Power Rankings: Capitals hold No. 1 spot, plus January trends for all 32 teams

Oregon Ducks head coach Dana Altman is concerned as his team, despite solid NCAA Tournament prospects, has lost three of their last five games, including a recent defeat against Nebraska. Michigan, on the other hand, is feeling more confident with two consecutive wins and aims to secure a top spot in the Big Ten standings. The game will showcase strong frontcourt players from both teams, with Michigan needing to address their turnover issues against a...

Fantasy Basketball players looking to get ahead of the competition before the NBA Trade Deadline should consider stashing Jalen Smith of the Chicago Bulls, Toumani Camara of the Portland Trail Blazers, Ziaire Williams of the Brooklyn Nets, Carlton "Bub" Carrington of the Washington Wizards, and Isaiah Collier of the Utah Jazz. These players all have the potential to see increased roles and production if key veterans on their respective teams are traded, making them valuable...

Your support helps The Independent to cover important stories, from reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, with a focus on factual reporting. Donations allow journalists to be on the ground, speaking to all sides of the story, without paywalls. Wales is hopeful that injured player Aaron Wainwright will be fit for their upcoming Six Nations match against Italy, while others like Owen Watkin face potential absences due to injuries. Full Article

Eli Lederman, a college football and recruiting journalist for ESPN.com, joined the network in 2024 after covering the University of Oklahoma. Bill Belichick's unconventional recruiting tactics at North Carolina have sparked interest, with the Tar Heels' class improving under his leadership, showcasing his NFL expertise and clear vision for the program's future success. Belichick's unique approach, focusing on preparing players for the next level, has generated excitement and commitments to North Carolina, highlighting his immediate...

The Independent relies on reader support to cover critical stories on reproductive rights, climate change, and Big Tech. Your donation enables journalists to report on both sides of the story without paywalls. In a recent incident, Conor McGregor was captured spitting on a man who taunted him over his loss to Khabib Nurmagomedov, sparking controversy and legal battles for the former UFC champion. Full Article

Cristiano Ronaldo, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner, declared himself as "the most complete player to have existed," citing his numerous records and statistics to support his claim. Despite facing comparisons with Lionel Messi, Ronaldo emphasized his versatility and skill set, expressing his competitiveness and determination to continue playing at 39. He also discussed his move to the Saudi Pro League, criticized misconceptions about the league's quality, and left the door open for a potential return...