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The Buffalo Bills parted ways with head coach Sean McDermott this offseason after seven consecutive seasons of double-digit wins. Although expectations for the organization clearly have not been met, it appears that some in the league believe things will not get better any time soon.

Speaking to Mike Sandow of The Athletic, an NFL executive shared his belief that the Bills’ window as a Super Bowl contender in the AFC has closed. This is despite the expected regression from the New England Patriots and the AFC seemingly being “down” right now.

“I think Buffalo’s window is closed.”

Unnamed NFL executive on Buffalo Bills entering 2026 season

RELATED: 2026 NFL power rankings, see where the Bills land

In 2025, Buffalo tied for the fourth-most wins in the AFC and then reached the divisional round, but lost in overtime. This led to head coach Sean McDermott being fired, general manager Brandon Beane being promoted to president of football operations and offensive coordinator Joe Brady being named head coach.

The Bills front office responded to that disappointment in 2025 by adding safety Geno Stone, nickel C.J. Gardner-Johnson and edge rusher Bradley Chubb to bolster the defense. Equally important, Buffalo traded for wide receiver DJ Moore to provide Allen with an effective offensive weapon.

It’s fair to assume that the Kansas City Chiefs will bounce back in 2026 with the return of Patrick Mahomes and the signing of Kenneth Walker. Elsewhere in the AFC, the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals look better on paper next season.

One reason some around the league are skeptical of the Bills’ approach may have something to do with the team’s draft class. Beane traded downs twice in Round 1 and, in a class that was considered unusually weak, there were some questions whether the team had taken the right approach.

NFL officials skeptical of Buffalo Bills draft strategy

Another executive questioned the Bills’ strategy in the 2026 NFL Draft. While President of Football Operations Brandon Beane received much praise from analysts for trading down multiple times, an analytics-approved strategy, some around the league were not as keen on this specific draft reason.

One executive said, “You get an advantage from the guys who pick you, whether it’s third or fourth or something later, they weren’t going to give you any (good) player in this draft.”

The Athletic’s NFL executive trading down on the Buffalo Bills draft class

This was not the only opinion that expressed doubt as to whether this is the right year to trade up multiple times and collect large amounts of Day 3 draft capital. Another NFL executive told Sandow that it was a “weird draft” because the class was “terrible at the top and terrible at the bottom.”

RELATED: The best 2026 NFL draft classes, including the Buffalo Bills

However, as some of Beane’s teammates in front offices around the league pointed out, a weak 2026 NFL Draft class actually made it, so there was no “right” strategy to take. Beane setting himself up to take multiple swings may prove to be the best approach as it at least gives him a chance to take more swings at different players who may strike out.

Matt Johnson is the senior NFL and college football editor for Sportsknot. His work including the weekly NFL and college… More about Matt Johnson

On Saturday evening, the Los Angeles Lakers picked up one of the biggest wins of the 2025-26 NBA season with a thrilling overtime win over the Denver Nuggets. It looked like the Lakers were dying for possession in the final seconds of regulation, but Austin Reaves’ intentionally missed free throws were executed to perfection, and Luka Doncic ultimately won things for Los Angeles in the extra frame.

After the game, Lakers head coach JJ Redick attempted to expand his vocabulary to explain how the Lakers are coming together at the right time.

“Is ‘coalesces’ a word? Is it the right word? To come together?”. Redick asked, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. “I think it feels like we’re coming together pretty well right now. There’s still a long way to go, but definitely optimistic about how we’ve handled this run of games. … It’s big time.”

The Lakers are currently on a five-game winning streak, and have suffered losses to some tough competition, including both the Nuggets and New York Knicks last week. The questions about the Lakers’ defense are beginning to subside, as Los Angeles has played some better basketball on that end of the floor amid its winning streak.

Los Angeles currently sits in third place in the Western Conference, the same spot where they finished the regular season a year ago, and as the NBA Playoffs approach, the team certainly looks to be playing its best basketball at the right time.

It also helps that Los Angeles remains mostly healthy, as Reeves, Doncic and LeBron James are getting a chance to consistently share the floor for the first time all season.

Los Angeles will take the field for the first of two road games versus the Houston Rockets on Monday evening.

Bam Adebayo had the entire Miami Heat team invested in the build-up to his historic scoring night. Ultimately, the Heat squad helped Adebayo break Kobe Bryant’s scoring record, becoming the proud owner of the NBA’s second-highest scoring game after finishing with 83 points in a 150-129 victory over the Washington Wizards.

Adebayo’s success became almost as much as the team’s, and they were celebrating with him long before the final buzzer sounded. They cheered when Adebayo was fouled when he had 81 points, and when he checked out after passing Bryant’s scoring tally, they were as excited as ever. After the game, the celebration continued, as they poured water on the Heat star and joined him in his post-game interview.

It got so far that Kelly Sacco of FanDuel Sports Network decided to give The microphone passed to Norman Powell, who then posed a question for Adebayo that put his historic accomplishment into perspective.

“How does it feel to hear your name called Wilt, Bam, along with Kobe?” Powell asked, much to the delight of the crowd at the Kasia Center.

“Obviously, it’s a top three performance so far,” Adebayo responded with a big smile on his face.

“hell yeah!” Powell agreed.

Via @WadexFlash on X:

Norman Powell took the mic to congratulate Bam Adebayo:

“How does it feel to have your name next to Wilt and Kobe?”

The vibes are impeccablepic.twitter.com/AlvQ207oAu

– Heating Zone (@WadexFlash) 11 March 2026

Heat’s Bam Adebayo puts his name in the record books

Adebayo is now the proud owner of the second-highest scoring game in NBA history, and no one can take that away from him. His name will now be in the record books under Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point game, which is absolutely ridiculous.

Some critics might say the Heat shamelessly chased Adebayo that game. They were intentionally fouling to get the ball back, and they were force-feeding Adebayo the rock. But at the end of the day, Adebayo scored 83 points, immortalizing this historic night forever.

The Los Angeles Lakers won their third consecutive game against the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday, 110-101. A win that was reminiscent of how the Lakers started the season when they had to come from behind.

The Lakers outscored the Pelicans 34-23 in the fourth quarter. In the process, they managed to achieve something that had not been seen since 2009. He had seven blocks in the fourth quarter.

According to Spectrum Sportsnet, LeBron James fired back at the reporter when asked if the Lakers have made progress in that area.

“We have?” James asked. “think so.”

Let’s talk LeBron James (8/12 FG, 7 REB, 21 PTS on 7 AST) @RealAClifton And the media is following him #lakers Third consecutive win. pic.twitter.com/jExD46fFMB

– Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) 4 March 2026

James finished the game with 21 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. As a result, Los Angeles is now 37–24 and remains in 6th place in the Western Conference standings.

James is averaging 21.6 points, 7.0 assists and 5.7 rebounds per game.

This wasn’t even the first confusing question after the game. Luka Doncic was asked if the momentum of star players including James and Austin Reeves is continuing. Doncic wasn’t having it when he responded: “Are you guys going to ask me this question every night?”

Doncic finished the game with 27 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists.

In 2009, Los Angeles defeated the Orlando Magic in five games to win their first NBA championship since 2022.

On Thursday, Los Angeles will take the field to play against the Denver Nuggets. Then, they have five consecutive home games starting Friday against the Indiana Pacers. Next, they will play against the New York Knicks (March 8), Minnesota Timberwolves (March 10), Chicago Bulls (March 12) and Nuggets (March 14).

The Lakers were able to pull off a thrilling win over the Pelicans as they set their sights on the Nuggets on Thursday to snap a three-game winning streak. After the game, Doncic got a question he’s answered many times before.

Since the All-Star break, there has been talk about whether the Lakers’ “Big Three” LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves will be fit. There has been increased conversation in the media, especially when statistics show that lineups with LeBron James and only Luka Doncic and Austin Reeves have a better Net Rating. Likewise, lineups with just LeBron on the floor and Doncic and Reeves on the bench have a better Nets rating.

As there is strong debate over whether the three Lakers stars are actually a fit, Luka signaled his disdain for the conversation in a post-game interview following the win over the Pelicans.

“Are you guys going to ask me this question every night?”

Although reluctant to continue speaking further on the topic, he responded.

“I think that’s what everybody sees. We’ve obviously won three in a row. We’ve been playing together since the All-Star break… Obviously we’re going to have chemistry every day, every game.”

The Lakers are currently 37-24, holding the sixth seed in the Western Conference. They are two games ahead of the seventh-seeded Suns in the play-in tournament. Their game against the Denver Nuggets on Thursday is important, as Denver is just one game ahead of Los Angeles in wins.

After a season in which all three stars missed significant time, the Lakers finally feel like they have a relatively healthy roster as they head into a very important stretch of games that includes matchups against playoff teams like the Nuggets, Knicks, Timberwolves, and Rockets.

Russell Westbrook is known as one of the most attractive point guards the league has ever seen, and he’s still putting on a show late in his career. Every night, his speed is on full display, and his ability to get to the rim and make plays is unmatched. The fans know it, the league knows it, and he knows it.

That’s why he was surprised when Sacramento Kings administrators recently asked him if he wished he were more athletic.

Westbrook responded with confidence, which is no surprise.

Westbrook said, “This is the most athletic I’ve ever been. Don’t even question it. You better check the numbers.”

Russell Westbrook believes he is the most athletic player “of all time”:

“Don’t even question it. Better check the numbers.”

Agree with Russ? 🤔

(via @SacramientoKings)pic.twitter.com/jPlxu2YkPq

– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 25 February 2026

Westbrook noted that he has the most dunks in a career by a point guard, which already shows his athleticism and what he can do in open space. Not only that, but Westbrook is considered one of the best rebounding guards in the league and he has the stats to prove it.

There was a time in Westbrook’s career when he was easily recording a triple-double every night, and it led him to the MVP award. If anyone ever wants to argue that he isn’t the most athletic player of all time, they may be in some trouble, because there is certainly an argument to be made.

Although Westbrook is no longer the same player he was at his peak, he is still impacting the game in the same way he used to. Unfortunately, this hasn’t led to much success for the Kings, as they are currently 13-46 and in last place in the Western Conference.

They recently shut down Domantas Sabonis and Zach LaVine for the rest of the season due to injuries, and at this point, they would be looking to get the top pick in the upcoming NBA Draft.

chicago bulls lost their 10th consecutive game Charlotte Hornets 131-99 on Tuesday. They have not won a single game yet this month.

Nevertheless, Matas Buzelis led the way with a season-high 32 points. However, to hear him say this, he it doesn’t matter that much As a must-win game, according to Chicago Sports Network’s KC Johnson.

“I want to win games,” Bouzelis said. I’m working every day to try to win. And so does everyone else.” Additionally, Bouzelis came up with a team-high six rebounds as well as six 3-pointers.

As a result, the Bulls are now 24-35. On Thursday, they will conclude the month with a home game against the Portland Trail Blazers. On Tuesday, Buzzellis & Co. welcomed back my ex Coby White is playing his first game in Chicago since being traded. White finished the game with 10 points.

Bouzelis is averaging 15.3 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. Recently, Buzzellis coming to grips With a completely new dynamic after the trade deadline. He saw his former teammates, White, Ayo Dosunmu, Nikola Vucevic and Kevin Huerter move on to other competitors. Thus, Chicago’s remaining key players join Buzellis, Josh Giddy and Jalen Smith.

Additionally, he is being tasked with carrying out more of the Bulls’ offense, especially since he is still adjusting. Bouzelis is in his second season with Chicago. He recently Competed in the NBA Rising Stars Game During All-Star Weekend. Furthermore, he has Went viral for his explosive dunks this seasonS.

However, this does not compensate for winning the game.

The Miami Heat defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 136-120 in their performance on Saturday night, as the team looks to continue their three-game winning streak heading into Tuesday’s matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks. As the Heat look to avoid the play-in tournament and climb the Eastern Conference standings, the team gets important injury updates for Tuesday.

Miami practiced on Monday before the trip, with all but Davion Mitchell and Nikola Jovic practicing, as both missed Saturday’s aforementioned win over the Grizzlies. According to Anthony Chiang of The Miami Herald, Mitchell is dealing with an illness as Jovic suffered a lower back injury, the severity of which he will see a doctor to check.

“It remains to be seen if he will travel with the team to Milwaukee today for tomorrow’s game vs. the Bucks. Jovic went to see a doctor for his back today,” Chiang, formerly of the X, wrote on Twitter.

Mitchell has been a mainstay in the Heat’s starting lineup as the primary point guard, while Jovic has typically come off the bench but has struggled for most of the year. The news of Miami’s recovery following the return of star Tyler Herro is stinging, as Norman Powell reiterated after Saturday’s win that the team is “starting to buy into the collective effort.”

“I think obviously we finally got healthy, we didn’t have [Mitchell] Tonight, but I think this is the healthiest we’ve been all year, and we just want to keep that chemistry and do all the little things to help us get out of these games and not have any slipups and continue to focus on our goal of getting out of the play-ins. [tournament]Powell continued.

Norman Powell was asked about the Heat winning three consecutive games for the first time, and while he joked about it being a shot (laughs), he explained how the team is “starting to buy into the collective effort” and the goal of getting out of the play-in tournament: #HeatNation pic.twitter.com/5WOEXWbFUw

– Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) 22 February 2026

In any case, it remains to be seen what the situation is with Michel and Jovic.

Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic hit back at his critics over his level of commitment to basketball.

Jokic is playing the 11th season of his NBA career with the Nuggets. He earned his place as one of the best players in the entire league, often making it look easy with his elite skill set.

How simple it seems has left critics debating whether the veteran superstar has cared enough about the game over the past few seasons. Jokic finally addressed those things during an interview with ESPN’s Malika Andrews, and dismissed the idea that he doesn’t care.

“There are a lot of people who say, ‘Well how much does he care?'” Andrews asked.

Joc responded, “I care a lot. …I think if you don’t care about winning you shouldn’t be in this game.”

“There are a lot of people who say, ‘Well, how much does he care?'”—@malika_andrews

“I care a lot. …I think if you don’t care about winning you shouldn’t be in this game.” -Nikola Jokic 🏀 pic.twitter.com/oASUyjZSCf

– NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) 18 February 2026

What’s next for Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets?

It’s clear that Nikola Jokic has proven himself to be a dedicated winner in the NBA for a long time. That was especially the case throughout his tenure with the Nuggets, leading them to the mountaintop with a 2023 championship.

Jokic continues to be remarkable throughout the 2025-26 season. He averaged 28.7 points, 12.3 rebounds, 10.7 assists and 1.4 steals per game in 39 games. He is shooting 59% from the field, including 42% from beyond the arc and 84% from the free-throw line.

Denver compiled a 35–20 record on the season and finished third in the Western Conference standings. They are one game up on the Houston Rockets and 1.5 games up on the Los Angeles Lakers. However, they trail the San Antonio Spurs by 3.5 games and the Oklahoma City Thunder by 6.5 games.

With the All-Star break over, the Nuggets will resume action with a three-game road trip. They will face the Los Angeles Clippers on February 19 at 10:30 PM ET, the Portland Trail Blazers on February 20 at 10 PM ET, and the Golden State Warriors on February 22 at 3:30 PM ET.

Fabian Herzeler is under no pressure at Brighton & Hove Albion despite his current poor form.

This is according to Sportbild. The German newspaper reports that, internally, there are no concerns about Brighton dropping to 14^th Place.

Herzeler has faced increased criticism in recent weeks as Brighton have slipped down the Premier League table.

Brighton are currently without a win in their last six league matches and have only one win in their last 13 matches.

bad form of brighton

Those results have pushed them down to 14th after previously being in contention for Europe.

Recent results have increased the pressure, particularly a 1–0 home defeat to rivals Crystal Palace. What followed was a heavy 3–0 defeat to Liverpool in the FA Cup that certainly did not suit the German’s cause.

The team was also criticized by a small section of the domestic audience after the recent defeat. For his part, Herzeler has insisted that he does not feel any pressure from the club’s hierarchy at this time. This is also a term from Sportbild.

According to their information, there is ‘no doubt’ about the 32-year-old. This is despite poor form and questions over the team’s utilisation.

In fact, the focus is really on making that team better. This information regarding Herzeler’s future comes in the wake of a report regarding a new attempt from Cologne to sign Said El Mala.

Summer exit still possible

However, whether this is correct or not remains to be seen. Brighton will certainly be asking questions about Herzeler’s future given his slide.

Although there may be plans for immediate dismissal, they could just as easily be thinking about a summer separation.

This is something they have done in the past. Roberto De Zerbi left at the end of the first season after increasing pressure midway through the campaign. Such a strategy certainly fits into Brighton’s long-term planning and thinking.

However, for now, reports in Germany suggest that Herzeler is not in danger.

It’s been days since Super Bowl LX, yet people are still talking about Bad Bunny’s halftime show. Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker was also asked about it.

Booker helped Team Stars win the title in the All-Star Game by defeating Team Stripes 47–21 in the finals on Sunday at the Intuit Dome. He contributed five points, three rebounds and two assists. In three games, he averaged 12 points, nine rebounds and eight assists.

During a media controversy, Booker was asked about Bad Bunny’s performance at Levi’s Stadium the previous week. The reporter also mistakenly tagged him as being of Puerto Rican descent, like Bad Bunny, so Booker had to offer a correction.

“I’m Mexican,” said the five-time All-Star. “To be honest, I didn’t see it.”

“I’m Mexican, honestly I haven’t seen it.”

Devin Booker on Bad Bunny’s Halftime Show 🗣️pic.twitter.com/xzjkeZePzn

– ClutchPoints (@clutchpoints) 16 February 2026

For those unaware, Bad Bunny dated Booker’s ex-girlfriend Kendall Jenner from 2023 to 2024. Fans also speculated that Bad Bunny’s verse on Eladio Carrion’s “Coco Chanel” was a major shade at Booker, although he did not mention any names.

Booker appeared to praise the award-winning rapper when he posted on Instagram: “She’s worried about another man again.”

His past experience may be the reason Booker, an avid Detroit Lions fan, had no interest in watching Bad Bunny in Super Bowl LX. But this is just a theory.

Many hailed Bad Bunny’s performance as a cultural milestone for the NFL, as he became the first Latin male artist to headline a halftime show. She also sent a strong political message with her performance amid immigration issues in the United States.