Week 15 recap: Chicago Bears fall 17-9 to the Minnesota Vikings, committing 3 turnovers and failing in the red zone 4 times  —  The Chicago Bears played Monday night's game against the Minnesota Vikings without 14 players who were on the reserve/COVID-19 list and a handful of others who were out with injuries.

Ravens coach John Harbaugh ‘hopeful’ QB Lamar Jackson will practice Wednesday as ankle continues to heal  —  Ravens coach John Harbaugh said he's “hopeful” starting quarterback Lamar Jackson will practice Wednesday but said Jackson's status for the team's next game against the Cincinnati Bengals remains uncertain.

What are Dolphins' playoff odds after getting back to .500?  What if they win out?  Which other result makes the biggest difference?  —  The Miami Dolphins' improbable run from 1-7 to playoff contention continued with a sixth consecutive win on Sunday to get back to .500 at 7-7 with three regular-season games left.

Detroit Tigers first-base coach Kimera Bartee dies at age 49  —  MLB, Detroit Tigers, Pittsburgh Pirates, Philadelphia Phillies, Colorado Rockies, Cincinnati Reds  —  Detroit Tigers first-base coach Kimera Bartee, who played six seasons in the majors, has died at the age of 49, the team announced Tuesday.

Sources: Cubs have serious interest in Carlos Correa but don't want to go 10 years in contract length  —  (670 The Score) While contact between MLB teams and players is prohibited amid the ongoing lockout, there remains mutual interest between the Cubs and free-agent shortstop Carlos Correa, according to multiple sources.

Report: MLB payrolls drop 4% to 2015 levels  —  MLB, Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres, New York Yankees, New York Mets, Boston Red Sox, Atlanta Braves, Houston Astros, Tampa Bay Rays, Philadelphia Phillies  —  NEW YORK — Major League Baseball payrolls dropped 4% in 2021 compared …

David Blitzer Nearing Deal to Acquire Nearly 35% of MLB's Guardians  —  David Blitzer, part-owner of the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils, is nearing a deal to acquire a significant minority stake in the Cleveland Guardians, according to multiple people familiar with the negotiations.

Ravens place OLB Justin Houston on reserve/COVID-19 list, activate OLB Pernell McPhee  —  The Ravens placed one of their top pass rushers, outside linebacker Justin Houston, on the reserve/COVID list Monday, six days ahead of their AFC North showdown with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Oakland Athletics promote Mark Kotsay, 46, from third-base coach to manager, sources say  —  The Oakland Athletics have hired Mark Kotsay to be their next manager, sources told ESPN's Jeff Passan on Monday, confirming an earlier report.  —  Kotsay, 46, was Oakland's third-base coach last season …

Next Year's Eury Perez?  10 Sleeper Pitching Prospects To Watch  —  The breakout pitcher of 2021 was Eury Perez.  —  Perez signed with the Marlins out of the Dominican Republic two years ago for $200,000.  He was 6-foot-5, 155 pounds with a mid-80s fastball when teams were scouting …

Conforto a fit for Marlins?  MO2 explores the possibility in latest podcast  —  The Marlins are looking to add run producers, and outfielder Michael Conforto is still on the free agent market.  —  But are the two sides a fit for each other?  —  The answer is yes, but the catch is for what price.