Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is "highly unlikely" to play against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 16, Denver Broncos head coach Vic Fangio said Monday, according to Andrew Mason of DNVR Sports.Bridgewater is in the concussion protocol after being stretchered off following a scary hit in Sunday's loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. He was hospitalized overnight but was released Monday.Fangio said the veteran quarterback "sounded much better" when they spoke earlier Monday, according to Mike Klis of 9News. A stint on injured reserve is not being considered at the moment, Fangio added, per Zac Stevens of DNVR Sports.Drew Lock will be in line to start if Bridgewater can't go in Week 16. He entered Sunday's game after Bridgewater's exit and finished with 88 yards and one touchdown on 6-of-12 passing.Lock has yet to start a game this season but has appeared in three contests, throwing for 227 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. Meanwhile, Bridgewater has tossed 18 scores to seven picks.The Broncos currently sit on the outside of the AFC playoff picture with a 7-7 record.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Nick Mullens will start Monday's game against the Las Vegas Raiders after Baker Mayfield and Case Keenum failed to test out of COVID-19 protocols, sources told NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.Mayfield, who ended up on the COVID-19 list last Wednesday due to a positive test, shared Sunday that he's asymptomatic. He was hoping for a negative test prior to Monday's game.Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski will also remain out for Monday's game, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports. Stefanski entered COVID-19 protocols last week.Keenum and Mayfield were among numerous Browns players to land on the COVID-19 list due to an outbreak within the organization. The multitude of positive tests caused the NFL to postpone Cleveland's game versus the Raiders, which was originally slated for Saturday.The Browns will get back safety John Johnson after they activated him off the reserve list Monday. Cleveland also activated guard Wyatt Teller on Sunday.The NFL recently updated its COVID-19 protocols in light of outbreaks around the league. They now include a reduction in testing for asymptomatic vaccinated players and relaxed return-to-play guidelines for those who've tested positive.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Not everyone needs to wait for the holidays to get into the spirit of giving. The following is a list of teams, players, or markets that were especially kind to us in 2021 and thus earn a place on our Nice List this Christmas.Who knows where our bankrolls would be without them.Bowl openers Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyI love bowl season. We were robbed of it in 2020 to an extent, so I planned on having more action this year than a Walmart on Black Friday. I sprayed the board with reckless abandon when markets became available, giddy at some of the numbers. My reward? Enough CLV to pay for Christmas.I'm sitting on UAB +8 (closed +6.5), Memphis -3.5 (now -7.5), West Virginia +7 (now +4), Virginia +1 (now -2.5), North Carolina -5 (now -9), Tennessee +3 (now -4.5), Michigan State +3.5 (now -3), and Arkansas +4.5 (now +1.5), among others. These numbers moved so heavily in my favor that Army's jump from -3 to -4 looks like a colossal disappointment.I'm breaking a golden rule here by celebrating bets before they even happen, but it's easier to ask for forgiveness than permission. Hopefully, the CLV curse doesn't leave me broke before January, but if nothing else, I have some fun middle opportunities ahead of me as I get toasty watching endless football over the break. While it's very possible I look back on this in three weeks and hate myself, for now, I have so much to be thankful for this holiday season.- Alex MorettoCleveland Cavaliers Logan Riely / National Basketball Association / GettyI didn't think much of the Cavaliers - who'd toiled through three seasons of mediocrity without LeBron James - entering this campaign. But then they started winning. And winning. And winning.Through 30 games, they've posted a 24-7 record against the spread, which is the best start by any NBA team in at least 15 years. And even though Cleveland has posted a top-five net rating through the first third of the season, the team has been priced as underdogs in a whopping 23 of 31 contests, winning 11 of them outright.I caught on a few weeks into the campaign and have bet virtually every game since, including all of them during this current 13-1 ATS run that is still going strong. Rarely is one team such a cash cow against the number, and rarely does it take the market so long to adjust. I hope it never does.- C Jackson CowartFirst touchdown scorers Rob Carr / Getty Images Sport / GettyFrom the beginning of the NFL season until about the halfway mark, I couldn't lose a first touchdown bet in prime time, often at 20-1 odds or better. Van Jefferson and Ty'Son Williams in Week 1? Cash 'em. Quintez Cephus against the Packers a week later? Nailed it. Daniel Jones and Sam Darnold on back-to-back Thursday nights? You know it.I hit on so many long-shot first touchdown bets that I started wondering if I'd ever lose one again. Quarterbacks, backup running backs, fringe receivers - it felt like my action was somehow influencing what I saw on the field. How else would you feel if Devin Duvernay recovered a fumble at the 2-yard line and walked into the end zone, and you'd somehow bet him as his team's first scorer?Just when I thought coaches might really be using my tickets as intel, a cool run in November reminded me that, yes, all of that early-season success was mostly a fluke. Tell that to my bank account, though.- CowartHouston Astros Bob Levey / Getty Images Sport / GettySpare me the whining about including these "cheaters" on the nice list. Everyone's favorite team to hate on, the narrative that the Astros were only good because they cheated was laughable. It also helped to create significant value on them in the futures market, which I unloaded on.I made it clear before the season I'd no longer tolerate any Astros slander, as I bet them +3000 to win the World Series, +1050 to win the AL, +150 to win the AL West, and over 86.5 wins. They rewarded me with a 95-win campaign, an easy division title, an AL pennant, and a glorious hedge opportunity on the Braves as World Series 'dogs.The best part was how quickly these wagers started to pay off. I bet the Astros in all four games of their season-opening sweep of the AL West rival Athletics - three times as 'dogs! - as their division odds jumped from +150 to -140 less than a week into the season. There are so many people in this organization I need to thank, and I did so by using a sliver of my Astros winnings to buy this sexy H-Town hoodie for myself for Christmas.- MorettoMontreal Canadiens Vaughn Ridley / Getty Images Sport / GettyThe best wins are ones that last. For someone who lives in Toronto but isn't a Leafs fan, seeing them quickly removed from the playoffs is a treat, whether I have a bet on it or not. While I don't have a personal affinity for the Canadiens, they had the ideal underdog profile going into the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs.Montreal's underwhelming regular season, quality five-on-five play, sweltering penalty kill, and reliable goaltending all added up to value on the Canadiens (+275) to beat the Leafs in Round 1 as significant underdogs and to come out of the North division (+600).Once a fraudulent Jets team beat the Oilers, it was time to double down on the Habs in Round 2 as short underdogs. Winning those two bets couldn't have been easier, so I went back to the well in the semifinals. I had the Canadiens beating Vegas (+350), and my over 5.5 games (-118), -1.5 games (+750), and in-series bets on Montreal all came home. No matter what happened afterward, the Habs were tabbed for my Nice List after producing the most profitable hockey run I've ever had with one team.- Matt RussellRoope Hintz Glenn James / National Hockey League / GettyI'm going to buck the trend and go with a player rather than a team. Shot totals have been a staple since I joined theScore, and nobody has treated me better than Roope Hintz, aka Roope Fiasco. He's been Mr. Automatic, especially on home ice.Hintz went over the total in 10(!) consecutive games to start the season. But what was especially exciting is the market didn't adjust whatsoever. Hintz was plus-money to go over almost every single night. Hats off to our favorite moneymaker.- Todd CordellWeek 1 of the 2021 NFL season Maddie Meyer / Getty Images Sport / GettyI introduced the weekly underdog round-robin moneyline parlay this season, and I did so with a splash.The low-risk wager caught lightning in a bottle after everything bounced our way in Week 1. There was more than enough value to take a shot with the Steelers, Cardinals, Eagles, Saints, and Dolphins as underdogs, and, much to even my surprise, they all won as part of a 9-0 opening week.Some wins were easy (Saints over Packers), while one required a late Damien Harris fumble to seal a massive victory for everyone who believes early-season NFL is the best time to back underdogs given all the unknowns.On a personal note, Harris' fumble, which clinched the clean sweep of the parlay, effectively paid for my soon-to-be wife's engagement ring. Even if he won't be in attendance at the wedding, Harris will always be my ring bearer.- RussellCopyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick doesn't understand why Indianapolis Colts receiver T.Y. Hilton wasn't tossed from Saturday night's game for contacting an official.Hilton pushed an official following a post-play fight between Patriots defensive back Kyle Dugger and Colts wideout Michael Pittman in the third quarter. Dugger and Pittman were ejected, but Hilton avoided any repercussions."Bottom line is both players got ejected. I would say I understand that. Whether I agree with it or not, that's a whole another discussion," Belichick said, according to ESPN's Mike Reiss. "I don't understand why T.Y. Hilton wasn't ejected for contacting an official. Intentionally or unintentionally, that has no bearing on the play. And those plays are reviewable and are reviewed."

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin is expected to miss the final three weeks of the regular season with an MCL sprain, a source told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.Godwin could make it back for the playoffs, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.The Buccaneers lost Godwin along with fellow wide receiver Mike Evans and running back Leonard Fournette to injuries on Sunday Night Football versus the New Orleans Saints. Evans and Fournette suffered hamstring injuries, but neither should miss significant time, reports Rapoport.Godwin was hurt on a low - but legal - hit from P.J. Williams while attempting to make a catch over the middle of the field. He eventually left the field under his own power.Godwin leads the Buccaneers with 1,103 receiving yards to go with five touchdowns. He exits the lineup around the same time Tampa Bay is reinstating wideout Antonio Brown, who served a three-game suspension for violating the NFL's COVID-19 protocols.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Had this game not already been scheduled for Monday Night Football, the NFL might have moved it due to the Chicago Bears' COVID-19 issues.Can the Minnesota Vikings take advantage and keep their playoff hopes alive? Here's how we're betting Vikings-Bears.C Jackson Cowart: Justin Jefferson anytime TD (-105)Justin Jefferson was already a solid bet to score against this Bears secondary, which entered the week allowing the most touchdowns to opposing wide receivers (17). Then came the coronavirus outbreak that particularly hindered Chicago's defensive backfield.The Bears placed Jaylon Johnson and Tashaun Gipson on the reserve list Sunday, bringing the team's absentees to 14 players and three staff. That includes their entire starting secondary and two reserve DBs.Jefferson scored four TDs in the last four weeks - including one in each of his past two games - and faces one of the juiciest matchups of his young career. Good luck, Chicago.Alex Moretto: Cousins over 32.5 pass attempts, Fields over 30.5 pass attemptsThere are a lot of ways to attack this game given Chicago will be without seven players in the secondary - including all of its starters.

Sunday Rundown recaps the most important developments from the day's action and examines their significance moving forward.How about that Saints defense? Julio Aguilar / Getty Images Sport / GettyThe New Orleans Saints rolled into Tampa Bay without head coach Sean Payton to face Tom Brady and the NFL's most efficient offense. They pitched a dang shutout. With defensive coordinator Dennis Allen calling the shots, the Saints used a four-man rush and a lot of zone coverage to knock Brady around and harass him into a lot of short, quick throws and checkdowns. It was just the third time Brady's been shut out in his long career - and first since 2006 - and it was a clinic.It was as thorough a defensive effort as any in the NFL this year, and it was a total team effort. Brady was clearly rattled for most of the night. Per Next Gen Stats, defensive end Marcus Davenport had six pressures and a sack, defensive tackle David Onyemata had five pressures and a sack, end Cameron Jordan had four pressures and two sacks, and end Carl Granderson had three pressures. Safety Malcolm Jenkins and linebackers Demario Davis and Kwon Alexander excelled in coverage. Rookie defensive tackle Jalyn Holmes blew up an otherwise well-blocked third-and-short running play. Cornerback Chauncey Gardner-Johnson finished it by picking Brady off. You get the idea.Let's not use the injuries to the Bucs' Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Leonard Fournette as an excuse here. The Saints have dealt with about as many injuries as any team in the NFL this season. I hereby apologize for referring to them last week as a junior varsity team. Oops.Remarkably, it was also New Orleans' fourth win against Brady and the Bucs in the last two seasons. Sure, the Bucs beat the Saints in last year's playoffs, but the Saints lost the turnover battle 4-0 that night. In this one, New Orleans did not turn the ball over at all.The victory pushed the Saints into the seventh and last playoff spot in the NFC. With the Washington Football Team, Philadelphia Eagles, and Minnesota Vikings all yet to play in Week 15, that can change. The Bucs had a chance to clinch the NFC South, but that will have to wait. They do still have a three-game lead with three games to play, though, so one more win or one Saints loss will get it done.Someone finally clinchesIt took until Week 15, but the NFL finally has one team that's officially qualified for the playoffs. The Green Bay Packers outlasted the Baltimore Ravens to wrap up the NFC North title for the third year in a row and eighth time in the last 11 seasons.The Packers are now 11-3, and they've got a one-game lead over the Buccaneers, Arizona Cardinals, and Dallas Cowboys in the race for the conference's No. 1 seed, which also comes with an all-important playoff bye.Cardinals lose to ... the Lions? Emilee Chinn / Getty Images Sport / GettyThe Cardinals came into Week 15 tied with Green Bay and Tampa Bay for the NFL's best record. The Lions came into Week 15 with the league's worst record. Arizona was 7-0 on the road with a plus-112 point differential in those away games. Detroit was 1-6 at home with a minus-71 point differential in home games. Fittingly for a season marked with genuine parity and helter-skelter outcomes, the Lions won - easily.In a span of six days, the Cardinals have now fallen from the top seed in the NFC to the fourth. Arizona still has a better division record than the Los Angeles Rams, so the club will remain in first place in the NFC West even if the Rams defeat the Seattle Seahawks on Tuesday night.The Cardinals aren't really in danger of falling out of the playoffs altogether, but to win the division and assure themselves at least one home postseason game, they'll have to get it together. It doesn't help that Arizona's schedule includes a home date with the red-hot Indianapolis Colts on Christmas Day and a Week 17 visit to the Cowboys before closing out with the Seattle Seahawks at State Farm Stadium. Needless to say, it's not going to be easy.Top of the draft order changesFor those fans who already have an eye on the 2022 draft - and you know who you are - Detroit's victory means the Lions are no longer in line for the No. 1 overall pick. That distinction belongs to the Jacksonville Jaguars, who lost to the Houston Texans in their first game since head coach Urban Meyer's firing. Detroit has, uh, fallen into the second spot.Lots can still happen in this anti-playoff race, obviously. The Lions close out with the Atlanta Falcons and Seahawks on the road before hosting Green Bay, while the Jaguars are at the New York Jets and New England Patriots and home to the Colts. Come to think of it, next Sunday's Jags-Jets scrap has enormous top-of-the-draft implications. Get fired up.Jacksonville is making quite a push for the top pick, by the way. The Jags have now lost six in a row since somehow beating the Buffalo Bills. Houston also swept the squad, which is quite an achievement. The Texans actually have a winning record (3-2) against the rest of the AFC South - an accomplishment that might mean something if Houston wasn't 0-9 against everyone else. The 3-11 Texans are in position for the third pick at the moment. The franchise holds the tiebreaker over the 3-11 Jets since they lost to New York back in Week 12, in case you were wondering.Dolphins back to .500 Eric Espada / Getty Images Sport / GettyThe Miami Dolphins, who were 1-7 back on Halloween, are now 7-7 after they completed a sweep of the Jets. Miami allowed more than 17 points for the first time in seven weeks, but it didn't matter. (A lot of things tend not to matter when New York is the opponent.)Duke Johnson, a guy people tend to realize is still in the NFL at least once a year, came off the practice squad earlier this week to rush for a career-high 107 yards and a pair of touchdowns on 22 carries. Johnson also finished with 22 more rushing yards than expected, the league's fourth-best total for Week 15, per Next Gen Stats.The Dolphins are still only one game off the pace for the AFC's final playoff spot, but they're also tied in the conference for 11th place with the Denver Broncos, which is as good an indicator as anything of all that parity that's out there. Miami visits the Saints and Tennessee Titans before closing out the campaign against the Patriots at home. If you think you know how any of that will shake out at this point, you're simply guessing.Steelers won how?The Pittsburgh Steelers had won once in their last five games, including a stretch in which they gave up at least 36 points three times. Surely they couldn't beat Tennessee - especially on a day when they trailed 13-3 at halftime, managed just 168 yards of total offense, went 2-for-11 on third down, and turned four turnovers into four field goals.Ah, but that's the way this nonsensical NFL season keeps playing out. The Steelers are just this week's best example, at least with the Vikings' game at the Chicago Bears on Monday night still pending.In fact, those four Pittsburgh turnovers turned out to be the difference: Three came on consecutive possessions in the fourth quarter. The Steelers visit the Kansas City Chiefs next Sunday, so look for them to revert to a team that can't play defense and falls behind by four touchdowns until Ben Roethlisberger scratches out plays in the dirt against a prevent defense to put up a bunch of volume stats in a game Pittsburgh winds up losing by a touchdown.Is this it for Julio Jones? Andy Lyons / Getty Images Sport / GettyThe Titans lost, in part, because they were again without Derrick Henry and A.J. Brown. But then they also lost Julio Jones to a hamstring injury after the first half against the Steelers just one week after Jones finally came off injured reserve. Could this be the end of Jones' storied career? It's not irrational to start wondering.The 32-year-old played in a combined 16 games the last two campaigns. He only has 25 catches this year - far and away a career low. He was only targeted once against Pittsburgh.Jones has two years remaining on his contract, and Tennessee would only see modest cap savings from releasing him after this year. But if his body continues to betray him, would he consider retirement? Jones has had a wonderful career, so while it's a bummer to think about it, it's also not out of the question, given his age and his inability to stay healthy over the last two years.What John Harbaugh got wrong at the endWe're going to spend this week debating John Harbaugh's late-game decision again, huh? For the second time in three weeks, the Ravens head coach chose to go for two rather than play for the tie after his team pulled within one point in the final minute of regulation. And for the second time in three weeks, Baltimore failed to convert and lost the game.However, this time Harbaugh's mistake was deciding not to go for two after the Ravens had pulled within eight with a little less than five minutes to go.There's plenty of data to support this, but the gist of it is that going for two when down eight and succeeding means it only takes an extra point after scoring again to win the game. If a club goes for two when down eight and fails, it has to go for two the second time to tie the game."Kicking two extra points maximizes the chance to reach overtime," ESPN's Seth Walder has written. "Attempting a 2-point conversion when down 8 points late maximizes the chance to win the game, which is the ultimate goal."Or should be the ultimate goal, at least.A suggestion for the TV networks Jacob Kupferman / Getty Images Sport / GettyDear television execs for CBS, Fox, ESPN, and the NFL Network,Can you all please hire in-game and in-studio game-day analysts who are actually familiar with analytics and how data analysis informs decision-making? Dinosaurs who clearly can't bother to understand what it is they're paid to talk about dominate too much of the discourse around fourth-down aggressiveness.Last week, CBS' studio panel had this brain-dead discussion. On Sunday, after the New York Giants went for it and failed on fourth-and-1 from their own 29 while trailing Dallas 15-6 with 4:30 to go in the third quarter, Fox's Mark Schlereth declared that "the analytics say go for it, but the analytics have never run the ball or pushed the pile on a play."This is plain ignorance! And it shouldn't be this way. There's a mountain of easy-to-understand research out there on this topic, and there's a reason why more and more coaches have embraced these concepts this year. It would be nice to hear an analyst explain why this is a trend that isn't going away instead of just pooping on it.Thank you, television execs, for reading theScore. Please peruse.What the COVID protocol changes meanFaced with three postponements this weekend as the Omicron variant of the virus keeps spreading rapidly, the NFL and NFLPA agreed to significant changes to the league's COVID policy on Saturday that ought to prevent the likelihood of additional disruptions.Basically, the NFL is not going to regularly test vaccinated asymptomatic players while continuing to test unvaccinated players daily, spot test vaccinated players and staff, and test those deemed to be a high-risk close contact of someone who catches the virus.As the Wall Street Journal's Andrew Beaton described it:

NFL Playoff Picture is a weekly look at the teams jockeying to secure their shot to make it to Super Bowl LVI.AFCSeedTeamDivisionRecord1ChiefsWest10-42PatriotsEast9-53TitansSouth9-54BengalsNorth8-65ColtsSouth8-66ChargersWest8-67BillsEast8-6x = clinched playoff berth

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers suffered an embarrassing shutout defeat Sunday night against the New Orleans Saints, but the loss could have a more important long-term impact for the reigning champions.Wideouts Mike Evans and Chris Godwin and running back Leonard Fournette exited with injuries and were unable to return. Evans and Fournette suffered hamstring injuries, while Godwin has a knee injury.Godwin took a shot to the knee and landed awkwardly on his head at the start of the second quarter. Trainers attended to him while he was on the ground before he limped off the field under his own power.

The New Orleans Saints rode a dominant defensive performance to a 9-0 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers despite the absence of head coach Sean Payton due to COVID-19.It was Tom Brady's first shutout since a 2006 loss to the Miami Dolphins while with the New England Patriots. The defeat also meant the Buccaneers missed out on the chance to clinch the NFC South.More to come.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Green Bay Packers held on to beat the Lamar Jackson-less Baltimore Ravens 31-30 on Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium, clinching the NFC North title for the third straight season.More to come.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard suffered a torn Achilles in Sunday's 21-6 loss to the Dallas Cowboys and will miss the remainder of the season, the team announced.Shepard was carted off toward the end of the fourth quarter after going down with a non-contact injury. He had two catches for 15 yards in the NFC East matchup.The 28-year-old has endured an injury-plagued season. He missed time with hamstring and quadriceps issues earlier in the year and entered Week 15 with a calf injury.The wideout has racked up 36 catches for 366 yards and one touchdown in seven appearances this campaign.Shepard has two more seasons remaining on his contract. But he will have a $12.495-million cap hit in 2022 and can be cut for a saving of $4.505 million, per Spotrac.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Detroit Lions cruised to a 30-12 win over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, picking up their second win and putting the Jacksonville Jaguars in position to draft first overall in 2022.Detroit entered Week 15 at the bottom of the NFL standings. The Houston Texans beat the Jaguars to stay out of the basement and send their AFC South counterparts there instead.Projected top 5 picksPickTeamRecord1Jaguars2-122Lions2-11-13Texans3-114Jets3-105Giants4-10The Lions dominated from start to finish, scoring the first 17 points of the game while frazzling Kyler Murray and the Cardinals. Jared Goff went 21-for-26 for 216 yards and three touchdowns in perhaps his finest performance as a Lion.Detroit lost its first eight games, eliciting memories of the franchise's 0-16 campaign in 2008, before tying the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 10. Dan Campbell's squad finally earned a victory in Week 13 against the Minnesota Vikings and has now won two of three.Arizona would have clinched a playoff spot with a win but instead dropped to 10-4. The Rams can move into a share of the NFC West's top spot with a win over the Seattle Seahawks on Tuesday.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson was sidelined for Sunday's game against the Green Bay Packers due to an ankle injury.Jackson didn't practice this week after sustaining the ailment in the first half of last week's loss to the Cleveland Browns. The Ravens had listed him as questionable for Week 15.The 24-year-old has completed 64.4% of his passes for 2,882 yards and 16 touchdowns against 13 interceptions through 12 appearances this year. He's also rushed for 767 yards and two scores.Jackson has missed one game in 2021 due to an illness.Tyler Huntley replaced Jackson versus Green Bay for his second start of the season. The 23-year-old also took over under center in Week 11 against the Chicago Bears, helping Baltimore clinch a 16-13 win.Injuries have been a big issue for the Ravens, who currently have 17 players on injured reserve, including seven starters, according to Jamison Hensley of ESPN.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Tennessee Titans ruled out Julio Jones from Sunday's game versus the Pittsburgh Steelers after the wide receiver suffered his third hamstring injury of the season, the team announced.The seven-time Pro Bowler drew one target before exiting.Jones missed time with a Grade 2 hamstring strain on two separate occasions earlier in the season. He sat out a pair of games after the first injury in Week 3, then missed three contests while on injured reserve after aggravating his hamstring in Week 9.Jones returned to the lineup in Week 14 and caught four passes for 33 yards against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He won't be eligible to play again this season if he lands on injured reserve for a second time.The 32-year-old has dealt with hamstring problems since the beginning of the 2020 season when he played for the Atlanta Falcons. He missed nine games a year ago while nursing the hamstring.The Titans acquired Jones in an offseason trade but are still waiting for him to catch his first touchdown.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger moved into fifth on the NFL's all-time passing yards list during Sunday's game against the Tennessee Titans.Roethlisberger took the No. 5 spot on the all-time list from draftmate Philip Rivers by completing a 3-yard pass to Najee Harris in the second quarter.The veteran quarterback entered the contest with 63,414 passing yards, needing just 26 yards to edge out Rivers, who retired following the 2020 campaign. Roethlisberger now trails Brett Favre, Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, and Tom Brady on the all-time list.Roethlisberger built a reputation as a gunslinger over his career after being selected with the No. 11 pick in the 2004 draft. He's thrown for more than 4,000 yards in six seasons and has led the league in passing yards twice over his career (2014, 2018).He produced a career-high 5,129 passing yards in 2018 - only Manning, Brady, and Brees have thrown for more yards in a season.The 39-year-old's arm strength has declined in recent years, resulting in the quarterback operating a quick-passing system. Still, he entered Sunday's contest with 3,066 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, and seven interceptions.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins is unlikely to return from his torn MCL before the NFC Championship Game at the earliest, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.The 29-year-old was already expected to miss the remainder of the regular season after injuring his knee against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 14.Hopkins has 42 receptions for 572 yards and eight touchdowns in what has been an injury-plagued season. The five-time Pro Bowler missed three games with a hamstring ailment before re-entering the lineup in Week 13.Hopkins ranked third in the NFL with 1,407 receiving yards last year. He's surpassed 1,000 yards through the air in six of his last eight seasons, spending most of that time with the Houston Texans.Arizona enters Week 15 tied for the conference's best record at 10-3, but it's yet to clinch a playoff spot. The Cardinals sit one game ahead of the Rams for first in the NFC West.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Carson Wentz says New England Patriots linebacker Matt Judon crossed the line during their skirmish in Saturday night's game.The two players jawed at each other following a third-quarter sack by the Patriots. Wentz said postgame that Judon hit him below the belt."Don't need to go into specifics, obviously, but when a man’s ability to reproduce is being in question, and there's some other extracurriculars, guys' hands need to be at their sides," Wentz said, according to Joel A. Erickson of The Indy Star."Let's just say that. When that happens, you can get pretty riled up."

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Antonio Brown is expected to rejoin the team Monday once his suspension for violating COVID-19 protocols ends, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.The NFL banned Brown for three games after investigating an allegation from his former personal chef that he submitted a fake vaccine card before the season. The league issued matching suspensions to Buccaneers defensive back Mike Edwards and free-agent wide receiver John Franklin III, who spent the preseason with Tampa Bay.Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians was previously noncommittal on Brown's future with the team in light of the alleged act.Brown has been out of the lineup since mid-October due to an ankle injury. He had 29 receptions for 418 yards and four touchdowns over the first five games.Tampa Bay picked up Brown midway through the 2020 campaign while he was finishing a suspension for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy. He caught a touchdown in the Buccaneers' victory in Super Bowl LV.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Find positional rankings, additional analysis, and subscribe to push notifications in the NFL Fantasy News section.theScore's Justin Boone was first overall in FantasyPros' Most Accurate Expert Competition in 2019 and has finished among the top seven each of the last seven years. Follow the links below to see his rankings for Week 15.Half PPR

Former NBA All-Star Deron Williams defeated former NFL Pro Bowler Frank Gore via split decision (38-37, 37-38, 40-35) in an exhibition boxing match Saturday in Tampa.The four-round heavyweight fight, which took place on the undercard of the Jake Paul versus Tyron Woodley rematch, marked Gore's and Williams' boxing debut.Williams said in his postfight interview he will not return to the ring following the bout, referring to his boxing venture as "one and done." Gore was undecided on his fighting future.The 6-foot-3 Williams used his significant reach advantage over the 5-foot-9 Gore to land at a higher rate on the feet early in the fight. Gore struggled to close the distance and connect on Williams.Gore opened up more in the second round, wobbling Williams with a right hand before the contest turned into a sloppy slugfest. The pair pushed each other through the ropes at various points of the frame.Both men - especially Gore - were visibly tired in the second half of the match. Williams rocked Gore in the third round and landed the slightly better shots down the home stretch to edge a decision.Williams, a former point guard who retired from basketball in 2017, has trained in mixed martial arts and boxing for years. He owns a stake in Fortis MMA, a top MMA gym located in Dallas.The 37-year-old was a three-time All-Star with the Utah Jazz and Brooklyn Nets, and he also spent time with the Dallas Mavericks and Cleveland Cavaliers. Williams is a two-time Olympic gold medalist with the United States men's basketball team.Gore, 38, had been training in boxing for several months before scheduling the fight with Williams. He spent 16 years in the NFL, most of which came with the San Francisco 49ers.Gore ranks third all time in rushing yards in the league with 16,000. He most recently played football in 2020 with the New York Jets.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Indianapolis Colts and New England Patriots will each finish Saturday's game without a key player.Officials ejected both Colts receiver Michael Pittman and Patriots safety Kyle Dugger after they got into a fight during the third quarter. Indianapolis was leading 20-0 at the time of the incident and went on to win 27-17.The pair got face to face after a play, and the New England defender ripped off the Colts wideout's helmet as they went to the ground.

These NFC South rivals may be amid contrasting campaigns - the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are trying to lock down the NFC's top seed while the New Orleans Saints scrap for a wild-card berth - but the Bucs have yet to win a regular-season game against New Orleans in the Tom Brady era.They'll look to right the ship on Sunday night. Here's how we're betting Saints-Bucs:C Jackson Cowart: Buccaneers -11.5The Buccaneers are the best team in the league, and it would take a lot for me to bet against them in this revenge spot against the Saints, who beat Tampa in Week 8.In his 21 years as a starter, Brady is 14-6 against the spread against clubs that beat him in their previous meeting that campaign. Brady's also 44-33-1 ATS in his career as a double-digit favorite, including 6-1 ATS since joining the Bucs in 2020.New Orleans owns a top-five defense per DVOA behind the NFL's best run defense. But the unit ranks outside of the top 10 against the pass and will have its hands full against the presumptive MVP, who has thrown for 731 yards and six TDs in his last two games.The Saints will also attempt to pull off the upset without head coach Sean Payton, who joined the COVID-19 reserve list earlier this week, behind their replacement leader in defensive coordinator Dennis Allen. This team will be lucky to score 20 points on Sunday, which won't be near enough to keep pace with Brady and co.Alex Moretto: Under 45.5Brady's lost all three of his regular-season meetings with New Orleans since joining Tampa, but I feel very confident saying he won't lose this one. Whether the Buccaneers cover or not remains undetermined, but I'm certainly not taking the points with the Saints on Sunday night.While I do feel good about New Orleans' secondary - which remains the healthiest part of the team - limiting the damage here, I don't see how the club scores in this game. The Saints will adopt another run-heavy script, but it's hard to see them finding success against Todd Bowles' defense without tackles Ryan Ramczyk and Terron Armstead, who are both ruled out.This matchup has the feel of a routine night for Tampa's defense, while the offense can largely sleepwalk to a routine win after a dramatic overtime victory against the Bills in Week 14.Matt Russell: Saints +11.5We had a perfectly good handicap for the first time these two sides met - until an injury knocked Jameis Winston out for the campaign. Even so, New Orleans cashed as our upset of the week in Week 8.A few things have changed since then. Taysom Hill is now the full-time quarterback, and while he's less likely to challenge the Buccaneers' banged-up secondary with Alvin Kamara looking as healthy as he has all season, the Saints can manage to keep this within the number.New Orleans won outright as 4.5-point home underdogs in the campaign's first meeting, and now we're seeing a 7-point swing towards Tampa Bay. As we discussed weeks ago, the Saints defense has thrived against Brady - as much as one can - while the Bucs' run defense has also fallen to 21st in the NFL in opponents' yards per carry. Between its defense and a clock-controlling approach on offense, New Orleans can make this one interesting on Sunday night.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Urban Meyer has broken his silence on the dramatic end to his short-lived Jacksonville Jaguars tenure.Although Meyer and rookie quarterback Trevor Lawrence were supposed to signal the beginning of a new era in Jacksonville, the Jaguars fired Meyer in the early hours of Thursday morning just 13 games into the first season of a five-year contract.After too much controversy and too few wins, the legendary college football coach expressed remorse for failing to deliver on expectations."I just apologize to Jacksonville," Meyer told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network on Friday. "I love Jacksonville. It's one of the reasons I took the job. I still think Shad (Khan is) a great owner. It's heart-breaking. I just had a dream of it becoming a destination place with a new facility he agreed to build and someday to walk into that stadium where it's standing room only."Because I know how bad the people of Jacksonville want it. So, I'm just heartbroken that we weren't able to do that. I still believe it's going to be done. It's too good of a place."Jacksonville started the season 0-5, and Meyer's future appeared in jeopardy after the team's fourth loss when a viral video showed him at a bar with a woman who wasn't his wife.However, Meyer briefly appeared to turn things around. The Jaguars earned their first win in London against the Miami Dolphins in Week 6 and stunned the Buffalo Bills two games later.But another five-game losing streak followed. Lawrence and the offense, in particular, struggled, averaging just 9.6 points per contest."I tell people, losing eats away at your soul," Meyer said. "Once you start losing, it's hard on everybody. I thought at one point, when we won two out of three, there was some momentum, great energy, the defense was really playing well. We were running the ball, and then when that dried up on us, then we started turning the ball over. We had that bye week, and then James Robinson gets hurt."The Jaguars reportedly fired Meyer for cause and don't intend to pay him the remaining four years of his contract.Meyer also drew criticism for reported run-ins with players and staff that caused friction within the organization. Moreover, former Jaguars kicker Josh Lambo said Wednesday that Meyer kicked him during a practice in August.Meyer has denied Lambo's version of events and emphasized he felt his style of coaching was fair."You push people really hard to find their greatness, but you treat them like gold," he said. "I thought that's what we're gonna do and we're gonna win. It was really going good for a while."Meyer, who worked as a TV analyst for Fox before joining the Jaguars, added that his next career move is still "to be determined."Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Los Angeles Rams have activated wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. and running back Darrell Henderson, among others, from the COVID-19 list ahead of Tuesday's rescheduled game against the Seattle Seahawks.All the Rams' activated players are on track to play, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.L.A. also moved defensive back Donte Deayon, linebacker Justin Hollins, tight end Brycen Hopkins, and offensive tackle Alaric Jackson from the reserve group. However, the Rams had to place offensive tackle Joseph Noteboom and defensive back Robert Rochell on the list in their place.The NFC West club has the most widespread COVID-19 outbreak in the NFL amid a league-wide jump in cases, with 25 players still in the protocol. Star cornerback Jalen Ramsey and pass-rusher Von Miller are among L.A.'s sidelined players.The Rams and Seahawks were supposed to play on Sunday, but the game was among three contests the NFL pushed back due to COVID-19 issues.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NFL and NFLPA announced Saturday that they have updated their COVID-19 protocols, including changes in testing for vaccinated players and an opt-out for high-risk players.The league will end weekly testing for vaccinated players in favor of targeted testing. Players will also receive stringent symptom screening prior to entering facilities, with only symptomatic players required to undergo testing.Prior to the changes, all vaccinated players were tested weekly, whether they displayed symptoms or not.Allen Sills, the NFL's chief medical officer, said the league is "emphasizing personal responsibility" in regards to players reporting symptoms, according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.Vaccinated players deemed a high-risk contact will also be tested. The league will provide home testing kits and make voluntary testing available.There are no changes for unvaccinated players, who will continue to undergo daily testing.The league and union also agreed to allow high-risk players the ability to opt out of the remainder of the season. The deadline to opt out is Dec. 20 at 2:00 p.m. ET. Players who opt out will not be entitled to further compensation for the 2021 campaign.The updated policies come in light of concerns regarding vaccinated, asymptomatic players missing games after testing positive.The NFL and players' association released updated COVID-19 protocols Thursday. Those alterations relaxed the return-to-play guidelines in hopes of making it easier for vaccinated and asymptomatic players to rejoin the team.There's been an uptick in COVID-19 cases across the NFL in the last week. The league has already postponed three Week 15 games due to outbreaks within the Cleveland Browns, Los Angeles Rams, and Washington Football Team.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

A 5-5 split last week knocked us down about half a unit, but it was a small price to pay for a wild Sunday in the player-prop game. At 88-60-1 on the season, we can chuckle when Jared Goff and Derek Carr barely go over their totals thanks to blowout game scripts. Kareem Hunt suffering an injury was decidedly less funny.Jonathan Taylor under 95.5 rushing yardsIf you can bet on Bill Belichick, you do it. In this case, we'll do so by fading his opponents' best weapon. The Patriots have had two weeks to form a plan that will force Carson Wentz to beat them. Whether he's up to it or not will decide this game, with New England holding Taylor under a near-100-yard total. This is a winnable bet even if the Colts star is involved at the goal line or in the passing game, as major threats rarely explode against New England.Dak Prescott under 36.5 longest completionI'm trying to find a way to reasonably fade Prescott because he still doesn't look right. He couldn't have had a cozier game script last week as the Cowboys' defense did the heavy lifting against Washington, but he still threw two interceptions to make things dicey for Dallas.The problem with fading Prescott is that it depends on the Giants' defense getting off the field. Instead of playing the total passing yards prop, rely on New York's secondary to simply keep the Cowboys' threats in front of it.Josh Allen over 260.5 passing yardsThere was some worry all week about Josh Allen's ankle, but he's off the Bills' injury report for a must-win game at home against the Panthers. Though Carolina has a decent defense, Allen may be more likely to stay behind the line of scrimmage after a game in which he had over 100 yards rushing.Even if there's weather to deal with in Orchard Park on Sunday, Allen should be back there slinging it around. This total is too short in a game Buffalo can't afford to drop.Trevor Lawrence over 212.5 passing yards / over 1.5 passing touchdowns (+155)The above could have just said "over everything," as this may very well become Lawrence's best NFL game thus far. The Texans are atrocious in all facets and arrive on the heels of Urban Meyer's exit. Split a unit on this pair of bets.D'Onta Foreman over 50.5 rushing yardsThis game seems similar to the Titans' Week 12 contest against the Patriots: Tennessee runs the ball well enough, but it just doesn't matter in an eventual road loss. This number is fairly short against a Steelers run defense that left gaping holes for Dalvin Cook the last time these teams met. Even if Pittsburgh has tightened up, Mike Vrabel and Co. will "Titan up" their game plan and remain unwilling to let Ryan Tannehill make or break the offense.Christian Kirk over 54.5 receiving yardsDeAndre Hopkins is out for the rest of the regular season, and Kirk's snaps increase when he's out. The Lions' shoddy secondary and the Cardinals' need to use Kirk down the stretch should see him approach a season-high in targets. Targets translate to yards, and Kirk is a threat downfield, which means this number is short.Tua Tagovailoa under 251.5 passing yardsBetting markets might be getting a little too high on the Dolphins, and even a win doesn't guarantee Tagovailoa a big game. The Jets' defense isn't any good, but he'll be missing his favorite target in Jaylen Waddle, who gives Miami the explosive element that would make it easier to clear a number this high.Aaron Rodgers over 2.5 pass touchdowns (+140)Lamar Jackson's status has dominated the headlines, but the bigger issue for the Ravens is a secondary that doesn't have much left in it. That's a problem with Rodgers and the Packers coming to town.Joe Burrow under 259.5 passing yardsThe Broncos have taken money all week, so someone thinks they'll contain the Bengals. If Cincinnati wins this game, it will be because Joe Mixon controls the contest at elevation. Either way, I'll bet against a banged-up Burrow facing a good secondary.George Kittle over 68.5 receiving yardsIf the current version of Kittle continues to see lines under 75 yards, I'll keep betting on him to exceed expectations. Perhaps there's a belief the 49ers won't need to rely on their pass game, especially late. But the Falcons could keep this competitive to the end. If that's the case, Kittle - as usual - will be a threat throughout.Matt Russell is a betting writer for theScore. If there’s a bad beat to be had, Matt will find it. Find him on Twitter @mrussauthentic.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NFL has long prided itself on parity, even if the perception of the league's competitive balance has always been much stronger than in reality.Since 2000, seven franchises account for more than half of the appearances in the conference championships. Just as many teams have not reached the AFC or NFC title game at all.In the AFC, that top-heaviness is even more pronounced, with only six teams winning all but one of the conference's last 21 championships. The incomparable success of the New England Patriots and Tom Brady tilts the scales here, no doubt, but a handful of others have also won.This postseason may again shake out with one or two usual suspects taking the field in Super Bowl LVI. However, the regular-season process to get there has been as messy as any campaign in modern NFL history.From one week to the next, there's no telling which team might be the league's best. The playoff picture is starting to take shape, but most of it remains a pile of puzzle pieces with no discernible fit. The only consistent pattern to the league this season is its inconsistency. Well, except for the Detroit Lions, Jacksonville Jaguars, Houston Texans, and New York Jets. They stink.With just four weeks to go and the bye weeks behind us, the NFL's other 28 teams are all mathematically still alive for a playoff spot. Yes, that includes the New York Giants and Chicago Bears, a pair of 4-9 teams with fan bases no doubt focused on the promise of some sort of organizational housecleaning. Not to worry, Giants and Bears fans. Black Monday will be here before you know it. Keep the faith. Icon Sportswire / Getty ImagesFor everyone else, there is parity - and that parity is unprecedented.A total of 12 teams - six in the AFC, six in the NFC - are currently within one game of the final playoff spot in each conference. According to data pulled from the nflfastR data package and ShrpSports.com, that's a record after Week 14 dating back to 1978, the year when the league expanded the regular season from 14 to 16 games and increased the total number of playoff qualifiers from eight to 10.The 2021 regular season is the first to run for 17 games. In the AFC, no team had 10 wins through Week 14. A conference with zero 10-win teams through that week has only happened in two other non-strike seasons since 1978, and not at all since 2002. Though in 1993 there were two bye weeks, which meant each team played just 12 games through Week 14. League-wide, this is just the eighth time in the last 44 seasons that no team has had fewer than three losses by Week 14 - and only the third time since 2002.Then comes the logjam. Twenty-four teams this season have at least six victories after Week 14, breaking the mark of 22 set in 1983 and equaled in 2006. The 21 teams clustered with six, seven, eight, or nine wins at the start of Week 15 is also a league record. And this is just the third time since 1990 that no team has clinched a playoff spot this late in the season.What accounts for all this? Why is more than 80% of the league within one game of a playoff spot? The overly simplistic answer is that the NFL chose to expand its playoff field in 2020 to 14 teams after there had been 12 playoff qualifiers for exactly 30 seasons.Close to 44% of the league is now making the playoffs - a six percentage point jump from the status quo for most of this century. However, there weren't this many teams in contention last year - the first season with the current 14-team postseason format. Just four teams were within one game of the final playoff slot after Week 14 compared to 12 this campaign.It's commonly understood that the NFL's unique economic system - the combination of a salary cap and the equitable sharing of national television revenues, the league's primary moneymaker - is what drives parity. But a 2019 study by Jason Fitzgerald and Vijay Natarajan at Overthecap.com showed that from 2011-18, the percentage of teams winning at least one division title (71.9%) was comparable to what it was in the late 1970s and early 1980s (71.4%). The league added two divisions during the 2002 realignment, which ought to have allowed more teams to win. Additionally, the rate of teams that won multiple division titles between 2011 and 2018 (59.4%) was the highest since the 1970 merger.(Since that analysis was published, two teams that did not win division titles between 2011 and 2018 - the Buffalo Bills and Tennessee Titans - have since won one.)Fitzgerald and Natarajan reason that the modern cap hasn't leveled the playing field because the 2011 collective bargaining agreement allowed teams to roll over unlimited amounts of unused salary-cap space in a given year, provided they paid up to 89% of the cumulative cap across four-year spans. This change, which reversed an annual spending-floor threshold, incentivized teams to squirrel away cap space to spend in a later year, or to carry players on franchise tags, which often (but not always) provides teams with negotiating leverage.Fitzgerald and Natarajan suggested a return to an annual carryover limitation, but the current CBA approved in the spring of 2020 only made a modest change: teams are now required to spend 90% of the cumulative cap across spans of three years (2020-23 and 2024-26) and four years (2027-30).Another factor that prevented parity for so long was the presence of a dominant group of veteran quarterbacks: Brady, Ben Roethlisberger, Eli Manning, and Peyton Manning all won multiple Super Bowls and made a boatload of playoff appearances during their long careers. Throw in Drew Brees and Aaron Rodgers, playoff regulars who have one ring each, and the pattern holds. Todd Kirkland / Getty Images Sport / GettyThe draft is the great potential equalizer, particularly since the 2011 CBA brought the advent of the rookie wage scale. This has provided teams with years of low-cost certainty for young talent - provided those teams make the right picks, which is a tricky proposition. What's changed in recent years is that some (though certainly not all) teams have gotten better at selecting quarterbacks. More organizations have come to accept and embrace the spread-style offenses that began to take hold at football's lower levels during the 2000s and 2010s.There was a particularly barren stretch from 2006-15, when just seven of the 26 QBs drafted in the first round achieved a weighted career approximate value of 70 or more. However, things changed in 2016, and many of the teams at the top of the current playoff standings are helmed by QBs selected since that year: Patrick Mahomes, Mac Jones, Lamar Jackson, Justin Herbert, and Josh Allen in the AFC; Kyler Murray and Dak Prescott in the NFC. Carson Wentz has likewise salvaged his career in a new environment, while Baker Mayfield, Joe Burrow, and Jalen Hurts all play for teams that have posted at least six wins through Week 14.Other older vets such as Matthew Stafford and Ryan Tannehill have found new life with a change of scenery. It might be a down year for Russell Wilson and the Seattle Seahawks, but Wilson can still be one of the game's best passers. Derek Carr, Kirk Cousins, and Teddy Bridgewater are all hanging around, and Jimmy Garoppolo is putting on a decent audition for potential offseason trade partners.Brady and Rodgers are still there, too, of course. In the end, it's possible one of them will wind up in the Super Bowl. They could be squaring off against Mahomes, who's led the Chiefs to two straight AFC crowns and a ring.But the uncertainty of the journey right now is real, and it's as unpredictable as it's ever been. Enjoy the ride.Dom Cosentino is a senior features writer at theScore.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Jacksonville Jaguars fired former head coach Urban Meyer for cause and do not intend to pay him the remaining four years of his contract, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter and Jeff Darlington.Jacksonville's decision to dismiss the first-time NFL coach was the result of a culmination of incidents rather than just one event, Schefter and Darlington report.Meyer was fired earlier this week after embroiling himself in numerous controversies. He reportedly had run-ins with players and staff, causing tension in the organization. Former Jaguars kicker Josh Lambo said Meyer kicked him during a practice in August.A spokesman for Jaguars owner Shad Khan said the decision was made following the team's 20-0 loss to the Tennessee Titans on Sunday. However, the club decided it was best to wait until after the conclusion of the NFL owners' meetings, which took place this week.Khan's spokesman also noted that Meyer's termination wasn't triggered by Lambo's claim but by "deliberation over many weeks and a thorough analysis" of Meyer's tenure.The 57-year-old coach also landed in hot water earlier this year after a viral video showed him at a bar with a woman who was not his wife.Jacksonville struggled on the field under Meyer, compiling a 2-11 record through his 13 games. His on-field decision-making was called into question as he was criticized for running back James Robinson's lack of playing time.Meyer built a reputation as a great college coach after leading the likes of Bowling Green, Utah, Florida, and Ohio State to success.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

We went 2-1 on our NFL best bets a week ago. This week, we enter arguably the craziest slate of the season, which has already been marred by COVID-19 outbreaks and postponements. Keep an eye on developing news before making any bets - and realize that in this week, in particular, earlier isn't always better.Here are our best bets for Week 15 as of Friday evening:Patriots @ Colts (-2.5, 46)

The New York Giants signed linebacker Jaylon Smith to their practice squad ahead of Sunday's game against the Dallas Cowboys, the team announced Friday.Smith started his career with the Cowboys but was released in October after he struggled to replicate the Pro Bowl play from early in his tenure.Smith briefly signed with the Green Bay Packers but was cut again after minimal playing time.The 26-year-old has racked up 579 total tackles, nine sacks, two interceptions, and six fumble recoveries in 70 career appearances.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NFL postponed three Week 15 games as COVID-19 cases continue to skyrocket around the league.GameFromToTimeBrowns vs. RaidersSaturdayMonday5 p.m. ETRams vs. SeahawksSundayTuesday7 p.m. ETEagles vs. WashingtonSundayTuesday7 p.m. ET"We have made these schedule changes based on medical advice and after discussion with the NFLPA as we are seeing a new, highly transmissible form of the virus this week resulting in a substantial increase in cases across the league," the NFL said in a statement Friday.The Cleveland Browns currently have more than 20 players on the COVID-19 list, including pass-rusher Jadeveon Clowney, the latest of 11 starters to test positive Friday.The Browns also placed quarterbacks Baker Mayfield and Case Keenum on the reserve earlier this week, leaving Nick Mullens as their top option under center. It's still unclear whether Mayfield or Keenum will be able to play Monday.The Los Angeles Rams and Washington Football Team also each have over 20 players on the COVID-19 list.Los Angeles moved nine players onto the reserve Thursday, pushing the team's total number to 25. Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., cornerback Jalen Ramsey, linebacker Von Miller, and running back Darrell Henderson are among the Rams players sent to the COVID-19 list this week.Washington also lost its top two quarterbacks after Taylor Heinicke tested positive for COVID-19 and joined Kyle Allen on the reserve list Friday.This marks the first time the NFL postponed games this season due to COVID-19.The NFL updated its COVID-19 guidelines Thursday, relaxing the return-to-play rules to make it easier for vaccinated and asymptomatic players to be activated following a positive test.In July, the league enhanced its protocols to encourage vaccination, adding that any game that can't be rescheduled due to a COVID-19 outbreak among unvaccinated players will result in a forfeit by the club responsible for the outbreak.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson's status for Sunday's clash against the Green Bay Packers remains uncertain.Jackson hasn't practiced this week due to an ankle injury, but head coach John Harbaugh isn't ready to rule the signal-caller out yet."I'd say he has a chance. Will check him out pregame," Harbaugh said Friday, according to Stacey Dales of NFL Network. "He's in all the preparations. If not, we've got Tyler (Huntley). He'll be ready to go also."Jackson is officially listed as questionable, per Jonas Shaffer of The Baltimore Sun.The 24-year-old sprained his ankle during last week's 24-22 loss to the Cleveland Browns. He was carted to the locker room after exiting the game in the second quarter and didn't return.Huntley, who replaced Jackson versus Cleveland and almost led Baltimore to an improbable comeback, has already started one game this year. He helped the Ravens edge the Chicago Bears in Week 11 in place of Jackson, who missed that contest due to an illness.Harbaugh said Monday he was optimistic about Jackson's availability in Week 15.The 2019 NFL MVP has struggled lately, amassing only three touchdowns against six interceptions over his last four appearances. He's tossed 16 touchdown passes to 13 picks through 12 games this year while also adding 767 yards and two scores on the ground.Baltimore's depth chart also features veteran Josh Johnson, who was signed off the New York Jets' practice squad Wednesday.The 8-5 Ravens enter Week 15 on a two-game skid, but they still sit first in the AFC North.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New England Patriots running back Damien Harris won't play in Saturday's game against the Indianapolis Colts, the team announced.Harris was limited at practice this week due to a hamstring injury.Rookie Rhamondre Stevenson is in line to start at running back for the Patriots, with Brandon Bolden likely serving as the No. 2 option in the backfield.Harris leads the team with 754 yards (4.6 per carry) and nine rushing touchdowns through 12 appearances this year, while Stevenson has rushed for 429 yards and three scores.Bolden has only carried the ball 30 times all year, but he's caught 32 passes for 303 yards and one touchdown.The 9-4 Patriots, who are coming off a bye, have won seven straight games, including a Week 13 victory over the Buffalo Bills in which New England attempted only three passes.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton tested positive for COVID-19 and will miss Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the team announced Friday.Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen will take over head coaching duties for the NFC South matchup.Payton missed Wednesday's practice after feeling sick and participated in meetings virtually, according to Myles Simmons of Pro Football Talk.The team expects the coach to return on Dec. 27 when the Saints host the Miami Dolphins on Monday Night Football.This is the second time Payton has been diagnosed with COVID-19. He was the first NFL coach, front-office executive, or player known to have tested positive for the virus back in March 2020.Running back Mark Ingram and defensive end Cameron Jordan currently remain on New Orleans' reserve/COVID-19 list.Payton is the second head coach to test positive this week, following Cleveland Browns' Kevin Stefanski.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Los Angeles Chargers tight end Donald Parham is expected to be discharged from the hospital Friday after being diagnosed with a concussion, the team announced.Parham was stretchered off the field during Thursday Night Football after his head slammed against the turf, and he appeared to be knocked unconscious. His arms shook as medical personnel wheeled him off, and players from both the Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs showed concern.The Chargers said Parham is alert and resting comfortably at the UCLA Harbor Medical Center. He stayed at the facility overnight for observation.Parham has recorded 20 receptions for 190 yards and three touchdowns on the season. The 24-year-old is in his second year in L.A.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Washington Football Team placed Taylor Heinicke on the COVID-19 list, the team announced Friday.The move came after the quarterback tested positive for the virus, according to Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo of NFL Network.Washington could be without its top-two passers as Kyle Allen is also on the COVID-19 list.The NFC East club signed Garrett Gilbert off the New England Patriots' practice squad, and the signal-caller could be in line to start Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.Washington likely won't name a starter until Sunday's pregame, a source told Schefter.Kyle Shurmur and Jordan Ta'amu are the other quarterback options on Washington's roster.Washington currently has over 20 players on the COVID-19 list, including defensive starters Montez Sweat, Jonathan Allen, and Kendall Fuller.Washington (6-7) holds the NFC's final playoff spot entering Week 15.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen is on track to start Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers despite battling a foot injury this week, head coach Sean McDermott said Friday."He should be ready to go. We plan on him starting," McDermott said, according to Heather Prusak of WIVB-TV.The starting signal-caller, who was limited at practice Thursday, is expected to be a full participant during Friday's session.Allen entered Week 15 listed as day-to-day after suffering a foot sprain in last week's overtime loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He sustained the ailment in the second half of the game but didn't miss any snaps.The 25-year-old has completed 65.8% of his passes this season while tossing 28 touchdowns against 11 interceptions.Having Allen on the field will be crucial for the Bills, who have lost three of their last four games and two in a row. Buffalo currently sits second in the AFC East with a 7-6 record, two games behind the New England Patriots.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Find positional rankings, additional analysis, and subscribe to push notifications in the NFL Fantasy News section.theScore's Justin Boone was first overall in FantasyPros' Most Accurate Expert Competition in 2019 and has finished among the top seven each of the last seven years. Follow the links below to see his rankings for Week 15.Updated rankings will be released Saturday, with the final version coming down Sunday morning.Half PPR

SSSQ is a weekly look at under-the-radar fantasy players to consider starting and potential busts you should leave on your bench. We also identify breakout candidates to stash on your roster and players you can safely cut.For the rest of your lineup decisions, consult our Week 15 rankings. You can also listen to the Week 15 preview episode of theScore Fantasy Football Podcast.StartTua Tagovailoa, Dolphinsat Jets Joshua Bessex / Getty Images Sport / GettyHopefully, none of the players named in this article end up missing Week 15. With all the COVID-19 cases and injuries across the NFL, trying to pinpoint the top starts and sits feels like we're aiming at a moving target.We already know the Dolphins will likely be missing Jaylen Waddle, who landed on the COVID-19 list. However, Tagovailoa remains a strong streaming option in a rematch with the Jets, even with his star rookie wideout sidelined.In their last meeting four weeks ago, Tua finished as the QB13 overall while throwing for 273 yards and two scores. With DeVante Parker and Mike Gesicki as his primary weapons, he should have no problem repeating or improving those numbers against a Jets defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks.Boone's projection: 284 passing yards, 3 passing TDs, 9 rushing yardsOther QBs to start

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence is looking for a more peaceful end to the season after enduring 14 tumultuous weeks under former head coach Urban Meyer."I wouldn't believe you if you told me this is how this year was going to go," the rookie said, according to ESPN's Michael DiRocco. " … I think it (the coaching change) brings a little bit of clarity to the guys in the locker room. I wouldn't say relief, but I would say just bring some clarity and some direction moving forward."The Jaguars fired Meyer after midnight Thursday morning, ending his tenuous tenure less than one season into a five-year contract. The legendary NCAA coach planned to build the Jaguars' roster around Lawrence, a generational prospect who's struggled in his first campaign."You know, we really want to go and finish the season strong, and to be honest, it's been hard to last the last week with everything going on," Lawrence added. "And there's a lot of things being stirred up, I think, by the outside, too. That didn't help (and) made things a lot worse, but also everything that's going on."It's hard to be focused and have all your attention and efforts going towards winning the game when there's so many things going on."Jacksonville named offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell its interim head coach after terminating Meyer. Bevel will lead the 2-11 Jaguars into action against the Houston Texans in Week 15.Lawrence noted that Bevell is "very even keel" and said, "that's something that I respect and that I can level with."Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Pittsburgh quarterback Kenny Pickett will skip the Peach Bowl to begin preparing for the 2022 NFL Draft, he announced Thursday.Pickett, who enjoyed a meteoric rise up draft boards during his senior season, is speculated to be among the first quarterbacks selected in April.

The Los Angeles Rams have placed star pass-rusher Von Miller and eight other players on the COVID-19 list Thursday, taking their total number of players on the reserve group to 25.The Rams' COVID outbreak is the worst in the NFL amid a league-wide increase in cases. The Cleveland Browns and Washington Football Team are also dealing with significant losses - both have 21 players on the COVID list.Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., cornerback Jalen Ramsey, and running back Darrell Henderson are among the other players sent to the COVID list this week.Offensive tackle Tremayne Anchrum Jr., guard Bobby Evans, defensive backs Antoine Brooks Jr., Jake Gervase, Kareem Orr, and linebackers Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, Troy Reeder, and Christian Rozeboom were the other players added Thursday.Miller was one of the first NFL players to test positive in April 2020. The linebacker, who has asthma, described his experience with the virus as "frightening" due to his breathing issues.The league implemented relaxed return-to-play testing requirements Thursday, meaning Los Angeles and other teams impacted by the increase in cases could still get players back for Week 15.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

We never had a chance last week. The premise of this bet is to seek five underdogs with value, so if almost none win over a weekend, there was no way to win. The Rams kept us from getting shut out, but that doesn't help us here.We can only hope a few more underdogs will start to care the way they did at the start of the campaign, so there are at least options we can find to get through the last four weeks of the regular season.How it worksWe parlay five underdogs together in 10 different three-team parlays. Using every combination of a three-team parlay is called a round robin, so we're going to use a total of 1.1 units to make 11 different bets: 10 three-team parlays and one five-team parlay, each for .1 units. If three teams pull off the upset like in Week 8, Week 10, and Week 11, you'll likely double your money. If four teams win, as they did in Week 3, you're connecting on four separate parlays and will be very pleased with the return. If all five teams win, as they did in Week 1, then it's back into the pool, swimming in gold doubloons like heirs to the McDuck fortune.Who to playChargers +145Reading this too late to grab the Chargers? The Patriots are a reasonable substitute even though Los Angeles gets the nod as the home team at the better price. The charge against the club early in the campaign was its reliance on Justin Herbert to save the day on third (and in some cases fourth) down. But since their bye week, the Chargers have made some adjustments that have drastically improved their early-down success rate.That will be a challenge for a Chiefs unit that's improved in the last month - the defense. Chris Jones moved back to the inside and caused havoc in the interior, allowing a variety of pass rushers to work the outside. Well, Jones is out of this game due to COVID protocols. And while L.A. is missing stud offensive tackle Rashawn Slater, his replacement will have help, if needed, since Jones won't draw the usual double teams he commands. Herbert gets the time and space to prove that he's right there with Patrick Mahomes as a top quarterback in the league.While Kansas City's defense will be without a trio of key parts, the Chargers appear to be getting healthier with Derwin James and Asante Samuel potentially in the lineup - obviously critical against the Chiefs' offense.Falcons +350I know, we've been down this road with the Falcons before. Their record shows they have success against sides they've been favored over versus games where they've been the underdog. However, you know we need to find a bigger underdog to boost our potential profit, and like last week, pickins' are slim.Matt Ryan can take advantage of a sketchy 49ers secondary, and San Francisco's dramatic road win on Sunday might mean less than peak performance this week in a stadium that provides zero home-field advantage. What you need to watch for is Atlanta's run game. It's been bad for years, but the club's found something running both Mike Davis and Cordarrelle Patterson off the left side of its offensive line. This success has provided a better play-action opportunity for Ryan that he hasn't had since the peak of Devonta Freeman.Bengals +130Speaking of the Bengals, they were on the wrong side of the 49ers' overtime victory. Maybe that game coupled with their big loss to the Chargers is what's brought this game to Broncos -3. That's too much of an adjustment, even with Denver earning recent home wins against the Chargers and the illness-ravaged Lions.Seahawks +170For further elaboration, check out the upset of the week, where I wrote about the idea that Russell Wilson might be back to full strength and a two-game winning streak supplying a little belief that they could steal the final playoff spot in the NFC.Bears +170It's easy to say the Bears played their Super Bowl at Lambeau Field last week, but a Monday nighter at home should supply the same motivation. Meanwhile, the Vikings are metrically the better team, and it's not like we're getting a ton of value on Chicago. But how many times do we have to see Minnesota keep a lesser team in the game, and how primetime games will Kirk Cousins struggle in before we accept that the Vikings just aren't built for this? The Bears aren't built for much, but Justin Fields is something to get excited about, as is a rare win for Chicago - even if Matt Nagy should be looking for work in early January.Here are how the odds look this week:PARLAYODDS (Approx.)LAC+ATL+CIN+2300LAC+ATL+SEA+2800LAC+ATL+CHI+2800LAC+CIN+SEA+1500LAC+CIN+CHI+1500LAC+SEA+CHI+1700ATL+CIN+SEA+2500ATL+CIN+CHI+2500ATL+SEA+CHI+3000CIN+SEA+CHI+1600LAC+ATL+CIN+SEA+CHI+17700Who are your five underdogs for a football betting lottery ticket?Matt Russell is a betting writer for theScore. If there’s a bad beat to be had, Matt will find it. Find him on Twitter @mrussauthentic.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Case Keenum tested positive for COVID-19, leaving Nick Mullens as the likely starter for Saturday's game with the Las Vegas Raiders, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter, Field Yates, and Kimberly A. Martin.Baker Mayfield tested positive Wednesday, along with head coach Kevin Stefanski.Mayfield and Keenum will need two negative tests in order to play in Week 15.The NFL relaxed return-to-play guidelines Thursday, meaning the negative tests can now come on the same day instead of 24 hours apart as previously required.Cleveland also has four defensive players - safeties Grant Delpit and Ronnie Harrison, cornerback A.J. Green, and linebacker Jacob Phillips - who tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday, according to CBS Sports' Josina Anderson.Cleveland's total number of positive tests this week now stands at 20, added Schefter.A league official told NFL Network's Mike Garafolo there is no talk of the Raiders-Browns game being postponed or canceled.The 7-6 Browns remain in the thick of the AFC playoff hunt after beating the division-leading Baltimore Ravens last week.Mullens made 16 starts and three further appearances with the San Francisco 49ers from 2018-20 before joining the Browns in August. He racked up 4,714 yards and 25 touchdowns against 22 interceptions while producing a 5-11 record.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Baker Mayfield criticized the NFL on Thursday for not postponing the Cleveland Browns' game with the Las Vegas Raiders amid the AFC North club's COVID-19 outbreak.Mayfield is one of 20 players, along with head coach Kevin Stefanski, who has apparently tested positive. The quarterback accused the league of thinking primarily about its bottom line.

The NFL updated its COVID-19 guidelines Thursday following a league-wide increase in cases, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.The league is relaxing the return-to-play guidelines in order to make it easier for vaccinated and asymptomatic players to be activated following a positive test.Teams whose rosters have been severely impacted by recent outbreaks, such as the Cleveland Browns, Los Angeles Rams, and Washington Football Team, could get players back for Week 15 as a result of the change, a source told ESPN's Dan Graziano.Vaccinated players who tested positive for COVID-19 previously required two negative test results 24 hours apart to be cleared to practice and play.Now, vaccinated and asymptomatic players can be cleared with two negative test results - from two PCR tests, two rapid tests, or one of each, both of which can be taken the day after the positive result, added Graziano.The rules governing unvaccinated players haven't changed: They still have to stay away from the team for 10 days before they're eligible to return.Moreover, all teams, effective immediately, are being placed in intensive protocols until the conclusion of Week 15. Mask requirements, social distancing measures, and restrictions on in-person meetings will be reintroduced."All of these changes are grounded in our data and science-backed approach, with safety our No. 1 goal for the entire NFL community," the league said.The NFL also encouraged players to get COVID-19 booster shots but has no current plans to mandate them.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Chicago Bears placed six players in COVID-19 protocol, including wide receiver Allen Robinson, the team announced Thursday.Tight end Jesse James, safety Eddie Jackson, linebacker Joel Iyiegbuniwe, running back Ryan Nall and wide receiver Isaiah Coulter were the others placed in protocol.All three of the Bears' coordinators - offensive coordinator Bill Lazor, defensive coordinator Sean Desai, and special teams coordinator Chris Tabor - also entered protocol, head coach Matt Nagy announced.Their status for the upcoming Monday night contest against the Minnesota Vikings remains uncertain.Nagy also noted that the team will be holding virtual meetings after practice due to the number of players on the COVID-19 list and others dealing with non-COVID illnesses, according to Kaitlin Sharkey of FOX 32.The Bears are one of many NFL teams currently dealing with COVID-19-related issues. The league recorded a single-day high of 37 positive cases Monday.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

A three-time NCAA champion, Urban Meyer finally gave the NFL a shot in 2021 after the Jacksonville Jaguars and owner Shad Khan came calling.After weeks of speculation, the Jaguars made Meyer their new head coach on Jan. 14. Less than a year later, he's gone. A series of unfortunate events defined Meyer's short stint in Duval County.Feb. 11: The Chris Doyle debacleMeyer hired Doyle to serve as the director of sports performance. Doyle had spent two decades at Iowa, where he was regarded as one of the top strength and conditioning coaches in college football. There was just one problem: The Hawkeyes split with Doyle in June 2020 after looking into allegations that he had made racist and belittling comments toward numerous players. Doyle resigned a day after the Jaguars announced his hiring.April 29: NFL draftIt wasn't his most egregious call, but Meyer's decision to spend a first-round pick on running back Travis Etienne was baffling given James Robinson's emergence the year before. Meyer later revealed he wanted to pick Kadarius Toney with the 25th selection before the New York Giants beat him to the punch. The Jaguars envisioned Etienne as a running back/wide receiver hybrid, but the Clemson product suffered a season-ending foot injury in the preseason.May 20: Tebow Time James Gilbert / Getty Images Sport / GettyAlthough he'd been out of football for six years, Meyer signed Tim Tebow - the quarterback he won big with at Florida - to play tight end. Tebow had spent four seasons playing minor-league baseball in the New York Mets organization - the COVID-19 pandemic wiped out the fifth one. Tebow provided a few preseason clips of him whiffing on blocks before Jacksonville released him.July 1: OTA violationsThe NFL fined the Jaguars $200,000 and Meyer $100,000 after the team violated physical contact rules during organized team activities. Two other teams and their head coaches were punished as well, though the fines against Jacksonville and Meyer were double what the San Francisco 49ers/Kyle Shanahan and Dallas Cowboys/Mike McCarthy received. In response, the Jaguars said they would "re-emphasize offseason training rules as they relate to contact."Aug. 31: Roster cuts revelationAfter the Jaguars trimmed their roster to the 53-man limit, Meyer told reporters that he factored COVID-19 vaccination status into his decisions about which players to cut. The NFL prohibits teams from releasing players because of their vaccination status. "Can I say that that was a decision-maker? It was certainly in consideration," Meyer said. The NFLPA launched an investigation into Meyer's explanation.Oct. 4: Bar video apologyIn perhaps his most public misstep, video surfaced showing Meyer - who is married - with a woman dancing in his lap at an Ohio bar/restaurant while his team traveled home from Cincinnati. The video went viral in minutes. Hours earlier, the Jaguars had lost to the Bengals and dropped to 0-4. Meyer apologized to his players for making himself a distraction, but he drew criticism for addressing them in small groups rather than all together. He talked to the team again collectively in response to the backlash, and Khan published a statement saying Meyer had to regain the club's trust.Dec. 5: James Robinson's benchingThe Jaguars benched Robinson for the second time in as many weeks after he fumbled for the second game in a row. Oddly, the Jaguars sent Robinson - their most productive offensive player - back onto the field in garbage time of a blowout loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Robinson appeared befuddled when asked the next day about his usage. Rookie quarterback Trevor Lawrence came to Robinson's defense, telling reporters that Robinson has "got to be on the field."Dec. 11: Reports of tensionA day before the Jaguars took on the Tennessee Titans, NFL Network reported that Meyer had had several recent run-ins with players and assistants. Sources said Meyer frequently lashed out at his staff, questioning his assistants' resumes and calling them losers while pinning a large share of the Jaguars' struggles on them. Meyer also reportedly angered veteran wide receiver Marvin Jones to the point that he left the team facility and needed others to convince him to return. Meyer denied the report and threatened to fire whoever was responsible for the supposedly false leaks "within seconds" if he discovered the source.Dec. 13: Andre Cisco's playing timeNearly 24 hours after losing 20-0 to the Titans, a reporter asked Meyer about Cisco's lack of playing time. Meyer responded by saying the rookie safety had been playing more lately. But Cisco took zero defensive snaps against Tennessee the previous day.Dec. 15: Josh Lambo's allegationIn what perhaps marked the final straw, Lambo - a former Jaguars kicker - told the Tampa Bay Times that Meyer addressed him as "dipshit" and kicked him in the leg while he was stretching during training camp. "(The kick) certainly wasn't as hard as he could've done it," Lambo said, "but it certainly wasn't a love tap. ... Truthfully, I'd register it as a five (out of 10). Which, in the workplace, I don't care if it's football or not, the boss can't strike an employee. And for a second, I couldn't believe it actually happened. Pardon my vulgarity, I said, 'Don't you ever f------ kick me again!' And his response was, 'I'm the head ball coach, I'll kick you whenever the f--- I want.'" Lambo was released in October.Dec. 16: FiredThe Jaguars confirmed Meyer's dismissal shortly after midnight E.T. In a statement, Khan said he was "bitterly disappointed to arrive at the conclusion that an immediate change is imperative for everyone." He added that Meyer failed to regain the organization's trust as he had commanded Meyer to do after the bar video incident.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Seattle Seahawks placed wide receiver Tyler Lockett and running back Alex Collins on the COVID-19 list Thursday, the team announced.Seattle has only placed one other player - tight end Gerald Everett - on the reserve this season. Everett previously missed two contests after testing positive.Lockett leads the Seahawks in receiving with 1,023 yards, while Collins tops the team in rushing with 411 yards. Lockett has been a focal point of the offense for years, whereas Collins moved into a starting role for six games when Chris Carson and Rashaad Penny were both injured.The Seahawks are gearing up to face the Los Angeles Rams in Week 15. Seattle has catapulted itself back into the NFC playoff race with back-to-back wins.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.