The year’s most popular stories reveal how play, power and politics collided in the past 12 months – and what you’re psyched for in 2026 ...

Notable: Seattle is up to 55% to earn the No. 1 seed after beating the Panthers on Sunday, according to The Athletic's playoff predictor. Notable: The Bears are locked into either the No. 2 or No. 3 ...

IF TODAY IS YOUR BIRTHDAY: The new year could open with a standing ovation, your reputation could run out ahead of you, take a bow. Ride the wave of energy, January is a strong month in the Universal ...

Notable: Seattle is up to 54% to earn the No. 1 seed after beating the Panthers on Sunday, according to The Athletic's playoff predictor. If they beat the Niners on Saturday night, they'll win the No.