Google Adds Live NFL Game Feed and Fantasy Football AI to Search
Google rolled out a Live Game Feed for NFL games in Search, added deeper player and league stats, and now lets users link Yahoo Fantasy or Sleeper accounts to AI Mode for lineup advice. The live feed and fantasy tools are available on mobile in the U.S. in English.
According to Google's blog post, searching for a game that is underway surfaces a red "Live" icon. Tapping it opens a running recap of the game so far, a dynamic timeline with play-by-play updates, top commentary circulating on social media, key video highlights and AI-powered insights. The Verge reported that the feed is available now on mobile in English. Google said support for college games and additional languages will arrive later this month.
A new carousel lets users flip through scores from other games being played across the league without searching for each one separately. Search is also expanding its statistics: league leaders in categories such as passing touchdowns and rushing yards, along with more detailed individual metrics including sacks, fumbles and yards after catch. Google said Search will soon show which teams are favored to win the championship and display playoff brackets; no date was given for those additions. Android Authority also reported the coming championship odds and bracket features. The matchup carousel and the expanded player stats will be available globally on mobile, according to Google.
For fantasy players, Search can now connect to a Yahoo Fantasy or Sleeper account. Google said that once an account is linked, AI Mode draws on the user's live roster and the leagues being tracked to offer start-or-sit recommendations, waiver-wire targets, an assessment of drafted players and a weekly recap of league activity. The company said no manual data entry or screenshots are needed. Engadget reported that the feature builds on AI Mode's existing ability to connect to outside apps for added context, and that recommendations could include which free agents to add.
Google said the fantasy football connection and the professional football Live Game Feed are available in the United States in English now. It said it will keep improving the fantasy feature through the season and asked users to send feedback using the thumbs up or thumbs down buttons on AI Mode responses.