Here are the top 10 sports stories for this morning, Tuesday, December 23, 2025. These are formatted for high visibility on heavener.news, with a focus on national impact and local interest.
Read more: Tuesday Morning Sports Briefing: NFL Playoff Picture Clears, NBA & NHL History1. 49ers Crush Colts on Monday Night; Three AFC Teams Clinch Playoff Berths
Summary: The San Francisco 49ers dominated the Indianapolis Colts 48–27 on Monday Night Football. Brock Purdy made history by throwing five touchdown passes, the most by a 49er since Steve Young. The Colts’ fifth consecutive loss had massive ripple effects, officially clinching playoff spots for the Buffalo Bills, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Los Angeles Chargers.
2. Alabama vs. Indiana: A Clash of Dynasties and Upstarts in the Rose Bowl
Summary: As the quarterfinal matchups settle, the sports world is focused on the New Year’s Day Rose Bowl between No. 9 Alabama and No. 1 Indiana. Analysts are calling it the ultimate “Blue Blood vs. Cinderella” story, as the undefeated Hoosiers look to validate their top seed against the most successful program of the 21st century.
3. Sidney Crosby Breaks Mario Lemieux’s Franchise Scoring Record
Summary: In a historic night for hockey, Sidney Crosby surpassed Mario Lemieux to become the Pittsburgh Penguins’ all-time leading scorer. Crosby’s goal and assist against Montreal gave him 1,724 career points, moving him into 8th place on the NHL’s all-time scoring list and snapping the Penguins’ eight-game losing streak.
4. NFL Week 17 Odds Shift After Wave of Quarterback Injuries
Summary: Las Vegas oddsmakers are scrambling this morning as several key NFL quarterbacks were ruled out for the upcoming Week 17 slate. Notably, the New York Giants have emerged as favorites in their matchup as they continue to lead the “race” for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
5. Ryan Day to Call Offensive Plays for Ohio State in Cotton Bowl
Summary: Ohio State coach Ryan Day announced he will resume offensive play-calling duties for the Buckeyes’ playoff run, starting with the Cotton Bowl against Miami on Dec. 31. The move follows the departure of Brian Hartline, who recently accepted the head coaching job at South Florida.
6. Steelers’ DK Metcalf Suspended Two Games Following Fan Altercation
Summary: The NFL has handed a two-game suspension to Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf after an altercation with a fan during Sunday’s game against the Lions. The suspension could reportedly cost Metcalf up to $40 million in contract incentives and leaves the Steelers shorthanded for their playoff push.
7. Detroit Pistons Hold Off Trail Blazers to Retain Top Seed in East
Summary: Jalen Duren’s 26-point, 10-rebound performance helped the Detroit Pistons survive a 21-point comeback attempt by Portland. The 110–102 victory keeps Detroit (23–6) at the top of the Eastern Conference standings as they head into a Christmas week showdown with the Kings.
8. Chiefs Announce Official Move to Kansas with New Stadium Plans
Summary: In a major move for the region, the Kansas City Chiefs officially announced they will relocate to a new stadium in Kansas in 2031. The move ends decades of speculation regarding the team’s future at Arrowhead Stadium and marks a massive shift in the local sports landscape.
9. Kaillie Humphries Armbruster Wins First World Cup Since Becoming a Mom
Summary: Team USA bobsledder Kaillie Humphries Armbruster secured her 31st World Cup win on Sunday. It was her first victory since returning to the circuit as a mother, snapping a 20-race winning streak by German sleds and building momentum for the 2026 Winter Olympics.
10. MLB Trade Rumors: Reds and White Sox in High-Stakes Luis Robert Jr. Talks
Summary: Baseball’s winter meetings are heating up with reports that the Cincinnati Reds are in serious discussions with the White Sox to acquire outfielder Luis Robert Jr. The move would be a “win-now” signal for a Reds team looking to dominate the NL Central in 2026.
