Welcome to the Thursday edition of the Pick Six newsletter!

NBA Finals Drama: Last night, the San Antonio Spurs lost a staggering 29-point lead in Game 4 against the New York Knicks. This choke job draws comparisons to the Atlanta Falcons' infamous loss in Super Bowl LI. The presence of Taylor Swift, who is set to marry NFL player Travis Kelce, adds an intriguing connection to the NFL.

Patrick Mahomes Makes History: In NFL news, Patrick Mahomes signed a groundbreaking $500 million contract, making him the highest-paid player in league history. His new deal extends his contract with the Kansas City Chiefs through 2033, solidifying his future with the team. Key details include:

• Average annual value: $63.09 million
• Total contract: Eight years, $504.75 million
• Previous record-holder: Dak Prescott at $60 million per year.

AFC Breakout Candidates: Looking ahead to 2026, here are some under-the-radar players from AFC teams who could emerge as stars:

• Kyle Williams (Patriots) – A promising wide receiver with untapped potential.
• Shemar Stewart (Bengals) – An EDGE rusher aiming to elevate Cincinnati's pass rush.
• Josh Downs (Colts) – Expected to receive significant targets after a strong season.
• Jonah Coleman (Broncos) – A running back poised for opportunity amid injury concerns.

Quarterbacks in Need of a Super Bowl: The article also ranks quarterbacks who need a Super Bowl to enhance their legacies, including Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen.

Rookie Contract Drama: Fernando Mendoza, the Raiders’ first overall pick, remains unsigned due to disagreements over signing bonus payments.

NFC North Insights: Jordan Dajani analyzes win totals for the Packers and Bears, projecting challenges for Green Bay.

Extra Points: Highlights include Deshaun Watson's return to the media and the Eagles signing A.J. Epenesa. The Seahawks also prepare to receive their Super Bowl rings tonight.