Aaron Rodgers made his weekly appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show” on Tuesday, and while the New York Jets were a main topic, vaccines also crept its way into the conversation. 

Rodgers is infamous for his public comments about the COVID-19 vaccine, which included his time with the Green Bay Packers, where he said he was “immunized” in 2021. He would later admit he regretted using that verbiage when asked if he had the vaccine or not. 

What sparked the talk of vaccines on Tuesday was Rodgers mentioning that he does not “give a s— about what any of these people are saying about me.”

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McAfee said that it was a good mindset to have, as Rodgers added he does not listen to people he would not take advice from. Then, Rodgers got sarcastic with his next comment. 

“They still got to do their vax status, they haven’t been doing it, they kinda stopped doing it. They still got to let everybody know, they got to let everybody know what their vax status is, so people can put it in the right context,” Rodgers said. 

JETS’ AARON RODGERS EXPRESSES REGRET OVER ‘IMMUNIZED’ STATEMENT IN UPCOMING BIOGRAPHY

McAfee fueled the new topic, saying he still gets asked by people if Rodgers would ever forget about those who attacked him during the vaccine. 

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers, #8, walks the sidelines during the second half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024 in Glendale, Arizona. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

“Remember the old adage, ‘Forgive and forget?’” Rodgers asked. “There is a little extra something that goes with that and if there is some sort of admission maybe wrong-doing at some point along the way. Like maybe the ridiculous Orwellian things, mandates that we put on society or maybe the things that we said or did or maybe this miracle vaccine wasn’t always meant to be and some of things we did and said to be people, ‘Hmm, we’re wrong.’ Then, I think we can all kind of move past it.”

Rodgers also brought up Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who President-elect Donald Trump chose as his Department of Health and Human Services secretary, saying to “look out.”

“Hey look, you know, maybe things will change with Bobby in charge now,” Rodgers said, smirking. “Look out, man, look out.

“There are some people quaking in their boots right now, tell you that much.” 

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers, #8, smiles as he walks off the field after an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

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Rodgers and Kennedy had been linked earlier this year, when the former was rumored to be the latter’s running mate in this year’s presidential election. However, Rodgers ultimately said in May that he chose to continue his NFL playing career rather than get into politics. 

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The San Jose State volleyball team is set to compete in one of the most unprecedented college tournaments in women’s sports history this week. 

The Spartans will compete in Las Vegas for the Mountain West Tournament, and all eyes will be on senior Blaire Fleming. Fleming’s participation in the tournament this week was in question after an emergency hearing in Colorado, when plaintiffs, including Fleming’s teammate Brooke Slusser, contested that Fleming should be excluded from this year’s tournament on the basis of being a biological male. 

However, Fleming is in the clear after a federal judge ruled that the athlete will be allowed to play. With Fleming on the court, the tournament is bound to be at the center of national political discourse over the consequences of trans inclusion in women’s sports. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

The situation involving Fleming and Slusser became a national scandal, highlighting an issue that became a deep vulnerability for Democrat candidates leading up to the November election.

The story of Slusser, Fleming and the discourse that rippled throughout the country will come to a head in Las Vegas. Here is how it got there. 

January 2021

On Jan. 20, 2021, just hours after President Biden assumed office, he issued an executive order on “Preventing and Combating Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation.” 

This order included a section that read, “Children should be able to learn without worrying about whether they will be denied access to the restroom, the locker room, or school sports.” 

It was just the first in many steps taken by the Biden administration and Democrat lawmakers at the congressional and state level that enabled a sudden wave of trans athletes to compete as girls and women in the U.S. during the current president’s term. 

It set a clear precedent for Biden’s entire party on what the baseline stance on trans inclusion in girls’ and women’s sports would be. 

Summer 2022

Fleming came to the Bay Area as a transfer ahead of the 2022 season. Fleming, a Virginia native, transferred from Coastal Carolina as one of the top players in the transfer portal. Fleming previously set a single-game record at John Champe High School with 30 kills in a match in 2019 and a single-season record of 266 kills for the school’s girls’ volleyball team. 

Footage from the athlete’s Hudl page of the school-record 30-kill match in September 2019 shows how hard and fast Fleming’s spikes came down at the high school level against girl opponents.

Blaire Fleming plays against Air Force Falcons at Falcon Court at East Gym on Oct. 19, 2024 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. (Andrew Wevers/Getty Images)

According to testimony by former San Jose State assistant coach Melissa Batie-Smoose in a lawsuit against the university and the Mountain West, Fleming was given a full scholarship. The lawsuit alleges coaches and the athletic department were aware Fleming was a biological male. 

Meanwhile, Fleming’s arrival on the team, and alleged natural ability to spike the ball harder than the other players, may have ended up costing a female player a spot and a scholarship. Former San Jose State volleyball player Alyssa Sugai, who is part of the lawsuit and joined the team as a walk-on in 2021, alleges she declined offers to transfer to another school to stay at San Jose State for the 2022 season and potentially earn a scholarship. 

Spring 2023

In April 2023, the Biden administration proposed a plan to forbid outright bans on transgender athletes. The outline of the plan outraged conservatives who labeled it as a ploy to enable trans inclusion in women’s sports. However, some on the left thought the plan was actually too right-leaning.

Supporters of the plan argued that it would provide framework for schools and universities to put rules in place to restrict trans inclusion legally. Certain Democrats, including New York Rep. Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez, labeled the plan as “indefensible and embarrassing,” in a post on X for not being pro-trans enough. 

GOP GOVERNOR REVEALS WHY HE ORDERED SCHOOLS TO BAR TRANSGENDERS FROM GIRLS’ SPORTS

It was one of the first signs that there was a broad range in the spectrum of beliefs on the issue of trans inclusion in women’s sports within the Democratic Party, and a sign that more infighting would be coming. 

Summer 2023

Slusser came to San Jose State one year later as a transfer out of Alabama. Slusser, a Texas native, was on a full scholarship, just like Fleming. 

Slusser’s very first residence at the university was shared with Fleming, her lawsuit alleged. Slusser also alleged that no one at any point ever indicated to her that Fleming was a biological male, despite the fact that head coach Todd Kress and others at the university were aware of it. 

San Jose State junior Brooke Slusser is from Texas and started her college career at the University of Alabama. (Courtesy of San Jose State Athletics)

“Due to her personal convictions and religious beliefs, Slusser would not have roomed with Fleming or changed clothes in front of Fleming if Slusser had known Fleming was male,” the court documents read. 

“Slusser’s right to protect her bodily privacy was violated by SJSU, Kress, and the MWC through actions, policies and practices that caused her to lose her right to bodily privacy without consent and against her will.”

Fall 2023

Slusser and Fleming’s first season together at San Jose State saw them share rooms together frequently, and the lawsuit alleges it was because Fleming requested it. 

“Slusser did learn however that the reason she had been assigned to room with Fleming so often during road trips in the 2023 season was that Kress and other SJSU women’s volleyball officials asked Fleming who Fleming wanted to room with, and Fleming chose Slusser,” the court documents read. 

Meanwhile, on the court, the team struggled to a 13-18 record and did not even qualify for The Mountain West Tournament.

Then, near the very end of the disappointing season, Slusser learned the truth. The lawsuit claims Slusser overheard a conversation between two San Jose State students, who were not on the volleyball team, in which they referred to Fleming as “a guy,” the court documents state. The students then told Slusser that her teammate who she had slept in the same room with and undressed in front of was “a dude.” 

Slusser says she did not even know what to do with this information when she found out, but it all made sense to her when she thought about how high Fleming could jump and how hard Fleming could spike the volleyball. 

However, Slusser just sat on the information and did not rush to any conclusions at the time. 

Spring 2024

Things changed in April 2024 for San Jose State’s team and the country. That month, the Biden administration passed a sweeping Title IX re-write that sought to protect trans inclusion and protection in schools. 

The administration issued a sweeping rule that clarified that Title IX’s ban on “sex” discrimination in schools covers discrimination based on gender identity, sexual orientation and “pregnancy or related conditions,” in April. The administration insisted the regulation does not address athletic eligibility. However, multiple experts presented evidence to Fox News Digital in June that it would ultimately put more biological men in women’s sports. 

That same month, an online news article focused on Fleming prompted Slusser to finally confront her teammate about what she had heard the previous semester, per court documents. 

The day the article was published, Slusser came back to her apartment, and Fleming and another student asked if Slusser would join them for ice cream. It was there Fleming revealed to Slusser the nature of Fleming’s birth gender. 

“Slusser asked why Fleming had not shared this information with her before, particularly as they had been living together. Fleming responded that there never seemed to be a good time to bring it up, and that he had been afraid that Slusser might not be his friend if Slusser knew the truth. Fleming also said that if Slusser was uncomfortable with it that Fleming would leave the volleyball team,” the documents read. 

“Slusser was uncomfortable with Fleming continuing on the SJSU Team as she questioned whether it was safe or fair for the other women on the team and for opposing teams for Fleming to compete on the women’s team.”

A team meeting was held days later. It included Kress and other university officials. The lawsuit alleges that in that meeting, players were told not to speak about Fleming’s birth sex publicly. 

“Criticism of Fleming or his participation on the SJSU Team would indicate bigotry and harm their reputation and could subject them to discipline or loss of their scholarship and could be considered a violation of school policies or state law,” the documents read. 

August 2024

The Biden administration’s sweeping push to enable trans inclusion in women’s and girls’ sports saw its heaviest wave of resistance yet in August. 

On Aug. 16, The Supreme Court voted 5-4 to reject a Biden administration emergency request to enforce its sweeping Title IX reforms in states that filed lawsuits or passed state laws in protest of it. 

The request would have permitted biological men in women’s bathrooms, locker rooms and dorms in 10 states where there are state-level and local-level rules in place to prevent it. 

However, the Supreme Court’s ruling struck a blow to the administration’s national authority on the issue. News of the ruling was widely celebrated in conservative circles and brought more of a mainstream focus onto the issue on a national scale. 

The issue garnered so much attention nationally, that even in states where there were no major incidents of it happening, laws were passed to make sure it would not happen. Idaho was one of those states, when Gov. Brad Little passed an executive order to enforce the “Defending Women’s Sports Act” in his state. Little told Fox News Digital in an exclusive interview that there were no incidents of trans inclusion in women’s sports that prompted the order, but it was rather the influence of former NCAA swimmer and OutKick contributor Riley Gaines. 

Little cited Gaines as the most influential figure in his decision to pass the order.

Former competitive swimmer Riley Gaines speaks during a campaign rally for former President Donald Trump at Desert Diamond Arena on Aug. 23, 2024 in Glendale, Arizona. (Rebecca Noble/Getty Images)

Gaines, an ascendent conservative influencer, became a lightning rod, drawing attention to the issue of trans inclusion in women’s sports amid her ongoing lawsuit against the NCAA. Gaines’ experience sharing a locker room and competing against Lia Thomas at the 2022 NCAA championships made her that lightning rod. 

Gaines then lent her influence to Trump and Republicans on the campaign trail. Gaines spoke at a former President Donald Trump rally in Arizona on Aug. 23, as Trump began to cement the agenda of protecting women’s sports as a pillar of his campaign messaging amid Democratic dysfunction on the issue. 

Gaines’ influence, along with the others who joined her in the lawsuit against the NCAA, planted the seeds for a widespread woman-first counterculture movement against the Biden administration and Democrats over the enabling of biological men in women’s sports. 

SJSU WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL’S 1ST OPPONENT DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT TRANS PLAYER, SUGGESTS MATCH WOULDN’T HAVE HAPPENED

On the last weekend of August, Fleming, Slusser and their San Jose State teammates kicked off their 2024 season at the Cal Fulerton Invitational in Fullerton, California. Their first opponent of the season, Louisiana Tech, took the court against Fleming without knowing about the biological gender of the player. 

Louisiana Tech head volleyball coach Amber McCray confirmed to Fox News Digital that her team did not know about the situation involving Fleming’s natural birth sex, and they did not find out until the day after the match via rumors from parents. 

LA Tech athletic director Ryan Ivey suggested that if they had known Fleming’s natural birth sex, the team “would have sought “a different outcome,” in emails obtained by Fox News Digital. 

September 2024

It was not long before the Spartans’ next opponents caught on to what was going on with Fleming. Eventually, one of the programs decided to do something about it. 

Southern Utah’s volleyball team became the first team to forfeit its match against San Jose State on Sept. 14. 

Armed police protection was assigned to the team starting with a match on Sept. 19 and has been present at every game since. As the media attention only got more intense, the school had to commission the help of police departments in other states for the team’s away games. 

On Sept. 23, Slusser made the consequential decision to join Gaines and the Independent Council on Women’s Sports (ICONS) in their lawsuit against the NCAA, citing her experience with Fleming and San Jose State. 

Slusser joining the lawsuit amplified the scale of the national controversy for San Jose State. A university spokesperson, in liaison with the police department, confirmed to Fox News Digital that the volleyball team was told it would be getting added security of some kind after its first cancelation by Southern Utah. 

INSIDE SAN JOSE STATE’S POLICE BATTLE TO PROTECT WOMEN’S ATHLETES THREATENED BY A TRANSGENDER CULTURE WAR

Soon, more teams followed Southern Utah’s lead, as Boise State, Wyoming and Utah State all announced forfeits to San Jose State that same month. Each forfeit only amplified the national controversy surrounding the team, and it quickly entered the political conversation. 

Gov. Little, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox and Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon, all Republicans, praised the universities and volleyball teams in their respective states who refused to face San Jose State in public statements. 

After a 9-0 start to the season, and by virtue of the forfeits, San Jose State secured its 12th win without even having to play in that many games by the end of September. 

The growing nationwide cultural movement to defend women’s sports grew in September, as certain logos and merchandise started to become more easily synonymous with the movement. Parents in New Hampshire were banned from a girls’ soccer game that included a trans athlete for wearing armbands that read “XX” in reference to the natural female chromosomes. 

The incident and a subsequent lawsuit ultimately proved to be a fruitful publicity stunt for the movement and sports clothing brand XX-XY Athletics, founded by former gymnast Jennifer Sey. The brand, tied to the activism of protecting women’s sports, just launched earlier this year and saw a surge in popularity when it landed Slusser as a sponsor. 

The movement to oppose trans inclusion in women’s sports officially became a lucrative business with organic marketing, all in the midst of a heated election year.

October 2024

San Jose State’s first volleyball game of October was overshadowed by fear of Slusser’s physical well-being. Slusser previously told Fox News Digital that the night before her team’s game against Colorado State on Oct. 3, her teammate received a message warning that teammate to keep her distance from Slusser during the game, because “something bad” was going to happen to Slusser. 

Additional police security was assigned to the event, as multiple officers patrolled the floor that night. 

Colorado State University police behind the San Jose State University Spartans bench monitor the Moby Arena during an NCAA Mountain West women’s volleyball game between the Spartans and the Colorado State Rams in Fort Collins, Colorado, on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024. (Santiago Mejia/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)

Afterward, Slusser said she was made aware of an alleged plot involving Fleming and Colorado State player Malaya Jones that aimed to have Jones spike a ball into Slusser’s face during the match. These allegations were included in an eventual Title IX complaint by Batie-Smoose against San Jose State and the lawsuit filed by Slusser and Batie-Smoose. 

The university has denied these allegations, and a Mountain West investigation into the incident concluded that there was insufficient evidence to substantiate the claims. 

Still, it was a point of frustration for Slusser, she said, watching the university go out of its way to protect Fleming. Still, the team continued to play together. Videos of Fleming’s spikes hitting opposing players went viral after multiple matches. 

Trump himself weighed in on the situation involving Fleming during a town hall event on the Fox News Channel’s “The Faulkner Focus” on Oct. 17. Trump addressed Fleming directly, referencing a video where one of the athlete’s spikes was seen hitting the body of another player. 

“I saw the slam, it was a slam. I never saw a ball hit so hard, hit the girl in the head,” Trump said. “But other people, even in volleyball, they’ve been permanently, I mean, they’ve been really hurt badly. Women playing men. But you don’t have to do the volleyball. We stop it. We stop it. We absolutely stop it. You can’t have it.” 

Trump used the situation as a springboard to reveal his intention to ban trans inclusion in women’s sports entirely if elected. It became a talking point he made sure to reference at every rally from then until election day, as he and Republican allies hammered the Democrats on their growing-unpopular position of protecting trans inclusion. 

Eventually, some Democrats had to back off from their previous positions supporting it. Texas Rep. Collin Allred had to release ads disavowing his past support for allowing “boys in girls sports” in a race to challenge Sen. Ted Cruz for his Senate seat in Texas. 

Vice President Kamala Harris hardly ever addressed the issue during her campaign and sidestepped questions about her past positions trans inclusion in various interviews. Trump just kept hammering the issue more and more at every rally and in various campaign ads that repeated the phrase “Kamala Harris is for they/them, Donald Trump is for you.”

The consequences of Democrat-passed laws that protect trans inclusion came under scrutiny leading up to a scheduled volleyball match between San Jose State and Nevada on Oct. 26. Leading up to that game, players on Nevada’s team approached the athletic department and expressed their desire to forfeit the match. However, the university did not honor those wishes initially. 

A Nevada spokesperson told Fox News Digital that the university could not forfeit the match because it would be a violation of an amendment to Nevada’s constitution. A 2022 amendment, passed by Democrats, established parameters that prohibited trans discrimination, and the university deemed that forfeiting a match over a trans player would violate that law. 

Players came forward publicly condemning the university, garnering the praise and attention of Tulsi Gabbard along the way. 

The situation involving the Nevada players speaking out against their university and the NCAA over being pressured to face San Jose State became a national controversy on its own just weeks before the election, in a key battleground state. 

Eventually, Nevada forfeited the match the day before the game after it concluded that it would not have enough players to compete. 

The Nevada players had prevailed as the country watched a movement that was being driven and powered by the passion and defiance of young women. 

November 2024

Batie-Smoose was suspended from San Jose State’s coaching staff on Nov. 2, the same day as the team’s game against New Mexico. Batie-Smoose’s suspension came after she filed a Title IX complaint that alleged the university was favoring Fleming over Slusser throughout the situation and alleging Fleming’s plot to have Slusser hit by a spike during the Oct. 3 Colorado State game. 

Slusser told Fox News Digital on November 3 that news of Batie-Smoose’s suspension caused players in the locker room to cry, and left them feeling “unsafe.” 

Slusser also officially came out in support of Trump’s proposed ban, calling it necessary and adding that she would not trust Democrats to handle the situation. 

“I think it’s completely necessary,” Slusser said of Trump’s proposed ban. “We could trust a lot more that if Trump was elected things would be handled in the right way that we want them to be.”

The topic of Slusser’s team and transgender volleyball players as a whole became a sudden talking point at every Trump rally and on major cable news talk shows leading up to the election, as Democrats failed to deliver a unified message on the topic. 

Trump won the election in a landslide, as Republicans also took control of the Senate and House of Representatives. 

The aftermath of the Democrats’ crushing defeat caused many of its figures and media pundits to point the finger at trans inclusion as one of the biggest issues that lost them the election. HBO host Bill Maher has devoted ample air time on his weekly show to lambasting Democrats for defending trans inclusion in women’s sports and criticizing any in the party who still stand behind it, in the weeks following the election. 

On Nov. 7, the New York Times published a story that quoted Democratic Reps. Seth Moulton of Massachusetts and Tom Suozzi of New York, and each spoke out against trans inclusion and their party for championing it over the last several years. 

Other Democrats, like Ocasio-Cortez and newly-elected transgender Rep.-elect Sarah McBride, are still firmly in favor of far-left policies to defend trans athletes that want to compete against women, leaving the party with an unresolved divide going forward. 

Biden-appointed federal Judge Kato Crews in Colorado was the latest figure with Democrat ties to enable trans inclusion in women’s sports, when he ruled that Fleming would be eligible to play in the upcoming Mountain West Tournament after an emergency hearing by ICONS and Utah State to have Fleming disqualified from competing. 

Now, the country will get to watch the product of that ruling, combined with laws in California that protect trans inclusion in women’s sports, that have allowed Fleming to take the court with a conference title on the line in Las Vegas. 

San Jose State is guaranteed to play either Boise State or Utah State in the semifinal round. Both teams have already refused to face Fleming and the Spartans in the regular season. 

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Smoked Turkey

By George Duran 

Ingredients: 

1 whole turkey (12-14 lbs) 

1/2 cup olive oil or melted butter 

1/4 cup kosher salt 

2 tbsp black pepper 

2 tbsp smoked paprika 

1 tbsp garlic powder 

1 tbsp onion powder 

1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional) 

1 cup apple cider or broth (for basting) 

Wood chips (apple, cherry, or hickory recommended) 

Instructions: Rinse and pat the turkey dry. Remove giblets and neck if included. Rub the turkey inside and out with olive oil or melted butter. Combine the salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne (if using). Generously rub the seasoning mixture all over the turkey, including under the skin and inside the cavity. Preheat the smoker to 225-250°F. Add your chosen wood chips to the smoker for avor. Place the turkey breast-side up on the smoker rack. Smoke for about 30-40 minutes per pound, maintaining the smoker temperature. Baste with apple cider or broth every hour to keep the turkey moist. The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the breast and 175°F in the thigh. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Remove the turkey from the smoker and tent loosely with foil. Let it rest for 20-30 minutes before carving.

The 2024 NFL season has reached its Thanksgiving crossroads.

The good teams will begin to prep for their push to the playoffs. The middle-of-the-road teams will try to map out a way to make the wild-card round. The bad teams will look forward to how they can get better in 2025.

Fans will lock in from here on to see how the rest of the season unfolds. There are three games on Thursday, one game on Friday, a major slate on Sunday and then the Monday night game. There’s plenty of action still to come.

As fans look ahead, let’s take a moment to see how the teams are stacked up going into Week 13 of the regular season. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

1. Detroit Lions (10-1)

There’s no offense better than the Lions. And while the old adage says defense wins championships, there are no signs of slowing this team down. If Jared Goff isn’t throwing for 400 yards, the Lions will just kill you in the running game. And if Sam LaPorta ever gets going, look out.

Last week: 1

2. Buffalo Bills (9-2)

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen runs onto the field before a game against the Kansas City Chiefs Nov. 17, 2024, in Orchard Park, N.Y.  (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)

The Bills are the best team in the AFC — yes, better than the Chiefs — but they’re a game behind the Chiefs for the No. 1 seed. They need Kansas City to stumble to get that top seed.

Last week: 2

3. Philadelphia Eagles (9-2)

Philadelphia Eagles running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) is congratulated by running back Saquon Barkley (26) after scoring against the Los Angeles Rams during the second half in Inglewood, Calif., Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024.  (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

Saquon Barkley has changed this team and taken all the pressure off Jalen Hurts. That defense isn’t so bad either.

Last week: 4

4. Kansas City Chiefs (10-1)

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) passes in the pocket against the Carolina Panthers during the first half of a game Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Charlotte, N.C.  (AP Photo/Rusty Jones)

Kansas City might not have the perfect record it once did, but it may have something even better over the last three weeks. Patrick Mahomes is finally starting to look like himself. The midseason addition of DeAndre Hopkins has reenergized the team’s passing game. When the Chiefs have that, they can beat anybody, especially at home. As long as they keep pace with Buffalo in the home stretch of the season, and finish with the No. 1 seed, no one should be favored against an effective Patrick Mahomes just yet.

Last week: 3

5. Baltimore Ravens (8-4)

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson walks off the field after a win over the Los Angeles Chargers Monday, Nov. 25, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif.  (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

Lamar Jackson continues to be one of the unique and often unstoppable players of the NFL. While much of the attention going into Monday night’s game centered around the Harbaugh brothers’ coaching matchup, Jackson ended up putting together a performance filled with highlight reel-worthy moments. 

The star quarterback managed to replicate a viral play from his high school football days when he stepped back at the goal line on a touchdown run during the Ravens win over the Los Angeles Chargers. While the Chargers managed to take a 10-0 first quarter lead, Ravens running back Derrick Henry quickly began making his presence felt. 

A few runs from Henry that went 10 yards or more helped change the momentum of Monday night’s game. Henry finished the game with 140 rushing yards. The Ravens needed to bounce back from last week’s loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, and they did just that in primetime in Southern California.

Last week: 6

6. Green Bay Packers (8-3)

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (8) celebrates a touchdown during the second half against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024 in Green Bay, Wis.  (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

The Packers took advantage of a depleted 49ers team, which is exactly what they were supposed to do. They have the advantage against the Dolphins on Thanksgiving night because the Dolphins struggle in the cold. The Packers are the second-best team in their own division, but that’s hardly something to complain about.

Last week: 9

7. Minnesota Vikings (9-2)

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws a pass during the first half of a game against the Chicago Bears Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Chicago.  (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

The Vikings squandered a 14-point lead in the fourth to come away with somewhat of a miracle victory of their own. A win is a win, and it’s impressive that a team that plays indoors found a way to take care of business in the Windy City. But, for some reason, this smells a lot like 2022.

Last week: 7

8. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-3)

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson throws a Hail Mary pass on the final play of the game against the Cleveland Browns Nov. 21, 2024, in Cleveland. The Browns won 24-19.  (AP Photo/David Richard)

Their matchup against the Browns was always going to be a tough game for the Steelers. Yet it felt like the Steelers let this one slip through their grasp. They went 1-3 on fourth down, won the turnover battle 3-1 and outgained the Browns 368-304, yet still lost 24-19. With the Ravens beating the Chargers Monday, the Steelers’ next game against the Bengals is pivotal to maintain their narrow AFC North lead.

Last week: 5

9. Los Angeles Chargers (7-4)

Baltimore Ravens cornerback Brandon Stephens (21) sacks Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) during the second half Monday, Nov. 25, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif.  (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

Jim Harbaugh giveth, and Jim Harbaugh taken away. As tough of a loss as the Chargers had Monday night, they are still primed and in position to do some damage in the playoffs. Wide receiver Quentin Johnston will be on notice for a disastrous night of drops. But if he can figure it out, Los Angeles could boast one of the most complete offenses outside of Kansas City.

Last week: 8

10. Denver Broncos (7-5)

Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) warms prior to a game against the Las Vegas Raiders Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Las Vegas.  (AP Photo/John Locher)

Bo Nix was the punchline of the NFL Draft, and he’s made opposing teams his punching bag a few times. Nix has been the best rookie quarterback in this year’s draft class over the last month. But how much of it is pure underestimated talent and motivation, and how much is the leadership of Sean Peyton? Either way, both will get their fair share of credit if they keep this up.

Last week: 13

11. Houston Texans (7-5)

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud stands on the field after a loss against the Tennessee Titans Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Houston. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

The Texans still sit atop the division, but a loss to the Titans won’t help them in the final stretch of the season as they prepare to face some of their biggest challengers. C.J. Stroud, who has more interceptions in 12 games than he did his entire rookie season, will need to clean it up when the Texans take on the Chiefs and Ravens in a short week during Christmas. 

Last week: 10

12. Washington Commanders (7-5)

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) is tackled by Dallas Cowboys linebacker DeMarvion Overshown (13), left, and defensive end Chauncey Golston (99) during the second half Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Landover, Md.  (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

Things are going nowhere quickly for the Commanders, who have lost three straight. It will be up to Jayden Daniels to get things turned around and reassert himself as the leader in the Offensive Rookie Of Year race that Bo Nix is now leading.

Last week: 11

13. Seattle Seahawks (6-5)

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) and wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) celebrate after a touchdown during the first half against the Arizona Cardinals Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Jason Redmond)

The NFC West is going to come down to the wire this year, and it’s all about getting hot at the right time. That’s what appears to be happening with the Seahawks, who have now won back-to-back games after taking down the division rival Cardinals to take first place in the division. 

While it wasn’t anything to write home about offensively, the Seahawks’ defense contained Kyler Murray & Co. all game long, holding them to six points. We know what Geno Smith can do when he’s hot, but this defense under head coach Mike Macdonald is turning up of late, which is always a good sign for a playoff-hungry team.

Last week: 15

14. Arizona Cardinals (6-5)

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) looks to throw during the second half against the Seattle Seahawks Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Jason Redmond)

Just when it looked like the Cardinals couldn’t be stopped with the ball in Kyler Murray’s hands, the Seahawks decided to put an end to their three-game losing streak to take first place in the NFC West. This could very well be a blip for the Cardinals, but it will be interesting to see how they respond this week against a Minnesota Vikings team in a similar playoff hunt.

Last week: 12

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-6)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield celebrates his touchdown run against the New York Giants during the first half Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J.  (AP Photo/Rich Schultz)

They ended a four-game losing skid coming out of their bye, they’re getting healthier and the schedule ahead seems favorable.

Last week: 18

16. Atlanta Falcons (6-5)

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) passes against the Denver Broncos during the second half Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, in Denver.  (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

They should be rested and ready for a playoff push after their bye.

Last week: 16

17. Miami Dolphins (5-6)

Miami Dolphins running back De’Von Achane (28) celebrates his touchdown with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) during the first half against the New England Patriots Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla.  (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Miami looked dead in the water after Tua Tagovailoa had another concussion early in the season, but they’ve bounced back with a three-game winning streak, though they haven’t beaten any teams above .500 this season. They have a big Thanksgiving night showdown against the Green Bay Packers.

Last week: 20

18. San Francisco 49ers (5-6)

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan yells toward an official during the first half against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024 in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)

This looked to be a team ready to make another playoff run, but the panic meter for Niners fans is high after they dropped back-to-back games and got blown out on the road by the Packers. 

Granted, Brandon Allen coming in for the injured Brock Purdy doesn’t help matters when you’re trying to find the right formula. But it’s safe to say now that head coach Kyle Shanahan needs to make some big changes because the current formula doesn’t seem sustainable to reach the playoffs. 

That said, the 49ers are 5-6 in this close NFC West race with enough games left to right the ship. But it needs to happen quickly with the surging Bills on the schedule next.

Last week: 14

19. Los Angeles Rams (5-6)

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford speaks at a news conference after a game against the Philadelphia Eagles in Inglewood, Calif., Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024.  (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

The task of containing Saquon Barkley has baffled many NFL defenses this year, including the Rams. At 5-6, though, the Rams are still in the NFC West hunt, and they have the right pieces to do so offensively. They have a favorable matchup against the Saints before games against the Bills and 49ers.

Last week: 17

20. Cincinnati Bengals (4-7)

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow rolls out during the first half against the Los Angeles Chargers Nov. 17, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif.  (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

Joe Burrow got off to a slow start, but the star quarterback has played well as the season has gone on. But the Cincinnati Bengals have often failed to execute at critical moments in games. 

That failure has seemed to hurt the Bengals’ attempts to close out games this year. Cincinnati has a 1-6 record in one-score games this year. The Bengals coaching staff likely used the bye week to self-scout and figure out ways to correct the team’s late-game misfortunes. The Bengals host the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 13. The AFC North matchup will likely affect four-win Cincinnati’s playoff hopes.

Last week: 19

21. Indianapolis Colts (5-7)

Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen talks to quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) during the second half against the Detroit Lions Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Indianapolis.  (AP Photo/AJ Mast)

The Colts’ defense is holding it together for an offense that just can’t seem to figure it out. Indy limited the Lions to a 24-6 win Sunday, and, on the bright side, the schedule strength for the rest of the season could play to Colts’ advantage. 

Last week: 21

22. Chicago Bears (4-7)

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams speaks during a news conference after his team’s overtime loss to the Minnesota Vikings Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Chicago.  (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

It’s clear the change at offensive coordinator is doing wonders for this club. DJ Moore is getting the ball, and Caleb Williams is showing what he can do. It’s probably too late to salvage the season, but if the Bears can end on a high note, there is reason for excitement.

Last week: 22

23. New Orleans Saints (4-7)

New Orleans Saints interim head coach Darren Rizzi watches as his team warms up beforea game against the Cleveland Browns in New Orleans Nov. 17, 2024.  (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

The bye gave interim coach Darren Rizzi a chance to collect himself and plan a little bit. Let’s see what he can do as he tries to earn the job for next season.

Last week: 23

24. Dallas Cowboys (4-7)

Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy answers questions during a press conference after a game against the Washington Commanders Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Landover, Md. The Cowboys won 34-26.  (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

Signs of life! Of course, Jerry Jones had to ruin the good times by floating the idea of a Mike McCarthy contract extension. Oy vey.

Last week: 24

25. Cleveland Browns (3-8)

Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (24) celebrates a touchdown with quarterback Jameis Winston (5) and tight end Blake Whiteheart (86) in the second half against the Pittsburgh Steelers Nov. 21, 2024, in Cleveland.  (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Jameis Winston might be one of the most entertaining players in football. Every interview is must-see TV, and every pregame speech is awesome. On top of that, Winston has made the Browns’ offense functional again. Despite the Browns trading away wide receiver Amari Cooper, Winston is moving the ball better than Deshaun Watson did and is giving the Browns a chance to win every game. His performance against the Steelers during a snowstorm will be one of the highlights of the Browns’ season.

Last week: 27

26. Tennessee Titans (3-8)

Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis (8) looks to throw during the first half against the Houston Texans Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Houston.  (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

No one was expecting it, but the Titans were happy to walk away with a win over the Texans this weekend, one that gave them another chance at avoiding what could be a third-straight losing season. Eight sacks and three turnovers weren’t enough for the Texans to capitalize on. The offense looked the best it has all season, scoring a season high in points, and Will Levis looked solid. 

Last week: 29

27. New York Jets (3-8)

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers walks off the field after the Jets lost a game to the Indianapolis Colts Nov. 17, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J.  (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

The Jets have to be considered one of the biggest disappointments in the NFL in the past 10 years. This is a team that talked about winning the Super Bowl in the preseason. Now, they’re 3-8, have fired their head coach and are more likely to get the No. 1 pick in the draft than make the playoffs. Woof.

Last week: 25

28. Carolina Panthers (3-8)

Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young runs out of the pocket against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Charlotte, N.C.  (AP Photo/Rusty Jones)

Bryce Young is playing much better, and if he finishes strong, this season will be considered a success regardless of the team’s record.

Last week: 28

29. New England Patriots (3-9)

Miami Dolphins linebacker Emmanuel Ogbah (91) goes after New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) during the second half Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla.  (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

This was always going to be a rebuilding year for the Patriots, but fans must be encouraged by the play of rookie quarterback Drake Maye. New England is on track to earn another high draft pick, and it needs to find an explosive offensive playmaker to give its young QB some better options in the passing game.

Last week: 26

30. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-9)

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) talks with Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence after a game Nov. 17, 2024, in Detroit.  (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

The Jaguars haven’t been great with Trevor Lawrence, but they’re even worse without him. After an absolute blowout against the Lions before entering their bye week, the Jags are hopeful Lawrence might be ready for a must-win game against the Texans this week. He’s missed the last two games with a sprained left shoulder, but he attended practice Monday. 

Last week: 30

31. Las Vegas Raiders (2-9)

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew (15) is helped off the field after an injury against the Denver Broncos during the second half Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Las Vegas.  (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Antonio Pierce doesn’t have much talent on his roster to work with, but close competitive losses against solid teams with this roster may end up being the best outcome for his prospects for a second full season as the head coach.

Last week: 32

32. New York Giants (2-9)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Calijah Kancey (94) hits New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito (15) after a pass during the second half Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J.  (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Blow it all up and start over. Again.

Last week: 31

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The Fox News Digital Sports NFL power rankings were compiled by the Fox News Digital Sports staff and the OutKick.com staff.

If the latest college football rankings hold, this year’s playoff is going to look even more different than previously expected.

When the committee announced it would be moving from a four-team to a 12-team playoff format, it seemed like Alabama would be a lock just about every year.

But, in the playoff’s first year with a dozen teams, the Crimson Tide are on the outside looking in.

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Here’s a look at the bracket projection, which includes five automatic bids and seven at-large selections. (Reminder: A team’s seeding may not necessarily equal its ranking).

Automatic bids

1. Oregon — Big Ten representative (11-0, 8-0)

2. Texas — SEC representative (10-1, 4-1); ranked third

3. Miami — ACC representative (10-1, 5-1); ranked sixth

4. Boise State — Mountain West representative (10-1, 7-0); ranked 11th

12. Arizona State — Big 12 representative (9-2, 6-2); ranked 16th

Arizona State defensive back Shamari Simmons, center, celebrates with fans after a 28-23 win over BYU Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Tempe, Ariz.  (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

At-large bids

5. Ohio State (10-1, 7-1); ranked second

6. Penn State (10-1, 7-1); ranked fourth

7. Notre Dame (10-1); ranked fifth

8. Georgia (9-2, 6-2); ranked seventh

9. Tennessee (9-2, 5-2); ranked eighth

10. SMU (10-1, 7-0); ranked ninth. SMU leads the ACC, but the committee projects Miami will win the conference title.

11. Indiana (10-1, 7-1); ranked 10th

This means the first two teams out are Clemson (ranked 12th) and Alabama.

Oklahoma students and fans rush the field after Oklahoma defeated Alabama Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Norman, Okla. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)

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Alabama and Ole Miss were in the projection last week, but after losing to Oklahoma and Florida, respectively, they are now 13th and 14th, respectively.

Indiana hung onto its projected spot despite getting blown out by Ohio State Saturday. The Hoosiers dropped from No. 5 to No. 10 in the nation.

Colorado had controlled its own College Football Playoff destiny, but after its loss to Kansas over the weekend, it will need a lot of help.

If ‘Bama misses the playoff, it would be the first time since 2022, when the Tide finished the season No. 5. They have made the playoff eight of 10 times. They finished 13th in the country when they missed it in 2019.

Defensive end R Mason Thomas (32) of the Oklahoma Sooners gets his hands in the face of quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) of the Alabama Crimson Tide as he tries to throw in the first quarter at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium Nov. 23, 2024, in Norman, Okla.  Oklahoma won 24-3. (Brian Bahr/Getty Images)

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Clemson faces No. 15 South Carolina, but with the teams in the bracket projection all having favorable matchups, a Tigers’ win alone may not be enough.

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