🏈 Broncos & Chargers TNF Preview, College Football, MLB, & Hockey News + More!

Morning Blitzers,

Hope you’re having a great week! We’ve officially made it to the second half of the week before the holiday break. Let’s all be honest with ourselves, we’re not getting a lot of work done today and tomorrow. I’m not going to go out and tweet this, especially when my team is 2-10 (get ‘em Schefty)! But it’s okay to hit cruise control and focus more of your time on what counts: family, friends, and the Morning Blitz. Let’s get into it!

WTF Stat: You never know on TNF but…

🏈 QB John Mateer, a transfer from Washington State, has committed to Oklahoma, announced on social media. Mateer had an impressive 2024 season with Washington State, totaling 44 touchdowns (29 passing, 15 rushing) and 3,139 passing yards. Mateer has two years of eligibility remaining.

⚾️ Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado has used his no-trade clause to block a potential trade to the Astros. There is still a chance the two sides work out a deal for the eight time All-Star. Alex Bregman, the Astros' longtime third baseman, is currently a free agent.

🏒 The New York Rangers traded forward Kaapo Kakko to the Seattle Kraken, in exchange for defenseman Will Borgen, along with 2025 third- and sixth-round picks. Kakko, 23, was drafted second overall by the Rangers in 2019 but had struggled with consistency, scoring only four goals and 14 points in 30 games this season. Despite signing a one-year, $2.4 million contract as a restricted free agent last spring, Kakko's role with the team had diminished, and he was recently a healthy scratch.

Thursday Night Football Preview

Game: Broncos (9-5) @ Chargers (8-6) at 8:15 EST

Why we’re watching: I’m not going to lie and say these are the most entertaining teams to watch for the casual fan. But both of these teams are very good, and both will be looking to show out on the national stage.

The Chargers only have one win against teams with winning records. That win came earlier in the season against the Broncos. Are they for real? Can they hang with a talented team on national TV? This feels like a must-win for them after losing the last 3 out of 4 games.

For the Broncos, they’re on a four game winning streak. They’ve played everyone close (except for the Ravens who blew them out). This is a statement game for them. Can they go on the road on short rest and take care of a struggling Chargers team? Can Rookie QB Bo Nix get out of his two-game slump?

Key Matchup: Which defense bends first - These defenses lead the NFL in points per game. The Broncos lead the NFL in sacks, the Charges lead then NFL in rushing scores allowed. My guess is this one comes down to which QB uses his legs best. Both are capable runners who can make things happen when needed. Extending plays in the pocket and scrambling when needed will be the key against these stout defenses.

TNF Prop Bets: Jean (7-6) - Justin Herbert over 11.5 yards rushing — Keith (7-6) - Bo Nix 0.5+ INT

D-Man’s Pick (9-5 TNF): Denver has a phenomenal rush defense, and interior pressure. Chargers have below average guard play, and a non-existent run game. Add in the fact that Herbert has a bum ankle and I don’t see them putting up a lot of points. As long as the Broncos explosive plays are limited, I see this one as a knock-down, drag-out fight. Under 42 points.

Top NBA Scores

(No games last night)

See full NBA scoreboard here, and standings here.

Top NHL Scores

• Maple Leafs 5, Stars 3: Nicholas Robertson played a key role in Toronto’s win, scoring the go-ahead goal and assisting on another. His younger brother, William Nylander, scored twice, including an empty-netter to seal the victory. Joseph Woll made 38 saves for Toronto, who have won four of their last five games.

• Utah Hockey Club 3, Canucks 2: Mikhail Sergachev scored the game-winning goal in overtime to give Utah a 3-2 victory. The goal came just 12 seconds before the end of overtime. Clayton Keller and Nick Schmaltz scored in the third period to force the game into extra time, with Schmaltz tying it on a power play.

• Ducks 3, Jets 2: Troy Terry scored a last-minute goal with 24 seconds remaining to lead the Ducks to a victory over the NHL-leading Winnipeg Jets. The Ducks, who had been struggling recently, also got a game-tying goal from Frank Vatrano with just under five minutes left. Lukas Dostal made 21 saves in the win.

See full NHL scoreboard here, and standings here. Only two games last night.

On this day in 1984, Wayne Gretzky scores his 1,000th point. He was only 23-years old (they youngest to ever score 1,000 points). The second fastest is Mario Lemieux who accomplished the milestone when he was 26-years old.

Yesterday’s Trivia Time Answer

According to Forbes, with a valuation of $4.1 billion, which NFL franchise is worth the least amount?

D) Cincinnati Bengals - The Bengals are the lowest valued franchise at a modest $4.1 billion. 31st is the The Detroit Lions ($4.1 billion - this number has to be going up after this season). 30th is the Buffalo Bills ($4.2 billion), 29th is the Arizona Cardinals ($4.3 billion).

See the full list here:

Check back tomorrow for the answer to today's trivia question and more info!