The Tampa Bay Buccaneers made history during Super Bowl LV.The Buccaneers became the first team in NFL history to win the Super Bowl at their home stadium after beating the Kansas City Chiefs 31-9 on Sunday.No team had hosted the title game at home over the last 55 years. The Bucs earned the right to play at Raymond James Stadium with a victory over the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship Game.Prior to Sunday, only the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl XIV (Rose Bowl stadium) and the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XIX (Stanford Stadium) had played in the big game close to their home venue.Bruce Arians' squad didn't experience as significant of a home-field advantage due to the COVID-19 pandemic, though it didn't appear to matter during the club's dominant win. Raymond James Stadium welcomed 25,000 fans for the contest alongside 30,000 cardboard cutouts.The NFL also allowed 7,500 vaccinated health care workers to attend.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady earned MVP honors of Super Bowl LV with a three-touchdown performance against the Kansas City Chiefs, claiming the fifth such award of his career and his first since Super Bowl LI.More to come.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Tom Brady has done it again.The legendary quarterback collected his seventh career Super Bowl title as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers beat the Kansas City Chiefs 31-9 on Sunday night.Brady completed 21 of 29 pass attempts for 201 yards and three touchdowns, including two to tight end Rob Gronkowski.The Buccaneers also had outstanding support from their defense, which kept the high-powered Chiefs offense out of the end zone and held Kansas City to a season-low in total points.More to come.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The red-hot Kansas City Chiefs offense was ice cold to start Super Bowl LV.The NFL's top-ranked unit mustered just six points and 125 total yards in the first half against a stingy Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense. The Chiefs trail 21-6 as a result.Quarterback Patrick Mahomes wasn't his dominant self during the first two quarters, completing nine of 19 passes for 67 yards.Kansas City converted one of six third downs, while Mahomes was the team's leader rusher with 34 yards on the ground.The Chiefs were the league's third-highest scoring team in the first half during the regular season, averaging 15.7 points.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Jordan Whitehead will play through a fully torn labrum in order to suit up for Super Bowl LV, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports.Whitehead injured his shoulder making a tackle during the NFC Championship Game against the Green Bay Packers. The extent of the ailment was not revealed. Along with the torn labrum, Whitehead suffered additional damage to his shoulder, Rapoport adds.Whitehead was limited in practice Wednesday and Thursday, although he got in a full session Friday.The strong safety started all 16 games this season, picking up two interceptions, two sacks, and a forced fumble.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Carolina Panthers were among the teams offering a package to the Detroit Lions in an attempt to land quarterback Matthew Stafford.The Panthers offered quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, the eighth overall pick in the 2021 draft, and a fifth-round pick for Stafford, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports, citing league sources.Detroit ultimately opted instead for a package from the Los Angeles Rams that included QB Jared Goff, first-round picks in 2022 and 2023, and a 2021 third-rounder.The Lions actually began trade talks with the Rams by inquiring about defensive tackle Aaron Donald, the three-time Defensive Player of the Year, Schefter reports.As for Carolina, the franchise is still in the market for a quarterback after Bridgewater struggled at periods during the 2020 season and received a lukewarm endorsement from head coach Matt Rhule following the campaign."Teddy has to have a tremendous offseason," Rhule said in January.The Panthers could target a signal-caller in the draft, but they are also rumored to be involved in Deshaun Watson trade discussions.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NFL's salary cap for the 2021 season is expected to be set at roughly $180 million to $181 million, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.It was expected to drop more - most projected a $175-million cap - due to revenue losses amid the COVID-19 pandemic, added Schefter. The 2020 cap was $198.2 million.The NFL isn't expected to release the exact number until March, with the new league year beginning March 17.A steep drop could lead to an increase in veteran cuts around the league as teams attempt to get below the $180-million figure.The New Orleans Saints (salary commitment of $259 million), Philadelphia Eagles ($252 million), Pittsburgh Steelers ($216 million), Green Bay Packers ($212 million), and Atlanta Falcons ($206 million) face the toughest cap challenges, according to ESPN's Field Yates.The NFL's salary cap has increased by more than $10 million in each of the last seven seasons.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It appears the Dallas Cowboys have no intention of letting Dak Prescott hit the open market.The Cowboys will make a push to sign the quarterback to a long-term contract prior to the March 9 franchise-tag deadline, sources told Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.Dallas will reportedly use the one-year tender worth $37.7 million on the pending free agent if a deal can't be reached.The two parties are still not close to a new contract, with "plenty of work" needed if they are to come to terms, sources told Adam Schefter of ESPN.The Cowboys tried to sign Prescott to an extension last offseason but failed to reach an agreement prior to the July 15 deadline for tagged players to sign multi-year deals, forcing the signal-caller to play on the $31.4-million tender.Prescott suffered a compound fracture and dislocation of his right ankle in a Week 5 win over the New York Giants and underwent season-ending surgery.The 27-year-old had a previously unknown second procedure in early December to "strengthen his deltoid ligament, clean out the ankle, and make it more structurally sound," added Rapoport and Pelissero.Prescott reportedly underwent the follow-up surgery to clear up past issues with his ankle, not because of any complications with his October injury. The quarterback is expected to be ready for the 2021 season.Dallas apparently has no medical concerns with making Prescott one of the NFL's highest-paid players.The former fourth-round pick was on pace to break Peyton Manning's single-season passing yards record of 5,477 prior to his injury.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Calvin Johnson was announced as an inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility Saturday. The next order of business is repairing his relationship with the Detroit Lions.Johnson said Sunday that he and the franchise are beginning to make inroads."I know that myself and (Lions owner Sheila Ford Hamp) have had some great conversations recently," Johnson told reporters, including Kyle Meinke of MLive.com. "It's been good to get to know her and just really sit down and have those face-to-face conversations. So, I think that we're moving in the right direction, yeah."The Hall of Fame receiver retired after the 2015 season following nine years with Detroit. Johnson hung up his cleats with three years remaining on his contract and the franchise asked him to give back $1.6 million of his signing bonus. He also admitted he retired in part because of the Lions' bleak chances of winning a championship.Johnson will be inducted alongside Peyton Manning, Charles Woodson, John Lynch, Alan Faneca, Tom Flores, Bill Nunn, and Drew Pearson as part of the Class of 2021.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The San Francisco 49ers are bringing back quarterback Josh Rosen for the 2021 season, a source told Mike Garafolo of NFL Network.The Arizona Cardinals' 2018 first-round pick, who spent most of this year on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' practice squad, is an exclusive rights free agent. The 49ers will reportedly tender Rosen an offer soon.Rosen didn't appear for the NFC West club last season, but he acted as C.J. Beathard's backup for the final two games of the season after Nick Mullens suffered a season-ending elbow injury.Beathard is an unrestricted free agent and Mullens is a restricted free agent, so San Francisco is insuring itself against the possibility of losing both of Jimmy Garoppolo's primary backups by bringing Rosen back.Despite rumors suggesting the 49ers could be ready to part ways with Garoppolo, head coach Kyle Shanahan believes the veteran - who missed the last nine games of 2020 due to an ankle injury - will be the team's starter next season.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson was named the Walter Payton Man of the Year on Saturday.

Multiple teams have reached out to the New York Jets to express interest in trading for quarterback Sam Darnold, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.While New York reportedly hasn't turned away any calls, the team has yet to decide what direction it wants to take at the quarterback position this offseason. The Jets own the No. 2 overall pick in this year's draft and could use it to select Darnold's replacement.Darnold slumped to his worst pro season in 2020, registering a career-low passer rating (72.7) as New York bottomed out.After his selection in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, Darnold became the NFL's youngest Week 1 starter since the AFL-NFL merger. He'll be 24 years old when the 2021 season kicks off, leading to some optimism that he has untapped upside.One year and roughly $9.8 million remain on Darnold's rookie contract. However, a team trading for him now could pick up the fifth-year option on his deal. Doing so would come with a price tag of about $25 million guaranteed for 2022.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Patrick Mahomes will play through a toe injury in Sunday's Super Bowl, but the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback is expected to undergo surgery following the season, reports NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.Mahomes suffered turf toe in the Chiefs' divisional playoff victory over the Cleveland Browns. He's had to manage the injury since.The star quarterback is expected to see a foot specialist sometime after Super Bowl LV, and surgery will likely be determined as the best course of action.Mahomes has appeared on the injury report every day due to the ailment. However, the Chiefs passer said he's been helped by the two weeks of rest since the AFC Championship Game."Having these two weeks to let it rest and heal up, especially being almost three weeks, over three weeks away from the injury itself. If you look at those type of injuries, that kind of gives you the normal timeline," Mahomes said this week. "Definitely every single day that I get to rest it, makes it better."Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Houston Texans continue to have no interest in trading superstar quarterback Deshaun Watson, reports NFL Network's Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport.Interested teams have reached out to the Texans about a potential trade, but Houston has rebuffed those advances by declining phone calls and text messages. New Texans general manager Nick Caserio has firmly told other clubs that Watson is not available, according to Pelissero and Rapoport.Nonetheless, teams around the league are skeptical Houston can repair its relationship with the disgruntled quarterback.Watson has still yet to speak with Caserio or new head coach David Culley, though both have reached out since their hirings.A source close to the Texans told Pelissero and Rapoport that "the goal is to get him back, period."Watson put together the best year of his career in 2020, though Houston went 4-12. The 25-year-old was reportedly told he'd be included in the process to hire a new GM and coach, but his input was ignored.Watson is signed through 2025 after inking a four-year, $156-million extension in September. The contract includes a no-trade clause.The quarterback carousel has already been operating at full speed, with the Detroit Lions having dealt Matthew Stafford to the Los Angeles Rams for Jared Goff. The Philadelphia Eagles are also rumored to be close to a trade involving Carson Wentz.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

With Super Bowl LV nearly upon us, theScore's football editors look ahead to the 2021 season and predict the winner of every major award.Most Valuable PlayerEDITORPREDICTIONMike AlessandriniPatrick MahomesJack BrowneJustin HerbertAlex ChippinRyan TannehillMichael McClymontPatrick MahomesCaio MiariPatrick MahomesDaniel ValenteDeshaun WatsonMatt WashingtonPatrick MahomesDan WilkinsJosh AllenDavid P. WoodsDeshaun WatsonMahomes will likely be the MVP favorite year in and year out for the next decade. The Chiefs' star quarterback has been a top-three candidate in each of the last two seasons after winning the award in his first campaign as a starter in 2018, and four of our nine editors believe he'll add to his already loaded trophy case next season.The only other quarterback to receive more than one vote was Watson, who earned two. It's an intriguing pick considering his current situation with the Texans. The 25-year-old wants out of Houston, but it doesn't seem like the team will grant his demand. Watson is undoubtedly a top-five talent and could easily make a run at MVP if he's traded to a ready-built contender.Allen, Tannehill, and Herbert all received one vote apiece. The Bills quarterback made a massive leap in 2020 and pushed Aaron Rodgers and Mahomes for MVP honors late in the year, while the Chargers youngster is the best bet to be the latest second-year quarterback to earn the award.Notably, no one believes Rodgers will be able to replicate his MVP campaign next season.Offensive Player of the Year Jason Miller / Getty Images Sport / GettyEDITORPREDICTIONAlessandriniAlvin KamaraBrowneStefon DiggsChippinAntonio GibsonMcClymontNick ChubbMiariPatrick MahomesValenteDavante AdamsWashingtonDalvin CookWilkinsA.J. BrownWoodsJonathan TaylorThe only award with absolutely no consensus from our editors is Offensive Player of the Year, which speaks to the level of skill-position talent around the league. While no one - rightfully - picked a running back to earn MVP (only Adrian Peterson has broken the quarterback monopoly over the last 14 years), the position got a lot of love here.It appears everyone believes Derrick Henry's reign as the rushing king will end in 2021. The Titans running back didn't receive a single vote coming off the 2,000-yard season that earned him this year's award. Instead, three other consensus top-five backs - Kamara, Chubb, and Cook - each got one vote, as did two of the position's new generation in Taylor and Gibson.Diggs and Adams, arguably the two most dominant receivers in 2020, also got a vote each. The Bills wideout led the league in catches, while the Packers pass-catcher had the most receiving touchdowns. With Allen and Rodgers throwing to them, there's no reason to believe either will struggle to reach those heights again.Defensive Player of the YearEDITORPREDICTIONAlessandriniMyles GarrettBrowneAaron DonaldChippinJaire AlexanderMcClymontDevin WhiteMiariMyles GarrettValenteChase YoungWashingtonAaron DonaldWilkinsMyles GarrettWoodsChase YoungIt's tough to win Defensive Player of the Year unless your job is hunting quarterbacks. It's not impossible, as shown by Stephon Gilmore's outstanding campaign in 2019. But Gilmore, Luke Kuechly, and Troy Polamalu are the only non-pass-rushers to snag the award over the last decade, and our editors widely expect that trend to continue.Garrett (three) surprisingly earned more votes here than three-time winner Donald (two), and - even more surprisingly - T.J. Watt didn't receive a vote despite earning 20 votes for this year's award. Garrett was in the thick of this season's race before contracting COVID-19 midway through the year, and it does feel like the 25-year-old has yet to reach his peak.Three ascending stars in Young, Alexander, and White round out the rest of the predictions. The Washington Football Team's pass-rusher earned Defensive Rookie of the Year honors with a 7.5-sack campaign, and anyone who watched him for even a game saw a burgeoning monster.Coach of the Year Michael Reaves / Getty Images Sport / GettyEDITORPREDICTIONAlessandriniSean McVayBrowneBrian FloresChippinBrandon StaleyMcClymontJoe JudgeMiariFrank ReichValenteMatt RhuleWashingtonBrian FloresWilkinsBrian FloresWoodsRobert SalehOur editors seem to believe the Dolphins are ready to leap into the upper echelon of the AFC.Flores, who's been widely praised for turning Miami around in two seasons, got the most votes with three. While 2020 ended in disappointing fashion with the Dolphins falling short of the playoffs at the final hurdle, their potential was evident. Perhaps a few of our editors were also influenced by reports that Miami is one of Watson's preferred destinations.This award often goes to the coach of the team that improves the most under new leadership instead of the coach of the best squad overall. Staley and Saleh were the two first-year coaches to garner votes from our editors, and it's easy to see why. Staley is taking over a Chargers team with a potential star in Herbert and a far more talented roster than its record suggests. The Saleh-led Jets, meanwhile, only have one way to go with plenty of assets to help jump-start the rebuild.Comeback Player of the YearEDITOR PREDICTIONAlessandriniNick BosaBrowneDak PrescottChippinJoe BurrowMcClymontOdell Beckham Jr.MiariDak PrescottValenteDak PrescottWashingtonNick BosaWilkinsDak PrescottWoodsJoe BurrowThe battle for next season's Comeback Player of the Year award will be a star-studded affair.Prescott leads our predictions with four votes. The Cowboys quarterback was on pace to break Peyton Manning's single-season passing yards record before suffering a gruesome season-ending ankle injury in Week 5. He appears on course to be ready for the start of next season, but he still needs an extension from Dallas. Otherwise, he could be making a triumphant return in a different uniform.Burrow, Bosa, and Beckham are all coming off ACL injuries. Thankfully, all three should have enough time to be ready for Week 1. Burrow suffered his injury in December, so he's facing the quickest turnaround, but the Bengals quarterback seems confident he'll be good to go after a strong rookie year.Offensive Rookie of the Year Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyEDITORPREDICTIONAlessandriniTrevor LawrenceBrowneTrevor LawrenceChippinTravis EtienneMcClymontTravis EtienneMiariJustin FieldsValenteTrevor LawrenceWashingtonNajee HarrisWilkinsKyle PittsWoodsTrevor LawrenceBarring something totally unforeseen, Lawrence is the only incoming rookie whose destination is already clear. Presumably set to join the Jaguars as the first overall pick, the Clemson star got four of our nine votes. He would be the favorite regardless of destination, though; he's simply that good a prospect.Etienne, Lawrence's former teammate, was the only other player to receive more than one vote. Running backs have taken home this award in four of the last eight seasons. Etienne is the best bet to hit the ground running thanks to his explosiveness and natural pass-catching ability, though the athletic and powerful Harris - who got one vote - is a close second.Notably, Fields was the only quarterback besides Lawrence to earn a vote even though he's not a lock to be the second passer drafted. Along with Fields, Zach Wilson and Trey Lance are the other contenders to follow Lawrence, and all three have the potential to make a surprising Herbert-like jump to the NFL level. Their candidacies will likely depend on the immediate quality of their respective landing spots.Defensive Rookie of the YearEDITORPREDICTIONAlessandriniMicah ParsonsBrowneMicah ParsonsChippinZaven CollinsMcClymontPatrick Surtain IIMiariJeremiah Owusu-KoramoahValenteMicah ParsonsWashingtonJeremiah Owusu-KoramoahWilkinsTrevon MoehrigWoodsZaven CollinsUnlike Offensive Rookie of the Year, our predictions for the defensive award has no clear favorite. It makes sense. Unlike last year, which featured Young, this year's class lacks a clear-cut top prospect and has no blue-chip pass-rushers.As a result, our editors predict a linebacker-heavy race next season. Parsons, widely regarded as the top defensive prospect in the class, leads the way with three votes, followed closely by Owusu-Koramoah and Collins with two apiece. Linebackers used to dominate this award, but they've been pushed aside of late, with Darius Leonard the only recent winner.Two highly touted defensive backs in cornerback Surtain and safety Moehrig also got one vote each. The former has the size and technique to start from Day 1 after a standout career at Alabama, while the latter is a playmaking center fielder who could make quarterbacks pay for challenging him early.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The 2021 Pro Football Hall of Fame class was announced Saturday at the NFL Honors award show.The group features Peyton Manning, Charles Woodson, Calvin Johnson, John Lynch, and Alan Faneca. Manning, Woodson, and Johnson are the group members who've obtained a first-ballot induction.Tom Flores (coaching category), Bill Nunn (contributors category), and Drew Pearson (seniors category) will also join the class of 2021.Peyton ManningQuarterback, Indianapolis Colts-Denver Broncos, 1998-2015It only took FOX59's Mike Chappell a few seconds to explain why Manning is a Hall of Famer, and it's not hard to understand why. The former signal-caller changed the city of Indianapolis during his magnificent 14-year tenure with the Colts. He then helped the Broncos appear in two Super Bowls over his four years with the team before retiring with 71,940 yards and 539 touchdowns on his resume. Manning also won two Super Bowls and took home an all-time high five regular-season MVP awards.Charles WoodsonDefensive back, Oakland Raiders-Green Bay Packers, 1998-2015Raiders and Packers fans surely won't forget Woodson's versatility and playmaking ability. The nine-time Pro Bowler ranks fifth all-time in career interceptions, and his 11 INT-return touchdowns are the second-most ever. The 2009 Defensive Player of the Year earned eight All-Pro berths and led the NFL in interceptions twice throughout his career.Calvin JohnsonWide receiver, Detroit Lions, 2007-15Megatron's relatively short career ended up not being a major issue to the Hall of Fame selection committee - and rightfully so. The wideout dominated his opponents week after week, topping 1,000 receiving yards in seven of his nine pro years. Johnson also led the NFL in receiving yards twice, including a single-season record of 1,964 yards in 2012. The six-time Pro Bowler also owns the record for consecutive 100-yard receiving games with eight.Alan FanecaGuard, Pittsburgh Steelers-New York Jets-Arizona Cardinals, 1998-2010Faneca will go down as one of the most consistent and versatile offensive linemen in NFL history, playing in 206 out of 208 possible games throughout his career - including 201 starts - and anchoring teams to solid running games year after year. The former first-round pick out of LSU earned eight All-Pro nods and made nine straight Pro Bowl appearances from 2001-09.John LynchSafety, Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Denver Broncos, 1993-2007Lynch's wait is finally over in his eighth appearance as a Hall of Fame finalist. The nine-time Pro Bowler was a crucial piece on the Buccaneers' Super Bowl-winning campaign in 2002 and retired with four All-Pro selections on his resume. The current 49ers general manager is also a member of the Buccaneers Ring of Honor and Broncos Ring of Fame.Drew Pearson (seniors category)Wide receiver, Dallas Cowboys, 1973-83Despite entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 1973, Pearson retired a three-time All-Pro after amassing 489 receptions for 7,822 yards and 48 touchdowns through 156 career appearances. Pearson led the league in receiving yards in 1977, the season he helped Dallas win Super Bowl XII.Tom Flores (coaching category)Head coach, Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders-Seattle Seahawks, 1979-94Flores posted a 105-90 record as a head coach in the NFL. He also won Super Bowls XV and XVIII with the Raiders, becoming the first Hispanic coach in NFL history to win a Super Bowl.Bill Nunn (contributors category)Scout, Pittsburgh Steelers, 1970-2014Nunn dedicated decades of his life to the Steelers, and his efforts in Pittsburgh's front office helped the team win all six of its Super Bowl titles.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers was named the 2020 NFL MVP on Saturday.It's the third MVP award of Rodgers' likely Hall of Fame career after earning the honor in 2011 and 2014.The Packers star beat out strong competition from Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen.Rodgers, who was also named a first-team All-Pro, put together one of his most productive seasons to date. The veteran set career highs and led the NFL with 48 touchdowns passes and a 70.7 completion percentage. His 121.5 passer rating also topped the league and trailed only his 2011 MVP campaign (122.5).Rodgers also racked up 4,299 passing yards (seventh in the NFL), averaged 8.2 yards per attempt (third), and threw just five interceptions.The one-time Super Bowl champion led the Packers to their second straight 13-win season and appearance in the NFC Championship Game, where they lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.Rodgers raised doubts about his future in Green Bay immediately following the loss to the Bucs, but walked back those comments shortly after, saying he has no reason to believe he won't return to the NFC North team in 2021.Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said Monday the star signal-caller will "absolutely be here for a long time."Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry took home the Offensive Player of the Year award at the NFL Honors event on Saturday.Henry became the eighth player ever to run for over 2,000 yards in a season in 2020. He topped the league in rushing attempts (378), yards (2,027), and touchdowns (17) this campaign.PlayerTeamVotesDerrick HenryTitans32Aaron RodgersPackers5Patrick MahomesChiefs5Travis KelceChiefs3Josh AllenBills3Alvin KamaraSaints2The 27-year-old has now led the NFL in all three rushing categories for two straight seasons.Led by Henry, the Titans ranked fourth in scoring offense and posted an 11-5 record this campaign, winning the AFC South for the first time since 2008. Tennessee's 2020 season ended with a wild-card loss to the Baltimore Ravens.The two-time Pro Bowler is the first running back since Todd Gurley in 2017 to be named Offensive Player of the Year. New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas won the award last season.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Washington Football Team quarterback Alex Smith was named the NFL's 2020 Comeback Player of the Year on Saturday.After missing the entire 2019 season due to a broken leg, Smith posted a 5-1 record as a starter in 2020, helping Washington reach the playoffs for the first time since the 2015 campaign.The 36-year-old broke his leg during a game against the Houston Texans in November 2018 and then battled a career-threatening infection in his surgically-repaired right leg.The three-time Pro Bowler completed 66.7% of his pass attempts for 1,582 yards and six touchdowns against eight interceptions through eight appearances this season.Smith also battled a calf injury in 2020, which sidelined him for multiple games, including Washington's wild-card matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Cleveland Browns bench boss Kevin Stefanski claimed the Coach of the Year award at the NFL Honors show Saturday.In his first year in Cleveland, Stefanski led the Browns to an 11-5 record. It was their first winning campaign since 2007.He also helped the Browns break their 17-season playoff drought and clinch their first postseason victory since the 1994 campaign.

Los Angeles Rams defensive lineman Aaron Donald claimed the 2020 Defensive Player of the Year award at the NFL Honors show on Saturday.Donald racked up 45 tackles, 13.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles through 16 games this season.He's now been named football's top defender for the third time, tying former New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor and Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt for the most ever.Donald previously won the honor in 2017 and 2018. He also claimed Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2014.The 29-year-old received 27 of 50 possible votes for the Defensive Player of the Year award, while Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt had 20. Miami Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard finished third with three votes.Watt reacted to the results on social media soon after the NFL's announcement:

Washington Football Team defensive end Chase Young captured the Defensive Rookie of the Year award Saturday at the NFL Honors for the 2020 season.Young enjoyed a productive rookie campaign after Washington selected him second overall last April. He led all first-year players with 7.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries.He beat out Jeremy Chinn of the Carolina Panthers and Antoine Winfield Jr. of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the award.The former Ohio State star flashed dominance as a pass-rusher and in run defense, leading all rookie defensive linemen in total pressures (40) and tackles at or behind the line of scrimmage (30), according to PFF.Young played a vital role for a Washington stop unit that ranked second in yards allowed per game and fourth in points surrendered in 2020.The 21-year-old was named to the PFWA All-Rookie team and earned a Pro Bowl nod for his efforts.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert was named the Offensive Rooke of the Year on Saturday at the NFL Honors for the 2020 season.Herbert, the No. 6 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, broke rookie quarterback records with 31 passing touchdowns and 36 total scores.The 22-year-old also racked up the most completions (396) and second-most passing yards (4,336) by a rookie signal-caller in NFL history.Herbert beat out the likes of Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson, Jacksonville Jaguars running back James Robinson, and Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor for the honor.Expected to be Tyrod Taylor's backup heading into the season, Herbert was forced into action when a team doctor inadvertently punctured Taylor's lung during a pregame procedure prior to Week 2.Herbert retained the starting job for the rest of the year and led the Chargers to a 7-9 record that included a four-game winning streak to end the campaign. The former Oregon standout engineered three game-winning drives.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Antonio Brown and Kansas City Chiefs wideout Sammy Watkins are expected to play in Super Bowl LV, reports ESPN's Adam Schefter.Brown and Watkins were officially listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's game due to injuries, despite both being full participants in Friday's practices.Brown missed his team's NFC title game against the Green Bay Packers two weeks ago because of a knee injury. He's amassed three catches for 59 yards and one touchdown through two playoff games this year.Watkins hasn't played since Week 16 due to a calf injury. He racked up 421 yards and four scores on 37 receptions through 10 regular-season appearances this season.Brown and Watkins are important weapons on two of the NFL's deadliest receiving corps. The Chiefs and Buccaneers ranked first and second, respectively, in total passing yards during the regular season.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New Orleans Saints face discipline for violating the NFL's COVID-19 policies in what would be their third offense, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero.The latest incident may have contributed to Alvin Kamara missing the regular-season finale after he reportedly tested positive for COVID-19 on Jan. 1 following an interaction with a person not employed by the club who turned out to be positive.Surveillance video obtained by the league captured the violation, according to Rapoport and Pelissero.Other Saints running backs were also forced to miss the Week 17 contest as they were deemed high-risk close contacts to Kamara. The star tailback returned for the wild-card round due to New Orleans playing on Sunday, Jan. 10 instead of Saturday, Jan. 9.Head coach Sean Payton was previously fined $100,000 for failing to properly wear face coverings in Week 2. New Orleans was also penalized $500,000 and docked a seventh-round pick for maskless celebrations following its Week 9 win.The league hasn't determined the Saints' discipline for their most recent violation.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Philadelphia Eagles are looking for a trade package that rivals the assets received for Matthew Stafford in exchange for Carson Wentz, reports ESPN's Adam Schefter.Stafford recently fetched two future first-round picks, a third-round pick, and quarterback Jared Goff from the Los Angeles Rams.The Eagles are expected to trade Wentz in the coming days, Schefter adds.While Wentz hasn't formally submitted a trade request, his displeasure with the organization reportedly did not subside after Doug Pederson's firing. The Eagles were reportedly receiving calls about Wentz's availability, but they have no plans to trade him unless they receive a great offer. A future suitor will likely meet Philadelphia's asking price, Schefter notes.The market for Wentz is likely to be limited due to the four-year, $128-million contract he signed with Philadelphia in 2019. The Indianapolis Colts and Chicago Bears have expressed interest in the quarterback, according to Schefter.Wentz saw his play take a turn for the worse in 2020. The No. 2 pick in the 2016 draft completed just 57.4% of his passes and threw 16 touchdowns against a league-high 15 interceptions. He eventually lost the starter's role to Jalen Hurts.The Eagles face a $34-million dead cap hit if they move Wentz before March 19, the third day of the 2021 league year. The 28-year-old is due a $10-million roster bonus on that date, which is also when $15 million of his base salary for 2022 becomes fully guaranteed, according to Spotrac.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Green Bay Packers have found a replacement for Mike Pettine.The Packers plan to hire Joe Barry as their new defensive coordinator, reports ESPN's Rob Demovsky.Barry spent the previous four seasons with the Los Angeles Rams as their assistant head coach and linebackers coach. He had agreed to join the Los Angeles Chargers as their defensive passing game coordinator and linebackers coach a few weeks ago.The 50-year-old was part of the coaching staff that orchestrated Brandon Staley's top-ranked defense with the Rams last season. Staley recently moved on from the Rams' defensive coordinator role to become head coach of the Chargers.Green Bay didn't renew Pettine's contract this offseason, ending the defensive coordinator's three-campaign stint with the team.The Packers ranked ninth in total defense (334 yards per game) and 13th in scoring (23.1 points per contest) in 2020.Green Bay has been eliminated in the NFC title game in two straight seasons. The club allowed 285 rushing yards during a loss to the San Francisco 49ers last January, and it surrendered 31 points to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this season.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

So far during the two weeks leading up to Super Bowl LV, the story for bettors has been the considerable momentum behind the Buccaneers (+3), who opened as 3.5-point underdogs at most shops. Now, with just over 24 hours before kickoff, the public is making its play on the favored Chiefs at a cheaper price.The defending champions are currently dealing at -3 (-115), which has helped balance the ledger after an early run of money on Tampa Bay. Jay Rood, Bet.Works' chief risk officer and theScore Bet's head trader, expects this line to settle at -3 (-120) if the public keeps riding Kansas City at its current pace."The early action was pretty much all wise-guy action, but the last 24 hours there's been more volume of public money," Rood said Saturday afternoon. "So I think we’re going to see that come in stronger between now and kickoff.”Rood said his book took a handful of bets over $200,000 on both sides before the line moved, in addition to multiple five-figure wagers on the moneyline. The Buccaneers (+145) have experienced a two-to-one advantage in money and tickets on the moneyline, and they're a four-to-one liability in that market. Meanwhile, the Chiefs are pulling 20 times as much money in parlay activity."We're seeing pretty good two-way at this price," Rood said. "Maybe a little bit more to the Chiefs on the point spread and a little bit more to the Buccaneers on the moneyline. But that’s traditionally how the Super Bowl gets bet.”Since the line shifted to 3, the Chiefs have pulled three times as many straight-bet tickets, and four times as much money as the Buccaneers, whom sharps targeted at +3.5 (-115) before the market moved off that price late in the week.Early line movement has traditionally been an excellent bellwether for bettors wagering on the big game. In the 40 Super Bowls featuring a line move, the team that saw movement in its direction went 27-12-1 against the spread, according to BetMGM's John Ewing.The total has been a bit more one-sided, though there's still a split between sharps and public bettors ahead of Sunday. After the total opened at 58, sharps played it down to 56 before it bounced back to 56.5, where Rood says the action has been fairly split.All told, the under is drawing three times as much money, though roughly 70% of the tickets are favoring the over, which is currently the third-highest rate in Super Bowl history."The public is definitely coming in on the over," Rood said. "They’re just not coming in with the size of bets that we’re seeing on the under.”As for the props market, Tom Brady is the biggest liability to be named MVP after one sizable wager at 2-1 odds, while bettors like Mike Evans (12-1), Clyde Edwards-Helaire (14-1), and Jason Pierre-Paul (250-1) to score the first touchdown. The anytime scorer market is drawing more money than any other prop, with Evans (-140) and Leonard Fournette (-140) garnering the most action.Those markets are also generating some wild long-shot bets, too. One bettor wagered $1 on Chad Henne to score a touchdown (20-1), while two bettors took a shot on Blaine Gabbert to score twice (1000-1). The two have combined for one rushing or receiving touchdown since 2017.Some specific game props are drawing the interest of bettors, too. Rood says his book faces a liability of some significance on the Chiefs winning by exactly nine points (23-1), while one sharp bettor played the Bucs to score first and win (3-1) and to lead after the first half and win (11-5).The biggest liability of all? The same bettor who played Tampa Bay's double results wagered on zero combined sacks at 6-1, which would pay out five figures if it hits.“I’ll be pretty happy once they record that first sack on Brady on the first drive," Rood said.C Jackson Cowart is a betting writer for theScore. He's an award-winning journalist with stops at The Charlotte Observer, The San Diego Union-Tribune, The Times Herald-Record, and BetChicago. He's also a proud graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill, and his love of sweet tea is rivaled only by that of a juicy prop bet. Find him on Twitter @CJacksonCowart.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

On a scale of simply hoping both teams have fun, to finding a way to parlay the color of the Gatorade dumped on the winning head coach with the result of the Puppy Bowl, I'd say right now I'm at a 7.5 on the Super Bowl betting scale. But it's extremely early.This Sunday's Super Bowl is the holy grail of betting. So long as you're playing responsibly and within limits, why not close the curtain on a turbulent 2020-21 NFL season with a day's worth of fun and debauchery? Because honestly, if you haven't tried to find a cross-sport prop that ties in a KHL total yet, I don't know if you can be trusted.Personally, this is how I plan on spending the last day of the NFL season.Sweat Team Fluff vs. Team RuffNo, the first wager of the day is not the coin toss or the anthem - it will be Puppy Bowl 17.Oh, you're thinking of how Andy Reid will attack the Buccaneers' secondary? Sharp bettors are wondering how Comet from Team Ruff's feeling after coming up hobbled during a wild game of fetch last week!Team Fluff's taken three of the last four, but I'm betting the over. The first offensive dog coordinator (ODC) to call a 4th-and-goal fade should be fired on the spot.Feel a bit frisky, dabble in the cross-sport prop marketCross-sport props tie in the NBA, NHL, college basketball, and more with the big game. Only on Super Bowl Sunday can you bet something like LaMelo Ball's combined points, rebounds, and assists against the Wizards over the total number of points in the first half of Chiefs-Buccaneers.I'm pretty sure one year I bet Steve Nash to record more steals than Tom Brady would get into fights with Patriots OC Josh McDaniels on the sideline. I'm also fairly certain I lost that one.See if anyone spilled the Gatorade color ... literallyRemember when Todd Gurley had a wide-open path to the end zone versus the Packers in 2018, and instead of taking the touchdown to give Rams and over bettors the win, he took a knee at the 1-yard line? The then-L.A. running back tried to redeem himself a couple of months later when one curious Twitter user bluntly asked Gurley - whose team was in the Super Bowl - which Gatorade the Rams preferred.Gurley actually replied, giving bettors a nudge in the right direction.

Kansas City Chiefs assistant Britt Reid, the son of head coach Andy Reid, was involved in a multi-car crash Thursday that left a five-year-old with life-threatening injuries, according to a police report obtained by ESPN's Adam Teicher."The organization has been made aware of a multi-vehicle accident involving outside linebackers coach, Britt Reid," the Chiefs said Friday in a statement. "We are in the process of gathering information, and we will have no further comment at this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved."Reid allegedly crashed into two cars that were parked on an on-ramp to Interstate 435 in Kansas City, one exit south of the Chiefs' practice facility. The first vehicle had run out of gas, while the second was driven by a relative who had come to help, according to the report.The police report doesn't identify anyone involved in the crash by name, but Reid told a police officer he was driving the third car, reports Tod Palmer of KSHB, citing a search warrant. The 35-year-old also said he had consumed two-to-three drinks before the collision, according to an application for the warrant.Reid sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was investigated for impairment.The Chiefs are scheduled to depart for Tampa, Florida, on Saturday ahead of Super Bowl LV against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Reid, the Chiefs' head coach, will travel with the team and participate in Sunday's game, sources told ESPN's Dianna Russini.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The final injury reports for Sunday's Super Bowl matchup were released Friday, and the respective statuses of two impactful receivers are up in the air.Antonio Brown of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Sammy Watkins of the Kansas City Chiefs are both listed as questionable for the game.Watkins is dealing with a calf injury that forced him out of Kansas City's first two playoff games, and Brown is battling a knee ailment. However, both were full participants during Friday's practice.The Chiefs ruled out offensive tackle Eric Fisher, who reportedly suffered a torn Achilles in the AFC championship game, and rookie linebacker Willie Gay Jr. Running backs Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Le'Veon Bell don't have injury designations ahead of Sunday's matchup.For the Bucs, tight end Cameron Brate missed practice with a back injury and is also listed as questionable. Brate is reportedly expected to be available, though, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Meanwhile, rookie safety Antoine Winfield Jr. will return to the lineup after missing the NFC title game with an ankle ailment.Should Brown or Watkins play limited snaps or be unable to suit up, young wideouts Mecole Hardman, Tyler Johnson, and Scotty Miller will likely play more snaps.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

You've done all the research for Super Bowl LV between the Chiefs (-3, 56.5) and Buccaneers. You've read our game preview and MVP picks. You've studied the quarterback matchup and the best props for Kansas City and Tampa Bay. Maybe you've even dabbled in the national anthem market, too.But what about the one bet that stands above the rest? We've got you covered there, too. Here are our best bets for Super Bowl LV:Over 56.5 (-110)I just cannot envision either team winning by handing the ball off. This is Patrick Mahomes vs. Tom Brady, Andy Reid vs. Bruce Arians, and a high-flying Chiefs skill corps against one of the top supporting casts in the league. Both offenses are top-three in DVOA and I don't expect a feeling-out process, either, considering the two combine for more than 30 points in the first half this year.Brady has averaged north of 48 passing attempts over his last four Super Bowls; Mahomes has averaged 46 passing attempts in three games against top-10 rush DVOA defenses this season; the Buccaneers are tops in almost every rushing defense statistic, so don't expect the clock to be a factor here.It should be a shootout from the start, and one that should finish comfortably over the total.- Alex KolodziejFirst quarter under 10.5 points (-125)Brady’s history of slow starts in the Super Bowl is impossible to ignore. In his previous nine appearances in the big game, Brady's teams have scored a grand total of three points in the opening 15 minutes - three first-quarter points in nine games. Not only does Brady not score early in these games, his opponents don’t, either:Super BowlBrady 1Q pointsOpponent 1Q pointsTotal pointsLIII000LII3912LI000XLIX000XLVI099XLII033XXXIX000XXXVIII000XXXVI033For the first time in his career, he won’t be playing for the Patriots in the Super Bowl, but it doesn't matter here, because the last thing the Buccaneers want is for this to become a track meet. That’s not to say their offense can’t keep up, but given the quality of their defense and ability to run the ball, a slow-paced game suits them much more. They’re going to come out running the ball and playing aggressive defense in the hopes of preventing Kansas City’s offense from getting into an early groove.The Chiefs have been slow starters as well in the playoffs under Mahomes. They’ve scored just six total points in the first quarter of their two postseason games this year and managed seven in last year’s Super Bowl, scoring a touchdown with just 31 seconds left as the opening quarter ended on exactly 10 points. Both of their playoff games this year have finished under 10 points in the first quarter, while all three of Tampa’s have. The Buccaneers have allowed just six points in the first quarter of their three playoff games, and I’m confident in the trend continuing on Sunday.- Alex MorettoFirst score will not be a touchdown (+175)The first prop bet I made this year was first-quarter points under 10.5, for all of the reasons laid out so beautifully above. The second bet? The first score won't be a touchdown.But what about those high-powered offenses, you say? Consider that the first score was a field goal in each of the last three Super Bowls - yes, including the record-setting 41-33 contest in 2018 and last year's game featuring these same Chiefs. Six of the 10 Super Bowls featuring either of these quarterbacks opened with something other than a touchdown.In fact, the first score has been something other than a touchdown in nine of the last 13 Super Bowls and has occurred 25 times in the 54-year history of the big game. That's 46.3% of the time, which would suggest odds closer to +115, not +175. Many bettors want a high-scoring game on Sunday, and they certainly might get it - just don't expect that to come early on.- C Jackson Cowart(Odds source: theScore Bet)Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

theScore provides all the info for the Super Bowl LV halftime show ahead of the big game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday.Who: The WeekndWhere: Raymond James Stadium, TampaWhen: The Weeknd will likely take the stage shortly after 8 p.m. ET. Halftime shows typically last between 12 and 14 minutes.How to watch: The halftime show will air and stream live on CBS and CBS All Access, respectively.About the headlinerThe Weeknd, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, is a three-time Grammy Award-winning R&B superstar and one of the most popular artists in the world.The Weeknd's performance will be the second curated by Jay-Z's Roc Nation after Jennifer Lopez and Shakira's show last year."We all grow up watching the world's biggest acts playing the Super Bowl and one can only dream of being in that position," The Weeknd said when he was announced as the halftime performer in November. "I'm humbled, honored, and ecstatic to be the center of that infamous stage this year."He'll become the third Canadian to perform at the halftime of the Super Bowl following Shania Twain in 2003 and Dan Aykroyd in 1997.What songs will The Weeknd perform?Setlists for halftime shows are, naturally, kept as secret as possible.But The Weeknd will likely perform and close the show with his biggest hit to date, "Blinding Lights," which was Billboard's No. 1 Hot 100 song of 2020. Other standouts from "After Hours," his fourth studio album, such as "In Your Eyes" and "Save Your Tears," along with past hits like "Starboy," are also good bets to be part of the show."He's got monster hits, and he really worked hard to make sure that they are presented in a way, in a Super Bowl halftime format, in a live way that's never been done before," Super Bowl executive producer Jesse Collins said in an interview with ET's Meredith B. Kile. "The keyword is 'live,' like, we didn't go pretape this ... It's all happening in that stadium, in that moment."Is anyone else performing? David Crotty / Patrick McMullan / GettyNo other performers have been officially announced, but headliners usually have a surprise or two up their sleeves. The Weeknd has collaborated with the likes of Doja Cat, Kendrick Lamar, and Kenny G in recent years.Ariana Grande has become the hottest name in the rumor mill after The Weeknd announced he was dropping his "The Highlights" album - which includes "Love Me Harder," featuring Grande - ahead of the Super Bowl."Yeah, maybe there will be cameos, but we can't say what he's doing," Collins teased. "It's definitely a very special show, you just got to watch and see what happens."How will the show work amid the pandemic?The Weeknd is apparently committed to making his halftime show an all-timer despite the constraints of the COVID-19 pandemic.One of his managers, Sal Slaiby, told Billboard's Kate Bain that his client put up $7 million of his own money to "make this halftime show be what he envisioned.""Well, due to COVID-19 and for the safety of the players and the workers, we kind of built this stage within the stadium," The Weeknd said in his preshow presser, per ET's Desiree Murphy. "We're also using the field as well, but we wanted to kind of do something that we've never done before.""Yeah, so we built the stage and the stadium," he added. "But I'm not going to tell you anything else, because you have to watch on Sunday."The Weeknd also teased that the Buccaneers' "iconic" pirate ship will be incorporated into the performance.Do halftime performers get paid?No, performers aren't compensated for taking on the Super Bowl halftime show, though the NFL covers production costs. But even though The Weeknd is investing an extra $7 million without getting paid, the publicity gained from being the halftime performer is more than worth it.Lady Gaga, for example, received a sales bump of more than 1,000% after her Super Bowl show in 2017, per USA Today's Jayme Deerwester.What will The Weeknd look like? Emma McIntyre /AMA2020 / Getty Images Entertainment / GettyThe Weeknd has adopted a visceral aesthetic to highlight the theme of his "After Hours" album.He's donned a red suit, black shirt, and black tie ensemble at various award-show performances and altered his face with the help of makeup artists to reflect the "absurd" culture of Hollywood. He had a bloody nose and bruises all around his face at the VMAs and sported head bandages at multiple recent shows.The Weeknd wants the theme to be part of the halftime show, though he said it will be toned down."I definitely want to be respectful to the viewers at home," he said at his presser, according to Kile. "I will still incorporate some of the storyline. It's a very cohesive story I've been telling throughout this era and throughout this year. The story will continue, but definitely will keep it PG for the families. I'll try my best.""I don't like to spoon-feed the audience," he continued. "Hopefully, they can pick up some of their own theories and conclusions of what the show is saying and the story I'm telling from the performance."Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Kansas City Chiefs are in the Super Bowl for a second consecutive year, and their offense gets most of the credit for that success. That's what happens when a team has an otherworldly young quarterback, lots of speed and dynamism at multiple skill positions, and a forward-thinking coaching staff that frequently maximizes all of that talent.But what about the defense? The Chiefs might seem capable of winning every game by simply outgunning their opponents, but they can, and do, get plenty of stops too. Whether they're able to put the clamps on Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' multi-faceted offense could determine the outcome of Super Bowl LV.Let's start with the basics. The Chiefs finished the regular season ranked 10th in points allowed (22.6) but were just 19th in expected points added per play and 22nd in DVOA. But it's a unit that's ebbed and flowed as the season has progressed; according to Aaron Schatz of Football Outsiders, the Chiefs ranked sixth in DVOA against the pass from Weeks 1-9 before falling to 23rd in Weeks 10-16. But in its playoff wins against the Cleveland Browns and Buffalo Bills, Kansas City had the most efficient pass defense of the league's 14 postseason participants. Al Bello / Getty ImagesKansas City's defense is fairly good at preventing plays of 20-plus yards. According to PFF, the Chiefs ranked fifth in explosive run plays allowed and 13th in explosive pass plays allowed. PFF's Ian Hartitz wrote this week, "This is a bend-don't-break unit that might not completely shut down an opposing offense, but the group has the ability to stall drives in a hurry thanks to its ability to get after the quarterback."Defensive tackle Chris Jones is a big reason why. Jones ranked 13th among all defenders in PFF's pass-rush productivity rate (8.4), which factors in sacks and hurries per pass-rush snap. He was also second among interior defensive linemen in pass-rush win rate (20%), an ESPN metric that calculates how often a defender beats his blocker within 2.5 seconds. As a team, the Chiefs ranked 12th in pressure rate. Why does this matter for the Super Bowl? Brady, like most quarterbacks, doesn't like to be pressured. He only saw pressure on 24.4% of his dropbacks during the regular season, but when he did, his passer rating was 54.5, which ranked just 21st in the league. When operating out of a clean pocket, Brady's passer rating jumped all the way to 115.7, good for seventh best.Kansas City defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo had the same gig for the New York Giants when he famously cooked up the game plan that beat Brady and the unbeaten, seemingly unstoppable New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII. How he chooses to create pressure - and chooses to push the pocket, forcing the statuesque Brady to move - should indicate how successful the Chiefs' D can be.According to For the Win's Steven Ruiz and Charles McDonald, Spagnuolo likes to blitz (36%, which ranked ninth) but also frequently has the Chiefs play with five or more defensive backs (76%), with a lot of man and match coverages. The wild card here is the versatility of safety Tyrann Mathieu, who can be deployed just about everywhere. Per PFF, Mathieu played 403 snaps as a slot corner, 363 as a box safety, and 275 as a free safety. When the Chiefs decide to blitz, Mathieu and cornerbacks L'Jarius Sneed and Charvarius Ward are likely to be among those flying toward Brady. Icon Sportswire / Getty ImagesPressuring Brady is easier said than done, of course. The Bucs' offensive line finished the regular season ranked third in Football Outsiders' adjusted sack rate and fifth in EPA per dropback. PFF graded four of Tampa Bay's linemen 22nd or higher at their respective positions. A player to watch up front will be right guard Aaron Stinnie, who will be making his third straight start for the injured Alex Cappa.Kansas City's tendency to play so much nickel and dime personnel could make it vulnerable against the run. Indeed, per Schatz, the Chiefs were dead last in run defense DVOA from Weeks 1-9 and have been again during the postseason.The Chiefs figure to score points; it's what they do when they seemingly want to. But the Bucs have Brady and a stable of weapons, so chances are they will, too. If Kansas City is going to repeat, it will likely be because of its often overshadowed defense.Dom Cosentino is a senior features writer at theScore.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New Orleans Saints renegotiated quarterback Drew Brees' contract to drop his base salary in 2021 to the NFL minimum, a source told NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.New Orleans will now carry roughly a $12-million cap charge for Brees until June rather than over $36 million, opening up nearly $24 million in cap space for next season, according to Pelissero.

At 37 years old, free-agent running back Frank Gore remains eager to play another season.Gore recently completed his 16th NFL campaign with the New York Jets, but the former All-Pro would like to reunite with the San Francisco 49ers before he hangs up his cleats."Man, I'd love to wear that No. 21 jersey one more time," Gore told 95.7 The Game, according to ESPN's Field Yates. "If that was to happen, that would definitely be my last year, if I could come back and sign with the 49ers."San Francisco selected the tailback from Miami 65th overall in the 2005 NFL Draft. Gore quickly became beloved in the Bay Area, stacking consecutive 1,000-yard campaigns from 2006-09 and 2011-14. He remains the franchise’s all-time leading rusher with 11,073 yards and trails only Joe Perry for the most rushing touchdowns by a Niner.Gore signed with the Indianapolis Colts as a free agent ahead of the 2015 season. After three years with the Colts, he toured the AFC East, spending a season each with the Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills, and Jets.The Florida native rushed for 653 yards and two touchdowns with the Jets.Gore currently sits third with 16,000 yards on the NFL's all-time rushing list. He's 726 yards behind Walter Payton.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Philadelphia Eagles are close to trading quarterback Carson Wentz, sources told Les Bowen and Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer.Wentz hasn't formally requested a trade but prefers to move on, as head coach Doug Pederson's firing last January didn't reduce the passer's concerns about the franchise, Bowen and McLane add.Multiple teams have reportedly shown interest in Wentz, including the Indianapolis Colts, who've already discussed a potential trade for the signal-caller. The Colts have been looking for a new starting quarterback since Philip Rivers retired last month.Wentz is coming off his worst NFL season as a starter. He posted a 3-8-1 record while completing just 57.4% of his pass attempts for 2,620 yards and 16 touchdowns against a league-high 15 interceptions. The 28-year-old was benched for second-round rookie Jalen Hurts for the final four games of the campaign.Wentz inked a four-year, $128-million contract extension in June 2019. The Eagles will incur a $34-million dead cap hit if they move Wentz, but an agreement would also save them an additional $25 million this upcoming season.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Quarterback Trevor Lawrence, the projected first overall pick in this year's draft, will throw for NFL teams Feb. 12 instead of participating in Clemson's pro day in March, his agents said, according to Nick Shook of NFL.com.Lawrence's decision stems from a recently discovered injury to his left shoulder labrum, which will be repaired after his presentation to NFL clubs. The signal-caller's doctors are confident that he'll be fully healthy when training camp begins.The 21-year-old completed 66.6% of his pass attempts while throwing for 10,098 yards and 90 touchdowns against 17 interceptions over three seasons at Clemson.The Jacksonville Jaguars own the first overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Commissioner Roger Goodell is offering the NFL's stadiums as COVID-19 vaccination sites ahead of the league's offseason."The NFL and our 32 member clubs are committed to doing our part to ensure that vaccines are as widely accessible in our communities as possible," Goodell wrote in a letter dated Thursday to President Joe Biden, which was obtained by ESPN."To that end, each NFL team will make its stadium available for mass vaccinations of the general public in coordination with local, state, and federal health officials," Goodell added.Goodell noted that seven NFL stadiums are already being used as vaccination sites. These venues include the Carolina Panthers' Bank of America Stadium, the Arizona Cardinals' State Farm Stadium, the Atlanta Falcons' Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and the Baltimore Ravens' M&T Bank Stadium. The Houston Texans' NRG Park, the Miami Dolphins' Hard Rock Stadium, and the New England Patriots' Gillette Stadium are also being used for vaccinations."We can expand our efforts to stadiums across the nation more effectively because many of our clubs have offered their facilities previously as COVID testing centers as well as election sites over the past several months," Goodell wrote. "We look forward to further discussion with your administration as well as your partners in state and local governments to advance this effort."The 2020 NFL campaign will conclude with Sunday's Super Bowl matchup between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Kansas City Chiefs in Tampa.In his season-ending press conference Thursday, Goodell praised the "extraordinary collective effort" to complete the campaign as scheduled amid the pandemic.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It appears Kirk Cousins is locked in as the Minnesota Vikings' starter for next season.Head coach Mike Zimmer gave the quarterback a vote of confidence during an appearance Friday on "Good Morning Football.""Kirk's our guy," Zimmer said, according to Will Selva of NFL Network. "He had a terrific year this year. We have to get better on defense and that's my job to get it fixed."Cousins is contracted through the 2022 season, but rumors have circulated that the veteran could be part of what's expected to be a dramatic quarterback carousel this offseason.While cutting the 32-year-old would incur a dead-money hit of $41 million, a trade would save the Vikings $10 million of his $31-million cap hit, per Spotrac. Moreover, if Cousins is on the roster on March 19, his $35-million salary in 2022 becomes fully guaranteed.The veteran threw for a career-high 35 touchdowns in 2020 but tied for his most interceptions ever with 13 while also fumbling nine times.Minnesota finished outside the playoffs at 7-9 and could be facing a rebuild due to an aging roster and a lack of cap space.Zimmer's defense endured a significant regression. The unit ranked 29th in scoring defense to end a streak of five top-10 finishes in that category. Meanwhile, Cousins led the offense to 11th in points and fourth in yards.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

There appears to be an early front-runner in the Carson Wentz sweepstakes.The Philadelphia Eagles have discussed a potential deal for the quarterback with the Indianapolis Colts, NFL Network's Mike Garafolo said on SportsRadio 94WIP."I do know that the Eagles have had conversations with the Indianapolis Colts already", Garafolo said. "Here is the thing about the Colts, and this is why they were never strongly in the running for Matthew Stafford: These guys are really good at what they do draft-wise. They believe in themselves. ... So what they do is, they are a little slow playing when it comes to these draft picks and trades."The news comes shortly after reports that Philadelphia has received calls regarding Wentz's availability. Teams have made "aggressive offers," according to ESPN's Tim McManus.The New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints, and Carolina Panthers are potential destinations for the disgruntled passer, Garofolo reports.Philadelphia could have to attach draft compensation to a trade involving Wentz due to his high salary, similar to the deal that sent Jared Goff to the Detroit Lions.The Eagles will incur a $34-million dead cap hit if they move Wentz, but an agreement would also save the team from paying him an additional $25 million this upcoming season.Trades can't be formally processed until March 17, though a deal can be agreed to prior to the start of the new league year.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Tom Brady is signed for one more season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after inking a two-year, $50-million deal with the team in March.But with the 43-year-old leading the Bucs to their first Super Bowl appearance in 18 years, and talking about playing beyond his goal of age 45, head coach Bruce Arians can envision the star quarterback re-signing past his current deal."I don't have anything to do with contracts, so that would be a (general manager) Jason (Licht) question," Arians said Thursday, according to NFL.com's Kevin Patra. "I think Tom's real happy with where he's at, and I wouldn't be surprised."The future Hall of Famer, who will turn 44 in August, said Monday he will "definitely consider" extending his career. Brady has previously said he'll consider retiring when he can no longer play at a high level.The six-time Super Bowl champion proved he remains a top tier passer in 2020, rebounding from a poor final season with the New England Patriots to throw for the second-most touchdowns of his career (40).Regardless of the result of Sunday's matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs, Tampa Bay - which boasts an offense stacked with weapons along with a top-10 scoring defense - is well-placed to help Brady contend for titles for the foreseeable future if he opts to re-sign.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

One of the most popular betting markets ahead of this year's Super Bowl LV matchup between the Chiefs (-3.5) and Buccaneers is for the MVP award - which is quickly becoming a one-man race.Patrick Mahomes won it a year ago despite a subpar game by his standards, and he's the prohibitive favorite (-105) to win it again this season. He and Tom Brady (+200) are the only players priced shorter than 10-1, which means it'll take quite the script for any long shot to win. Do we like the favorites, or are we taking a swing on a miracle award winner?Here are the odds to win Super Bowl LV MVP (100-1 or shorter) and our best bets to take home the award.PLAYERODDSPatrick Mahomes-105Tom Brady+200Tyreek Hill+1400Travis Kelce+1500Leonard Fournette+3000Chris Godwin+3400Mike Evans+3400Clyde Edwards-Helaire+3700Devin White+5000Shaquil Barrett+5000Tyrann Mathieu+5000Antonio Brown+5500Ronald Jones+5500Darrel Williams+5500Jason Pierre-Paul+8000Chris Jones+8500Rob Gronkowski+8500Antoine Winfield Jr.+10000Mecole Hardman+10000Sammy Watkins+10000Willie Gay+10000Tom Brady, QB, Buccaneers (+200)I have no clue why Buccaneers moneyline bettors would short themselves a few cents; you're better off betting Brady to win the MVP.If Tampa Bay wins, it'll be because of the GOAT. Brady's had at least 40 passing attempts in five of his last six Super Bowl appearances and has won the award in four of his six victories.Head coach Bruce Arians recently admitted that he'll oftentimes sit back and let Brady go to work. I don't think the team's success over the last seven games - zero losses and six contests with 30-plus points - is a coincidence. This is Brady vs. Mahomes - there's no other way around it.- Alex KolodziejTyreek Hill, WR, Chiefs (+1400)I like the Chiefs to repeat as Super Bowl champions, so I'm halving the field. I also have to look past Mahomes, who doesn't offer any value at his price. No running back has won the award since 1997, so a wide receiver or defensive player should win Super Bowl MVP if it's not Mahomes. But the defenses won't dominate this game, which means I'm looking at Kansas City's pass-catchers.Volume is key, and I'd expect there to be a ton of it for Hill on Sunday against a Buccaneers team that's impossible to run on. The Chiefs will be creative with how they get the ball into the hands of the game's most explosive player, giving him plenty of touches near or behind the line of scrimmage in the absence of a traditional run game.Those plays will force Tampa Bay's secondary - already an aggressive group - to stay honest, meaning the deep shots will also be there for Hill, who had touchdowns of 20, 44, and 75 yards against the Buccaneers earlier this season. Expecting a repeat of Week 12 is a lot to ask, but the volume will be there for a player who's a threat to take it the distance every time he touches the ball.Don't be shocked if we see Hill returning a kick or three in the second half, either, if the game is close. He's got five return touchdowns to his name in his already illustrious career.- Alex MorettoDevin White, LB, Buccaneers (+5000)The more I study this game, the more I can't shake the feeling that White will have his name written all over it. If the Buccaneers employ a heavy dose of two-high safety - which they did in Week 12 after Hill's first-quarter outburst - that'll leave White with a huge responsibility to help patrol the middle of the field.The second-year linebacker has struggled in coverage at times, but he's stepped up in a huge way this postseason, recording his first interception of the year against the Saints and allowing 5.3 yards per target against the pass-happy Packers. He's also a savant in the run game and as a pass-rusher - he finished fifth in tackles (140) and 14th in sacks (9) in 15 regular-season games, the only player to rank in the top 30 in each.Don't let the short prices at the top deter you from chasing long-shot values. Remember when Cam Newton and Peyton Manning were the obvious MVP choices in 2016? Instead, Von Miller won it after recording six tackles, 2.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles for the Broncos. What about Malcolm Smith, who earned MVP honors over Manning and Russell Wilson after scoring a touchdown for the Seahawks in 2014?We've seen linebackers win in years where a quarterback seemed inevitable. At 50-1, I love White's chances of being that player this time around.- C Jackson CowartCopyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Richard Sherman doesn't believe Jon Gruden was violating the NFL's anti-tampering rules by pitching him on the Las Vegas Raiders several weeks before free agency begins.The five-time Pro Bowl cornerback is expected to hit the open market in mid-March, but he's still under contract with the San Francisco 49ers until then."I don't think he was tampering," Sherman told Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area. "I think it was a good conversation, good entertainment. And if anybody knows how to entertain people and keep them on the edge of their seats, it's Jon Gruden."In a Super Bowl week episode of "The Cris Collinsworth Podcast featuring Richard Sherman," Gruden said he's looking to add an "alpha presence" to the Raiders' secondary, suggesting Sherman would be a perfect fit."If you're available and interested, maybe you and I can get together at some point off-air," the head coach said.NFL rules state that "any public or private statement of interest, qualified or unqualified, in another club's player to that player's agent or representative, or to a member of the news media, is a violation of this anti-tampering policy," according to Mike Florio of Pro Football TalkSherman, who doesn't use an agent, has been open about his future in San Francisco, saying repeatedly he doesn't believe the 49ers will hold enough cap space to retain him. The 32-year-old is winding down a three-year, $39-million contract that he signed one day after the Seattle Seahawks released him."All of this sports is just a big freakin' reality TV show, as you know. But I think there's legitimate interest," Sherman said of the Raiders. "They have a good team. It's going to be a conversation. There will be a conversation with a few teams and I'll make the decision that's best for me and my family, and off we go."Sherman has spent his football life on the west coast, growing up in Compton, Calif., before attending Stanford and joining the Seahawks out of the NFL draft.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New York Giants offensive coordinator Jason Garrett is expected to return despite the struggles his unit endured in 2020, a source told ESPN's Jordan Raanan.The Giants ranked 31st in yards and points this season and were particularly deficient in the passing game where they placed 29th.Still, general manager David Gettleman expressed hope after the season that Garrett would be back in 2021, citing a desire for continuity around young quarterback Daniel Jones. Garrett was reportedly a candidate to become the head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers before the franchise selected Brandon Staley to fill the vacancy."As far as the potential of Jason leaving, of course, it makes you a little antsy," Gettleman said in early January. "Just imagine, anybody, any of you guys, having your fourth editor in four years. It's the same thing. It's no different. We'll adjust and adapt and do what we have to do, and obviously, anything we do moving forward, Daniel is a big part of it."Garrett was a high-profile addition to Joe Judge's staff a year ago. At the time, he was coming off a nine-year stint as head coach of the Dallas Cowboys.The 54-year-old didn't offer a clear response near the end of the season when asked if he would return for a second year. He was seemingly placed in an awkward position in November when Judge fired offensive line coach Marc Colombo, who Garrett brought with him to New York.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Ben Roethlisberger are expected to meet after the Super Bowl to discuss the quarterback's future and contract, a source told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.The two sides are expected to work on a contract restructure or extension that would lower his $41-million cap hit in 2021.Steelers president Art Rooney II recently confirmed Roethlisberger intends to play next season but said the 38-year-old won't be welcomed back unless he renegotiates his deal. The $41-million cap charge projects to be the largest of any player in the NFL in 2021, and the Steelers could save $19 million by releasing him.For his part, Roethlisberger has indicated a willingness to redo his contract, saying he doesn't care "at all" about his pay next season.Pittsburgh is one of several teams facing a salary crunch in light of a falling cap. The Steelers also have two marquee players - wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster and edge rusher Bud Dupree - in line to hit the open market in March.Roethlisberger has spent his entire 17-year career in Pittsburgh, leading the franchise to three Super Bowl appearances and two titles. He threw 33 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 2020, fading down the stretch after a strong start to the campaign.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

With the season a few days from the finish line, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell praised the work of all parties involved in navigating through a pandemic-stricken year."This was an extraordinary collective effort. There's so many people that had to work together to get this done." Goodell said Thursday.The NFL dealt with numerous COVID-19 issues throughout the campaign, with outbreaks affecting the Tennessee Titans, Baltimore Ravens, and Cleveland Browns. Though there were postponements, the league managed to play a full schedule without cancellations."We had to adapt at every stage. This was a year where we were all challenged and had to find innovative solutions," Goodell added, according to The Houston Chronicle's Aaron Wilson.The commissioner isn't sure how next season will look but believes the experience of 2020 will pay off in preparation."I wish I knew the answer to that. We've learned to try not to project too much in advance. I don't know when normal will occur. I know this, we've learned to operate in a difficult environment and we’ll do it again," he said, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.Goodell added that the NFL is a "proponent" of vaccines and reaffirmed his promise to not jump the line.One area the commissioner is striving to improve in 2021 is diversity among new hires. Two minority candidates were hired to be head coaches during the latest cycle. The New York Jets tabbed Robert Saleh as their sideline boss and the Houston Texans hired David Culley.Goodell said he'll have more discussions on diversity with teams moving forward."It wasn't what we expected. And it's not what we expect going forward. ... They're not the outcomes we wanted. But we want it to be a natural process," Goodell said.NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith, who worked closely with Goodell to implement safety protocols this season, joined the commissioner on stage to conclude the session.

The Baltimore Ravens won their first postseason contest since quarterback Lamar Jackson's arrival in Charm City when they defeated the Tennessee Titans, temporarily quieting critics of the 2019 MVP and the team's postseason offensive performances.But after the Ravens were routed 17-3 by the Buffalo Bills in the divisional round, the goodwill their wild-card win earned gave way to more questions about whether the Jackson-focused offense could lead the franchise to a Super Bowl appearance.Count Calais Campbell as a believer. The Ravens defensive lineman told "The Jake Asman Show" on SportsMap Radio that the 24-year-old passer can get Baltimore back to championship contention."As he continues to understand how he can use his legs to open up the passing game ... I think we can definitely win with our style," said Campbell.Jackson broke 1,000 rushing yards for a second consecutive season to go along with seven scores."He's a very efficient passer," Campbell said, "and when he drops back, he can beat you with his arm. I've seen him at practice, he can make every throw."However, Jackson's passing stats dropped following his MVP campaign. He threw for 2,757 yards, 26 touchdowns, and nine interceptions while completing 64.4% of his passes this season - down from 3,127 yards, 36 touchdowns, six interceptions, and a 66.1% completion percentage the year prior.Despite some regression through the air, Campbell points out that the young pivot is just beginning to grasp the game."As Lamar continues to get older and understand the game at a higher level, he's going to become a big part of the game plan and be able to understand what the play-caller wants to call and why," Campbell said. "He's already kinda getting that knowledge, but then he can add his two cents and be able to make adjustments."The Ravens are reportedly ready to negotiate a new deal with their star quarterback.For more, check out SportsMapRadio.com streaming live.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Serious question: Is there a team more fun to bet in the player prop market than the Chiefs?The reigning champs are back in the Super Bowl yet again, and there's a potential shootout brewing against the Buccaneers. After recently previewing Tampa Bay's player props, let's dive into Kansas City's.Here are the three that stick out.Patrick Mahomes over/under 40.5 passing attemptsMy favorite part about head coach Andy Reid and the rest of the Chiefs' offensive staff is they don't play into other defenses' strengths. Oh, you have a stout rushing attack? Fantastic, we'll just let our generational quarterback go berserk on your entire defense instead.Kansas City only played three units ranking 10th or higher in rush DVOA this season, but the theme was obvious in each of those matchups: Throw, throw, and throw some more. Mahomes averaged a whopping 46 attempts over that sample, logging some unsurprisingly gaudy numbers along the way.OpponentC/AYardsTDRatingJets31/424165144.4Buccaneers37/494623124.7Saints26/47254392.0Reid's not going to win the game by challenging the league's best rush defense. The last time these two clubs met, Mahomes nearly recorded 50 attempts despite having a double-digit lead essentially the entire game.This is one of the best bets on the board Sunday.Pick: OverDarrel Williams over/under 30.5 rushing yardsI'm penciling in Mahomes for a huge night, so naturally, I'm not too in love with either Williams or fellow running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire. The former's gained some traction of late, recording 130 rushing yards on 26 total carries over the last two playoff games as the latter's dealt with the injury bug.However, the Bucs allow the fewest yards per carry and are a huge step up in competition from the Bills and Browns, which both sit in the back half of the league in rush DVOA.Although there's not a ton of room for cushion, Williams should have a rather quiet night on the stat sheet.Pick: UnderMecole Hardman's longest reception over/under 16.5 yardsPlayers like Hardman, with breakaway speed and a knack for the big play, are always fan favorites come Super Bowl time. However, I think oddsmakers overshot this one.The 22-year-old can go from zero to 60 in a snap - we saw it just a few weeks ago against the Bills on a 50-yard sweep that went for a TD - but the Chiefs haven't necessarily utilized him down the field. The wideout ranks only No. 50 at his position in deep targets, No. 54 in average target distance, and No. 111 in target rate.Hardman has recorded a long of 17 or more through the air just three times in his last six games. With Kansas City's supporting cast healthy, Hardman won't get enough opportunities for a splash play.Pick: Under(Odds source: theScore Bet)Alex Kolodziej is a betting writer for theScore. He's a graduate of Eastern Illinois who has been involved in the sports betting industry for 12 years. He can quote every line from "Rounders" and appreciates franchises that regularly wear alternate jerseys. Find him on Twitter @AJKolodziej.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

We've covered just about everything under the sun leading up to the Super Bowl, but now it's time for the bread and butter: player props.In the first of our two-part feature, let's kick things off with the Buccaneers.Tom Brady over/under 286.5 passing yardsIf Brady performs anywhere in the neighborhood of his last four Super Bowl appearances, over bettors are in good shape. The veteran quarterback's averaged 48.8 attempts across that stretch, surpassing 300 yards with ease in three of them.Season OpponentC/AYards2018Rams21/352622017Eagles28/485052016Falcons43/624662014Seahawks37/50328This number's criminally low for a player who quietly finished No. 3 in passing yards this season. Brady's been pushing the ball down the field lately, too: over his last eight games, he's connecting on gains of 15 or more on 16.67% of attempts - far and away the best rate in the league over that span.The Chiefs rank No. 22 in DVOA defense - the easiest matchup for Brady and Co. all postseason - and No. 23 in explosive pass rate allowed.Brady's volume could get out of hand if the track meet begins early.Pick: OverTom Brady's longest completion over/under 39.5 yardsBrady's been throwing the deep ball so well, he deserves a separate blurb - and bet - for it. He finished the year No. 1 in deep ball attempts, money throws, air yards, and air yards per attempt.Brady recorded a completion of 40 yards or longer in five straight to close out the regular season. He was held under the number versus two stout defenses - Washington and New Orleans - to open the postseason before connecting on a 52-yard gain in the NFC Championship Game. I see no reason he stops here.The aforementioned passing volume, combined with a Chiefs secondary that allows big plays on roughly 10% of attempts, should result in at least one big chunk play from Brady and the offense.Pick: OverRonald Jones over/under 35.5 rush yardsIt's been a headache cracking the Bucs' backfield plans this season. Both Jones and Leonard Fournette have rotated atop the depth chart, but it's the latter who's got the hot hand. "Playoff Lenny" is averaging 70.3 rushing yards the last three games with a touchdown in each.However, don't sleep on RoJo here. He finally returned to the lineup in the NFC title tilt, posting just 16 yards on 10 carries while playing just 28% of the snaps. He doesn't need a huge share this Sunday to get by the total.Jones put up 66 yards on nine carries against Kansas City in the regular-season meeting. The Chiefs don't allow many big plays on the ground - they rank No. 4 in explosive rush rate - but they're statistically the second-worst run defense in the league, according to DVOA.It may only take a couple of handoffs for Jones to smash this number.Pick: Over(Odds source: theScore Bet)Alex Kolodziej is a betting writer for theScore. He's a graduate of Eastern Illinois who has been involved in the sports betting industry for 12 years. He can quote every line from "Rounders" and appreciates franchises that regularly wear alternate jerseys. Find him on Twitter @AJKolodziej.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.