Sports Connections Hints: Jan 17, 2026
This page shows spoiler-layered hints for the NYT Sports Connectionspuzzle published on Jan 17, 2026 (2026-01-17). Step through the hints in order and only reveal the full boardwhen you're ready.
Meta: Sports puzzle #689
Connections Sports #689 · 2026-01-17
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
IN NO. 1 POSITION
Reveal one tile
FIRST
Reveal all four tiles
IN NO. 1 POSITION
- FIRST
- LEAD
- FRONT
- POLE
Group 2
Reveal category
AFC EAST TEAMS
Reveal one tile
MIAMI
Reveal all four tiles
AFC EAST TEAMS
- MIAMI
- NEW ENGLAND
- NEW YORK
- BUFFALO
Group 3
Reveal category
JEFFS
Reveal one tile
KENT
Reveal all four tiles
JEFFS
- KENT
- BAGWELL
- SATURDAY
- VAN GUNDY
Group 4
Reveal category
ROCKETS
Reveal one tile
HOUSTON
Reveal all four tiles
ROCKETS
- HOUSTON
- TOLEDO
- CLEMENS
- RICHARD
Reveal full answer
IN NO. 1 POSITION
- FIRST
- LEAD
- FRONT
- POLE
AFC EAST TEAMS
- MIAMI
- NEW ENGLAND
- NEW YORK
- BUFFALO
JEFFS
- KENT
- BAGWELL
- SATURDAY
- VAN GUNDY
ROCKETS
- HOUSTON
- TOLEDO
- CLEMENS
- RICHARD
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