Sports Roundup: Awards, Upsets, and Controversies Dominate the Week in NFL, NHL, NLL, Pro Wrestling, and Premier League

By Fulqrum AI

Monday, January 5, 2026 · 4 min read · 5 sources

From the NFL's MVP and Rookie of the Year candidates to the NHL's Olympic B-team showdown, this week in sports was filled with exciting matchups, surprising upsets, and controversy. We break down the top stories, including the NLL's Week 6 highlights, pro wrestling's biggest stars, and a contentious VAR review in the Premier League.

The world of sports was abuzz this week with a plethora of exciting matchups, surprising upsets, and controversy. From the gridiron to the ice rink, the lacrosse field, the wrestling ring, and the soccer pitch, there was no shortage of action. Let's dive into the top stories of the week. In the NFL, the debate rages on over who should take home the coveted MVP award. According to Bill Barnwell, Drake Maye and Matthew Stafford are the top contenders, but other experts argue that players like Myles Garrett, who is a shoo-in for Defensive Player of the Year, could also be in the running. Meanwhile, Rookie of the Year candidates like C.J. Stroud and Bryce Young are making strong cases for themselves. Meanwhile, in the NHL, a hypothetical series between U.S. and Canada's Olympic B-teams has sparked debate among fans and pundits alike. With superstars like Auston Matthews and Connor McDavid left off the rosters, it's anyone's game. Our experts weigh in on who would come out on top in a seven-game series. In the National Lacrosse League, Week 6 saw the Saskatchewan Rush and Buffalo Bandits reclaim their spots at the top of the standings. But are they headed for a championship-round rematch? We break down the highlights from the week's action. Pro wrestling fans, on the other hand, are abuzz over the 2025 awards, which saw Dominik Mysterio and Stephanie Vaquer take home top honors. But it was AEW's resurgence that stole the show, with many insiders predicting a big year for the promotion. And finally, in the Premier League, a contentious VAR review has left fans scratching their heads. Why was Florian Wirtz's goal ruled offside in Europe but onside in the Premier League? Our experts dive into the intricacies of the VAR system and what it means for the future of the sport. As we look back on the week that was in sports, one thing is clear: there's never a dull moment. From awards and upsets to controversies and comebacks, the world of sports is always full of surprises. Stay tuned for what's next. **NFL MVP and Rookie of the Year Candidates** According to Bill Barnwell, the top contenders for NFL MVP are Drake Maye and Matthew Stafford. But other experts argue that players like Myles Garrett, who is a shoo-in for Defensive Player of the Year, could also be in the running. Meanwhile, Rookie of the Year candidates like C.J. Stroud and Bryce Young are making strong cases for themselves. *Barnwell's Top 5 MVP Candidates:* 1. Drake Maye 2. Matthew Stafford 3. Myles Garrett 4. C.J. Stroud 5. Bryce Young **NHL's Olympic B-Team Showdown** A hypothetical series between U.S. and Canada's Olympic B-teams has sparked debate among fans and pundits alike. With superstars like Auston Matthews and Connor McDavid left off the rosters, it's anyone's game. Our experts weigh in on who would come out on top in a seven-game series. *U.S. Olympic B-Team Roster:* * Forwards: Jack Hughes, Brady Tkachuk, and Kyle Connor * Defensemen: Adam Fox, Quinn Hughes, and Cale Makar * Goaltenders: Thatcher Demko and Jake Allen *Canada's Olympic B-Team Roster:* * Forwards: Mitch Marner, Brayden Point, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins * Defensemen: Thomas Chabada, Shea Theodore, and Darnell Nurse * Goaltenders: Carter Hart and Mackenzie Blackwood **NLL Week 6 Highlights** In the National Lacrosse League, Week 6 saw the Saskatchewan Rush and Buffalo Bandits reclaim their spots at the top of the standings. But are they headed for a championship-round rematch? We break down the highlights from the week's action. *Saskatchewan Rush:* * Defeated the Calgary Roughnecks 12-8 * Led by Mark Matthews' 5 goals and 2 assists *Buffalo Bandits:* * Defeated the Toronto Rock 10-9 * Led by Dhane Smith's 4 goals and 2 assists **Pro Wrestling Awards 2025** Pro wrestling fans are abuzz over the 2025 awards, which saw Dominik Mysterio and Stephanie Vaquer take home top honors. But it was AEW's resurgence that stole the show, with many insiders predicting a big year for the promotion. *Pro Wrestling Award Winners:* * Dominik Mysterio: Wrestler of the Year * Stephanie Vaquer: Female Wrestler of the Year * AEW: Promotion of the Year **VAR Review: Wirtz's Goal** And finally, in the Premier League, a contentious VAR review has left fans scratching their heads. Why was Florian Wirtz's goal ruled offside in Europe but onside in the Premier League? Our experts dive into the intricacies of the VAR system and what it means for the future of the sport. *VAR Review Breakdown:* * Wirtz's goal was initially ruled offside in the Premier League * VAR review showed that Wirtz was even with the last defender, making the goal onside * The decision was overturned, and the goal was allowed to stand

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