Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh didn't consult Andy Reid before bringing in former Kansas City Chiefs running back Le'Veon Bell."Didn't talk to Andy about it," Harbaugh said Thursday. "Le'Veon's a guy we're very familiar with, obviously. We played against him so many times in so many highly competitive, emotional games. It was fun to have him in for the workout, he had a good workout; practiced yesterday, did a good job."We'll have a process with him. He's excited, he's learning, and we'll see where it goes."The Ravens signed Bell to the practice squad and Trenton Cannon to the active roster in the wake of season-ending injuries to J.K. Dobbins and Justice Hill.Once a marquee name in the AFC North rivalry between the Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers, Bell has seen his stock plummet since signing with the New York Jets in 2019. He finished last season with Kansas City, where he was used sparingly. Bell wrote on social media in June that he'd rather retire than play again under Reid, of whom Harbaugh is a disciple.Harbaugh said "there's a chance" the Ravens will promote Bell, a three-time Pro Bowler, for Week 1. Gus Edwards will handle most of the work out of the backfield to begin the campaign.Baltimore opens the regular-season schedule against the Las Vegas Raiders in the season premiere of Monday Night Football.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Cincinnati Bengals rookie Ja'Marr Chase is having difficulties with the adjustment from college football to the NFL.Taken fifth overall this April, Chase dropped his last four targets of the preseason, including all three passes thrown his way against the Washington Football Team in Week 2.Chase says one reason for his struggles is the ball he's trying to catch."The ball is different because it is bigger," Chase said, according to Bengals.com's Geoff Hobson. "It doesn't have the white stripes on the side so you can't see the ball coming from the tip point. So, you actually have to look for the strings on the ball at the top, which is hard to see because (the) whole ball is brown and you have the six strings that are white."But, for the most part, (I) just have to get used to it and find out what I am comfortable with catching."Chase also admitted to a "lack of concentration," saying he's been guilty of running before securing the catch and not looking the ball in.Additionally, it's been more than 600 days since Chase has played in a football game. He opted out of the 2020 college season after catching 84 passes for 1,780 yards and 20 touchdowns in LSU's national championship-winning campaign in 2019.Chase is reuniting with his college quarterback, Joe Burrow, but the two spent very little time on the field together in the preseason. The receiver, in particular, ran just 18 plays, including only three with Burrow."I didn't really get into a good rhythm with myself and actually play football," Chase said. "I just had a few times to go out there and learn the fundamentals of the offense. That's how I felt when I was out there playing. I feel like once I get into this game and actually play (for) a longer time, I'll do more of myself."The young pass-catcher will look to resolve his issues during Sunday's season opener against the Minnesota Vikings.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Mac Jones hopes to be the next great quarterback for the New England Patriots, and he knows Tom Brady casts a long shadow.The rookie starter was asked Wednesday whether he feels pressure to uphold the standard that Brady set in his 20 years in Foxborough."Obviously he's a great player and the word 'standard' kind of hit me there because we all want to play to that standard, the Patriot Way," Jones said. "Really it comes down to just doing your job. As a quarterback, that's leading the people around me as best I can and that's also executing the plays."Then Jones provided perhaps the understatement of the century when summarizing Brady's run with the Patriots, which included six Super Bowl titles and three league MVP trophies."He definitely did a good job. When I first got here, just watching tape - I've watched all the quarterbacks - obviously he was on there and he did a really, really good job," Jones said. "Hopefully I can do a good job, too."The 23-year-old will come face-to-face with the 44-year-old when the Patriots host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 4.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Jameis Winston is once again a starting quarterback in the NFL after earning the right to succeed Drew Brees for the New Orleans Saints. On Wednesday, the former No. 1 overall pick expressed his gratitude for the chance to revitalize his career."It's just fun," Winston said, according to John DeShazier of the Saints' official website. "It's a blessing. It's a blessing to have this opportunity to lead the pack, and I'm just grateful for it. It's been more than a year removed for me having the opportunity, and I'm not taking anything for granted. I'm just blessed, and grateful."Winston emerged as the winner in a battle with Taysom Hill - who started four games last year while Brees was injured - after throwing two long touchdown passes in the second preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars."It felt great," Winston said of being named the starter. "I think the whole training camp, we made each other better, and this team grew while we were competing. I was blessed to get the nod, and I'm just grateful for that. I'm grateful for my teammates for pushing me, I'm grateful for Taysom for pushing me, and us helping each other get better."Winston last started a game in December 2019 for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who opted to allow the signal-caller to hit free agency after five inconsistent seasons.In his final year in Tampa Bay, Winston was the first quarterback to throw 30 touchdowns with 30 interceptions and also became the eighth passer to register a 5,000-yard campaign.The Saints will begin the post-Brees era against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, with the game set to take place in Jacksonville as a result of Hurricane Ida.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

With the start of the regular season looming, the Green Bay Packers and wide receiver Davante Adams aren't any closer to agreeing on an extension."No chance," Adams said when asked about the odds of him signing a deal before Week 1, according to ESPN's Rob Demovsky.The 28-year-old - who is entering the last season of a four-year, $58-million deal - and Green Bay reportedly broke off negotiations on July 23.Adams said later that month he's "earned the right" to become the NFL's highest-paid wideout. However, the Packers' offers reportedly didn't exceed Arizona Cardinals star DeAndre Hopkins' $27.25 million per season.Hopkins' annual salary far exceeds that of the next group of wideouts, with Julio Jones earning $22 million per season and Keenan Allen taking home $20.25 million.Shortly after talks stalled, Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst stressed his team wanted to re-sign Adams, but added the two parties disagreed on the definition of the highest-paid receiver.Another factor in Adams' negotiations could be the future of quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who spent most of the offseason away from the team due to frustrations with the front office.Rodgers returned for training camp after agreeing to a reworked deal, and Green Bay will reportedly evaluate the reigning MVP's situation next year.With the Packers falling short in the NFC Championship Game each of the last two seasons and Rodgers' time in Green Bay potentially coming to a close, Adams said the team is more ready than ever to make a Super Bowl run."This is the hungriest team I’ve been around - just because we've been so close," he said.Adams led the league last season with 18 receiving touchdowns. He also racked up 115 catches and 1,374 yards.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

In "The Royal Tenenbaums," author Eli Cash (played by Owen Wilson) explains the concept of his most recent novel: "Everyone knows Custer died at Little Bighorn. What this book presupposes is ... maybe he didn't."As football season begins more than six months after the Super Bowl, everyone is already aligned on how the year will play out. We're presupposing. What if we didn't?That's what this column is about. Every Wednesday, we'll try to find five underdogs with value, and we're going to put them together in the lottery ticket of sports bets: the underdog round-robin moneyline parlay.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 take one unit and use it to make 11 different bets: 10 three-team parlays, and one five-team parlay. If three teams pull the upset, you'll likely double your money. If four teams win, you're connecting on four separate parlays and will be very pleased with the return. If all five teams win? Then it's Scrooge-McDuck-into-the-gold-doubloon-silo time!Who to playPittsburgh Steelers ML +240As the only +200 or longer price included in the parlay, it also seems the least likely. We've all predicted the Steelers are going to have a rough season. The only other big moneyline candidate is the Browns to knock off the Chiefs, which I don't hate. But late in 2020, the Steelers were just 2.5-point underdogs on the road against the Bills, so you can start to see the value in a team that won its division last season as a big 'dog.Cardinals ML (+135)This game feels like a coin flip, and both the Cardinals and Titans are capable of putting up points. It could be a dizzying track meet where, around 4 p.m. ET, someone will have just scored the go-ahead, game-winning touchdown. So why not try Arizona at a plus price?Eagles ML (+145)Same story as above, junior varsity edition. Neither team should be good, but both teams should score. Plus, what have the Falcons done to be deserving of this price tag? The higher octane the offenses, the more likely things could get loose and the underdog Eagles could come out on top.Dolphins ML (+140)People are pumped about Mac Jones, but it's his former Alabama teammate who has something to prove in 2021. The Dolphins handled the Patriots in Week 15 last season, and I'm sure they felt like they would have done better in Foxboro if it wasn't their first game of 2020. Let's see not just whether Tua Tagovailoa can show improvement on offense, but whether Jones can survive a turnover-hungry Dolphins defense.Saints ML (+175)Fading Aaron Rodgers may seem like a stretch, especially since this game will no longer be played in the Superdome. However, the Saints will have some tricks up their sleeves on offense, and I don't trust the Packers' defense outside of Jaire Alexander. The Saints can put a decoy on his side of the field and run all over Green Bay with Alvin Kamara. The narrative might be that they rallied for New Orleans, but frankly, the Saints are just better.PARLAYODDS (APPROX.)PHI+ARI+PIT+1770PHI+ARI+MIA+1220PHI+ARI+NO+1480ARI+PIT+NO+2000ARI+PIT+MIA+1650ARI+MIA+NO+1380PHI+MIA+NO+1450PHI+MIA+PIT+1730PHI+PIT+NO+2090NO+PIT+MIA+1955PHI+ARI+PIT+MIA+NO+11735Matt 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.

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 1.Updated rankings (including Standard and PPR) will be released Thursday, with the final version coming down Sunday morning.Half PPR

Pittsburgh Steelers pass-rusher T.J. Watt was a full participant in team practice Wednesday for the first time this offseason amid ongoing extension negotiations.Watt, who's entering the final year of his rookie deal, had been conducting individual drills."I thought he looked good. He was engaged. He has been (a) full participant in walk-throughs," head coach Mike Tomlin told reporters, including Joe Rutter of the Pittsburgh Tribune."He's a smart guy. He can learn from watching others, and it's evident in watching him work today."Tomlin said on Tuesday that he expected Watt's return for Wednesday and that he's optimistic a deal will be reached.Tomlin also said he's assuming that Watt will play Week 1 against the Buffalo Bills, according to ESPN's Brooke Pryor.Additionally, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger vouched for Watt to get the payday he deserves."One of the reasons I took less money was for guys like him to get paid," Roethlisberger said Wednesday, per Pryor. "And he needs to get paid. He deserves every penny that he wants and asks for."Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Brian O'Neill's five-year contract extension is worth $92.5 million, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.O'Neill will become the NFL's second-highest paid right tackle.The Vikings have produced the league's third-most rushing yards with O'Neill on their offensive line. He's started 42 games over his first three seasons, and the 25-year-old was coming to the end of a four-year rookie contract.The new deal secures him through the 2026 campaign.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Dallas Cowboys topped Forbes' list of the most valuable NFL franchises for a 15th consecutive year, increasing by 14% from last year to reach a value of $6.5 billion.The New England Patriots sit second on the list, valued at $5 billion, and the New York Giants are right behind at $4.85 billion. The least valuable team listed is the Buffalo Bills at $2.27 billion.Defending Super Bowl champions the Tampa Bay Buccaneers made the biggest jump in value, a 29% increase, to reach $2.94 billion.The Los Angeles Rams and the Washington Football Team both gained 20% in value and are now worth $4.8 billion and $4.2 billion, respectively.Here are the 10 most valuable franchises in the NFL.RankTeamValue1Dallas Cowboys$6.5B2New England Patriots$5B3New York Giants$4.85B4Los Angeles Rams$4.8B5Washington Football Team$4.2B6San Francisco 49ers$4.17B7Chicago Bears$4.075B8New York Jets$4.05B9Philadelphia Eagles$3.8B10Denver Broncos$3.75BCopyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Baltimore Ravens signed free-agent running back Le'Veon Bell to their practice squad.The Ravens will likely promote Bell to their 53-man roster when he's ready, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.Baltimore suffered significant attrition at tailback after losing both J.K. Dobbins and Justice Hill to season-ending injuries before Week 1.The Ravens worked out Bell alongside Devonta Freeman and Trent Cannon to fill out the depth chart.Bell returns to the AFC North after beginning his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers as a 2013 second-round pick. A two-time All-Pro in Pittsburgh, Bell has been unable to replicate his numbers since leaving the franchise after the 2017 campaign.The 29-year-old split last season dressing for both the New York Jets and Kansas City Chiefs. Bell struggled to find playing time with either club, totaling 328 rushing yards and two touchdowns in limited appearances.Gus Edwards is projected to receive a majority of snaps after signing a two-year, $9-million extension with the Ravens in June.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New Orleans Saints are acquiring some cornerback help, trading for veteran Bradley Roby from the Houston Texans, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports.The terms of the deal aren't yet known.Roby will miss the first week of the regular season while serving the remainder of a six-game suspension he received in 2020 for violating the league's performance-enhancing substances policy.The seven-year vet played the past two seasons with the Texans, starting 20 games and recording three interceptions. The former 2014 first-round pick spent the first five years of his career with the Denver Broncos, hauling in seven interceptions during that time.Roby initially signed a one-year, $10-million deal with Houston in 2019 before inking a three-year, $31.5-million extension in 2020.The Saints had attempted to address their secondary during the offseason. New Orleans was reported to be targeting one of the top corners in April's draft but was unable to trade up from the No. 28 position.The Saints released Janoris Jenkins in March for salary-cap reasons.New Orleans' cornerback group now features Roby, star Marshon Lattimore, Ken Crawley, Paulson Adebo, and veteran Desmond Trufant. P.J. Williams figures to move back to safety.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Arizona Cardinals haven't reached the playoffs since 2015, but general manager Steve Keim believes the drought ends this year."I think there's no doubt. I think last year we were a playoff team. Again, I think we didn't play up to standards when it comes to discipline and penalties and all the things that we knew we had to improve upon," Keim told Bob McManaman of the Arizona Republic.The Cardinals began last season with a 6-3 record and were in a prime position to reach the postseason before losing five of their final seven games.As a result, Arizona was busy this offseason, adding veterans J.J. Watt, A.J. Green, Rodney Hudson, and Malcolm Butler."I think this offseason with the additions that we made we certainly put our best foot forward with leadership and accountability and attention to details, as well as the physical traits we needed, which were taking the top off the defense, having guys that were physical on defense that can run and cover," Keim said.The Cardinals owned the sixth-best offense in the league last season, led by quarterback Kyler Murray and star wideout DeAndre Hopkins. With better defensive performances, Keim believes the club is ready to make the leap this year."I think we'll certainly play up to expectations this year because all those additions, as well as the guys we've drafted in the past few years, particularly the quarterback, that have continued to grow and develop into the player we certainly thought he was coming out," he said.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The last major sports franchise to bring a championship to Cleveland was the 2016 Cavaliers that LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, and Kevin Love led, and Myles Garrett believes the Browns also have the makings of a superteam after adding Jadeveon Clowney and Malik Jackson to their defense."I've got my Kyrie and my Love? Well, hell, I have to prove that I'm LeBron first before anything," the star pass-rusher said to Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal. "I have to prove that I'm the playmaker at all levels. Hell, he's top three in any debate that you have."Though Garrett is an elite defender who's often considered for Defensive Player of the Year, the 25-year-old knows he has a long way to go before being on the four-time NBA champion and league MVP's level.But the defensive end is rising to that plateau after recording 12 sacks and being named a first-team All-Pro last season. He's notched 42.5 career sacks over four campaigns, but Garrett believes one issue is holding him back from reaching his peak: availability.Garrett has played a full season just once. He was suspended in 2019 for hitting Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph with a helmet, and the 2017 first overall pick missed two games last year due to COVID-19."The guys who were in the talks to win DPOY, (TJ) Watt and (Aaron) Donald, great players, but I was right among them before I was hit with COVID," Garrett said. "They didn't get it. So they were available. They were on the field, and they took care of themselves."That's on me for not doing that - however I got it - and I've got to make sure I'm available this year for my team, for the individual goals that I have, and for whatever run we'll have in the playoffs."Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Houston Texans are signing Danny Amendola to a one-year, $2.5-million contract, the wide receiver's agent told NFL Network's Tom Pelissero and Mike Garafolo.Amendola, 35, spent the past two seasons with the Detroit Lions. He made 46 receptions for 602 receiving yards with no touchdowns in 2020.The Woodlands, Texas, native joins his fifth NFL franchise after beginning his career with the St. Louis Rams. Amendola won a pair of Super Bowls with the New England Patriots. He also dressed for the Miami Dolphins.He returns to the Lone Star State to help a franchise that will attempt to establish a passing game with newly named starting quarterback Tyrod Taylor.The Texans currently have Brandin Cooks, Chris Conley, and Anthony Miller headlining it receiving corps.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

NFL side bets get all of the attention each week. However, there's a pretty penny to be made in the totals market, which can be harder to price efficiently but easier for finding large windows for value if you trust your insights. That's never been more true than in Week 1 when intel is at its lowest for books and bettors alike.Here are five totals we're targeting in the first week of the season:Jets @ Panthers (-5, 45)I'm already circling the Panthers as one of my favorite over plays this campaign, and that starts with a Week 1 revenge spot for new quarterback Sam Darnold. Darnold struggled through three years with the Jets, but he'll benefit from a better offensive line, a loaded receiving corps, and one of the league's best weapons in Christian McCaffrey - who should substantially improve this offense after playing in just three games in 2020.New York's offense has a reason for optimism, too, after swapping Darnold for big-armed rookie Zach Wilson and adding legit weapons in wideouts Corey Davis and rookie Elijah Moore. Both of these defenses still have major question marks, which makes this an easy over play on a modest number.Pick: Over 45Chargers (-1, 44.5) @ WashingtonBoth of these teams should be better offensively than they were in 2020 based solely on offseason moves at key spots. Still, the strength for both of these squads is on defense - Washington was among the NFL's best units in 2020, while the Chargers ranked 10th in yards allowed per drive in an injury-plagued season.Los Angeles heads into 2021 with a healthier roster and a defensive-minded coach in Brandon Staley, who captained the Rams' top-ranked defense a year ago. Expect him to employ the Chargers' array of versatile and athletic defensive stars in creative ways from the opening kickoff.Pick: Under 44.5Cardinals @ Titans (-3, 52)The Titans have quietly owned one of the league's best offensive units since Ryan Tannehill took over as the starter midway through 2019. Tennessee averaged 30.4 points in his 10 starts that year - which would have ranked second in the NFL - and followed that up with the fourth-highest scoring average (30.7) and a league-best 12-3-1 record to the over in 2020.And that was before the Titans added Julio Jones this summer, joining A.J. Brown and Derrick Henry in one of the most explosive offenses in the league. The same can be said for the Cardinals, who added James Conner, A.J. Green, and Rondale Moore to an already stacked offensive depth chart.Don't be scared off by the gaudy total, either. Games with a total of at least 52 went 35-26 (57.4%) to the over in 2020 and are a combined 85-63 (57.4%) to the over since 2016. The last six Week 1 contests with a total this high went 3-1-2 to the over with a combined 59 points per game.Pick: Over 52Dolphins @ Patriots (-3, 43.5)The Patriots finished last campaign with an 11-5 record to the under despite overhauling their NFL-leading defense from 2020. That side of the ball should improve in 2021, but New England's offense is still an enigma, with rookie Mac Jones leading an uninspiring group of skill-position players.Jones will face a stiff test in his debut against the Dolphins' defense, which ranked fifth in points allowed per drive a year ago behind its chaotic blitzing schemes and shutdown secondary. The rookie signal-caller has been lauded for his on-field processing, but he hasn't faced anything like what Brian Flores' group will throw at him on Sunday.Pick: Under 43.5Broncos (-3, 41.5) @ GiantsThe Broncos' defense took a step back in Vic Fangio's second season, but the unit should return to the league's elite with Von Miller returning to the field after missing all of 2020. As good as the squad's pass rush can be, its secondary might be the NFL's best after adding Kyle Fuller, Ronald Darby, and standout rookie Patrick Surtain to a group that already excelled a year ago.Denver should have a field day against Daniel Jones and the Giants' offense, which averaged a paltry 17.5 points in 2020 and is likely to start slow after a sloppy, injury-riddled offseason. Both of these teams will rely heavily on their defense to lift a slowly developing offense - which should be music to under bettors' ears.Pick: Under 41.5C Jackson Cowart is a sports betting writer at theScore. You can follow him on Twitter (@CJacksonCowart) or email him at cjackson.cowart@thescore.com.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New Orleans Saints released running back Latavius Murray on Tuesday, the club announced.Murray refused to accept the team's request for a salary reduction, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.The 31-year-old signed a four-year, $14.4-million contract with the Saints in 2019. With the move, New Orleans creates $1 million in cap space while incurring $3.1 million in dead money, according to Over The Cap.Murray rushed for 656 yards and four touchdowns last season. His 4.5 yards per carry was a career best. The former Pro Bowler also added 23 receptions for 176 yards and one score.He spent two campaigns with the Saints after suiting up for the Minnesota Vikings in 2017 and '18. He played his first three seasons with the Oakland Raiders, who drafted him in the sixth round in 2013.Tony Jones Jr. is expected to serve as the Saints' No. 2 tailback behind star Alvin Kamara.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Mac Jones wasn't surprised when the New England Patriots named him their starting quarterback for the 2021 season.The rookie spoke for the first time since winning a fierce competition with veteran Cam Newton on WEEI's "Merloni and Fauria" show."Not really, Jones said, according to ESPN's Mike Reiss. "Like I always say, I prepare to be the starter. I got a chance to get a lot of reps. Nothing really changes."Just trying to be a good teammate, trying to learn the plays every day, fix what I messed up on and listen to (offensive coordinator) Josh (McDaniels) and all the guys in the quarterback room and take the advice."The 23-year-old wrestled leading duties away from Newton, who recorded a 7-8 record in his lone season in New England before being released a week ago.Jones, the 15th overall selection in the 2021 draft, praised Newton for his mentorship since Jones joined the club."Obviously, Cam is a great guy, a great player, and hopefully he lands somewhere," Jones said. "I definitely learned a lot from him, and I'm excited to keep learning from Brian (Hoyer) and everyone in the quarterback room."While Jones appreciates achieving a childhood dream of becoming an NFL starting QB, he's turned his focus toward making the most of his opportunity."The label is the label, but you gotta go out and produce. That's just kind of what it comes down to," he said.The former Alabama product will go toe to toe with former college teammate Tua Tagovailoa when the Patriots host the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The four Denver Broncos quarterbacks who were ruled ineligible for a game last season due to COVID-19 protocols tried to outsmart the NFL's contact-tracing devices, the Los Angeles Times' Sam Farmer reports.The league directed the Broncos to sideline Drew Lock, Brett Rypien, and Blake Bortles for their Nov. 29, 2020, game against the New Orleans Saints after they were deemed close contacts to Jeff Driskel, who had tested positive for COVID-19. With all four signal-callers out, Denver was forced to start practice squad wide receiver Kendall Hilton.According to Farmer's report, the NFL declined to postpone the contest after surveillance footage showed the quarterbacks placing their contact-tracing devices in the four corners of their meeting room while watching film:

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin remains hopeful that the team can agree to a contract extension with outside linebacker TJ Watt."I remain optimistic something will get done from a deal perspective," Tomlin said Tuesday, according to ESPN's Brooke Pryor.Watt has only participated in individual drills since arriving at training camp, opting not to take part in team drills without a new contract.Tomlin predicts that will change Wednesday as the Steelers prepare for their Week 1 matchup against the Buffalo Bills."I'm expecting him to work tomorrow. I'm proceeding with the assumption he's going to work tomorrow," Tomlin added.Pittsburgh has typically required that players practice in order to play, but Tomlin said he hasn't thought about a benchmark for Watt due to his confidence in the situation being resolved."I've been optimistic about this process (running) its course," Tomlin noted. "And so, because of that optimism, I'm anticipating quality play for him this weekend and beyond."The 26-year-old pass-rusher is headed into the final year of his rookie deal, which is set to pay him just over $10 million in base salary, per Spotrac. Watt's current salary ranks 10th among edge rushers.Guaranteed money is likely the issue holding up contract talks. Pittsburgh's longtime opposition to offering full guarantees beyond the first year could reportedly spoil negotiations with Watt, according to NFL Network's Aditi Kinkhabwala.Watt has been one of the league's best pass-rushers since he was selected in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft. The 26-year-old led the NFL in sacks last season with 15 while also generating 41 quarterback hits. He has recorded 49.5 sacks, 17 forced fumbles, and four interceptions over his career.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Seattle Seahawks have agreed to rework the final year of left tackle Duane Brown's contract, sources told ESPN's Brady Henderson.The veteran will receive a $7-million signing bonus and another $4 million in base salary, Henderson adds.Brown was originally set to receive $10 million in base salary and an additional $1 million in per-game roster bonuses this season. He won't get any new money in 2021, but his guaranteed money increases.He can make up to $12 million with incentives, according to Henderson. The Seahawks also granted him an injury protection benefit for 2022.The 36-year-old returned to practice Monday after sitting out amid his contract dispute. Head coach Pete Carroll confirmed Brown will start Week 1 against the Indianapolis Colts despite his lack of offseason participation."He's ready to go," Carroll said Monday. "We're pleased to have him."Brown has started 53 games for the Seahawks since coming over in a trade from the Houston Texans in 2017.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

When doling out betting advice, I often feel the need to remind people that I'm not responsible for their tears. And since you can't spell teaser without t-e-a-r-s, every Tuesday during the season we'll discuss what NFL teams are worthy of being teased for the upcoming week.This is about which clubs you should tease from a mathematically correct standpoint. We'll use the most profitable version: the 6-point teaser.While different sportsbooks offer different pricing, you can generally assume that each leg of a teaser comes at a price of -270. Let's use the clash between the Cleveland Browns and Kansas City Chiefs, one of the most anticipated Week 1 games, as an example.SpreadOddsML-270-1-240-1.5-225-2-210-2.5-205-3-185-3.5-150-4-145-4.5-140-5-135-5.5-125-6-110Taking the Chiefs from -6 down to a pick'em can be done using the money line, or with a second game as part of a tease. Each leg will cost you -270, and that's slightly shorter than -110 when parlayed together. Adding another leg looks appetizing when the payout moves up to +160. But remember, that's just plugging in another -270 piece to the parlay.Not all teaser legs are created equal. The biggest mistake novice bettors make is teasing through 0. You're wasting valuable price points on a number the game probably isn't going to land on since matchups can't end in a tie. So how can we maximize the 6-point move? How can we get what we're paying for at -270 per leg?The final spreads of NFL contests often finish on key numbers due to the nature of the game, with 30% ending on three, six, or seven. In recent years, more games are landing on four, five, and eight following a change in attitude about two-point conversions. Consequently, capturing as many numbers as possible between three and eight with a teaser leg is how to get the most value for your bet.A -110 price indicates a 52.4% win probability, and a -270 price indicates a 73% win probability. So to make our teaser leg valuable, we need to increase its win probability by 20.6%. Capturing 30% more of the overall winning margins helps to accomplish that.Here's a list of Week 1 spreads that fit mathematically for teasing. These aren't recommendations, but rather options thrown into the "Teaser Basket" to use if you like that team in its game.Teaser BasketTeaser sideSpread6-point teaser legTampa Bay Buccaneers-8-2Washington Football Team+1.5+7.5New York Jets+5+11Buffalo Bills-6.5-0.5Indianapolis Colts+2.5+8.5San Francisco 49ers-7.5-1.5Kansas City Chiefs-6PKNew York Giants+2.5+8.5New Orleans Saints+4.5+10.5Miami Dolphins+2.5+8.5Los Angeles Rams-7.5-1.5Las Vegas Raiders+4.5+10.5Sometimes there are two decent options for a teaser leg in the same game, like bringing the Cowboys up to +14 against the Bucs on Thursday, even if it's not mathematically optimal.Games with lines at -3 or -3.5 don't offer good side options for a teaser leg. From a value standpoint, teasing a game up to 9 isn't worth it because of how infrequently NFL games land on that winning margin. Teasing 7.5-point favorites down to -1.5 gets you a lot of valuable numbers, but it leaves bettors open to losing on the dreaded one-point win.Now that you know the math, take as many legs as you want from the basket. But keep in mind how much risk you're willing to take, and being responsible for your own tears.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.

Find positional rankings, additional analysis, and subscribe to push notifications in the NFL Fantasy News section.Welcome to theScore Fantasy Football Podcast, hosted by Justin Boone.Find the show on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, Spotify, and Anchor.In this episode, Boone takes an early look at intriguing players available on the waiver wire heading into Week 1.

Find positional rankings, additional analysis, and subscribe to push notifications in the NFL Fantasy News section.Every Monday during the season, theScore's Justin Boone runs down the recommended waiver wire pickups.Rostered percentages are based on Yahoo leagues. Free Agent Budget (FAB) amounts are set off a $100 salary cap. Only players rostered in less than 50% of leagues are considered.You'll notice that the amounts in this week's column are small. That's because most leagues have already drafted, so you likely won't need to spend any FAB to get these players if they're available. You should also be saving for the next few weeks as early-season breakout candidates emerge.Quarterbacks Chris Keane / Getty Images Sport / GettySam Darnold, PanthersNext UpRosteredFABvs. NYJ14%$1Unless you're in a two-quarterback or superflex league, you're likely set at the position and don't need to concern yourself with some of the names on this list. However, those deep diving for a potential breakout candidate at QB can consider a 24-year-old passer who escaped his Adam Gase-induced purgatory and landed in a near perfect situation with the Panthers.Darnold has three strong receivers in D.J. Moore, Robby Anderson, and rookie Terrace Marshall Jr. (more on him later), arguably the league's best all-around back in Christian McCaffrey, and quality coaching from Matt Rhule and offensive coordinator Joe Brady.That group helped him complete 19 of 25 attempts for 162 yards and two touchdowns in his final preseason appearance. Carolina also has an extremely favorable passing schedule to start the year with the Jets, Saints, Texans, Cowboys, and Eagles in the first five weeks.Either way, we should know immediately in the opener whether Darnold can make good on his former first-round pedigree. If he falters against his old team, you can simply cut him for one of the hot waiver wire targets next week.Potential long-term starting options: Tua Tagovailoa at NE (32% rostered), Ryan Fitzpatrick vs. LAC (48% rostered), Jameis Winston vs. GB (43% rostered), Ben Roethlisberger at BUF (41% rostered), Zach Wilson at CAR (18% rostered)2QB/Superflex-only options: Carson Wentz vs. SEA (16% rostered), Teddy Bridgewater at NYG (11% rostered), Mac Jones vs. MIA (26% rostered), Jimmy Garoppolo at DET (8% rostered), Tyrod Taylor vs. JAX (3% rostered)Running backs Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyWayne Gallman, FalconsNext UpRosteredFABvs. PHI4%$3After four years with the Giants and a brief offseason with the 49ers, Gallman was released and signed by the Falcons last week. He immediately replaces Qadree Ollison (who was cut) as the team's second-best option in the backfield, behind Mike Davis.Cordarrelle Patterson will be involved as a change-of-pace weapon, but if something were to happen to Davis, Gallman would be the new lead back in Atlanta.Gallman is an intriguing backup RB for fantasy and someone who we've seen deliver in short relief stints during his time in New York. He should be rostered in the majority of leagues.Ty'Son Williams, RavensNext UpRosteredFABat LV27%$2Williams was vaulted into the Ravens' No. 2 running back spot after J.K. Dobbins suffered a season-ending injury last week. His spot on the roster was further cemented when Justice Hill also suffered a torn ACL.Since we know Baltimore likes to deploy multiple backs, there's a good chance Williams gets a decent amount of touches while serving in a complementary role behind new starter Gus Edwards.Before you break the bank to acquire him, just keep in mind the Ravens took a look at Todd Gurley in June and then had Le'Veon Bell, Devonta Freeman, and Elijah Holyfield in for workouts Monday. There's a strong possibility they add someone in the coming days, but whether that's a past-their-prime star or simply a depth piece who can play special teams remains to be seen.In the meantime, Williams should be picked up in case he builds off his promising preseason and earns the backup job outright.High-upside backups like Alexander Mattison (40% rostered), Damien Williams (5% rostered), and Rhamondre Stevenson (25% rostered) should be rostered in most leagues.Flex options: Ty Johnson at CAR (11% rostered), Tevin Coleman at CAR (21% rostered), Giovani Bernard vs. DAL (31% rostered), James White vs. MIA (30% rostered)

With just days before the NFL season kicks off, our betting writers pick their favorite Super Bowl bet:Los Angeles Rams (+1400)When I look at this team entering 2021, it's hard not to think of last year's Buccaneers. They had an efficient defense and plenty of skill-position talent, but, like the Rams, they were previously held back by an inefficient former top pick whose gaudy box-score stats couldn't overshadow their inconsistency.Los Angeles had the NFL's best defense in 2020 and is stocked with legitimate Pro Bowl talent on offense, but Jared Goff's limitations as a field general capped the ceiling of Sean McVay's otherwise innovative offense. That changes with Matthew Stafford, who's long been a star-level talent whose gifts were wasted by poor coaching and substandard weapons.We're also just three seasons removed from the Rams reaching the Super Bowl with Goff in McVay's second year as a head coach. He's reinvented his team's offense since then, and McVay enters this year with the best quarterback he's ever had. It's easy to talk yourself into a Bucs-like leap for this group, which has every ingredient you'd want in a Super Bowl contender and comes at a reasonable price.- C Jackson CowartMinnesota Vikings (+4000)Admittedly, Kirk Cousins' approach to protecting himself from COVID-19 isn't exactly inspiring, but you won't find another team this far down the oddsboard that can fix its biggest flaw with a 30-second trip to the trainer's room. On the field, the Vikings have all the makings of a Super Bowl contender.Defensively, we have every reason to believe the Vikings' unit could boast a top-five ranking in 2021 after being a mess last season. Danielle Hunter and Michael Pierce return after not playing a snap last year, headlining a defensive line that could be dominant after adding Dalvin Tomlinson, Sheldon Richardson, and Everson Griffen. Linebackers Eric Kendricks and Anthony Barr - who played a combined 13 games in 2020 - are healthy, while the team added veterans Patrick Peterson and Bashaud Breeland to solidify a deep group of young corners.While the defense is busy wreaking havoc on opposing quarterbacks, Justin Jefferson, Adam Thielen, and Dalvin Cook, as well as a young and improved offensive line, will make things easy on Cousins. Legitimate concerns surrounding the Packers - their offensive line, wide receiver depth, and a new defensive scheme - mean the division is Minnesota's for the taking. With a top running back and a defense that should be as good as any unit in the league, the Vikings are equipped to make a deep run.- Alex MorettoPittsburgh Steelers (+4000)The NFL is the pinnacle buy-low/sell-high league for bettors, and no team got sold more this offseason than the Steelers. A tough end to the 2020 regular season and a brutal start to their playoff loss to the Browns has everyone out on Ben Roethlisberger and what many believe is a weakened right arm. However, we thought the same of Tom Brady and Peyton Manning before they went on to win a Lombardi Trophy.While I disagree with ever taking a runner in the first round, that doesn't mean Najee Harris and a renewed approach from Pittsburgh's offense can't make life easier on Big Ben. The defense has seen some turnover, but this unit always proves greater than the sum of its parts.The 40-1 price is about the cutoff for teams that are capable of making the playoffs and beating the top clubs in their conference.- Matt RussellCopyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell said running back D'Andre Swift will be ready to play in Week 1 during an appearance on "97.1 The Ticket," according to Dave Birkett of The Detroit Free Press.Campbell was previously unsure of Swift's status for the regular-season opener against the San Francisco 49ers due to a groin injury. The ailment caused the rusher to miss portions of training camp.Swift split time with Adrian Peterson and Kerryon Johnson during his rookie season in 2020. The 22-year-old accumulated 878 yards from scrimmage and 10 total touchdowns over 13 games.The former second-round pick will be joined by veteran Jamaal Williams and rookie Jermar Jefferson in the Lions' backfield this season.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Although the New England Patriots released Cam Newton last week, head coach Bill Belichick credited the quarterback for his work ethic and drive during an appearance on the "Greg Hill Show" on Tuesday."I have nothing but positive thoughts and feelings for Cam," Belichick said, according to NESN's Zack Cox. "He came in here, he worked hard. He gave us everything he had. Right now, our future is going to be Mac (Jones) at quarterback, and that is where we're going to go."Belichick added that while trimming the roster is never an easy process, all the moves are aimed at doing what's best for the team."It's always tough to tell guys who have worked hard and have given you all they had that you're not able to keep them," the coach noted.With Newton gone, first-round rookie Jones is scheduled to lead the Patriots in 2021. Belichick was asked about the possibility of keeping Newton as the team's backup, but he said he didn't feel it was the right move for the club."Yeah, there's always options and a lot of different things that you give, especially this time of year with so many players available before they all hit the practice squad," Belichick said. "But, yeah, in the end, we did what we felt was best."Newton joined the Patriots prior to the 2020 season, compiling a 7-8 record as a starter. He threw eight touchdowns and 10 interceptions.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NFL is set to return with Thursday's season-opener between the reigning champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys, and theScore's football staff is kicking things off with playoff, Super Bowl, and awards predictions for this season.AFCEASTWESTNORTHSOUTHWCWCWCBrowneBUFKCCLEINDBALMIALACChippinBUFKCCLETENLACBALMIAMcClymontBUFKCBALTENLACCLEINDMcGoldrickBUFKCCLETENBALLACNEMiariBUFKCBALINDLACCLETENValenteBUFKCBALINDLACCLETENWashingtonBUFKCCLETENPITNEBALWilkinsBUFKCBALTENCLEPITLACWoodsBUFKCCLETENBALLACNEThe Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs - who met in the conference title game last season - were a tier above the rest in the AFC, and all our editors unanimously expect that to continue in 2021. However, the AFC North and the AFC South are both seen as two-horse races.The Cleveland Browns - who haven't won a divisional title since 1989, six years before Baker Mayfield was born - edge the Baltimore Ravens with five votes to four. Notably, no one believes the Pittsburgh Steelers can retain their crown from a year ago, likely a reaction to their late-season slump in 2020.In the AFC South, the Tennessee Titans are clear favorites over the Indianapolis Colts, garnering six votes. It's easy to understand why. Both teams won 11 games last year, but the Titans added Julio Jones, while the Colts might have downgraded from Philip Rivers to the again-injured Carson Wentz.Meanwhile, our editors are all-in on Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers, who won four straight games to close last season. L.A. hasn't made the playoffs since 2018, but eight of our nine editors expect a wild-card berth.NFCEASTWESTNORTHSOUTHWCWCWCBrowneDALLARGBTBSFSEACHIChippinNYGLARGBTBSFARIMINMcClymontWSHLARGBTBSFSEAARIMcGoldrickWSHSEAGBTBARILARNOMiariDALLARGBTBSEAMINNOValenteDALSEAGBTBLARNOSFWashingtonDALLARGBTBSFNOMINWilkinsDALSFGBTBLARNOSEAWoodsWSHLARGBTBSEADALSFLike in the AFC, our editors see two divisions in the NFC - the North and the South - as foregone conclusions. The Buccaneers retained their entire championship core, while the Green Bay Packers are set for potentially one last ride after withstanding an offseason of strife with Aaron Rodgers. Hannah Foslien / Getty ImagesThe Cowboys (five votes) and Los Angeles Rams (six votes) are also the clear favorites in the NFC East and NFC West, respectively. Dallas often fails to live up to expectations, but if Dak Prescott is healthy, it's the most talented team in the division. The Rams' acquisition of Matthew Stafford to pair with Sean McVay is viewed as a game-changing move by our editors, though two believe the Seattle Seahawks won't give up their crown that easily.The NFC West is predicted to be the conference's strongest division. Six of our nine editors believe the division will send three teams to the playoffs, while one sees all four clubs playing in January. Though the San Francisco 49ers received just one vote to win the NFC West, six editors think they'll rebound from a down year with a wild-card berth.AFC Championship GamePREDICTIONBrowneKC vs. LACChippinKC vs. BUFMcClymontKC vs. TENMcGoldrickKC vs. BUFMiariBAL vs. LACValenteKC vs. BALWashingtonKC vs. CLEWilkinsKC vs. CLEWoodsKC vs. BUFPatrick Mahomes has made three straight AFC title games to begin his career, and eight of our nine editors see that streak continuing after an offseason during which the Chiefs poured resources into improving their quarterback's protection following the disaster in Super Bowl LV. Though our belief in the Chiefs is almost unanimous, our editors are split on who exactly is their biggest threat. The Bills were involved in the second-most matchups with three, while the Browns, Ravens, and, most surprisingly, the Chargers were picked twice.NFC Championship GamePREDICTIONBrowneTB vs. SEAChippinTB vs. GBMcClymontLAR vs. TBMcGoldrickSEA vs. LARMiariGB vs. LARValenteTB vs. LARWashingtonGB vs. LARWilkinsTB vs. LARWoodsLAR vs. SEAOur editors are guzzling the Stafford-McVay Kool-Aid, with the Rams making the NFC title game in seven out of nine predictions. Clearly, we believe Jared Goff was the problem in L.A. The two teams that battled it out in last year's NFC title game - the Packers and Bucs - also unsurprisingly feature prominently after being unanimously predicted to win their divisions, with Tampa Bay voted five times and Green Bay four. Interestingly, only one editor sees both clubs making it back for a rematch.Super Bowl LVIPREDICTIONBrowneTB def. KCChippinGB def. BUFMcClymontKC def. TBMcGoldrickKC def. LARMiariGB def. BALValenteKC def. LARWashingtonKC def. GBWilkinsTB def. KCWoodsKC def. LARThe Chiefs are expected to once again be the kings of the NFL. Mahomes will lead Kansas City to redemption, according to five of their seven predicted matchups, though the AFC West club came up short in two of their three Super Bowl rematches with Tom Brady and Co. Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyThe Packers are the only other team to win the Super Bowl in our predictions, coming out on top in two of their three matchups. Meanwhile, our faith in the Rams comes to a screeching halt. After losing four of seven NFC Championship Game matchups, L.A. then falls short in all three of its Super Bowl appearances.First head coach firedPREDICTIONBrowneZac TaylorChippinZac TaylorMcClymontMike ZimmerMcGoldrickMatt NagyMiariZac TaylorValenteZac TaylorWashingtonMatt NagyWilkinsKliff KingsburyWoodsJoe JudgeTaylor's days with the Cincinnati Bengals are apparently numbered, with four of nine editors seeing him as the first head coach to face the chopping block. The Bengals have won just six games in two years under Taylor, play in one of the hardest divisions in football, and have a quarterback in Joe Burrow coming off a devastating knee injury. Elsewhere, the Bears' big swing on Justin Fields won't be enough to keep Nagy (two votes) from the unemployment line.Best and worst free-agent signingsBESTWORSTBrowneWill FullerTrey HendricksonChippinPatrick PetersonPat ElfleinMcClymontCurtis SamuelJ.J. WattMcGoldrickCurtis SamuelAndy DaltonMiariJohn JohnsonBud DupreeValenteWilliam JacksonA.J. GreenWashingtonMarvin JonesShaquill GriffinWilkinsJadeveon ClowneyTrey HendricksonWoodsDeSean JacksonKenny GolladayOur editors expect big things from what was a loaded class of free-agent receivers, with Samuel - who joined the Washington Football Team and should have plenty of opportunities thanks to the presence of Terry McLaurin - the most-picked option. Free-agent busts often happen when teams get blinded by a player's name. Former Pro Bowlers Green, Watt, and Dalton all fall squarely into this category.Coach of the YearPREDICTIONBrowneSean McVayChippinBrandon StaleyMcClymontBrandon StaleyMcGoldrickKevin StefanskiMiariBrandon StaleyValenteBrandon StaleyWashingtonKyle ShanahanWilkinsSean PaytonWoodsBrandon StaleyFirst-year head coaches often have the inside track to this award, which likely explains the love for Staley, who joined the Chargers this offseason. The former Rams defensive coordinator was the pick for five of our editors and the only head coach to receive multiple votes. Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyThe Chargers' talent hasn't led to much success of late, but with Herbert seemingly one of the next great quarterbacks, we see Staley as the man to finally turn around the team's fortunes.Rookies of the YearOFFENSIVEDEFENSIVEBrowneJustin FieldsKwity PayeChippinTrevor LawrencePatrick SurtainMcClymontKyle PittsJaycee HornMcGoldrickJustin FieldsPatrick SurtainMiariTrevor LawrenceMicah ParsonsValenteMac JonesPatrick SurtainWashingtonMac JonesMicah ParsonsWilkinsJaylen WaddleJoe TryonWoodsTrevor LawrencePatrick SurtainPoor Zach Wilson and Trey Lance. Despite impressive preseasons for the No. 2 and 3 overall picks, respectively, they were the only first-round quarterbacks not to receive a vote for Offensive Rookie of the Year. Fields is set to start the season on the bench, but he still got two votes. While Lawrence only narrowly edging Jones and Fields for the most votes is surprising given the consensus view that he's the best prospect since Andrew Luck, perhaps our editors are yet to be convinced by his supporting cast and Urban Meyer's coaching abilities at the pro level.Meanwhile, Broncos cornerback Surtain is expected to make an immediate splash in the NFL. However, the former Alabama standout is facing a tough task, as cornerbacks have taken home this award in only two of the last 20 seasons (Marshon Lattimore in 2017 and Marcus Peters in 2015).Players of the YearOFFENSIVEDEFENSIVECOMEBACKBrowneDerrick HenryMyles GarrettDak PrescottChippinDerrick HenryJaire AlexanderDanielle HunterMcClymontDerrick HenryDevin WhiteDerwin JamesMcGoldrickAlvin KamaraNick BosaNick BosaMiariJustin HerbertMyles GarrettDak PrescottValenteJustin HerbertT.J. WattDak PrescottWashingtonAlvin KamaraNick BosaNick BosaWilkinsPatrick MahomesAaron DonaldDak PrescottWoodsChristian McCaffreyChase YoungDak PrescottComing off a season-ending ankle injury, Prescott is the front-runner to earn the Comeback Player of the Year award with five votes. The Cowboys quarterback was on pace to shatter Peyton Manning's single-season passing yards record before going down.There is less consensus for the Offensive and Defensive awards, though. Shockingly, Donald - who's been named the league's top defender in three of the last four seasons - got only one vote, with our editors widely split on which pass-rusher will shine brightest. Meanwhile, Henry isn't expected to slow down anytime soon following a 2,000-yard season, with the Titans running back getting three votes to edge Kamara and Herbert.MVPPREDICTIONBrownePatrick MahomesChippinJosh AllenMcClymontPatrick MahomesMcGoldrickRussell WilsonMiariJustin HerbertValenteRussell WilsonWashingtonPatrick MahomesWilkinsDak PrescottWoodsMatthew StaffordQuarterbacks have won 17 of the last 20 MVP awards, so it's not a shock to see none of our editors went off the board with their picks. Even less of a shock is Mahomes leading the way with three votes. He might be the favorite for this award every year until he retires. Mark Brown / Getty Images Sport / GettyWilson, who dropped out of last year's race during the second half of the season but still had a career-high 40 touchdown passes, was the only other player to receive multiple votesCopyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Baltimore Ravens locked in Lamar Jackson's favorite target for the foreseeable future.Baltimore and tight end Mark Andrews agreed to terms Monday on a four-year extension, the team announced.The pact is worth $56 million and includes $37.6 million in guaranteed money, reports ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. Andrews will reportedly be paid $26.6 million by March 2022."Mark is exactly the type of player we wish to keep as a Raven long-term," general manager Eric DeCosta said in a statement. "He's competitive, passionate, talented and a leader. We are so excited to have him in Baltimore for the next five years."The agreement comes on Andrews' 26th birthday. The 2018 third-round pick was set to play the last year of his rookie contract this season.The Oklahoma product has been Jackson's most targeted pass-catcher over the last two campaigns (186 regular-season targets). He earned a Pro Bowl berth in 2019 after setting career highs with 64 receptions, 852 yards, and 10 touchdowns.Andrews wasn't able to replicate those numbers last year but was still one of the most productive tight ends in football, ranking fifth at the position with 701 yards and sixth with seven touchdown catches. He also recorded 58 receptions.Andrews' new $14-million average annual salary ranks third among tight ends behind the San Francisco 49ers' George Kittle and the Kansas City Chiefs' Travis Kelce.Meanwhile, it remains unclear whether Jackson will also sign a long-term extension before Baltimore's Sept. 13 opener against the Las Vegas Raiders. The 2019 NFL MVP has had contract talks with the Ravens, but the two sides haven't come to an agreement.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Seattle Seahawks welcomed left tackle Duane Brown back at practice Monday after he refused to train for weeks without a new contract.Although Brown hasn't signed an extension, Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll confirmed the offensive lineman will start Seattle's opener Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts."He's ready to go," Carroll said, according to Curtis Crabtree of Pro Football Talk. "We're pleased to have him."He's really healthy right now. I'm really thrilled about that for him. It's one of the things we realized about the process of it that we would not wear him down at all during camp, like any player. So he's got fresh legs coming."The Seahawks and Brown recently discussed potential solutions for his contract issue, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. Seattle reportedly doesn't plan to extend Brown's deal, but the two sides have talked about adjusting the pact."We're really ready to play football right now," Carroll said. "Everything that needed to be taken care of is taken care of."Brown is entering the last season of a three-year, $34.5-million extension inked in July 2018. The 36-year-old earns a base salary of $10 million in 2021, according to Spotrac.The five-time Pro Bowler has been a key member of the Seahawks' offensive line since joining the team through a trade from the Houston Texans in 2017. He started all 16 games for Seattle last season, posting his best individual campaign since 2012, according to PFF.Seattle also saw safety Quandre Diggs return to practice Monday. Diggs hadn't practiced since deciding to sit out ahead of the Seahawks' final preseason game while eyeing an extension. He racked up 64 tackles and a career-high five interceptions through 16 starts last year.

The Baltimore Ravens are trying out running backs Le'Veon Bell and Devonta Freeman, according to ESPN's Field Yates.Baltimore's reported interest in another runner stems from a pair of injuries that are expected to sideline two of its running backs long term.Justice Hill recently tore his Achilles at practice and is expected to miss the entire 2021 campaign, reports NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.The Ravens also lost second-year back J.K. Dobbins - their projected No. 1 guy - to a season-ending knee injury during the preseason, which leaves Gus Edwards as their main option with the regular season around the corner.Bell spent time with the Kansas City Chiefs (nine games) and New York Jets (two games) last season, amassing only 328 yards (four per carry) and two touchdowns. The 29-year-old is a familiar face for Ravens fans after he played his first five NFL campaigns for Baltimore's AFC North archrivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers.The 2013 second-round pick topped 1,800 scrimmage yards and earned three Pro Bowl berths with the Steelers from 2013-2017.Meanwhile, Freeman had only 54 rushing attempts for 172 yards and one touchdown through five appearances with the New York Giants in 2020. The 29-year-old, who has two Pro Bowl nods under his belt, signed a deal with the New Orleans Saints in August but was released just weeks later.Lamar Jackson has led Baltimore in rushing yards in each of the last two seasons, becoming the first quarterback in NFL history to top 1,000 yards on the ground in a single year multiple times.The Ravens, who averaged a league-leading 191.9 rushing yards per game in 2020, will open their season against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sept. 13.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert planned to enter Week 1 with a new contract, but that hasn't worked out."We thought we'd have a deal done by this time of the year, but the team decided to go a different way. We haven't got that done yet," Goedert said Monday.Goedert heads into the 2021 season on the final year of his rookie deal, but he's only focused on winning."I believe in what I can do. I believe in being able to go out and perform and whatever happens, happens," Goedert added.The Eagles were also locked in a standoff with tight end Zach Ertz this offseason. Ertz was involved in trade rumors, but the team decided to retain him.Goedert doesn't believe Ertz's return impacted his own contract negotiations."No, I don't think so," Goedert said. "When the negotiations (ended), it wasn't still sure if he was going to be here or not. But like I said, I'm happy that he's here."I had a four-year deal when I came into the league. I'm playing my last year, I'm excited just to go out there and show the world what I can do."The 2018 second-round pick set career highs in receptions (58) and receiving yards (607) in 2019. He followed that up by catching 46 passes for 524 yards last season.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New York Giants star running back Saquon Barkley is close to being cleared to play in the team's season opener against the Denver Broncos, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.Barkley tore his ACL in Week 2 last season and has been eased back into football activities. He didn't participate in any preseason games.The Giants will watch how the 24-year-old responds to practices this week before determining his availability for Sunday, Rapoport adds.Head coach Joe Judge said a decision on Barkley won't be made until later in the week, according to Dan Salomone of Giants.com.In his previous two seasons, Barkley rushed for a combined 2,310 yards and 17 touchdowns. He was named Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2018 and reached the Pro Bowl that season.If Barkley is held out for Week 1, veteran Devontae Booker would step into the starting role.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The San Francisco 49ers are adding another veteran to their secondary.The team has agreed to terms with veteran cornerback Josh Norman.The 33-year-old can earn up to $2.5 million in 2021, reports NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.Norman spent the 2020 season on the Buffalo Bills, racking up 24 tackles, one interception, and four pass breakups through nine appearances (three starts). Opposing quarterbacks posted an 84 passer rating in the 32 pass attempts made against Norman's coverage.The veteran defensive back is now years removed from his prime. He earned an All-Pro selection and was a Pro Bowler after producing a career year with the Carolina Panthers in 2015.Norman became a free agent following his breakout year in Carolina and then signed a five-year pact with the Washington Football Team, who released him four years into the deal.He'll provide depth in the 49ers' secondary, which lost veterans Richard Sherman and Ahkello Witherspoon during free agency this year. San Francisco's depth chart also features corners Jason Verrett, Emmanuel Moseley, K'Waun Williams, and third-round rookie Ambry Thomas.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Thursday's NFL season opener between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys features perhaps the league's two best receiving corps.You've no doubt seen the question posed on social media this offseason: Which receiving trio is the league's best?Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians may give the edge to the Cowboys."It's a huge challenge. They're loaded, and they all do different things," Arians said of Cowboys wideouts Amari Cooper, CeeDee Lamb, and Michael Gallup on Sunday."I think that threesome might be the best," he continued. "I'll argue that ours might be, too. It's a hell of a challenge when you have that many guys."The trio produced great numbers in 2020, even though the Cowboys were without star quarterback Dak Prescott for much of the season. But the defending Super Bowl champion Buccaneers boast a marquee unit of Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Antonio Brown.2020 stats Yards TDsAmari Cooper11145CeeDee Lamb9355Michael Gallup8435Mike Evans100613Chris Godwin8407Antonio Brown4834Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Tyrod Taylor will be the Houston Texans' starting quarterback, head coach David Culley announced Monday, according to Aaron Wilson of Sports Talk 790.With Deshaun Watson's future uncertain, the Texans have focused primarily on Taylor during the buildup to the season. Watson is facing 22 lawsuits alleging sexual assault and inappropriate behavior, and 10 women have also filed criminal complaints against him.The announcement of Taylor starting seems to confirm an earlier report that the Texans will make Watson inactive every week, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.Taylor has previously opened five seasons as a team's starting quarterback. He held that position for the Buffalo Bills from 2015 to 2017, and the veteran was named the Week 1 starter in 2018 for the Cleveland Browns and in 2020 for the Los Angeles Chargers before a rookie replaced him both times.The 32-year-old has started 47 career games and holds a 24-21-1 record. His best season came in 2015 when he was named to the Pro Bowl after throwing for 20 touchdowns with six interceptions.Taylor signed a one-year contract with the Texans this past offseason after spending the past two years with the Chargers.The Texans will face the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 1.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NFL Power Rankings are selected by a panel of theScore's football editors.1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyPre-camp rank: 1The reigning Super Bowl champions avoided major injuries at training camp, and they remain the team to beat after returning all their starters from last season.2. Kansas City ChiefsPre-camp rank: 2The Chiefs' 2020 campaign ended with significant questions along their offensive line. Though the preseason isn't a great sample size, Kansas City's new starting linemen didn't allow Patrick Mahomes to get sacked during the exhibition slate.3. Buffalo BillsPre-camp rank: 3Josh Allen posted 194 passing yards and two touchdowns in his only preseason appearance. The performance shows the quarterback is poised for another stellar campaign, making the Bills a legit contender again.4. Green Bay PackersPre-camp rank: 7The Packers are back into the top five after Aaron Rodgers returned to Green Bay for at least one more year. The Packers' season gets a whole lot more interesting with the last-dance vibe surrounding the reigning NFL MVP.5. Los Angeles Rams Dustin Bradford / Getty Images Sport / GettyPre-camp rank: 6Cam Akers' injury removes a potential breakout from the Rams, but it's still hard not to be excited about L.A. with Matthew Stafford under center and an elite defense supporting him.6. Cleveland BrownsPre-camp rank: 4Cleveland's roster has very few holes. This is a playoff team that addressed major needs in the offseason and welcomes back receiver Odell Beckham Jr. after an injury-plagued 2020 season.7. Baltimore Ravens Pre-camp rank: 5Injuries and safety protocols prevented the Ravens from having their first-string offense together through most of camp. Baltimore's running game should remain effective with Lamar Jackson, but losing J.K. Dobbins - its projected No. 1 back - hurts the team's backfield depth.8. Seattle SeahawksPre-camp rank: 8Seattle's roster has plenty of questions, but the Seahawks will likely be competitive as long as Russell Wilson is there. Seattle has won at least 10 games in all but one season since drafting Wilson in 2012 (nine wins in 2017).9. Tennessee TitansPre-camp rank: 12Tennessee's biggest offseason acquisitions - receiver Julio Jones and pass-rusher Bud Dupree - come with availability questions. If they can stay healthy, Jones and Dupree could be the missing pieces of a Titans team aiming to become legit contenders.10. San Francisco 49ers Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyPre-camp rank: 10With several key players returning from injury, the 49ers are still one of the NFL's most explosive teams. It remains to be seen who'll be the starting quarterback for San Francisco, though. The role is apparently Jimmy Garoppolo's to lose, but rookie Trey Lance could give Kyle Shanahan's offense a spark the veteran can't.11. Los Angeles ChargersPre-camp rank: 17Can the Chargers actually compete for the AFC title? They have a well-rounded roster, and the hype around Justin Herbert going into his second season skyrockets the expectations in L.A. Herbert and Co. will have a good idea of how solid they are in Week 1 against Washington's top-five defense.12. New Orleans SaintsPre-camp rank: 9The Saints deserve the benefit of the doubt coming off a 12-win season, but don't be surprised if they drop more spots soon. New Orleans' passing game faces uncertainties with Jameis Winston taking over at quarterback and Michael Thomas sidelined for at least five games.13. Arizona CardinalsPre-camp rank: 11The Cardinals were active during the offseason, and they've now built a roster that looks ready to shine. This is a decisive year for coach Kliff Kingsbury, who has yet to prove his offensive system can work over a full campaign.14. Miami DolphinsPre-camp rank: 14Despite the Deshaun Watson trade speculation, the Dolphins start the season committed to Tua Tagovailoa. The second-year passer will have a deep receiving corps to work with, but Will Fuller - perhaps Miami's top deep target - won't be available in Week 1 due to suspension.15. Washington Football Team Scott Taetsch / Getty Images Sport / GettyPre-camp rank: 15Washington remains the highest-ranked NFC East club. The team features a top-10 defense, but quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick's inconsistent arm holds Washington back for now.16. Dallas CowboysPre-camp rank: 18Dak Prescott looks healthy, but not seeing the quarterback on the field during the preseason due to a shoulder injury wasn't part of the plan. Linebacker Micah Parsons' excellent camp gives Cowboys fans hope the defense will bounce back in 2021.17. Indianapolis ColtsPre-camp rank: 13The Colts had injury scares during camp with Carson Wentz and Quenton Nelson. Although both are recovering fast, it's clear Wentz's availability remains a big issue.18. New England PatriotsPre-camp rank: 16The Patriots still don't get much love on this list after releasing Cam Newton and announcing Mac Jones as the starter. That could change in a matter of weeks, depending on the rookie's performances.19. Pittsburgh SteelersPre-camp rank: 20The Steelers made a good addition in acquiring cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon. However, their main concerns remain as Ben Roethlisberger's arm strength could be an issue entering his age-39 campaign. Pittsburgh also has big questions along its offensive line.20. Denver Broncos Dustin Bradford / Getty Images Sport / GettyPre-camp rank: 22The Broncos' solid offseason moves leave them just one quarterback away from being a really good team. That puts even more pressure on Teddy Bridgewater, Denver's fifth different Week 1 starter in as many years.21. Minnesota VikingsPre-camp rank: 19The main question in Minnesota is how the defense will perform after disappointing last year. There's optimism the Vikings will bounce back in 2021 with key players returning from injury and multiple veterans joining the team.22. Chicago BearsPre-camp rank: 21Rookie Justin Fields put on a show during the preseason, and it's clear Andy Dalton will really need to step up his game if he wants to keep the starting job. Facing the Rams' top-ranked defense in Week 1 could already be a make-or-break challenge for Dalton.23. Las Vegas RaidersPre-camp rank: 23Questions on both sides of the ball hurt the Raiders. Las Vegas addressed its defense during the offseason, although it still doesn't deserve the benefit of the doubt after struggling last campaign. The Raiders have potential breakouts on offense, but it's unclear whether Jon Gruden is the right coach to maximize those players' talents.24. New York GiantsPre-camp rank: 25The Giants start the 2021 season with a better roster than the one in 2020, but their main issues are essentially the same. The jury is still out on quarterback Daniel Jones, and New York's offensive line should continue to be a liability.25. Carolina Panthers Chris Keane / Getty Images Sport / GettyPre-camp rank: 26Former Jets quarterback Sam Darnold will make his official debut with the Panthers when he takes on his old team in Week 1. If the fourth-year signal-caller can resurrect his career this season, then the Panthers, who welcome Christian McCaffrey back from injury, can soon jump several spots on this list.26. Philadelphia EaglesPre-camp rank: 27The Jalen Hurts era is officially set to begin, but it's questionable whether the Eagles are giving the quarterback the right supporting cast to succeed in his second season.27. Atlanta FalconsPre-camp rank: 29It'll be weird seeing the Falcons without Julio Jones in Week 1, but their receiving corps will do just fine with Calvin Ridley, Kyle Pitts, and Co. The focus in Atlanta should still be on how its inconsistent defense will perform.28. Jacksonville JaguarsPre-camp rank: 30Travis Etienne's season-ending injury takes a hit to Jacksonville's offense, but quarterback Trevor Lawrence still has interesting weapons to work with. The Jaguars' first-stringers had a pair of rough preseason outings, but they caught fire in their latest exhibition appearance.29. New York JetsPre-camp rank: 28Jets fans received good and bad news during the preseason. First of all, Zach Wilson looked as solid as advertised in two brief appearances. On the other hand, defensive end Carl Lawson's season-ending injury is a big blow to New York's front seven.30. Cincinnati Bengals Dylan Buell / Getty Images Sport / GettyPre-camp rank: 24The Bengals are getting Joe Burrow back, but Cincinnati saw its top two rookies this year - first-round receiver Ja'Marr Chase and second-round lineman Jackson Carman - struggle through camp, raising concerns regarding the quarterback's supporting cast.31. Detroit LionsPre-camp rank: 31The star-starved Lions have a tough stretch to start the season with games against the 49ers, Packers, and Ravens. Expect coach Dan Campbell to add more epic press conferences to his resume.32. Houston TexansPre-camp rank: 32Houston, we have a problem! It's hard to be excited about the Texans amid a massive rebuild and after a disappointing offseason.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

During the last two seasons, one particular NFL quarterback completed 62.9% of his passes, threw for 37 touchdowns against just 11 interceptions, and posted a passer rating of 93.1. Seems pretty good, right?No one would mistake Gardner Minshew for a star, however, which is why the Philadelphia Eagles last week had to part with only a sixth-round pick to acquire him to be their third-stringer.The dichotomy between Minshew's numbers and his actual performance is a perfect example of the inadequacy of most conventional football statistics, especially those frequently shown during television broadcasts and highlights packages. But better metrics - those that factor in situational differences - do exist.Expected points (EP) and expected points added (EPA) are measurements that have been around for a long time, though they've become increasingly mainstream in recent years. Yes, it's helped that the hidebound NFL has finally embraced analytics and data-driven decision-making. But fans and media also now have access to a wealth of information that hadn't been publicly available. Additionally, a handful of mathematicians made something of a mission out of leveraging social media and the internet to share as much of that data as possible, thereby making it more accessible and easy to understand. The nerds have indeed won."EPA is not a magic bullet for solving football or anything," said Ben Baldwin, an economist and a contributor for The Athletic who serves as a kind of chief evangelist for EPA on Twitter. "But I think it's useful for understanding big-picture questions like which teams have been the most efficient on offense and defense."What EPA can do is provide better context. After all, a four-yard completion on third-and-3 is much better than a seven-yard completion on third-and-8. Yet most conventional football statistics, which emphasize volume, make no distinction between the two.Let's go back to Minshew for a moment. Despite his seemingly good numbers, he quarterbacked a Jacksonville Jaguars team that was frequently playing from behind the last two years. As a result, his EPA per play of 0.048, which ranked just 28th in the league in 2019-20, better reflects how he actually performed. Keep that in mind whenever you see the same old stats for any QB.EP, which refers to expected points, gets closer to quantifying situational nuances. It uses play-by-play data to create a scoring probability for the next play based on field position, down, distance, and time remaining, among other factors. First-and-goal at the opponent's 1-yard line, for example, has an expected value of six points, according to just about every EP model. EP provides a baseline for various down-and-distance scenarios, with EPA measuring how players or teams performed relative to that baseline.The concept was first introduced back in 1971 by Virgil Carter, a graduate student who also happened to be an NFL quarterback. Carter, who played for the Chicago Bears in 1968-69, and his professor at Northwestern University, Robert Machol, published their findings based on the play-by-play data from the first half of the 1969 season in a research paper titled "Operations Research on Football," which analyzed expected points based on situations involving first down and 10 yards to go.Virgil Carter, playing for the Bengals against the Browns, in 1971. Ron Kuntz Collection / Diamond Images / Getty Images"Let's say I got the opening kickoff and I start at the 20-yard line," Carter told theScore. "That would lead to so many outcomes, and each one's an unknown percentage-wise, or value, but you can chart how many were fumbles, how many were interceptions, how many turned it over, head back 10 yards, up 10 yards, 20 yards, and how many of them kicked field goals and scored touchdowns. If you drew a line of all those options at each spot on the field then you can produce that expected value matrix."It's one of those black-box formulas that's always been there. I just stuck in the numbers and it jumps out at you."Expected points didn't gain much traction at the time, but it resurfaced in 1988 when Bob Carroll, Pete Palmer, and John Thorn published "The Hidden Game of Football," a book that also advanced the concept of expected points added. EPA was simply the difference in expected points from one play to the next, or how a player or team performed according to the baseline expectation provided by EP.By the early 2000s, Football Outsiders' Aaron Schatz developed a metric called defense-adjusted value over average - commonly known as DVOA - to determine team efficiency on offense, defense, and special teams. DVOA uses a down-distance-field position model that's similar to EPA, while also factoring in strength of opponent. DVOA, too, has proven to be more reliable than standard volume stats, but its formula isn't known to the general public.Ryan Tannehill has been in the top three in EPA/play among regulars the last two seasons. Frederick Breedon / Getty ImagesIn the late 2000s, a U.S. government contractor named Brian Burke created a website called Advanced Football Analytics. Armed with better computing power and access to play-by-play data (Carter's and Machol's research on expected points was limited to the primitive use of punch cards, which couldn't hold much data), Burke was able to build an EPA model that also incorporated second, third, and fourth downs."That was my contribution, to finally build a complete, full model for all downs - not just first down," Burke told theScore. "They were making some assumptions about second and third down in some of the previous work, but they were drawing a line between six points at the goal line and minus-two points at the team's own goal line. I was like, 'I think I want to do something that actually fits the data.' That's what I did."Burke's analytics work caught the attention of The New York Times and The Washington Post, who brought him on as a contributor. By 2011, when ESPN developed its Total QBR measurement for quarterbacks, EPA was integral to the recipe. A few years later, ESPN hired Burke full-time.Burke did make one other important contribution back at his old site: He shared the raw play-by-play data, along with the full EPA model, including a calculator. (Regrettably, this has been lost to posterity, but Burke's open-source approach didn't go unnoticed.)Carson Wentz threw for 2,620 yards with the Eagles in 2020 but had a negative EPA/play. Justin Casterline / Getty ImagesIn 2017, a trio of researchers at Carnegie Mellon University - Ronald Yurko, Samuel Ventura, and Maksim Horowitz - published a paper about their own EPA model and the methodology that went into it. Their work went a step further by attempting to predict the outcome of the next scoring event, along with building NFLscrapR, an add-on package of NFL-specific commands to the R programming language that made it easier for anyone to collect and analyze raw play-by-play data."I'd like to think we played a pretty big role in helping this become more mainstream," Yurko told theScore. "It's really a testament to how you can communicate over Twitter. Twitter's replaced the old Baseball Prospectus chat rooms or whatever they used to have for baseball stats talk. The football analytics community lives on Twitter, so everything's grown from that."NFLscrapR's capabilities soon caught the attention of Baldwin and other analytic-minded football writers like Kevin Cole of Pro Football Focus and Josh Hermsmeyer of FiveThirtyEight, both of whom began applying and incorporating EPA data into their work. But after the NFL changed the way it made play-by-play info available, the package's commands stopped working. Baldwin and a colleague named Sebastian Carl stepped into the breach by developing their own EPA model and data package, called NFLfastR, in addition to a website called rbsdm.com, which offers user-friendly dashboards to examine EPA in a more granular way without having to learn to write code."My feeling was, it's kind of lame to say people should use EPA but not provide a way for people to get EPA easily," Baldwin told theScore. "Now, all you have to do is open a website, put in a time period, and it will show you numbers or a graph or whatever you want to get. The idea is that there's not an excuse that it's hard to get your hands on anymore if it's just sitting on this website for anybody to use."EP and EPA aren't perfect metrics. They can be complicated by end-of-half and end-of-game scenarios, which are influenced by the unpredictability of timeouts. Additionally, EP and EPA are predicated on scoring points, and teams playing with a lead in late-game situations or possessing the ball at the end of the first half will sometimes prioritize running out the clock over widening the margin of victory. Baldwin and Carl's website allows users to make up for this with a filter for garbage time and win probability - another metric that happens to be influenced by EPA.Some EPA models also make era adjustments. Today's game - owing to schematic innovations and rule changes to protect QBs and pass-catchers, in addition to the way the sport is officiated - is far more dominated by passing than it used to be.EPA is reliable enough that teams are using it to "understand the magnitude of plays" and to make decisions, as former Philadelphia Eagles analyst and game management coach Ryan Paganetti told Liam Fox of Forbes. The advent of player tracking data - a relatively new frontier that's only beginning to be explored and applied - has helped, too.How will rookies like the Patriots' Mac Jones fare in EPA? Matt Stone / Boston Herald / Getty ImagesYurko thinks it was "only a matter of time" before someone developed an open-source user tool for EPA, given how much groundbreaking work had been done by Burke and Football Outsiders."It was really very niche in 2008-09," Burke said. "I'm pretty shocked at how much the analytics side of football has really exploded."Carter, the creator of EP, likened himself to one of the Wright brothers while comparing the current math crowd that's made so many strides with EPA to Neil Armstrong."I'm amused at it, I'd guess I'd say," Carter said. "It's certainly beyond what would ever think was possible from my little study."Dom Cosentino is a senior features writer at theScore.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

In recent years, the NFL MVP market has been an absolute gold mine. Patrick Mahomes (2018) and Lamar Jackson (2019) both cashed after dealing at 100-1 at one point before the season, while Josh Allen nearly did the same as a 66-1 long shot a year ago before giving way to Aaron Rodgers.This year's field doesn't feature as much long shot upside as in past seasons, but there are still clear values worth targeting. Here are the odds to win the 2021 NFL MVP (100-1 or shorter) with our best bets on the board:PLAYERODDSPatrick Mahomes+450Aaron Rodgers+800Josh Allen+1100Tom Brady+1200Matthew Stafford+1500Dak Prescott+1600Lamar Jackson+1600Russell Wilson+1800Justin Herbert+2000Kyler Murray+2000Derrick Henry+2900Ryan Tannehill+3000Baker Mayfield+3300Carson Wentz+4000Christian McCaffrey+4000Jameis Winston+4000Matt Ryan+4200Deshaun Watson+5000Kirk Cousins+5000Jalen Hurts+5500Joe Burrow+5500Dalvin Cook+6000Tua Tagovailoa+6000Cam Newton+6500Derek Carr+7500Mac Jones+7500Trey Lance+7500Jimmy Garoppolo+9000Trevor Lawrence+9000Matthew Stafford, QB, Rams (+1500)If every player were priced equally, Stafford would be my outright pick for MVP. That's how confident I am that the longtime Lions quarterback will succeed in an offense Sean McVay has spent all offseason crafting around his skill set.Talent has never been an issue for the former No. 1 pick, who played like a dark horse MVP contender in 2019 before missing the final eight games with injury. That was one of just two seasons since 2011 in which Stafford didn't throw for at least 4,000 yards. He's almost sure to do so this year with the most complete receiving corps he's ever had.The Rams spent two first-round picks upgrading from Jared Goff to Stafford, and they'll surely give him every opportunity to prove them right, especially with a depleted running corps. If Stafford plays how he has his entire career, this is a 13- or 14-win team, which would give him the narrative boost needed to solidify his MVP case.Russell Wilson, QB, Seahawks (+1800)I've been skeptical of the Seahawks and count the team among my biggest fades entering the year - which may seem counterintuitive to then bet Wilson to win MVP. In fact, it's just the opposite. If Seattle wins 10 games once again, it'll be because of Wilson's unbridled brilliance under center.Wilson has been priced as a midseason MVP favorite in each of the past two seasons, and he looked like a lock to win it in 2020 after starting 5-0 with 1,502 passing yards and a 19:3 TD-to-INT ratio. He cooled off down the stretch, but we've seen that type of upside from Wilson, whom some felt deserved to win the 2019 MVP award over Jackson.Wilson has been knocking on the door for too long to be the eighth-best candidate in this year's field. He entered last season at +800 and deserves a price much closer to that this time around.Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Dolphins (+6000)Remember when the public faded Jackson heading into his first full year as a starter because of a few shaky performances as a rookie? That's what this feels like with Tagovailoa, who was a star prospect out of Alabama and enters his first season as a full-time starter with a team built for him to succeed.The former top-five pick was a star in college before a serious hip injury cost him an entire offseason in 2020, which can't be overstated when evaluating his numbers as a rookie. Now he's healthy and has enjoyed months of preparation within an offense that should be much more explosive after adding Will Fuller and Jaylen Waddle - who both ran a 4.3 40-yard dash - in the offseason.The Dolphins' defense is among the more underrated units in the NFL, so if Tagovailoa hits his stride as a sophomore, Miami will make the playoffs for the first time since 2016. The MVP market overlooks a first-time starter in a promising situation (Mahomes, Jackson, Allen) every single season - don't miss out on this year's version.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Guard Zack Martin will miss the Dallas Cowboys' regular-season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after testing positive for COVID-19, head coach Mike McCarthy announced Sunday, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport."He's frustrated, but this is the world we live in," McCarthy told reporters, including The Athletic's Jon Machota.Offensive lineman Brandon Knight will also miss practice after being labeled a close contact.The Cowboys will start Connor McGovern at right guard in Martin's place. The third-round pick in 2019 started eight games last season.“He’ll definitely be ready for this opportunity," McCarthy added, according to the Dallas Morning News' Michael Gehlken. "I like the way Connor goes about his business.”With Martin sidelined, Dallas will need to keep Dak Prescott upright without one of its top linemen. Prescott didn't play in the preseason due to a shoulder strain, but McCarthy said on Friday the signal-caller will be ready for the team's opener.Martin, who's a six-time Pro Bowler and four-time first-team All-Pro, has made 104 starts for the Cowboys since becoming a first-round pick in 2014.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Tennessee Titans activated quarterback Ryan Tannehill from the COVID-19 list, the team announced Saturday.Tannehill can now resume practicing with the club and is on track to play in the regular-season opener against the Arizona Cardinals next Sunday.Tennessee placed Tannehill on the reserve list on Aug. 26. He was one of seven players to hit the COVID-19 list as the Titans dealt with an outbreak following their preseason finale. Head coach Mike Vrabel tested positive last month as well.The Titans also activated backup running back Jeremy McNichols on Saturday.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady revealed he had COVID-19 in February, shortly after the Super Bowl LV championship boat parade.Brady told Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times on Saturday that he thinks dealing with NFL's relaxed protocols will be "challenging" this season."I actually think it's going to play more of a factor this year than last year, just because of the way what we're doing now and what the stadium is going to look like and what the travel is going to look like and the people in the building and the fans," Brady said."It's not like last year, although we're getting tested like last year. It's going to be - I definitely think guys are going to be out at different points and we've just got to deal with it."The Bucs announced Thursday that they've reached a 100% vaccination rate among players and staff, the second team to do so after the Atlanta Falcons.Brady is entering his second year with the Bucs after spending the first 20 seasons of his career with the New England Patriots, where he won six Super Bowls.Tampa Bay will play the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday in the NFL's season-opening game.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Last season, the Most Receiving Yards market was like a craps table after someone rolls a seven-out - sportsbooks everywhere basically took a rake and wiped all the money off the table when Stefon Diggs secured the title. Diggs was 20-1, not a particularly popular pick, on a new team, paired with a quarterback NFL connoisseurs weren't particularly high on, and playing in a stadium that's not traditionally conducive to catching passes.But 2020 showed us that if any season-long player prop market is ripe for a dark horse to win, this is it.PlayerOddsCalvin Ridley+800Justin Jefferson+900Stefon Diggs+900Davante Adams+1000Deandre Hopkins+1000Tyreek Hill+1000DK Metcalf+1200Travis Kelce+1400AJ Brown+1600DJ Moore+1800Amari Cooper+2000Terry McLaurin+2000Allen Robinson II+2200Keenan Allen+2200Michael Thomas+2200Mike Evans+2500CeeDee Lamb+2800Julio Jones+2800Chris Godwin+3000Odell Beckham Jr+3200Kenny Golladay+3500Ja'Marr Chase+3800Will Fuller V+3800Cooper Kupp+4000Darren Waller+4000Tee Higgins+4000Diontae Johnson+4200Robert Woods+4200Courtland Sutton+5000George Kittle+5000Robby Anderson+5500Pick your favorite advanced receiving analytic. Whether you're on the aDOT or the air yards hype train, Calvin Ridley has what you're looking for, and that's why he's atop the odds board despite not being all that close to leading the league before. Despite garnering 143 targets while leading the NFL in air yards, he finished 5th last season.The word is out on Diggs, and with the shorter price, I'm out. Diggs was dealt to the Bills for the draft pick that the Vikings turned into Justin Jefferson, and he seemed like a sneaky target for this market - until we look above and see that he's not so sneaky at all.I'm using Weeks 4-16 of the 2020 NFL season as a baseline for wide receivers, so we can compare Jefferson - who didn't start the first three - to the more established guys while also removing any Week 17 wackiness.From there, we're going to look at three key metrics and set minimum parameters:ADOT (Avg. Depth of Target)Air YardsTargetsMinimum8.0 yds1000100Seven receivers fit within those qualifications. Diggs' outstanding campaign gets him on the list, but we'll fade him to repeat it, and Terry McLaurin just squeezes in there with 101 targets and 1,007 air yards in Weeks 4-16. While that feat is impressive with the quarterbacks he had, at +2000, McLaurin's odds are a little short. DeAndre Hopkins qualifies, but there are now more mouths to feed with the Cardinals adding weapons for Kyler Murray this offseason.Tyreek Hill (+1000)Tyreek Hill's aDOT and air yards are unsurprisingly high at 12.95 and 1,437, respectively. Plus, he caught just 64.8% of Patrick Mahomes' passes during this section of the campaign, meaning there's plenty of room for the actual yard totals to grow if the two can connect a little more frequently. Hill finished the season 260 yards shy of Diggs in 15 games. Hypothetically, if we could get one more catch per game from Hill at 14.6 yards per catch for his career, that would more than make up that discrepancy.Davante Adams (+1000)Davante Adams was my bet last year, and this one was frustrating. He missed two games early in the season and still almost tracked down Diggs. Adams' aDOT isn't great, but we all know it's the targets and accuracy from Aaron Rodgers that allow the wideout to pile up yards after the catch. You can fill in your own narrative about the two and their "Last Dance" for this coming season.Allen Robinson (+2200)I'm glad Allen Robinson made the list because it provides more analytical evidence than simply saying the following: We always hear how great Robinson is and how big a year he could have if he actually had a legit quarterback throwing to him.Well, here's his chance.I'm more than familiar with conversion rates as a Canadian, but usually for currency. Compiling 1,250 yards with Nick Foles and Mitch Trubisky should have its own designated conversion rate to a functional quarterback. If he can get a 10% bump from better throws, 1,350 yards is the minimum for Robinson.Andy Dalton is few people's idea of a good time, but he's had a better career than either of the aforementioned or Blake Bortles. Plus, if Justin Fields is good enough to play, then that can only be good news for Robinson.Robby Anderson (+5500)The surprise of the list, Robby Anderson quietly had 95 catches and 1,096 yards last year, but you were likely upset if he was on your fantasy team because he only put up three touchdowns. Now he's reunited with former Jets teammate Sam Darnold, and since the pair have established chemistry, Anderson could end up with a significant upgrade over Teddy Bridgewater.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.

Tom Brady is loving life with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the star quarterback can't imagine wanting to end this chapter of his storied career anytime soon."Whatever I thought I was getting into, it's been so much better," Brady told the Tampa Bay Times' Rick Stroud. "As good as I could've envisioned, it's been even more enjoyable than that. It's pretty much a different life than being in the Northeast. I had a great 20 years, and I never want to take away from that. Also, this experience has been amazing. (Tampa's) a great-kept secret. It's a small city. Everything is close. The airport is close. Work is close. We live on the water."Hopefully, I'll be here a long time," Brady added. "For many years."The 44-year-old is contracted through 2022 after signing a one-year extension with the Bucs - who are among the Super Bowl favorites after retaining their entire championship core from a year ago - during the offseason.Brady led Tampa Bay to its second title in franchise history and the seventh of his career while playing with a torn MCL in his left knee. The signal-caller underwent surgery in February and feels 100% healthy heading into his 22nd NFL season."This is the first time that I’ve been able to run and not think about it," said Brady. "I'm not going to turn into Michael Vick out there, but at least I’m not going to be super restricted."The Bucs will kick off the 2021 campaign on Thursday against the Dallas Cowboys.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Tom Brady won't commit to playing beyond his 40s, but former rival Peyton Manning wouldn't be shocked to see him do it.Manning spoke about Brady's longevity on the latest episode of The Ringer's "The Bill Simmons Podcast," reiterating a joke he made about the Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback during his Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement speech."My note in (my speech) was that when Tom Brady gets inducted into the Hall of Fame on the first ballot in 2035 - that was my line," Manning said. "I think some people missed that ... does he play nine more years, go to 2030? It wouldn't surprise me."Brady's current contract is set to expire after the 2022 season when he'll be 45 years old. While he previously said he'd consider extending his career past that age, he acknowledged in June that playing until he's 50 is "a long time."Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Dak Prescott's offseason didn't go exactly according to plan this year, with the Dallas Cowboys quarterback sustaining a shoulder strain soon after recovering from a serious ankle injury suffered last October.Although Prescott's shoulder issue limited his participation at training camp and kept him on the sideline throughout every preseason game, the two-time Pro Bowler said Friday he's "definitely ready" for the 2021 season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sept. 9, according to ESPN's Todd Archer."I think we went about this process the right way that part of it was protecting me from myself," Prescott said. "I mean, the moment I got into any team reps, I wasn't dialing anything down. I wasn't trying to throw a certain amount of percentage. I think that's just the way I play the game, I just went out there and playing within the moment, ripping passes, not thinking about it, just making the plays I needed to make."I've been sticking to the plan and it's all worked out," he added. "Yeah, from the shoulder to the leg to my mind, I'm ready to go."Last week, Prescott participated in team drills for the first time since suffering the shoulder strain in July. The 28-year-old had previously said he was hoping to play at least one preseason game in 2021. But the Cowboys opted not to rush his return, raising some speculation about the seriousness of Prescott's injury.However, Dallas head coach Mike McCarthy confirmed on Friday that Prescott is a "full go" versus the Buccaneers in Week 1, according to Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News."You've got to give him credit for the process that he worked himself through," McCarthy said. "It isn't like he just stood in the back and didn't do anything while he wasn't throwing. He's staying on top of the footwork. His conditioning couldn't be better. All the extra work that all these guys put into it, Dak took advantage of that time."The 2016 Offensive Rookie of the Year, who inked a four-year, $160-million extension this past offseason, has posted a 42-27 record with the Cowboys during the regular season. However, Prescott's only 1-2 in the playoffs.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Pittsburgh Steelers acquired cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon from the Seattle Seahawks for a 2023 fifth-round pick, the club announced Friday.Witherspoon departs the Seahawks before playing a regular-season snap for them. He signed a one-year contract with Seattle this offseason after spending the first four seasons of his career with the San Francisco 49ers.The Seahawks recently acquired former second-round cornerback Sidney Jones in a trade with the Jaguars, likely making Witherspoon expendable. Their corner group currently features Jones, Tre Flowers, and D.J. Reed, among others.Meanwhile, the Steelers will receive a significant boost in their secondary with the acquisition of Witherspoon. Pittsburgh was slated to enter the 2021 campaign with Joe Haden and Cameron Sutton as its only experienced cornerbacks after releasing Steven Nelson and losing Mike Hilton to free agency.Witherspoon comes to Pittsburgh with 33 career starts and four interceptions. He picked one pass over 11 appearances last season.Pittsburgh's cornerback depth chart is rounded out by James Pierre, Justin Layne, and Arthur Maulet.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Get ready for your season with theScore's 2021 Fantasy Football Draft Kit and subscribe to push notifications in the NFL Fantasy News section.Welcome to theScore Fantasy Football Podcast, hosted by Justin Boone.Find the show on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, and Anchor.In this episode, Boone goes over the latest news and opens up the fantasy mailbag to answer your questions heading into drafts.

Former NFL wide receiver David Patten, a three-time Super Bowl champion with the New England Patriots, died Thursday in a motorcycle crash at the age of 47.The collision occurred in South Carolina, where highway patrol and the coroner are investigating, according to ESPN. South Carolina Highway Patrol Lance Cpl. Nick Pye said Patten crossed the median, causing a crash that involved two other vehicles."It breaks my heart to hear of David's tragic passing at such a young age," Patriots head coach Bill Belichick said in a statement. "I am grateful to have coached David. He is an essential person and player in Patriots history, without whom we would not have been Super Bowl champions."I especially appreciate David for his professional journey. As much as anyone, David epitomized the unheralded, self-made player who defied enormous odds to not only earn a job in the NFL but to become a key player on multiple championship teams. I can speak for anyone who had the pleasure to be around David that his work ethic, positive energy, and character were elite. My deepest condolences are with his family and loved ones."Undrafted out of Western Carolina in 1996, Patten began his career in the Arena Football League. He made his way to the NFL after one season indoors, carving out a spot on the New York Giants in 1997.Patten went on to play 12 seasons in the NFL, suiting up for the Patriots from 2001-04. He caught Tom Brady's first-ever playoff touchdown in Super Bowl XXXVI, soaring before halftime to haul in a memorable 8-yard strike versus the St. Louis Rams.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady believes the NFL has gone too far when it comes to penalizing defensive players, calling the recent trend "a disservice to the sport."Brady reasoned that football is "not being taught the right way" due to referees flagging defenses for what he thinks are mistakes committed by offensive players.