#a wild jamey appears

[flashbarryallen]

Been a hot minute since I did a work selfie and the natural light is good for once so enjoy

[junker-town]

The best and worst NFL team at each record

The Buccaneers are on fire, while the Jaguars are a dumpster fire.

The end of Week 2 finalizes the last time this NFL season we’re guaranteed to have just three overall records. Everyone in the league right now is 0-2, 1-1, or 2-0 — and from this point forward discussing the “best” and “worst” will turn into serious debates lasting the rest of the year.

Let’s dive in now to those three distinct records to look at who I think is the best, and the worst in each tier. Yes, the season is young, but it will be fun to come back and revisit these at the end of the year and see if early hunches about this season were correct, or if something wild happened and stunned us all.

The best 2-0 team in the NFL is the ... Tampa Bay Buccaneers

If you were banking on a Super Bowl hangover, well, looks like you’re going to need to wait until next year. The Buccaneers have come out in their first two games and shown they’re not resting on their laurels. After surviving a tough Week 1 against the Cowboys, Tom Brady and Co. avoided falling into a trap game against the Falcons, beating Atlanta 48-25 in a comeback.

I totally get why you might doubt Tampa here, because they haven’t been as convincing as you might hope, but they got out of the blocks really slow last year and came on strong late in the season. Defensively the Bucs are giving up more points that you want to see, but through two games Brady has thrown nine touchdowns. The team’s receivers are too much for most teams to deal with — and Bruce Arians is taking advantage.

Tampa Bay is the best, until someone knocks them off their perch.

The worst 2-0 team in the NFL is the ... Carolina Panthers

Absolutely no shade here. Truth be told, it’s remarkable the Panthers are 2-0 at this point, and fans should be happy. Being the worst of the NFL’s unbeaten tier is far better than anyone expected for the Panthers, who were pegged by Vegas to finish with a 5-11 record this season.

The Carolina defense has been otherworldly through two games, and Sam Darnold has been good enough to win. Granted, it’s probably a little easier for the defense to look elite when you’re facing the Jets and the Saints, who have proven to be paper tigers.

Carolina has all the trappings of a 10-7 or 9-8 football team that finds its way into a Wild Card spot, and that’s a hell of a lot better than anyone expected.

The best 1-1 team in the NFL is the ... Buffalo Bills

Whatever knock the team gets from losing by a touchdown to the Steelers is erased following a 35 point shutout against the Dolphins in Week 2. Don’t forget: A lot of people pencilled in Buffalo as a Super Bowl contender before the season began, then they kind of got forgotten after that first loss.

I have absolute faith that the only team that can destroy a deep playoff run for the Bills is the Bills themselves. The AFC East is soft, they’re surging forward now, and I don’t expert Josh Allen’s slump (he’s been really bad so far this season) will last.

I’m high on the Bills, but I’m also gritting my teeth as I say that.

Worst 1-1: New Orleans Saints

I have absolutely zero faith in the Saints, and nobody else should either. The only thing New Orleans has going for it is that week one drubbing of Aaron Rodgers and the Packers, which now appears to be a factor of freak aberration, not skill.

Jameis Winston still looks like Jameis Winston. Alvin Kamara has struggled to make a major impact so far, and was utterly shut down against the Panthers. We’re all aware this is a team in rebuilding mode, but I still see a team that’s trending down after its heady win to open the season, not going in the right direction.

I’m fairly confident the rest of the year will prove this out.

The best 0-2 team in the NFL is the ... Minnesota Vikings

I’ve discussed how there’s no reason Minnesota should be as bad as the team is, and that still holds. In each of their first two games the Vikings were one play away from winning. You could flip a coin and this team is 2-0, with a signature win over the Cardinals.

Trust me, I’m not buying into the idea that Minnesota is a legitimate threat in the NFC, not at all. However, they’re a hell of a lot better than 0-2, and the NFC North looks completely up for grabs. I fully expect this team can turn it around and make a run — that is, assuming the Packers don’t catch fire now they’ve turned the corner and obliterate everyone in their path.

Minnesota still has one of the best receiving tandems in the NFL is Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen, and that alone is reason I think this can get back on track. However, the team is about to hit a brutal five game stretch containing the Seahawks, Browns and Cowboys — which is definitely cause for some concern.

Worst 0-2: Jacksonville Jaguars

It’s not even close. Not even remotely close.

There are a lot of bad 0-2 teams in the NFL right now, but nobody feels closer to complete nuclear implosion than Jacksonville. Everything feels wrong and rotten about this team, from Trevor Lawrence struggling to get much help, to the defense which is folding at the drop of a hat, then factor in that the Jaguars lost to Houston and Denver, hardly world beaters, and you have a major problem.

Also, call me old fashioned, but when you’re making social media posts that sound like offseason motivation and it’s Week 2 ... yikes.

A message for #DUUUVAL pic.twitter.com/fmB3RGRexX

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) September 20, 2021

I don’t know what will happen first: This team wins a game, or completely explodes and Urban Meyer leaves the NFL.

[wazafam]

The To All the Boys: Always and Forever cast features all of the regular franchise stars, so how do you know them? Based on Jenny Han's 2017 novel, the 2021 Netflix movie centers on the on-going romance between Lara Jean Covey and Peter Kavinsky. The Portland, OR, couple plans to attend Stanford University together, but a twist of fate forces them to confront the awkward truth of their situation.

In To All the Boys 3, Lara Jean lives a drama-free life before her senior year of high school. She enjoys a family trip to Korea and plans to attend Stanford with her boyfriend, Peter. After a school trip to New York City, however, Lara Jean feels drawn to the east coast, and must decide if she wants to remain in her native California. Directed by Michael Fimognari, To All the Boys 3 on Netflix follows Lara Jean as she reaches a life epiphany.

Related: Netflix: Every Movie and TV Show Releasing In February 2021

To All the Boys 3 primarily centers on the focal stars of the first two films. Whereas many romantic comedy films introduce side characters to complicate things, the third story about Lara Jean and Peter gets to the heart of their relationship. Here's a cast and character guide for To All the Boys: Always and Forever on Netflix.

Lana Condor stars as Lara Jean Covey, the franchise protagonist who gets rejected from Stanford University and realizes that NYU could be in her immediate plans for the future. Condor kicked off her movie career by portraying the superhero Jubilee in X-Men: Apocalypse and Li in Patriots Day. She also appeared as Koyomi in Alita: Battle Angel and voiced Casey McGarry in BoJack Horseman.

Noah Centineo co-stars as Peter Kavinsky, Lara Jean's popular boyfriend who is surprised when he gets accepted to Stanford University. Centineo portrayed Jamey in Sierra Burgess Is a Loser and Brooks Rattigan in The Perfect Date. He'll soon appear as Prince Adam/He-Man in Masters of the Universe and Ali Rothstein/Atom Smasher in Black Adam.

Janel Parrish portrays Margot Covey, Lara Jean's old sister who attends college in Scotland. Parrish portrayed Mona Vanderwaal in Pretty Little Liars and Estelle in Trespassers. She recently appeared as Maleah in Magnum P.I.

Related: The 25 Best Films on Netflix Right Now

Anna Cathcart appears as Kitty, Lara Jean's younger sister who becomes more interested in boys after a trip to Korea. Cathcart starred as Agent Olympia in Odd Squad and portrayed Tween Drizella in Once Upon a Time. She recently appeared as the title character in Zoe Valentine.

Ross Butler portrays Trevor, Lara Jean's confident classmate who shows romantic interest in one of her friends. Butler portrayed Zach Dempsey in 13 Reasons Why and Reggie Mantle in Riverdale. DCEU fans may know him as Super Hero Eugene from Shazam.

Related: All 27 2021 Netflix Movies Explained

Madeleine Arthur appears as Christine, Lara Jean's free-spirited friend who offers life advice. Arthur portrayed Older Jane in Big Eyes and Young Willa Warren in The Family. She also appeared as Fray in The Magicians and Nikki Genêt in Snowpiercer season 1.

Emilija Baranac portrays Gen, one of Lara Jean's classmates who gets accepted to NYU. Baranac portrayed Midge Klump in Riverdale and Jamie in Beyond.

Trezzo Mahoro portrays Lucas, Lara Jean's classmate who plans to attend Sarah Lawrence on the east coast. Mahoro portrayed Ralphia in The Magicians and Mohamed in Van Helsing. He recently appeared as Joker in Operation Christmas Drop and Geke in The Right One.

Sarayu Blue appears as Trina Rothschild, the love interest of Lara Jean's father. Blue portrayed Emet in I Feel Bad, Kareema in No Tomorrow, and Marcie in Blockers. She also appeared as Ana in The Unicorn.

Related: Best Movies On Netflix Right Now

John Corbett rounds out the main cast as Dr. Dan Covey, Lara Jean's father who plans to get re-married. Corbett portrayed Chris Stevens in Northern Exposure and starred as Ian Miller in My Big Fat Greek Wedding. He also appeared as Lars Hammond in Serendipity - one of the movies referenced by Lara Jean in To All the Boys: Always & Forever.

Sofia Black-D'Elia (Above) as Heather: Gen's NYU friend. Sofia Black-D'Elia portrayed Andrea Cornish in The Night Of and Tirzah Ben-Hur in Ben-Hur.

Henry Thomas as Mr. Kavinsky: Peter's estranged father. Henry Thomas famously starred as Elliott in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial and recently portrayed Henry Wingrave in The Haunting of Bly Manor.

June B. Wilde as Joan: A waitress. June B. Wilde portrayed Edna in Young & Reckless and Colleen Holmstrom in The Exorcist TV series.

Ho-Young Jeon as Dae: Kitty's love interest in Seoul. To All the Boys: Always and Forever on Netflix marks the movie debut for Ho-Young Jeon.

Ese Atawo as Ms. Beckman: A chaperone. Ese Atawo portrayed Detective Frankie Curtis in The Flash and Dr. Imani Jackson in Firefly Lane.

Rhianna Jagpal as Dipti Shaw: Lara's classmate who requests paperwork for the senior trip to New York. Rhianna Jagpal portrayed Yasmin in Mech-X4 and Hilary Saint in Motherland: Fort Salem.

Molly Grace as Mollie Marshall: Lara's classmate who receives a prom invitation through an umbrella-themed dance performance. Molly Grace made her movie debut as Young Charlotte in The Perfection on Netflix, and was credited as "Crying Girl" in To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You.

Momona Tamada as Young Lara Jean: Momona Tamada portrayed Kazu's great-granddaughter in The Terror season 2 and stars as Claudia Kishi in The Baby-Sitters Club.

Rian McCririck as Young Peter: Rian McCririck had a small role in Good Boys and recently appeared as Logan Bruno in The Baby-Sitters Club.

Jenny Han as Principal Cho: Jenny Han is the author of the To All the Boys book series.

Linda Ko as Aunt Carrie: Linda Ko portrayed Marie in Stargate: Atlantis and Genera Nessa Clary in Motherland: Fort Salem.

Julie Tao as Haven: Julie Tao portrayed Jillian in Charmed and Cleo in Motherland: Fort Salem.

Joey Pacheco as Owen Kavinsky: Joey Pacheco portrayed Young Erik in Menendez: Blood Brothers.

Jara Zeimer as OMG Girl: Jara Zeimer portrayed Klaudia Wegener in The Man in the High Castle and Teen Velma in iZombie.

Kelcey Mawema as Emily: Kelcey Mawema portrayed Ana in The Exorcist season 2 and Gabrielle in Deadly Class.

C. Ernst Harth as Alder Principal: Ernst Harth portrayed Harold Shelburne in Thir13en Ghosts and Lowell Lee Andrews in Capote.

Michael Delleva as Daniel: Michael Delleva portrayed one of Santa's helpers in Noelle on Disney+ and Ari Berlin in When the Streetlights Go On.

Anisha Cheema as Valentine's Girlfriend: Anisha Cheema portrayed Patrice in iZombie and Morgan in The Mirror.

Susie Lee as Eva Song Covey: Susie Lee portrayed Elizabeth in Supernatural and Mrs. Marshall in Lost in Space.

Rish Shah as Ravi: Rish Shah portrayed Ahmed in Years and Years and will soon appear as Kamran in Ms. Marvel.

Kayla Deorksen as Angela: Kayla Deorksen portrayed Erica Bailey in Supernatural and Mrs. Anderson in Chilling Adventures of Sabrina.

Janelle McDermoth as Nisha: Janelle McDermoth portrayed Detective Peterson in Blue Bloods and Aleah Brown in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.

Jerry Yang as Nathan: Jerry Yang portrayed Ian the Patron in The Flash and Horizen LA Retail Guy in Upload on Amazon Prime.

Lisa Durupt as Gayle Kavinsky: Lisa Durupt portrayed Nurse Fleming in Psych and Jen McMurtry in Heartland.

Katie Do as Ani: Katie Do portrayed Esme in Mrs. Fletcher and Isla in Manifest.

Next: Will To All The Boys 4 Ever Happen?

To All The Boys 3: Always & Forever Cast & Character Guide from https://ift.tt/3aeo79u

[wsmith215]

Cam Newton’s path to his next NFL team is crystal clear

Another day, another Cam Newton workout video series — and therefore, another puzzling reminder that the near-unanimous MVP of the National Football League four years ago now can’t get a job.

Newton’s latest Instagram release showed him with shirt off, muscles rippling, highlighted by some outstanding video production quality, and imparted the critical knowledge that he has an awesome home gym, complete with his initials embossed into a bench.

It didn’t do anything more than that, we can confidently assume, because NFL front offices — unless things have changed more than we could have imagined during the pandemic — don’t make multi-million dollar decisions based off the Gram.

“He’s doing all you can do in a quarantine world to show the world that he’s ready to go,” FOX Sports’ Nick Wright said, on First Things First. “He’s just trying to show the world, ‘I’m healthy.’ In a universe that there is only about 20 people walking the face of the earth that are quality NFL quarterbacks, he is reminding them that he is one of those 20.”

“Cam Newton is just trying to show the world that he’s healthy. There’s only about 20 people walking the face of the Earth who are actually quality NFL QBs, he’s reminding them he’s one of those 20. … He’s doing all he can given the circumstances.” — @getnickwright pic.twitter.com/QDIGmFtYt9

— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) May 21, 2020

But who was Newton reminding, exactly? The reason why he has not been signed since his release from the Carolina Panthers on Mar. 24 isn’t because teams have forgotten about his availability. They knew, via the NFL grapevine, or the sports pages, or even social media, the moment he was let go, and they have known ever since.

The Los Angeles Chargers knew Newton was on the table when they drafted Justin Herbert with the No. 6 pick. Bill Belichick didn’t forget that Newton was a free agent in the period since Tom Brady headed for Florida, nor did it slip his mind that his QB depth chart currently is headed by Jarrett Stidham, then Brian Hoyer.

Ron Rivera, Newton’s former coach in Carolina and now with the Washington Redskins, hasn’t forgotten his contract status. And he’s not the only one who also remembers that the now-31-year-old took the Panthers to Super Bowl 50.

So yeah, the NFL knows Newton is out there. It just isn’t sufficiently motivated to pull the trigger, at least not right now. Which is why, perhaps, Newton should just sit tight and wait.

[[[ THĒ QUÊST1ÖN HÄŠ CHAÑGÊD‼️]]]

FULL VIDEO ON MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL #šhïñëTHRŪthëŠHÄDĒ#ñøtFØRłïkëšJŪŠTførŁÏFĒ -1ØVĒ🤟🏾 pic.twitter.com/k9Aeu1Kbbp

— Cameron 1 Newton (@CameronNewton) May 7, 2020

At present, he comes with little value. He has had too many injuries and too great a drop off in productivity for any franchise, even a desperate one, to envision him as their signal caller of the present and immediate future. Even if he had somehow come across a QB1 gig post-Carolina, it would have been as part of a rebuild somewhere.

There doesn’t seem to be a whole lot of appetite for him as a backup, either. Whisking him in as a reserve would put immediate scrutiny and focus on the incumbent, and not the good kind. Newton would be more well known, and therefore more talked about, than the current starter of most teams in the league. That’s an issue most teams can do without, especially before the end of May.

However, such things can look drastically different in September. While having a high-profile QB peering over the shoulder of Johnny Starter right now may feel counterproductive, it would seem a lot less so if the aforementioned first choice picks up an injury on the opening drive of the campaign.

As much as the league has tried to protect its quarterbacks in recent years, the reality is that every season sees a number of them go down hurt. At that point, Newton becomes worth his weight in gold as a proven commodity and an experienced head.

“Once again, absolute nonsense & disrespect for Russell Wilson… Why bring in a celebrity backup?”@ColinCowherd reacts to report that Seahawks are open to adding Cam Newton: pic.twitter.com/5r6C3VALfW

— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) May 13, 2020

Furthermore, not every quarterback is going to start the season strongly. Well-intentioned thoughts of leaning into the future and developing young talent can go out the window when game day is fast looming and you’re not sure if the kid fully grasps the playbook and can handle the heat of an NFL defense’s breath in his facemask.

“It is very odd that there hasn’t been more activity around Cam,” Kevin Wildes added on First Things First. “But the silver lining is that Cam just needs to chill out. I have circled Sept. 27 — that’s Week Three. We looked back on the QB carousel from last year.”

At that stage in 2019, six QBs had been replaced. Drew Brees got hurt and was supplanted by Teddy Bridgewater. Kyle Allen stepped in for Newton himself.

In a similar situation in 2020, depending on the level of need, perhaps Newton gets more money and a better spot. Jameis Winston agreed to a quick deal with the New Orleans Saints after leaving Tampa Bay, but his base salary as backup is only $1.1 million – a drop off of 94 percent from last season.

As Wildes said, Newton needs to chill. He can keep working out. He should keep working out. Heck, we should all be working out.

“Cam just needs to chill out until Sept. 27th. That’s Week 3 of the NFL season. Drew Brees Week 1, gets hurt, Teddy Bridgewater Week 3. … Whatever your plans are for Week 1 they change dramatically by Week 3. By Week 3, Cam should be starting on a team.” — @kevinwildes pic.twitter.com/K9VEE9TL9A

— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) May 21, 2020

He can keep posting the clips, keep getting the production guy to weave his black-and-white montage magic, and it’s all good. He can do whatever he likes. But the truth is that at present, there is no clamor for what he has to bring, six-pack or not.

That won’t always be the case. Just ask his former coach.

“I’m not sure I would do it,” Rivera said, about the possibility of signing Newton for Washington. “I’m not sure I wouldn’t do it. It depends on the circumstances.”

And there you have it. Circumstances, in Newton’s case, are everything. September might feel like a long way off, but that’s just how it is. The best he can do is stay ready and be ready. The clock is ticking, and while it may not feel like it, it is actually working in his favor.

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[sciencespies]

Who's greener? Mine fight pits electric cars against flower

https://sciencespies.com/biology/whos-greener-mine-fight-pits-electric-cars-against-flower/

Who's greener? Mine fight pits electric cars against flower

This June 1, 2019, file photo provided by the Center for Biological Diversity, shows the rare desert wildflower Tiehm’s buckwheat in the Silver Peak Range about 120 miles southeast of Reno, Nev. An Australian mining company says its pursuit of a huge lithium deposit in Nevada is critical to accelerating the manufacture of electric vehicles and reducing greenhouse gases. Opponents argue the mine can’t be built without causing the extinction of the only native population of the rare desert wildflower known to exist in the world. (Patrick Donnelly/Center for Biological Diversity via AP, File)

The rare Tiehm’s buckwheat stands less than a foot tall (30 centimeters) in Nevada’s rocky high desert, its thin, leafless stems adorned with tiny yellow flowers in spring.

To the Australian company that wants to mine lithium beneath the federal land where it grows, the perennial herb is a potential roadblock to a metal badly needed for electric vehicles and the global push to reduce greenhouse gases.

To environmentalists determined to halt the open pit mine, it’s a precious species that exists nowhere else in the world.

And to plant ecologists, it’s a scientific challenge to try to grow the wildflower from seeds in a greenhouse.

Whose mission is a nobler shade of green depends on who you ask.

The competing interests appeared to find some common ground earlier this year at the remote site about 200 miles (320 kilometers) southeast of Reno. Ioneer Ltd. has spent millions exploring the site, which it says is one of the world’s biggest undeveloped lithium-boron deposits.

But the Center for Biological Diversity withdrew its lawsuit against the U.S. Bureau of Land Management in January after Ioneer ended its exploration activities and agreed to provide the group notice before resuming any work at Rhyolite Ridge in rural Esmeralda County.

Still, Ioneer remains committed to the mine it says is expected to produce 22,000 tons (19,958 metric tonnes) of lithium carbonate needed for electric car batteries like the ones Tesla makes east of Reno, create 400 to 500 construction jobs and 300 to 400 operational jobs.

And environmentalists insist the legal battle is just beginning.

“The storm is brewing on the horizon,” said Patrick Donnelly, Nevada director of the Center for Biological Diversity.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is considering the center’s petition, filed in October, to add the flower to the federal list of endangered species. And the Nevada Division of Forestry announced this week it would soon start gathering public comments to help determine whether to take its own action to protect the plant.

“If you look at a map of the lithium deposits and a map of the buckwheat, there’s really no way to build the mine without wiping out the buckwheat,” Donnelly said. “We fully anticipate a fight for many years to come.”

The company acknowledges Tiehm’s buckwheat hasn’t been documented anywhere else on earth, but denies the mine would lead to its extinction.

Company officials say they’ve been researching the plant since 2016, going to great lengths to ensure its protection and examining how it’s fared during previous mining operations at Rhyolite Ridge, near the small town of Tonopah, over the past 80 years.

They recently spent $60,000 for a yearlong study at the University of Nevada, Reno. Scientists there are growing hundreds of seedlings in a greenhouse to determine whether it’s feasible to transplant them into the wild to bolster the limited population, an estimated 43,000 plants covering a total of 21 acres (8.5 hectares).

“We have always been aware of the buckwheat. It didn’t come as a surprise,” Ioneer President Bernard Rowe told The Associated Press in a phone interview from Australia.

All site activity has been undertaken with the “protection of the buckwheat first and foremost in mind,” Rowe said. He added the company’s mitigation strategy “will ensure protection and, in fact, the expansion of the buckwheat population.”

“We’re seeing evidence of that at the greenhouse at UNR,” Rowe said. “We’ve got a reasonably high degree of confidence we can successfully propagate these plants and protect them.”

University researchers are doing their best to replicate the harsh desert conditions with poor soil quality at the greenhouse where they planted 3,276 Tiehm seeds in January.

“We torture them. We want them to know life is hard, starting now,” said Beth Leger, a UNR plant ecologist who has done extensive research on invasive cheat grass and native plants of the Great Basin region.

She and her graduate assistant Jamey McClinton hoped as many as 600 would germinate, but were pleasantly surprised when 900 had sprouted by mid-February.

“We didn’t even know if it would grow in a greenhouse,” said McClinton, who did her master’s work on the related but distinct Crosby buckwheat and isn’t aware of anyone else trying to grow Tiehm’s.

The slow-growing flowers have fragile roots that dry out easily and make up 70% of the plant.

“We know they are very tolerant of horrible soil. That’s unusual,” Leger said. “What we don’t know is how it will grow in other kinds of soil.”

Leger, who also serves as director of UNR’s Museum of Natural History, said those who dismiss the flowers as weeds unworthy of all the fuss don’t understand the value of biodiversity.

“Weed is a human construct. A weed is a plant that grows anywhere a human doesn’t want it,” she said, adding biodiversity is “magic” and a safeguard against future loss.

The research funded by Ioneer is examining the possibility of transplanting plants as well as growing new ones from seedlings to be planted at or near the mining site.

As far as transplanting, Leger said, “I don’t think it’s an awesome idea.”

“To establish a real population,” McClinton added, “you have to grow them from seedlings on their own.”

But Donnelly said the new research appears to be aimed at finding an alternative site “to keep the species alive so Ioneer could destroy its habitat.”

He acknowledged a difference between transplanting plants and growing them from seeds, but said it’s “beside the point, really.”

“A species is more than a set of genetic material. A species is inextricable from its habitat,” Donnelly said. “To allow a species’ habitat to be wiped out and put it someplace else, is functionally allowing it to go extinct.”

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Nevada reviews possible mining threat to unique wildflower

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#Biology

[flashbarryallen]

Hi I met Bianca Del Rio last night and she’s amazing and commented on my picture I posted on Instagram so my life has peaked

[junker-town]

Every NFL Week 1 game, ranked by watchability

Set Number: X163478

These are the team that deserve your time this weekend.

The beginning of the new 18-game NFL season is right around the corner thanks to a shortened preseason, and it’s wild to think we’re beginning all this already.

If you’re a glorious degenerate like I am, and plan to watch numerous games in Week 1, here’s every game in the slate ranked so you know what to circle on the schedule, and what to avoid.

No. 16: Eagles vs. Falcons, Sunday 1 p.m. ET — Fox

Outside of these fanbases I have no idea who wants to see this. The Eagles are clearly not convinced in Jalen Hurts as their starter, or they wouldn’t be sniffing around potential trades — and the Falcons, well, they’ll probably win in unconvincing fashion.

No. 15: Jaguars vs. Texans, Sunday 1 p.m. ET — CBS

Oooof this game is going to be a stinker. You couldn’t pay me to watch the Texans play professional football this season. However, this narrowly avoids being worst game of the week because I’m curious to see Trevor Lawrence play.

No. 14: Packers vs. Saints, Sunday 4:25 p.m. ET — Fox

A team full of offseason drama vs. one moving on from the end of an era. It’ll be interesting to see the new-look Jameis Winston, who can reportedly actually see now, but other than that I don’t think this is super compelling.

No. 13: 49ers vs. Lions, Sunday 1 p.m. ET — Fox

This is an oddly interesting game. I’m curious to find out whether the 49ers defense can return the team to prominence while they wait for Trey Lance to take over, and see what the hell Dan Campbell’s Lions look like with Jared Goff.

No. 12: Broncos vs. Giants, Sunday 4:25 p.m. ET — Fox

The thing to really watch here is Daniel Jones, and whether he can basically start to save his own career because the writing is really on the wall.

No. 11: Vikings vs. Bengals, Sunday 1 p.m. ET — Fox

Joe Burrow has barely appeared this preseason, but hopefully for all concerned he’ll bounce back and return to pre-injury form. The Vikings will likely win this, and are better than they’re being given credit for.

No. 10: Bears vs. Rams, Sunday 8:20 p.m. ET — NBC

Ugh Andy Dalton starting, woof. At least we should see some interest on the other side of the ball with the Bears defense taking on Matthew Stafford.

No. 9: Seahawks vs. Colts, Sunday 1 p.m. ET — Fox

I am kind of interested to see Carson Wentz take over the Colts, but now he’s on the Covid list — making this all a big shrug.

No. 8: Jets vs. Panthers, Sunday 1 p.m. ET — CBS

This game has no business being ranked this highly, but it makes it just because of the drama and possibility of a Sam Darnold revenge game.

No. 7: Dolphins vs. Patriots, Sunday 4:25 p.m. ET — CBS

The Bills control the AFC East at this point, but it’s going to be interesting to see if the Dolphins 2020 wasn’t a fluke, and how Mac Jones fairs as full time starter.

No. 6: Chargers vs. Washington, Sunday 1 p.m. ET — CBS

An underrated game that would be higher if Washington had a more compelling QB than Ryan Fitzpatrick. Justin Herbert is poised to become one of the best QBs in the league if his development continues, and this might be the year the Chargers aren’t completely forgettable.

No. 5: Cardinals vs. Titans, Sunday 1 p.m. ET — CBS

I don’t think the Titans can stop Kyler Murray and co. in the air. I also don’t think the Cardinals can stop Derrick Henry on the ground. What can I say? I love offense.

No. 4: Ravens vs. Raiders, Monday 8:15 p.m. ET — ESPN

The Raiders are decidedly better on paper than their 8-8 record a year ago, and the Ravens are the Ravens ... they’re great. This will be fun.

No. 3: Cowboys vs. Buccaneers, Thursday 8:20 p.m. ET — NBC

A major statement game in the NFC to kick off the season with two teams who SHOULD make the playoffs when the dust settles.

No. 2: Browns vs. Chiefs, Sunday 4:25 p.m. ET — CBS

I can’t believe the Browns are in one of my most anticipated games of the week, but here we are. Obviously the Chiefs are looking to rebound after their crushing Super Bowl loss, while Cleveland is wanting to make a point that they can challenge in the AFC North.

No. 1: Steelers vs. Bills, Sunday 1 p.m. ET — CBS

If Dallas vs. Tampa Bay is the NFC’s statement game, this is the AFC’s. The Bills are looking to make a Super Bowl run this season and build off their success, while the Steelers are seeing if they can keep the ship afloat for one more season with Ben Roethlisberger at the helm. This is the game to watch this week for sure.

[actutrends]

The Houston Texans are the ultimate dark horse in the AFC

Bradley Roby, Houston Texans. (Image by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

The Houston Texans forced five turnovers vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to clinch the AFC South. Right now, Houston is the ultimate dark horse in the AFC.

It took a considerable amount of Jameis Winston interceptions, but the Houston Texans found a way to eke out a roadway triumph over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Saturday afternoon. With their 10 th win on the season, the Texans clinched the AFC South department crown for the fourth time in 5 years. Now that they’re in, Houston is the ultimate dark horse competitor in the AFC moving forward.

Undoubtedly, Houston is one of the most consistently inconsistent groups in the NFL. The Texans may have enhanced to 10 -5 on the year, but we never ever understand what kind of group we’re going to get out of them, week in and week out.

Generally, this team is led by the aerial attack connection between quarterback Deshaun Watson and pass receiver DeAndre Hopkins. In many weeks, we can count on this duo being able to extend the field vertically. Nevertheless, both former Clemson stars were mostly reduced the effects of on Saturday afternoon in Tampa.

Watson finished 19- of-32 passes for 184 yards and an interception, along with seven carries for 37 lawns. Hopkins only had five catches for 23 backyards on the day. What carried the team in Week 16 was the defense. Houston picked off Winston four times, consisting of a 27- yard trip to pay dirt by defensive back Bradley Roby. They also forced a fumble and a turnover on downs.

No, this was not one of the Texans’ better games, however a video game that a good group finds a way to win. This was not an easy task for Houston, as Tampa Bay was 7-7 entering play on Saturday afternoon, playing pretty well under brand-new head coach Bruce Arians. Even though it was far from pretty, this was a video game that makes the Texans the ultimate dark horse in the AFC.

On a provided day, they can play like an AFC Championship contender. On other days, they can appear like a team that should be selecting in the top 10 of the 2020 NFL Draft. Honestly, they are someplace in between, as the Texans are good enough to host a playoff video game as a division winner and maybe get a win or two this postseason. That has to do with all you can ask for out of them.

This is the 6th time the Texans have made the playoffs in franchise history, all 6 times coming as the AFC South winner. If the Texans can beat probably the No. 5 seed in the house on Wild Card Weekend, then they may have what it requires to give a team like the Baltimore Ravens a video game in the AFC Divisional Round. Anything beyond that would be the icing on the cake for them.

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The post The Houston Texans are the ultimate dark horse in the AFC appeared first on Actu Trends.

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N.F.L. Week 10 Predictions: Our Picks Against the Spread

The N.F.L. is down to one unbeaten team (the San Francisco 49ers), and you will have to wait until Monday night to see it play. This week’s games do not offer a lot of must-see matchups, but viewers should be buoyed considerably by the return of Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

Here is a look at N.F.L. Week 10, with all picks made against the point spread.

Last week’s record: 6-7-1

Overall record: 72-61-2

Sunday’s Best Games

Vikings at Cowboys, 8:20 p.m., NBC

Line: Cowboys -3 | Total: 47.5

As the Cowboys (5-3) went through a three-game losing streak, it was easy to wonder if their strong start to the season had been a mirage. Instead, it appears those three losses, in which Dallas dealt with injuries on its offensive line, were the anomaly. Back at something close to 100 percent, the Cowboys have rolled to consecutive wins with a combined score of 74-28.

Dallas’s hallmark this season has been the big play. Led by Amari Cooper, who is expected to play this week despite a bruised knee, the Cowboys’ wide receivers have produced 31 receptions of 20 or more yards through eight games, which is just eight short of the 39 they had in 2018. Cooper and Michael Gallup have done a great job of generating yardage after the catch, and quarterback Dak Prescott has thrived in Kellen Moore’s offense without taking away much productivity from Ezekiel Elliott and the running game.

The Vikings (6-3) are, in many ways, a similar team. Kirk Cousins has made good use of his star wide receivers while Dalvin Cook has churned out a league-leading 894 rushing yards. Both teams have above average defenses and, according to The Upshot, both face an extreme change in their postseason chances depending on the outcome. A win will give either team a 76 percent chance of a postseason berth, while a loss will drop Dallas to 53 percent and Minnesota to 49 percent.

With a close point spread and evenly matched teams, going with the home team seems right, especially with wide receiver Adam Thielen expected to miss the game for Minnesota. Pick: Cowboys -3

Panthers at Packers, 4:25 p.m., Fox

Line: Packers -5 | Total: 47

The Packers (7-2) started the year looking much improved on defense, but their enthusiasm has waned from week to week. They are still allowing fewer points per game (21) than they did last year (23.5), but their ranking in terms of total yardage allowed per game has declined from 18th in 2018 to 26th this year. Last week, those defensive shortcomings were evident as Green Bay was crushed after its offense pulled a disappearing act.

This week may not be any easier. Green Bay struggles to defend running backs, and the Panthers (5-3) have the most versatile and productive back in the N.F.L.: Christian McCaffrey, who is on a pace to make a serious challenge at Chris Johnson’s single-season record for yards from scrimmage (2,509, set in 2009).

That being said, consider this: Aaron Rodgers was embarrassed last week, and he now gets to face a middling defense at home. Pick: Packers -5

Chiefs at Titans, 1 p.m., CBS

Line: Off | Total: Off

Patrick Mahomes, who sustained a dislocated kneecap in Week 7, will start for the Chiefs (6-3). Matt Moore had a terrific run as a fill-in, but there’s no question that Kansas City’s prospects improve dramatically with the reigning winner of the N.F.L.’s Most Valuable Player Award under center. The Titans (4-5) have improved offensively since Ryan Tannehill took over as quarterback, and their defense makes you work for every yard. With Mahomes back, this is an easy call. Pick: Chiefs

Rams at Steelers, 4:25 p.m., Fox

Line: Rams -3.5 | Total: 44

It’s impossible to know how good the Los Angeles Rams (5-3) are. They opened the season 3-0, then dropped three straight, the same pattern as the Cowboys. That they won their last two games ahead of their bye week was nice, but it’s hard to put too much stock in wins over Atlanta and Cincinnati, which have one win between them. Playing the Steelers (4-4) is the closest thing to a real test Los Angeles has had in close to a month. Pittsburgh has generated an impressive 22 turnovers this season, and while the Steelers are not explosive on offense, they tend to get the job done, which makes them an odd fit as an underdog at home. Pick: Steelers +3.5

How Important Are This Week’s Games?

Ravens at Bengals, 1 p.m., CBS

Line: Ravens -10 | Total: 44

The Ravens (6-2) beat the previously 8-0 Patriots in Week 9 and will try to keep their concentration up this week when they face the 0-8 Bengals. The contrast is extreme, and while Baltimore found plenty of running room against New England, it’s almost scary to think how much could be available against Cincinnati. Sure, opponents have run to chew up the clock against the Bengals, but that is not the only contributor to their league-worst 177.6 rushing yards per game allowance. The Ravens’ offense has averaged an N.F.L.-best 204.9.

It’s a mismatch made in fantasy football heaven, and even with the wild card of how Cincinnati’s offense will differ with Ryan Finley replacing Andy Dalton at quarterback, it still has the makings of a blowout. Pick: Ravens -10

Falcons at Saints, 1 p.m., Fox

Line: Saints -13 | Total: 51.5

Teddy Bridgewater helped keep the Saints (7-1) in first place in the N.F.C. South while Drew Brees recovered from surgery on his thumb, but the team did not score at its normal rate — through eight games, it is 15th in the N.F.L. in points per game (24.4). That ranking could improve in a hurry. Over the next four weeks, the Saints face Atlanta (31.2 points allowed a game), Tampa Bay (31.5), Carolina (25.5) and then Atlanta again. Scoring 30 or more points in a win at home should be easy enough for New Orleans, but with Matt Ryan expected to be back for the Falcons (1-7), this game could be more of a shootout than a blowout. Pick: Falcons +13

Bills at Browns, 1 p.m., CBS

Line: Browns -2.5 | Total: 40

The Bills (6-2) have been thoroughly outplayed only once this season (a Week 8 loss to Philadelphia). In the other games, Buffalo’s defense put on a show and its offense found a way to survive. The Browns (2-6), meanwhile, seem to find new dysfunction weekly. Their losing streak, which began in October, was understandable considering the opponents (San Francisco, Seattle, New England), but turned ugly when Brandon Allen and the lowly Broncos stretched it to four games. Cleveland has a ton of talent, but it does not appear that quarterback Baker Mayfield knows what to do with it. Pick: Bills +2.5

Cardinals at Buccaneers, 1 p.m., Fox

Line: Buccaneers -4 | Total: 52

Over the last five weeks, the Cardinals (3-5-1) have established that they can beat bad teams (wins over Cincinnati, Atlanta and the Giants) and lose to good ones (New Orleans, San Francisco). The Buccaneers (2-6) are an interesting challenge as they are nowhere near as bad as the teams Arizona beat, but nowhere near as good as the teams that beat Arizona. Linebacker Shaquil Barrett and Tampa Bay’s defense can put a lot of pressure on Arizona’s Kyler Murray, but his Cardinals counterpoint, Chandler Jones, could play an even larger role, rattling Jameis Winston into the game-changing turnovers that the Buccaneers quarterback is famous for. Pick: Cardinals +4

Dolphins at Colts, 4:05 p.m., CBS

Line: Colts -10.5 | Total: 44

You might think Las Vegas would ease up on the Dolphins (1-7) after they secured their first win of the season, but oddsmakers have instead made them double-digit underdogs to the Colts (5-3), even though there is ambiguity as to whether Indianapolis will have its starting quarterback, Jacoby Brissett, or if Brian Hoyer will have to start in his place. The Colts are a much better team than Miami, and should absolutely be expected to win, but the uncertainty of their quarterback situation makes a close game more likely. Pick: Dolphins +10.5

Lions at Bears, 1 p.m., CBS

Line: Bears -2.5 | Total: 42

The Bears (3-5) have been reeling during their four-game losing streak. Mitchell Trubisky even asked for the televisions in the team’s practice facility to be turned off so he didn’t have to hear the criticism. A home game against the Lions (3-4-1) could be a huge morale boost, as Detroit allows an average of 424.1 yards of offense a game, which is 31st of 32 teams. But should Chicago fail to make something work with Trubisky or David Montgomery against a defense that porous, then the TV criticism would appear to have a point. Pick: Lions +2.5

Giants at Jets, 1 p.m., Fox

Line: Giants -2.5 | Total: 43.5

The Jets (1-7) muscled their way into a discussion of the N.F.L.’s worst teams with a loss to Miami last week, while the Giants (2-7) are merely bad. That this game will be played up into some sort of event is mostly a factor of the teams’ proximity to New York City. Pick: Giants -2.5

Monday’s Matchup

Seahawks at 49ers, 8:15 p.m., ESPN

Line: 49ers -6 | Total: 46.5

The 49ers (8-0) were running away with another huge win last week, right up until the fourth quarter when Arizona reeled off 11 consecutive points. San Francisco still won, but considering how dominant the team has been on both sides of the ball this season, that the Niners struggled at all was noteworthy. This week, the 49ers face the Seahawks (7-2), an N.F.C. West division rival that may not have the defense it once did, but has so much offense that it has hardly seemed to matter. Richard Sherman is thriving in the secondary of the 49ers, which should come up repeatedly during this game.

It has been a dream season for Seattle’s Russell Wilson, who is leading the N.F.L.’s starters in touchdown passes, passer rating, touchdown percentage and interception percentage. San Francisco is by far the best defense he has faced, and Sherman will most likely be fired up to beat the team that thought he was washed up. Pick: 49ers -6

Thursday’s Matchup

While agreeing with Jon Gruden that Thursday games tend to be sloppy messes, we picked Chargers -1. The game was as ugly as expected, with Philip Rivers throwing three interceptions — and having two others wiped away by penalties — while the Raiders committed a season-high 12 penalties for 97 yards. But Gruden’s views on Thursday games likely improved somewhat when Josh Jacobs, Oakland’s sensational rookie running back, sliced through the Chargers’ defense for a go-ahead 18-yard touchdown run in the final two minutes of a 26-24 victory.

How Betting Lines Work

A quick primer for those who are not familiar with betting lines: Favorites are listed next to a negative number that represents how many points they must win by to cover the spread. Rams -3.5, for example, means that Los Angeles must beat the Steelers by at least four points for its backers to win their bet. Gamblers can also bet on the total score, or whether the teams’ combined score in the game is over or under a preselected number of points.

Bye weeks: Denver, New England, Philadelphia, Washington, Jacksonville, Houston.

All times are Eastern.

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Hi Sven

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The 7 biggest questions ahead of the Chiefs-Bucs Super Bowl

Patrick Mahomes and Tom Brady square-off in Super Bowl LV. These are the questions that will determine the big game.

Super Bowl 55 is set.

This year, the Kansas City Chiefs and Tampa Bay Buccaneers will fight for the right to hoist the Lombardi Trophy in the final game of the 2020-2021 NFL season.

Representing the NFC will be the Bucs, who finished the regular season 11-5 and are making the Super Bowl as a No. 5 seed. They narrowly defeated the top-seeded Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship, 31-26, and will now look to win the franchise’s second Super Bowl.

For the AFC, it’s the Chiefs for a second-straight year following their 38-24 win over the Buffalo Bills. The defending champs are trying to build a dynasty in the making by becoming to first team to win the Super Bowl in consecutive years since Brady and the New England Patriots did it in 2003 and 2004.

Speaking of dynasties, Tom Brady will look to claim his seventh Lombardi Trophy in his first season with Tampa Bay after winning six in New England. It’s Brady’s 10th appearance in the Super Bowl.

This will be the second time Brady and Mahomes have faced off in the playoffs, the last being in the 2019 AFC Championship that saw Brady and the Patriots come way with a 37-31 win in overtime. That was also the Chiefs’ last postseason defeat.

Here is what you need to know about Super Bowl 55.

How to watch Super Bowl 55

Teams: Buccaneers vs. Chiefs

Date: Sunday, Feb. 7

Time: 6 p.m. ET (Approximate kickoff time: 6:30 p.m.)

Location: Raymond James Stadium (Tampa, Florida)

TV Channel: CBS

Announcers: Jim Nantz and Tony Romo will call the action.

Online Stream: FuboTV, CBS All-Access and CBS Sports.

SB Nation’s Chiefs Blog: Arrowhead Pride

SB Nation’s Bucs Blog: Bucs Nation

How many fans can attend Super Bowl LV?

We’ll be seeing history made when the Buccaneers ‘host’ Super Bowl 55. They have become the first team in NFL history to play a Super Bowl in their home venue, as Raymond James Stadium will host this year’s title game.

After the Buccaneers had limited fan attendance this season due to COVID-19, the NFL is allowing 22,000 fans to attend Super Bowl LV.

The Buccaneers went 5-3 at home in the regular season, which included a 27-24 loss to the Chiefs in Week 12, so beating Brady in this stadium can be done. Will this homefield advantage actually help against a Chiefs team that’s already won in this stadium?

Will Mahomes get revenge on Brady?

The biggest story of Super Bowl 55 is going to be Mahomes vs. Brady II.

The first time these two faced off in the postseason came in that 2019 AFC title game when Brady’s Patriots walked it off in OT with Mahomes never touching the ball in the extra period. That is still the only playoff loss Mahomes has ever suffered in the NFL.

While Brady is currently regarded as the greatest QB of all-time, Mahomes is off to a fast start toward making that claim before his career is over. Already having made two Super Bowl appearances before his third season as a full-time starter even ends, Mahomes is the future of the NFL, and he looks primed to have a record-breaking career of his own.

But to be the man, you gotta beat the man.

Mahomes has a long hill to climb to ever surpass Brady as the GOAT, but beating him in the Super Bowl would be a major step forward.

If Brady wins, however, he’ll claim his seventh Lombardi Trophy, two of which will have come at Mahomes’ expense. That would further solidify Brady as the greatest and make it extremely difficult for anyone to ever top.

Can Tampa Bay’s suffocating defense slow down Mahomes?

Despite finishing the regular season with an 11-5 record, the Buccaneers entered the playoffs as the NFC’s No. 5 seed, which meant they’d very likely have to win three road games to make just the franchise’s second Super Bowl and first since 2003.

Only three teams in NFL history had ever won three road games to make the Super Bowl, one of which being the 2010 Packers led by Aaron Rodgers, who won his first and only Lombardi Trophy that season.

As the old saying goes, defense travels, and Tampa Bay’s has done that in a big way.

After dispatching Washington in the Wild Card Round, the Bucs suffocated the Saints in the Divisional Round, grabbing four turnovers and forcing Drew Brees into arguably his worst playoff game ever. New Orleans swept the regular-season series with Tampa Bay to win the NFC South, but no one has ever beaten Tom Brady three times in the same season, especially when he’s got a defense like this.

Then came the NFC Championship at historic Lambeau Field against a fellow future Hall of Fame QB in Aaron Rodgers. Though it was billed as a Rodgers - Brady clash, it was Tampa’s defense that stole the show, holding the Packers to just 26 points, sacking Rodgers five times, and forcing two turnovers, both of which were converted to touchdown.

Even more impressive was the Buccaneers defense allowing just seven points off of Brady’s three interceptions. Through three playoff games, they’ve allowed an average of 23 points per game, have forced seven turnovers and allowed just eight touchdowns.

This defense is the real deal, and they’ll need to keep playing like it to slow down the Chiefs’ loaded offense.

Will Brady win his first ring without Bill Belichick?

It’s been a magical season for Brady, who turned 43 prior to Week 1 and went on to equal that number in total touchdowns (40 passing, 3 rushing) during the regular season. He finished his first season in Tampa Bay with 40 touchdown passes (most ever by a player in his first season with a team) and 4,633 passing yards (second-most ever by a player in his first season with a team).

Brady, who already holds the NFL record for all-time playoff wins by one player, now has 33 to his name, 12 ahead of former teammate Adam Vinatieri with 21.

But this time around, Brady managed to accomplish something he’d never done in his Hall of Fame career: Win three road games to make the Super Bowl.

Can Brady now finish the deal and win his first Super Bowl without Bill Belichick? The two combined to win six during Brady’s time with the Patriots. When the team opted not to re-sign him this past offseason, many wondered if Brady could win a title without Belichick.

Now, Brady is one game away from further validating his status as the greatest QB of all time, even though he spent much of his career with arguably the greatest head coach of all time.

Will Antonio Brown play (and be effective) in the Super Bowl?

The Buccaneers managed to get by the Packers without the services of Antonio Brown, who was out with a knee injury suffered in the Divisional Round. The injury came just as Brown was establishing good chemistry with Brady, including two catches for 49 yards and a touchdown in the 31-23 Wild Card win over Washington.

Brown didn’t practice at all leading up to the NFC Championship, so for now, he looks questionable for the Super Bowl, even though he’ll get nearly two weeks to recover for it. Even if Brown plays doesn’t mean he’ll be healthy enough to make an impact. We’ve seen teams deploy injured receivers to effectively use as decoys, similar to what we saw the Saints essentially do with Michael Thomas in the Divisional Round (Thomas reportedly had a torn deltoid and other ligament damage).

Though he is no longer at Thomas’ level, Brown is still someone who will draw attention from the defense if he’s simply on the field. But to win a potential shootout with Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs’ high-powered offense, the Bucs really need Brown to make an impact catching the ball.

It would also be quite the comeback story for Brown after his off-field issues appeared to have nuked his NFL career. He’s now one game away from hoisting his first Lombardi Trophy. And given his pending legal issues, he may not get another.

Can ANYONE stop Travis Kelce?

Travis Kelce has left no doubt he’s the best tight end in the NFL. He’s also in the process of having the greatest season a tight end has ever had.

After setting the single-season record for receiving yards by a tight end, Kelce is having a torrid postseason with 21 grabs for 227 yards and three scores in wins over the Browns and Bills.

Dating back to Week 8, Kelce has caught seven-plus passes in 10-straight games, an absurd rate for an All-Pro wide receiver, let alone a tight end.

Forget position labels. Kelce is establishing himself as one of the best pass-catchers in NFL history, and he has chance to further cement that belief with another Super Bowl-winning performance.

In the regular-season win at Tampa Bay, Kelce caught all eight of his targets for 82 yards in the 27-24 win. The Bucs defense will have to do better in the rematch to pull off the win.

Will Bruce Arians become the oldest head coach to ever win a Super Bowl?

It’s been a magical brief coaching career for Bruce Arians, who didn’t become a full-time NFL head coach until he was 60 when the Arizona Cardinals hired him in 2013 (he did go 9-3 as the interim head coach of the Colts in 2012 while Chuck Pagano recovered from cancer). He went 49-30 across five seasons with an NFC Championship Game berth in 2015 (lost to Panthers) before briefly retiring following the 2017 season.

Arians would unretire and take the Buccaneers head-coaching job in 2019. After a year behind 30-for-30 Jameis Winston, the Buccaneers managed to land Brady in the offseason after the Patriots opted not to re-sign him.

Now, Arians is coaching in his fourth Super Bowl and first as a head coach (he went to three as an assistant with the Steelers). He has a chance to become the oldest NFL head coach to ever win a Super Bowl, surpassing Bill Belichick doing it at age 66 in Super Bowl 53 (read more on the oldest coaches to ever win a title here).

How will Chiefs slow down Shaquil Barrett following Eric Fisher injury?

After a slow start in just his third trip to the playoffs, Shaquil Barrett reminded everyone why he’s one of the NFL’s best pass-rushers. Though he didn’t record a second in Tampa Bay’s first two playoff games, Barrett erupted for three sacks in the NFC Championship vs. the Packers, two of which came in the fourth quarter with his team clinging to a one-score lead. He chipped in two tackles for loss and four QB hits for good measure.

When the Chiefs and Bucs played in the regular season, Barrett managed to get one sack, two QB hits and one tackle for loss. While a solid outing, Tampa Bay needs Barrett to have a bigger impact to stop the Chiefs’ high-scoring offense.

Part of why Barrett didn’t go off in the first matchup was the Chiefs’ standout offensive line, which allowed the fifth-fewest sacks (24) in the regular season. A big part of that was left tackle Eric Fisher, a two-time Pro Bowler who’s one of the league’s best blindside protectors.

Unfortunately, Fisher suffered a major injury late in the Chiefs’ AFC Championship win over the Bills. The team announced it was an Achilles injury, and teammates were seen consoling him after the game, so it’s not looking good that he plays again this season.

If Fisher misses the Super Bowl, Mike Remmers is a suitable replacement (he currently has a solid 70.1 PFF grade compared to 80.0 for Fisher), but it’s still a downgrade that Tampa Bay will look to exploit in Round 2. and Barrett will be a big part of that.

[buddyrabrahams]

10 NFL players who will thrive with their new team

The 2019 offseason has seen no shortage of major trades, big names on the move, and players full of potential landing in new locations. Some of the fits appear obvious, while others may make you scratch your head. But which moves will turn out to be the best? Which players will thrive in their new locations? Let’s take a look.

10. Earl Thomas, Baltimore Ravens

As talent began to depart in Seattle, Earl Thomas saw his production and playing time decrease — the latter the result of injuries over the previous three seasons. A fresh start in Baltimore may prove revitalizing for Thomas, who will bring to the Ravens the same sort of playing style the team lost when Ed Reed walked following the 2012 season. Needless to say, it’s been a long drought for the once defensively superior Ravens, but that comes to an end in 2019 — at least at the safety position. Thomas provides the exact style of play Baltimore has been in search of, while his veteran experience and leadership in the locker-room can not possibly be overstated.

9. Jabrill Peppers, New York Giants

Jabrill Peppers entered the NFL essentially position-less and unsuccessfully tried to take over the free safety role during his rookie campaign. The growing pains were obvious, but more than the first-year transition, Peppers simply wasn’t cut out to take on big-time receiving threats in coverage. In 2018, Peppers took a dramatic leap forward playing strong safety and playing closer to the line of scrimmage. In New York, taking over for Landon Collins, that is precisely the role Peppers will assume, allowing him to develop his strength without having to concern himself with playing free safety.

8. Joe Flacco, Denver Broncos

The pressure had begun mounting for Joe Flacco in Baltimore years ago, so his benching a season ago came as little surprise. However, contrary to popular belief, Flacco was actually performing at a solid clip early on, ranking 16th overall in DVOA just behind Jameis Winston, Baker Mayfield and Aaron Rodgers. In Denver, Flacco will takes the reigns with far less pressure while also providing the Broncos’ offense with the one thing they’ve been lacking: a quarterback capable of throwing the deep ball. Expect Flacco to produce at or above his career averages, especially if John Elway & Co. cut him loose.

7. Michael Bennett, New England Patriots

Michael Bennett has already established himself as a quality defensive lineman capable of playing both inside and outside, but even after an arguable career year in 2018, he’s poised to get even better as a member of the Patriots. His off-field controversies and locker-room presence aside, Bennett is the exact type of player Bill Belichick tends to get the most out of. As for those potential locker-room issues, they won’t fly in Foxborough. The Patriots have a way of nipping that stuff in the bud and keeping players completely focused on the game of football. Expect big things from Bennett in 2019, which may be frustrating to hear for those who are sick and tired of New England.

6. Nick Foles, Jacksonville Jaguars

It’s been a wild and rewarding ride for Nick Foles in recent years, and he has the Eagles to thank not only for that, but also for doing the right thing and letting him walk into free agency unimpeded. Now Foles finds himself in Jacksonville as the face of their franchise. There’s no one looking over his shoulder, his job is secure, and he knows what to expect going into work each day. All of that will culminate in Foles finally reaching his ceiling, which was witnessed in a glimpse during the team’s improbable Super Bowl run just two seasons ago. So long as the Jaguars can shore up their offensive line, Foles may rapidly develop into one of the best quarterbacks in the game.

5. Trey Flowers, Detroit Lions

Trey Flowers had a level of success with the New England Patriots, but was capped by their system and style of play. That’s not a bad thing. For some, like the aforementioned Michael Bennett, it will work out. But for Flowers, he needs a little more defensive freedom, which he will find in spades in Detroit. Additionally, the Lions have suddenly begun to churn out pass rushers with remarkably frequency — Devon Kennard, Romeo Okwara and Jarrad Davis come to mind. Flowers, of course, is more of a pure pass rusher who will excel in those situations, wracking up the sacks at a faster clip than his new teammates. Expect double-digit sacks in 2019 and beyond.

4. Landon Collins, Washington Redskins

It was only a few seasons ago that Landon Collins was in the running for Defensive Player of the Year. Since then, Collins’ production has steadily declined and the “box safety” label that plagued him coming out of college has returned. Part of that is due to repeated defensive coordinator changes, a lack of talent alongside him, and being forced to play out of position due to injuries. Whatever role Collins has in Washington will be defined, which immediately puts him ahead of the curve. So long as they pair him with a quality ball-hawking safety, Collins will be able to return to the player who was one considered on the level of elite defenders.

3. Le’Veon Bell, New York Jets

After sitting out an entire year, Le’Veon Bell will return to the field as a member of the upstart New York Jets, who are suddenly feeling quite good about themselves. Not only will Bell be running with a chip on his shoulder, but he’ll do so behind a quality offensive line and ascending young quarterback. And that is precisely where Bell will bring the greatest value. Although he’ll likely gain upwards of 2,000 yards from scrimmage, providing Sam Darnold a trusted outlet will go a long way is helping to build his confidence. It will also boost Darnold’s numbers and create opportunities for other playmakers to step up as Bell draws the vast majority of defensive attention.

2. Antonio Brown, Oakland Raiders

It was clear to anyone with a pulse that Antonio Brown had worn out his welcome in Pittsburgh and was no longer capable of coexisting with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. Accordingly, he forced a trade to the Oakland Raiders where he will be able to start fresh with a new quarterback. And as the Raiders continue to retool, head coach Jon Gruden will lean heavily on his veterans and superstars, meaning Brown immediately will become the focal point of Oakland’s offense. How high he can fly as the centerpiece of a potentially talented offense is anyone’s guess, but we’re all going to find out in short order.

1. Odell Beckham Jr, Cleveland Browns

Odell Beckham Jr. is already an elite superstar, but things simply weren’t working out in New York. Fresh scenery and a new start in Cleveland could be just what he needs, not only because Beckham escapes the bright lights and gossip of The Big Apple, but also because he reunites with friends and former college teammates. Additionally, Beckham now has the added benefit of playing for a team on the rise with a young quarterback who may fit his style of play better than Eli Manning did previously. So long as he can stay healthy, Beckham should have his best season in 2019.

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If Eagles are to get respectable, they must get wins now

New Post has been published on https://www.articletec.com/if-eagles-are-to-get-respectable-they-must-get-wins-now/

If Eagles are to get respectable, they must get wins now

Enough of this.

If the Eagles are going to make a respectable showing after their first Super Bowl title, it’s time to do so. They have lost three of their past four, turn over the ball too often, and can’t make big defensive stops.

They are heavily injured physically and, perhaps psychologically, by a 4-6 record as they host the New York Giants (3-7) on Sunday.

“It’s uncharted territory a little bit,” coach Doug Pederson says. “I think the guys have really handled it well. They’re disappointed, they’re frustrated, quite frankly, as we all are. We haven’t played up to the caliber that we’re capable of playing.

“Nobody is going to feel sorry for us, and we’re not going to do the same. We just have to come to work ready and practice, and prepare, and as they say, try to go 1-0 each week.”

Six weeks of 1-0 might be good enough to win the NFC East, in which they trail Washington by two games and Dallas by one. The Eagles have two games left with the Redskins and one with the Cowboys, to whom they have lost in Philly.

New York has won two in a row to temporarily quiet the social media and tabloid complaints about Eli Manning. The veteran quarterback has proven that given some time to throw – the O-line has vastly improved the past two weeks – he still can produce. And he has talented teammates in Saquon Barkley, Odell Beckham Jr., Evan Engram and Sterling Shepard.

“I think we’re running the ball better than we did, so I feel like we’re playing better football, but we got to continue doing that,” Manning says. “They’re a good team, they’re a good defense, they got a good front four and they’re a little banged-up in the secondary, but they’ll have a good plan and we just got to go execute.”

The weekend began with the Thanksgiving Day tripleheader.

At New Orleans, Drew Brees threw four touchdown passes to inexperienced receivers and the Saints (10-1) won their 10th straight game with a 31-17 victory over Atlanta (4-7) that eliminated the Falcons from contention in the NFC South.

At Dallas, Amari Cooper had a 90-yard touchdown catch while finishing with 180 yards receiving and two scores and Dallas pulled even with Washington atop the NFC East at 6-5 with a 31-23 Thanksgiving victory over the Redskins.

At Detroit, Chase Daniel set career highs with 230 yards passing and two touchdowns to keep Chicago (8-3) rolling with a 23-16 win over the Lions (4-7).

Off this week are the Chiefs and Rams, the final byes of the season. They are probably exhausted after that 54-51 Monday night affair in which Los Angeles improved to 10-1 and Kansas City fell to 9-2.

Seattle (5-5) at Carolina (6-4)

The winner here could place itself in strong position for a wild card. Neither the Seahawks nor Panthers figure to catch their division leaders, the Rams and Saints, respectively. A Seahawks loss clinches the NFC West for LA.

Carolina has lost two straight in entirely different manners, a blowout at the hands of Pittsburgh and then a one-point defeat at Detroit when a 2-point conversion failed .

Both teams will want to run the ball; Seattle leads the league in yards on the ground despite not having a standout running back.

Tennessee (5-5) at Houston (7-3), Monday night

Not only are the Texans, winners of seven in a row, in charge of the AFC South, they’ve become a factor for a potential playoff bye. They’ll need to keep up the excellent work on both sides of the ball.

J.J. Watt has made an impressive comeback from basically two wasted seasons with 10 sacks and a seemingly non-stop presence around the ball. He could be particularly destructive if the Titans need to play Blaine Gabbert for the injured starting QB, Marcus Mariota.

The Titans have been maddeningly inconsistent. They dominate New England, then get blown out at Indianapolis. This is a rare difficult matchup for the rest of their schedule.

Pittsburgh (7-2-1) at Denver (4-6)

A sign of a contender is playing poorly – very poorly at times – and still winning. The Steelers did that last week at Jacksonville, a game that could catapult them to bigger things in a division they already control.

Antonio Brown is tied for the league lead with 11 touchdown receptions and has at least one touchdown catch in eight consecutive games. With a TD reception on Sunday, Brown would tie Hall of Famer Lance Alworth (in 1963) and A.J. Green (in 2012) for the third-longest streak of games with a touchdown catch in a single season. Jerry Rice has the mark with 12 in 1987.

Denver comes off a stirring comeback victory at the Chargers and linebacker Von Miller comes off another one of his dominant performances with a key interception and his 100th sack.

Miami (5-5) at Indianapolis (5-5)

A pair of .500 teams headed in opposite directions.

The Dolphins are reeling, coming off a bye after losses in three of four, but expect to have starting quarterback Ryan Tannehill back from a shoulder injury. The Miami offense has gone nine quarters without a touchdown.

Indy is one of the NFL’s hottest teams with four consecutive victories. Andrew Luck has thrown a TD pass in a league-high 33 straight games, and at least three TD passes in seven straight, tying Dan Marino for the third-longest streak in NFL history. Luck can tie Peyton Manning (eight) for No. 2 against Miami.

He also has not been sacked since Oct. 4, a career-best 214 attempts. That five-game string without a sack is tied for third longest since 1982.

Green Bay (4-5-1) at Minnesota (5-4-1)

Yet another prime-time appearance for the Vikings, who are 0-3 at night. Both teams are chasing the Bears, of course, and have wild-card aspirations, too.

If Minnesota doesn’t find a ground game, it’s likely doomed to being home in January; it ranks 31st. Green Bay allowed 173 rushing yards to the Seahawks last week.

Green Bay doesn’t have that problem. Aaron Jones, who missed the early season tie between these clubs while suspended, has 342 rushing yards and four TDs in the past four games, plus 12 receptions for 100 yards and one TD. Jones leads the league with 6.4 yards per rush.

But the Packers have lost seven straight regular-season road games since winning in overtime at Cleveland last Dec. 10.

New England (7-3) at New York Jets (3-7)

Just what the spiraling Jets need: Tom Brady and the very annoyed Patriots making a visit.

New England played poorly at Tennessee before its bye, but wasn’t within light years of how badly the Jets performed in their loss to Buffalo. While the Patriots are on pace for their one-millionth straight AFC East title (actually their 10th), the heat on Jets coach Todd Bowles has intensified. New York has lost four in a row and has beaten New England once in the past eight tries.

Brady needs 147 passing yards and four touchdown passes to surpass Peyton Manning (79,279 passing yards and 579 touchdown passes) for the most in each category in NFL history, including the postseason.

Jacksonville (3-7) at Buffalo (3-7)

The Jaguars had a chance to turn around their disappointing season when they led Pittsburgh 16-0 last week. They folded, and now the questions intensify about the security of the coaching staff and quarterback Blake Bortles.

Still, though Jacksonville has dropped six in a row, it’s remaining schedule is anything but difficult. To not make some sort of turnaround would be inexcusable.

One thing worth noting about the Bills: They keep coming at you, despite perhaps the least-talented offensive roster in the league. Their defense makes them competitive.

Arizona (2-8) at Los Angeles Chargers (7-3)

The Chargers blew a chance to be tied for the AFC West lead with some suspect play calls and play-not-to-lose mentality late against Denver. Still, they are in excellent shape for a playoff berth, particularly if Philip Rivers makes better decisions with a game on the line.

Rivers has 23 touchdown passes and has thrown for at least 25 in 10 consecutive seasons. He needs two TD throws to tie former teammate Drew Brees for the second-longest streak. Peyton Manning had 13.

Like LA, the Cardinals come off a late-game fold, against Oakland.

Oakland (2-8) at Baltimore (5-5)

With Joe Flacco sidelined against Cincinnati, first-round pick Lamar Jackson brought a running game to the QB position, something Flacco won’t be doing when he returns.

The Ravens rushed for 265 yards as Jackson ran 27 times for 117 yards, Gus Edwards had 115 yards on the ground and both rookies rushed for seven first downs.

“Oh, he had 27 carries,” coach John Harbaugh said. “You know what he did? He won the game. He played his tail off. Celebrate that, and move on.”

The Raiders hadn’t celebrated a victory since Sept. 30. They ranked 31st in run defense, so another win here seems unlikely.

Cleveland (3-6-1) at Cincinnati (5-5)

The Bengals have been ravaged by injuries and seem headed for yet another disappointing season. But a win Sunday would keep them in the wild-card chase.

Neither team plays much defense, so while this won’t be Chiefs-Rams, it could keep the scoreboard lit.

San Francisco (2-8) at Tampa Bay (3-7)

Not much to recommend here.

Bucs receiver Mike Evans has 957 yards receiving and can join Hall of Famer Randy Moss (six consecutive seasons) and A.J. Green (five) as the only players in NFL history with at least 1,000 receiving yards in each of their first five seasons. He figures to get it against the 49ers whether Jameis Winston returns to starting duty at quarterback or Ryan Fitzpatrick goes.

___

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Week 15 NFL picks in opposition to unfold: Patriots cease Steelers; Cowboys keep alive

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Week 15 NFL picks in opposition to unfold: Patriots cease Steelers; Cowboys keep alive

Week 14 was wild, with each climate and wackiness. With extra on the road in Week 15 because the NFL playoff image turns into extra clear, the video games are certain to be much more enjoyable and unpredictable.

Whereas some contenders are operating into hindrances, some pretenders have discovered sudden legs to make issues extra attention-grabbing, too.

Listed here are this week’s predictions and prognostications, each in opposition to the unfold and straight up. Thanks once more to Bovada for the Week 15 betting traces.

Sunday, Four:25 p.m., CBS

The Patriots did not play effectively Monday night time. Tom Brady and Invoice Belichick have been visibly sad with what occurred in Miami. However that solely means they’ll go “on to Pittsburgh” with a transparent focus. Nothing associated to the Patriots’ larger aim was misplaced in opposition to the Dolphins. Rob Gronkowski is again to wreak havoc on the Steelers like he at all times does. The Patriots can have their fingers full with Le’Veon Bell and Antonio Brown, however their depth, versatility and variety will enable them to win an anticipated shootout, as Brady and Belichick will proceed to have Mike Tomlin’s quantity.

PICK: Patriots win 33-27 and canopy the unfold.

Sunday Four:05 p.m. ET, Fox

Jared Goff blew an alternative to shut out the Eagles, and it’ll price the Rams in shedding management of the NFC West per week later. The Seahawks will come out flying at dwelling to make up for his or her newest sluggish begin in Jacksonville. They will swarm to comprise Todd Gurley to allow them to tee off on Goff. In the meantime, Russell Wilson, with his mobility, his huge arm and Jimmy Graham, can have his manner with a hurting Rams protection.

PICK: Seahawks win 27-17 and canopy the unfold.

WEEK 15: NFL playoff image | Clinching eventualities

Saturday eight:25 p.m. ET, NFL Community

The Chargers merely are the most effective staff within the AFC West in the meanwhile. Positive, they have been Zero-Four at one level, however the Chiefs simply ended their model of that hunch. Philip Rivers is sizzling, and the QB will keep snug in opposition to a fading move rush and unhealthy secondary. Talking of move rush and secondary, these are LA’s strengths, and that received’t bode effectively for Alex Smith.

PICK: Chargers win 23-20 and canopy the unfold.

Thursday eight:25 p.m. ET, NBC/NFL Community/Amazon Prime Video | fuboTV

OK, we succeeded in motivating the Broncos by assuming they might lose at dwelling to the Jets, and so they responded with a shutout. Now they’ll dig themselves additional out of the outlet to presumably give Vance Joseph an opportunity at not being one and executed. Indy is operating on empty making an attempt to avoid wasting Chuck Pagano. Denver proved it nonetheless has a ton of defensive expertise when the offense is not getting in the way in which. The fundamental sport plan will work simply positive right here in opposition to a extra restricted staff on either side of the ball.

PICK: Broncos win 20-16.

Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, CBS

The Vikings shot themselves within the foot a number of instances in Carolina, and so they’ll take it out on a reeling Cincinnati staff. Minnesota will return to stuffing a lesser operating sport, whereas Xavier Rhodes will comprise A.J. Inexperienced. The Bengals’ defensive damage points proved to be an excessive amount of in opposition to the Bears. Cincinnati’s former defensive coordinator, Mike Zimmer, will assist make the seat underneath Marvin Lewis a lot hotter.

PICK: Vikings win 33-10 and canopy the unfold.

Saturday, Four:30 p.m., NFL Community

Don’t overlook about Detroit in that determined NFC playoff combine, given it’s at the moment forward of each Inexperienced Bay and Dallas within the pecking order at No. eight. The Lions will get a battle from the Bears early because of Jordan Howard’s continued robust operating. Finally, although, Matthew Stafford will get the ball within the fourth quarter with an opportunity to place it away, again within the confines of his dwelling dome.

PICK: Lions win 27-20 and canopy the unfold.

Sunday, 1 p.m., Fox

The Redskins have not even had possibilities to win video games in latest weeks. Every part is falling aside, led by each traces. They need to stand up for a greater effort right here, however nonetheless, the Cardinals’ protection is constructed to trigger them main issues. Sadly for Arizona, it will not get away with close to zero offense from Blaine Gabbert for a second straight week.

PICK: Redskins win 19-16 however fail to cowl the unfold.

Sunday, 1 p.m., CBS

The Ravens’ protection did not simply wrestle as a result of it confronted the Steelers. There are some trickle-down points in protection, and they are often up-and-down in opposition to the run. The Browns are a lot better offensively with Josh Gordon than the staff that misplaced 24-10 within the earlier assembly. Baltimore sweats out one other division sport however comes by way of with a late Justin Tucker game-winner to outlive.

PICK: Ravens win 24-21 however fail to cowl the unfold.

Sunday, 1 p.m., Fox

Look who’s again, again once more. Aaron Rodgers was anticipated to get the information that he, his teammates and each Cheesehead on this planet wished to listen to: He can begin once more. The Packers discovered so much about themselves with robust wins in time beyond regulation in opposition to Tampa Bay and Cleveland. The protection and operating sport was clutch when wanted. The Panthers’ secondary could be picked aside, and anticipate Rodgers to guard the ball higher than Case Keenum did in Week 14. On the opposite facet, Clay Matthews will be sure Cam Newton isn’t the QB who makes the important thing play on the finish.

PICK: Packers win 31-27.

Sunday, 1 p.m., Fox

The Texans’ offense is just about right down to DeAndre Hopkins or bust. Their protection can’t cease something from any form of participant, operating again, fullback, tight finish, vast receiver. Blake Bortles is sizzling, and Leonard Fournette seems to be like himself once more. The Jaguars are placing all of it collectively on the proper time, and “Sacksonville” will preserve reminding us it is a legit menace to win the AFC.

PICK: Jaguars win 30-10 and canopy the unfold.

Sunday, 1 p.m., CBS

The Payments bought away with no dependable passing because of LeSean McCoy prancing within the snow. The Dolphins have a workhorse again, too, in Kenyan Drake. The Dolphins have discovered a couple of extra wanted solutions defensively, whereas the Payments could be weak in opposition to the run. Jay Cutler provides Miami the QB edge right here, because the Dolphins take away the Payments’ wild-card possibilities.

PICK: Dolphins win 23-20.

Sunday, 1 p.m., CBS

The Jets can be with out Josh McCown. The Saints can be offended about not placing away from the Falcons on the street final week, and they are going to be able to rock again at full energy after an extended relaxation at dwelling. The matchups in every single place favor New Orleans, and this could add as much as a somewhat Massive Simple victory.

PICK: Saints win 31-14.

Sunday, 1 p.m., Fox

The Eagles must roll with Nick Foles, however since they squeaked by the Giants within the first assembly with Carson Wentz, they’ve discovered extra speeding energy and receiving pop. Their traces are additionally each constructed to dominate the Big’s fronts. Eli Manning doesn’t appear to be a savior, and New York’s protection has wilted. The brand new NFC East champions add to their No. 1 seed resume.

PICK: Eagles win 26-17.

Sunday, Four:25 p.m., CBS

Jimmy Garoppolo is 2-Zero because the 49ers’ starter. There’s no motive to assume he received’t have a 3rd straight prolific sport, as Kyle Shanahan has discovered his play-calling groove with the entire staff’s versatile weapons, even and not using a wholesome Pierre Garcon. Marcus Mariota is extra banged up and fewer efficient. The Titans have misplaced their grip on the AFC South, and now a playoff berth is in critical hazard.

PICK: 49ers win 23-19 and canopy the unfold.

Sunday, eight:30 p.m., NBC

Keep in mind when there’s was speak of who may very well be higher as a younger QB carrying No. Four, Dak Prescott or Derek Carr? Whereas Prescott has battled by way of robust instances as a sophomore, Carr, huge contract in hand, has regressed. Oakland has Khall Mack, however that’s not sufficient to sluggish Dak with assist from his speeding assault. Sean Lee is a beast for Dallas’ protection, and he’ll preserve Marshawn Lynch in examine so the unit can put extra dents on Carr.

PICK: Cowboys win 24-20 and canopy the unfold.

Monday, eight:30 p.m., ESPN

Matt Ryan and Julio Jones survived a foul sport in opposition to the Saints because of the operating sport (with Devonta Freeman) and the protection (with Deion Jones coming to life on the proper time). Though issues have been tough with Steve Sarkisian, at the least Ryan is freed from Dirk Koetter. That’s not the case for Jameis Winston in Tampa. Jon Gruden being within the constructing Monday received’t make issues simpler for Koetter, both. The Bucs have three possibilities to play huge South spoiler, however they’re going to begin with strike one.

PICK: Falcons win 27-20 and canopy the unfold.

Stats of the Week

Week 15 report straight up: 10-6 Week 15 report in opposition to the unfold: Four-10 Season-to-date report straight up: 136-72 Season-to-date report in opposition to the unfold: 86-107