Sports Connections Hints: Dec 16, 2025
This page shows spoiler-layered hints for the NYT Sports Connectionspuzzle published on Dec 16, 2025 (2025-12-16). Step through the hints in order and only reveal the full boardwhen you're ready.
Meta: Sports puzzle #657
Connections Sports #657 · 2025-12-16
Choose one group at a time
Each group has separate category and tile reveals. Open only the amount of help you want; the last reveal shows all available groups.
Group 1
Reveal category
INJURY VERBS
Reveal one tile
PULL
Reveal all four tiles
INJURY VERBS
- PULL
- STRAIN
- TEAR
- FRACTURE
Group 2
Reveal category
DEFENDS
Reveal one tile
COVERS
Reveal all four tiles
DEFENDS
- COVERS
- MARKS
- GUARDS
- BLANKETS
Group 3
Reveal category
BASEBALL MATTS
Reveal one tile
HOLLIDAY
Reveal all four tiles
BASEBALL MATTS
- HOLLIDAY
- CHAPMAN
- OLSON
- CARPENTER
Group 4
Reveal category
TEAMS IN THE ORIGINAL USFL
Reveal one tile
BANDITS
Reveal all four tiles
TEAMS IN THE ORIGINAL USFL
- BANDITS
- GENERALS
- EXPRESS
- WRANGLERS
Reveal full answer
INJURY VERBS
- PULL
- STRAIN
- TEAR
- FRACTURE
DEFENDS
- COVERS
- MARKS
- GUARDS
- BLANKETS
BASEBALL MATTS
- HOLLIDAY
- CHAPMAN
- OLSON
- CARPENTER
TEAMS IN THE ORIGINAL USFL
- BANDITS
- GENERALS
- EXPRESS
- WRANGLERS
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