Honestly, if you took a nap yesterday and woke up looking for breaking news sports today, you probably feel like you missed a decade. The sports world didn't just move; it basically teleported. Between the NFL playoff bracket solidifying into a nightmare for some and the NBA trade market acting like a chaotic garage sale, there is a lot to catch up on.
We’re sitting here on January 14, 2026, and the dust is still settling from a Wild Card weekend that felt more like a series of heavy-weight boxing matches.
The NFL Playoff Massacre: Bye-Bye Aaron, Hello Houston
The biggest story in breaking news sports today is undoubtedly the aftermath of Monday night. The Pittsburgh Steelers didn't just lose; they were dismantled 30-6 by the Houston Texans. It was brutal. Aaron Rodgers, who signed that one-year deal with Pittsburgh to chase one last ring, looked every bit of his age. He got sacked four times, and the Texans' defense even scooped up a fumble for a 33-yard touchdown.
Steelers fans are understandably spiraling. Mike Tomlin has now lost seven straight postseason games, which ties a record nobody wants. When he was asked after the game what the message was for the fans, he basically said words are cheap. He’s right. But for a franchise that prides itself on "The Standard," this current standard is feeling pretty shaky.
The Divisional Round is Set
If you’re planning your weekend, here is what the schedule looks like for the next round. It's intense:
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- Saturday, Jan 17: Buffalo Bills vs. Denver Broncos at 4:30 p.m. (CBS)
- Saturday, Jan 17: 49ers vs. Seahawks at 8:00 p.m. (Fox)
- Sunday, Jan 18: Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots at 3:00 p.m. (ABC/ESPN)
- Sunday, Jan 18: Rams vs. Bears at 6:30 p.m. (NBC)
The Broncos are coming off a bye and look like the team to beat in the AFC. Meanwhile, Drake Maye is 1-0 in the playoffs for the Patriots. We might be witnessing a genuine changing of the guard in real-time.
The NBA Trade Deadline is Getting Weird
While football is about survival, the NBA is currently about shopping. The Ja Morant rumors are reaching a fever pitch. Word on the street is that the Memphis Grizzlies are actually listening to offers. That’s huge. We're talking about a guy who was the face of the franchise.
The Toronto Raptors are supposedly the front-runners. The deal being floated involves Immanuel Quickley, Ochai Agbaji, and a 2026 first-round pick. It makes sense for Toronto—they’re sitting at 23-16 and need a spark. But for Memphis? It signals a total rebuild.
Then you have the Lakers. LeBron James is reportedly pushing back against trade ideas involving Austin Reaves for Jaren Jackson Jr. It’s the classic Lakers drama we’ve come to expect. Rich Paul (LeBron's agent) is out here playing GM on podcasts, and LeBron is out here trying to keep his guys together.
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Why the Giannis Watch is Real
Don't ignore the Milwaukee Bucks. Giannis Antetokounmpo has a calf injury, and with the Bucks struggling, the "trade request" whispers are becoming shouts. If Giannis actually hits the market before the February 5 deadline, the breaking news sports today will look like a footnote compared to that earthquake.
Soccer: The January Window Madness
Over in Europe, the transfer window is wide open and blowing a gale. Manchester United is a mess, let's just be real. They're out of Europe, out of the cups, and Michael Carrick is basically trying to keep the ship from sinking.
There’s a lot of chatter about Bruno Fernandes considering his future. If he leaves, that’s the heart of the team gone. Meanwhile, Tottenham’s Mathys Tel is being hunted by Paris FC for a loan, and Roma is pushing hard for Donyell Malen from Aston Villa. It’s like musical chairs, but with millions of Euros.
College Basketball’s Tuesday Night Bloodbath
If you bet on the favorites in college hoops last night, I’m sorry for your loss. Kansas absolutely smoked No. 2 Iowa State 84-63. That was Iowa State's first loss of the season, and it wasn't even close.
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- Nebraska is still perfect (17-0) after thumping Oregon 90-55.
- UConn barely escaped No. 25 Seton Hall in overtime.
- Michigan State took Indiana to the woodshed with an 81-60 win.
The rankings are going to be a total disaster when they come out next week.
What You Should Do Now
Everything is moving fast, so here is how you stay ahead of the curve:
- Audit your fantasy rosters: If you’re in an NBA dynasty league, the Morant/Giannis news means you need to be looking at Memphis and Milwaukee backups immediately.
- Check the injury reports: Nico Collins (Texans) went out with a concussion. If he can't clear protocol by Sunday, the Texans' chances against the Patriots drop significantly.
- Watch the odds: The line for Bills-Broncos is already shifting. Denver being at home after a bye is a massive advantage that the bookies are starting to bake in.
The breaking news sports today confirms one thing: the old guard is fading. Whether it's Rodgers in Pittsburgh or the Grizzlies' core breaking up, we are officially in a new era of sports. Keep your eyes on the trade tickers and the injury reports; this week isn't done with us yet.