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Five Way Too Early Super Bowl LX Predictions for 2025 NFL Season

Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) hoists the Vince Lombardi Trophy after defeating the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX at Ceasars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesFeb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) hoists the Vince Lombardi Trophy after defeating the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX at Ceasars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl LIX championship parade starts late Friday morning and is expected to reach a stage at the famed steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art by early afternoon.

Eagles fans figure to channel their inner, triumphant-jumping “Rocky” whether they attend the festivities or watch on TV.

For backers of anyone other than the Birds, the parade lends itself to imagination.

What if that were my team up there?

Well, ponder no more.

It may be quite early—Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, Calif., isn’t set to kick off until Feb. 8, 2026—and lacking foresight of any forthcoming free agency or draft developments—but here’s a peek at five teams whose cities could be planning parades at this time next year.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

Who doesn’t love a good sequel, “Rocky” or otherwise?

Although the Eagles aren’t immune to the usual free-agent challenges facing reigning champs, there are plenty of key returners even if general manager Howie Roseman’s pursuits to re-sign guard Mekhi Becton and defensive end Josh Sweat fall short.

Philly used dominant line play to batter and better the two-time defending champion Kansas City Chiefs 40-22 on Sunday. The core of both units will be back, as will Super Bowl LIX MVP Jalen Hurts, resurgent running back Saquon Barkley and the receiving tandem of A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith.

“Philly Special” may not just be a legendary trick play in these parts.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) reacts in the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX at Ceasars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn ImagesFeb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) reacts in the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX at Ceasars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

KC’s bid to become the first team to earn a Super Bowl three-peat undeniably ended with a thud.

Joining the 2001-04 New England Patriots and 1992-95 Dallas Cowboys as franchises to win three Lombardi trophies in four seasons remains in play, though.

It will take some doing, however, even for a team whose head coach, Andy Reid, and quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, boast resumes that speak for themselves.

Will tight end Travis Kelce retire? Is the offensive line as troubled as the Super Bowl seemed to show? How many key free-agent defenders can the Chiefs retain with a strapped salary cap situation? Where will KC turn at receiver? Stay tuned.

DETROIT LIONS

Sep 15, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) throws the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn ImagesSep 15, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) throws the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

Eagles coach Nick Sirianni credited an early exit from the 2023 playoffs as a catalyst for his team’s title run the following season.

So it could go for the Lions, who earned the NFC’s top seed only to struggle in a divisional-round debacle against the Washington Commanders.

Injuries added up for Detroit, and the early offseason included a slew of assistant-coaching departures, namely coordinators Ben Johnson (Chicago Bears) and Aaron Glenn (New York Jets), who landed head-coaching jobs.

Then again, remember who’ll be back: quarterback Jared Goff, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, and pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson, to name a few.

BUFFALO BILLS

Jan 19, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) passes the ball during the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens in a 2025 AFC divisional round game at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn ImagesJan 19, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) passes the ball during the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens in a 2025 AFC divisional round game at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

Buffalo advanced one postseason round deeper than Detroit, its Rust Belt brethren, losing an AFC Championship nail-biter at Kansas City.

The Chiefs have been a notorious playoff bugaboo for the Bills during the Josh Allen Era, and logic would hold that things go Buffalo’s way just once, especially given its recent regular-season success versus KC.

Allen’s game-winning touchdown run to cement a Week 11 win against the Chiefs formed a resounding image from his 2024 MVP campaign. He’s the first player to amass at least 25 TD passes and 10 scoring runs while throwing fewer than 10 interceptions.

Several free agency decisions and other roster reshaping questions await, but if Allen is upright, the Bills’ prospects are the same.

BALTIMORE RAVENS

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) and running back Derrick Henry (22) wear Santa coats while being interviewed by Netflix host Jamie Erdahl after the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn ImagesBaltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) and running back Derrick Henry (22) wear Santa coats while being interviewed by Netflix host Jamie Erdahl after the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Lamar Jackson narrowly missed out on winning MVP accolades again, but the fact is the 28-year-old dual-threat QB has been there and done that.

Not so for Super Bowl appearances, however, and don’t Ravens fans know?

Despite racking up double-digit victories and postseason berths in six of the last seven seasons, Baltimore absorbed another early exit, bowing out at Buffalo in an AFC divisional classic.

The offensive line could be in flux with two starters facing free agency and the defense is in dire need of players who generate turnovers, but the Ravens bring the base and coaching consistency to make a run next winter.

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Red Sox tackle Blue Jays to secure sixth straight series win

Jul 26, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox pitcher Ranger Suarez (55) pitches against the Toronto Blue Jays during the first inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn ImagesJul 26, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox pitcher Ranger Suarez (55) pitches against the Toronto Blue Jays during the first inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

Boston Red Sox starter Ranger Suarez and four relievers combined to shut down the visiting Toronto Blue Jays in a 6-1 win Sunday.

Boston, which has won 17 of its last 19 games, won a sixth straight series.

Suarez, pitching for the first time since July 5 due to a groin strain, was taken out after four scoreless innings and 64 pitches. The southpaw allowed four hits with no walks and struck out six.

Greg Weissert (3-2), Tyron Guerrero, Justin Slaten and Ryan Watson scattered five Blue Jays hits the rest of the way.

Blue Jays starter Kevin Gausman (4-10) allowed three runs and five hits in six innings. The right-hander walked one and struck out six in 98 pitches.

Toronto has lost eight straight Gausman starts, and the 35-year-old has not won since May 22.

Boston jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the third when Andruw Monasterio led off with a single off the Green Monster. He scored on a two-out single by Ceddanne Rafaela.

The Red Sox added two more in the fourth when Willson Contreras led off with a walk and Caleb Durbin singled. Romy Gonzalez laid down a bunt to sacrifice the runners to second and third, and Jarren Duran drove them both in with a single to center for a 3-0 lead.

Suarez, meanwhile, kept the Blue Jays off balance.

His only trouble came in the fourth inning when Alejandro Kirk and George Springer hit back-to-back one-out singles. Suarez, however, induced Daulton Varsho to hit into a fielder’s choice and then struck out Kazuma Okamoto looking to end the threat.

The Red Sox scored three more in the seventh.

Duran led off with a single and Monasterio walked. Carlos Narvaez bunted them over and pinch hitter Jahmai Jones doubled them both in with a drive off the wall in center.

Jones came home when Wilyer Abreu broke an 0-for-20 streak with a double off the wall in left.

The Blue Jays finally broke through in the ninth with three hits. Andres Gimenez drove in Varsho with two outs for their lone run.

–Field Level Media

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Birthday boy Ryan O'Hearn leads Pirates past Cubs

Jul 26, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman Brandon Lowe (left) and designated hitter Bryan Reynolds (10) greet first baseman Ryan O'Hearn (29) crossing home plate on a grand slam home run against the Chicago Cubs during the third inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn ImagesJul 26, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman Brandon Lowe (left) and designated hitter Bryan Reynolds (10) greet first baseman Ryan O’Hearn (29) crossing home plate on a grand slam home run against the Chicago Cubs during the third inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Ryan O’Hearn celebrated his 32nd birthday by belting his second grand slam of the season and fourth of his career as the host Pittsburgh Pirates held on for an 8-7 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Sunday.

Pittsburgh’s Shawn Ross launched a two-run homer in his second MLB game while rookie Esmerlyn Valdez also went deep and added an RBI single

Brandon Lowe collected three hits and two runs as the Pirates snapped a three-game losing streak in the finale of the three-game series.

The offensive explosion proved just enough for Braxton Ashcraft (10-4), who allowed four runs on seven hits in six innings.

Carmen Mlodzinski bridged the gap to Mason Montgomery, who surrendered Seiya Suzuki’s two-run homer in the ninth before retiring the next two batters to secure his second save.

Pete Crow-Armstrong ripped an RBI triple and Dansby Swanson, Nico Hoerner and Pedro Ramirez each had an RBI single for the Cubs.

Swanson opened the scoring in the second with an RBI single, but that slim advantage didn’t last long.

Valdez sent a 1-1 cutter from Jameson Taillon (2-6) over the left center wall to lead off the second inning. Valdez’s homer was his 14th of the season and eighth in his last 13 games. After O’Hearn walked, Ross deposited a 3-2 cutter over the wall in left.

The Pirates loaded the bases in the third before O’Hearn deposited a 0-1 fastball from Taillon over the wall in center to stake his team to a 7-1 lead. The homer by O’Hearn was his 17th of the season and first since he went deep three times — highlighted by a grand slam — in a 12-4 victory over the Atlanta Braves on July 7.

Taillon permitted seven runs on six hits in four innings to fall to 0-5 in his last eight outings.

Chicago scored three times in the fourth before Valdez’s broken-bat RBI single off Ryan Rolison extended Pittsburgh’s advantage to 8-5 in the fifth.

–Field Level Media

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Jerry Kelly holds on to win 'indescribable' Senior Open title

Jerry Kelly hits out of a bunker on hole No. 14 during round 3 of the Kaulig Companies PGA Championship, July 11, 2026, at Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio.Jerry Kelly hits out of a bunker on hole No. 14 during round 3 of the Kaulig Companies PGA Championship, July 11, 2026, at Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio.

Jerry Kelly turned a clutch bunker shot on the final hole into a birdie and won the ISPS Handa Senior Open by two shots on Sunday in Auchterarder, Scotland.

Kelly, 59, delivered his third consecutive round of 2-under-par 68 on The King’s Gleneagles course and finished at 10-under 270 to win the fifth and final major tournament of the season.

Matt Gogel, Darren Fichardt of South Africa and Cameron Percy of Australia all finished two shots back in a tie for second place.

With a one-shot lead on the par-5 closing hole, Kelly found the bunker with his second shot. The Madison, Wisc., native put the bunker shot to within 4 feet and made the putt for his first Senior Open title and his third major victory on the Champions Tour.

“It’s indescribable to win it,” said Kelly, who now has 15 overall victories on the Champions Tour. “The senior Claret Jug is the trophy that I’ve wanted as an over-50 golfer other than any other. To do it in Scotland, at the home of golf … I mean, I’m absolutely speechless.”

Tied for the lead with Percy at the start of the final round, Kelly was 2 under through five holes before his first bogey of the day at No. 6. He bounced back by birdieing the par-3 eighth. Kelly also had a bogey at No. 11 before he reeled off six consecutive pars that led into his birdie at 18.

“My brain, actually, was the most successful part of my game,” Kelly said. “In the past I would have gotten down that I wasn’t striking it the way I’d like to strike it. But instead of worrying about that, I just went and took care of the next shot.

“I learned a lot about myself today, and I wish I would have learned it about 20, 30 years ago.”

Gogel worked his way into contention with a 7-under 63 in the final round as he shot a 4-under 30 on the front nine. He also had birdies at Nos. 10 and 12 to close the gap, then wrapped his round with his seventh birdie of the day at No. 18.

“Certainly by 10, when I had a two-putt birdie there, I was thinking, ‘Geez, we keep this thing going, we have a chance to get a high finish,'” Gogel said.

Percy (even-par 70) had a rocky ride in the final round and was at 2 over the front nine. He had his first birdie of the day at No. 10 before another bogey at No. 11. He gathered himself down the stretch for two more birdies but was unable to collect another at the 18th.

Percy missed a 6-foot birdie putt on the final hole that would have put more pressure on Kelly.

Fichardt shot a 4-under 66 to close in on Kelly. He started his round with a bogey on the first hole, but had a strong finish with birdies at Nos. 14, 15 and 18.

Kely remained undaunted with his one-putt birdie to win it.

“To be on this trophy, to be a part of this trophy, to be a part of the R&A — I just love it over here, I really do,” Kelly said. “It brings it full circle that I didn’t do what I wanted to in the Open Championship but to get it done here, I mean, I’m over the moon.”

–Field Level Media

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