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The Herald Scotland
14 hours ago
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
NFL record predictions: AI makes win-loss picks for all 32 teams
Society soaks up everything artificial because it's more convenient or tastes better. Laziness or convenience? You be the judge. No matter how popular those fake things become, nothing can ever replace the original. As we embark on the early days of NFL training camp, it's important to have some fun, even if the robots continue to conquer more and more in some sort of ode to imperialism. Will Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs rebound after a Super Bowl beatdown? Which NFL team will surprise? Who will be the league's best and who will be the worst? While many speculate and debate how each NFL team will perform in 2025, we decided to get Google Gemini's artificial thoughts by having it predict every team's record. Here are the results. 2025 NFL record predictions: AI projections for all 32 teams AFC East Buffalo Bills: 12-5 New England Patriots: 9-8 Miami Dolphins: 8-9 New York Jets: 7-10 Gemini isn't forecasting any surprises in the AFC East, predicting Buffalo to win the division for the sixth straight year. The chatbot noted that they have a strong foundation in place as the team dreams of reaching the Super Bowl. Josh Allen's crew should keep rolling without much resistance. Google's artificial intelligence is buying stock, however, in the Patriots next season. It's a big fan of Drake Maye and believes Mike Vrabel can get the team back to their winning ways. Conventional wisdom suggests that the Patriots are poised for a better season. Gemini subscribes to that line of thinking as well. Miami finds itself settling into the third spot in this division race, primarily because of concerns about consistency and health. Can Tua Tagovailoa avoid injury all season? Is there enough depth on the roster? The chatbot isn't sure of either, saying results for the Dolphins are mixed this season. Returning to the bottom of the AFC East is the Jets, who are certainly no stranger to being there. However, it's a 7-10 season for New York in what profiles as a significant question mark-style season, according to Gemini. The team has limited upside in its imaginary eyes, but likes the defense and is unsure about Justin Fields. Maybe the intelligence isn't that artificial after all. AFC North The Ravens are locked and loaded for another run in 2025, hoping this will be the year they get over their playoff woes to reach the big game in February. Gemini is forecasting another division-winning season for John Harbaugh's team, with a sprinkling of regression despite their all-in approach to the offseason. Regardless, it should come as no surprise that the Ravens lead the way here as Lamar Jackson looks to build off another MVP-caliber season. Cincinnati is a logical entrant for the second spot in the AFC North, but the Bengals are a wild card in the jungle. The contract situations for Trey Hendrickson and Shemar Stewart have been a dark cloud hanging over the offseason in Cincinnati. That is in addition to a team that has underachieved each of the last two seasons. The Bengals have a wide range of outcomes, but Gemini lands on the more optimistic side of the spectrum. The Steelers also know a thing or two about a wide range of outcomes, especially after signing the 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers. After adding DK Metcalf to upgrade the receiver room, it remains to be seen whether Pittsburgh is better in 2025. The chatbot has taken Mike Tomlin's ability to avoid losing seasons into account, predicting a 9-8 record. In the AFC North basement, it's the Cleveland Browns. That comes as no surprise considering the state of their rebuild and the lack of a clear quarterback solution. Cleveland's defense can steal some games thanks to Myles Garrett, but don't expect a miracle in The Land. MORE: Mike Tomlin and Aaron Rodgers are desperate to win big again. They are a perfect match AFC South It's been all chalk for Gemini in the early going, sticking with the favorite to capture the division crown. The Texans may have a few problems on their hands come playoff time, especially if C.J. Stroud is wounded behind that offensive line. However, the defense is good enough to carry them through a division that doesn't figure to have much resistance, leaving them as the clear team to beat. Liam Coen lived a life of luxury coordinating an experienced Tampa offense loaded with talent in 2024. Now for his next trick, he heads to the opposite coast of Florida to guide Jacksonville back to NFL relevancy. It's a much younger offense for the Jaguars, giving the rookie head coach a blank canvas to mold the roster as he sees fit. With that in mind, Gemini believes they can contend for a playoff spot this year. If Trevor Lawrence returns to form, Jacksonville is a frisky team that can be a threat. Everything for the Colts is tied to their quarterback situation, and the chatbot agrees. Anthony Richardson has to take a step in the right direction, but his shoulder injury is already dominating the conversation. There is still talent on this team that should keep them from bottoming out. However, the ceiling isn't particularly high and seven wins feels pretty close to it. The Titans hope they have their quarterback in Cam Ward, but it's unlikely that wins will follow in 2025. Tennessee has plenty of other issues that will hold them back next season, which is to be expected in a rebuild. An infusion of talent will continue in the coming years, but this year is all about making sure Ward is the answer going forward. Wins would be a bonus. AFC West Kansas City Chiefs: 12-5 Los Angeles Chargers: 10-7 Denver Broncos: 9-8 Las Vegas Raiders: 6-11 The Super Bowl seemed to show some cracks in the armor for Kansas City, but the Chiefs remain inevitable in an AFC West desperate to dethrone them. As long as Patrick Mahomes is playing and Andy Reid is coaching, this is the Chiefs' spot until it's not. Gemini agrees, highlighting their consistency and top-end talent. Jim Harbaugh's first season back in the NFL was a resounding success, remaking the identity of the Chargers while still securing a playoff spot. Following an early playoff exit, Harbaugh now needs his team to take the next step. The chatbot has them finishing with one less win, but considers Los Angeles a serious contender if things break right. Gemini believes the Broncos will challenge for a playoff spot again this season, calling them a potential surprise in the AFC. The AI must've forgotten that Denver was the surprise of 2024 with Bo Nix delivering in a big way. It especially likes the addition of Trent Sherfield. Regardless, the Broncos will again be a pesky bunch next season. Perhaps the most surprising prediction in the AFC, Gemini isn't buying whatever the Raiders are selling. Vegas checks in at 6-11, which would be a disappointing win total after its offseason makeover. They've stabilized the organization by bringing in Pete Carroll and Geno Smith to work with a roster infused with young talent like Ashton Jeanty and Brock Bowers. Gemini considers the division too tough for them to compete right away, but that won't make anyone in Sin City feel good if it comes to fruition. NFC East We've yet to see a team reach the 13-win mark and that won't happen here either with the Eagles. Maybe it's a Super Bowl hangover for the defending champions, but Gemini isn't going out on a limb for this prediction. However, this would also be the first time an NFC East champion was able to defend its crown since the Eagles last did so from 2001-2004. The Cowboys are a surprise entrant in the second spot, primarily because they profile as a team in transition. Dak Prescott is returning from a hamstring injury that ended his 2024 season. Brian Schottenheimer takes over as head coach and the offensive line will have to operate without the veteran presence of Zack Martin, who retired. The acquisition of George Pickens should take some pressure off CeeDee Lamb and Gemini likes the revamped running back room. Either way, Dallas is a wild card with a big gap between the floor and the ceiling. Surprises continue in the NFC East as the Giants check in at 8-9. Despite a new-look quarterback room headlined by Russell Wilson, the Giants don't profile as a team prepared to make such a vast improvement in 2025, considering the challenging schedule that lies ahead. Gemini is higher on them than most, but an offense led by Malik Nabers coupled with a pass rush featuring Brian Burns and Abdul Carter can certainly make even the most pessimistic see a ray of sunshine in the future. No matter what, Washington has always been a city that disappoints 50% of people at a given moment in time. In the case of the Commanders, this might be closer to unanimous - an unheard of conclusion in the district. Barring an injury to Jayden Daniels, it seems impossible for the Commanders to finish 6-11 after making the trip to the NFC championship a season ago. The chatbot pointed out that Washington is going all-in and could struggle to integrate those pieces. Color us skeptical. NFC North Green Bay Packers: 11-6 Detroit Lions: 10-7 Chicago Bears: 9-8 Minnesota Vikings: 7-10 The Packers finished four games behind the NFC North champions in 2024 after totaling 11 wins. According to Gemini, that same win total will be enough to grant them a home playoff game in 2025. The chatbot is expecting a big year for Jordan Love and likes the Matthew Golden draft pick, adding that improving on a 1-5 record in division games will be enough to put them in the top spot. Detroit, on the other hand, is primed for a setback this season. That is thanks in large part to the staffing changes following the departures of both coordinators, Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn. After injuries claimed many roster players last year, this will be a Lions group that faces some new challenges in a division that provides no soft landing spot. As if losing the coordinators wasn't bad enough, the Lions will have to watch as Johnson takes over for their rivals in Chicago. The Bears are a popular breakout candidate with the expectation of a second-year leap from Caleb Williams and now they are also armed with a capable offensive line. Protecting Williams is key, but the quarterback must also step up his play. If both things come true, the Windy City is in for an exciting fall. The Vikings bet on J.J. McCarthy as their quarterback of the future. It would've been easy to stick with what worked last year while the quarterback was sidelined. After all, 14-win seasons don't grow on trees. Yet Minnesota is making the move to the former Michigan man, hoping he can deliver the goods in the Twin Cities. Gemini isn't a believer, calling it a season of transition for the Vikings. Depending on McCarthy's season, decision-makers in Minnesota could end up wondering if Sam Darnold is the one that got away. NFC South Atlanta Falcons: 10-7 Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 9-8 Carolina Panthers: 7-10 New Orleans Saints: 4-13 Talent has never been the question for the Falcons. Atlanta's woes seem to be more a citywide sports issue, but Gemini is predicting the football team will respond in a big way this season, winning the division for the first time since 2016. They are loaded on offense with Bijan Robinson and Drake London, while the defense tries to catch up with a much-improved pass rush. Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. both enter the fold, representing the youth movement in the ATL. A big step forward from Michael Penix Jr. could be all they need to make some serious noise. The Buccaneers have become a factory for producing offensive coordinators in recent years, losing Dave Canales and Coen to head coaching jobs. Now it's Josh Grizzard's turn, but that lack of continuity can also be a problem. That is also Gemini's primary concern, suggesting that turnover could lead to a slow start. Tampa remains the team to beat in the NFC South, but the chatbot predicts they will fall short in 2025. Much like how Johnson left Detroit to join the division foes in Chicago, Canales did the same to Tampa Bay by leaving for Carolina. His Panthers are looking to turn a corner this year and Bryce Young is a big reason for that. He made strides in 2024, giving Carolina a reason to be optimistic. Despite being in the midst of a rebuild, the Panthers can be frisky in 2025. Unless some higher power intervenes, the Saints won't be winning many games this year. There is talent on the roster, even if it's often injured, but the quarterback spot is a complete unknown. Derek Carr retired, leaving Tyler Shough as the apparent starter in New Orleans. Kellen Moore, the team's new head coach, has his work cut out for him in what should be a year that isn't defined by wins and losses. MORE: Los Angeles Rams are 'right place' for wide receiver Davante Adams NFC West San Francisco 49ers: 12-5 Los Angeles Rams: 10-7 Arizona Cardinals: 8-9 Seattle Seahawks: 7-10 After a short stay at the bottom of the NFC West, Gemini has the 49ers back on top in 2025. Last year was ruined by injuries for San Francisco, leading to some new players emerging in different spots. Now they are loaded up for what they hope is a deep playoff run. Gemini has them tied for the league lead in wins, staving off tough competition from their Southern California neighbors. The Rams lost the snow globe battle in the playoffs against the Eagles, but proved they are Super Bowl contenders. It wasn't a guarantee that would remain the case after the offseason. Matthew Stafford was involved in trade rumors, but he is now back for another run in Hollywood. They made a big splash by signing Davante Adams. On paper, this should be a top team in the league. Gemini has them finishing second in the NFC West, but this is a squad no one will want to play in January. Gemini didn't specify how the Cardinals' season will play out, but we can only assume it expects a hot start followed by a limp to the finish line. Arizona's defense should make some significant strides; however, this team goes as far as Kyler Murray takes them. That is evidenced by the extreme highs and lows that the Cardinals seem to experience every year. If he can find some consistency, this team can be in the hunt. Our last stop on our tour around the NFL and the NFC West is Seattle. The Seahawks will have a new look in 2025, highlighted by the arrivals of Darnold and Cooper Kupp. It remains to be seen if Darnold can replicate the magic he found in Minnesota last season, leaving the Seahawks as an unknown. They are remaking the team with Mike Macdonald's vision in mind, turning the page from the Carroll era. The chatbot expects flashes, but not a lot of consistency. We tend to agree.
Newsweek
a day ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Yankees Face 'All-Around Terrible' Giancarlo Stanton Decision After Brutal Injury
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. The New York Yankees might have avoided a worst-case scenario on Aaron Judge, but the reality is still far from pleasant. As the team endures a marked fall from grace after a torrid start to the year, it has placed the franchise slugger on the injured list with a strained flexor tendon. He is expected to return this season, but the fallout from that brutal injury will still be far reaching. Without Judge to carry the batting order, the team could be changing its approach to the trade deadline with less confidence that bringing in some win-now talent can propel a championship. And Judge's injury could drive a surprising change for designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton as well. "Yes, Judge can still swing with a bad flexor, but where does that leave Stanton?" Yankees columnist Bob Klapisch asked for "Back to the outfield, which is an all-around terrible idea. Give Stanton credit for a good attitude — 'I'll do whatever it takes' — but let's be serious about a defender who's afraid to run, lest he gets hurt again." TORONTO, ON - JULY 21: Giancarlo Stanton #27 of the New York Yankees walks to the dugout during a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on July 21, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario,... TORONTO, ON - JULY 21: Giancarlo Stanton #27 of the New York Yankees walks to the dugout during a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on July 21, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by) More Ridley/Getty The Yankees have plenty of outfield options even without Judge, including Cody Bellinger, Trent Grisham and Jasson Dominguez. But if Judge has to move to an everyday designated hitter role, there could be no way for the Yankees to get at-bats for Stanton without putting him back into the outfield for the first time in two years. Still, Stanton is such a defensive liability and at so much risk of injury himself that the team might be forced to choose between at-bats for him or Judge for a significant stretch of the season. Judge's injury might have been worse, but even a slight setback for the franchise star seems like a major problem for the Yankees. "All of which is to say, if the Yankees were going nowhere with a healthy Judge and his MVP-caliber production, imagine what the next couple of weeks will be without him," Klapisch added. "Think July's been a rough month in the Bronx? Just wait. It's about to get a lot worse." After a high-octane start to the year, the Yankees are suddenly facing some tough decisions. More MLB: Yankees Make Trade, Send Veteran Pitcher to Atlanta Ahead of Trade Deadline
Newsweek
2 days ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Fever Star Caitlin Clark's Projected Return Date Revealed by ESPN
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Indiana Fever have suffered through a rough start to the 2025 WNBA season compared to what had been expected from them. Caitlin Clark has suffered the same fate thanks to multiple different injury issues. Even now, Clark remains out due to injuring her groin once again just before the All-Star break. She has only played in 13 games this season of the 25 the Fever have played as a team. As of right now, the team has not given any timetable for a potential return to the court form Clark. Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever looks on during the first half of the 2025 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on July 19, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever looks on during the first half of the 2025 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on July 19, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Photo byIn a recent statement from Indiana, it was revealed that the team has no timetable for Clark's return and are fully focused on her long-term health. Read more: Fever's Caitlin Clark Breaks Another Record Without Playing a Minute "The team can confirm that no additional injuries or damage were discovered through the evaluations," the statement read. "Clark will continue working with the Fever medical team on her recovery and rehabilitation, with the priority on her long-term health and well-being. There is no timetable available for Clark's return, and no additional details will be provided at this time. Any further updates will be shared as they become available." Despite there being no official timeline for Clark to return to the court, ESPN has revealed when it believes she'll be back and playing for the Fever again. On their WNBA injuries page, ESPN has listed August 12 as a potential return date for Clark. If that does end up becoming accurate, Clark would make her return against Paige Bueckers and the Dallas Wings at home. Throughout the 13 games she has been able to play this season, Clark has seen her numbers decrease. That should be expected though, as she has been playing through nagging injury issues. Read more: Sky Coach Sends Message as Angel Reese Faces Threat of Suspension In the 13 games she has played, Clark has averaged 16.5 points per game to go along with 8.8 assists, five rebounds, and 1.6 steals. She has also shot 36.7 percent from the floor and has connected on 27.9 percent of her three-point attempts. Obviously, it hasn't been the MVP-caliber season that many fans and analysts were expecting from Clark. The hope is simply that she can get healthy and back on the court to help Indiana pursue a run in the playoffs. Expect to hear more about the Fever superstar in the near future. For now, ESPN's projected return date gives Indiana fans hope. Make sure to follow Newsweek Sports for all Indiana Fever and WNBA news and updates.
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Sixers legend Julius Erving ranked No. 20 best player of all-time
The Philadelphia 76ers have had a lot of legendary players come through and play for them in their franchise's history. Legendary names such as Wilt Chamberlain, Julius Erving, Allen Iverson, Moses Malone, and Charles Barkley have come through and made their impact in Philadelphia. This edition focuses on Erving who's No. 6 uniform hangs from the rafters from the Wells Fargo Center due to the amazing things he has done for the Sixers. In 11 seasons for Philadelphia, Erving averaged 22.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.9 assists and won the 1981 MVP award. He led the Sixers to their last title back in 1983. Bleacher Report ranked the top 100 players in the history of the NBA and Erving comes in ranked No. 20 on the list: The Julius Erving resume looks ridiculous when combining his body of work in the ABA and NBA. He is one of nine players to clear 30,000 points, and one of just six players with at least four MVP awards, joining Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Wilt Chamberlain, LeBron James, Michael Jordan and Bill Russell—a veritable who's who of top-10-all-time candidates. Decades upon decades later, Dr. J highlights still pop. The one-handed finishes are crafty and seemingly feature infinite hang time. His game was equal parts smooth and flashy but teeming with MVP-caliber substance. If you can't bring yourself to combine his two resumes, you should at least appreciate that he was the face of two separate leagues, accomplishing enough in each of them to earn a Hall of Fame nod even if he hadn't played in the other. Erving is one of the best players in the history of the game and arguably the best player in Sixers history--although there are others who can stake that claim as well. Either way, No. 20 sounds about right for him in the history of the game.
Newsweek
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Interesting Details of Eagles' Super Bowl Ring Explained
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. On Friday night, the Philadelphia Eagles got to celebrate their Super Bowl victory once again. The 2024 roster gathered in Philly for a party, and each player received their unique-styled rings, designed by Jason of Beverly Hills. As always, the ring has plenty of important details that tell the story of the Eagles' entire 2024 season. Diamonds are a Bird's best friend — Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) July 19, 2025 In the word "Champions," there are 40 points of diamonds to represent the Eagles' points scored in the Super Bowl matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. On the wings of the rings, there are 0.9 carats to represent the six sacks and three takeaways in the Super Bowl. As dominant as the two-way effort was, the Eagles' defense was absolutely critical as they shut down the MVP-caliber quarterback, Patrick Mahomes. In order to get to the Super Bowl, the Eagles had a dominant regular season, which helped them gain home-field advantage in the postseason for the first round, at least. The bracket ended up giving them a home game for each playoff matchup. Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles poses for photographs on the Green Carpet at The Battery on July 18, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles poses for photographs on the Green Carpet at The Battery on July 18, 2025 in Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaThe Eagles finished the regular season with a 14-3 record. After a 2-2 start, they fired off 10 wins in a row, which proved to the NFL they were the real deal. On the Super Bowl LIX logo, there are 10 points of diamonds to represent that streak. In total, the Eagles finished the year with 18 wins. Therefore, there are 18 green stones on the ring. On the inside of the ring, there is a Brazilian flag, which is where the season started. Although it was an Eagles home game, the team played one of the few international games this year. The Eagles defeated the Green Bay Packers in Brazil to kick off their big year. Right under the flag is a motto, inspired by the head coach, Nick Sirianni. "Tough, Detailed, Together," it says. Under the motto is a list of scores throughout the Eagles' playoff run, which included games against the Packers, Los Angeles Rams, Washington Commanders, and the Chiefs. The No. 145 represents the Eagles' NFL record of most points scored in the postseason. Perhaps, the most popular part of the ring is the wings. With the hit of a button, they pop out. The five diamonds on the button are there to represent the five players who scored points in the Super Bowl (Jalen Hurts, AJ Brown, Cooper DeJean, DeVonta Smith, and Jake Elliott). It's all in the details — Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) July 19, 2025 Lastly, the wings have a hidden message, which also comes from Sirianni: "You can't be great without the greatness of others." While Sirianni has dealt with a lot of criticism throughout his tenure with the Eagles, he has overcome all of that and shines as a motivator within the organization. Clearly, his messages have stuck with the team and will remain with them forever, as the Super Bowl ring sheds light on those mottos. For more Philadelphia Eagles and NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports
