With the Super Bowl and Winter Olympics going on, February is sure to be a busy month for sports fans.

But no one will be busier than NBC Sports broadcaster Mike Tirico.

With his network holding the broadcast rights to arguably the two biggest events on the sports calendar, Tirico will have major roles in both culminate on a single day: Sunday, Feb. 8.

In his first Super Bowl play-by-play assignment, Tirico will call Super Bowl LX from Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. Once the game is over and the Lombardi Trophy has been presented to the winning team, Tirico will shift into Olympic mode and host NBC’s ‘Primetime in Milan’ from the field.

Tirico pulled a similar ‘hosting double’ during the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. He traveled to China to host NBC’s Olympic prime time show for eight days, then flew 6,200 miles to Los Angeles to resume his Olympic hosting role the following night from a special set outside SoFi Stadium, site of Super Bowl 56. (Though Al Michaels handled play-by-play duties for that game.)

This time around, Tirico’s workload has expanded even further. He’s also the network’s lead NBA play-by-play announcer after NBC regained broadcast rights to league games for the 2025-26 season.

Since moving to NBC from ESPN in 2016, Tirico has also covered tentpole events such as the Kentucky Derby, major golf tournaments like the U.S. Open and the Indianapolis 500.

The Chicago Cubs landed one of the top starting pitchers on the trade market, acquiring right-hander Edward Cabrera from the Miami Marlins, according to a person with knowledge of the deal.

The person spoke to USA TODAY Sports on the condition of anonymity because the teams hadn’t yet announced the trade.

The Marlins received top outfield prospect Owen Caissie, Class A infielder Cristian Hernández and 18-year-old infielder Edgardo De Leon in the return package for Cabrera, 27, who struck out 150 batters in 137 innings for Miami last season. The Marlins, who posted a 56-33 record the final four months of the season, dealt from their starting pitching depth to land an outfielder who ranked among the top 65 prospects entering the 2025 season.

The Cubs are sticking to a recent ethos of pursuing improvements on the trade rather than free agent market. They qualified for the playoffs for the first time since 2020 after trading for slugger Kyle Tucker, an impending free agent.

This time, they land Cabrera, who is under club control for three seasons and immediately becomes a key part of a Cubs rotation that saw the emergence of rookie Cade Horton in 2025, but also second-half struggles from left-handers Shota Imanaga and Matthew Boyd.

Cabrera made a career-high 26 starts last season, posting a 3.53 ERA and 3.83 fielding independent pitching mark, his best work in such a large sample. Cabrera missed a handful of second-half starts due to elbow issues; he didn’t pitch for 11 days around the All-Star break after an MRI revealed posterior right elbow discomfort, and spent three weeks on the injured list in September with a right elbow sprain.

Caissie, 23, made a 12-game debut with the Cubs last season, going 5-for-26, and has an .870 career OPS in five minor league seasons. He was recently ranked the Cubs’ No. 2 prospect, behind slugger Moises Ballesteros, by Baseball America.

The Toronto Blue Jays have spent the winter impersonating the mighty Los Angeles Dodgers, easily spending more money than any team in baseball, and vowing to do everything possible to return to the World Series.

They’ve dropped $337 million in free agency – $142 million than anyone else – and dramatically improved the starting rotation, upgraded the bullpen, and enhanced their positional depth.

They just spent $60 million on Japanese slugger Kazuma Okamoto without knowing exactly what position he’ll primarily play in 2026.

The only thing known for sure is that the Blue Jays, the most aggressive team of the winter, aren’t done.

“If there’s an opportunity for us to think about improving the organization,’ Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins said Tuesday at the Okamoto press conference, “we’re going to always lean into creative ways to do so.’

Kyle Tucker in play for Toronto?

The Blue Jays still would love to sign the most desired free agent of the winter: outfielder Kyle Tucker, whose $400 million market hasn’t materialized. The Blue Jays have been trying to sign him since he set foot at their Dunedin, Florida workout facility in December. And if Tucker can’t get the long-term deal he wants from the Blue Jays or anyone else, the Los Angeles Dodgers are standing by willing to provide a short-term deal with a huge annual average salary.

The Blue Jays still have the door wide open for infielder Bo Bichette to return, but considering they couldn’t sign him to an extension last season, and have gotten nowhere in two months since he has become a free agent, a reunion appears more unlikely by the day.

The Blue Jays certainly aren’t desperate to bring him back knowing Okamoto could be their primary third baseman, shifting Ernie Clement to second base with Andres Gimenez at shortstop and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. entrenched at first base.

Alex Bregman’s market

The Blue Jays also remain in talks with infielder Alex Bregman, but they could just be trying to drive up the price for the Boston Red Sox, who remain the heavy favorites to bring him back. The Chicago Cubs also are in talks with Bregman, and could slide third baseman Matt Shaw to second base and make veteran Nico Hoerner available in trades.

The Arizona Diamondbacks have expressed interest in Bregman, but club executives make it clear that he’d be an option only if they are able to trade All-Star second baseman Ketel Marte. They want to lower payroll this season, and simply don’t have room in the budget for both players.

The Blue Jays have been in the driver’s seat this winter, signing starters Dylan Cease, Cody Ponce and Shane Bieber; reliever Tyler Rogers; and Okamoto. Their next step will determine the fate for the remaining marquee free agents, including outfielder Cody Bellinger, who the Yankees have been trying to re-sign all winter.

Certainly, the Bregman sweepstakes will impact Bichette. If Bregman, 32, returns to the Red Sox, after opting out of the final two years and $80 million in his contract of a year ago, it slams the door for Bichette in Boston – and increases the Blue Jays’ leverage. It may also leave the Cubs as the favorite for Bichette, though the Dodgers could be ready to pounce with a short-term deal.

If Tucker signs with the Blue Jays, they could move Anthony Santander from right field to left field and likely make George Springer their everyday DH with Daulton Varsho in center field. It would also put outfielder Nathan Lukes on the trade block.

It could also leave the Yankees and Mets in a heated duel for Bellinger’s services, just like a year ago with Soto. Bellinger has been the Yankees’ top priority all winter with the Mets also coveting him.

Blue Jays become a destination

The Blue Jays, trying to win their first World Series since 1993, simply won’t let money or creativity stand in their way. Remember, this is the same organization that also offered Shohei Ohtani $700 million two years ago before he went to the Dodgers and offered Juan Soto nearly the same before he took the Mets’ money.

The only difference now is that free agents are finally taking their money.

The Blue Jays, with a projected payroll of about $280 million, have become one of baseball’s most desired destinations. The love affair between their fans and organization is back in full force with attendance expected to eclipse three million once again.

“Getting into the World Series definitely helps,” Blue Jays manager John Schneider said at the winter meetings. “The two teams that are the last ones standing, they’re shoved down everyone’s throat. I think within that it was a likeable team, that played the game the right way, and players kind of wanted to see what we’re all about.”

The Blue Jays are nearly ready for business and set to defend their American League pennant, but before they head off to spring training next month, they’re letting everyone know they just might have one more move up their sleeve.

Let’s see who steps up next to take their money.

Follow Nightengale on X: @Bnightengale

HARTFORD, CT — Sarah Strong had 24 points, including 19 in the first half, to help No. 1 ranked UConn women’s basketball team beat St. John’s, 88-43, in Big East play on Wednesday at PeoplesBank Arena.

The sophomore phenom added team-best six steals and the Huskies totaled 23 for the game.

‘She has a knack that she has to put her hands, you know, get a piece of the ball every time she reaches for it,’ UConn coach Geno Auriemma said of Strong. ‘You know, there’s some kids reach, and they come in, either come out with air, or they come out with a foul, you know, she manages to get her hands on the ball.’

The Huskies, who have won 54 straight conference games, took a 20-2 lead less than five minutes into the game and never looked back. UConn (16-0, 7-0 Big East) continued their smothering defense with 46 points off of turnovers.

‘I thought our energy was incredible, and I thought we were flying to the ball and covered for each other really, really well,’ Auriemma said. ‘The best that I think I’ve seen so far this year.’

Azzi Fudd added 16 points and freshman Blanca Quiñonez had 14. KK Arnold stuffed the stat sheet with 11 points, six steals and four assists.

St. John’s (13-4, 3-3) had 14 points from Beautiful Waheed.

Third quarter: UConn 72, St. John’s 32

The Huskies are shooting 60% from the floor and have taken a 40-point lead. UConn has 19 assists and 19 steals and has scored 40 points off 28 St. John’s turnovers.

Sarah Strong has 24 points on 11 of 15 shooting.

Sa’Mya Wyatt and Beautiful Waheed have nine points each for St. John’s.

Three UConn players in double figures

Sarah Strong has 19 points, Azzi Fudd 16 and KK Arnold 11 as the Huskies continue to make easy work of St. John’s.

Halftime: UConn 50, St John’s 22

Sarah Strong has 19 points, five steals and three assists as the Huskies are dominating the Red Storm. KK Arnold, in her second game back after breaking her nose in practice eight days ago, has 9 points, 5 steals and 4 assists.

Sa’Mya Wyatt and Beautiful Waheed have six points each for St. John’s.

Sarah Strong is going off

The sophomore player of the year candidate just hit her first 3 of the contest. She has 19 points.

First quarter: UConn 28, St. John’s 9

The Huskies jumped out to a 20-2 with 5:29 left in the first quarter. UConn has 22 points in the paint, 18 points off turnovers and 14 points in the paint. KK Arnold has seven points and five steals in the early going.

We are underway in Hartford

Sarah Strong converts a layup after a steal to getting the scoring started. And, just like that, UConn is up 8-0.

What time is UConn vs St. John’s women’s basketball?

The UConn Huskies host the St. John’s Red Storm on Wednesday, Jan. 8, at 7:30 p.m. ET at PeoplesBank Arena in Hartford, Connecticut.

UConn vs St. John’s: TV, streaming

• Date: Wednesday, Jan. 8
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET (4:30 p.m. PT)
• Location: PeoplesBank Arena (Hartford, Connecticut)
• TV: TruTV
• Stream: Fubo

Stream live sports with Fubo

St. John’s starting lineup

UConn starting lineup

St. John’s in the house

There are many big questions on the minds of Kansas City Chiefs fans after a lost 2025 season. Perhaps the biggest question of them all – particularly for a specific subsection of the team’s fanbase – is whether Travis Kelce is retiring.

Retirement rumors have been buzzing since the end of last season, when the Chiefs’ tight end had the worst statistical season of his career since he became a starter for the Chiefs in 2014. After a bounce-back year in 2025, Kelce, for his part, has done nothing to silence any narrative that he’s thinking about retiring.

On the latest episode of the ‘New Heights’ podcast that Kelce hosts with his brother, Jason, the 13-year NFL veteran did not commit to making a return to football in 2026.

Did Travis Kelce announce his retirement?

So what are Kelce’s plans for the future?

‘Just being a regular human for a couple weeks, maybe a month or so, and try to figure out what I’m going to do next in terms of my future in football,’ Kelce said. ‘I’ve talked to a few people in the facility already, having the exit meetings and everything. They know where I stand, at least right now.’

The Chiefs’ tight end wrapped up his 13th season in 2025 and earned an 11th consecutive Pro Bowl nod in the process. Kelce also turned 36 years old during the season, making him the second-oldest active player at his position behind 41-year-old Marcedes Lewis. He’s now played the same number of seasons as Jason Kelce and is the same age as his brother was when he retired two years ago.

Kelce is also set to hit free agency in the new league year if he doesn’t sign any extension before then. His two-year contract restructure he agreed to before the 2024 season is up when the 2025 league year ends.

‘It’s a tough thing to navigate, but at the same time, if my body can rest up and heal up, and I can feel confident that I can go out there and give it another 18-, 20-, 21-week run, I think I would do it in a heartbeat,’ Kelce said. ‘I think right now, it’s just finding that answer and seeing how the body feels after this game and when it all settles down.’

Jason Kelce followed that up by asking Travis about defensive end Chris Jones’ comments that the tight end would be back next year. Travis laughed it off.

‘Nice,’ Kelce said while grinning. ‘That’s why we love Chris, he’s very optimistic.’

If Kelce does hang up his cleats, he does so after a career that will go down as one of the league’s best at the tight end position. His 12 receiving yards in Week 18 pushed him over 13,000 receiving yards for his career – the third tight end to ever cross that mark – and his three catches vaulted him over Terrell Owens for the eighth-most receptions in NFL history with 1,080.

He’ll also have plenty to keep him busy in retirement if this is the end. Kelce got engaged to global pop superstar Taylor Swift before the season began, his ‘New Heights’ podcast has won multiple awards and is among the most popular sports podcasts ever. The tight end also starred in last year’s ‘Happy Gilmore 2,’ suggesting a possible future in the entertainment business.

HARTFORD, CT — The No. 1 ranked UConn women’s basketball team is on its way to keeping its Big East winning streak alive against St. John’s Wednesday at PeoplesBank Arena.

The Huskies, who have won 53 straight conference games, rank is No. 5 in the country in scoring defense, third in turnover margin and sixth in steals per game. Forward Sarah Strong has a case for defensive player of the year.

‘There are glimpses that we can be everything we need to be to have the kind of success we want to have this season,’ coach Geno Auriemma said Saturday when asked about the defense. ‘We’re getting a little bit better at those things, at reading each other, making the right rotations, doing a pretty good job of keeping people off the free throw line.

‘Little by little, I think we’re improving. … It’s the one thing that you have to work on every single day in practice the entire year.’

Third quarter: UConn 72, St. John’s 32

The Huskies are shooting 60% from the floor and have taken a 40-point lead. UConn has 19 assists and 19 steals and has scored 40 points off 28 St. John’s turnovers.

Sarah Strong has 24 points on 11 of 15 shooting.

Sa’Mya Wyatt and Beautiful Waheed have nine points each for St. John’s.

Three UConn players in double figures

Sarah Strong has 19 points, Azzi Fudd 16 and KK Arnold 11 as the Huskies continue to make easy work of St. John’s.

Halftime: UConn 50, St John’s 22

Sarah Strong has 19 points, five steals and three assists as the Huskies are dominating the Red Storm. KK Arnold, in her second game back after breaking her nose in practice eight days ago, has 9 points, 5 steals and 4 assists.

Sa’Mya Wyatt and Beautiful Waheed have six points each for St. John’s.

Sarah Strong is going off

The sophomore player of the year candidate just hit her first 3 of the contest. She has 19 points.

First quarter: UConn 28, St. John’s 9

The Huskies jumped out to a 20-2 with 5:29 left in the first quarter. UConn has 22 points in the paint, 18 points off turnovers and 14 points in the paint. KK Arnold has seven points and five steals in the early going.

We are underway in Hartford

Sarah Strong converts a layup after a steal to getting the scoring started. And, just like that, UConn is up 8-0.

What time is UConn vs St. John’s women’s basketball?

The UConn Huskies host the St. John’s Red Storm on Wednesday, Jan. 8, at 7:30 p.m. ET at PeoplesBank Arena in Hartford, Connecticut.

UConn vs St. John’s: TV, streaming

• Date: Wednesday, Jan. 8
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET (4:30 p.m. PT)
• Location: PeoplesBank Arena (Hartford, Connecticut)
• TV: TruTV
• Stream: Fubo

Stream live sports with Fubo

St. John’s starting lineup

UConn starting lineup

St. John’s in the house

The NFL certainly put on a show in 2025.

It was as unpredictable as any fan could’ve asked for. Few imagined the Indianapolis Colts getting off to an incredibly fast start with quarterback Daniel Jones. Fewer still predicted it falling apart amid myriad injuries.

The Los Angeles Rams looked like one of the best teams this season, yet lost to multiple NFC South teams; that division featured a sub-0.500 champion.

While the hierarchy in both conferences remained unsettled for much of the season, players on offense, defense and special teams have stood out for their performances on the field. The Pro Bowl is one way to determine the best players from a season; the All-Pro teams are often the best.

The All-Pro teams commonly recognized by players and teams are compiled by a panel at the Associated Press. It’s a panel made up of media members from across the country. Unlike the Pro Bowl, the votes are cast for players regardless of conference.

Injuries threw a curveball into the decision-making process for multiple positions this year. For others, it is a true coin flip for who should make the first and second teams. A few positions were very easy; picking the first-team tight end and wide receivers was pretty straightforward.

Here are our predictions for the 2025 All-Pro teams and why:

2025 NFL All-Pro predictions: QB

• First team: Drake Maye, New England Patriots

It’s a two-horse race for the MVP and leaning towards Maye. The Patriots won their division and will be the No. 2 seed in the AFC playoff bracket. Maye’s been one of the best quarterbacks in the league by any metric you look at.

He leads the league in expected points added (EPA) per dropback at 0.24, per NFL Next Gen Stats, as well as completion percentage over expected (CPOE) at 9.1%. He’s the only quarterback in the league who completed more than 70% of his passes. Argue all you want about the Patriots’ schedule, but Maye’s been one of the most effective quarterbacks in the league despite a weak supporting cast.

• Second team: Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams

Stafford’s performance against the Falcons and the Rams’ loss to the Seahawks likely knocked him out of the running for the MVP. He deserves recognition, though, as he’s the only quarterback in the league with more than 40 touchdown passes and went months without throwing an interception.

Stafford’s tied for second in EPA per dropback at 0.20 with Jordan Love. He’s done that against one of the toughest schedules in the league; his targets average 3.2 yards of separation per play, tied for the second-lowest in the league behind only Joe Flacco.

2025 NFL All-Pro predictions: RB

• First team: Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons

This is one of the toughest races to decide. This looked like a lock for Jonathan Taylor two months ago before the Colts’ offense cooled down. Derrick Henry and James Cook also have arguments for this conversation.

Robinson takes this because he leads the NFL in scrimmage yards and out-gains Taylor, Cook, Henry, Christian McCaffrey, De’Von Achane and Jahmyr Gibbs in yards per touch at 6.3. None of the rest of that group is above 6.0.

Robinson’s been the bright point in a disappointing season for the Falcons. This will reward his impressive campaign.

• Second team: Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts

It came down to Taylor and McCaffrey for this one. Cook’s fumbles (six) took him out of consideration. In the end, Taylor is our prediction for the second team for what he’s done as a running back.

The Colts’ star led the league in rushing touchdowns (18) and powered the top offense in the league for much of the season. Everything’s gone south for Indianapolis after the trade deadline but that can’t be pinned on Taylor. He’s been more efficient as a runner than McCaffrey and that gives him the nod despite the 49ers star’s standout year.

2025 NFL All-Pro predictions: WR

• First team: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seattle Seahawks; Puka Nacua, Los Angeles Rams; George Pickens, Dallas Cowboys

The first two picks for the first-team were easy. Smith-Njigba and Nacua have been a step above the rest of the field as receivers in 2025. They’re the only receivers who averaged more than 100 yards per game; Nacua leads the league in receptions and first downs receiving, while Smith-Njigba leads the league in receiving yards. They’re locks.

Pickens gets the slight edge in a year that saw many of the mainstays deal with injuries, quarterback injuries or drops in production. He’s third in yards per game with nearly as many receiving touchdowns (nine) as Nacua and Smith-Njigba (10 each) on nearly 30 fewer catches.

• Second team: Ja’Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals; Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions; Nico Collins, Houston Texans

Chase’s follow-up to his career year sees him lead the league in targets once again. He’s one of the best at the position and, despite missing Joe Burrow for much of the year, deserves recognition for his season. St. Brown finished with more than 1,401 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns on 117 catches. No one in the league can match those totals. Collins also deserves recognition for what he’s doing as a big-play threat. His 15.7 yards per reception is fifth in the NFL; no one above him has more than 102 targets while he’s at 120.

2025 NFL All-Pro predictions: TE

• First team: Trey McBride, Arizona Cardinals

This may be the easiest prediction on this list. McBride’s been far and away the most productive tight end in the league. He was sixth in receiving yards (regardless of position) and second in catches. He’s tied for first among all tight ends in touchdowns and tied for second league-wide.

• Second team: Tyler Warren, Indianapolis Colts

This one is not. The tight end position has seen a lot of injuries to top names like George Kittle and Brock Bowers, which have taken them out of consideration. Dallas Goedert’s tied with McBride on touchdowns but has less than half as many receiving yards. It’s a similar story with Jake Ferguson, who has eight touchdowns but less than 700 receiving yards. Kyle Pitts’ year was inflated by one game against the Buccaneers.

We’re going with Warren because of how much his presence unlocked the rest of the Colts’ passing attack in addition to his counting stats. Indianapolis wouldn’t have been the efficient machine it was for much of the year without him.

2025 NFL All-Pro predictions: OT

• First team: Trent Williams, San Francisco 49ers; Garett Bolles, Denver Broncos

Offensive tackle is another challenging position to pick because so many top names have missed significant time. Because of that, Williams has an edge in availability with just one game missed. He’s still a standout run blocker (sixth in ESPN’s run-block win rate among tackles) and surrendered just four sacks on more than 600 pass blocking snaps per Pro Football Focus (PFF).

Bolles has been an outstanding pass blocker, allowing zero sacks this season despite facing the likes of Philadelphia, Houston, Kansas City twice and the New York Giants. More than 700 snaps yielded zero sacks, per PFF. All of that, plus the limited availability from the top names, gives him the edge.

• Second team: Dion Dawkins, Buffalo Bills; Andrew Thomas, New York Giants

Buffalo’s one of the most efficient and productive offenses in the league, thanks to its offensive line, including Dawkins. He’s first in ESPN’s pass block win rate among tackles and has allowed zero stuffs in run blocking, according to Sports Information Solutions (SIS) data.

Thomas has missed multiple games but he’s an invaluable part of Jaxson Dart’s success as a rookie. He allowed just one sack on 448 pass blocking snaps this year, according to PFF.

2025 NFL All-Pro predictions: OG

• First team: Joe Thuney, Chicago Bears; Quenton Nelson, Indianapolis Colts

We think Thuney gets another All-Pro nod thanks to missing little time and the impressive performance by the Bears’ rushing offense with him in the middle. He’s top three in both run block and pass block win rates among interior offensive linemen.

Nelson’s similarly been the star up front for the Colts’ top rushing attack earlier this season. They did that even after two previous starters left in free agency (Will Fries and Ryan Kelly) and after rotating multiple starters around him. The Colts’ offense slowing down in the second half of the season shouldn’t keep him from being recognized.

• Second team: Damien Lewis, Carolina Panthers; Tyler Smith, Dallas Cowboys

These two are integral parts of terrific rushing offenses. Lewis quietly enjoyed a career year in Carolina, road-grading defenders for Rico Dowdle and Chuba Hubbard. His pass-blocking has taken a step forward this year as well; he allowed just one sack and a career-low 13 pressures in 2025 despite not missing a game.

Smith continues to be a star on the Cowboys’ line for one of the most prolific offenses in the NFL. The offense deserves a nod for its excellence on the ground.

2025 NFL All-Pro predictions: C

• First team: Aaron Brewer, Miami Dolphins

Miami made a mid-season push for the playoffs thanks to the running game and it would’ve been impossible without Brewer’s excellence in the middle. He’s not a big name, but he may have helped coach Mike McDaniel keep his job into next season. It’s not all on the ground, either, as he sits ninth in ESPN’s pass block win rate among interior offensive linemen.

• Second team: Creed Humphrey, Kansas City Chiefs

Here’s the bigger name, as we believe Humphrey will collect another accolade. He leads the NFL in pass block win rate among interior offensive linemen and registered zero opponent stuffs in the run game for the first time in his career, per SISdata.

2025 NFL All-Pro predictions: Edge

• First team: Myles Garrett, Cleveland Browns; Will Anderson Jr., Houston Texans

Garrett’s the easiest prediction on this list thanks to his record-breaking sack total this season and general game-wrecking presence every week. The second spot is tougher with Micah Parsons’ season-ending injury. We think Houston’s Anderson gets it. His sack totals didn’t rely on one single-game breakout; he had at least one in 11 games this season. His 85 pressures are second-most in the league while receiving a near league-high amount of chips and double-teams.

• Second team: Aidan Hutchinson, Detroit Lions; Nik Bonitto, Denver Broncos

The Lions missed the playoffs on fine margins this season but Hutchinson deserves recognition for his strong bounce-back year from injury in 2024. He led the league in pressures with 89 this season and his 14.5 sacks are fourth-most league-wide. It was between Houston’s Danielle Hunter and Bonitto for the final spot. Bonitto gets the nod thanks to his higher pressure rate and quick pressure totals despite one fewer sack.

2025 NFL All-Pro predictions: DT

• First team: Jeffery Simmons, Tennessee Titans; Zach Allen, Denver Broncos

These two have been game-wrecking presences in the middle as pass rushers. Simmons leads qualified interior defenders in pressure rate (13.9%) and posted a career-best 11 sacks and 60 pressures, per NFL Next Gen stats. Allen improved a step from last season with seven sacks and 60 pressures for one of the best defenses in the league.

• Second team: Byron Murphy II, Seattle Seahawks; Quinnen Williams, Dallas Cowboys

Murphy or teammate Leonard Williams would be worthy recipients as the driving forces on the Seahawks’ defensive line. We went with Murphy thanks to his slight edge in pass rush production.

Williams has been one of the most impactful interior players in the league since arriving in Dallas. He’s the only defensive tackle to rank in the top five in both pass rush win rate and run stop win rate at the position. Dallas’ defensive woes were certainly not his fault.

2025 NFL All-Pro predictions: LB

• First team: Jack Campbell, Detroit Lions; Devin Lloyd, Jacksonville Jaguars

In a year with Fred Warner sidelined by injury, other linebackers had the chance to step up and get noticed. Both of these players did exactly that. Campbell racked up a career-high 166 tackles and five sacks. He also led the league in NFL Next Gen Stats’ ‘stops’ metric – tackles that end in a net negative play for the offense.

Lloyd broke out in 2025 with five interceptions, tied for the most at the position. His impact in coverage cannot go unnoticed in what was the third-best defense by EPA per pass allowed this year.

• Second team: Ernest Jones IV, Seattle Seahawks; Eric Wilson, Minnesota Vikings

Jones is the second-level player who helped unlock the Seahawks’ defense in 2025. He tied for the most interceptions at the position with Lloyd. He missed two games, though, making the difference between first- and second-team. Really splitting hairs here.

Wilson was a huge surprise this season and did a little bit of everything for a Vikings defense that performed much better than expected over the second half of the season. He set career-highs in sacks (6.5) and stops with 65.

2025 NFL All-Pro predictions: CB

• First team: Derek Stingley Jr., Houston Texans; Christian Gonzalez, New England Patriots; Quinyon Mitchell, Philadelphia Eagles

Like tackle, this position was impacted by injuries in 2025. These three were the right mix of available and prolific. Houston’s the best pass defense by the EPA/pass allowed metric and Stingley yielded a 57.9 quarterback rating when targeted. New England’s defense needs one player on the All-Pro team, and Gonzalez’s shutdown abilities put him here. Mitchell allowed a 42.4% catch rate in 2025 – the best of any cornerback who started at least 10 games.

• Second team: Patrick Surtain II, Denver Broncos; Jamel Dean, Tampa Bay Buccaneers; Donte Jackson, Los Angeles Chargers

Surtain narrowly misses out on first-team because he missed time with a pectoral injury. He’s still in the running for best cornerback in the league every year. Dean posted an absurd -28.3 coverage EPA and 41.3 passer rating allowed in coverage, best among qualified cornerbacks in 2025. Jackson’s close behind him in both.

2025 NFL All-Pro predictions: S

• First team: Kyle Hamilton, Baltimore Ravens; Derwin James, Los Angeles Chargers

Hamilton and James are the most important defenders on their respective defenses in 2025. Hamilton’s presence changes the game for Baltimore against the run or pass. James does the same in Los Angeles. Neither has gaudy stats, but the tape shows two of the most impactful defenders in the NFL.

• Second team: Xavier McKinney, Green Bay Packers; Jalen Pitre, Houston Texans

McKinney’s interception rate dropped in 2025 after his meteoric 2024 campaign but he leads all qualified defensive backs in passer rating allowed (40.0) when targeted. Pitre leads the NFL in coverage EPA at -32.7 with a 50.7 passer rating allowed.

2025 NFL All-Pro predictions: K

• First team: Will Reichard, Minnesota Vikings

Reichard’s been nearly automatic all season with a 94.3% rate on field goals. His lone miss came from more than 50 yards. Add that to a perfect extra point percentage and he’s a deserving candidate.

• Second team: Cam Little, Jacksonville Jaguars

Little has earned the reputation as one of the best kickers from distance this year. He hit the two longest field goals in NFL history this season: a 67-yarder outdoors in the season finale and a 68-yarder indoors against the Raiders. He deserves recognition for that.

2025 NFL All-Pro predictions: P

• First team: Daniel Whelan, Green Bay Packers

Whelan led the NFL in EPA per punt over expected this year and averaged an impressive 51.7 yards per punt. That was tied for the best with Arizona’s Blake Gillikin, who only played five games.

• Second team: Tress Way, Washington Commanders

Way earned a Pro Bowl nod for his season, averaging 47.3 yards per punt. He was exceptional at pinning teams deep in their own territory. Of his 56 punts this season, 51.8% were downed inside the opposing team’s 29-yard line, second-best in the league. Opposing returners managed just 114 yards this season, which was the lowest among punters with 17 starts.