Today's NYT Mini Crossword is live, and Sunday's grid brings a subtle football theme woven through NFL trivia and clever directional wordplay. Whether you're racing the clock or just enjoying a quick brain break, we've got hints and answers to keep you moving.
How The Mini Works
The Mini is a compact version of the classic NYT Crossword, typically featuring a 5x5 grid with five Across and five Down clues. Saturdays expand to a larger grid with more clues. Solve the intersecting words, and when the grid is complete, you'll hear a satisfying chime. No streak tracking here, but the built-in timer lets you compete against yourself or challenge friends.
New puzzles drop at 10 p.m. EST on weekdays and Saturdays. Sunday's Mini arrives earlier at 6 p.m. EST on Saturday.
Quick Scan
In a rush? Here's the at-a-glance breakdown for today's puzzle:
Grid Size: 5x5
Total Clues: 10 (5 Across, 5 Down)
Trickiest Clue: 3D. Successful gain of ten yards, when combined with this answer's direction?
Gimme Clue: 9A. To the ___ degree
Theme Spotted: Subtle football/NFL theme with directional wordplay
Clue Decoder (Hints Only)
Need a nudge without the full answer? Here's a hint for each clue.
Across Hints
1A. The Eagles have the only N.F.L. logo that faces this way
Hint: Think opposite of right. Eagles logo faces this direction.
5A. Statement that's self-evidently true
Hint: A fundamental truth that doesn't need proof. Starts with A.
7A. Wash vigorously
Hint: Clean with force. Five letters, starts with S.
8A. Classic opera set in Rome
Hint: Puccini opera. Five letters, starts with T.
9A. To the ___ degree
Hint: Mathematical extreme. Three letters, starts with N.
Down Hints
1D. Fourth place in an N.F.L. division, for example
Hint: Opposite of first. Four letters, starts with L.
2D. Former inmate, informally
Hint: Ex-convict abbreviation. Five letters, starts with E.
3D. Successful gain of ten yards, when combined with this answer's direction?
Hint: Football term for a first down. Five letters, starts with F.
4D. Trip to the end zone, when combined with this answer's direction?
Hint: Football scoring play. Five letters, starts with T.
6D. Deg. held by many a C.E.O.
Hint: Business school degree. Three letters, starts with M.
Full Answers
Spoilers below. Scroll only when you're ready for the solutions.
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Across Answers
1A. The Eagles have the only N.F.L. logo that faces this way
Answer: LEFT
5A. Statement that's self-evidently true
Answer: AXIOM
7A. Wash vigorously
Answer: SCRUB
8A. Classic opera set in Rome
Answer: TOSCA
9A. To the ___ degree
Answer: NTH
Down Answers
1D. Fourth place in an N.F.L. division, for example
Answer: LAST
2D. Former inmate, informally
Answer: EXCON
3D. Successful gain of ten yards, when combined with this answer's direction?
Answer: FIRST
4D. Trip to the end zone, when combined with this answer's direction?
Answer: TOUCH
6D. Deg. held by many a C.E.O.
Answer: MBA
Grid Breakdown
Here's what made today's puzzle tick:
Standout Clue: 3D for FIRST. The clue "Successful gain of ten yards, when combined with this answer's direction?" cleverly hints at "first down" when combined with the direction "down" from the clue itself.
Wordplay Winner: 4D for TOUCH. "Trip to the end zone, when combined with this answer's direction?" creates "touchdown" when you add "down" to the answer, mirroring the football theme.
Quick Fill: 9A for NTH. "To the ___ degree" is classic crossword filler that most solvers will recognize instantly, providing an easy entry point.
Speed Solver Tips
Looking to shave seconds off your time? Here's what today's puzzle teaches:
Watch for thematic patterns. Today's subtle football theme (LEFT, LAST, FIRST, TOUCH) creates interconnected answers that solve faster once you spot the pattern.
Recognize directional wordplay. Clues that mention "direction" or "combined with this answer's direction" often create compound terms when you add "up," "down," "left," or "right" to the answer.
Tomorrow's Puzzle
The next Mini drops tomorrow at 10 p.m. EST. How did today's grid treat you? The football-themed directional wordplay in FIRST and TOUCH provided clever moments, while NTH gave a reliable gimme. Every puzzle sharpens your instincts for the next one.
See you at the next grid.
