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Class of 2026 WR Kaydon Finley receives offer from CU Buffs

The Buffs extended an offer to a promising wide receiver from Texas

Kaydon Finley, one of Texas’ top class of 2026 wide receivers, announced an offer from the Colorado Buffaloes on Friday.

A 6-foot, 200-pound prospect from Aledo High School, Finley said he spoke with CU football offensive analyst Rashad Davis before receiving the offer.

Finley’s stock is rising after an impressive junior season. In 14 games played, he recorded 1,432 receiving yards and 21 touchdowns, according to MaxPreps. The four-star prospect scored a TD in all but two games and had nine 100-yard receiving performances.

Per 247Sports, Power Four programs that have offered Finley include Georgia Bulldogs, Miami Hurricanes, Oregon Ducks, Notre Dame Fighting Irish and several others.

The 247Sports composite ranks Finley as the No. 13 class of 2026 wide receiver.

Finley is the son of Jermichael Finley, a former Texas Longhorns tight end who played six NFL seasons with the Green Bay Packers.

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UFC 311: Jiri Prochazka vs. Jamahal Hill odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s UFC 311 odds between Jiri Prochazka and Jamahal Hill, with MMA picks and predictions.

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In a 3-round light heavyweight bout on the main card, Jiri Prochazka and Jamahal Hill meet at UFC 311 Saturday at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, Calif. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s UFC odds around the UFC 311: Prochazka vs. Hill odds, and make our expert picks and predictions.

The prelims begin at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN+, while the main card begins at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN+ pay-per-view with simulcasts on ESPNews at 8 p.m. ET.

Records: Prochazka (30-5-1) | Hill (12-2-0)

Prochazka lost his strap at UFC 303 after a second-round KO/TKO loss at UFC 303 against Alex Pereira. Win or lose, it’s usually exciting whenever Prochazka is in action. In his 6 UFC fights, he has had 5 KO/TKO results in Round 2, winning 3 of those bouts, while losing to Pereira in the others. He also submitted Glover Teixeira in Round 5 at UFC 275 to secure a title.

Hill suffered a Round 1 KO/TKO to Pereira at UFC 300, halting a 4-game win streak. His last victory was a unanimous-decision win at UFC 283 against Teixeira. Like Prochazka, he hasn’t been involved in fights going the distance, posting 6 KO/TKO results in 6 of the past 7 fights, with just the Teixeira fight going the distance. He is 4-2 in those 6 KO/TKO fights.

Prochazka has a 1-inch reach advantage, while the southpaw Hill has a 7.18 significant strikes landed per minute to 5.38 for Prochazka. The latter is a little more accurate at 58.08%, to 56.75% for Hill.

Watch this card with ESPN+ by signing up here.

UFC 311: Prochazka vs. Hill odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:36 p.m. ET.

Fight result (2-way line): Prochazka +115 (bet $100 to win $115) | Hill -140 (bet $140 to win $100)
Over/Under: 1.5 rounds (Over -165 | Under +125)
Will the fight go the distance? (Yes +180 | No -250)

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UFC 311: Prochazka vs. Hill picks and predictions

Fight result (2-way line or moneyline)

Both of these fighters will be glad they’re not facing Pereira. That’s the guy who has given each fighter the most trouble.

HILL (-140) is a solid play as the moderate favorite against Prochazka (+115). He had 4 straight victories in the past 5 fights, losing his light heavyweight belt to Pereira last time out. Both fighters are looking to position themselves for a run at the title again. As long as the southpaw doesn’t get taken down to the canvas, where Prochazka does a good job, Hill is a strong play.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 1.5 ROUNDS (-165) is a strong play. While Hill hasn’t been taken out of Round 1 very often, he has gone to Round 4 in 2 of his past 3 outings. As the competition has gotten tougher, Hill’s fights have ended up going longer.

As far as Prochazka is concerned, while he has never ended up going the distance in 6 fights at the UFC level, he also has ended up going past the halfway mark in Round 2 in 4 of his previous 5 outings.

While Over 1.5 Rounds is a solid play, No (-250): Will the fight go the distance? is way too much risk for not nearly enough reward.

Visit MMA Junkie for more fight news and analysis.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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Orphaned rhino calf responds to new situation with ‘happy jump’

The young rhinoceros appeared to be reacting to cooler weather after a morning walk with handlers.

The Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary on Friday shared video footage showing an orphaned black rhino calf expressing herself with a “happy jump” performed in front of observers.

Black rhinos are critically endangered and the female calf, named RiRi, is undergoing rehabilitation as part of a “rewilding” process.

The footage was captured after a feeding session as temperatures dropped at the facility in South Africa.

Care for Wild stated via Instagram: “The goal of successful rehabilitation is to prepare a rhino orphan for rewilding and release back into their natural habitat so encouraging natural eating and browsing behaviors is very important.

“But the cooler weather has made RiRi particularly playful and so full of energy. Check out her gloriously happy jump at the end!”

https://www.instagram.com/p/DE7T6H9IYDV/

Black rhinos have been decimated by poachers over the years, but they’re slowly coming back thanks to conservation efforts. Their numbers plummeted from 65,000 to only 2,300 animals between 1970 and 1993.

According to the International Rhino Foundation, black rhinos now inhabit 12 countries in Africa, numbering an estimated 6,421 animals.

Washington Wizards at Golden State Warriors odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Washington Wizards at Golden State Warriors odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Golden State Warriors (20-20) welcome the Washington Wizards (6-33) to the Chase Center Saturday. Tip is set for 8:30 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NBA odds around the Wizards vs. Warriors odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Warriors lead 1-0.

The Warriors beat the Wizards 125-112 Nov. 4, covering as an 11-point road favorite in the lone matchup between these teams.

They are coming off a 116-115 road win over the Minnesota Timberwolves Wednesday, closing as a 7-point underdog. Golden State was led by G Stephen Curry, who dropped 31 points. It is 19-20-1 against the spread (ATS) on the season.

The Wizards lost to the Phoenix Suns 123-130 Thursday, closing as an 11.5-point home underdog. They were led by G Kyshawn George, who scored 24 points. Washington has lost 8 in a row and is 3-5 ATS in those. It is 15-23-1 ATS on the season.

Wizards at Warriors odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:20 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Wizards +600 (bet $100 to win $600) | Warriors -900 (bet $900 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Wizards +13.5 (-110) | Warriors -13.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 229.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Wizards at Warriors key injuries

Wizards

F Marvin Bagley Jr. (knee) out
F Saddiq Bey (knee) out
G Malcolm Brogdon (foot) out

Warriors

F Kyle Anderson (glute) out
F Draymond Green (illness) probable
G Jonathan Kuminga (ankle) out
G Brandin Podziemski (abdominal) out

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

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Wizards at Warriors picks and predictions

Prediction

Warriors 114, Wizards 105

Moneyline

PASS.

The Warriors are the far better side here and at home against a struggling Wizards side. Expect them to come out on top. However, they are far too expensive to play on the moneyline.

Against the spread

BET WIZARDS +13.5 (-110).

The Warriors haven’t covered well this season as a sizable favorite. They are 0-3 ATS in their last 3 games as a favorite of 8 or greater and are 1-4 ATS in those positions this season. Golden State is just 2-4 ATS in its last 6.

The Wizards have lost 8 in a row but have covered in 2 straight and are 3-2 ATS in their last 5 games as a double-digit underdog. Considering those trends, back WIZARDS +13.5 (-110).

Over/Under

BET UNDER 229.5 (-115).

The Warriors defense has stepped up as of late. They have allowed 108 or fewer in 3 of their last 4 games. Golden State is just 1-4 O/U in its last 5 games and 17-23 O/U on the season.

Washington has scored 106 or fewer in 4 of its last 5. While the Wizards’ defense has struggled as of late, the Warriors rank outside the top 10 in pace and may not look to push the tempo.

Take UNDER 229.5 (-115).

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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Commanders free agents to know in Commanders-Lions playoff game

A few players on the Commanders could be free agent targets for the Cardinals in the offseason.

The Arizona Cardinals did not make the postseason, so their fans get to watch the playoffs with no true rooting interest. However, there are some Cardinals-related reasons to watch because every team left in the postseason has soon-to-be free agents and some could end up offseason targets for Arizona.

The Washington Commanders and Detroit Lions play the Saturday night divisional game of the NFL playoffs, beginning at 8 p.m. ET.

Below are some players on Washington’s roster scheduled to be free agents who could be potential targets for some of the Cardinals’ offseason needs.

Potentials Cardinals free agent targets on Commanders

EDGE Dante Fowler

Fowler is 30 years old but had 10.5 sacks in 2024, his best season since 2019 when he had 11. sacks fro the Rams.

LB Mykal Walker

Walker is an off-ball linebacker and has both starting and special teams experience.

Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire’s Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.

Chiefs free agents to know for Cardinals in NFL playoff divisional round

These are soon-to-be free agents for the Chiefs to watch in their playoff game against the Texans

The Arizona Cardinals are not in the playoffs but some future Cardinals players could be, as free agency begins in March.

The Houston Texans and Kansas City Chiefs play the first game of the weekend of the divisional round, kicking off Saturday at 4:30 p.m. ET.

The Chiefs have a number of players scheduled to hit free agency.

Some might be of interest for the Cardinals in terms of fits and potential targets.

Here are some players to know.

EDGE Charles Omenihu

Omenihu had seven sacks in 2023 and tore his ACL in the AFC Championship Game. He only played in six games in the regular season and logged one sack. But he is 27 years old and the Cardinals need pass-rushing help off the edge.

EDGE Josh Uche

He had 11.5 sacks in 2022 for the New England Patriots, but only five in the last two seasons and has not had a sack for the Chiefs since he was acquired via trade in October. He is 26 years old and a former second-round pick.

DT Tershawn Wharton

He is 6-foot-1 and 280 pounds and had a career-high 6.5 sacks in 2024, including four in December. He is 26 years old.

LB Nick Bolton

Bolton had 106 tackles, three sacks, an interception and six pass breakups in 2024. The truth is he probably will be out of the Cardinals’ price range for an inside linebacker, but if Kyzir White is leaving as it appears will happen, Bolton would fit.

QB Carson Wentz

Wentz was Kansas City’s backup quarterback this season. Should the Cardinals decide to move on and upgrade over Clayton Tune, Wentz isn’t a bad choice.

Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire’s Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.

Washington offers top 2026 DT, former Alabama commit

The Washington Huskies extended an offer to one of the nation’s top defensive tackles on Friday.

Jedd Fisch and the Washington Huskies coaching staff have left no stone unturned as it searches all over the country for top-end defensive tackle help in the 2026 class. On Friday, that search took Fisch and quarterbacks coach Jimmie Dougherty to Parker High School in Alabama, where the pair extended an offer to four-star defensive tackle Vodney Cleveland.

At 6-foot-3 and 305 pounds, Cleveland is ranked as the nation’s No. 43 overall player and No. 3 defensive lineman by 247Sports and holds offers from 29 other programs. Among his other suitors are Auburn, Georgia, LSU, Michigan, and Texas.

Cleveland had committed to former Washington coach Kalen DeBoer and the Alabama Crimson Tide in October 2024, but backed off less than two months later, reopening his recruitment on December 16.

“I love Coach [Freddie] Roach and I’m still considering Alabama. I talked with my family and I feel like I made a decision too early in my process and want to make sure I’m making the best decision for my future,” he told On3’s Chad Simmons at the time.

Fisch’s staff had some success at Parker in the 2025 class, securing a commitment from three-star defensive lineman Caleb Smith, and appears to be hoping that his relationship with the top prospect will help as it continues to try to expand Washington’s recruiting footprint.

Addressing the defensive line should be Fisch’s primary focus in the 2026 class. While he has some talented edge rushers in his backyard, his staff will have to continue to wade into the South to try to sway some of the nation’s top interior talent to give the Pacific Northwest a closer look.

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Is Shaq Mason playing today? Injury updates for Texans RG

Texans offensive lineman Shaq Mason is dealing with a knee injury. Here are the latest updates.

While the Houston Texans are headed to the AFC Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs, one of their star players could be limited in Saturday’s showdown against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Offensive lineman Shaq Mason returned to practice for the first time since Week 16’s loss against the Chiefs after suffering a knee injury on the opening drive. Houston determined that the severity of the injury wasn’t a season-ending issue, but it would require him to rest for several weeks.

On Thursday’s walkthrough, Mason was listed as a full participant, thus signaling a step in the right direction.

Here’s the latest on Mason ahead of Saturday’s showdown between the two AFC contenders in Kansas City.

Shaq Mason injury update

According to KRPC2 Sports Aaron Wilson, Mason is not only expected to play but the veteran is also expected to start at right guard against Kansas City. During his absence, the Texans started Juice Scruggs at right guard for the past two games while Tytus Howard took over as the starting left guard due to injury.

Scruggs has an ankle injury that sidelined him for one of the three practices this week heading into the rematch against Kansas City and is still working his way back to full strength.

NFL Playoff picks: Unlock exclusive data-driven predictions

Texans RG depth chart

Here’s a look at the Texans’ running back options should Mason suffer a setback or leave the game at some point due to aggravation.

Juice Scruggs
Kenyon Green
Kendrick Green
Austin Deculus
Nick Broeker

Shaq Mason stats

Mason, a two-time Super Bowl champion with the New England Patriots, started the first 15 games of the season before injuring his knee against the Chiefs and causing the Texans to shuffle their line for the fourth time this season.

He has started 147 of 152 career games since being drafted in the fourth round out of Georgia Tech in 2015.

Colts 2024 season review: Pass-catching element needed at RB position

As we continue our look back at the Colts’ 2024 season, the pass-catching element is something this team needs moving forward at RB.

Bolstering the depth at the running back position needs to be on the Indianapolis Colts’ radar for a few reasons this offseason, one of which includes the need for a pass-catching presence out of the backfield.

This was an element that the Colts didn’t really have during the 2024 season.

That just isn’t a strong suit of Jonathan Taylor’s, in fact, during the Colts’ Week 2 loss to Green Bay, Taylor wasn’t even on the field in the fourth quarter because the team was trailing and in a pass-heavy mode.

Trey Sermon and Tyler Goodson are better equipped to help in that area, but the playing time for either of them was so small in 2024 that there was no opportunity for them to leave a real impact in that aspect of the game.

Jonathan Taylor would lead the Colts’ running backs in receiving yards with 136 on the season. For some context, that ranked 50th out of 58 qualified running backs. In terms of opportunities, or targets, Taylor ranked 37th. This, again, goes to show that passing game component isn’t a big part of the offense.

Without Shane Steichen having that ability out of the backfield, it does limit what he can dial up offensively, to a degree, and it’s something that opposing defenses don’t really have to be mindful of when playing the Colts, which allows them to put their attention elsewhere.

There were instances here and there this season where Steichen tried to get his backs involved in the passing game, but it came without regular success.

A reliable pass-catching option out of the backfield provides the quarterback with a checkdown option when the pressure is closing in or when the initial reads aren’t available. That element can also stretch a defense horizontally, forcing them to defend sideline-to-sideline, which can result in more spacing, particularly over the middle, for the offense to attack.

As the Colts search for more consistency and stability on the offense as a whole, a pass-catching threat out of the backfield certainly won’t solve all of the issues that this unit experienced in 2024, but having that ability can provide some help and a different dimension for defenses to contend with in 2025.

The 5 best NFL prop bets for the NFL Divisional Round

The five best NFL player prop bets to make for the upcoming week.

As we reach the Elite Eight portion of the NFL playoffs, we’re looking at an elite receiver topping his yardage projection, a quarterback hitting Under his yardage projection by design, two running backs in the same game hitting Over, and one of the most prolific scorers in playoff history continuing his prolificity.

Odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook