The Houston Texans are prepared to keep Deshaun Watson on their 53-man roster in 2021 and make the quarterback inactive every week, sources told NFL reporter Aaron Wilson.Texans head coach David Culley didn't comment Monday about whether Watson will be on the roster. Teams get until Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET to cut rosters from 80 to 53 players."We're day to day with those things," Culley said.Watson initially requested a trade from the Texans in January. He reported for training camp in July, but his request has remained in place. The signal-caller has logged only limited practice participation, and he didn't appear in any preseason games.The 25-year-old's future is uncertain while he deals with off-field issues. He's facing 22 lawsuits alleging sexual assault and inappropriate behavior, and 10 women have also filed criminal complaints against him.Although the NFL cleared Watson for camp without restrictions, the league is still investigating the allegations.Multiple teams have shown interest in Watson and are monitoring his situation, but a trade involving the three-time Pro Bowler reportedly isn't imminent. The Miami Dolphins are reportedly the front-runners in trade discussions.Houston reportedly wants a package that includes three first-round picks and two second-round selections.The passer completed 70.2% of his throws while recording 33 touchdown tosses and a league-high 4,823 passing yards last season. He signed a four-year, $156-million extension last September that contains a no-trade clause.The Texans added three new quarterbacks this offseason, signing free agents Tyrod Taylor and Jeff Driskel and drafting Davis Mills in the third round.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New York Giants traded defensive lineman B.J. Hill to the Cincinnati Bengals in exchange for offensive lineman Billy Price, the team announced Monday.New York has been looking for help on the offensive line this offseason; the Giants ranked 32nd and 23rd in pass- and run-blocking in 2020, respectively, according to PFF. They also allowed 50 sacks last year, tied for the second-most in the NFL.The Giants also saw offensive linemen Zach Fulton and Joe Looney surprisingly retire soon after signing with the team during the offseason.Price hasn't met expectations since Cincinnati drafted him 21st overall in 2018. He started only one game for the Bengals' struggling offensive line last year, posting a 29.4 pass-blocking grade, according to PFF. The 26-year-old Ohio State product - who has experience at center and guard - has allowed 5.5 sacks in 42 games since entering the league.Price will provide depth for New York's offensive line behind center Nick Gates and guards Shane Lemieux and Will Hernandez.Hill racked up 32 tackles and one sack while playing 35% of the Giants' defensive snaps last year. Drafted by New York in the third round in 2018, he started 12 games as a rookie while setting career highs with 48 tackles and 5.5 sacks. The 26-year-old has recorded only two sacks since 2019.Cincinnati's pass rush struggled last year, recording a league-low 17 sacks. Hill provides depth to a defensive line featuring Trey Hendrickson, D.J. Reader, Larry Ogunjobi, and Sam Hubbard.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Indianapolis Colts put quarterback Carson Wentz, center Ryan Kelly, and wide receiver Zach Pascal on the COVID-19 list, the team announced Monday.Wentz is recovering from foot surgery and is in a race to be ready for the start of the season.More to come.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Baltimore Ravens are not expected to pursue free-agent running back Todd Gurley, according to NFL reporter Josina Anderson.Baltimore lost starting tailback J.K. Dobbins for the year after he sustained a torn ACL in the team's final preseason game against the Washington Football team on Saturday.Gurley, 27, remains unsigned after tallying 678 yards and nine touchdowns while averaging 3.5 yards per carry with the Atlanta Falcons in 2020. He added 25 receptions for 164 yards.Atlanta did not re-sign Gurley after inking him to a one-year, $5.5-million contract the previous year. He reportedly visited the Ravens' facility earlier this summer for a workout.The three-time Pro Bowler was a first-round selection of the Los Angeles Rams in 2015. He went on to be named Offensive Rookie of the Year (2015) and Offensive Player of the Year (2017) during his five seasons with the Rams.Despite losing Dobbins, a promising star in the backfield, the Ravens "like their depth at the running back position," Anderson adds.The Ravens will likely elevate Gus Edwards, who signed a two-year, $9-million extension this offseason, to the feature role. Justice Hill is likely in line to receive more carries to begin the season.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Professional player evaluators spend months assessing each year's class of future NFL players, and the rest of the football world spends every spring scrutinizing which teams should select which player at which point in the NFL draft.Oddsmakers reshuffle those players a few months later, considering factors like position, opportunity, and team support to determine the odds for Offensive Rookie of the Year.Here's how the oddsboard for the 2021 rookie crop breaks down, along with a few names that deserve a closer look:PLAYER ODDS DRAFTEDTrevor Lawrence+2851Justin Fields+47511Zach Wilson+5752Trey Lance+5753Najee Harris+64524Mac Jones+80015Kyle Pitts+9004Ja'marr Chase+13005Devonta Smith+150010Jaylen Waddle+19006Javonte Williams+190035Elijah Moore+210034Trey Sermon+230088Michael Carter+2900154Kadarius Toney+380020Terrace Marshall Jr.+470059Rondale Moore+590049Rashod Bateman+690027Trevor Lawrence is this season's favorite and has been labeled as such since his freshman year at Clemson. With the Jaguars boasting more talent, opportunity, and weapons than one would expect from a 1-15 team, Jacksonville's new signal-caller is fairly priced as the most likely winner of the award. Let's examine the list of past winners to see just how likely.PLAYERPOSITIONYEARDRAFTEDAnquan BoldinWR200354Ben RoethlisbergerQB200411Cadillac WilliamsRB20055Vince YoungQB20063Adrian PetersonRB20077Matt RyanQB20083Percy HarvinWR200922Sam BradfordQB20101Cam NewtonQB20111Robert Griffin IIIQB20122Eddie LacyRB201361Odell Beckham Jr.WR201412Todd GurleyRB201510Dak PrescottQB2016135Alvin KamaraRB201767Saquon BarkleyRB20182Kyler MurrayQB20191Justin HerbertQB20206Only two non-running backs won Offensive Rookie of the Year from 1986-2002. But the positional split opened up as the NFL became a pass-first league, with quarterbacks taking home the award half the time from 2003-20. Three wide receivers have won over that span, with Vikings wideout Justin Jefferson nearly making it four last year.A rookie's draft position doesn't guarantee anything, either, with just eight top-five picks among the last 18 winners. Unlike the MVP award, most anyone can win Offensive Rookie of the Year - as long as they've got the ball in their hands.Trey Lance (+575)Andrew Luck, Michael Vick, Peyton Manning, Eli Manning, Matthew Stafford, and John Elway were all highly touted top picks who didn't win this award, so we'll bet against Lawrence here. That means backing another quarterback to make a more significant impact or a non-QB to put up some truly impressive stats. A rookie who can do either for a playoff contender is even better.If the 49ers' last preseason game revealed anything, it's that Trey Lance will likely open the season getting 5-10 reps per half in red-zone and short-yardage packages. Eventually, though, Jimmy Garoppolo will have that bad "Jimmy G" game, opening the door for a takeover. Lance will become a difference-maker as San Francisco wins the NFC West, giving him the edge over Lawrence, who will post better numbers volume-wise for a 6-11 Jaguars team.Kyle Pitts (+900)A tight end has never won this award. But, as the kids say, "Kyle Pitts just different." He'll surely throw a block or two here and there, but the Falcons made him this year's first non-QB selection to catch passes from Matt Ryan, not to set the edge in the run game. His new head coach, Arthur Smith, was a TE coach for years, so he'll know how to use Pitts. The athletic freak will have ample opportunity with Atlanta, a team that should constantly find itself in shootouts due to its suspect defense. Pitts finally played a preseason snap this past Sunday and took a pass behind the line of scrimmage for 30 yards. If he'd played at all in the Falcons' first two games, his odds might have shortened right up. Fortunately, out of sight equals out of mind for bettors.Terrace Marshall Jr. (+5000)For those who want to wager on some extreme off-the-board long shots, Vikings rookie Kellen Mond fits the Dak Prescott profile as a non-first-rounder needing an injury to take over a potential playoff team. Rhamondre Stevenson's arrival appears to have influenced the Patriots' decision to trade Sony Michel to the Rams, so perhaps the fourth-round running back winds up bowling over opposing defenses for a ton of TDs.Instead, though, let's hop out on the ... terrace, backing Marshall to join the "former LSU wideouts who become awesome" club. PFF graded the Panthers rookie as the best first-year wide receiver this preseason. Logging 20.4 yards per reception, he's shown some deep-ball capability and will be facing opponents' second- or third-best cornerbacks.Matt Russell is a betting writer for theScore. If there's a bad beat to be had, Matt will find it. Find him on Twitter @mrussauthentic.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Detroit Lions released wide receiver Breshad Perriman ahead of Tuesday's 53-man roster deadline, the team announced Monday.Perriman joined the Lions in March on a reported one-year, $3-million deal that contained $2 million guaranteed. He was expected to start alongside Tyrell Williams following the departure of Kenny Golladay to the New York Giants.With Perriman gone, the inexperienced group of Amon-Ra St. Brown, Quintez Cephus, Kalif Raymond, and Geronimo Allison will provide depth behind Williams.Perriman, 27, apparently struggled in training camp after dealing with a hip injury over the summer.Originally selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the 2015 draft, Perriman notched 30 catches for 505 yards and three touchdowns in 12 games with the New York Jets in 2020.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.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 updated 2021 rankings.Half PPR

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick said Sunday that he hasn't settled on a starting quarterback for Week 1 of the regular season."No, we still have a lot of decisions to make," Belichick told reporters after the Patriots defeated the New York Giants to cap the preseason, according to ESPN's Mike Reiss.The Patriots started veteran Cam Newton in all three preseason games, while first-round rookie Mac Jones relieved him each time. Newton has taken first-team reps in practices, but Belichick hasn't committed to him as the opening-day starter.While Newton played only two series against the Giants, Jones saw extensive action. The 22-year-old threw for 156 yards and a touchdown and wrapped up the exhibition slate without a single turnover.QB comparison - preseason statsCMP/ATTYardsTDINTC. Newton14/2116211M. Jones36/5238910Newton started all 15 games he was active for last year, though he and the offense as a whole struggled for most of the season.The Patriots will open their campaign Sept. 12 against the Miami Dolphins. New England went 7-9 last year, finishing with a losing record for the first time since Belichick's debut campaign in 2000.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores reiterated his confidence in Tua Tagovailoa on Sunday, but he wouldn't address the recent Deshaun Watson trade rumors."Reports, speculation are not things we really get into," he said after the Dolphins wrapped up their preseason schedule against the Cincinnati Bengals, according to the Palm Beach Post's Joe Schad. "Any conversations we have or don't have are going to be internal."The Dolphins emerged as front-runners to land Watson in a trade from the Houston Texans, according to a report on Saturday. Another report noted Watson would waive his no-trade clause to go to the Dolphins or Carolina Panthers.Miami has been linked to Watson throughout the offseason, but the team has repeatedly backed Tagovailoa, the second-year quarterback it drafted fifth overall. Tagovailoa was underwhelming as a rookie after being highly touted coming out of Alabama."I am very confident in Tua," Flores said. "He has done a lot of good things. He has played well. My conversations with a player are going to remain between me and that player."Watson led the NFL with 4,823 passing yards last season while completing a career-best 70.2% of his throws. But the 25-year-old is facing lawsuits from 22 women who have accused him of sexual assault and harassment, complicating trade talks. Watson also faces criminal complaints from 10 women.Houston is reportedly asking suitors for three first-round picks and a pair of second-rounders for Watson, who requested a trade several months ago.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New York Giants ruled out tight end Evan Engram after he exited the team's preseason finale early Sunday due to a calf injury.Engram limped to the locker room in the second quarter after talking to trainers. He caught three passes for 22 yards before departing.The 26-year-old dealt with a calf issue late last season, though Engram played the week he was listed as questionable. He's entering a pivotal fifth season with the Giants and looking to prove he can stay healthy and produce over a full campaign before hitting free agency.Engram posted 654 yards and one touchdown last year. He made his first career Pro Bowl despite producing what many considered an underwhelming season.The Giants will open their campaign Sept. 12 versus the Denver Broncos.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver T.Y Hilton is being evaluated for a neck injury and is expected to be sidelined for multiple games, head coach Frank Reich announced Sunday, according to Zak Keefer of The Athletic."He was experiencing some discomfort on the trip to Detroit, so we had some scans," said Reich. "It's a disc issue. He will miss some games - we're optimistic it's not season-ending."Hilton suffered the ailment during Wednesday's practice, sources told Keefer and Stephen Holder.The Colts' offense has been hit hard with injuries during training camp and the preseason. Quarterback Carson Wentz and All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson both suffered foot injuries and may not be available for the start of the campaign.Michael Pittman and Parris Campbell will lead the AFC South club's passing attack with Hilton sidelined.Hilton is set to play his 10th year in Indianapolis after signing a one-year deal reportedly worth $10 million this offseason.The four-time Pro Bowler has struggled with injuries the last three campaigns, missing nine games over that time.The 31-year-old racked up 56 catches for 762 yards and five touchdowns in 15 appearances in 2020.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Houston Texans are trading defensive end Shaq Lawson to the New York Jets for a sixth-round pick, a source told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.The Jets were looking for pass-rush help after losing star defensive end Carl Lawson for the season due to an Achilles injury. New York also won't have linebacker Jarrad Davis during at least the first month of the regular season after he suffered an ankle injury.Lawson landed in Houston earlier this offseason in a trade from the Miami Dolphins, who received linebacker Benardrick McKinney and a seventh-round pick as part of the deal.The 27-year-old racked up 32 tackles, four sacks, and one forced fumble through 14 appearances during his one-season stint with the Dolphins last year.He was expected to be a backup for Houston behind Whitney Mercilus and Jordan Jenkins. Lawson has a base salary of just $1.4 million this year, and his contract doesn't have any guaranteed money in 2022, according to Spotrac.The Jets will be Lawson's third different AFC East team. The 2016 first-round pick began his career on the Buffalo Bills, racking up 16.5 sacks through his first four NFL seasons.New York addressed its pass rush after amassing just 31 sacks last season. Defensive lineman Quinnen Williams was the only Jets player to top four sacks in 2020.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Washington Football Team quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick will start the team's Week 1 contest, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports.It was widely expected the veteran would lead the offense over Taylor Heinicke, but the decision hadn't been announced.Fitzpatrick inked a one-year, $10-million deal with the NFC East club in March.The 38-year-old spent the last two seasons with the Miami Dolphins. He made 20 starts (plus four more appearances), throwing for 5,620 yards and 33 touchdowns against 21 interceptions.Washington will be the ninth team Fitzpatrick has started for as he enters his 17th NFL season.He's also played for the then-St. Louis Rams, Cincinnati Bengals, Buffalo Bills, Tennessee Titans, Houston Texans, New York Jets, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.Washington won the NFC East with a 7-9 record last season but lost in the wild-card round to the eventual Super Bowl champion Buccaneers.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Minnesota Vikings and star safety Harrison Smith signed a contract extension, the team announced Sunday.The pact will keep Smith in Minnesota for four additional years and is worth $64 million, reports NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.Smith is now reportedly locked in with the Vikings for five more seasons. He'll earn $22.5 million in 2021, the highest salary for a safety in NFL history.Overall, Smith's new $16-million average annual salary places him second among safeties behind only Seattle Seahawks star Jamal Adams, according to Spotrac.Smith was set to play the last year of a five-year, $51.2-million extension he inked in 2016.The five-time Pro Bowler has been a key member of the Vikings' defense since joining the team as a first-round pick in 2012. The Notre Dame product, who's made 130 regular-season appearances in Minnesota, amassed 89 tackles and 10 pass breakups last season. He also recorded five interceptions, tying a career high.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Baltimore Ravens running back J.K. Dobbins will miss the 2021 season after suffering a torn ACL in the team's preseason finale Saturday, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.Dobbins, a 2020 second-round pick, was carted off as Baltimore won a record-breaking 20th straight preseason game with a 37-3 rout of the Washington Football Team.The 22-year-old was expected to lead the Ravens' rushing attack after producing 805 yards - second on the team to quarterback Lamar Jackson - and nine touchdowns during his rookie campaign.Gus Edwards will likely move into the starting role. Edwards had 723 yards and six touchdowns last year.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Minnesota Vikings tight end Irv Smith Jr. will undergo knee surgery for a meniscus injury and is expected to be sidelined for at least the start of the regular season, sources told Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.Smith's exact timetable is reportedly yet to be determined.The 23-year-old was set for his biggest role with the Vikings to date after the team cut longtime starter Kyle Rudolph this offseason.Smith has racked up 66 catches for 676 yards and seven touchdowns in his two seasons since being selected in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft.Minnesota will rely on Tyler Conklin, Brandon Dillon, and rookie Zach Davidson during Smith's absence.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

A Deshaun Watson trade isn't imminent despite increased speculation stemming partly from his absence during the Houston Texans' preseason finale, sources told Aaron Wilson of SportsTalk 790.Watson wasn't on the sideline Saturday at NRG Stadium as the Texans took on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. A report earlier in the day labeled the Miami Dolphins the front-runners to land Watson, leading to buzz online that a deal could be close.The signal-caller has been quiet about his status with the Texans since requesting a trade early in the offseason. He's routinely sat out preseason practice and didn't play in any of the team's three exhibition games.The Dolphins, Carolina Panthers, Denver Broncos, and Philadelphia Eagles have all been linked to Watson. The 25-year-old would waive his no-trade clause for the Dolphins and Panthers, but not for the Eagles, Wilson reports.Carolina is sticking with Sam Darnold for now after previously trading assets to get him from the New York Jets, sources told Wilson.QB depth chartsDolphinsPanthersBroncosEaglesQB1Tua TagovailoaSam DarnoldTeddy BridgewaterJalen HurtsQB2Jacoby BrissettP.J. WalkerDrew LockGardner MinshewWatson led the NFL with 4,823 passing yards while throwing a personal-best 33 touchdown passes last season en route to his third career Pro Bowl selection. The Texans are reportedly asking suitors for three first-round picks and two second-rounders in return.This offseason, 22 women filed lawsuits that accuse Watson of sexual assault and harassment, complicating the trade talks. Watson also faces criminal complaints from 10 women.He's due $10.54 million in base salary in 2021 before his four-year, $156-million extension starts in 2022.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Baltimore Ravens running back J.K. Dobbins was carted to the locker room Saturday after suffering a knee injury in the team's preseason finale.The second-year pro will undergo tests Sunday to determine the severity of the injury, head coach John Harbaugh said postgame, according to The Athletic's Jeff Zrebiec.Dobbins took a shot to the leg as Washington Football Team defenders tackled him at the end of a screen play during the first quarter. He left the field with his arms around trainers.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes grabbed the No. 1 spot in the NFL Top 100, edging out Los Angeles Rams defensive lineman Aaron Donald.This is the first time Mahomes has topped the NFL Network list, which is voted on by players. Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson and Donald were No. 1 in the previous two editions. Quarterbacks have now earned the top spot in five of the last six seasons.

Indianapolis Colts rookie quarterback Sam Ehlinger suffered a knee sprain during Friday's preseason game against the Detroit Lions, but he doesn't need surgery and will be out five-to-six weeks, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.The Colts drafted Ehlinger in the sixth round and the Texas product impressed at training camp. He earned first-team snaps during the preseason alongside second-year passer Jacob Eason as the two compete for the backup role.Indianapolis traded for former Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz this offseason, but his status for Week 1 remains unclear after he underwent foot surgery in early August. Wentz's return timetable was initially set at 5-12 weeks.Ehlinger completed 67.7% of his pass attempts for 288 yards against three interceptions through three preseason appearances.The Colts' quarterback depth chart also features a fourth option in veteran Brett Hundley. The deadline for NFL teams to cut rosters from 80 to 53 players is Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET.Indy kicks off its 2021 season on Sept. 12 against the Seattle Seahawks.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Miami Dolphins have emerged as front-runners in trade discussions with the Houston Texans for quarterback Deshaun Watson, sources told Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports.The Carolina Panthers, Denver Broncos, and Philadelphia Eagles reportedly also discussed a deal with Houston, but Watson's right to approve a potential trade destination has affected negotiations.A team that dropped out of trade talks for Watson says the Texans are seeking three first-round picks and two second-round selections for the signal-caller, Robinson adds.Watson is currently facing 22 lawsuits alleging sexual assault and inappropriate behavior. Ten women have also filed criminal complaints against him. Eight of the complainants are among those suing the quarterback.The NFL recently cleared Watson to participate in training camp but said it's still investigating the allegations. The FBI has also conducted an interview with Watson regarding allegations that one of the women suing him attempted to extort him.Teams interested in Watson have angled for pick protections during trade talks in order to alleviate a potential suspension or criminal prosecution for the signal-caller, Robinson adds.Watson requested a trade from the Texans during the offseason and hasn't appeared in any preseason games this year. The 25-year-old has been present at practice, but Houston is limiting his participation.The three-time Pro Bowler led the NFL with 4,823 passing yards last season while also setting career highs in completion percentage (70.2) and touchdown passes (33).The Dolphins drafted quarterback Tua Tagovailoa fifth overall last year. Tagovailoa posted a 6-3 record as a rookie but lacked consistency. The former Alabama star completed 64.1% of his passes for 1,814 yards and 11 touchdowns against five interceptions in 2020. Three of his picks came against the Buffalo Bills in a Week 17 game that could've clinched a playoff berth had Miami won.Watson inked a four-year, $156-million extension last September that contains a no-trade clause.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Every year before the start of the NFL season, we identify our best bets on the win total for every team in the league. Would we advise betting all 32 win totals at their current prices? Probably not. Do we plan on cashing all 32 bets, anyway? Naturally.With the season just two weeks away, here are our best bets for the win totals of every NFL team.Arizona Cardinals under 8.5The Cardinals were supposed to take a major step forward in 2020. Instead, they finished 8-8 and were merely pedestrian on offense, which was supposed to be Kliff Kingsbury's calling card. With the Rams and 49ers expected to make massive leaps in 2021, Arizona's road is even tougher.Atlanta Falcons under 7.5Every year, the Falcons are priced to win at least 7.5 games. Every year, they fall apart. When is the market going to adjust? This team still has flashy names at key positions, but the defense remains a calamity after last year's four-win campaign, and the offense might even be worse after trading away Julio Jones.Baltimore Ravens over 10.5The Ravens had the year from hell in 2020 and still finished with 11 wins in a loaded AFC North. If first-round picks Rashod Bateman and Jayson Oweh can help shore up this team's biggest weaknesses from a season ago, Baltimore will have no trouble getting back to 11 in an expanded 17-game slate.Buffalo Bills over 10.5I was all over the Bills a year ago, albeit at a much lower number. I still like them as the best team in this division behind an MVP-level quarterback in Josh Allen, a stable coaching staff, and a deep roster on both sides of the ball.Carolina Panthers over 7.5Hold your nose before betting the over on a Sam Darnold-led team. He only needs to be passable to succeed in Joe Brady's offense, which is chock-full of dynamic playmakers and field-stretchers. There's also enough young talent to make you believe in the defense, which is the true X-factor for the Panthers' season.Chicago Bears over 7.5I've been high on the Bears since February, well before they signed veteran quarterback Andy Dalton and drafted heir apparent Justin Fields in the first round. Those two are a clear upgrade from Mitchell Trubisky, who still managed to lead Chicago to eight-plus wins in three straight years thanks to a talent-rich defense.Cincinnati Bengals under 6.5The Bengals won seven games just once in the last five years, and they still finished with a negative point differential that season. In Joe Burrow's first year back from a serious knee injury, keep your expectations low, especially with Cinncinati's tough schedule.Cleveland Browns over 10.5It's easy to mock the Browns, but if you give them the blind resume treatment, their roster is among the deepest and most versatile in the league. Cleveland won 11 games last year under suboptimal conditions and should eclipse that in a longer 2021 campaign.Dallas Cowboys under 9.5At full strength, the Cowboys are a 10-win team. I'm skeptical that they'll ever reach full strength, however, given the continued injury concerns regarding star quarterback Dak Prescott. In his absence a year ago, Dallas was a mess on both sides of the ball, so I'm happy to fade this group on the fifth-highest total in the NFC.Denver Broncos over 8.5The dream of landing Aaron Rodgers is dead, but even with Teddy Bridgewater manning the ship, there are enough pieces here on offense to post league-average totals. The Broncos' real upside is on defense, where an elite pass rush and loaded secondary should generate more turnovers than Denver had in 2020.Detroit Lions over 5Yes, the Lions are a convenient punching bag with coach Dan Campbell and quarterback Jared Goff leading the way. They've still won at least five games in seven of the last eight seasons, though, and they have enough talent to surprise in a muddled NFC North.Green Bay Packers under 10.5This is easily the toughest number on the board. The Packers defied expectations with consecutive 13-win seasons thanks to Rodgers' brilliance, but there are still major questions on defense and along the O-line. Factor in a brutal schedule and internal strife, and this could be the year of regression.Houston Texans under 4This may be a sucker play, but I'd rather be a sucker than put my faith in the Texans, who boast the NFL's least talented roster and murkiest quarterback situation. Since 2004, 39 teams have won fewer than four games - at least one team's done it every year - and, across those 17 seasons, the league's worst outfit has averaged 1.65 wins. Bet on Houston to join that club.Indianapolis Colts over (N/A)The Colts' win total is off the board with Carson Wentz's health in question. I'd lean to the over once it's back up; this team won 11 games a year ago with a shaky Philip Rivers and should have one of the NFL's best defenses in 2021.Jacksonville Jaguars under 6.5I like the pieces in Jacksonville more than I like the plan. Top pick Trevor Lawrence will struggle more than some may expect behind an unproven offensive line, and first-time NFL head coach Urban Meyer will be hard-pressed to deliver the Jaguars their second seven-win campaign in 11 seasons.Kansas City Chiefs over 12.5I faded the Chiefs before last season and paid the price with a 14-win campaign that seemed obvious in hindsight. They're even better this year, with a revamped offensive line and a healthier defense. If Patrick Mahomes stays upright for a full season, this over should be a breeze.Las Vegas Raiders over 7Where's the love for the Raiders? They won at least seven games in back-to-back seasons despite a horrendous defense that's now been overhauled. Derek Carr delivered three straight 4,000-yard campaigns and has an emerging star in Darren Waller at his disposal. The pieces are there for a breakout year in Las Vegas.Los Angeles Chargers under 9.5Since 2000, nine quarterbacks have won Offensive Rookie of the Year; six of the last eight finished with a worse record in their sophomore seasons. The ninth passer is Justin Herbert, whose Chargers still have work to do to build upon their 7-9 record in his rookie campaign.Los Angeles Rams over 10.5I'm all-in on the Rams. A year ago, they boasted the NFL's best defense, but they've long been a top-tier quarterback away from breaking through as a dominant force in the NFC. That changes this season. Matthew Stafford for MVP, anyone?Miami Dolphins over 9.5Come for the Tua Tagovailoa breakout, stay for one of the most underrated defenses in football. The Dolphins won 10 games a year ago and ranked fifth in points allowed per drive (1.8). They've since improved their pass rush and added elite field-stretchers for Tagovailoa. Watch out for the Fins in 2021.Minnesota Vikings under 8.5The talent is there for the Vikings to make a run. Will it actually happen? Minnesota won seven games a year ago but simply never looked right, and the team enters this year with plenty of internal turmoil overshadowing what should be a bounce-back year. I'll pass.New England Patriots under 9.5The Patriots were hit hard by opt-outs and roster attrition in 2020, so it's easy to argue they'll return to normal. I'm still not buying that all is well in New England. They simply don't have the talent on either side of the ball to buy a 10-win campaign, especially with major questions at quarterback.New Orleans Saints under 9The Saints won at least 11 games in four consecutive seasons, all with Drew Brees under center. New QB1 Jameis Winston has never won more than nine games in his five years as a starter, and he's an awkward fit in an offense that's long been averse to turnovers.New York Giants under 7.5The Giants' six wins in 2020 were the most they've recorded since their 11-win 2016 campaign, and that was also the only time they won more than 7.5 games in the last eight seasons. Unless Daniel Jones delivers a third-year breakout that nobody sees coming, I just don't buy New York's upside at such a high number.New York Jets under 6.5There's a lot to like about the Jets' future, but we're talking about one of the worst teams in recent memory winning five more games than they did in 2021, and getting there with a rookie quarterback and first-time head coach. Oh, and their biggest offseason addition, Carl Lawson, is out for the year. No thanks.Philadelphia Eagles under 6.5If you believe in Jalen Hurts as a productive NFL quarterback, you'll surely take the over on a reasonable number in the league's worst division. Don't count me among the believers. Hurts will be a liability for the Eagles, who already struggled to score points with former top-two pick Wentz at the helm.Pittsburgh Steelers under 8.5The era of sustained success in Pittsburgh is over. The Steelers beat up on weak competition a year ago, but they face a brutal schedule in 2021, and they'll rely on 39-year-old Ben Roethlisberger to lead the way after he appeared to be out of gas last season. This defense is due for regression, too, after losing four starters and several key contributors. Stay far away from this number.San Francisco 49ers over 10.5The 49ers won 13 games in 2019, but they were the most injured team in the league in 2020 and cratered as a result. I'm betting on them returning to form behind one of the most talented defenses in the NFC - especially if the coaching staff loosens the reins on dynamic rookie Trey Lance.Seattle Seahawks under 9.5Will the Seahawks finally succumb to regression this season, as we've expected for years? The offensive line is still a problem, and that puts pressure on Russell Wilson to produce magic week in and week out. The defense is also worse on paper than last year's historically inept group. All signs point to a down year.Tampa Bay Buccaneers over 11.5The Buccaneers' win total sat at 9 or 9.5 last year, depending on when you bought in, which was criminally low for such a stacked roster. This feels a half-win too high, but I'm willing to pay the price on the most complete team in football.Tennessee Titans over 9The Titans, who have won at least nine games in five straight seasons, quietly owned one of the best offenses in football over the last two years - and that was before adding a star in Julio Jones for virtually nothing. The defense is an issue, but it can't be much worse than it was during last year's 11-win campaign. And playing four games (combined) against the Jaguars and Texans can't hurt.Washington Football Team over 8.5Very few people expected anything from Washington a year ago - myself included - but Ron Rivera's group surprised with an elite defense and just enough production under center. Ryan Fitzpatrick is a clear upgrade at quarterback, and this young defense is just scratching the surface.C 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.

Usain Bolt is willing to put one of his Olympic gold medals on the line in a potential race against Tyreek Hill but doesn't think the Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver is keen on wagering his Super Bowl LIV ring.When asked in an interview with TMZ Sports if Hill had agreed to the wager, Bolt indicated it's unlikely to happen."Nah, I don't think he will," Bolt said. "He's got one, so he's probably scared."Hill challenged Bolt to a 40-yard race in July, calling the 35-year-old sprinting legend "old" and "washed up." While Bolt is confident he could outrun Hill, he did admit he'd have to get in better shape first."I definitely gotta train, he's been working out," Bolt said. "I work out too, but I would have to step up my training. It would all depend on my schedule, you know what I mean? ... Remember, I (have been) retired for a while, so I still gotta get my legs going again, know what I mean? I still got speed, but I gotta get it going."Bolt is an eight-time Olympic gold medalist who holds world records in both the men's 100m (9.58 seconds) and 200m dash (19.19).Hill ran a 4.29-second 40-yard dash at his pro day leading up to the 2016 NFL Draft. In high school, he posted official times of 10.19 seconds in the 100m and 20.14 seconds in the 200m dash.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Jacksonville Jaguars traded quarterback Gardner Minshew to the Philadelphia Eagles for a conditional sixth-round pick, the Eagles announced Saturday.The Jaguars will receive a fifth-round pick if Minshew plays 50% of the snaps in three games, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.The arrival of No. 1 overall pick Trevor Lawrence made Minshew expendable. As widely expected, Jacksonville announced Wednesday that the former Clemson standout will be the team's starter.Jalen Hurts will be under center for the Eagles this season following the departure of Carson Wentz to the Indianapolis Colts, and Joe Flacco will act as the team's No. 2.In Minshew, Philadelphia will have another capable backup with starting experience who could potentially take over if Hurts struggles.The Jaguars selected Minshew in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, and he started 12 games as a rookie after Nick Foles suffered an early-season injury.The 25-year-old was one of the surprises of the campaign, throwing for 3,271 yards and 21 touchdowns against six interceptions and winning six games.However, Minshew was unable to consistently keep hold of the starting job last season. He won just one of his eight starts and split time with Mike Glennon and Jake Luton.The Eagles released Nick Mullens to make room for Minshew.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

"I'll answer your question with a question," Josh Johnson said over the phone the other day.Johnson was asked why, at age 35, he chooses to keep trying to play professional football. Even though just about any pro athlete will tell you they'd love to stay at it for as long as they physically can, that their love for the game and the competitive drive that fuels their ambition isn't exactly equipped with an off switch, it still seemed like a fair question to ask Johnson."Why shouldn't I?"Consider his career path. When he signed with the New York Jets on Aug. 4, Johnson began his 17th stint in the NFL, with 13 different teams. Only placekicker Shayne Graham, who earlier this century suited up for 15 franchises, is believed to have played for more NFL organizations. Throw in the brief time Johnson spent in the UFL, AAF, and XFL, and that's an even 20 job opportunities in 14 years as a pro. But the real total is more than that."I don't count them," he told theScore. "I'll do it when I'm done. I can still play."Johnson isn't a typical NFL journeyman. He's not like Ryan Fitzpatrick, now on his ninth team in 17 seasons, hopping from opportunity to opportunity because he's uniquely mediocre enough to remain a starter, at least until he proves can't be.This is the part that makes Johnson's story so fascinating: he actually isn't a career backup, either, at least not in the way that role is most commonly understood. He's not like Mike Glennon, Brian Hoyer, Chad Henne, Case Keenum, Colt McCoy, AJ McCarron, Blaine Gabbert, Chase Daniel, Geno Smith, you name it - guys you tend to realize are still in the league because they're suddenly out there during garbage time, or because the starter in front of them just got hurt, or because the camera happened to pan on them as they stood around in a baseball cap, gripping a clipboard.That hasn't been Johnson's football journey. He clearly has ability, or he wouldn't still be doing this. But his staying power lies in his willingness to be the league's on-call quarterback, the standby teams can turn to in a pinch whenever they need a veteran because of an injury or a trade or something unforeseen - even if it's just for a few weeks, or sometimes only a few days.Johnson's bounced around, all right. But even in a profession in which a significant portion of the non-star, non-starter workforce has little job security, his itinerant odyssey has been marked by an unusual amount of precarity and unpredictability. Most try-hards and fringe players tend to fade away rather quickly. But teams keep reaching out to Josh Johnson, and he and his agent, Doug Hendrickson, keep taking their phone calls. And Johnson isn't ready to quit just yet.Get a load of Johnson's Pro Sports Transactions entry, which stretches on for three pages and lists 24 transactions. He's been waived or released 15 times. He's had eight opportunities that only involved being on an expanded offseason or training camp roster, including a previous run with the Jets that lasted all of nine days. Nine of his in-season chances lasted for two weeks or fewer, with one of them running a mere three days. Why do this?Take a look at how things went for Johnson in 2014:

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin seemed unimpressed with Dwayne Haskins after the quarterback's final bid to crack the team's opening-day roster."Like the rest of us, I didn't think it was enough varsity work from him," Tomlin said Friday after the Steelers fell 34-9 to the Carolina Panthers to cap their preseason. "It wasn't the type of performance he wanted or we wanted, but such is life."Haskins started versus Carolina after coming off the bench during Pittsburgh's first three exhibition contests. He went 9-for-16 passing for 108 yards with an interception and a late touchdown pass, re-entering the game after Joshua Dobbs exited with a turf toe injury.The 24-year-old is vying for a roster spot in Pittsburgh three offseasons after the Washington Football Team drafted him 15th overall. Washington released him late during his sophomore year amid on-field struggles and off-field issues."I agree," Haskins said of Tomlin's assessment. "It was a tough one. I wanted to play better, I know that we wanted to do better as a team."The Steelers seem comfortable with Ben Roethlisberger and Mason Rudolph atop their depth chart, leaving Haskins and Dobbs on the roster bubble. NFL teams must trim their active rosters to 53 players by Tuesday afternoon.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Seattle Seahawks safety Quandre Diggs isn't practicing while he seeks a contract extension, sources told ESPN's Brady Henderson.Diggs is the third Seattle player known to skip practice because of his contract since the beginning of training camp, joining left tackle Duane Brown and fellow safety Jamal Adams.The Seahawks have yet to resolve Brown's situation, while Adams returned to the field after inking a four-year deal.

The New Orleans Saints canceled their preseason finale versus the Arizona Cardinals due to the impending impact of Hurricane Ida, the club announced Friday.The contest was slated for Saturday night. The Saints moved up the kickoff time seven hours in hopes of avoiding the storm before nixing the game altogether.The Saints are evacuating to Dallas in anticipation of the hurricane, sources told Amie Just and Jeff Duncan of NOLA.com.National Weather Service New Orleans said Friday it's forecasting Ida to make landfall as a Category 4 hurricane that will significantly affect Southern Louisiana and Southern Mississippi.

Houston Texans pass-rusher Shaq Lawson and safety Lonnie Johnson are being "heavily discussed" as potential trade candidates in league circles, sources told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.Lawson and Johnson are both expected to be backups for Houston. The defensive end is projected to play behind Whitney Mercilus and Jordan Jenkins, while the third-year safety is behind Eric Murray and Justin Reid.The Texans traded linebacker Benardrick McKinney and a seventh-round pick to the Miami Dolphins for Lawson and a sixth-round pick in March. The veteran started his career with the Buffalo Bills, and he's racked up 20.5 sacks over five seasons.Meanwhile, Houston made Johnson its second-round pick in 2019. He's appeared in 30 games over the last two seasons, starting 12.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.

The Defensive Player of the Year market is like a horse race, creating a mental image of the likes of the Bosa brothers lining up next to the Watt brothers and the Packers' Smith "brothers." And on certain Sundays against overmatched offensive tackles, any number of these guys can fly down the stretch like a Triple Crown winner.But this market is really like a horse race in that you approach handicapping it by looking for reasons to fade the favorite. The shorter the odds, the less likely I am to bet the cheap runner. Our task heading into 2021? Identify someone who can impress voters more than three-time winner Aaron Donald.PlayerAgeDPOY Top 3All-Pro 2019/20OddsAaron Donald304Yes+450Myles Garrett250Yes+550TJ Watt262Yes+800Chase Young220No+1100Joey Bosa260Yes+1200Nick Bosa230No+1400Khalil Mack302Yes+1400Derwin James250No+2200Devin White230Yes+2500JJ Watt323No+2800Darius Leonard260Yes+2800Jamal Adams250Yes+2800Jalen Ramsey260Yes+2800Von Miller322No+3300Bobby Wagner310Yes+3300Bradley Chubb250No+3300Xavien Howard281Yes+3300Shaquil Barrett280Yes+4000Stephon Gilmore311Yes+4000Chandler Jones312No+4000Marcus Peters280Yes+4000(Only showing players with odds 40-1 or shorter)This list of candidates is loaded, but when trying to figure out who can become the league's most dominant defender, it's worth considering the past. Historically, what does the Defensive Player of the Year look like?YearWinner (position)Age2007Bob Sanders (S)262008James Harrison (LB)302009Charles Woodson (CB)332010Troy Polamalu (S)292011Terrell Suggs (LB)292012JJ Watt (DL)232013Luke Kuechly (LB)222014JJ Watt (DL)252015JJ Watt (DL)262016Khalil Mack (LB)252017Aaron Donald (DL)262018Aaron Donald (DL)272019Stephon Gilmore (CB)292020Aaron Donald (DL)29Since a 2007-10 streak where three defensive backs won, it's been mostly about the big boys at the line of scrimmage. Apparently, throwing quarterbacks around like a rag doll attracts some attention.Even with Luke Kuechly dragging it down, the average age of a DPOY over the last 14 seasons is just over 27 years old. Meanwhile, as the lone DB to win since 2010, Stephon Gilmore was a lockdown defender in 2019 before we all really knew what lockdown meant.There are zero cases of players emerging from nowhere to earn the award, and the winners always play for quality teams with quality defenses. Entering his age-30 season, there's no sign Donald can't handle his usual task of fighting off double and triple teams. However, he's raised the bar so high that in 2019 he had 12.5 sacks and barely finished in the top five of voting. We know what we're getting with Donald, so who can put up stats that surpass him?TJ Watt (+800)JJ's kid brother has stepped out of the shadow of the three-time DPOY. TJ led the league in sacks last season and topped all front-seven players in passes defensed. He fits the profile, too: He's almost 27, he's got two top-three DPOY finishes and a recent All-Pro season, and the Steelers are good but may need to rely heavily on their defense.Xavien Howard (+3300)Our formula tabs Howard as a prime candidate due to his age and resume, and he plays on a Dolphins team whose defense carried it just shy of the playoffs. At first glance, his position puts him at a disadvantage. However, like Gilmore in 2019, he might be the right orange to beat out Donald's apple. The player with the best chance to outshine Donald might be someone who plays a much different position, accumulating different stats and making a direct comparison more difficult for voters.Tre'Davious White (+5000)There's value further down the oddsboard as well. White just missed our cutoff, but he's another candidate to provide stats that contrast Donald's. If he can get a few key interceptions and provide classic shutdown corner play for the potentially dominant Bills, voters could give him the same consideration they did Gilmore two years ago.Matt Russell is a betting writer for theScore. If there's a bad beat to be had, Matt will find it. Find him on twitter @mrussauthentic.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Green Bay Packers have fallen short in the NFC Championship Game in the last two seasons, and Aaron Rodgers knows the pressure is on to win the Super Bowl this year."They jumped through some hoops to get under the cap this year," Rodgers said, according to Pro Football Talk's Michael David Smith. "Obviously, the cap is expected to go back up next year, but you never know. So we're just going to enjoy this season. It's Title Town. It's championship or disappointment."The weight of the Packers' title expectations is also heavier thanks to the saga regarding Rodgers' future, which dominated the team's offseason.The quarterback skipped all of mandatory minicamp in June amid disappointment with the club's front office. The lengthy standoff ended on the eve of training camp when Rodgers and Green Bay came to terms on a reworked deal.The agreement reportedly eliminated the 2023 campaign from Rodgers' contract, with the Packers promising to evaluate the reigning MVP's future following the 2021 season."I think we all know what’s at stake," Rodgers said. "I talked about that a little bit the other day about perspective and how important that perspective is to focus on this season and enjoy the most out of this season because there are a lot of unknowns."Green Bay has remained adamant about being committed to Rodgers - who is entering his 17th campaign with the NFC North side - beyond the 2021 season, despite selecting quarterback Jordan Love in the first round of the 2020 draft.While his long-term future with the Packers is still uncertain, Rodgers said earlier in August that he doesn't want this campaign to be viewed as his "farewell tour."Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Though much of the attention is generally paid to the Super Bowl and win totals markets, one of the best places to find value in the NFL is postseason odds, especially with the expanded 14-team field that began a year ago.With the season just two weeks away, here are the playoff odds at theScore Bet with our favorite bets to make and miss the postseason:TEAMMAKEMISSKansas City Chiefs-1000+600Tampa Bay Buccaneers-750+525Buffalo Bills-400+330Baltimore Ravens-330+260Cleveland Browns-230+185San Francisco 49ers-200+160Los Angeles Rams-190+160Tennessee Titans-160+130Dallas Cowboys-155+125Seattle Seahawks-130+100Los Angeles Chargers+110-140New England Patriots+110-140New Orleans Saints+110-130Miami Dolphins+120-150Denver Broncos+150-170Pittsburgh Steelers+150-180Washington Football Team+150-180Arizona Cardinals+175-210Chicago Bears+210-260Atlanta Falcons+225-275New York Giants+225-265Carolina Panthers+250-300Philadelphia Eagles+280-340Las Vegas Raiders+330-400Jacksonville Jaguars+350-475Cincinnati Bengals+400-550New York Jets+575-900Houston Texans+950-1600Best bets to make playoffsMiami Dolphins (+120)The Dolphins are tied for the AFC's fifth-highest win total (9.5) and have the sixth-shortest odds to win the conference, yet they're underdogs to make the playoffs. In a field with seven playoff teams, something simply isn't adding up.Aside from the basic math, Miami is a solid bet to make the postseason in what profiles as a breakout season for second-year passer Tua Tagovailoa. He'll be surrounded by dynamic playmakers at receiver and a chaotic defense that ranked fifth in points allowed per drive in 2020.Chicago Bears (+250)There are a handful of teams worth betting with dominant defenses and uncertain but intriguing quarterback options - namely the Bears, Broncos, and Washington. Chicago has the longest playoff odds of them all but may have the highest upside given the talent on the roster.The Bears' playoff chances hinge on whether Andy Dalton or promising rookie Justin Fields can deliver during the regular season. But don't discount a defense that ranked in the top 10 in points allowed per drive and yards allowed per drive in each of the last three seasons - resulting in two trips to the postseason despite worse quarterback play than what Chicago should get in 2021.Best bets to miss playoffsSeattle Seahawks (+100)With the emergence of the Rams and 49ers as legitimate title favorites, somebody in the NFC West is going to pay the price. And though the Cardinals are risky in their own right, the Seahawks are still priced as playoff favorites despite a rough offseason and plenty of question marks entering 2021.Chief among them is a defense that struggled in 2020 despite consistently favorable field position, and it's only gotten worse thanks to cost-cutting moves in the secondary and along the defensive front. Pair that with a flimsy offensive line that continues to put undue pressure on Russell Wilson to act as a miracle worker, and I'm not buying Seattle as a playoff team this time around.Dallas Cowboys (+125)If the Cowboys are perfectly healthy in 2021, they'll be a playoff team. But can we be certain of that? Dak Prescott is still recovering from a gruesome ankle injury that could affect him all season long, as could the recent shoulder strain that has kept him out of the preseason.It might be different if we knew Dallas was a playoff team without a healthy Prescott, but what we saw in 2020 was a disaster on both sides of the ball. His return should rejuvenate a talented offense, but there are too many questions on defense and with Prescott's health to ignore the plus-money value here.C 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 named Jameis Winston as their starting quarterback following a competition with Taysom Hill, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.Winston, who joined the team in 2020, will make his first start for New Orleans against the Green Bay Packers on Sept. 12.Hill won three of his four starts for the Saints while Drew Brees was injured last season, with Winston acting as the backup.However, Winston's impressive preseason performance Monday appeared to make him the favorite to earn the job, which was left vacant after Brees retired in the offseason.The 2015 No. 1 overall pick completed nine of his 10 passes for 123 yards with two touchdowns - both downfield throws to Marquez Callaway - in a 23-21 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars.Winston had reportedly gained the support of many of his teammates during his battle with Hill.The 27-year-old started five campaigns for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before joining New Orleans as a free agent. Winston led the NFL with 5,107 passing yards during his final season in Tampa Bay, but he also threw a league-high 30 interceptions.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New Orleans Saints quarterback Jameis Winston is receiving significant locker-room support during his competition with Taysom Hill, sources told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.Many of Winston's teammates are reportedly treating him as the starter, though the Saints haven't declared who will lead them into Week 1.New Orleans has given both passers extended snaps over its first two preseason games. Winston seemingly emerged from the second exhibition contest with an advantage after throwing two touchdown passes against the Jacksonville Jaguars.Preseason statisticsCompletionsYardsTDsINTsWinston16/2221931Hill19/3221911Winston served as a backup last season, his first in New Orleans following a five-year tenure with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The 2015 No. 1 pick led the NFL in passing yards in 2019 while with the Bucs, but he also threw a league-high 30 interceptions.Hill started last year when Drew Brees was injured, but he otherwise operated as a versatile offensive weapon with no defined position. The 31-year-old said early in the offseason that he had started to train exclusively as a quarterback.The Saints haven't fielded an opening-day starting quarterback other than Brees since 2005 when Aaron Brooks opened the schedule.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is vaccinated against COVID-19 but won't hold a grudge against his teammates who aren't."Yeah, I've been immunized," Rodgers said Thursday, according to Jason Wilde of the Wisconsin State Journal. "There's a lot of conversation around it, around the league, and a lot of guys who have made statements and not made statements, owners who have made statements. There's guys on the team that haven't been vaccinated. I think it's a personal decision. I'm not going to judge those guys."COVID-19 cases are rising around the NFL. The Tennessee Titans are facing the most prominent cluster of cases with several players on reserve and multiple coaches sidelined.The NFL has been testing vaccinated players every 14 days but sent a proposal to the NFLPA that would have vaccinated players tested every seven days, according to ESPN's Kevin Seifert. Unvaccinated players have been tested daily.Rodgers said he researched the vaccine on his own before getting it and didn't register for the shot merely to persuade teammates to follow suit. NFL teams with fewer vaccinated players could face a competitive disadvantage during the season, as the league doesn't plan to postpone games amid outbreaks as it did in 2020."I like to learn about everything that I'm doing, and there was a lot of research that even went into that," Rodgers said. "It's going to be interesting to see how things work moving forward."Rodgers successfully navigated the 2020 season without vaccines available, earning his third career MVP award after throwing 48 touchdowns to only five interceptions.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Indianapolis Colts placed guard Quenton Nelson and left tackle Eric Fisher on the COVID-19 list, the club announced Thursday.Nelson was working his way back after undergoing foot surgery earlier this month. The All-Pro left guard participated in practice Monday for the first time since the procedure. He was reportedly trending toward playing in the Colts' regular-season opener against the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 12.The 25-year-old hasn't missed a game since the Colts drafted him sixth overall in 2018. Nelson was named to the Pro Bowl in each of his three seasons.Meanwhile, Fisher remains on the team's physically unable to perform list after tearing his Achilles while playing for the Kansas City Chiefs in last season's AFC Championship Game. The Colts signed the 30-year-old this offseason to fill the vacancy at left tackle after Anthony Castonzo retired, though it remains unknown when Fisher will be cleared to return.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Tennessee Titans placed quarterback Ryan Tannehill on the COVID-19 list, the team announced Thursday.Tannehill will need two negative tests over a two-day span or will face a 10-day quarantine, general manager Jon Robinson said, according to John Glennon of Broadway Sports.Titans head coach Mike Vrabel is quarantining after testing positive on Sunday.Robinson announced that tight end Geoff Swaim and linebacker Justin March-Lillard are also being placed on the COVID-19 list, taking Tennessee's total number of players on the reserve group to seven.Tannehill criticized the NFL in late July for its strict protocols for unvaccinated players. The signal-caller said he was getting vaccinated only because of pressure from the league."I wouldn't have gotten the vaccine without the protocols that they are enforcing on us," said Tannehill. "I think it's a personal decision for each of us. They are trying to force our hands and ultimately have forced a lot of hands by the protocols. It is what it is."Tannehill put together a career year last season, throwing for 3,819 yards and 33 touchdowns against seven interceptions.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Unlike betting most NFL futures markets, wagering on the last undefeated team is about more than just a club's roster and upside - it's about the schedule. A franchise like the Ravens may seem like a good bet on the surface, but a matchup with the Chiefs in Week 2 makes them a riskier play than, say, a middling squad with the NFC East on the docket.It doesn't take a miracle run to cash in this market, either. While the Steelers managed an 11-0 start a year ago, two 8-0 teams and two 5-0 teams highlighted the four years before that. In 2014, three teams started 3-0 before losses piled up across the league.With that said, here are the odds on which NFL team will be the last undefeated and a few of our favorite value plays:TEAMODDSSan Francisco 49ers+600Tampa Bay Buccaneers+600Buffalo Bills+800Kansas City Chiefs+800Baltimore Ravens+800Green Bay Packers+1100Los Angeles Rams+1400Tennessee Titans+1600Cleveland Browns+1600Minnesota Vikings+2000New England Patriots+2000New Orleans Saints+2000Seattle Seahawks+2500Dallas Cowboys+2500Miami Dolphins+2500Carolina Panthers+2500Pittsburgh Steelers+2800Los Angeles Chargers+3500Washington Football Team+3500Jacksonville Jaguars+3500Arizona Cardinals+4000Chicago Bears+4000Indianapolis Colts+5000New York Giants+6500Cincinnati Bengals+6500Philadelphia Eagles+8000New York Jets+8000Las Vegas Raiders+10000Houston Texans+15000Detroit Lions+20000San Francisco 49ers (+600)The 49ers were one of two teams to start 8-0 in 2019 and could very well win their first eight contests in 2021, too. San Francisco was the most injured team in the league a year ago but is still loaded on both sides of the ball - especially if coach Kyle Shanahan gives Trey Lance a chance to open up the offense.The schedule affords a few lucky breaks, too. The Niners open with the lowly Lions and Eagles and face their toughest opponents at home within their first nine weeks. San Fran also has the NFL's earliest bye week in Week 6, which is as good as a free win for this market. It's no cakewalk, but this team has done it before and is talented enough to do it again.Carolina Panthers (+2500)The Panthers might not jump out as an obvious bet here - especially with Sam Darnold entering his first year with the club. But Carolina is poised for a big leap in 2021 behind a defense littered with former first-rounders and emerging stars and with Darnold surrounded by a bevy of explosive skill-position players.The schedule lines up for an early-season run, too. Just two of the Panthers' first eight opponents - the Saints (Week 2) and Cowboys (Week 4) - are projected to finish above .500, and both face quarterback questions early in the year related to health or just general job competence. If Darnold is the answer at QB for Matt Rhule's squad, it should surprise early in the campaign.Las Vegas Raiders (+10000)On talent alone, the Raiders are the biggest outliers on the board given their bottom-three price. Las Vegas finished 8-8 a year ago and could improve in 2021 after a defensive overhaul in the offseason that included welcoming 13 new players and a new defensive coordinator in Gus Bradley.A Week 1 date with the Ravens is daunting, but the Raiders face just two teams with a win total above 8.5 between Weeks 2-9 before a Week 10 matchup with the Chiefs. Will this club enter that game undefeated? Probably not. Is it worth betting as a 100-1 long shot? Absolutely.C 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 Carolina Panthers traded linebacker Denzel Perryman to the Las Vegas Raiders, the team announced Wednesday.Las Vegas will also receive a seventh-round pick in exchange for a sixth-rounder.Perryman's time with the Panthers concludes before he played a single snap for the team. Carolina signed him to a two-year, $6-million deal during free agency, but injuries have bothered Perryman. He dealt with a hip flexor ailment earlier in camp before missing the last two days due to a foot issue.The 28-year-old will reunite with defensive coordinator Gus Bradley in Las Vegas. The two previously spent time together with the Los Angeles Chargers. Bradley served as defensive coordinator of the Chargers from 2017 to 2020, while Perryman spent six seasons with the franchise from 2015 to 2020.The Raiders were on the lookout for linebacker depth due to injuries to Nicholas Morrow and Javin White. Head coach Jon Gruden noted both players will be out "a while" earlier Wednesday, according to ESPN's Paul Gutierrez. Linebacker Darron Lee was also placed on the injured reserve Tuesday.Perryman has struggled with injuries throughout his career, and the six-year veteran has yet to play in all 16 games during a campaign. He recorded 48 tackles and one sack across 13 contests in 2020.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Denver Broncos will open the season with their fifth different quarterback in as many years.Teddy Bridgewater will start Denver's Week 1 game against the New York Giants on Sept. 12, head coach Vic Fangio announced Wednesday.Bridgewater was competing for the job with Drew Lock, who posted a 4-9 record while producing 18 turnovers over 13 starts last season. Fangio said there wasn't much separating the two passers."Both guys had good camps. They both played well, they both had their down moments, had their good moments," Fangio said, according to ESPN's Jeff Legwold."We just made this decision because it's best for the team moving forward right now," he added. "We have two good quarterbacks, two quarterbacks we can win with."Bridgewater joined the club after being traded from the Carolina Panthers this offseason. The 28-year-old, who's also logged starts for the Minnesota Vikings and New Orleans Saints, was 4-11 with the Panthers last year while tossing for 3,733 yards and 15 touchdowns against 11 interceptions. The former Pro Bowler is 26-23 as a starter throughout his career.Denver, which hasn't made the playoffs in five seasons, has struggled to find a reliable starting quarterback since Peyton Manning retired in 2015. The Broncos have fielded four different Week 1 signal-callers since 2017:Season Quarterback2017Trevor Siemian2018Case Keenum2019Joe Flacco2020Drew LockLock hasn't been able to meet Denver's expectations after entering the NFL as a second-round pick in 2019. The Missouri product is 8-10 as a starter while posting just 23 touchdowns to 18 interceptions and completing 59% of his pass attempts.The pair entered training camp splitting first-team snaps, and each of them started one preseason game. Bridgewater completed 16 of 19 throws for 179 yards and two touchdowns in those contests, with the Broncos scoring three touchdowns and one field goal with him on the field.Meanwhile, Lock has thrown for 232 yards and two touchdowns on 14-of-21 passing this preseason. The 24-year-old led Denver to two touchdowns and three field goals, but two other drives ended in punts and one in a turnover on downs.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, Sigmund Bloom of Football Guys joins Boone to discuss the latest news and their favorite players to target at the end of drafts.

Maybe you jumped at the chance to bet on the Denver Broncos when Aaron Rodgers was rumored to be joining the less scandalous version of the Mile High Club, or perhaps you hopped on the Minnesota Vikings to win the NFC North during the one weekend we thought Rodgers might retire.If you're still looking for a way to fade the Green Bay Packers, even with the MVP's return, one market is still lagging behind: Coach of the Year.Coach2020 Team Wins2021 Exp. WinsOddsBrandon Staley78.5+1200Kevin Stefanski1110.5+1200Kyle Shanahan610.5+1300Arthur Smith119.5+1500Brian Flores109.5+1500Sean McVey1010.5+1500Frank Reich118.5+1500Bill Belichick79.5+1600Sean McDermott1311+1700Ron Rivera78.5+1800Andy Reid1412.5+1800Sean Payton128.5+2000Robert Saleh26+2000John Harbaugh1111.5+2000Matt Rhule57.5+2200Bruce Arians811.5+2200Joe Judge67+2500Vic Fangio58.5+2500Mike Zimmer78.5+2500Pete Carroll129.5+2500Matt LaFleur1310.5+2800Mike Tomlin128.5+2800Urban Meyer16.5+2800Mike Vrabel119.5+2800Mike McCarthy69.5+3000Matt Nagy87.5+3300Kliff Kingsbury88.5+3300Dan Campbell55+3800Zak Taylor46.5+4000David Culley44.5+5000Jon Gruden87.5+5000Nick Sirianni47+5000The key to taking home a Coach of the Year award is the element of surprise - either from a massive increase in wins or an unexpected division title. Since these awards are voted on before the playoffs, an underdog run to the Super Bowl isn't factored in. You should start your COTY handicapping by using the table above to determine who's most likely to have a shocking season (in a good way).Bet: Mike Zimmer (+2500)The defensive-minded Mike Zimmer may not be a sexy pick, but the Vikings' offense should be a force with a healthy stable of weapons for Kirk Cousins. On the other side of the ball, Minnesota gets back a handful of key pieces that were either injured or opted out last season. Zimmer slowly coached his young players to respectability in 2020. With reinforcements arriving and the return of 50,000 or so vocal assistants in Minneapolis, the defense will be greatly improved in 2021.If you believe Rodgers' return means everything is crackers and brie in Green Bay, you're welcome to back the team to win the division at -160. If you're not willing to bet the big price on cheesehead harmony, you could pick the Vikings (+250) to win the NFC North, but there are better ways to join in on a virtual "Skol!" chant.TeamOddsImplied Win Prob.Packers-16060%Vikings+25028.6%Zimmer's 25-1 price - suggesting he will receive the award 3.8% of the time - for Coach of the Year barely moved despite summer fluctuation with the "Big Little Lies" around Rodgers. Starting from a position where Minnesota wins the division, that means Zimmer would be named COTY just 13% of the time the Vikings top the North - and that number is too low.Fade: Brian Flores (+1500), Kevin Stefanski (+1200)Brian Flores' best chance to take home the award was last season, with the Dolphins' big improvement in the win column. But the bar is higher now, and another leap would depend on improvement from Tua Tagovailoa. As for the favorites, I would never bet on last season's winner, Kevin Stefanski (+1200), since he'd have to take the Browns up a few notches to go back-to-back.If you must bet on a favorite, look toward Brandon Staley (+1200), who's a significant upgrade over Anthony Lynn. The Chargers have the talent to do some serious damage, but they're in tough to win the division - the top-tier Chiefs are much less likely to implode than, say, the Packers.Avoid: Vic Fangio (+2500), Sean McDermott (+1700)The Broncos' Vic Fangio is the same price as Zimmer, but I would rather back his candidacy for chairperson of the Del Boca Vista Condo Board than for Coach of the Year.Sean McDermott is a great coach, but the market believes the AFC East is the Bills' to lose. Buffalo would likely need a 15-win season at the very least for McDermott to get legitimate consideration.Matt Russell is a betting writer for theScore. If there's a bad beat to be had, Matt will find it. Find him on Twitter @mrussauthentic.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New England Patriots traded running back Sony Michel to the Los Angeles Rams, the team announced Wednesday.New England acquired a 2022 sixth-round pick and a 2023 fourth-round selection in exchange, according to The Athletic's Jourdan Rodrigue.Michel will help fill the void left by Cam Akers' season-ending injury. Fellow Rams running back Darrell Henderson also suffered a thumb injury recently but is expected to be available for the season opener against the Chicago Bears on Sept. 12.The Patriots drafted Michel in the first round in 2018.The Georgia product, who's entering the final year of his rookie contract, was a member of the Super Bowl-winning team that beat Los Angeles in his rookie year. He scored the only touchdown in the 13-3 victory and finished that postseason with six touchdowns through three games.In three seasons with the Patriots, Michel rushed for 2,292 yards (4.3 per carry) and 14 touchdowns on 535 attempts. The 26-year-old was limited to just nine appearances last year due to injuries and finished the campaign with 449 yards (5.7 per rushing attempt) and one score.The Patriots' running back depth chart is still deep. The unit, which is led by third-year runner Damien Harris, also features James White, JJ Taylor, and fourth-round rookie Rhamondre Stevenson, who's scored four touchdowns through two preseason games this year.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Dak Prescott took part in team drills for the first time since suffering a shoulder strain last month.The Dallas Cowboys quarterback took 18 snaps and looked sharp while completing 11 of his 12 pass attempts Wednesday, according to ESPN's Todd Archer. His return drew praise from teammate Ezekiel Elliott."Dak looks really good, man," Elliott said, according to Archer. "He's throwing the ball with some pop. He looks good, looks like he's progressing."Prescott was shut down from throwing for two weeks after exiting practice on July 28 due to his shoulder injury. He threw during warmups prior to the Cowboys' preseason contests against the Houston Texans and Arizona Cardinals, though the signal-caller didn't participate in those games.The Cowboys have been cautious with the 28-year-old while keeping him out of preseason play. However, a recent MRI on Prescott's shoulder revealed the injury is healing well, putting him on track to start the team's regular-season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.Head coach Mike McCarthy applauded Prescott's eagerness to work out with his team, calling him a "caged lion" prior to Wednesday's practice.Prescott hasn't played since suffering a serious ankle injury during Week 5 last campaign. He signed a four-year, $160-million extension with the Cowboys this past offseason.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians will introduce his own set of rules in addition to the NFL's COVID-19 protocols.Bucs players will no longer be permitted to leave the team hotel or have family visit their accommodation during road trips, regardless of vaccination status, according to ESPN's Jenna Laine."There's league rules and then there's my rules. We ain't going anywhere. We're the same as last year," Arians said. "I don't give a crap if they're vaccinated or not. They ain't going anywhere."The new stringent policy comes just a day after kicker Ryan Succop tested positive for COVID-19 following a dinner with members of the Tennessee Titans during joint practices.No other Bucs players have been added to the reserve/COVID-19 list.Succop, who is fully vaccinated, did not violate any team rules by having dinner with members of the Titans. Fully vaccinated individuals are allowed to leave the team hotel and attend restaurants open to the public, subject to team policies.Unvaccinated members are prohibited from eating at dining establishments while on the road."For us, life is not normal," Arians said."We're pretty much under the same protocols - we're going to be under the same protocols as last year."Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor announced Wednesday that quarterback Joe Burrow will play a limited number of snaps during the final preseason game Sunday against the Miami Dolphins."I think that's what's best for the team. I think that's what's best for all of us, so we're going to do it," Taylor said, according to ESPN's Ben Baby."We'll be smart with what we do," he added.This will be Burrow's first game action since November when he tore his ACL and MCL in Week 11 against the Washington Football Team."I'm excited to go out there and have a game-type feel," Burrow said Wednesday. "I think it's important going into this last preseason game to be as close as you can to having a game-like feel. I'm going to be in the huddle during Game 1 so I need to be out there for the first play of this game."The 2020 first overall pick has been participating at training camp, but he's been inconsistent at practice. The 24-year-old recently said he's yet to fully regain his pocket presence despite feeling physically recovered.Cincinnati holds high expectations for Burrow in his sophomore campaign. The LSU product posted a 2-7-1 record as a starter last year while completing 65.3% of his passes for 2,688 yards and 13 touchdowns against five interceptions through 10 appearances.The Bengals host the Minnesota Vikings in their 2021 season opener on Sept. 12.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Urban Meyer announced Wednesday that Trevor Lawrence will be his starting quarterback for the 2021 season, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.Lawrence was widely expected to start for Jacksonville after being drafted first overall this year. However, Meyer had recently said the position was open, with Gardner Minshew still in the mix.Lawrence entered the NFL as one of the most coveted prospects in history. The rookie signal-caller posted a 34-2 record through three seasons at Clemson while tossing 10,098 yards and 90 touchdowns against just 17 interceptions. He also helped the Tigers reach two national championship games, winning one title.Lawrence is the focal point of the Jaguars' big rebuild after they've finished last in the AFC South in each of the last three campaigns. The 21-year-old will have an exciting supporting cast at his disposal in running back James Robinson and wide receivers DJ Chark, Laviska Shenault, and Marvin Jones. Jacksonville also drafted Travis Etienne in the first round this year, but the tailback recently suffered a season-ending foot injury.​​​​​​The Jaguars' first-string offense has struggled this preseason, managing just three points in the first halves of two games. Lawrence completed 20 of 32 pass attempts for 184 yards while being sacked three times in those contests.Jacksonville is set to open its 2021 season on the road against the Houston Texans on Sept. 12.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.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 updated 2021 rankings.Half PPR

While most of the focus each season in the NFL futures market is on the Super Bowl and MVP, one of the most entertaining markets is for the Comeback Player of the Year - an award neither clear in what it's rewarding nor consistent in its list of winners.Washington quarterback Alex Smith won the award in 2020, becoming the 14th signal-caller to win in the award's 24-year history but just the second in the last six years. Five of those six winners were returning from injury, though some - like 2019 winner Ryan Tannehill - have won "coming back" from rotten performances the prior year. Others have claimed the award after returning from off-field drama.What will be the reason for this year's victory? Here are the odds to win Comeback Player of the Year in 2021 with a few names to watch for:2021 NFL Comeback Player of the Year oddsPLAYERODDSDak Prescott+170Saquon Barkley+550Christian McCaffrey+600Joe Burrow+600Nick Bosa+800Carson Wentz+900Derwin James+1500Jameis Winston+1500Sam Darnold+1500Von Miller+1500Julio Jones+1800Jimmy Garoppolo+2000Joe Mixon+2200Odell Beckham Jr.+2500Tim Tebow+3000Danielle Hunter+4000Dont'a Hightower+5000Damien Williams+9000C.J. Mosley+10000Dak Prescott, QB, Cowboys (+170)The five players with the shortest odds in this market are all returning from injury, but nobody offers more pedigree or upside in his return than Prescott. The Cowboys quarterback was on pace to shatter numerous NFL passing yards records before breaking his ankle five games into the 2020 season.He's also fighting through a shoulder injury suffered this offseason, though he's expected to start the campaign and is poised for massive production leading Dallas' loaded offense. Betting the favorite in this market is seldom a wise play. But if Prescott shows even 80-90% of what he showed in 2020, the 28-year-old is a shoo-in for this award.Derwin James, S, Chargers (+1500)James is one of the few players on this list who didn't play a snap in 2020; the 25-year-old missed the whole year after tearing his meniscus in the preseason. He's also one of the most talented, as he showed in a stellar rookie season in 2018 when he recorded 105 tackles, 3.5 sacks, three interceptions, and 13 pass breakups.The former first-round pick has played just five games across two seasons since then. A healthy year from the Chargers' star safety would put him near the top of this field in production - and narrative.Danielle Hunter, DE, Vikings (+4000)Betting a defensive lineman to win this award certainly isn't a sexy pick, but pricing Hunter as a 40-1 long shot is a serious dismissal of how well he played when last healthy. The Vikings' star edge rusher recorded 14.5 sacks in both 2018 and 2019 before missing all of 2020 with a neck injury.Hunter is back in full force in 2021 for a Minnesota defense that could certainly use his production. If the 26-year-old can rack up double-digit sacks for the fourth time in five seasons, he's got a legitimate shot at winning, making this an easy play at such long odds.C 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.