The NFL's first 14-team playoff field has come into focus.Following a wild afternoon of action on the final Sunday of the regular season, there's just one playoff spot left to be determined. Five of the six wild-card matchups are set.Here are the seedings and first-round matchups as they stand ahead of the Sunday Night Football regular-season finale between the Washington Football Team and Philadelphia Eagles.AFCSeedTeamDivisionRecord1ChiefsWest14-22BillsEast13-33SteelersNorth12-44TitansSouth11-55RavensNorth11-56BrownsNorth11-57ColtsSouth11-5Wild Card WeekendMatchupDateTime (ET)NetworkColts at BillsSaturday1:05 p.m.CBSBrowns at SteelersSunday8:15 p.m.NBCRavens at TitansSunday1:05 p.m.ESPN/ABCThe red-hot Buffalo Bills enter the playoffs riding a six-game winning streak and holding the No. 2 seed in the AFC playoffs. They'll host the Indianapolis Colts next weekend who squeaked in with the last playoff spot.After toppling the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, the Cleveland Browns booked a rematch with their divisional foes on Wild Card Weekend. The two teams split the season series this year, though Pittsburgh was decisive in a 38-7 home victory in Week 6, and the Browns narrowly beat the Steelers' backups on Sunday. The third contest will be at Heinz Field.One of the marquee games of the weekend will be a playoff rematch between the Tennessee Titans and Baltimore Ravens. Last season, the Titans knocked off the top-seeded Ravens in the divisional round, putting an early end to Lamar Jackson's MVP season. The two teams met again in Week 11 this year when Derrick Henry clinched another Tennessee victory in overtime.NFCSeedTeamDivisionRecord1PackersNorth13-32SaintsSouth12-43SeahawksWest12-44Washington/GiantsEast--5BuccaneersSouth11-56RamsWest10-67BearsNorth8-8Wild Card WeekendMatchupDateTime (ET)NetworkBears at SaintsSunday4:40 p.m.CBS/NickelodeonRams at SeahawksSaturday4:40 p.m.FOXBuccaneers at TBDSaturday8:15 p.m.NBCThe NFC wild-card slate features a rematch of the Week 8 overtime battle between the New Orleans Saints and Chicago Bears. The Saints host this game, but this time, the Bears will have Mitch Trubisky under center after leading Chicago to the conference's final wild-card spot.NFC West rivals will do battle when the Seattle Seahawks host the Los Angeles Rams. They also split the season series with the Rams victorious in Week 10 and the Seahawks getting the upper hand in Week 16.The only playoff spot still up for grabs is the NFC East winner. If Washington wins Sunday night, it'll host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first round of the playoffs. If Philadelphia wins, the 6-10 New York Giants will meet the Bucs in the postseason. Tampa won a Monday night matchup against New York in Week 8 on a controversial non-call on a potential game-tying two-point attempt by the Giants.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Green Bay Packers clinched a first-round bye Sunday, and quarterback Aaron Rodgers knows what he wants from his teammates during the off week."Don't get COVID," he said following the 35-16 win over the Chicago Bears, according to Ryan Wood of Green Bay Press-Gazette.Rodgers began the 2020 regular season surrounded by question marks after failing to throw for 30 touchdowns in the previous three seasons and missing the playoffs in two of those campaigns.However, the nine-time Pro Bowler ends the year as the favorite to take home his third MVP, leading the NFL with 48 touchdowns through the air and a passer rating of 121.5."This is a special season. It will always be a special season for me," Rodgers said.The 37-year-old added the Packers' postgame celebration in Week 17 featured a lot of excitement, with head coach Matt LaFleur taking part."I saw a lot of dancing in there, a lot of hugging. Didn't see any tears. I'd probably be the one crying," he said."A couple dance moves from LaFleur. I try not to share too much from the locker room, but I do think somebody should ask him to show some of the dance moves he performed."Meanwhile, LaFleur is looking forward to Green Bay's home-field advantage in the postseason."We're happy that the road to Tampa goes through Lambeau," he said.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz is a healthy scratch for the club's regular-season finale Sunday night against the Washington Football Team.Rookie Jalen Hurts is making his fourth start after taking over for the struggling Wentz. Nate Sudfeld will act as the backup for Week 17.

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray didn't play for most of Sunday's 18-7 loss to the Los Angeles Rams after exiting the game in the first quarter with an ankle injury.The Cardinals needed a win to clinch a playoff berth.Murray tried to save Arizona from elimination by returning to the game in the fourth quarter but was unable to mount a comeback.The 2019 first overall pick finished the night 8 of 11 passing for 87 yards while adding just three yards on the ground.Chris Streveler replaced Murray for most of the game, completing 11 of 16 passes for 105 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, which was a pick-6 by cornerback Troy Hill.Streveler joined the Cardinals in the offseason after spending the previous two years with the CFL's Winnipeg Blue Bombers.Murray injured his leg late in Week 16 versus the San Francisco 49ers but was able to practice this past week and start against the Rams.Meanwhile, L.A. entered Week 17 facing its own issues at quarterback, as Jared Goff was ruled out due to a thumb injury and was replaced by John Wolford.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Los Angeles Rams are back in the playoffs - and so are the Chicago Bears.After missing the postseason last year, the Rams clinched a playoff berth by beating the Arizona Cardinals 18-7 on Sunday.Quarterback John Wolford, who started the game over an injured Jared Goff, threw for 231 yards and one interception on 22-for-38 passing.The Cardinals played most of the contest without Kyler Murray under center, as the signal-caller suffered an ankle injury in the first quarter.The loss eliminates Arizona from the playoff race while securing a spot for Chicago, which last made the postseason in 2018.The 8-8 Bears booked a ticket to the playoffs despite suffering a 35-16 loss to the Green Bay Packers in Week 17.Chicago will play the New Orleans Saints on the road next week while Los Angeles is set to face the Seattle Seahawks.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Tennessee Titans are AFC South champions for the first time since 2008.Tennessee captured the division crown with a dramatic 41-38 victory over the Houston Texans in Wek 17.In what was a back-and-forth affair, Titans kicker Sam Sloman hit a 37-yard field goal as time expired to secure the win. Star running back Derrick Henry hit the 2,000 yard mark on the season with a dominant effort.More to come.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger announced Sunday he'll forgo his final season of college eligibility and enter the 2021 NFL Draft.

The New York Giants defeated the Dallas Cowboys 23-19 to keep their NFC East hopes alive with one divisional game still to be played in Week 17.The Washington Football Team would win the division with a victory over the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday Night Football. If Washington loses, New York will take the division crown and advance to the playoffs for the first time since 2016.The Giants began the regular-season finale in style, scoring on the opening possession with a 23-yard touchdown run from Sterling Shepard. They took a 20-9 advantage into halftime but nearly blew it late in the fourth quarter.With the Cowboys driving down the field and 1:24 left to go, rookie Xavier McKinney intercepted Andy Dalton in the end zone. New York looked to run out the clock on the ensuing possession, but Wayne Gallman inexplicably fumbled on the second play of the drive with nobody near him.Officials ruled on the field that Gallman recovered his own fumble, and the ruling was upheld upon video review.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans suffered a knee injury during Sunday's victory over the Atlanta Falcons. He exited shortly after setting the NFL record for most consecutive seasons with 1,000-plus receiving yards to begin a career.Head coach Bruce Arians told reporters after the game that he doesn't believe Evans' knee sustained any "serious damage" but will know more Monday, according to The Athletic's Greg Auman.Evans suffered the ailment after slipping on the turf in the Falcons' end zone. The 27-year-old appeared to be in serious pain as he was helped off the field.

Minnesota Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson broke the NFL record for most receiving yards by a rookie in the Super Bowl era, surpassing Anquan Boldin during Sunday's game against the Detroit Lions.

The Cleveland Browns are finally a playoff team again.Cleveland secured a wild-card spot and its first postseason appearance since 2002 with a 24-22 win over the divisional rival Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday.More to come.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Baltimore Ravens booked a trip to the postseason by running wild on the Cincinnati Bengals. The Ravens rushed for over 400 yards en route to a 38-3 victory.More to come.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Washington Football Team quarterback Alex Smith was officially cleared to start in Sunday night's win-and-in game against the Philadelphia Eagles, head coach Ron Rivera told Sal Paolantonio on SportsCenter, per ESPN's Field Yates.The team expects Smith to play a full game despite a calf injury that sidelined him for the past two weeks. Wide receiver Terry McLaurin (ankle) and running back Antonio Gibson (toe) are also good to go.With Dwayne Haskins surprisingly cut this week, Rivera will be forced to again turn to Taylor Heinicke if Smith aggravates his injury. Haskins started the last two games - both losses - but was benched in favor of Heinicke in Week 16.Smith is a favorite to win Comeback Player of the Year after resuming his career following a life-threatening leg injury that required 17 surgeries. He has thrown for 1,420 yards and four touchdowns against six interceptions in seven starts and owns a 4-3 record.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald will be inactive for what could be the final game of his storied 17-year career.Fitzgerald, 37, was ruled out for Sunday's contest against the Los Angeles Rams due to a groin injury.The future Hall of Famer's role in the Cardinals' offense has diminished after the arrival of star wideout DeAndre Hopkins, who leads the team with 111 catches for 1,372 yards and six touchdowns entering Week 17.Fitzgerald has recorded career lows this season with 54 catches, 409 yards, and one score.The veteran returned to Arizona on a one-year deal worth up to $11 million this past offseason.The Cardinals must beat the Rams in order to have a chance at securing a wild-card spot.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Josh Allen's breakout season is also now a record-setting one.The Buffalo Bills quarterback broke Drew Bledsoe's single-season franchise mark for passing yards (4,359 in 2002) in the second quarter of Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins.

Cam Newton's time with the New England Patriots is likely nearing its end.Newton and the Patriots are expected to part ways this offseason, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on "Sunday NFL Countdown," according to NESN's Zack Cox.The former MVP attempted to re-establish his value with New England after signing a one-year deal worth a modest $1.75 million last offseason. However, Newton has struggled to string together consistent showings this year.The quarterback has thrown more interceptions (10) than touchdowns (5) while averaging the lowest passing yards per game of his career (172.5). But Newton has maintained his reputation as a rushing threat, tallying 12 touchdowns on the ground.Newton reflected on his down year earlier this week, stating his only regret was not having more time to learn the Patriots' system. The COVID-19 pandemic eliminated a large portion of offseason training programs.New England will miss the playoffs for the first time since 2008. The team will head into the offseason with question marks at quarterback, wide receiver, and tight end.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Find line reports, best bets, and subscribe to push notifications in the Betting News section.The final prime-time game of the season is a big one as the Washington Football Team enters the home of the defending NFC East champions with the opportunity to win its first division title since 2015.Here's how we're betting the game:Alex KolodziejUnder 43Washington is quietly trending under of late, cashing four straight contests and each of the last eight on grass.All the rotating quarterbacks under center and injuries along the rest of the offense have impacted the unit. Washington's combined for 28 points over the last two games and hasn't scored more than 23 since Nov. 26.The Eagles have gone over the total in three straight contests with Jalen Hurts under center, but I hate this matchup for him. Washington is No. 2 in DVOA defense and has a ridiculous defensive line that can slow down Hurts, who's rushed 38 total times over the last three games. Keep the clock moving, please.Philadelphia has hit 21 of the last 28 unders at home. Let's make it 22 of 29.Alex MorettoTerry McLaurin over 48.5 receiving yards (-115)Making his long-awaited return to the lineup tonight - and not a second too soon - McLaurin will be heavily involved straight from the jump.Washington's passing game will be competent for the first time in weeks with McLaurin healthy and Alex Smith back under center. The club is primed to exploit an Eagles secondary that's been victimized all season. Philadelphia has allowed 7.3 yards per pass play and a 68.67% completion percentage this year, both bottom-five marks in the NFL.Those numbers have only gotten worse in recent weeks. The Eagles have allowed Andy Dalton and Kyler Murray to combine for 783 passing yards and six touchdowns over their last two games. Michael Gallup (121), Amari Cooper (121), CeeDee Lamb (65), and DeAndre Hopkins (169) all went over the paltry total of 48.5 set for McLaurin tonight.Expect a monster night for the Washington wideout, with alternate overs looking quite enticing as well.C Jackson CowartWashington -6I played this earlier in the week when the number was shorter than 3, but I'm happy to play it here, too, especially now that it looks like Smith will suit up in a must-win spot for the NFC East leader.Even before he was a likely start, I still favored Washington, which has the No. 2 defense per DVOA and one of the best front sevens in football. Hurts has shown flashes, but he's been sacked 12 times in just over three games of action and has struggled mightily as a passer when pressured.It's an added bonus that Smith - who has led Washington to 26.8 points per game in his five starts - will likely be in action, looking for his first playoff appearance since leading the Chiefs in 2017. Sharps love Washington this week, and I do, too.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Ohio State head coach Ryan Day is not open to taking any interviews for head coaching openings in the NFL, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.The Jaguars were reportedly interested in Day's services if Doug Marrone isn't retained.Day has led the Buckeyes to the national championship game with an upset victory over ACC powerhouse Clemson on Friday.The 41-year-old has become one of the NCAA's top coaches during his Buckeyes tenure, posting a 23-1 record since taking over for Urban Meyer in 2018.Day has also won the Big Ten in back-to-back years and was named the conference's Coach of the Year in 2019.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Detroit Lions plan to pursue Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider for their own GM role, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports.Schneider is also the Seahawks' executive vice president and has served in both roles since 2010. Under his direction, Seattle has reached the postseason eight times, including two Super Bowl appearances and one championship.The 49-year-old, who's under contract for one more season, doesn't have full roster control with the Seahawks, Rapoport adds. The Lions could offer Schneider complete control, which would reportedly bypass the league's anti-tampering policy.Detroit has conducted a handful of interviews, which include three in-house candidates and outside former front-office personnel like Rick Smith, Scott Pioli, and Thomas Dimitroff. ESPN analyst Louis Riddick has reportedly also been interviewed.The Lions fired head coach Matt Patricia and GM Bob Quinn after a 4-7 start to the season. Detroit interviewed former Cincinnati Bengals sideline boss Marvin Lewis for the head coaching position Thursday, Rapoport reports.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

NFL referee Clay Martin has been admitted to an Oklahoma hospital after a bout with COVID-19, according to Barry Lewis of Tulsa World.Martin has missed three consecutive weeks of NFL action after being placed on the league's COVID-19 list.The official had been quarantining at home for roughly two weeks before the hospitalization.Martin confirmed the hospitalization in a note to a high school basketball team he coaches."I'm going to be in the hospital for a little while. Keep practicing and working hard and I will look forward to rejoining you soon," Martin said, according to Jenks Public School director of communications Rob Loeber.Martin's family also released a statement thanking friends and loved ones for well wishes."Our family is very appreciative of all of the heartwarming messages that we're receiving. Clay is receiving medical attention at St. Francis," the statement read.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Find line reports, best bets, and subscribe to push notifications in the Betting News section.There's a lot more that goes into capping player props in Week 17.With the regular season drawing to a close, there are players eyeing history, pursuing statistical milestones, and chasing contract incentives.Here's everything you need to know:MilestonesJustin JeffersonJefferson can vault his rookie campaign from remarkable to historic based on his Week 17 stat line.The wideout needs 47 yards to break Randy Moss' Vikings rookie receiving record and 111 yards to pass Anquan Boldin's rookie receiving record for most receiving yards in the Super Bowl era. Jefferson can also tie Odell Beckham's rookie record for most 100-yard receiving games since the merger if he surpasses the mark against the Lions.Over 75.5 yards and 5.5 receptions are both worth hard looks this weekend for Minnesota's first-year receiver.Russell WilsonWilson has compiled a long list of accolades in eight NFL seasons, but one he's never accomplished is throwing 40 touchdown passes. The quarterback has already set a career high with 38 this season and needs two more against the 49ers to hit the landmark.Over 1.5 passing touchdowns for Wilson is juiced heavily at -160. He's thrown 13 touchdowns in his last five games against San Francisco, including four in the meeting earlier this season.Lamar JacksonJackson would become the first quarterback in league history to rush for 1,000 yards twice with 92 rushing yards against the Bengals. He had just three rushing yards in the 27-3 win over Cincinnati earlier this season - his lowest total of the season by far and one of just two games he failed to rush for at least 45 - but managed totals of 65, 119, and 152 in his first three games against the Bengals.The 23-year-old's total is set at 61.5 for this Week 17 must-win tilt.Other notables:TEAM PLAYER NEEDS TO REACHARIKenyan Drake81 rushing yards1000CINTee Higgins92 receiving yards1000CLENick Chubb41 rushing yards1000DALEzekiel Elliott63 rushing yards1000DALCeeDee Lamb108 receiving yards1000DENMelvin Gordon107 rushing yards1000INDJonathan Taylor84 rushing yards1000LVDerek Carr286 passing yards4000LVJosh Jacobs34 rushing yards1000LARRobert Woods100 receiving yards1000MINAdam Thielen132 receiving yards1000NYGDaniel Jones286 passing yards3000TBRonald Jones100 rushing yards1000TBMike Evans40 receiving yards1000TENA.J. Brown76 receiving yards1000TENCorey Davis55 receiving yards1000TENRyan Tannehill397 passing yards4000IncentivesTom BradyMost of Brady's larger contract incentives are win-based, but there's a specific stat-based one he can secure this weekend. The veteran signal-caller can earn $562,500 if he finishes top-five in the league in passing touchdowns - he enters the weekend fourth with 36.Additionally, Brady needs four passing scores against the Falcons to become the first player aged 40 or older with 40. Brady over 2.5 passing touchdowns is currently priced at +130.Tyler LockettLockett already earned an extra 200k for going over 85 receptions on the season, but he still needs 36 more yards to reach 1,000 receiving yards, which will earn him another 200k bonus. His yardage total is set at 50.5 against the 49ers.Andy DaltonThe biggest incentive up for grabs this weekend is the one in Dalton's contract - but it's not quite individual-performance based. If the Cowboys make the playoffs and Dalton plays over 50% of the team's offensive snaps, and he has already, he unlocks a $1 million bonus.Alex Moretto is theScore's supervising editor of sports betting. A journalism graduate from Guelph-Humber University, he has worked in sports media for over a decade. He will bet on anything from the Super Bowl to amateur soccer, is too impatient for futures, and will never trust a kicker. Find him on Twitter @alexjmoretto.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Dallas Cowboys have agreed to a multi-year contract extension with offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, the team announced Saturday.With his new deal, Moore won't pursue an opportunity to become the next head coach at Boise State - his alma mater. The 32-year-old was viewed as a favorite to lead the Broncos after Auburn hired Bryan Harsin in December."We are building something special here in Dallas," Moore said in a statement. "I am thankful to the Jones family and Mike McCarthy for providing me the opportunity to coach these special players. I am excited for us to put it all together and finish the job."Dallas ranks 12th in total offense and 16th in point per game this season under its young assistant despite losing several key players to injuries.Quarterback Dak Prescott led the league in passing yards before suffering a compound fracture and dislocation in his right ankle in Week 5.Moore joined the Cowboys in 2018 as quarterbacks coach, and the club promoted him to offensive coordinator the following year. Head coach Mike McCarthy kept him on staff when the franchise hired the veteran sideline boss in 2020.McCarthy is also expected to retain his job regardless of whether Dallas qualifies for the postseason in Week 17.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Find line reports, best bets, and subscribe to push notifications in the Betting News section.Before you make your NFL bets this weekend, it's worth knowing which side other bettors are backing - especially on games drawing sharp action.We talked to Jay Rood, Bet.Works' chief risk officer and theScore Bet's head trader, to see how sharps and public bettors are playing this week's slate.Dolphins @ Bills (-3, 43), 1 p.m. ETThis is one of the only games this week in which both teams have something to play for. Fittingly, it's drawn plenty of action from bettors on both sides.Early money on this game moved the line from Bills -3 to -4. However, a run of Dolphins money brought it down to 1 at one point before settling at 3 by the end of the week. Entering the weekend, Miami had drawn roughly 60% of the money wagered - including a couple of sharp plays - even though twice as many tickets had been placed on Buffalo."The moneyline is sort of all over the place, we've got good activity both ways," Rood said. "This game’s been all over the place with speculation on who's in and out."Washington (-3.5, 44) @ Eagles, 8:20 p.m.The final game of the season is one of the most intriguing of the entire NFL schedule, and bettors are taking a strong position on Washington in a must-win spot to clinch the NFC East.This game opened as a pick 'em before a flood of money came in on Washington, which entered the weekend seeing almost exclusive money in side bets and a 3-to-1 advantage in parlay money. Once it became apparent Alex Smith would start, this line crossed the key number of 3, and it's still climbing as of Saturday."This is our most lopsided game," Rood said. "Just some opinions from a couple of large players."Cowboys (-2, 45) @ Giants, 1 p.m.This NFC East clash could be for the division depending on what happens in the Washington game. And thus far, the Giants are the ones drawing the most interest as short underdogs.The Cowboys opened as 3-point favorites but have seen the money come in against them, particularly on the moneyline. The Giants have drawn four times as much money in that market despite an even split on ticket counts, suggesting some big bettors have their eyes on a New York upset.Jets @ Patriots (-3, 40), 1 p.m.The Jets opened with 13 straight losses to start the year, but they've won two straight ahead of Sunday's meeting with the Patriots. And bettors like their chances once again.New England was giving 3.5 points at the opening and had drawn 55% of the money entering the weekend, even with the adjustment to 3 during the week. Yet Jets bettors have placed five times as many wagers and have been targeting the moneyline at +160, as well."For a game that means absolutely nothing, we have a pretty decent amount of money bet to it going both ways," Rood said.(Odds source: theScore Bet)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.

Hall of Fame running back Floyd Little died at the age of 78 on Friday, the Pro Football Hall of Fame announced.The former Denver Broncos tailback reportedly died from a rare form of cell cancer, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter."Floyd Little was a true hero of the game. He was a man of great integrity, passion, and courage," Hall of Fame president David Baker said in a statement."His contributions off the field were even greater than (the) amazing accomplishments he did on it. Floyd's smile, heart, and character epitomized what it meant to have a Hall of Fame life."Little earned All-American honors three times during his collegiate career at Syracuse. The Broncos selected him sixth overall in the 1967 AFL-NFL Draft.

The Jacksonville Jaguars are expected to part ways with head coach Doug Marrone following the team's last game of the season Sunday, reports NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.The Jaguars have shown interest in former Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer, who has been putting together a staff and has told people close to him he expects to get the Jacksonville job, Rapoport adds, citing sources.However, if Meyer decides to stay retired, the Jaguars would then turn their attention to current Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day, according to Rapoport.Day, Meyer's successor at Ohio State, led the Big 10 powerhouse to the NCAA national championship with a win over Clemson on Friday night.The 41-year-old will make his first appearance in the title game as a head coach on Jan. 11.Meyer retired after the 2018 season due to various health issues. His name has been tied to many major college openings in the time since, but Meyer has opted to stay off the sidelines. The Ohio native currently serves as a college football analyst on Fox Sports.The 56-year-old has won three national championships at the college level - two with the Florida Gators in 2006 and 2008 and one with the Buckeyes in 2014.Marrone has been the Jaguars' coach since 2016. Despite leading Jacksonville to the AFC Championship game in 2017, the team has gone 12-35 in the three seasons since. The 1-14 Jags have already clinched the worst record in the league and will own the No. 1 pick in April's draft.Should Meyer - or Day - be hired, he'll presumably have the choice of either Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence or Ohio State passer Justin Fields with the first overall selection in the draft. Fields outdueled Lawrence in a 49-28 victory in Friday night's College Football Playoff semifinal. Neither player has declared for the draft.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Arizona Cardinals will be without their second-leading receiver for a must-win matchup with the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday.Arizona placed Christian Kirk on the COVID-19 list on Saturday.Kirk has 48 receptions for 621 yards and six touchdowns this season.The Cardinals currently sit outside of the playoff picture in the NFC and need to defeat the Rams to lock up a wild-card spot.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New York Jets are expected to part ways with head coach Adam Gase following Sunday's season finale against the New England Patriots, sources tell NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.Gase will have lasted just two years with the Jets after being hired before the 2019 campaign. The sideline boss owns a 9-22 record in New York.General manager Joe Douglas will undergo a lengthy search for his club's next coach, according to Rapoport. The list of candidates the executive plans to consider includes Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bienemy, Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, Baltimore Ravens DC Don Martindale, Tennessee Titans OC Arthur Smith, and Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Brandon Staley.The Jets could also evaluate Iowa State's Matt Campbell and Michigan's Jim Harbaugh from the college ranks.Gase has been highly criticized since taking the job two years ago, ultimately failing to develop 2018's third overall pick Sam Darnold. New York ranked last in total offense in each year under its coach.The 42-year-old likely would've been fired last week if the Jets had lost, Rapoport reports, but Gang Green pulled off a second consecutive upset over the Cleveland Browns.Douglas and co. hold the second overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Philadelphia Eagles are expected to bring back head coach Doug Pederson for the 2021 campaign, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.Pederson is set to meet with owner Jeffrey Lurie on Tuesday to discuss plans for next season, which will include changes to Pederson's staff, Schefter adds. Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz is one member of the staff who will reportedly not return next year.Pederson's job security has been a hot topic during Philadelphia's disappointing 4-10-1 season. The Eagles were hampered by inconsistent quarterback play from Carson Wentz to begin the year, leading to rookie passer Jalen Hurts taking over under center.The bench boss has maintained his desire to return to Philadelphia throughout the process, pointing to injuries and inexperience throughout the roster as reasons for the lackluster campaign."I feel fully confident to be the head coach of the Eagles in 2021," Pederson said in an appearance Monday on SportsRadio 94WIP.The Eagles won a Super Bowl under Pederson to conclude the 2017 campaign and came into this season on the heels of three consecutive postseason appearances.While Philadelphia may have made a decision regarding its head coach, the club also faces concerns over the quarterback position. Hurts has played moderately well since taking over, while Wentz carries a $34.6-million cap hit and a $59.2-million dead-cap hit if cut next season, according to Spotrac.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Washington Football Team is planning to start quarterback Alex Smith on Sunday Night Football against the Philadelphia Eagles, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.Smith missed the previous two weeks due to a calf strain. The signal-caller is officially listed as questionable.The 36-year-old feels fine after practicing this week ahead of the prime-time showdown, per Rapoport. Smith will receive a final evaluation Sunday morning.Washington will clinch the NFC East and its first playoff appearance since 2015 with a win against its division foe.Dwayne Haskins started in Smith's absence. However, Washington replaced him during a Week 16 matchup against the Carolina Panthers with Taylor Heinicke and waived Haskins on Monday.Smith is a leading candidate for the NFL's Comeback Player of the Year honor. He's passed for 1,420 yards, four touchdowns, and six interceptions through seven games.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Philadelphia Eagles will need a new defensive coordinator next season.Jim Schwartz intends to take a year off from coaching, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.Schwartz has told others he will consider retirement, Pelissero adds.The 54-year-old coordinator has commanded Philadelphia's defense since 2016, including during the Eagles' 2017 Super Bowl run.Philadelphia has twice ranked in the top 10 for yardage during Schwartz's tenure, including a top-five finish in 2017. His unit sunk toward the bottom of the league this season, ranking 21st due to various injuries and poor play.Schwartz has 28 years of NFL experience after breaking into the league as a personnel scout with the Cleveland Browns in 1993.The Eagles are set for an offseason of uncertainty with salary-cap issues looming and question marks at head coach, quarterback, and defensive coordinator.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The entire New Orleans Saints running back group has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers, according to Fox Sports' Jay Glazer.Star runner Alvin Kamara tested positive for COVID-19 this week.Tailbacks Latavius Murray, Dwayne Washington, and fullback Michael Burton have all been designated as high-risk close contacts but are expected back soon, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.The Saints' running game will now rely on the legs of running back/wide receiver Ty Montgomery. He's recorded just a single carry this season.Quarterback Taysom Hill could see an increased role Sunday. Hill has rushed for 416 yards and seven touchdowns entering the final week of the regular season.New Orleans needs a win against the Panthers in Week 17 to have a chance at claiming the NFC's top playoff seed.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NFL hoped a seventh playoff spot in each conference would make for increased drama near the end of the season, and it got its wish. Only seven teams have clinched playoff berths heading into the final Sunday of the 2020 campaign. With numerous postseason spots available for the taking, here's what's at stake for every team in the mix.All times Eastern.AFC1. Kansas City Chiefs (14-1) Jamie Squire / Getty Images Sport / Gettyvs. Los Angeles Chargers, 4:25 p.m.Nothing to worry about: Thanks to their 14-1 record, the Chiefs will get to enjoy a Sunday of relaxation. Kansas City already clinched the AFC's No. 1 seed, and head coach Andy Reid is planning to rest some starters for the season finale against the Chargers. With a first-round bye locked up, it sounds like it will be two weeks before we see Patrick Mahomes back in action.2. Buffalo Bills (12-3)vs. Miami Dolphins, 1 p.m.Secure No. 2 seed: The Bills can't catch the Chiefs, but Sean McDermott's squad still has some business to take care of to hold down its current standing. Though a loss to the Dolphins in the season finale won't destroy Buffalo's chances of clinching the AFC's second seed, a victory will both accomplish that goal and complicate the playoff picture for a division rival.3. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-3)@ Cleveland Browns, 1 p.m.Overtake the Bills: The Steelers can finish no worse than third, but they're still within striking distance of the Bills. Despite the opportunity to move up, however, Pittsburgh seems content with its current position; head coach Mike Tomlin has already said that more than a few starters, including Ben Roethlisberger, will rest for the finale against the Browns.4. Tennessee Titans (10-5) Stacy Revere / Getty Images Sport / Getty@ Houston Texans, 4:25 p.m.Clinch the AFC South, or else: Only one man stands between the Titans and a division title: Deshaun Watson. Tennessee's simplest path to a playoff spot is to beat the Texans, but failure to do so could make things messy.The Titans can still win the AFC South without a win, provided the Colts also lose. Failing that, Tennessee will also clinch a playoff spot with a loss by the Ravens or Dolphins.5. Miami Dolphins (10-5)@ Buffalo Bills, 1 p.m.Win and in: The Dolphins avoided slipping out of the playoff picture thanks to some late heroics from Ryan Fitzpatrick. The club will now hand the ball back to Tua Tagovailoa and ask the rookie to beat the Bills to lock up a playoff spot. That's hardly a light task for the young signal-caller, and if Miami isn't victorious, it will need a loss by the Ravens, Browns, or Colts to clinch.6. Baltimore Ravens (10-5)@ Cincinnati Bengals, 1 p.m.Hold the fort: Once on the outside looking in, the Ravens have jumped back into the mix thanks to a four-game winning streak. Perhaps the one wild-card team no one is looking forward to playing, Baltimore can pencil in a third consecutive playoff appearance with a triumph over the Bengals.Tiebreakers over the Browns and Colts could also come in handy should the Bengals upset the Ravens; a loss for Cleveland or Indianapolis will secure a postseason trip for John Harbaugh's squad.7. Cleveland Browns (10-5) Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Gettyvs. Pittsburgh Steelers, 1 p.m.Slipping but still in control: No one said ending the league's longest playoff drought would be easy. A week after looking poised for a postseason run, the Browns are desperately hanging on following COVID-19 issues and a loss to the Jets.The good news for Cleveland is that it still has a few paths to its first playoff appearance since 2002. The simplest route is a win over the resting Steelers, who will start Mason Rudolph under center. A Colts loss to the Jaguars will also do the trick, but things will get bleak if both options fall through.The final possibility for the playoff-starved Browns is to pray for further tiebreakers and hope the Titans lose while the Ravens and Dolphins both win.Indianapolis Colts (10-5)vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, 4:25 p.m.Help needed: In the words of former Colts head coach Jim Mora, "Playoffs? Don't talk about playoffs." Indianapolis got caught looking ahead to the postseason before blowing a 17-point lead to the Steelers in Week 16, knocking the club to the edge of the playoff picture. The Colts' outlook may be troubling, but there is still a glimmer of hope - although the team will need a favor or two.Indianapolis can still take the AFC South crown by beating the Jaguars and banking on a Titans loss. If that doesn't work out, a win by the Colts plus a loss by any of the three wild-card teams ahead of them will also see Indianapolis make the postseason.For any of this to be possible, though, the Colts must right their wrongs and defeat Jacksonville, a team they lost to in the season opener.NFC1. Green Bay Packers (12-3)@ Chicago Bears, 4:25 p.m.One last push for home field: The Packers have won seven of their last eight, but their work isn't done yet. With Green Bay needing a win to clinch the NFC's No. 1 seed, don't expect the Packers to take it easy against the Bears this Sunday. Aaron Rodgers will likely be going full throttle as he aims for his second consecutive 13-3 finish.2. New Orleans Saints (11-4) Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty@ Carolina Panthers, 4:25 p.m.Reclaim No. 1 seed: The Saints will have to keep their eyes glued to their opponents and the scoreboard if they want a first-round bye. New Orleans' recipe for taking the top spot requires a win against the Panthers, a Packers loss, and a Seahawks victory. A three-way tie at 12-4 launches the Saints to first in the conference thanks to tiebreakers.It's an improbable scenario, but Saints fans will surely be proclaiming "never say never" throughout the weekend.3. Seattle Seahawks (11-4)@ San Francisco 49ers, 4:25 p.m.Leapfrog the Packers and Saints: The Seahawks already have the luxury of the No. 3 seed, but a few miracles could see the club snatch the conference's top spot. Russell Wilson must first make quick work of the 49ers, and then it all comes down to the Bears and Panthers.If Chicago can knock off Green Bay and the severely hamstrung Panthers can play spoiler against the Saints, then the Seahawks - assuming they beat San Francisco - will reign atop the NFC.4. Washington Football Team (6-9)@ Philadelphia Eagles, 8:20 p.m.A trip to the postseason or a trip home: It's do-or-die time for Washington. It may not be pretty, but this team can limp to the postseason despite owning a 6-9 record. All it needs to do is beat Jalen Hurts and the Eagles in front of the world on Sunday Night Football.While Washington has reacted well to change this season - at one point dipping to its fourth-string quarterback - there's no plan B for Ron Rivera's group come Sunday. A loss means the winner of the Giants-Cowboys matchup will be the 2020 NFC East champion.5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-5) Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images Sport / Gettyvs. Atlanta Falcons, 1 p.m.Secure a playoff game vs. NFC East: There's likely never been a better time to be the fifth seed in the NFC. If the red-hot Buccaneers can ground the Falcons, they'll be licking their chops ahead of a playoff game against an opponent with a losing record.6. Los Angeles Rams (9-6)vs. Arizona Cardinals, 4:25 p.m.Two roads remain: Los Angeles' playoff hopes could come down to a quarterback who hasn't played an NFL snap. That's not the most confidence-inducing statement, but there is another way in for the Rams.If John Wolford can't win and produce an ending that seems more appropriate for a Hollywood script than the NFL, the Rams will need the Bears to lose to Green Bay. A win by Chicago complimented by a Rams loss signals a long winter for L.A.7. Chicago Bears (8-7)vs. Green Bay Packers, 4:25 p.m.Find a way to win or risk missing out: If Mitch Trubisky can lead Chicago to the playoffs by beating the Packers on Sunday, maybe Bears fans will drop the bust label. OK, maybe not. But Trubisky has been on fire lately, and he'll have to bring his best when it matters most.The Bears are one win from clinching, a scenario that seemed like a distant dream a month ago. But dire consequences could await if the moment proves too big. If the Bears drop their season finale, they'll be counting on a severely depleted Rams offense to stun the Cardinals and get Chicago back to the postseason.Arizona Cardinals (8-7) Norm Hall / Getty Images Sport / Getty@ Los Angeles Rams, 4:25 p.m.Sneak past the Bears: Arizona opted for a difficult playoff path after squandering the last wild-card spot with an upset loss to the 49ers. Luckily, the Cardinals haven't surrendered control of their destiny. After taking the tougher road a week ago, Arizona can make things easy on itself this time around: The Cardinals need only to beat the Rams to reserve a spot to the NFL's exclusive postseason tournament.Dallas Cowboys (6-9)@ New York Giants, 1 p.m.Division title in sight: Somehow, someway, the Cowboys have a realistic chance to end the season as division champions. Despite the loss of their star quarterback and the turmoil that plagued the team to begin the year, Dallas only needs to catch a few more breaks to make the postseason.First, the Cowboys must travel to MetLife Stadium and defeat the Giants in a winner-take-all matchup. From there, Dallas fans will have to do the unspeakable and root for the Eagles to conquer Washington.New York Giants (5-10)vs. Dallas Cowboys, 1 p.m.How to book a home postseason game: It definitely isn't pretty, but a 5-10 football team has more than a fighting chance to not only make the playoffs but host a game on Wild Card Weekend.The Giants' formula for a postseason appearance is almost identical to that of the Cowboys: win their finale and then hope the Eagles can take down Washington. If all goes according to plan, a 6-10 club will have snuck its way into the postseason.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Week 17 marks the end of the 2020 regular season, and that means it may be time to bid farewell to some familiar faces. Here are a few notable players who could be taking the field for the last time Sunday.Jason Witten, TE, Las Vegas Raiders Chris Unger / Getty Images Sport / GettyWitten is no stranger to retirement, spending the 2018 season in the Monday Night Football booth before returning the following campaign. After playing with the Dallas Cowboys for the first 16 years of his career, the tight end signed with the Las Vegas Raiders for what could be his final ride.The 38-year-old's production and playing time fell off a cliff in 2020. Witten has received just 17 targets and is in jeopardy of missing triple-digit yardage totals for the first time during his career.Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Arizona CardinalsTalk of Fitzgerald's retirement seemed to be at least a few games away, but the prospect of Sunday being his final contest resurfaced when the Cardinals' playoff chances took a significant hit in Week 16.Fitzgerald has been the measuring stick of production and class since entering the NFL in 2004. The 37-year-old wideout trails only Hall of Famer Jerry Rice in receiving yards, and though the veteran may not dominate defenses as he did in years past, he showcases his savviness in other ways.Philip Rivers, QB, Indianapolis Colts Andy Lyons / Getty Images Sport / GettyThe world witnessed Eli Manning ride off into the sunset last season, and there's a chance Rivers follows in his draftmate's footsteps this year. The veteran signal-caller flirted with retirement before signing with the Colts in the offseason and deciding to give it at least one more go.Rivers ranks sixth all time in passing yards, but he's never quite achieved that level of success in the playoffs. He'll need some help, but Rivers will be fighting for another chance this Sunday to chase the elusive Lombardi trophy. A failure to make the postseason could signal the end of what has been a remarkable career.Sean Lee, LB, Dallas CowboysThe heart and soul of the Cowboys' defense for the last decade, Lee's playing days could be numbered. A two-time Pro Bowler, the linebacker has battled injuries for a good portion of his career, but his intelligence has impressed many, with head coach Mike McCarthy even courting Lee should he want to coach in the near future.With his seasons of 100-plus tackles in the rear-view mirror, Lee may be enjoying one final curtain call Sunday. The 34-year-old started his first game of the season in Week 16, and his last matchup could be a divisional clash with the New York Giants.DeSean Jackson, WR, Philadelphia Eagles Drew Hallowell / Getty Images Sport / GettyIt feels like just yesterday that Jackson took the league by storm with his electric touchdown receptions. Now, 13 years later, the receiver could be on his way out due to durability concerns.There's no doubt the 34-year-old still has the speed to command attention on the field, but the problem is that Jackson struggles to stay on said field. The veteran has played in just eight games since returning to the Eagles two years ago. Jackson, who will now spend Sunday on the sideline after being ruled out, could possibly hang up his cleats for good after the season.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Brandin Cooks hopes he's been traded for the last time.The speedy receiver has been dealt three times in the last four years, and he'd like to put a halt to any further moves."As far as a team thinking they could trade me for draft capital, I would caution them to think twice, because quite frankly, I'm not going to accept any more trades," the Houston Texans wideout said Friday, according to ESPN's Sarah Barshop. "And so, for me, if you want me off your team, you've just got to let me walk and choose my destination."Cooks was traded by the New Orleans Saints to the New England Patriots in 2017 for a package that included a first-round pick. After one season, the Pats flipped him to the Los Angeles Rams in another deal involving a first-round draft choice.After signing a five-year extension with the Rams in 2018, he was shipped to the Texans this past April for a second-round pick.Houston is 4-11 with one regular-season game left. The Texans also don't own a first-round pick in the next draft. They would have to ship out talent, such as Cooks, to acquire an opening-round selection, but the 27-year-old is trying to get ahead of such talk."For me, (Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson) is a special player, and I would love to continue to grow with him," Cooks said."When it comes to playing here and playing with Deshaun, I would love to continue that growth. But that's out of my hands."Cooks' contract doesn't have a no-trade clause in it, so he wouldn't be able to nix a deal. He's making it clear, though, he's not a fan of the tag that has followed him in his seven-year career.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be without two of their best defensive players for Week 17.Linebackers Devin White and Shaquil Barrett were placed on the Buccaneers' COVID-19 list, the club announced Friday.White has tested positive for COVID-19, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports. Such a result would force the Buccaneers' leading tackler to isolate for 10 days, putting his status for Tampa Bay's wild-card game in doubt.Barrett is a close contact of someone who tested positive, and he could return in time for the playoffs, according to Pelissero.White ranks second on the team with nine sacks and has a team-leading 140 tackles. Barrett is third on the club with eight sacks and has 40 quarterback pressures on the year.In a corresponding move, Tampa Bay claimed linebacker Jack Cichy, who has a chance to play on Sunday, according to ESPN's Mike Reiss.Cornerback Carlton Davis will be a game-time decision due to a groin injury.The Bucs have already secured a wild-card playoff spot but can lock up the No. 5 seed - and a date with the NFC East winner - with a win over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New Orleans Saints placed star running back Alvin Kamara on their COVID-19 list, the club announced Friday.Kamara tested positive for COVID-19 twice, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.As a result, the Pro Bowler will miss a Week 17 matchup with the Carolina Panthers, and his status for the playoffs is in question.Kamara's initial positive test came back on Thursday, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Due to the mandated 10-day isolation period, the earliest he could return is Sunday, Jan. 10. Kamara's availability for the first round of the playoffs depends on if the Saints need to play on Wild Card Weekend, and whether they're given a Saturday or Sunday playoff date.The Saints are vying for the conference's No. 1 seed. However, if they lose Sunday or the Green Bay Packers defeat the Chicago Bears, New Orleans would have to play a wild-card game.Kamara is coming off a monster performance in Week 16. He scored six rushing touchdowns to tie an NFL record. He finishes the regular season with 932 rushing yards, 756 receiving yards, and 21 total scores.Latavius Murray figures to slide into the starting lineup in Kamara's absence.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

BYU quarterback Zach Wilson announced Friday he'll forgo his remaining college eligibility and declare for the 2021 NFL Draft.Wilson is projected as a first-round pick next April and is in the running to be the second quarterback off the board following Clemson standout Trevor Lawrence."To the greatest fans in the world, thank you for the best three years of my life," Wilson said in a statement. "On our own home turf, or on the road, there was no question that the Blue Wave would be fierce. BYU is a special place. I'm forever blue."Wilson, 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds, is a talented dual-threat passer who can make difficult throws look easy.The junior enjoyed an excellent final season with the Cougars, completing 73.4% of his passes for 3,699 yards, 33 touchdowns, and three interceptions across 12 games. He was named the Boca Raton Bowl's offensive MVP on Dec. 22 with a dominant outing versus UCF.Wilson will likely battle Ohio State's Justin Fields and North Dakota State's Trey Lance to be the second quarterback selected in the 2021 draft.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Find line reports, best bets, and subscribe to push notifications in the Betting News section.We continued our late-season surge with another 2-1 week, bringing our record on the year to 22-16-1 against the spread (+4.4 units) with an 11-4 ATS record over the last five weeks. But this week is a completely different animal.Here are our best bets for Week 17.Dolphins @ Bills (-3, 43), 1 p.m. ETThis is the one game of the week that I think oddsmakers just plainly got wrong, and I'm buying up all the Dolphins stock I can ahead of Sunday.Bills head coach Sean McDermott hasn't committed to playing his starters, and he's hinted that a decision hasn't been made one way or the other. Why play coy if the plan is to roll out your top guys for 60 minutes? Buffalo would benefit from a win Sunday, but only if the Steelers also win. That looks unlikely with Pittsburgh set to rest its own starters against the Browns (-10).If - or when - the Bills sit Josh Allen and Co., Miami is clearly talented enough to take advantage in a must-win spot to secure its place in the playoffs.Pick: Dolphins +3Packers (-4.5, 51.5) @ Bears, 4:25 p.m.This game carries serious playoff implications for both sides, so each club is likely to bring a full effort Sunday - which has me loving the value for the Packers.Green Bay clobbered the Bears in Week 12 in a game that was far more lopsided than the 16-point margin would suggest. Now, with a chance to clinch the No. 1 seed and potentially his third MVP trophy, Aaron Rodgers is a short favorite versus a team he's gone 18-7 ATS against in his career.Mitchell Trubisky has played well for Chicago since returning to the starting role, but I simply don't trust him against this Packers defense. Green Bay has totaled 19 sacks during a five-game winning streak - including three in the aforementioned victory against the Bears - and held all five of its opponents over that stretch to under 250 passing yards.Pick: Packers -4.5Washington (-2.5, 43) @ Eagles, 8:20 p.m.Sharps are all over Washington this week, betting the line from a pick 'em to 2.5 over the course of the week. If you grabbed the road team early, congratulations, but there's still value even at this number.To many, the value on this game hinges on the status of Alex Smith, who has missed practice throughout the week and ceded first-team snaps to backup Taylor Heinicke. Smith would be a jolt for Washington, which has averaged 26.8 points in his five starts. But even if he doesn't play, the team still features the second-ranked defense in DVOA and will give Jalen Hurts fits in his third NFL start.The Eagles' rookie passer has shown flashes in his first few outings, but he's struggled mightily under pressure and has already been sacked 12 times in just over three games of action. Expect him to have his hands full in a contest Washington needs to win.Pick: Washington -2.5(Odds source: theScore Bet)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.

The Cleveland Browns are reopening their facility and returning to practice Friday after recording zero positive results in their latest round of COVID-19 testing, the team announced.Cornerback Denzel Ward, tight end Harrison Bryant, and linebacker Malcolm Smith were reportedly the latest Cleveland players to test positive for the coronavirus Thursday. Safeties Karl Joseph and Andrew Sendejo, linebacker B.J. Goodson, and practice-squad center Javon Patterson are also on the reserve/COVID-19 list.The AFC North club has been dealing with a COVID-19 outbreak since Dec. 26. The Browns' top four receivers all missed the team's Week 16 upset loss to the New York Jets after they were deemed high-risk close contacts of an infected player.Cleveland moved all four receivers - Jarvis Landry, Rashard Higgins, Donovan Peoples-Jones, and KhaDarel Hodge - off the reserve list Thursday. The team also activated linebacker Jacob Phillips.The Browns must beat the Pittsburgh Steelers in Sunday's crucial regular-season finale to secure their first playoff spot since 2002.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

If the Philadelphia Eagles are to play spoiler in Week 17, they'll have to do it with a significantly shorthanded roster.Running back Miles Sanders (knee), defensive tackle Fletcher Cox (neck), wide receiver DeSean Jackson (ankle), and tight end Dallas Goedert (calf) are among nine Eagles players who won't play in Sunday night's game against the Washington Football Team.Defensive end Derek Barnett (calf), offensive tackle Jordan Mailata (concussion), tight end Richard Rodgers (ankle), and linebackers Shaun Bradley (neck) and Duke Riley (biceps) were also ruled out Friday.Washington can secure the NFC East with a win in the final game of the regular season. Philadelphia was eliminated from playoff contention after losing to the Dallas Cowboys in Week 16.If the Eagles beat Washington in Week 17, the winner of the earlier game between Dallas and the New York Giants will earn a postseason berth.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Myles Garrett will lead the Cleveland Browns' effort to secure a playoff spot against the Pittsburgh Steelers.Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski announced Friday that the star pass-rusher will be the game captain for the crucial AFC North showdown, according to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com."I don't normally announce captains, but I'm going to have Myles Garrett be the captain this weekend and I don't want that to be misconstrued," Stefanski said, per Cabot. "It's a big game, so I'm sending the big guy out there, but it is in no way a call back to anything previously, so I just want to make sure that that's clear."Cleveland can secure its first postseason appearance since 2002 by beating its bitter rivals. The Steelers have already won the division and will be resting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger for the matchup.The decision to sit Roethlisberger means Mason Rudolph will face the Browns for the first time since his infamous clash with Garrett in 2019. The defensive end was suspended last year for swinging Rudolph's helmet at the signal-caller late in Cleveland's Week 11 victory over Pittsburgh.Garrett previously said he intended to speak to Rudolph to clear up any ill will. But the Steelers backup said Friday that the two players haven't spoken."He has not reached out to me in any capacity, but I have a lot of respect for Myles," said Rudolph, according to Kimberly A. Martin of ESPN. "Outside of that, this game's too big to worry about anything external that happened years ago."Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Green Bay Packers are headed to the playoffs without their best offensive lineman.Pro Bowl left tackle David Bakhtiari suffered a torn ACL during practice Thursday, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur confirmed Friday, according to Stacey Dales of NFL Network.LeFleur added it was a non-contact injury.Bakhtiari, who's been a Pro Bowl selection three times, is one of football's most reliable left tackles. The 29-year-old has started 118 games since entering the NFL in 2013 and has allowed just one sack and nine pressures while committing four penalties through 12 starts this campaign.The former fourth-round pick has earned four All-Pro nods, including a first-team berth in 2018. Bakhtiari inked a four-year, $92-million extension in November to become the highest-paid offensive lineman in the league.Overall, the Packers have allowed only 20 sacks through 16 games this year, the second-best mark in the NFL.Bakhtiari missed three games earlier this season (against the Houston Texans, Minnesota Vikings, and San Francisco 49ers) due to a chest injury, and quarterback Aaron Rodgers was sacked twice in those games. Billy Turner replaced Bakhtiari at left tackle while Rick Wagner played right tackle in those games.

Cam Newton doesn't think he had enough time to learn the New England Patriots' system in the offseason."My only regret was I wish I had more time to dissect what I was actually getting in to," the quarterback said Thursday, according to Mike Reiss of ESPN."I've been in this league long enough to kind of always downplay, like, 'Man, we don't need preseason. We don't need OTAs. We're ready to go.' Yeah, maybe if I was still in the system I came from," he added. "But learning this system, you just need more time, you need more real reps to kind of go through because there's only but so much you can kind of make up."Newton has completed 65.4% of his pass attempts for 2,415 yards and five touchdowns against 10 interceptions through 14 games this season. However, the 2015 MVP has done a solid job on the ground, racking up 513 yards and a team all-time quarterback high 12 touchdowns.But that rushing success hasn't translated to wins. The Patriots are 6-9 this season, and they'll miss the playoffs for the first time since 2008."You could put the eyelashes on. You could do your eyebrows. You could put your lipstick on. The mascara and the lip liner. But sooner or later, it's going to rain and the real true you will show," Newton continued. "And unfortunately it showed - not necessarily in ways that I wanted to."The 31-year-old signed a one-year deal with New England in June after the Carolina Panthers released him in March.The 2011 first overall pick completed 59.6% of his pass attempts while amassing 3,717 yards and 23 touchdowns against 14 interceptions per 16 games played throughout his nine seasons with the Panthers.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Sam Darnold hasn't flourished in the NFL yet after nearly three seasons, but the New York Jets quarterback remains optimistic that his best football is in front of him."I absolutely believe my best days are ahead," Darnold said Thursday, according to Rich Cimini of ESPN.Darnold hasn't produced a breakout campaign since entering the league as the third overall pick in 2018.His struggles are generating rumors regarding Darnold's future with the Jets, who can pick up the fifth-year option on the signal-caller's rookie deal this offseason. He's slated to become a free agent after the 2021 campaign.New York also could target the quarterback position with the second overall pick in the 2021 draft."I'm a Jet now," Darnold added. "I know we all like to think of hypotheticals and what-ifs, but I'm a Jet right now. I love being here. I love the guys in the locker room. I love going to work every single day here."Darnold has completed 58.8% of his pass attempts for 1,942 yards and eight touchdowns against nine interceptions through 11 games this season while posting a 2-11 record.The 23-year-old is averaging 3,386 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions with a completion percentage of 59.6 per 16 games played throughout his career.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Cleveland Browns are set to welcome back multiple players from the COVID-19 list.Wide receivers Jarvis Landry, Rashard Higgins, Donavan Peoples-Jones, KhaDarel Hodge, and linebacker Jacob Phillips were activated off the reserve group Thursday, the team announced.All four players missed the Browns' upset loss to the New York Jets in Week 16 but are now set to appear in a crucial season finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers.However, Cleveland won't have cornerback Denzel Ward for the win-and-in game Sunday, according to Jake Trotter of ESPN. The team placed Ward and linebacker Malcolm Smith on the reserve/COVID-19 list Thursday.Smith and tight end Harrison Bryant tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday, forcing the Browns to close their facility for the second straight day, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.Cleveland needs to defeat the Steelers in order to clinch a playoff appearance but the team risks missing out with a loss. COVID-19 issues have also made preparations for the contest much more complicated.Safeties Karl Joseph and Andrew Sendejo were also placed on the COVID-19 list Tuesday, putting their status in jeopardy for Week 17 as well.The Browns are looking to make the postseason for the first time since 2002 and end the longest active playoff drought in the NFL.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Find line reports, best bets, and subscribe to push notifications in the Betting News section.Each week, we highlight the best NFL betting trends and angles to consider as you prepare for the weekend's action. Here are some notable trends ahead of Week 17.Dolphins at Bills (-3, 43), 1 p.m. ETBoth teams are trends darlings entering this week - the Dolphins are an NFL-best 11-4 against the spread this year with a 6-2 ATS record as underdogs, while the Bills have covered seven straight and are 7-4 ATS as favorites. Buffalo has gone 5-2 ATS in its last seven vs. Miami but is an NFL-worst 6-16-2 ATS in its last 24 games in Week 17.Trend play: Bills -3Cowboys (-2.5, 45) at Giants, 1 p.m.Both of these teams enter Sunday with a chance to win the NFC East, but the trends love this spot for only one of them. The Giants are 8-5 ATS this year as underdogs, while the Cowboys are 1-5 ATS as favorites this season and 2-5 ATS on the road.Trend play: Giants +2.5Packers (-5.5, 51.5) at Bears, 4:25 p.m.The Bears need to win this game to secure a spot in the playoffs, but they face a tough test against the Packers, who have gone 19-7 ATS versus their NFC North rivals since Aaron Rodgers became the full-time starter in 2008. Green Bay is also 38-22-1 ATS over that stretch when favored in a divisional game.Trend play: Packers -5.5Jaguars at Colts (-14, 49.5), 4:25 p.m.Only five teams have given as many points as the Colts are laying on Sunday, boding well for their chances of covering against the Jaguars. Those five teams went 3-1-1 ATS this year, while squads giving at least two touchdowns are 30-14-1 ATS since 2015.Trend play: Colts -14(Odds source: theScore Bet)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.

Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick has tested positive for COVID-19 and will not be available for Sunday's crucial game against the Buffalo Bills, sources told NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.Tua Tagovailoa is not at risk of missing Miami's season finale after the NFL's contact tracing confirmed no other Dolphins players are high-risk close contacts, Pelissero adds.Fitzpatrick led the Dolphins to victory in Week 16 after entering in relief of Tagovailoa. Head coach Brian Flores later said Tagovailoa would remain the starter, with Fitzpatrick only coming in if needed. With the veteran passer unavailable, Jake Rudock is expected to be the top backup.Miami's game against the Bills carries heavy playoff implications: The Dolphins face a win-and-in scenario in their contest against the newly crowned AFC East champions.The Dolphins can also clinch a playoff berth with a loss by the Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, or Indianapolis Colts.Fitzpatrick opened the season as Miami's starter, and his play - both as a starter and in relief - has been instrumental to the Dolphins' success this year.The 38-year-old passer has compiled a 4-3 record in 2020, while Tagovailoa is 6-2 in his rookie year.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

J.C. Tretter, the president of the NFLPA, believes offseason changes brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic prove there is no need for OTAs or minicamp to continue any further."Another change that COVID-19 dictated was the elimination of offseason practices. After experiencing that change, there is no reason for us to ever return to the previous offseason program," Tretter said in a statement.The NFL was forced to cancel its in-person offseason program due to the virus and go virtual instead. Tretter, who plays for the Cleveland Browns, says fears over the on-field product being negatively affected should be discredited by the results of the 2020 season."The argument in favor of these offseason practices is based on the assumption that players need reps during OTAs to develop and learn while teams need the practices to gel. Yet, the lack of OTAs this year demonstrated that those theories aren’t substantiated. New and first-year head coaches had success. Newly assembled teams had success. Rookies stepped in and played at a high level all across the league," Tretter noted."We do not need to be brought in during April-June to practice against each other - it's simply unnecessary."Player safety has been a hot topic for Tretter during his first year as president. Tretter vows to continue pushing for safety while also maintaining the quality of play on the field."The COVID CBA forced significant changes, and it has shown us another way players and teams can successfully prepare for and play in the NFL," Tretter added.Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Baltimore Ravens and cornerback Jimmy Smith have agreed to a one-year contract extension, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports, citing Smith's agent.Smith's deal is worth up to $5 million.The Colorado product tested free agency last offseason before returning to the Ravens on a one-year deal for the 2020 campaign.Smith has accumulated 27 tackles, two tackles for loss, and a pass deflection through 11 games this season.The 32-year-old was the Ravens' first-round selection in the 2011 NFL Draft. Smith has spent 10 seasons with the club.Baltimore continues to invest in its secondary by keeping Smith around for another year. The team also inked cornerback Marlon Humphrey to a five-year contract extension in October.The Ravens face the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday and can clinch a playoff berth with a win.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It's been a crazy year on and off the field, to put it lightly. As we flip the page on 2020, we reflect on the most memorable NFL stories from the last 12 months.10-6 | 5-110. Chargers doc punctures Taylor's lungIt was a little strange when Tyrod Taylor was nowhere to be found before kickoff against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 2, but it wasn't anything you would call suspicious. The Los Angeles Chargers said postgame that Taylor had been taken to hospital with breathing difficulties and later listed him week-to-week with a chest injury.Little did we know at the time, Taylor's breathing issues stemmed from a pregame injection from a Chargers doctor who inadvertently punctured the quarterback's lung. The doctor meant to administer a painkiller that would help Taylor play through cracked ribs. Harry How / Getty Images Sport / GettyIn his absence, rookie Justin Herbert pushed the defending champion Chiefs to overtime, throwing for 311 yards and scoring two touchdowns in a surprise debut. By the time Taylor returned, Herbert had seized the starting job for good.Hebert, who was the third quarterback taken in the 2020 draft, went on to break the NFL rookie record for touchdown passes, making him a top contender for the Offensive Rookie of the Year award. Taylor, meanwhile, didn't attempt another pass the rest of the year.9. Every Night FootballThe NFL's media package includes weekly games on Sunday, Monday, and Thursday, along with a few Saturday contests toward the end of the year. But if you were ever in the mood for some action on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Friday, 2020 was the season for you.The schedule oddities commenced in October when a COVID-19 outbreak within the Tennessee Titans prompted the NFL to postpone its Week 5 contest versus the Buffalo Bills to the following Tuesday. The league hadn't staged a Tuesday affair since 2010 when a blizzard delayed the Minnesota Vikings and Philadelphia Eagles for a couple days. Frederick Breedon / Getty Images Sport / GettyIn December, the Baltimore Ravens faced the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first Wednesday game since 1948 because of their own COVID-19 spread. Later, the New Orleans Saints and Minnesota Vikings squared off on Christmas Day, which fell on a Friday. With that, the NFL hosted a game on every day of the week for the first time ever.8. Jets lose out on 2021 No. 1 pickFor a while, it looked like the New York Jets were doing everything in their power to get the No. 1 pick in 2021. Gang Green traded their best player, Jamal Adams, before the season, released former All-Pro running back Le'Veon Bell in October, and fought off calls to fire beleaguered head coach Adam Gase as losses piled up.By the time Week 15 rolled around, the winless Jets were clear favorites to land the top selection. Presumably, they had plans to draft Trevor Lawrence, the most heralded quarterback prospect since Andrew Luck. The Jets, after all, have seemingly been on the hunt for a franchise quarterback since the Ice Age. Michael Reaves / Getty Images Sport / GettySo nobody expected the Jets to put up much of a fight when they visited the Los Angeles Rams on Dec. 20. The Rams were 9-4, boasted one of the league's top defenses, and had won four of their last five. But the Jets, who two weeks earlier lost on a last-second deep ball to the Las Vegas Raiders, raced out to a 20-3 lead, then hung on for an unfathomable 23-20 win as 17-point underdogs.The Jets celebrated like they were going to the Super Bowl, but many of their fans were too distraught about potentially losing Lawrence to join in on the fun. New York pulled off another upset the next week, ensuring the Jacksonville Jaguars would get the No. 1 pick and making the pain of the Jets' 0-13 start feel all for naught.7. Dak plays on franchise tagQuarterbacks are paid at a premium, so it's rare for someone as established as Dak Prescott not to get the contract he wants. It's even rarer that the Dallas Cowboys - often criticized for being too lenient in negotiations with their stars - refuse to cave to their most valuable player.But for a second straight offseason, Prescott and the Cowboys failed to strike a long-term agreement. Immediately, speculation swelled that the Cowboys weren't sold on Prescott or that Prescott simply didn't want to play in Dallas. It didn't help that Prescott's brother hinted at a future change in scenery once the deadline passed for franchise-tagged players to ink multi-year deals.