Great Plains News Digest
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SPORTS
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KANSAS
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FBN–Broncos-Moves
Broncos place center Luke Wattenberg on IR in surprising blow to offensive line
SUMMARY: The Denver Broncos have placed center Luke Wattenberg on injured reserve, dealing a significant blow to their offensive line. Wattenberg, who started the first 15 games of the season, is out with a shoulder injury. This move sidelines him for at least four weeks, impacting the Broncos’ postseason hopes. They aim to win the AFC West by defeating the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday and getting help from Houston against the Chargers. Alex Forsyth is starting in Wattenberg’s place. The Broncos also made several roster changes, including promoting tight end Marcedes Lewis and offensive lineman Calvin Throckmorton.
WORDS: 309 – MOVED: 12/25/2025 5:51 p.m. CST
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FBN–Chiefs-Moves
Chiefs’ injury woes continue as top return man Nikko Remigio lands on IR
SUMMARY: The Kansas City Chiefs have placed top return man Nikko Remigio on injured reserve before their game against the Denver Broncos on Thursday night. This marks the third wide receiver placed on IR in two days. Remigio had a knee injury and joins Rashee Rice and Tyquan Thornton, who are in concussion protocol. The Chiefs, already out of playoff contention, also put cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson on IR this week. In response, the team signed several players to the active roster, including linebacker Cole Christiansen and cornerback Melvin Smith.
WORDS: 184 – MOVED: 12/25/2025 5:57 p.m. CST
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FBN–Broncos-Chiefs
Nix’s late TD pass and stand by Broncos defense finishes off 20-13 win over Chiefs
SUMMARY: Bo Nix ran for a touchdown and threw a go-ahead pass to R.J. Harvey, leading the Denver Broncos to a 20-13 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. Nix finished with 182 yards passing, helping the Broncos bounce back from last week’s loss to Jacksonville. The Chiefs, missing key players like Patrick Mahomes, struggle offensively. Third-string quarterback Chris Oladokun and Travis Kelce give Kansas City a late chance, but they fall short. The Broncos can clinch the AFC West title on Saturday, if the Chargers lose. Kansas City faces more challenges with injuries impacting their lineup.
WORDS: 919 – MOVED: 12/25/2025 10:11 p.m. CST
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FBN–Chiefs-Kelce
Travis Kelce’s emotional night at Arrowhead Stadium may be his last with retirement decision looming
SUMMARY: Travis Kelce tried to make Thursday night a memorable one if it is his last game at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs tight end had five catches for 36 yards, playing with third-string quarterback Chris Oladokun and nearly rallying his team down the stretch. Despite losing 20-13 to the Denver Broncos, Kelce’s performance stood out. Now, the four-time All-Pro is left to ponder whether to play in next week’s season finale in Las Vegas, and what might come next for him. Kelce said that the decision to retire will involve family, friends, and the Chiefs organization, but he expects to make it soon after the season ends.
WORDS: 664 – MOVED: 12/25/2025 11:28 p.m. CST
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FBN–Chiefs Analysis
Chiefs’ valiant effort falls short against the Broncos in a Christmas night thriller
SUMMARY: Chris Oladokun sees potential for the Kansas City Chiefs despite their loss to the Denver Broncos. On Thursday night, Oladokun started because of injuries to Patrick Mahomes and Gardner Minshew. The Chiefs were missing key players including offensive tackles and wide receivers. Despite these challenges, they pushed the Broncos, who are aiming for the AFC West title, to the limit. Denver won 20-13 after a late touchdown. Oladokun remains optimistic about Kansas City’s future. The Chiefs have struggled with injuries and mistakes this season, but there’s hope for improvement. They face the Raiders next weekend.
WORDS: 812 – MOVED: 12/26/2025 11:20 a.m. CST
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MINNESOTA
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FBN–Lions-Vikings
Vikings eliminate Lions with defense-dominating 23-10 victory, racking up 6 turnovers and 5 sacks
SUMMARY: Jordan Addison took a jet sweep handoff 65 yards for the game-sealing touchdown with 3:43 left after the Minnesota Vikings forced six turnovers and eliminated the Detroit Lions from contention for the playoffs with a 23-10 victory. Harrison Smith had one of the two interceptions and one of the five sacks of Jared Goff as the Vikings won their fourth straight game. Goff was charged with three lost fumbles, once on a sack and twice on errant snaps by backup center Kingsley Eguakun. The Lions lost their third straight to clinch a wild-card spot for the Green Bay Packers.
WORDS: 835 – MOVED: 12/25/2025 7:12 p.m. CST
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FBN–Lions Eliminated-Packers Clinch
Lions eliminated after Goff’s uncharacteristic giveaways in loss that sends Packers to playoffs
SUMMARY: Jared Goff and the Detroit Lions have gifted the division rival Green Bay Packers a spot in the playoffs. With six turnovers in a 23-10 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday, Detroit was eliminated from postseason contention. That clinched at least a wild-card berth for Green Bay. The Lions took the past two NFC North titles. They fell to 8-8 with their third straight loss. The Lions had only eight turnovers over their first 15 games for the fewest in the league. Goff nearly matched the season total he entered with by throwing two interceptions and losing three fumbles.
WORDS: 641 – MOVED: 12/25/2025 6:59 p.m. CST
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BKN–Timberwolves-Nuggets
Jokic’s 56-point triple-double powers Nuggets past Timberwolves in OT
SUMMARY: Nikola Jokic set an NBA record with 18 points in overtime, leading the Denver Nuggets to a 142-138 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Christmas night. Jokic recorded a 56-point triple-double, adding 16 assists and 15 rebounds. Jamal Murray scored 35 points as the Nuggets improved to 3-0 against the Wolves this season. Anthony Edwards scored 44 points for Minnesota but was ejected in overtime. The Nuggets won despite missing three starters, including Cameron Johnson, who injured his knee Tuesday night.
WORDS: 389 – MOVED: 12/26/2025 1:04 a.m. CST
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FBN–Vikings Analysis
Vikings still finding value and fun in winning down the stretch despite being out of contention
SUMMARY: The Minnesota Vikings are trying to practice the process of winning in December despite being eliminated from contention for the playoffs. The Vikings beat the Detroit Lions 23-10 on Thursday for their fourth consecutive victory to improve to 8-8. Coach Kevin O’Connell clearly believes in the carryover value of finishing strong this season. Safety Harrison Smith spearheaded the defense’s six-turnover, five-sack performance against the Lions. Minnesota finishes at home in Week 18 against Green Bay. The Packers have clinched their spot in the playoffs but could still be alive in the division race behind Chicago.
WORDS: 987 – MOVED: 12/26/2025 10:23 a.m. CST
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MISSOURI
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FBN–Broncos-Moves
Broncos place center Luke Wattenberg on IR in surprising blow to offensive line
SUMMARY: The Denver Broncos have placed center Luke Wattenberg on injured reserve, dealing a significant blow to their offensive line. Wattenberg, who started the first 15 games of the season, is out with a shoulder injury. This move sidelines him for at least four weeks, impacting the Broncos’ postseason hopes. They aim to win the AFC West by defeating the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday and getting help from Houston against the Chargers. Alex Forsyth is starting in Wattenberg’s place. The Broncos also made several roster changes, including promoting tight end Marcedes Lewis and offensive lineman Calvin Throckmorton.
WORDS: 309 – MOVED: 12/25/2025 5:51 p.m. CST
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FBN–Chiefs-Moves
Chiefs’ injury woes continue as top return man Nikko Remigio lands on IR
SUMMARY: The Kansas City Chiefs have placed top return man Nikko Remigio on injured reserve before their game against the Denver Broncos on Thursday night. This marks the third wide receiver placed on IR in two days. Remigio had a knee injury and joins Rashee Rice and Tyquan Thornton, who are in concussion protocol. The Chiefs, already out of playoff contention, also put cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson on IR this week. In response, the team signed several players to the active roster, including linebacker Cole Christiansen and cornerback Melvin Smith.
WORDS: 184 – MOVED: 12/25/2025 5:57 p.m. CST
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FBN–Broncos-Chiefs
Nix’s late TD pass and stand by Broncos defense finishes off 20-13 win over Chiefs
SUMMARY: Bo Nix ran for a touchdown and threw a go-ahead pass to R.J. Harvey, leading the Denver Broncos to a 20-13 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. Nix finished with 182 yards passing, helping the Broncos bounce back from last week’s loss to Jacksonville. The Chiefs, missing key players like Patrick Mahomes, struggle offensively. Third-string quarterback Chris Oladokun and Travis Kelce give Kansas City a late chance, but they fall short. The Broncos can clinch the AFC West title on Saturday, if the Chargers lose. Kansas City faces more challenges with injuries impacting their lineup.
WORDS: 919 – MOVED: 12/25/2025 10:11 p.m. CST
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FBN–Chiefs-Kelce
Travis Kelce’s emotional night at Arrowhead Stadium may be his last with retirement decision looming
SUMMARY: Travis Kelce tried to make Thursday night a memorable one if it is his last game at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs tight end had five catches for 36 yards, playing with third-string quarterback Chris Oladokun and nearly rallying his team down the stretch. Despite losing 20-13 to the Denver Broncos, Kelce’s performance stood out. Now, the four-time All-Pro is left to ponder whether to play in next week’s season finale in Las Vegas, and what might come next for him. Kelce said that the decision to retire will involve family, friends, and the Chiefs organization, but he expects to make it soon after the season ends.
WORDS: 664 – MOVED: 12/25/2025 11:28 p.m. CST
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FBN–Chiefs Analysis
Chiefs’ valiant effort falls short against the Broncos in a Christmas night thriller
SUMMARY: Chris Oladokun sees potential for the Kansas City Chiefs despite their loss to the Denver Broncos. On Thursday night, Oladokun started because of injuries to Patrick Mahomes and Gardner Minshew. The Chiefs were missing key players including offensive tackles and wide receivers. Despite these challenges, they pushed the Broncos, who are aiming for the AFC West title, to the limit. Denver won 20-13 after a late touchdown. Oladokun remains optimistic about Kansas City’s future. The Chiefs have struggled with injuries and mistakes this season, but there’s hope for improvement. They face the Raiders next weekend.
WORDS: 812 – MOVED: 12/26/2025 11:20 a.m. CST
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OKLAHOMA
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BKN–Spurs-Thunder
Spurs beat Thunder 117-102 for 3rd win over defending NBA champs in 2 weeks
SUMMARY: De’Aaron Fox scores 29 points as the San Antonio Spurs defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 117-102. This marked the Spurs third win over the defending NBA champs in two weeks. The Spurs also beat the Thunder in an NBA Cup semifinal on Dec. 13 and in San Antonio on Tuesday. San Antonio shot 53.6% from the field, while the Thunder managed only 38.9% shooting. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 22 points for Oklahoma City. The Thunder started the season 24-1 but are 2-4 since, including three losses to the Spurs. The teams meet again on Jan. 13 in Oklahoma City.
WORDS: 331 – MOVED: 12/25/2025 4:29 p.m. CST
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BKN–Spurs Arrival
Wembanyama’s Spurs emerge as threat to defending champion Thunder after three wins over OKC
SUMMARY: The San Antonio Spurs have emerged as a serious threat to the Oklahoma City Thunder’s NBA dominance. After winning 24 of their first 25 games, the Thunder lost three times to the Spurs, including a 117-102 defeat on Thursday. Spurs center Victor Wembanyama has been a key player, averaging 17.7 points and 8.3 rebounds against the Thunder. The Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander acknowledges the need for improvement. Spurs coach Mitch Johnson is leading the team in his first full season, and the Spurs’ focus on teamwork is paying off. The Thunder aim to learn from these losses as they prepare for their next matchup on January 13.
WORDS: 808 – MOVED: 12/25/2025 11:05 p.m. CST
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