Sports Connections Hints: Jan 9, 2026

This page shows spoiler-layered hints for the NYT Sports Connectionspuzzle published on Jan 9, 2026 (2026-01-09). Step through the hints in order and only reveal the full boardwhen you're ready.

Meta: Sports puzzle #681

Connections Sports #681 · 2026-01-09

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

NFL PLAYOFF ROUNDS

Reveal one tile

WILD CARD

Reveal all four tiles

NFL PLAYOFF ROUNDS

  • WILD CARD
  • DIVISIONAL
  • CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP
  • SUPER BOWL

Group 2

Reveal category

JUMPING ABILITY

Reveal one tile

UPS

Reveal all four tiles

JUMPING ABILITY

  • UPS
  • HOPS
  • BOUNCE
  • BUNNIES

Group 3

Reveal category

NBA ARENAS

Reveal one tile

FEDEX

Reveal all four tiles

NBA ARENAS

  • FEDEX
  • SCOTIABANK
  • DELTA
  • SPECTRUM

Group 4

Reveal category

_____ DEVILS

Reveal one tile

NEW JERSEY

Reveal all four tiles

_____ DEVILS

  • NEW JERSEY
  • SUN
  • BLUE
  • RED
Reveal full answer

NFL PLAYOFF ROUNDS

  • WILD CARD
  • DIVISIONAL
  • CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP
  • SUPER BOWL

JUMPING ABILITY

  • UPS
  • HOPS
  • BOUNCE
  • BUNNIES

NBA ARENAS

  • FEDEX
  • SCOTIABANK
  • DELTA
  • SPECTRUM

_____ DEVILS

  • NEW JERSEY
  • SUN
  • BLUE
  • RED

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