The Pittsburgh Steelers are in disarray.The last undefeated NFL team this season has suddenly lost its third consecutive game, this time at the hands of the Cincinnati Bengals.The Bengals scored just their third win of the season with a 27-17 wire-to-wire victory on Monday Night Football.More to come.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Find positional rankings, additional analysis, and subscribe to push notifications in the NFL Fantasy News section.Every Monday during the season, theScore's Justin Boone runs down the recommended waiver wire pickups.Rostered percentages are based on Yahoo leagues. Free Agent Budget (FAB) amounts are set off a $100 salary cap. Only players rostered in less than 60% of leagues are considered.Quarterbacks Christian Petersen / Getty Images Sport / GettyJalen Hurts, EaglesNext UpRosteredFABat DAL39%$100It's rare that a player gets to be the featured image on our waiver wire article two weeks in a row. However, after being our top recommended add prior to Week 15, Hurts exceeded all expectations against the Cardinals with 338 passing yards and three scores through the air, adding another 63 yards and a touchdown on the ground.Now he gets his easiest matchup yet in a date with a Cowboys defense that ranks among the top 10 in fantasy points allowed to quarterbacks.Not only is Hurts locked in as a QB1 for managers fortunate enough to have him on their roster, but there's also a chance he could be the catalyst behind your fantasy title in 2020.Mitch Trubisky, BearsNext UpRosteredFABat JAX12%$24Trubisky has shown an ability to take advantage of weaker matchups since retaking the starting role in Chicago.It doesn't get much easier than a Jaguars defense giving up the third-most fantasy points to opposing passers, including multiple touchdowns to eight straight QBs.Though Trubisky will always be a risky fantasy option, he's firmly on the streaming radar for championship week.Streamer options: Baker Mayfield at NYJ (47% rostered), Matthew Stafford vs. TB (54% rostered), Tua Tagovailoa at LV (21% rostered), Drew Lock at LAC (1% rostered), Marcus Mariota vs. MIA (1% rostered), Andy Dalton vs. PHI (13% rostered)Running backs Chris Unger / Getty Images Sport / GettyLe'Veon Bell, ChiefsNext UpRosteredFABvs. ATL54%$100With Clyde Edwards-Helaire sidelined for at least the rest of the regular season due to ankle and hip injuries, Bell will be thrust into a starring role down the stretch in one of the league's best offenses.Bell delivered 76 yards from scrimmage and a score on 16 carries Sunday and should continue to operate with a positive game script in Week 16's meeting with the Falcons. While Atlanta's defense has been better overall at slowing down running backs, the unit has begun to diminish in recent weeks with quality performances from Alvin Kamara (97 total yards, TD), Austin Ekeler (146 total yards), and Leonard Fournette (65 total yards, 2 TDs).As the new starter in Kansas City, Bell will be an RB2 option in the most important week of the fantasy season. Just remember, Darrel Williams will remain involved - especially as a pass-catcher - limiting Bell's ceiling.Tony Pollard, CowboysNext UpRosteredFABvs. PHI46%$100Pollard was one of the brightest stars on the Week 15 slate after Ezekiel Elliott was a late scratch due to a calf injury.In his absence, the sophomore runner amassed 69 rushing yards, 63 receiving yards, and a pair of touchdowns to help the Cowboys (and his fantasy managers) to victory.The only problem is Elliott's availability. Pollard would be a borderline RB1 and the top add in this section if Zeke were ruled out for a second time. However, we won't know his status until later in the week.For now, Pollard needs to be rostered in all leagues just in case he has the backfield again.Darrell Henderson is around the 60% rostered mark and should be rostered in all leagues.Flex options: Jeff Wilson Jr. at ARI (56% rostered), Salvon Ahmed at LV (34% rostered), Devine Ozigbo vs. CHI (0% rostered), Gus Edwards vs. NYG (44% rostered), Sony Michel vs. BUF (19% rostered), Peyton Barber vs. CAR (7% rostered), Giovani Bernard at HOU (52% rostered), Lynn Bowden at LV (27% rostered)Risky flex options: Zack Moss at NE (51% rostered), Carlos Hyde vs. LAR (25% rostered), James White vs. BUF (53% rostered), Kalen Ballage vs. DEN (17% rostered), Phillip Lindsay at LAC (43% rostered), Matt Breida at LV (17% rostered)Wide receivers Rey Del Rio / Getty Images Sport / GettyEmmanuel Sanders, SaintsNext UpRosteredFABvs. MIN56%$100With Michael Thomas on injured reserve and Tre'Quan Smith dealing with an ankle issue, Sanders is the clear top option in the Saints' passing attack.Following a couple of quiet outings in the first two weeks of the season as the duo built chemistry, here are Sanders' stat lines over the last five full games with Drew Brees under center:

Los Angeles Rams running back Cam Akers will miss at least one game with a high ankle sprain, head coach Sean McVay said on Monday, according to Lindsey Thiry of ESPN.Akers picked up the injury in Sunday's stunning loss to the previously winless New York Jets.The rookie had come on of late and is currently the Rams' leading rusher. He has 591 yards and two rushing scores on the season. He exploded for 171 yards in a win over the New England Patriots in Week 14 and had 63 yards rushing against the Jets on Sunday. He had a late touchdown run called back by a holding penalty.Fellow backs Darrell Henderson Jr. and Malcolm Brown will be counted on to pick up the slack in Akers' absence.The Rams will take on the Seahawks on Sunday.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Seattle Seahawks added Josh Gordon to the active roster Monday, making the receiver eligible to play in Week 16, the team announced MondayGordon's participation in Week 16 will be determined by how he looks in practice."We're planning the week like he has a chance to contribute, so we'll see. We'll hold out a good hope and thought and see where it fits," head coach Pete Carroll said.The NFL conditionally reinstated Gordon from his suspension on Dec. 3 and deemed him eligible for the final two games of the season.Gordon had been serving an indefinite ban for violating the league's policy on substance abuse and performance-enhancing drugs.The 29-year-old has enjoyed productive stretches when on the field but has found difficulties off it, missing two full seasons and portions of other ones due to suspensions.Gordon's addition gives the Seahawks a trio of dynamic receivers for Russell Wilson to target. Seattle's offense also features pass-catchers D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett.Carroll also mentioned tight end Greg Olsen will likely return from injury Sunday barring a setback, according to Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times.The Seahawks already clinched a playoff berth and sit atop the NFC West with a 10-4 record. But the club has an important matchup with the Los Angeles Rams coming up this Sunday.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Patrick Mahomes and Aaron Rodgers headline the 2021 Pro Bowl rosters unveiled Monday by the NFL.The Kansas City Chiefs, Seattle Seahawks, Baltimore Ravens, and Green Bay Packers lead the league with seven players selected each.The New York Jets, Jacksonville Jaguars, Cincinnati Bengals, Dallas Cowboys, and Carolina Panthers failed to have a Pro Bowl selection.The Pro Bowl will be virtual this season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, the NFL and EA Sports partnered to create a virtual Pro Bowl experience in Madden 21.* denotes starterAFC - OffensePositionPlayerTeamQBPatrick Mahomes*ChiefsQBJosh AllenBillsQBDeshaun WatsonTexansRBDerrick Henry*TitansRBNick ChubbBrownsRBJosh JacobsRaidersFBPatrick Ricard*RavensWRTyreek Hill*ChiefsWRStefon Diggs*BillsWRKeenan AllenChargersWRA.J. BrownTitansTETravis Kelce*ChiefsTEDarren WallerRaidersOTLaremy Tunsil*TexansOTEric Fisher*ChiefsOTOrlando BrownRavensGQuenton Nelson*ColtsGJoel Bitonio*BrownsGDavid DeCastroSteelersCMaurkice Pouncey*SteelersCRyan KellyColtsNFC - OffensePositionPlayerTeamQBAaron Rodgers*PackersQBRussell WilsonSeahawksQBKyler MurrayCardinalsRBDalvin Cook*VikingsRBAlvin KamaraSaintsRBAaron JonesPackersFBKyle Juszczyk*49ersWRDavante Adams*PackersWRDeAndre Hopkins*CardinalsWRDK MetcalfSeahawksWRJustin JeffersonVikingsTET.J. Hockenson*LionsTEEvan EngramGiantsOTDavid Bakhtiari*PackersOTTrent Williams*49ersOTTerron ArmsteadSaintsGBrandon Scherff*WashingtonGElgton Jenkins*PackersGAndrus PeatSaintsCJason Kelce*EaglesCFrank RagnowLionsAFC - DefensePositionPlayerTeamDEMyles Garrett*BrownsDEJoey Bosa*ChargersDEFrank ClarkChiefsDLChris Jones*ChiefsDLCameron Heyward*SteelersDLCalais CampbellRavensOLBT.J. Watt*SteelersOLBBradley Chubb*BroncosOLBMatt JudonRavensILBDarius Leonard*ColtsILBTremaine EdmundsBillsCBXavien Howard*DolphinsCBTre'Davious White*BillsCBMarlon HumphreyRavensCBStephon GilmorePatriotsFSMinkah Fitzpatrick*SteelersFSJustin SimmonsBroncosSSTyrann Mathieu*ChiefsNFC - DefensePositionPlayerTeamDECameron Jordan*SaintsDEBrandon Graham*EaglesDEChase YoungWashingtonDLAaron Donald*RamsDLFletcher Cox*EaglesDLGrady JarrettFalconsOLBKhalil Mack*BearsOLBZa'Darius Smith*PackersOLBJason Pierre-PaulBuccaneersILBBobby Wagner*SeahawksILBFred Warner49ersCBJalen Ramsey*RamsCBJaire Alexander*PackersCBMarshon LattimoreSaintsCBJames BradberryGiantsFSQuandre Diggs*SeahawksSSBudda Baker*CardinalsSSJamal AdamsSeahawksAFC - Special TeamsPositionPlayerTeamPJake Bailey*PatriotsKJustin Tucker*RavensKRAndre Roberts*BillsSTMatthew Slater*PatriotsLSMorgan Cox*RavensNFC - Special TeamsPositionPlayerTeamPJack Fox*LionsKYounghoe Koo*FalconsKRCordarrelle Patterson*BearsSTNick Bellore*SeahawksLSTyler Ott*SeahawksCopyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Prolific pass-rusher Kevin Greene died at the age of 58 on Monday, the Pro Football Hall of Fame announced.Greene was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2016. He remains third all time in sacks with 160 following a 15-year playing career."I regarded him as a personal friend and a true Hall of Famer in every sense. He possessed the most incredible can-do attitude of anyone I ever met," Hall of Fame president David Baker said in a statement.Greene played college football at Auburn and was selected in the fifth round of the 1985 draft by the Los Angeles Rams. Greene ascended into the upper echelon of defensive players during his tenure with the Rams, recording 72.5 sacks over eight years.He signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1993, becoming a force on their vaunted defense throughout the 1990s. Greene played only three seasons in Pittsburgh but was a dominant figure, making two Pro Bowls and appearing in one Super Bowl.

The Houston Texans interviewed Jim Caldwell for their head coaching vacancy on Monday.Caldwell previously served as coach of the Indianapolis Colts from 2009-11 and the Detroit Lions from 2014-17. He owns a career record of 62-50.Caldwell also served as an assistant head coach with the Colts under Tony Dungy from 2002-08 before his promotion to the head job.The 65-year-old's last job in the NFL was with the Miami Dolphins in 2019 as an assistant head coach and quarterbacks coach.The Texans fired Bill O'Brien after an 0-4 start to the season. Assistant Romeo Crennel has taken over in the interim.Houston is also conducting a search for a new general manager.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Find positional rankings, additional analysis, and subscribe to push notifications in the NFL Fantasy News section.Welcome to theScore Fantasy Football Podcast, hosted by Justin Boone.Find the show on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, and Anchor.In this episode, Boone recaps all the notable injuries from Sunday's Week 15 action and looks ahead to the top options available on the waiver wire.

Atlanta Falcons interim head coach Raheem Morris said Monday that Todd Gurley's role has changed, according to team reporter Kelsey Conway.Morris said Ito Smith is now Atlanta's lead rusher, and Gurley will be utilized as a complementary back.The coach said "Ito's performance" was the primary reason for the change, and Gurley's lingering knee issues didn't necessarily affect the decision, per The Athletic's Tori McElhaney.The three-time Pro Bowler signed a one-year, $5.5 million contract with the Falcons this offseason after being released by the Los Angeles Rams. He's scored nine touchdowns this season but is averaging just 3.5 yards per carry.Gurley was one of the NFL's top running backs, earning First-Team All-Pro honors in 2017 and 2018. The Rams inked Gurley to a four-year, $60 million contract extension with $45 million guaranteed in 2018, but he's battled injuries and arthritis in his left knee since.The 26-year-old saw his role diminish in recent weeks, playing 19 snaps (33%) in Atlanta's Week 14 loss and 16 snaps (24.5%) this past Sunday. Meanwhile, Smith's playing time has increased each game since Week 9.The 4-10 Falcons own the No. 27 ranked rushing attack, averaging just under 94 yards per game.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New England Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore suffered a partially torn quad and will undergo surgery on Tuesday, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.Gilmore avoided what was initially believed to be a serious knee injury in Sunday's contest against the Miami Dolphins. He's expected to fully recover before the start of next season, Rapoport adds.The reigning Defensive Player of the Year went down in the second quarter, grabbing the back of his right leg. Multiple staff members had to help him off the field.Gilmore previously missed three games this season due to a knee injury.The South Carolina product has provided solid coverage on the perimeter when healthy this season. He's credited with allowing 17 completions on 33 targets for a 52% completion rate, according to Mark Daniels of The Providence Journal.Gilmore has one interception this season to go along with 37 tackles. He racked up six interceptions and 20 passes defended during his All-Pro 2019 campaign.The 30-year-old's injury came on the day the Patriots were officially ruled out of the postseason for the first time since 2008.J.C. Jackson will take over New England's top cornerback spot. Jonathan Jones could also see an increase in playing time.The Patriots (6-8) will try to knock off the AFC East-champion Buffalo Bills (11-3) on Dec. 28 on Monday Night Football.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Unlike previous weeks, New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick didn't shut the door Monday on giving sophomore quarterback Jarrett Stidham extended playing time."Yeah, we'll see," he told reporters, according to Nick O'Malley of MassLive.Belichick has defiantly backed Cam Newton throughout the season despite the Patriots' offensive woes. The longtime sideline boss declared Newton "our quarterback" after a blowout loss to the Los Angeles Rams in Week 14 as questions about Stidham persisted.However, the Patriots were eliminated from playoff contention with a Week 15 loss to the Miami Dolphins and Newton - a pending free agent - isn't guaranteed to return in 2021.Stidham, a fourth-round pick in 2019, has played almost exclusively in garbage time this year. The Auburn product has gone 18 of 33 for 212 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions.Belichick was noncommittal when asked if the Patriots would like to have a starter set in stone for Week 16."We haven't set any timeframe on that," he said. "I don't really see it going that way. We'll go through our normal weekly process and make the decisions that we feel are best for the game - in everything."New England, who hasn't scored an offensive touchdown since their 45-0 trouncing of the Los Angeles Chargers on Dec. 6, ranks 27th leaguewide in points per game.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Carolina Panthers have parted ways with general manager Marty Hurney after four seasons, they announced Monday.Hurney's contract initially ran through June 2021. The longtime executive was on his second stint as Panthers GM, having previously filled the role from 2002-2012.As Carolina prepares for a second straight offseason with significant roster changes, owner David Tepper and Hurney met to discuss the future structure of the team's football operations. The two had different ideas."I think sometimes you just need a restart, a refresh," Tepper said in a statement. "We did it last year on the coaching side. Maybe you could say it should have been done before on the GM side. Maybe it should have been. I'm sure people may say that, or otherwise, on both sides."I think it's just time, on both sides, to do that. It just seems like the right time to move forward."Hurney re-joined the Panthers in 2017 following Dave Gettleman's firing. However, the team has struggled to the tune of a 16-30 record over the last three years.Despite the subpar record, his recent draft standouts include D.J. Moore, Brian Burns, and Jeremy Chinn.Hurney will be a candidate to join the Washington Football Team if the franchise opens up its general manager position alongside former Panthers coach Ron Rivera, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports.Carolina will begin the search for his replacement immediately and involve head coach Matt Rhule in the hiring process.The Panthers are the fifth NFL team to create a GM vacancy this season, joining the Jacksonville Jaguars, Houston Texans, Atlanta Falcons, and Detroit Lions.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger intends to return in 2021 for his 18th season rather than retire, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.Roethlisberger is signed through next season, with his deal carrying a cap hit of over $41 million.Though this season has taken a physical toll on the 38-year-old, he's having too much fun to call it quits, according to Schefter.Roethlisberger has seemingly reinvented his game following a return from his 2019 elbow surgery. Once known as a deep-ball gunslinger, he's become more reliant on short throws to move the ball downfield this year. Roethlisberger is averaging 6.3 yards per attempt, the lowest mark of his career outside of 2019.He previously voiced his desire to fulfill his contract instead of retire.The two-time Super Bowl champion and six-time Pro Bowler has thrown for 3,292 yards with 29 touchdowns and nine interceptions in 13 outings this season. His passer rating of 95 ranks 19th among quarterbacks with at least six games played.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Kansas City Chiefs expect running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire to miss the remainder of the regular season after suffering a hip and ankle injury Sunday against the New Orleans Saints, a source told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.Edwards-Helaire could return in time for the playoffs, Rapoport adds.X-rays came back negative following Kansas City's win, and the team will know more once the rookie undergoes an MRI.Edwards-Helaire suffered the injury when he was tangled up with several players during a run. He looked to be in significant pain and was immediately taken to the locker room.The 2020 first-round pick is averaging 4.4 yards per carry with 36 receptions and five total touchdowns this season. Le'Veon Bell will presumably take over the lead-back role if Edwards-Helaire misses time.Andy Reid's squad currently sits at 13-1 and will receive a first-round bye if it finishes atop the AFC standings.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

NFL Playoff Picture is a weekly look at the teams jockeying to secure their shot to make it to Super Bowl LV.AFCSeedTeamDivisionRecord1Chiefs (y)West13-12Steelers (x)North11-23Bills (y)East11-34TitansSouth10-45BrownsNorth10-46ColtsSouth10-47DolphinsEast9-5x = clinched playoff berth

Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire left Sunday's win over the New Orleans Saints late in the fourth quarter with a hip/leg injury.Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said Edwards-Helaire's X-rays came back negative after the game, adding the rookie will continue to be evaluated.The rookie rusher became tangled up with several Saints and Chiefs players, and looked to be in significant pain. He was immediately helped off the field and taken to the locker room.Edwards-Helaire was in the midst of an effective game against a stingy New Orleans defense, rushing for 79 yards on 14 carries.Le'Veon Bell would presumably take over the lead-back role for Kansas City if the first-round pick misses time. Bell also suffered an injury late in the contest, though it didn't appear serious.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Kansas City Chiefs remain on course to secure the AFC's No. 1 seed.Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs emerged victorious Sunday against the New Orleans Saints in a battle of arguably the NFL's two best teams.The star quarterback threw for three touchdowns and 254 yards in the 32-29 win to keep himself at the forefront of the MVP conversation and Kansas City the favorite for the conference's lone playoff bye.More to come.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Los Angeles Rams suffered a 23-20 loss to the previously winless New York Jets on Sunday, and head coach Sean McVay says the outcome is embarrassing."It's going to be embarrassing," McVay said postgame, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. "I'm sick to my stomach. It was very humbling. But we're going to move forward."The Jets entered Week 15 averaging 14.1 points per game and allowing 30.2 points per week, but the Rams struggled to move the ball.Los Angeles was held to three points during the first half, and its 20 total points were New York's second-fewest allowed in a game this year.Overall, the Rams amassed 303 yards, their worst performance since Week 4."I'll go back, look at this and be honest with the mistakes I made and where I can be better," McVay said, according to Greg Beacham of The Associated Press. "This is not the result or not the type of result we expected, but that's life. That's sports."The loss drops the Rams to 9-5 this season, moving them to second in the NFC West behind the 10-4 Seattle Seahawks.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New York Jets finally won a game this season, and they aren't in the driver's seat for the first overall pick in next year's draft anymore as a result.The Jets stunned the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, winning 23-20.The victory improves New York to 1-13, moving the Jacksonville Jaguars into position for the first pick in the 2021 draft. Jacksonville, which is also 1-13, wins the tiebreaker over New York based on its strength of the schedule.

New England Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore missed most of Sunday's 22-12 loss to the Miami Dolphins after suffering a leg injury in the second quarter.The Patriots announced Gilmore suffered a knee injury and listed him as doubtful to return. The team then downgraded the reigning Defensive Player of the Year to out in the fourth quarter.However, Gilmore's injury actually isn't to his knee and may not be as serious as anticipated, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

The Miami Dolphins held on for a 22-12 victory over the New England Patriots on Sunday.The loss ends the Patriots' playoff chances this year, marking the first time since the 2008 season that New England won't play in the postseason.The Dolphins, meanwhile, improve to 9-5 and remain on track for a playoff berth.More to come.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New Orleans Saints have placed quarterback Jameis Winston on the COVID-19 list ahead of their matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs.Winston didn't test positive for COVID-19, but he was a high-risk close contact, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.He'll be unavailable for Sunday's contest, likely meaning that Taysom Hill will be the club's backup signal-caller.Hill started the Saints' past four games, but he was slated to return to his sub-package role with Drew Brees back in the lineup.Brees has been sidelined since Week 10 after fracturing 11 ribs and suffering a collapsed lung.Winston has made three appearances this season, all in relief, going 7-for-11 passing for 75 yards. New Orleans signed him in the offseason.The former Tampa Bay Buccaneers passer has thrown for 19,812 yards during his career. Winston has also logged one season with 5,000-plus passing yards.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Dallas Cowboys will be without Ezekiel Elliott for Sunday's contest against the San Francisco 49ers after declaring the running back inactive due to a calf injury.Elliott failed to practice throughout the week and was originally designated as questionable coming into the game.The rusher's status comes as a surprise as head coach Mike McCarthy told the media he expected Elliott to play earlier.

The Baltimore Ravens will be down more than a few key players Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars.Marcus Peters, Jimmy Smith, and Calais Campbell are among the players sidelined on defense while running back Mark Ingram is also inactive.Peters missed practice throughout the week with a calf injury and Campbell's only participation was in a limited capacity Friday.The Ravens will be extremely thin in the secondary without Peters and Smith, who is dealing with ailments to both his shoulder and ribs.Peters has recorded three interceptions this season as one of the club's biggest playmakers. Smith has failed to grab an interception but has been a veteran presence in the secondary.Campbell's absence will also hamper Baltimore's pass rush, with the defensive end's four sacks being tied for first on the team.Ingram, who was not listed on the injury report, has fallen out of favor in the backfield over the course of the year, recording just six carries over the last two games. J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards are expected to continue to carry the rushing attack.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Find positional rankings, additional analysis, and subscribe to push notifications in the NFL Fantasy News section.theScore's Justin Boone was the winner of FantasyPros' Most Accurate Expert Competition in 2019, marking the seventh time he's placed in the top 10. Follow the links below to see his rankings for Week 15.Half PPR

Northwestern's Pat Fitzgerald is drawing interest from NFL teams looking for a new head coach, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.Two clubs have already inquired about Fitzgerald's availability, with the coach coming fresh off the Wildcats' second Big Ten title game appearance in three years. The sideline boss is expected to receive formal interview requests after Northwestern's bowl game.Fitzgerald is no stranger to the NFL rumor mill as his name has been linked to openings for the last several years. The Green Bay Packers targeted his services after the 2018 season, but he rejected an interview. The Carolina Panthers also considered him last year before hiring Matt Rhule.Nine NFL teams have inquired about Fitzgerald over the past five years, according to Schefter. The 46-year-old owns a 105-81 record over 15 seasons at Northwestern and a 63-60 mark in Big Ten competition.The Atlanta Falcons, Houston Texans, and Detroit Lions have already made coaching changes this year and another handful of other teams could follow suit in the coming weeks.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Carson Wentz has no desire to be a backup quarterback and would seek a trade from the Philadelphia Eagles if Jalen Hurts continues to start, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.The 27-year-old isn't happy with the way the quarterback saga has unfolded in Philadelphia, Schefter adds.The team benched Wentz following Week 13 due to his inconsistent play this season. While the Eagles reportedly intend to hang on to the former starter, the demotion has attracted attention from other clubs and some are expected to ask about Wentz's trade availability, Schefter notes.Head coach Doug Pederson hasn't stated Hurts will remain the starter for the remainder of the year, but no change is expected, according to ESPN's Chris Mortenson.Wentz's contract also complicates his interest in seeking a new club - the signal-caller signed a four-year, $128-million extension in June 2019 and has an abundance of guaranteed money coming his way.If Philadelphia moves Wentz, a trade would likely have to happen no later than early March. The Eagles will owe the former No. 2 overall pick a $10-million roster bonus if he's on the team by the third day of the 2021 league year - which is also when his base salary for 2022 becomes fully guaranteed.Despite not starting in Week 14, Wentz's struggles have been on grand display this season. The passer still leads the NFL in interceptions (15) and sacks taken (50).Hurts is aiming to win his second career start Sunday after leading the Eagles to an upset victory over the New Orleans Saints in Week 14.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Baltimore Ravens activated wide receivers Marquise Brown, Miles Boykin, and James Proche ahead of Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the team announced.All three were deemed high-risk close contacts and had quarantined for the past five days. Wide receivers coach David Culley won't be on the sidelines Sunday due to an undisclosed illness.Brown's clearance for Week 15 is a major boost for Baltimore as it looks to stay in the AFC wild-card hunt."Hollywood" leads the Ravens with 43 catches for 605 yards and five touchdowns, while Boykin is fourth with 206 yards and two scores.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford intends to play with torn rib cartilage against the Tennessee Titans in Week 15, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.Stafford was listed as questionable with a rib injury on Detroit's final injury report of the week, but he was reportedly preparing to suit up. The 32-year-old, who is also battling an injury to his right thumb, logged a limited practice Friday after missing the previous two days of work.Stafford has appeared in all 13 games for the Lions this season after missing eight games in 2019 due to a back injury. The signal-caller has thrown for 3,522 yards - which ranks eighth leaguewide - to go with 22 touchdowns and nine interceptions.Detroit has dropped three of its last four decisions and sits in the basement of the NFC North with a 5-8 mark.Copyright © 2020 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.Patriots @ Dolphins (-2, 41.5), 1 p.m. ETThe Dolphins have been the NFL's best bet this year with a 10-3 record against the spread. That isn't swaying bettors this week in a tricky divisional test against the Patriots.New England opened as 3-point underdogs and was quickly bet to +2 behind a whopping 40-to-1 advantage in money wagered on three times as many tickets. Parlay bettors are playing Miami at a 3-to-1 clip, though it's not enough to move the ledger for books."This is shaping up as a Pros versus Joes game here,” Rood said.Chiefs (-3, 51.5) @ Saints, 4:25 p.m.It's been over two months since the Chiefs last lost, but bettors are expecting their five-game ATS losing streak to continue Sunday against the Saints.Drew Brees is back for New Orleans, which started to see an influx of wagers after news of the quarterback's return earlier this week. The Saints opened as 4-point underdogs and have seen the line move a point in their direction behind a 30-to-1 advantage in money wagered on just a 3-to-1 ticket count.Parlay bettors are still laying six times as much money on the Chiefs, who have covered three of their last four games when giving fewer than a touchdown.Seahawks (-6.5, 43.5) @ Washington, 1 p.m.Another quarterback change this week has swayed the opinions of bettors, but not in favor of the team making the move.Washington opened as 4.5-point underdogs early in the week when Alex Smith still had a shot at playing. That changed as the week progressed and Smith's status was in doubt, prompting bettors to place six times as many tickets on the Seahawks with 40 times as much money wagered.By the time Smith was ruled out Friday, leaving Dwayne Haskins as the team's new starter, books had already moved the line to Seattle -6 and continued to adjust into the weekend.“We’re seeing pretty much exclusive Seahawk money," Rood said Friday, "and most of the money came in before today.”Browns (-6, 44.5) @ Giants, 8:20 p.m.Browns bettors were victims of one of the worst beats of the year a week ago in a five-point loss to the Ravens. Still, they're taking a shot once again in a favorable spot for Cleveland as road chalk.The Giants opened as 4-point underdogs before news that Daniel Jones would miss Sunday night's game with nagging hamstring and ankle injuries. The line has since jumped by two full points behind a 12-to-1 advantage in straight-bet money on the Browns and a 20-to-1 margin in parlay money.Bettors are even playing the Browns on the moneyline at -185 and -220, bumping that number up to -280 by Saturday night. Cleveland has gone 3-1-1 ATS in its last five games when giving at least six points, while the Giants have covered four straight as 6-point 'dogs or larger.(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 © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Green Bay Packers took a big step toward securing the NFC's No. 1 seed and a first-round bye with a 24-16 victory Saturday over the Carolina Panthers.The Packers came out hot, taking a 21-3 lead into halftime. But Aaron Rodgers and Co. were stifled by Carolina's defense in the second half and survived a late rally from the NFC South club to earn its 11th win of the season.More to come.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Miami Dolphins wide receiver DeVante Parker is expected to suit up Sunday against the New England Patriots despite a slight hamstring strain, ESPN's Cameron Wolfe reports.The wideout was listed as questionable for the Week 15 matchup after suffering the injury during last Sunday's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.Parker leads the Dolphins with 56 catches for 677 yards and four touchdowns.The Dolphins' offense is injury-ridden entering the final stretch of the regular season. Tight end Mike Gesicki (shoulder), receiver Jakeem Grant (hamstring), and running back Salvon Ahmed (shoulder) were also deemed questionable for the Patriots game. Myles Gaskin will miss out due to COVID-19.Miami sits in the final AFC wild-card spot with an 8-5 record but could need to win out to secure a playoff berth. While the Baltimore Ravens also own an 8-5 record, the AFC North club faces an easier schedule to finish the campaign.Copyright © 2020 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 are only three weeks remaining in the NFL regular season, so let's get the most out of this Sunday's slate.Here are the best player props to consider for this weekend.Tua Tagovailoa under 19.5 completionsTagovailoa has his hands full against the New England Patriots' defense. Bill Belichick and Co. held fellow rookie quarterback Justin Herbert to season lows in both completion percentage (49.1%) and QBR (43.7).The Miami Dolphins signal-caller recorded 54 completions during his last two games, but one was against the No. 30 DVOA pass defense (Cincinnati Bengals) and the other was a shootout with Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs.The market expects a low-scoring game, as both quarterbacks face difficult matchups, but Tagovailoa is the easier fade.Jalen Hurts under 212.5 passing yardsHurts - who's coming off his first career win against the New Orleans Saints in his first-ever start - also faces a tough challenge this week.Despite mostly being known for their offensive prowess, the Arizona Cardinals have been quietly solid on defense this season. They crept into the top 10 in DVOA defense this past week by limiting the New York Giants to just 3.2 yards per play and seven points.Arizona's secondary ranks No. 9 in DVOA pass defense and Hurts came up more than 40 yards short of this total last Sunday.This is plenty of cushion for a pass offense that's just No. 27 in DVOA.Allen Robinson over 71.5 receiving yardsDon't look now, but the Chicago Bears' offense is heating up.The Bears have scored 25-plus points during each of the last three games behind quarterback Mitchell Trubisky, who's provided a spark in the passing game. His favorite option continues to be Robinson, who continues to terrorize opposing cornerbacks.The No. 1 receiver tied his season high with 123 yards last weekend and has 74 or more in three straight. He has one of the best matchups on Sunday against a Minnesota Vikings secondary allowing the third-most fantasy points to receivers lined up wide.Philip Rivers' longest completion over 36.5 yardsThis number is criminally low.Rivers has become accustomed to chucking it, shattering this total in each of his last five games. He posted his third-highest rating of the year in the Indianapolis Colts' first meeting with the Houston Texans, logging 285 yards, a pair of touchdowns, and, most importantly, a long of 39 yards.Houston's secondary ranks No. 26 in DVOA pass defense and No. 16 in explosive pass rate allowed. Rivers should have his way yet again.(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 © 2020 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.If someone told you in August that a game between the Browns and Giants would be flexed into prime time in Week 15, you'd have laughed in their face. But here we are.Here's how we're betting Browns-Giants in the latest edition of Sunday Night Football from the Meadowlands.Alex KolodziejOver 44.5Call me crazy, but I'd much rather have Colt McCoy under center right now if I'm betting the Giants or an over. Don't get it twisted, Daniel Jones is the far better player when healthy, but his lower-body injury has taken away his running ability. I need someone who can match pace with the Browns, which isn't an easy task.Cleveland's surged all the way into the top 10 of DVOA after last week's 42-point outburst against the Ravens. Following a string of bad-weather games, the Browns and their opponents have combined for 52, 76, and 79 points over the last three.This is a pretty generous number.Alex MorettoBrowns -6.5I'm going to lay the chalk here.There's too much working against the Giants in this spot. Jones' injury is crushing for an offense stuck in mud and going up against the Browns defense, which is a lot better than it showed last week against the Ravens.Corner James Bradberry, who was playing at an All-Pro level, is also out for New York. It's a huge loss seeing as Baker Mayfield - dare I say it - has been feeling awfully dangerous of late. He's found a nice rhythm in this offense without Odell Beckham Jr., and I don't see it slowing here against the Giants, who are missing several members of the coaching staff due to COVID-19.Kareem Hunt over 18.5 receiving yards (-115)This is number is laughable. Mayfield should be slinging it often in this game against the Giants, who are stout against the run and find themselves without their best corner.While the Giants have found success slowing the run, they're far less effective covering running backs out of the backfield. New York has allowed 653 receiving yards to running backs this season - only the Packers (660) have allowed more.We'll see a lot of dump-offs to Hunt, who's coming off a game of 77 receiving yards. He'll sail over in this one.C Jackson CowartBrowns -6.5I've been on the Giants plenty this year, and if Jones was starting here, I'd probably bet them again this week. But I can't get behind the idea of New York's already inept offense matching wits with the Browns, who've dropped 40-plus in consecutive games.Mayfield seems to have turned the page over his last seven games, as he's thrown for 13 touchdowns to just two interceptions with a 106.9 passer rating over that stretch. The Giants' defense has made greater men look weaker, but it would take a heroic effort to keep this within the number.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

A rundown of the best games and most interesting trends for Week 15 of the NFL. All times Eastern.Long time comingBills (10-3) at Broncos (5-8), Saturday, 4:30 p.m.It seems a bit unfair to be crediting the Buffalo Bills for their success this year. After all, Buffalo reached the playoffs twice in head coach Sean McDermott's first three seasons, which was two more postseason appearances for the Bills than in any of the 18 years prior. That's hard to do! Even the sorry-ass New York Jets, who will miss the playoffs for the 10th straight season this year, are in the midst of a postseason drought that's just more than half as long as the one the Bills endured.In other words, the Bills have been building for this - "this" being that next step up in the NFL's Hierarchy of Solid Teams, which is totally a real thing and not something lame I made up. The point being: It's been a steep climb, what with the New England Patriots and their dynastic control of the NFL in general and the AFC East in particular standing in the way for a couple of decades. But now it's possible to envision the Bills doing something in the postseason beyond just being there.The Patriots have been deposed, and Buffalo is now just a win or a Miami Dolphins loss away from clinching its first division title since 1995. This is progress. Last week's victory over the sliding Pittsburgh Steelers made it impossible to deny.The most obvious reason for Buffalo's improvement has been the play of quarterback Josh Allen, who's elevated his game from strong-armed-but-inaccurate to coldly efficient: Per Ben Baldwin's database, Allen leads the league in success rate (56%), which Baldwin defines as the percentage of plays with positive expected points added (EPA). Allen is also fifth in EPA/play (0.245). According to Next Gen Stats, he's fifth in completion percentage over expectation (3.5%) - an indication he's making a lot of good throws.Offensive coordinator Brian Daboll created a system that suits Allen. Allen uses a lot of play-action - 34.4%, per PFF, which ranks fourth in the league - and he's a threat to work outside the pocket and to run: His 113 rushing attempts are fourth-most among quarterbacks, and his average time to throw of 3.02 seconds is second-slowest, per Next Gen Stats, behind only Baker Mayfield's 3.12.Defensively, the Bills have given up more than 30 points only four times, and they're ranked fifth in special teams DVOA. They're also a Hail Murray away from being 11-2 and riding a seven-game winning streak. Long story short: There are lots of reasons to believe the Bills are legit - and that they're making that big climb at just the right time. It's been a while.Hmmm ...Seahawks (9-4) at Washington (6-7), 1 p.m. Norm Hall / Getty ImagesGo figure. Washington's won four in a row, and played well enough in that stretch to maybe get everyone else to stop making NFC East jokes. But Washington's also going to have to play this one without quarterback Alex Smith (calf) and running back Antonio Gibson (toe). Then again, defense is what's carried Washington lately: It's all the way up to fourth in defensive efficiency, including No. 2 against the pass, which at least ought to make for an intriguing matchup against the Fighting Russell Wilsons. Seattle's battling for the top spot in the NFC West with the Los Angeles Rams, who get to face the winless Jets at home.Who knows?Buccaneers (8-5) at Falcons (4-9), 1 p.m.Football Outsiders has a metric for variance, which gauges a team's consistency from week-to-week. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have had more variance than anyone else, as indicated by games like their blowout win over the Green Bay Packers and their blowout loss to the New Orleans Saints.What that means for Tampa Bay's matchup at Atlanta on Sunday: Who's to say? The Bucs should win this game, but if they somehow don't, it probably won't come as much of a shock, either.That kind of yearBrowns (9-4) at Giants (5-8), 8:20 p.m. Gregory Shamus / Getty ImagesWhen it comes to popularity - commenters, please note that I used the word "popularity" and not "success" - the Dallas Cowboys are the NFL's version of The Beatles. But I just want to say we live in a world in which the Cowboys were flexed out of a Sunday night game at San Francisco so that Browns-Giants could get the league's most prominent programming slot instead. And it's not close to being the weirdest thing to happen in 2020.Oh, yeah, right. This game.Chiefs (12-1) at Saints (10-3), 4:25 p.m.Patrick Mahomes against Drew Brees in the late-afternoon window in Week 15, where it can be seen by nearly the entire country and hyped relentlessly as a potential Super Bowl preview? The Packers might have something to say about that, and Brees' rib cage once Brees actually takes a hit might ultimately, but, sure, knock yourselves out by running with it. If nothing else, this game seems certain to be wildly entertaining.Dom Cosentino is a senior features writer at theScore.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New Orleans Saints placed Michael Thomas on injured reserve due to a lingering ankle injury, the team announced Saturday.Thomas will miss three games, sidelining him for the rest of the regular season, but the Saints expect the receiver to be near 100 percent for the postseason, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.The ankle ailment has bothered the talented wideout since the season opener, and the team had already ruled Thomas out for Week 15 after he failed to practice this week.Thomas has had a disappointing follow-up campaign to a career year. The 2019 Offensive Player of the Year has appeared in just seven games in 2020, failing to score a touchdown while racking up only 438 yards.The injury also ends Thomas' streak of three consecutive seasons with over 100 receptions and 1,000 receiving yards.New Orleans, which already clinched a playoff spot, will look to reclaim the NFC's No. 1 seed from the Green Bay Packers, who took control of the spot last week. Winning the top spot would ensure a first-round bye for the Saints, which could help Thomas' recovery.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New York Giants quarterback Colt McCoy will start against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday night in place of Daniel Jones, who's dealing with hamstring and ankle injuries, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.Jones returned in Week 14 from the hamstring injury that sidelined him for one game but suffered an additional ailment in the contest, during which the Arizona Cardinals sacked him eight times.McCoy led the Giants to an upset win over the Seattle Seahawks in Week 13. The 34-year-old completed 59% of his passes and threw one touchdown in the 17-12 victory.Sunday night's game will also match up McCoy against his former team. The veteran passer spent the first three years of his career in Cleveland but didn't pan out, holding a 6-15 record.Jones, a top-10 pick in the 2019 draft, has been inconsistent this season. The signal-caller has tossed eight touchdowns to nine interceptions and hasn't thrown a touchdown pass over his last three contests.The Giants are 5-8 and one game behind the Washington Football Team in the NFC East.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Former Kansas City Chiefs and Cleveland Browns general manager John Dorsey is reportedly serving as a consultant with the Philadelphia Eagles, according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.Philadelphia's front office thought extremely highly of Dorsey and one of the primary reasons the team hired him was for his talent evaluation expertise, Garafolo adds.Dorsey's eye for talent was apparent during his tenures with the Browns and Chiefs. The 60-year-old reigned as Kansas City's general manager from 2013 to 2017 with his biggest draft hits including Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Tyreek Hill, and Chris Jones.The ex-general manager joined the Browns later in 2017 and brought in assets such as Baker Mayfield, Odell Beckham, and Denzel Ward. Cleveland fired the longtime executive after a disappointing 2019 season.Dorsey has faced criticism throughout his career due to management skills and mishandling salary cap issues.The Eagles have also been pressed with questions about various player personnel decisions in the past - an area of focus for Dorsey.Philadelphia is in the midst of a disappointing campaign but remains alive in the NFC East, despite the team's 4-8-1 record.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Cincinnati Bengals will turn to quarterback Ryan Finley for Monday night's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers after head coach Zac Taylor announced Brandon Allen will miss the game due to a knee injury, according to ESPN's Ben Baby.Allen was injured during last week's bout with the Dallas Cowboys and didn't return. Finley attempted only two passes in relief of Allen.Finley, a fourth-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, has familiarity with the Bengals' offense after starting three games last season. The second-year passer struggled during his three starts in 2019, completing under 50% of his passes and averaging just 5.4 yards per pass attempt.Finley will be Cincinnati's third starting signal-caller this campaign as the team deals with yet another injury to its quarterback room. Joe Burrow, this year's No. 1 overall pick, was lost to a season-ending knee injury in Week 11.The Bengals will be up against an 11-2 Steelers squad that has lost two in a row. Pittsburgh claims the second-ranked passing defense and has allowed just 18.2 points per game this year.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford will prepare to suit up for Sunday's matchup against the Tennessee Titans despite dealing with a rib injury, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.Stafford was limited in practice Friday after sitting out the previous two days and officially ended the week with a questionable designation.The passer will once again be without his top receiver as Kenny Golladay was ruled out. Frank Ragnow, the team's starting center, will also miss Week 15 after reportedly fracturing his throat.The 32-year-old has thrown for 3,522 yards with 22 touchdowns and nine interceptions over 13 games this season.The Lions sit at the bottom of the NFC North with a 5-8 record and have lost three of their last four games.Copyright © 2020 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.What are we even supposed to do tomorrow? Hopefully you have eight screens in the house because between the conference championship games, a full slate of college basketball, and an NFL doubleheader, there's a buffet of sports for bettors to feast on.You can't possibly have time to cap it all, so here's how we're betting Saturday's NFL slate.Alex KolodziejBills-Broncos under 49.5Whew, this is an awfully high total. I understand Buffalo warrants this type of number, but Denver? Really? This play is one of my favorite all weekend.The Bills' defense is gradually improving. A unit that was once No. 30 in the league in DVOA defense is now No. 16 after allowing south of 20 points per game over the last three. Denver's offense has been horrific this year, grading out as the second-worst unit in football, behind only the Jets.This should be a patented Vic Fangio game on defense for a Broncos squad that's been statistically better than the Bills. The market's expecting somewhat of a shootout, but I don't see it. Take the under on this generous number.Alex MorettoBroncos +6.5, under 49.5In what is one of the worst situational spots of the entire season, I'm on the Broncos in a big way here. Not only will it be my biggest bet of the week, it's going to be one of my biggest of the entire season.Let's break it down. The Bills are coming off back-to-back prime-time wins, including an emotionally draining victory over the Steelers on Sunday night less than a week ago. Now they have to travel somewhat across the country to a difficult place to play in a prime letdown spot. It's also a quintessential lookahead situation before their trip to Foxboro next week for a Monday night showdown against AFC East rivals New England.Nothing against the Bills, but you need to understand how hard it's going to be to get up for this game and find the same intensity they had just six days ago.This is going to be a typical ugly December game in Denver, with the Bills struggling to get going. I see it as a 20-17 game either way, with the Broncos worth a small sprinkle on the moneyline, and the score never coming close to reaching this absurdly high total.Panthers-Packers: Robert Tonyan anytime touchdown scorer (+165)Tonyan has carved out a prominent role in the Packers' offense. The return of Allen Lazard and increased involvement of Marquez Valdes-Scantling have done little to deter Aaron Rodgers from looking his way.The tight end is as consistent as they come, with four successive weeks of five targets and a touchdown. Not only has he scored in four straight - Rodgers loves looking his way in the red zone - but he's found the end zone nine times on the season.The Panthers have allowed a league-high 75 receptions to tight ends this season, and given Tonyan's involvement in the offense and knack for finding the end zone, I'll gladly scoop this up at a friendly price.C Jackson CowartBills -6The Broncos' win last week over the Panthers was impressive - it was a deviation from the norm for an offense that has struggled all year. But Denver still hasn't shown it can beat a good team.This year, the Broncos have played eight teams that entered this week with a winning record. They lost seven of them by an average of 15.9 points and recorded their lone win over the Dolphins by flustering rookie Tua Tagovailoa in his second career road start.They'll struggle to do the same against Josh Allen, who's averaging three total touchdowns over his last five games and will pose a tough test for a Broncos team that was forced to cancel Friday's practice in an already short week. The Bills have covered five straight, and they're in a favorable spot to extend that streak to six games on Saturday.Aaron Rodgers over 2.5 passing touchdowns (+115)Remember when the Panthers' defense made Drew Lock look like the second coming of John Elway? It was the fourth time over the last five games that Carolina allowed three or more passing touchdowns. Now it has to corral Rodgers on a short week, in a game the Packers need to stay atop the NFC.Rodgers currently leads the NFL in passing touchdowns (39) and has thrown for at least three scores in 10 of his 13 starts this year, including seven of his last eight. Nothing about this number makes sense, and the plus-money only makes it sweeter.Copyright © 2020 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're on a roll with our picks lately, ripping off a 7-2 record against the spread over the last three weeks. Here are my best bets for Week 15.Patriots @ Dolphins (-2, 41.5), 1 p.m. ETIn some ways, this is a bad spot for the Dolphins, who could be without Mike Gesicki and DeVante Parker for Sunday's divisional clash. But even if both miss this week, that won't be enough to consider the Patriots the better team, as this line suggests.Miami boasts one of the league's best defenses, with a lockdown secondary and chaotic blitz packages that should give Cam Newton issues this week - as was the case for Patrick Mahomes in Week 14 - fueling the unit. And if the Dolphins' receiving corps is depleted on Sunday, the team can attack New England's atrocious rush defense, which is allowing 4.5 yards per carry to opposing backs.The Patriots have lost five of their last seven games in Miami, while the Dolphins are 10-3 against the spread this year and 10-2 ATS in their last 12 at home. Don't get cute with this matchup.Pick: Dolphins -2Buccaneers (-6, 49.5) @ Falcons, 1 p.m.Last week, we said the Buccaneers were being undervalued against bad teams based on their poor performances when facing elite clubs. That was the case this past Sunday, when Tampa Bay easily covered as a 6.5-point favorite against the Vikings, and it's the same situation here.Four of the Buccaneers' losses this season have come against the Saints, Rams, and Chiefs - three of the NFL's five best teams by advanced metrics. Against all other opponents, they're 6-2-1 ATS with a +14.22 point differential and seven wins by seven-plus points.The Falcons have played just four teams currently above .500, and they've lost all four games by a combined 47 points. Tampa Bay can't afford to lose this contest with the playoff race heating up, so expect it to take care of business in a clear mismatch.Pick: Buccaneers -6Bears @ Vikings (-3, 47), 1 p.m.The Bears have a legitimate shot to pull off the outright upset as +155 underdogs, so I like them catching points in this game, too.Chicago clearly isn't a great team, but the apathy toward this squad has swung the pendulum too far in the other direction. The Bears are 5-2 straight up against teams currently below .500, and they're 4-1 ATS in that spot as underdogs. The club is also just the 16th team since 2017 to win by at least 28 points one week and catch points the next, and the previous 15 squads went 10-5 ATS with seven outright wins.The Vikings' defense could be in for a rough week if do-it-all linebacker Eric Kendricks misses another game, and their offense will struggle to find a rhythm against the Bears' elite run defense. Chicago is the better team and in the better spot, which makes this an easy play.Pick: Bears +3(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 © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Randy Moss' list of the best wide receivers in NFL history features himself at the top, and Jerry Rice might not even make the first three."I'll put myself first, I'll put (Terrell Owens) second. I would put Jerry probably third or fourth," Moss said on Terrell Owens' podcast."I'm talking about dominating the game and changing the game of football," he continued. "I don't live on statistics because if you live on statistics and live on championships that's all political."You've seen guys released or cut from a team just by a couple (of) words in the media. You've seen guys given contracts or you've seen guys not given contracts just because of the color of their skin. You've got to throw politics out of the game of football, and look at the impact of what each individual was able to make in the game of football."Rice is widely considered the greatest receiver in pro football history. He's the all-time leader in catches, receiving yards, and touchdown receptions.ReceiverCatchesRec. Yds.Rec. TDSB titlesPro seasonsJerry Rice154922895197320Terrell Owens107815934153015Randy Moss98215292156014"I don't want the fans and the people watching your podcast to get it messed up that we dislike or discredit anything Jerry Rice was able to do or ever accomplish," Moss added. "I don't want people to think myself and T.O. is slandering or bashing anything Jerry did, because Jerry was at the top."Rice played in the NFL from 1985 to 2005 - mostly with the San Francisco 49ers - and he was named Super Bowl MVP after winning one of his three titles. The 13-time Pro Bowler led the league in receiving yards in six different seasons.Meanwhile, Moss' pro career started in 1998 and lasted through 2012. The six-time Pro Bowler, who set an all-time record with 23 touchdown catches in 2007 with the New England Patriots, skipped the 2011 campaign after announcing what would become a one-year retirement.Owens entered the NFL in 1996 and retired in 2012. He was selected to six Pro Bowls - five coming with the 49ers - and Owens led the league in touchdown receptions five times.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Cleveland Browns star pass-rusher Myles Garrett is continuing to work hard to get back to full health nearly a month after testing positive for COVID-19."I'm trying," Garrett said Friday, per Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. "Still doing breathing treatments and still doing conditioning on my own. I'm feeling better each day."Garrett - who missed wins against the Philadelphia Eagles and Jacksonville Jaguars after receiving his positive result Nov. 20 - said he's unsure how long it'll take to "feel really 100(%)" with his conditioning.With the defensive end still feeling the effects of his COVID-19, he stressed people must take the virus seriously."There are so many things that come with being diagnosed with COVID or testing positive for COVID," said Garrett. "I mean, you have to take it seriously. This is something that is going to stay with you for a while."I'm trying to take it as seriously as possible, so I can be back correct for this game, the end of the season, and hopefully the playoffs.’'Despite missing Weeks 11 and 12, Garrett remains firmly in the hunt for his first Defensive Player of the Year nod.The No. 1 overall pick in 2017 is tied for third in the NFL with 10.5 sacks, trailing two big competitors for the award in Aaron Donald (12.5) and T.J. Watt (12).Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Detroit Lions labeled Matthew Stafford as questionable to face the Tennessee Titans after the quarterback was a limited participant Friday at practice, according to the injury report.Stafford has been battling rib and thumb injuries, and sat out practice entirely Wednesday and Thursday. The 32-year-old has thrown for 3,522 yards with 22 touchdowns and nine interceptions over 13 games this season.The sinking Lions will take a 5-8 record into Week 15, searching for only their third win since the beginning of November.Center Frank Ragnow, who didn't practice all week while dealing with a reported throat fracture, was downgraded to out after initially being deemed questionable.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr is 50-50 to play in next Saturday's game against the Miami Dolphins due to a groin injury, head coach Jon Gruden announced Friday, per Tashan Reed of The Athletic.Carr suffered the injury early in Thursday's overtime loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. Marcus Mariota will again take over starting duties if Carr is unable to play in Week 16.While Carr will try to play against Miami, the quarterback's recovery timeline is expected to be 10-14 days, a source told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.Mariota performed well in his first action for the Raiders. He threw for 226 yards and one touchdown against one interception, adding another 88 yards and a score on the ground.Las Vegas' chances of making the postseason are all but over thanks to the defeat Thursday. FiveThirtyEight gives the AFC West club - which missed the playoffs in each of Gruden's first two seasons - a 2% chance of earning a wild-card berth, pending the rest of Week 15's games.But Gruden isn't calling time on the Raiders' season just yet."Anybody who thinks we are out of (the playoff race) is mistaken," said Gruden, per Vic Tafur of The Athletic. "It would be great if some of these teams lose and if some of these officiating calls go our way, too."Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Drew Brees will return for the New Orleans Saints' much-anticipated matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, but the veteran quarterback's top wide receiver won't be on the field.The Saints ruled out wideout Michael Thomas for Sunday's game, according to Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football.Thomas didn't practice this week due to an ankle injury, and he'll now miss his seventh game this season.The 2019 Offensive Player of the Year has appeared in seven games this campaign, racking up 40 catches for 438 yards. He has yet to score a touchdown.Thomas also battled ankle and hamstring ailments earlier in the 2020 season.Wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders, running back Alvin Kamara, and tight end Jared Cook will likely be the Saints' primary pass-catchers against the Chiefs. Kamara leads the club in both catches (77) and receiving yards (699) yards, while Cook has recorded a team-high six touchdown receptions this season.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Drew Brees will return to the lineup and start Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs, New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton announced Friday.Doctors cleared Brees to play and the Saints believe the veteran is fully healthy, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.The 41-year-old suffered 11 fractured ribs and a collapsed lung in Week 10. He was designated to return from injured reserve Wednesday and had no setbacks this week after taking first-team reps in practice, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.Payton recently said Brees has "a ways to go" in his recovery, but the NFL's all-time leader in passing yards will re-enter the lineup after four games on the sideline.Taysom Hill started in Brees' absence, winning three of four contests. Hill completed 71.9% of his passes and threw for four touchdowns against two interceptions across those games while also rushing for 209 yards and four scores.New Orleans had its nine-game winning streak snapped with last week's upset loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Payton's 10-3 squad is currently in a battle for the NFC's No. 1 seed with the Green Bay Packers.Brees is completing 73.5% of his pass attempts for 18 touchdowns and three interceptions over nine starts this season, averaging 7.4 yards per attempt.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Washington Football Team quarterback Alex Smith won't play Sunday versus the Seattle Seahawks due to a calf injury, leaving Dwayne Haskins to start Week 15, the team announced.Smith was injured in a Week 14 win over the San Francisco 49ers, which marked Washington's fourth consecutive victory. Washington has won four of five games with Smith starting this year.Smith stepped into the starting lineup in Week 10 after replacing Kyle Allen, who suffered a dislocated ankle in the previous game. The 36-year-old missed the 2019 season while recovering from numerous leg surgeries that threatened to end his career.Haskins will make his first start since Week 4. The former first-round pick was benched following a slew of inefficient outings resulting in a 1-3 start for Washington.Washington QB passing stats in 2020Games (Starts)Yards per gameTDINTAlex Smith7 (5)202.946Dwayne Haskins5 (4)19843Kyle Allen4 (4)152.541Washington controls the NFC East entering the final three weeks of the season, but is only one game ahead of the New York Giants. Washington dropped both meetings with the Giants this year and would lose the tiebreaker if the two sides finish with identical records.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones will miss his fifth game of the season Sunday versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers because of a hamstring injury that has bothered him all year, according to team reporter Kelsey Conway.Jones came into the season with a bad hamstring and aggravated the injury in Week 2 against the Dallas Cowboys. He sat out Weeks 3, 5, 12, and 14, and will now miss Week 15.When he's been on the field, Jones has been his typical, productive self. The 31-year-old has posted 51 catches for 771 yards and three touchdowns over nine appearances in 2020.With the 4-9 Falcons out of the playoff race, it's unclear whether Atlanta will consider shutting Jones down for the remainder of the season. The Falcons close out the schedule against the Buccaneers, Kansas City Chiefs, and the Buccaneers again.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.