New Photo - Streaking Jaguars seek win No. 13, the AFC South title and another sweep of the Titans

Streaking Jaguars seek win No. 13, the AFC South title and another sweep of the Titans The January 3, 2026 at 12:08 AM 0 1 / 4APTOPIX Jaguars Colts FootballJacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence celebrates after scoring during the second half of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) Tennessee (313) at Jacksonville (124) Sunday, 1 p.m. EST, FOX. BetMGM NFL odds: Jaguars by 13 1/2. Against the spread: Titans 781, Jaguars 115. Series record: Titans lead 3527, including 10 in the playoffs.

- - Streaking Jaguars seek win No. 13, the AFC South title and another sweep of the Titans

The January 3, 2026 at 12:08 AM

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1 / 4APTOPIX Jaguars Colts FootballJacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence celebrates after scoring during the second half of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Tennessee (3-13) at Jacksonville (12-4)

Sunday, 1 p.m. EST, FOX.

BetMGM NFL odds: Jaguars by 13 1/2.

Against the spread: Titans 7-8-1, Jaguars 11-5.

Series record: Titans lead 35-27, including 1-0 in the playoffs.

Last meeting: Jaguars beat the Titans 25-3 on Nov. 30, 2025.

Last week: Titans lost to the Saints 34-26; Jaguars beat the Colts 23-17.

Titans offense: overall (31), rush (28), pass (30), scoring (30).

Titans defense: overall (22), rush (17), pass (23), scoring (28).

Jaguars offense: overall (14), rush (20), pass (14), scoring (T8).

Jaguars defense: overall (12), rush (1), pass (22), scoring (T9).

Turnover differential: Titans minus-4; Jaguars plus-12.

Titans player to watch

QB Cam Ward. The No. 1 overall pick already has the franchise rookie record with 3,117 yards passing. He needs a season-high 271 yards to move into the top 10 for a single season in team history. Ward has thrown two TD passes in four straight games. If he goes a fourth straight game without being intercepted, he would match Russell Wilson (2012) for the longest streak by a rookie since 1970.

Jaguars player to watch

CB Jarrian Jones is looking to become the third player in franchise history to intercept a pass in three consecutive games. With a pick against Tennessee, Jones would join Darious Williams (2023) and Brian Williams (2007) in accomplishing the feat. Jones notched fourth-quarter picks the past two weeks to help beat Denver and Indianapolis.

Key matchup

Jacksonville's banged-up offensive line against Jeffery Simmons, who is one of the best interior defensive lineman in the NFL. The four-time Pro Bowler has 65 tackles and a career-high 10 sacks this season, including 4 1/2 in the past five games. The Jaguars, who could be down two starting offensive linemen, are expected to turn to a quick passing game to negate his chances of creating havoc.

Key injuries

Titans: WR Van Jefferson (forearm) and CB Jalyn Armour-Davis (Achilles tendon) won't play after getting knocked out of the previous game. OLB Jihad Ward (ankle) was limited Wednesday. S Amani Hooker (ankle/toe) and TE Gunnar Helm (toe) didn't practice Wednesday.

Jaguars: RG Patrick Mekari (back) will miss his second consecutive game, leaving Walker Little to start in his place. C Robert Hainsey (groin) could return. Backup RB Bhayshul Tuten (finger) is expected back after a two-week absence. Much of the team, including coach Liam Coen, battled illness at points over the past two weeks.

Series notes

Jacksonville has won six of seven in the AFC South series and is seeking its third sweep in the past four seasons. The Jaguars have won three in a row against Tennessee in Jacksonville.

Stats and stuff

Tennessee's next win will be the 500th in franchise history, including playoffs. ... The Titans have one turnover over their past three games. ... Pro Bowl returner and WR Chimere Dike leads the NFL with 2,371 all-purpose yards. Dike also leads the league by averaging 17.7 yards on punt returns. He's on pace to set a franchise record, topping the 15.4 yards averaged per punt return by Billy "White Shoes" Johnson in 1977. ... RB Tony Pollard has four consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons. He has 452 yards rushing over the past four games, second in the NFL in that span behind only Derrick Henry (538 yards). ... Joey Slye has made a career high and franchise-record nine field goals of 50 yards or longer this season. ... LB Cedric Gray has 152 tackles, fifth most in the NFL this season. ... Jacksonville would clinch the AFC South and likely the No. 3 seed in the conference playoffs with a victory. ... The Jaguars are trying to win 13 games for the second time in franchise history and first since 1999. ... With a victory, Coen would become the seventh first-time coach in NFL history with 13 wins. ... Jacksonville has won seven in a row and is looking to finish 5-1 in the division for the first time. ... The Jags need two touchdowns to break the single-season franchise mark of 50 set in 2007. ... QB Trevor Lawrence needs 80 yards passing to pass Blake Bortles (17,646) for second in team history. ... WR Parker Washington is looking for his third consecutive game with 100 yards receiving.

Fantasy tip

Load up on Jaguars offensive players since they are averaging 31.9 points over their past nine games.

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Streaking Jaguars seek win No. 13, the AFC South title and another sweep of the Titans

Streaking Jaguars seek win No. 13, the AFC South title and another sweep of the Titans The January 3, 2026 at 12:08 AM...
New Photo - Patriots' Stefon Diggs, Christian Barmore decline to discuss charges ahead of regular-season finale

Patriots' Stefon Diggs, Christian Barmore decline to discuss charges ahead of regularseason finale Andy BackstromJanuary 3, 2026 at 12:17 AM 0 Content warning: This story contains descriptions of alleged assault. The New England Patriots have players on both sides of the ball facing charges after being accused of violence against women in separate incidents, and both of them declined to discuss their cases Friday ahead of their team's regularseason finale against the Miami Dolphins.

- - Patriots' Stefon Diggs, Christian Barmore decline to discuss charges ahead of regular-season finale

Andy BackstromJanuary 3, 2026 at 12:17 AM

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Content warning: This story contains descriptions of alleged assault.

The New England Patriots have players on both sides of the ball facing charges after being accused of violence against women in separate incidents, and both of them declined to discuss their cases Friday ahead of their team's regular-season finale against the Miami Dolphins.

Wide receiver Stefon Diggs, 32, is facing a felony charge of strangulation and misdemeanor assault and battery charges. Diggs' personal chef alleges that in a Dec. 2 dispute over her pay, Diggs hit her and placed his hands around her neck, causing her to struggle to breathe and feel lightheaded, according to Boston 25 News, which cited the police report.

Defensive tackle Christian Barmore, 26, is facing a misdemeanor charge of assault and battery on a household/family member. Barmore's then-girlfriend alleges that on Aug. 8 an argument over the temperature of the house and food ultimately led to Barmore throwing her to the ground and grabbing her shirt in the neck area before letting her up, per WCVB TV in Boston, which cited court documents.

Diggs leads the Patriots with 82 receptions and 970 receiving yards this season, and Barmore has totaled 26 tackles, including three for a loss and one sack.

They're eligible to play Sunday against the Dolphins. New England can clinch the No. 1 seed in the AFC, which comes with a first-round bye and home-field advantage, if it beats Miami and the Denver Broncos lose or tie against the Los Angeles Chargers — or if the Patriots tie, and the Broncos lose.

"It's definitely an open case, so I can't even say anything about it," Diggs said Friday, per ESPN, in his first media appearance since the news broke about the charges against him.

Diggs did note, however, that it's a "very emotional time" and that he was "taken back by some things that's been going on," as reported by ESPN.

Barmore repeated that he's concentrated on preparing for the Dolphins.

"I'm focused on Miami. I'm focused on playing football," he said in his first public comments, according to The .

Diggs and Barmore are both represented by attorney David Meier, who has released statements denying the charges.

Diggs' arraignment is scheduled for Jan. 23, whereas Barmore's is set for Feb. 3, according to ESPN.

"We've taken the allegations very seriously, and what comes of that, I think then we'll have another discussion," Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel said, per the AP.

"But I don't think we have to jump to any sort of conclusions right now and let the process take its toll."

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Patriots' Stefon Diggs, Christian Barmore decline to discuss charges ahead of regular-season finale

Patriots' Stefon Diggs, Christian Barmore decline to discuss charges ahead of regularseason finale Andy BackstromJ...
New Photo - Cardinals place WR Marvin Harrison Jr. on IR, ending disappointing second season

Cardinals place WR Marvin Harrison Jr. on IR, ending disappointing second season January 2, 2026 at 10:26 PM 1 1 / 3Falcons Cardinals FootballArizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) warms up before an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — The Arizona Cardinals placed receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. on injured reserve on Friday, ending a disappointing season for the secondyear player.

- - Cardinals place WR Marvin Harrison Jr. on IR, ending disappointing second season

January 2, 2026 at 10:26 PM

1

1 / 3Falcons Cardinals FootballArizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) warms up before an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — The Arizona Cardinals placed receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. on injured reserve on Friday, ending a disappointing season for the second-year player.

The 23-year-old left last week's game against the Cincinnati Bengals because of a foot injury and coach Jonathan Gannon already said earlier this week that he wasn't expected to play in the finale against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday.

Harrison also dealt with a heel problem and missed a few weeks because of an appendectomy.

The No. 4 overall pick out of Ohio State in 2024 played in 12 games this season, including 10 starts.

He caught 41 passes for 608 yards and four touchdowns, struggling to provide the consistent playmaking that the Cardinals expected when they selected him so early in the draft. It's one of many reasons Arizona has fallen to the basement of the NFC West with a 3-13 record heading into Week 18.

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Cardinals place WR Marvin Harrison Jr. on IR, ending disappointing second season

Cardinals place WR Marvin Harrison Jr. on IR, ending disappointing second season January 2, 2026 at 10:26 PM 1 1 / 3Fa...
New Photo - Neil Diamond had a surprising reaction watching Song Sung Blue, the true story of a Neil Diamond ...

Director Craig Brewer shares what the legendary singersongwriter asked after seeing the movie, which stars Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson. Neil Diamond had a surprising reaction watching Song Sung Blue, the true story of a Neil Diamond tribute band Director Craig Brewer shares what the legendary singersongwriter asked after seeing the movie, which stars Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson. By Gerrad Hall :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/Gerrad413fcf02541834f43bb26c0de8fe66f66.jpg) Gerrad Hall is an editorial director at , overseeing movie, awards, and music coverage.

Director Craig Brewer shares what the legendary singer-songwriter asked after seeing the movie, which stars Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson.

Neil Diamond had a surprising reaction watching Song Sung Blue, the true story of a Neil Diamond tribute band

Director Craig Brewer shares what the legendary singer-songwriter asked after seeing the movie, which stars Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson.

By Gerrad Hall

Gerrad

Gerrad Hall is an editorial director at **, overseeing movie, awards, and music coverage. He is also host of *The Awardist* podcast, and has cohosted EW's live Oscars, Emmys, SAG, and Grammys red carpet shows. He has appeared on *Good Morning America*, *The Talk*, *Access Hollywood*, *Extra!*, and other talk shows, delivering the latest news on pop culture and entertainment.

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January 2, 2026 5:18 p.m. ET

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Neil Diamond; Kate Hudson and Hugh Jackman in 'Song Sung Blue'

Neil Diamond; Kate Hudson and Hugh Jackman in 'Song Sung Blue'. Credit:

Tom Cooper/Getty; Sarah Shatz/Focus Features

Neil Diamond, you could say, is a believer in *Song Sung Blue*.

The new movie, written and directed by Craig Brewer and starring Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson, isn't a biopic about the legendary singer-songwriter, but he and his music play a big role in the true story of Mike and Claire Sardina. The two Wisconsinites meet later in life, fall in love, and form the Neil Diamond tribute band Lightning & Thunder to big success, propelled by Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder, who — as seen in the movie — asked them to open for the band on a stop in Madison, though in real life they joined the band's encore at Milwaukee's Summerfest in 1995.

So when filmmaker Greg Kohs got a cease-and-desist letter from Diamond's record label just before his 2008 documentary about the Sardinas, also titled *Song Sung Blue*, debuted at a film festival saying he couldn't show the movie with the music, it was Vedder who "called up Neil Diamond, sent him the documentary, and said, 'You gotta watch this and you gotta let them use the music,'" Brewer tells **. "Neil Diamond saw the movie, he was so touched by it, and he intervened and told his publishing company to leave Greg alone and show the movie."

What's fact and what's fiction in 'Song Sung Blue'

Kate Hudson as Claire Sardina and Hugh Jackman as Mike Sardina in director Craig Brewer's SONG SUNG BLUE

Kate Hudson knows you love her in rom-coms — but she wants to disappear into the dramatic

Kate Hudson stars as Claire Stengl in director Craig Brewer's SONG SUNG BLUE

But was Diamond as touched by Brewer's movie?

"I was not in the room with him, but I had a few spies," Brewer says, adding that Diamond's family, including his wife, Katie, as well as his team, were there. "I had also been prepped that Neil does not get effusively enthusiastic or into movies. He watches them, he studies them — that's what I was told."

Hugh Jackman, Kate Hudson, and Craig Brewer on the set of 'Song Sung Blue'

Hugh Jackman, Kate Hudson, and Craig Brewer on the set of 'Song Sung Blue'.

Sarah Shatz/Focus Features

Brewer prepared himself for a neutral response, perhaps something a bit ambiguous.

"But I was told from his people that they were surprised to see just how enthusiastic he started to get with it, that he was tapping his foot, that he would applaud after each music number, and that he cried," Brewer recalls. "He went up to the projectionist, or the person was running the screening, and when they introduced themselves to him, he said, 'Okay, well, when's the next screening? Can we watch it again?' And so I was so happy about his reaction because I hope what it does for him — not that he looks for this or needs it — but I just hope he knows how incredibly relevant his contribution to songwriting is. Those songs are beautiful, and yeah, he's a performer, but he's a writer. He wrote these, he thought them, he felt them in his soul, and then he created them."

***Get your daily dose of entertainment news, celebrity updates, and what to watch with our EW Dispatch newsletter.***

That's what you could call some beautiful noise.

*Song Sung Blue* is in theaters now.

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Neil Diamond had a surprising reaction watching Song Sung Blue, the true story of a Neil Diamond ...

Director Craig Brewer shares what the legendary singersongwriter asked after seeing the movie, which stars Hugh Jackman and Ka...
New Photo - Kaleb Cohen's perfect single, Forever, and Borderline continue our hidden gems of 2025 Must List

&34;007: Road to a Million&34; and &34;Disco Witches of Fire Island&34; round out our staff list of recommendations. Kaleb Cohen's perfect single, Forever, and Borderline continue our hidden gems of 2025 Must List &34;007: Road to a Million&34; and &34;Disco Witches of Fire Island&34; round out our staff list of recommendations. By Tiffany Kelly Tiffany Kelly Tiffany Kelly is a staff editor at . She has been working at EW since 2024. Her work has previously appeared in the Los Angeles Times, Wired, GQ, and Ars Technica. EW's editorial guidelines January 2, 2026 5:31 p.m.

"007: Road to a Million" and "Disco Witches of Fire Island" round out our staff list of recommendations.

Kaleb Cohen's perfect single, Forever, and Borderline continue our hidden gems of 2025 Must List

"007: Road to a Million" and "Disco Witches of Fire Island" round out our staff list of recommendations.

By Tiffany Kelly

Tiffany Kelly

Tiffany Kelly is a staff editor at **. She has been working at EW since 2024. Her work has previously appeared in the Los Angeles Times, Wired, GQ, and Ars Technica.

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January 2, 2026 5:31 p.m. ET

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Kaleb Cohen; Michael Cooper Jr. and Lovie Simone on 'Forever'; Ray Nicholson in 'Borderline'

Kaleb Cohen; Michael Cooper Jr. and Lovie Simone on 'Forever'; Ray Nicholson in 'Borderline'. Credit:

Spotify; Elizabeth Morris/Netflix; ©Magnolia Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection

We just said so long to 2025, but before we fully embrace 2026, we're offering up five more hidden gems from the past year to end your holiday break with. That said, if you're already eager to populate your streaming queues, don't forget to check out our 2026 Preview issue, with exclusive looks at the big TV shows and movies set to debut in the coming months. —*Patrick Gomez, Editor-in-Chief*

***P.S. If you want to receive the Must List in your inbox, sign up for our " and Awardist" newsletters. You'll receive all three each week — the trifecta of entertainment news.***

Kaleb Cohen's "East Coast Summers"

'East Coast Summers,' by Kaleb Cohen

'East Coast Summers,' by Kaleb Cohen.

Folk-rock singer Kaleb Cohen has the perfect bonfire song, whether you're on the East Coast, West Coast, or No Coast. Shout-out to whoever programmed my gym's playlist with this unconventional pump-up pick, allowing me to catch easy sunny-season vibes via this indie earworm — even as we enter deep into sweater weather. —*P.G.*

Michael Cooper Jr. and Lovie Simone on 'Forever'

Michael Cooper Jr. and Lovie Simone on 'Forever'.

Elizabeth Morris/Netflix

For her Netflix series adaptation of Judy Blume's classic YA novel, Mara Brock Akil (*Girlfriends*) the 1975 story, transforming it into a magnificent and modern tale of a bumpy romance between two Los Angeles teens (Michael Cooper Jr. and Lovie Simone) in 2018. —*Kristen Baldwin*

*Forever* review: A magnificent, modern reimagining of Judy Blume's classic**

Disco Witches of Fire Island, by Blair Fell

'Disco Witches of Fire Island,' by Blair Fell

'Disco Witches of Fire Island,' by Blair Fell.

Penguin Random House

What are disco witches? Disco-obsessed witches, obviously. And one coven has used its magic for years to protect the gays of Fire Island. This fun romantasy by Blair Fell glistens with queer magic even against the bleak background of the 1980s HIV/AIDS crisis. —*Nick Romano*

Borderline

Samara Weaving in 'Borderline'

Samara Weaving in 'Borderline'.

Courtesy of Magnolia Pictures

Ray Nicholson and Samara Weaving are a winning combination in *Cocaine Bear* writer Jimmy Warden's directorial debut (available on Peacock) about a pop star and her obsessive fan. Nicholson portrays a delusional stalker whom viewers will warm to, while Weaving skewers celebrity culture. —Alamin Yohannes

007: Road to a Million

Brian Cox hosts '007: Road to a Million'

Brian Cox hosts '007: Road to a Million'.

Laura Radford/Prime

This beautifully shot Prime Video reality competition upped the dramatic tension in season 2, which saw pairs of loved ones complete challenges at iconic James Bond filming locations. Bonus points for Brian Cox's return as host (and other Bond alum cameos). —*P.G.*

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Kaleb Cohen's perfect single, Forever, and Borderline continue our hidden gems of 2025 Must List

&34;007: Road to a Million&34; and &34;Disco Witches of Fire Island&34; round out our staff list of recommend...
New Photo - What to know about Kazuma Okamoto and his chances to succeed as an MLB hitter

What to know about Kazuma Okamoto and his chances to succeed as an MLB hitter Jordan ShustermanJanuary 3, 2026 at 6:01 AM 0 The third and final star to make the jump from Japan's NPB to MLB this offseason, third baseman Kazuma Okamoto, must agree to a deal with a majorleague club before his posting window closes at 5 p.m. ET Sunday.

- - What to know about Kazuma Okamoto and his chances to succeed as an MLB hitter

Jordan ShustermanJanuary 3, 2026 at 6:01 AM

0

The third and final star to make the jump from Japan's NPB to MLB this offseason, third baseman Kazuma Okamoto, must agree to a deal with a major-league club before his posting window closes at 5 p.m. ET Sunday. Following the surprising outcomes of slugger Munetaka Murakami signing with the White Sox and right-handed pitcher Tatsuya Imai joining the Houston Astros, Okamoto's pending decision represents the highly anticipated finale in a trilogy of signings that have dominated the hot stove discourse in recent weeks.

Fair or not — the two are close friends, so pitting them as rivals is somewhat misleading — it has been difficult to evaluate Okamoto's prospects for MLB success without comparing him to Murakami, considering the timing of their moves to MLB and their contrasting styles as hitters. As it turned out, Murakami's swing-and-miss tendencies and unimpressive outlook as a defender limited his market more than we expected, resulting in a two-year pact with the rebuilding White Sox, rather than a long-term megadeal commensurate with a surefire superstar. But Okamoto, with well-above-average bat-to-ball skills and a notably better chance of sticking at third base, offers a much more plug-and-play profile for teams to invest in.

That's not to say there won't be adjustments for Okamoto to make. And because he's closer to the age of a typical free agent — he turns 30 on June 30 — it's difficult to envision him landing a multiyear deal approaching nine figures like a domestic free agent with his résumé might. Still, Okamoto's track record of consistent excellence and advanced offensive aptitude combine to offer far more optimism for immediate contributions at the big-league level than Murakami inspired.

Okamoto might not possess the spectacular ceiling that Murakami demonstrated earlier in his career, when his jaw-dropping power production fueled consecutive Central League MVP Awards and the single-season record for home runs by a Japanese-born player, with 56 in 2022. But Okamoto is one of the most accomplished NPB hitters of his generation, and he's no slouch in the slugging department, either: His 152 home runs rank second only to Murakami (181) over the past five NPB seasons. Only three other hitters league-wide surpassed 100 home runs during that span, which serves as a reminder of both NPB's "dead ball" offensive environment and Okamoto's (and Murakami's) ability to overcome such circumstances and produce outlier slugging totals regardless.

While Murakami boasts eye-popping exit velocities, Okamoto's power output is the product of superior contact skills and an exceptional ability to elevate the ball with frequency. His 11.3% strikeout rate and 90% in-zone contact rate in 2025 were both career-best marks, and he has consistently posted ground-ball rates in the low-30s, which would rank among the lowest marks in MLB if that trend continues.

Adding to Okamoto's star power is the fact that he played for the Yomiuri Giants, the enormously popular, Tokyo-based franchise that boasts the most Japan Series titles in NPB history. Starring for what is essentially NPB's Yankees carries elevated status, and while — as with the Yankees — it has been a minute since Yomiuri's most recent championship (2012), Okamoto's ascent occurring for one of the league's most prominent franchises has contributed to his star power significantly.

Kazuma Okamoto represents the finale in the trilogy of NPB stars to make the jump to MLB this winter. (Hayden Hodge/Yahoo Sports)

Further enhancing Okamoto's reputation in Japan was his performance in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, in which he hit .333/.556/.722 with seven runs batted in across seven games, including home runs against Italy in the quarterfinals and Team USA in the championship game. And after Okamoto batted sixth and played first base in deference to Murakami three years ago, Samurai Japan manager Hirokazu Ibata has already indicated that Okamoto will man the hot corner and bat cleanup in the upcoming tournament.

That expected flip across the diamond is another element of Okamoto's profile that distinguishes him from Murakami, who is expected to play first for Chicago (and Samurai Japan) after spending the vast majority of his NPB career at third. Okamoto is no Nolan Arenado, and he has also spent time at first as a pro — notably, a collision with a baserunner while he was playing first resulted in a left elbow injury that cost him a chunk of the 2025 season — but most evaluators view him as viable at third base in the majors, at least for now. And for potential suitors with a crowded infield picture, Okamoto might be helped further by some experience in the outfield, having logged 68 starts in left for Yomiuri as well.

All together, Okamoto offers a collection of promising indicators that his game will translate to the big-league level. But no matter how glowing the scouting reports or how gaudy the stats, the reality is that projecting hitters' ability to succeed when coming to MLB from NPB is a far more daunting task than it is for pitchers. That's partially the product of how much easier it is to evaluate pitchers' raw skills irrespective of competition, thanks to new-age pitch data and metrics, but there has also been a far smaller sample of position players to attempt the move, providing fewer precedents to turn to as parallels.

Imai just became the 53rd pitcher to sign with an MLB club from NPB since Hideo Nomo's historic signing with the Dodgers in 1995. Okamoto will be just the 20th hitter to do so since Ichiro Suzuki was the first in 2001 (not counting Shohei Ohtani, who occupies a category of his own, of course). The success of that relatively small group of hitters has ranged wildly, from Cooperstown-bound icons such as Ichiro to reliable role players to several forgettable, failed cameos.

Where Okamoto ultimately falls on that spectrum remains to be seen, but his move to the majors looms as another fascinating and important storyline and data point in this burgeoning era of Japanese stars coming stateside.

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What to know about Kazuma Okamoto and his chances to succeed as an MLB hitter

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New Photo - Steelers LB TJ Watt calls dry needling mishap a 'fluke' and hopes to play against Baltimore

Steelers LB TJ Watt calls dry needling mishap a 'fluke' and hopes to play against Baltimore WILL GRAVES January 3, 2026 at 5:58 AM 0 Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) tackles Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry (22) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass) () PITTSBURGH (AP) — T.J. Watt is ready to take a break from dry needling and get back to work on the football field. The Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker is hopeful to play on Sunday night when the Baltimore Ravens visit with the AFC North title on the line.

- - Steelers LB TJ Watt calls dry needling mishap a 'fluke' and hopes to play against Baltimore

WILL GRAVES January 3, 2026 at 5:58 AM

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Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) tackles Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry (22) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass) ()

PITTSBURGH (AP) — T.J. Watt is ready to take a break from dry needling and get back to work on the football field.

The Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker is hopeful to play on Sunday night when the Baltimore Ravens visit with the AFC North title on the line. The perennial Pro Bowler has missed each of Pittsburgh's past three games following a dry needling treatment mishap that led to surgery to repair a partially collapsed lung.

Watt called the accident, which was administered by a member of the club's athletic/medical staff, a "fluke." The 31-year-old, like many NFL players, has used the treatment — in which needles are inserted under the skin to target trigger points such as knotted or tender areas in muscles — for some time.

While Watt didn't rule out turning to it down the road, he added with a grin that it won't be a part of his recovery regimen in the short term.

Watt experienced discomfort after having treatment at the facility on Dec. 10. He went to the hospital, where the 2021 AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year was told he needed surgery to fix his lung.

"Obviously very scary," Watt said. "Just a significant amount of pain at the same time you're going to work, and then all of a sudden you need surgery. It sucks. Just a lot of unknown."

Watt sat out three critical games while recovering. The Steelers went 2-1 during that stretch — doubling the win total the club had without Watt in the lineup during the first eight seasons of his career — and can win the division for the first time since 2020 by beating the Ravens on Sunday night.

Watt called the rehab process "unique" but felt really good after practice on Friday at Acrisure Stadium.

"I have no limitations," Watt said. "I tried to simulate as much as I could with shoulder pads and stuff like that. But you can only simulate so much. So I feel really good right now. Hopefully that's the case on Sunday as well."

Watt declined to get into specifics about how he was affected physically, instead focusing on what he can do to help Pittsburgh get into the playoffs. The Steelers have reached the postseason five times during Watt's career, but have yet to advance.

"Everyone knows the magnitude of this game," Watt said. "It's just a matter of going out and getting it done. That's kind of the key. Everybody knows how important these games are. Everybody knows this is what you train all offseason, your whole career for games like this."

Watt, who receives a significant amount of attention from opposing linemen, tight end and running backs, has just seven sacks this season, his lowest total in a year in which he's played at least 13 games since his rookie year in 2017.

Longtime teammate Cam Heyward said the Steelers need Watt to do "T.J. Watt" things against the Ravens. Watt has 17 of his 115 sacks against Pittsburgh's longtime rival.

While Watt is well aware of the one major hole on his resume, he's also simply happy that he may have a chance to make an impact instead of watching from afar or on the sideline as he's been forced to do while he recovers.

"I'm glad to have the doctors that we had, the surgeon that I had," Watt said. "(And) to be able to be here playing football games this weekend."

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Source: "AOL Sports"

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Published: January 02, 2026 at 11:27PM on Source: MARIO MAG

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