. The Rangers and Islanders play on Thursday night, both at home.
Comcast dropped MSG more than three years ago, affecting homes in New Jersey and Connecticut. But losing Altice, the dominant cable company on Long Island, represents a far greater blow to MSG’s overall distribution.
A carriage dispute is a disagreement over compensation between the distributor, which is Altice, to carry a channel from the provider, which is MSG Networks.
Both sides have issued statements accusing the other of being unreasonable, with the issues centered on pricing and tiers, as is usually the case.
Fans who subscribe to Optimum can order MSG from the Gotham Sports app for $29.95 a month. Single games can be ordered for $9.95.
Verizon Fios, DirecTV, DirecTV Stream and fuboTV carry MSG within Altice’s geographical footprint.
MSG issued a statement that read:
“As a last-ditch effort to save their struggling business at the expense of subscribers, Altice is trying to charge their customers more and give them less. They just raised prices – nearly 50% for current Optimum subscribers and 70% for new Optimum subscribers (after expiration of a promotional offer) for the package that had included MSG Networks – and cut access to the Knicks, Rangers, Islanders, Devils and more on MSG Networks.
“We offered Altice a number of fair and reasonable proposals that called for Altice to pay us less than last year. Altice rejected all of them, including our offer to keep MSG Networks on the air while we continued to try to reach a deal. We remain ready to negotiate in good faith.”
MSG offered to make itself available on a higher, more expensive tier in seeking a solution. MSG said its offer to Altice included “the same fair and reasonable terms that other major providers accepted.”
On Monday night, Altice issued a statement that read in part, “
“MSG Networks is demanding exorbitant programming fees – which could raise our customers’ cable bills – and, to add insult to injury, MSG Networks is requiring us to make their channels available to the vast majority of Optimum video subscribers, which would force customers to pay for content they may not want to watch.
“We refuse to allow any entity to force our customers to pay more than they can afford. And with direct-to-consumer options like MSG+ available on the Gotham Sports app, customers who want to watch it have alternatives so that non-viewers don’t have to pay for content they don’t want.”
Sports programming is the most expensive in television, making it a focal point in the battle to keep costs under control.
With both regional sports networks such as MSG and cable companies such as Altice struggling in an era of increasing options outside the traditional cable bundle, the pressure on all sides of the business has grown.
Neil Best first worked at Newsday in 1982, returned in 1985 after a detour to Alaska and has been here since, specializing in high schools, college basketball, the NFL and most recently sports media and business.
In a shocking turn of events, Altice has decided to pull the plug on MSG Networks as their carriage dispute remains unresolved. This means that subscribers will no longer have access to popular sports channels like MSG, MSG+, and MSG2.The dispute between Altice and MSG Networks has been ongoing for some time now, with both sides failing to reach an agreement on carriage fees. Altice claims that MSG Networks is asking for unreasonable rate increases, while MSG Networks argues that they are simply seeking fair compensation for their programming.
As a result of this disagreement, Altice customers will no longer be able to watch live games and coverage of their favorite teams, including the New York Knicks, New York Rangers, and New York Islanders. This decision has left many sports fans frustrated and disappointed, especially during a time when live sports are more important than ever.
Both Altice and MSG Networks have expressed their willingness to continue negotiations in order to resolve the dispute and bring back the channels to subscribers. In the meantime, customers are left in the dark, unsure of when or if they will be able to access MSG Networks again.
It remains to be seen how this situation will unfold, but one thing is for certain: both Altice and MSG Networks will need to come to a resolution soon in order to appease their loyal viewers and avoid further backlash. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
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What Happened to Brandon Aiyuk? Examining Why the 49ers’ Star WR Remains Sidelined
The 2024 season has been a rough year for Brandon Aiyuk. After an explosive 2023 campaign, he was looking for an extension with the San Francisco 49ers, which resulted in a lengthy negotiation period. Moreover, conversations about potential trades also started making the rounds before San Francisco acquiesced and gave him a four-year extension worth $120 million.
Since then, the year has been far from what the team or Aiyuk were anticipating. After arguably the best year of his short career, he has followed it up with arguably the worst one. That was before he was sidelined, further messing up matters.
Try out Pro Football Network’s FREE playoff predictor, where you can simulate every game of the NFL season and see how it all shakes out! Why Is Brandon Aiyuk Sidelined?
A Super Bowl rematch was a chance for the 49ers to get things back on track for the season. However, not only did they lose yet again to the Kansas City Chiefs, but they also lost Aiyuk in the game.
A back-and-forth contest saw QB Brock Purdy target him in the second quarter. Unfortunately, a hard tackle from both sides saw Aiyuk get sandwiched between two Chiefs players, and he was immediately on the ground. Replays showed his leg bending out of shape, and medical staff had to rush to his aid. Eventually, he came out to the sideline before being carted off to the locker room.
While it was clear that the injury was nothing to scoff at, the true extent of the damage came out later. Eventually, news came out that Aiyuk had torn both his ACL and MCL simultaneously.
How Long Will Aiyuk Be Out?
Aiyuk was immediately placed on the injured reserve list, ending his season. The timeline for his eventual return, though, remains in flux.
With multiple ligament injuries and the timing in Week 7, a specific date is hard to specify. Usually, in the case of a singular season-ending injury, next season is a safe bet for a starting point. But given the extent and brutality of his injury, a 2025 season opener might be in jeopardy.
It is likely that the WR misses out on OTAs, training camps, and even preseason work. His exact integration back into the offense might be a dream for the early parts of next season. However, an exact timeline remains in doubt.
Thankfully, the lengthy negotiation period had fruitful results for Aiyuk. Given the nature of the sport, a season-ending and life-altering injury is never too far away. With his contract extension, he is set to remain with the team until 2028. As a result, he will have the time to bounce back and re-establish himself as a premier wide receiver in the league.
Who’s Stepping Up in Aiyuk’s Absence?
Since his injury, the obvious onus was set on WR Deebo Samuel Jr. and TE George Kittle. But with Samuel having one of the worst seasons of his career, Jauan Jennings has instead taken up a large portion of the responsibility.
First bursting onto the scene with a TD in the Super Bowl, Jennings has quickly become a consistent and reliable part of the San Francisco attack. On the season, he has 856 yards on just 63 receptions, while adding six TDs as well.
Samuel, on the other hand, has just 665 yards in the year, which is a far cry from his All-Pro numbers. Even though operating as a tight end, Kittle is having one of the best seasons of his already splendid career. In just 13 games, he is already good for 967 yards.
Depending on his performance and availability over the final two games of the year, he might finish with his best numbers since 2018. While they are out of the playoff race, the emergence of Jennings and the continued excellence of Kittle give the 49ers something to write home about.
The San Francisco 49ers have been dealing with a puzzling situation surrounding star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. Aiyuk, who had a breakout rookie season in 2020, has been sidelined for several weeks with no clear explanation as to why.Many fans and analysts have been left scratching their heads, wondering what could have possibly happened to Aiyuk. Some have speculated that he may be dealing with an injury, while others have suggested that there may be some internal issues between Aiyuk and the coaching staff.
Whatever the reason may be, the absence of Aiyuk has been felt on the field. The 49ers’ passing game has struggled without their top wide receiver, and the offense as a whole has been lacking explosiveness.
As the mystery surrounding Aiyuk’s absence continues to grow, it is crucial for the 49ers to address the situation and get their star receiver back on the field as soon as possible. Until then, fans will have to wait and see what exactly happened to Brandon Aiyuk and when he will return to action.
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AP men’s basketball Top 25: UCLA, Memphis rise, Tennessee remains on top as 2025 arrives
During a holiday week when most top teams recharged before conference play, UCLA and Memphis made the biggest moves in the AP men’s college basketball Top 25 with statement wins over the weekend.
UCLA jumped from No. 22 to No. 15 after taking down previous No. 14 Gonzaga 65-62 in Inglewood, Calif., on Saturday, while Memphis pulled away in the second half for an 87-70 win over previous No. 16 Ole Miss.
The top of the AP poll remained fairly unchanged due to the light schedule, with Tennessee, Auburn, Iowa State, Duke and Alabama holding fast in the top five. But the arrival of conference play in leagues across the country this week presents several opportunities for shakeups.
Here’s the full poll, alongside the ballot of The Athletic’s C.J. Moore, plus some thoughts from C.J. on the new rankings:
AP Top 25: Dec. 30
Rank Team Record Prev CJ’s vote 1
12-0
1
2
2
11-1
2
1
3
10-1
3
3
4
10-2
4
4
5
11-2
5
7
6
13-0
6
5
7
9-2
7
11
8
11-2
8
8
9
12-1
9
6
10
10-2
10
9
11
10-3
11
12
12
13-0
12
16
13
11-2
13
14
14
8-3
15
10
15
11-2
22
13
16
10-1
17
23
17
11-1
19
15
18
10-2
18
21
19
9-4
14
19
20
9-4
21
20
21
10-3
NR
24
22
9-3
24
18
23
10-2
23
NR
24
11-2
16
NR
25
8-3
25
NR
NR
10-2
NR
17
NR
10-2
NR
22
NR
12-0
NR
25
UCLA winning with defense
Mick Cronin has a Mick Cronin team again. A year ago, UCLA’s head coach leaned heavily on international recruiting and his defense did not perform to typical Cronin levels, but the Bruins are excelling on that end of the floor once again.
In Saturday’s 65-62 win over Gonzaga, UCLA became the first team this season to hold the Bulldogs under a point per possession (0.944) and rode hot shooting from the outside to get the win. One pleasant surprise has been Eric Dailey Jr., who made 4 of 5 3s and led the Bruins with 18 points. Dailey has already made 15 3s this season and is shooting 48.4 percent from deep after making only 19 3s as a freshman at Oklahoma State.
But make no mistake, this team is winning because of its defense, now up to No. 4 in adjusted defensive efficiency at KenPom. In a wide open Big Ten race, the Bruins are looking like the favorite. They’re already 2-0 in league play and have a road win at Oregon. They do have some key tests coming up with road games against Nebraska and Maryland, plus a home game against Michigan sandwiched between. It’s arguably the toughest three-game stretch the Bruins will have all year.
Memphis has great resume, bad metrics
I try to lean on metrics, the eye test and resume when building my rankings every week, and Memphis is a tricky team to evaluate. I’ve watched the Tigers the last two Saturdays. In their 79-66 home loss to Mississippi State on Dec. 21, they looked sloppy and sped-up. Then this past Saturday in a 87-70 win over Ole Miss, the Tigers looked comfortable in a chaotic up-and-down game, and PJ Haggerty and Colby Rogers played like one of the best scoring guard combos in the country.
Memphis is tied for the second-most wins against top-50 teams in ESPN’s BPI metric with four. The Tigers also have a not-so-great home loss to Arkansas State on the resume — that one could look better later this season — and the metrics don’t love them. Memphis is No. 35 at KenPom, No. 46 at Bart Torvik and No. 42 at Evan Miya. The resume is good enough, however, to look past that, and that’s why I ranked the Tigers this week.
Drake makes its debut on my ballot
Drake is another team that the metrics don’t love — No. 68 at KenPom, No. 61 at Torvik and No. 67 at EvanMiya — but some preseason bias is still weighing those rankings down. (Drake started at 133 at KenPom.) Drake also plays low-possession games and often does just enough to win. But the resume is impressive, especially for a mid-major team. The Bulldogs have three wins over high-majors (Miami, Vanderbilt and Kansas State) and are one of four remaining unbeaten teams in Division I.
This is one of the best stories in the sport. Ben McCollum won four national championships at Northwest Missouri State and is one of the most-respected coaches in the sport, and once he finally got his Division I shot, he brought four of his D-II players with him as starters. They play great defense, are extremely patient offensively and rarely make mistakes. It’s a team that you appreciate more the more you watch, and Sunday’s 65-46 win over a solid Belmont team was another clinic. I was with Drake behind the scenes a few weeks ago against Kansas State and will have something coming on this group soon.
Conference play is finally here
After a mostly slow weekend, this is a great week of games, with conference play starting for many leagues and getting restarted in the Big Ten, Big East and ACC. Here are the best five games of the week that could impact next week’s rankings:
St. John’s at Creighton (Tuesday, 4 p.m., Peacock): St. John’s passes the eye and metrics test, but its resume isn’t great. The Johnnies still don’t have a win over a top-50 KenPom team, and this wouldn’t likely be that — Creighton is currently 52 — but it’d be a Quad 1 win, and St. John’s currently has only one of those.
Illinois at Oregon (Thursday, 10 p.m., FS1): Illinois is arguably the most talented team in the Big Ten, Oregon is one of the most experienced, and both of these teams look like conference contenders, but the loser will be in a hole at 1-2 in Big Ten play.
Michigan State at Ohio State (Friday, 8 p.m., Fox): The Buckeyes are close to returning to the rankings, and a win over the Spartans might get them there. This is also a huge opportunity for the Spartans, who could jump out to a 3-0 start in league play.
Florida at Kentucky (Saturday, 11 a.m., ESPN): Florida has played only one true road game so far, and that was at Florida State. Some are still skeptical of the Gators, who have yet to beat a team that is currently ranked. That would change if they could knock off Kentucky, which is looking to rebound from a blowout loss to Ohio State right before Christmas.
Maryland at Oregon (Sunday, 4 p.m., Peacock): Big week for the Ducks, who host two of the Big Ten’s most talented teams. Maryland is on a West Coast swing that starts Thursday at Washington. The Terps are 0-1 so far on the road, losing at Purdue, and they could emerge as a Big Ten contender if they were somehow able to win both road games this week.
(Photo: Jayne Kamin-Oncea / Getty Images)
As we usher in the new year of 2025, the AP men’s basketball Top 25 rankings have seen some notable shifts and surprises. UCLA and Memphis have made significant jumps in the rankings, while Tennessee continues to hold the top spot.UCLA, led by a talented roster and strong coaching, has climbed up to the number 5 spot in the rankings. The Bruins have been impressive on both ends of the court and have shown that they are a force to be reckoned with as they look to make a deep run in the NCAA tournament.
Memphis, with their dynamic playmakers and high-flying style of basketball, has surged to the number 8 spot in the rankings. The Tigers have been a dominant force in their conference and have proven that they have what it takes to compete with the best teams in the country.
Meanwhile, Tennessee remains at the top of the rankings as the number 1 team in the nation. The Volunteers have been consistent and dominant throughout the season, with a strong defense and balanced scoring attack. They will be a tough team to beat as they look to make a run at a national championship.
As we continue into the new year, it will be exciting to see how these teams and others in the Top 25 continue to perform and compete at the highest level of college basketball. Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as the season progresses.
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#mens #basketball #Top #UCLA #Memphis #rise #Tennessee #remains #top #arrives
College basketball rankings: No. 1 Tennessee holds lead over Auburn in AP Top 25, Kentucky remains in top 10
No. 1 Tennessee and No. 2 Auburn remained in a battle for the top spot in the latest AP Top 25 men’s college basketball poll Monday for the fourth consecutive week to keep the SEC’s dominant start to the 2024-25 season rolling. The Vols and Tigers split all 61 cast first-place votes, 41-20, and the SEC was once again responsible for half of this week’s top 10.
Auburn earned 21 first-place votes last week to Tennessee’s 41, but one first-place vote was not cast for either team. It’s the fourth time this season that at least one ballot was not cast.
The top 13 of the top 25 remained unchanged over the Christmas holiday in which most teams took time off to recharge for the new year and for upcoming conference play. Gonzaga, last week’s No. 14 team, fell five spots to No. 19, while Houston moved up one spot to No. 14. UCLA, which beat Gonzaga on Saturday, jumped seven spots to No. 15.
San Diego State was the only team to fall out of the rankings this week after falling Saturday at home to Utah State. The vacancy made way for Memphis to reappear in the rankings for the third time this season, moving into the top 25 at No. 21 after defeating Ole Miss on Saturday. Meanwhile, Ole Miss fell eight spots to No. 24.
Four of the top six and five of the top 10 teams belong to the SEC, which has a total of 10 teams in the rankings this week. The Big Ten and Big 12 each have five teams in the rankings, while the Big East has two.
AP Top 25
The top 25 teams in The Associated Press’ college basketball poll, with first-place votes in parentheses, records through Sunday, total points based on 25 points for a first-place vote through one point for a 25th-place vote and last week’s ranking:
Also receiving votes: Maryland 133, Drake 100, St. John’s 98, Dayton 90, Michigan 65, Utah St. 59, Georgia 48, Pittsburgh 35, West Virginia 30, San Diego St. 28, Ohio St. 19, Missouri 19, North Carolina 19, Arizona St 13, Indiana 11, Texas Tech 8, Clemson 8, Wisconsin 7, Penn St. 5, St. Bonaventure 2, Nebraska 1.
The latest AP Top 25 college basketball rankings are in, and the Tennessee Volunteers have maintained their hold on the No. 1 spot. Despite a tough loss to Kentucky earlier in the season, the Vols have bounced back and continue to impress with their strong performances.Auburn is right on Tennessee’s heels at No. 2, with the Tigers also putting together an impressive season thus far. Kentucky, who handed Tennessee their only loss of the season, remains in the top 10 at No. 8, showing that they are still a force to be reckoned with in college basketball.
As we head into the final stretch of the regular season, it will be interesting to see how these top teams continue to perform and if any upsets shake up the rankings. Stay tuned for more updates on college basketball rankings and the race to the NCAA tournament.
Tags:
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#College #basketball #rankings #Tennessee #holds #lead #Auburn #Top #Kentucky #remains #top
Garrett Wilson could request trade if Aaron Rodgers remains Jets quarterback, per report
There are a lot of question marks regarding the New York Jets heading into the offseason, after a lackluster year that involved the firing of head coach Robert Saleh, moving on from general manager Joe Douglas and rumors that quarterback Aaron Rodgers could be gone after this year.
Rodgers and the Jets had high hopes heading into 2024, but as the season wraps up, it’s clear their current formula does not equate to a winning club. New York stands at 4-11 and the chemistry the offense was expected to have has not come to fruition.
One storyline from their offense that has been ongoing since training camp is Rodgers’ relationship with wide receiver Garrett Wilson. According to NFL Network, if Rodgers remains the team’s QB in 2025, Wilson may request a trade.
Wilson was asked about Rodgers’ future last month and said he would like to have him back, calling it an “honor” to play with him.
“I know whatever decision he makes, I’m gonna support him,” Wilson said on The Zach Gelb Show. “And all the guys feel the same. We’re gonna support him. To play as long as he has and achieve the things he has is no easy feat, man. We’re all honored to play with him these last two years. Regardless, it’s been a great career for him, and he knows how I feel. I’d love to have him back. But at the end of the day, he’s got to do what’s best for him.”
Things change quickly in the NFL and Wilson’s stance on wanting Rodgers as his QB may be different now.
Wilson currently leads the team 987 yards, 268 yards more than Davante Adams, who made his Jets debut on Oct. 20. Adams and Wilson both lead the team with six touchdowns.
Rodgers’ push to bring Adams, his former Green Bay Packers teammate, into the offense could be one of many reasons Wilson has these reported frustrations with his role on the team. Bringing in the six-time Pro Bowler bumped Wilson’s status on the offense and may be feeling like he’s not being fed the ball even when he’s open, given Rodgers prior relationship with Adams.
Even before Adams arrived, things weren’t all sunshines and rainbows between Rodgers and Wilson. During training camp, the two were seen having a heated disagreement on the sideline.
Here’s a reminder of the conversation:
The two brushed off the exchange at the time, saying it was just them trying to get on the same page, but many suggested that Wilson could be frustrated by Rodgers’ absence for some of the offseason program.
If the Jets were looking at a ticket to the playoffs, we could be having a different conversation when it comes to Wilson’s future. The team’s struggles, paired with some previous reasons he could be frustrated with Rodgers, make it unsurprising that he could be looking to switch squads.
Rodgers has yet to make a decision about his future and he’s considered a long shot to be the Jets QB in 2025, according to reports. The 40-year-old has said he will wait to see what happens and said in November that staying where he is would be his “first choice.”
Adams’ future is also uncertain and said part of his decision will be on what Rodgers does.
Many teams would be interested in adding a star wide receiver, including the New England Patriots, Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns and Indianapolis Colts.
Garrett Wilson could request trade if Aaron Rodgers remains Jets quarterback, per reportThere have been rumblings in the NFL world that star wide receiver Garrett Wilson could potentially request a trade if Aaron Rodgers ends up being the starting quarterback for the New York Jets.
According to sources close to Wilson, the talented receiver is not keen on playing with Rodgers due to past issues between the two during their time together on the Ohio State Buckeyes team.
Wilson, who is seen as a rising star in the league, is reportedly not interested in being part of any drama or tension that could arise if Rodgers were to join the Jets.
While nothing has been confirmed yet, this rumor has certainly sparked a lot of speculation among fans and analysts alike. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
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Garrett Wilson trade request, Aaron Rodgers Jets quarterback, NFL rumors, Garrett Wilson potential trade, Aaron Rodgers trade situation, Garrett Wilson trade speculation, Aaron Rodgers Jets trade talk, NFL trade rumors, Garrett Wilson Aaron Rodgers trade request
#Garrett #Wilson #request #trade #Aaron #Rodgers #remains #Jets #quarterback #report
