WJPA Sports

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills have beaten the Vikings 23-6 and sent Minnesota deeper into its offensive slump. Allen threw a touchdown pass with 44 seconds left before halftime, and James Cook rushed 31 times for 107 yards and a late score. Linebackers Terrel Bernard and Dorian Williams had interceptions and Tyler Bass made three field goals to stretch his franchise-record streak to 24 straight as the Bills matched their best eight-game start since 1993. Carson Wentz started at quarterback for the Vikings and had one of the worst performances of his 11-year career.

PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Steelers are hoping to get a boost at wide receiver with Michael Pittman Jr. nearing a return from a foot injury. Pittman has been limited to three games this season but could be back when the Steelers face Cincinnati with first place in the AFC North on the line. Coach Mike McCarthy says Pittman is “getting close” and is scheduled to work out early in the week to gauge his progress. The Steelers could use someone to help take some of the attention away from wide receiver DK Metcalf, who has just three receptions over Pittsburgh’s past two games.

The College Football Playoff will expand to 24 teams next year, ending a three-decade era of conference title games. College leaders announced the new format Monday after ESPN agreed to rework its contract to add 11 new games. The deal is for five years and an additional $1.7 billion. The new format will have five automatic qualifiers, including champions from the Power Four leagues. The other teams will be chosen by a selection panel. The top eight seeds will receive first-round byes, and the playoff will start on the second weekend in December.

Detroit Tigers infielder Kevin McGonigle has won the American League Rookie of the Year award after a stellar all-around season that sets him up to be a franchise cornerstone. Cincinnati Reds slugger Sal Stewart took home the National League honor. The 22-year-old McGonigle had a .278 batting average and .806 OPS with 18 homers, 72 RBIs, 28 doubles and 12 stolen bases while splitting time between shortstop and third base. He’s the first Tigers player to win the award since pitcher Michael Fulmer in 2016 and the first Detroit infielder since Lou Whitaker in 1978. Stewart was a force in the middle of the Reds’ lineup with 32 homers and 112 RBIs while playing in all 162 games.