SSSQ is a weekly look at under-the-radar fantasy players to consider starting and potential busts you should leave on your bench. We also identify breakout candidates to stash on your roster and players you can safely cut.For the rest of your lineup decisions, consult our Week 15 rankings. You can also listen to the Week 15 preview episode of theScore Fantasy Football Podcast.StartJared Goff, Ramsvs. Jets Sean M. Haffey / Getty Images Sport / GettyGoff might feel like a tough player to trust in the fantasy semifinals since he's only thrown for multiple touchdowns once in his last six outings.However, this matchup is hard to overlook against a Jets defense giving up the second-most fantasy points to passers, including touchdown totals of 5, 2, 3, 2, 4, and 4 to quarterbacks over the past six games.It's possible the Rams stay conservative and lean on their rushing attack to bring home the victory as 17.5-point favorites. But with an implied team total over 30, it's hard to imagine Goff not getting in on the scoring in what is by far his easiest matchup of the season.Boone's projection: 291 passing yards, 3 TDsOther QBs to start

Marcus Mariota's path back to NFL snaps has certainly been a trying one.The former No. 2 overall pick saw his first on-field action with the Las Vegas Raiders during Thursday's overtime loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. Though his team ultimately suffered a defeat, Mariota was grateful to be involved."To be truthful, it's been a long journey," he told reporters postgame. "I've been through, kind of, everything. From injuries to surgeries to mental lapses, the confidence thing. I just truly appreciate the Raiders and the entire organization kind of helping me through that."I was trying to kind of find my way again, and they gave me an opportunity to kind of take some time. They were patient with me and I just appreciate the fact that they were willing to do that."Mariota entered the game for the first time this season after Raiders starting quarterback Derek Carr suffered a groin injury in the first quarter.The 27-year-old put together an impressive performance to keep Las Vegas in the contest after Carr exited. He threw for 226 yards and one touchdown against one interception, adding another 88 yards and a score on the ground.Mariota last played in Week 17 of the 2019 season for the Tennessee Titans. He started the first six games of that campaign before the Titans benched him in favor of Ryan Tannehill. Vegas signed him to a two-year deal this past offseason to back up Carr, but he began the year on injured reserve."It's kind of part of being an athlete," he said. "You're gonna go through some ups and downs, and I think the (Raiders') staff did a great job kind of keeping me level-headed and kind of fighting through it. ... I just loved being out there again, it was fun to play."The Raiders, who fell to 7-7 on Thursday, may be forced to call upon the veteran again if Carr's groin injury is deemed to be season-ending.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Las Vegas Raiders are all but certain to be sitting at home in January for the third straight season under head coach Jon Gruden after falling in overtime to the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday.Los Angeles edged Las Vegas 30-24, handing its AFC West rival a fourth loss in the last five games. A Hail Mary against the winless New York Jets earned the Raiders their only victory over that stretch."It was tough. I'm really proud of our coaches and our players. We did a lot of good things tonight," said Gruden, according to Mark Maske of the Washington Post. "But you've got to win these tight games. And oftentimes, that's a reflection on the head coach.""It's on me," he added.The Raiders had their chances to win the game and keep their playoff hopes alive despite losing Derek Carr to a groin injury in the first quarter, most notably a fourth-and-goal from Los Angeles' 5-yard line in overtime.Gruden opted to kick the field goal instead of going for the game-winning touchdown, giving his divisional foe a chance to steal the game.

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr suffered a groin injury while scrambling on a third-down play in the first quarter of Thursday night's overtime loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.Carr was ruled out for the remainder of the game as the second half began. The veteran starter was replaced by Marcus Mariota, who hadn't played a snap prior to Week 15 after joining the Raiders in the offseason.

Find line reports, best bets, and subscribe to push notifications in the Betting News section.Each week during the NFL season, we'll focus on one underdog with a chance to pull off the outright upset. We've been on an absolute tear as of late, cashing on four straight after Washington (+150) upset the 49ers on Sunday - bringing our yearly record to 7-6 with +6.2 units won solely on moneyline underdogs.We agree with most of the lines this week, but we'll take our shot on the Bears (+155) as road underdogs to the Vikings in a rematch of their Week 10 loss.Taking care of businessThe Bears have been one of the more frustrating teams to bet this year, if only because of the gap between the talent on the roster and their record. That said, they've actually played exactly how you'd expect an average team would, which bodes well for this week's matchup against the 6-7 Vikings.Chicago is 5-2 this year against teams currently below .500 - including last week's 36-7 romp of the Texans - and 1-5 against all other clubs. It's also ranked No. 2 in Football Outsiders' "variance" metric, which measures the volatility of a team's weekly DVOA.In short, the Bears win games they're supposed to, while Minnesota has just two wins over teams with six or more victories. One of them came against Chicago in Nick Foles' last start before giving way to Mitchell Trubisky - who's playing at a career-best level and should be able to take advantage of a short-handed Vikings defense.Numbers spell trouble for VikingsOddsmakers have Minnesota priced as equal to - if not better than - Chicago in this one, but advanced stats disagree. The Vikings rank lower in DVOA (No. 15 to No. 18) and PFF team grades (No. 12 to No. 16), which has been a solid predictor of success for short underdogs this year.In fact, this line actually suggests potential trouble for Minnesota when considering the recent results for these clubs. Since 2017, home favorites of exactly three points coming off a loss are 10-23-3 against the spread and 16-20 straight up - the latter of which is alarming for a team priced as a favorite. When the opponent is coming off a win, as the Bears are, those marks drop to 3-11-1 ATS and 5-10 SU.Over that same span, underdogs coming off a win of at least 28 points are 10-5 ATS with seven outright wins. The only thing pointing to Minnesota as the better team here is the line, which should concern those backing the home side.Why the Bears will winNeither team is top-tier this season, but the Bears' defense has been stout all year and finally has an offense to match given how well Trubisky is playing in his return as a starter. He could be in for another big day if the Vikings are without linebacker Eric Kendricks - whose absence would be a big blow against Chicago's offense, which loves to target its tight ends and running backs.The Bears are also among the NFL's best against the run, which changes the approach for a Minnesota offense that relies heavily on play-action. All signs point to the upset in a favorable revenge spot for Chicago.(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.

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jarvis Landry was disgusted after a video showed Marcus Peters of the Baltimore Ravens appearing to spit at him while his back was turned on Monday Night Football."He's a coward," Landry said Thursday. "I think he knew that maybe behind my back he'd do things like that, but to my face, he wouldn't. I take it for what it's worth. Now I know. Everybody knows the type of player he is, the type of person he is."Peters hurled the supposed ball of saliva at the end of the first quarter. Landry found out about the incident after the game when he watched the replay.Landry said he and Peters didn't have a hostile history entering the game and indicated their trash talk that night was nothing out of the ordinary. The NFL has thus far declined to comment on the matter, according to Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal."Wait until I turn around and do something like that," Landry said rhetorically. "It's like, do it to my face. Be a man about it if you're going to do something like that."The Ravens cornerback responded to Landry later Thursday, denying the spitting was a calculated act."I didn't spit at Jarvis," said Peters in a statement. "Where I come from, when you have an issue with someone, you deal with it face-to-face, man-to-man. Anyone who believes that I intentionally spit at him does not know me - plain and simple."Peters has a reputation for being temperamental dating back to his college days at Washington.Landry finished Monday Night Football with six catches for 52 yards, but the Browns fell 47-42 to Peters and the Ravens.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Los Angeles Chargers wide receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams are active for Thursday night's game against the Las Vegas Raiders.However, both players will be on a rep count for the AFC West showdown, a source tells ESPN's Adam Schefter. Allen and Williams were reportedly in danger of missing the game with a hamstring and back injury, respectively.Allen has developed instant chemistry with rookie quarterback Justin Herbert this season, leading the league with 144 targets.The veteran wideout enters Week 15 with the second-most catches (99), behind Stefon Diggs, and tops all Chargers pass-catchers with eight touchdown receptions.Meanwhile, Williams is second on L.A.'s squad in receiving yards (572) and touchdown catches (four).If the Chargers do limit the workloads of Allen and Williams against the Raiders, tight end Hunter Henry and wideout Jalen Guyton are likely in line for expanded roles.The 4-9 Chargers have been eliminated from playoff contention but can play spoiler against their division rivals. The 7-6 Raiders sit just outside of a wild-card spot and likely need to win out to make the postseason.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.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 15.Patriots at Dolphins (-2, 41.5), 1 p.m. ETNo team has been a better bet this year than the Miami Dolphins, who are an NFL-best 10-3 against the spread with an 8-1 ATS record since Week 5. They're also riding a 19-6 ATS run since Week 6 of last season - which includes a 10-2 ATS record at home - while the New England Patriots are 2-5 ATS in their last seven in Miami.Trend play: Dolphins -2Buccaneers (-5.5, 50) at Falcons, 1 p.m.The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have had their fair shares of duds this year, but they rarely shrink against inferior competition. Tampa Bay is 3-1-1 ATS this year against teams with a losing record and 5-1-1 ATS in its last seven games as a favorite of at least 5.5 points. On the other side, the Atlanta Falcons are 1-4 ATS this year against teams with winning records and 1-4-1 ATS in their last six as home underdogs.Trend play: Buccaneers -5.5Seahawks (-5, 44.5) at Washington, 1 p.m.If Alex Smith suits up in this one, it's hard to bet against the Washington Football Team, which has gone 6-1-1 ATS since Week 6 and won its last four games by a combined 50 points. Washington is also 4-0-1 ATS as an underdog during that stretch, while the Seattle Seahawks have gone 0-2-1 ATS in their last three as road chalk.Trend play: Washington +5Jets at Rams (-17.5, 44), 4:05 p.m.How high does this line have to be to bet the New York Jets? That's the question facing bettors and oddsmakers this week, and history suggests it's already high enough. Teams catching more than 17 points are 15-6 ATS since 1991, including 9-0 ATS in Week 11 or later.Trend play: Jets +17.5(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 © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New York Giants will face the Cleveland Browns on Sunday without top cornerback James Bradberry, who was placed Thursday on the reserve/COVID-19 list, the team announced.Bradberry was deemed a high-risk close contact to someone away from the Giants' facility who tested positive. The earliest he could be activated from reserve is Monday.The Giants enter their Week 15 matchup - which will be featured on Sunday Night Football - trailing the Washington Football Team by one game for the NFC East lead.Bradberry has enjoyed an excellent season with the Giants after coming over from the Carolina Panthers in free agency on a three-year, $43.5-million contract. The 27-year-old has 17 pass breakups, tied for first in the NFL, and three interceptions across 13 appearances.The Giants will also be without offensive coordinator Jason Garrett against the Browns following a positive COVID-19 test and have tabbed tight ends coach Freddie Kitchens to call plays in his place. Kitchens served as head coach of the Browns in 2019.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.The final rankings will be released Sunday morning.Half PPR

Former Atlanta Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff will interview with the Detroit Lions for their vacant position, sources told NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.The Falcons fired Dimitroff and head coach Dan Quinn in October. Dimitroff held the GM post in Atlanta since 2008, constructing six rosters that went to the playoffs including one that went to the Super Bowl.Detroit also fired GM Bob Quinn and head coach Matt Patricia this season amid another deflating year in the Motor City. The Lions haven't made the playoffs since the 2016 season and haven't won a playoff game since the 1991 campaign.Dimitroff, a two-time NFL Executive of the Year, worked for the Lions as an area scout from 1994 to 1997.ESPN analyst Louis Riddick, former Houston Texans GM Rick Smith, and longtime executive Scott Pioli - who worked alongside Dimitroff in Atlanta - are among the other reported candidates on the Lions' radar. Pioli has an interview scheduled, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Los Angeles Chargers are hurting on offense heading into Thursday night's matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders.Los Angeles is concerned wideout Keenan Allen, who's nursing a hamstring injury, will be unable to suit up in the Week 15 tilt, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports. If Allen is active, he's likely to receive limited snaps.Meanwhile, wide receiver Mike Williams isn't expected to play due to a back injury, sources told Schefter.Both Williams and Allen have been limited in practice leading up to Thursday's contest and were listed as questionable on Wednesday.Jalen Guyton, Joe Reed, and Tyron Johnson would presumably play increased snaps if the Chargers' top two pass-catchers are inactive, and tight end Hunter Henry is likely to experience a bump in targets.Running back Austin Ekeler, who's also listed as questionable with a quad injury, is expected to play in the AFC West matchup.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've been on fire with our roundtable best bets, going 11-2 since the Ravens' Tuesday night win over the Cowboys in Week 13.Here's how we're betting Thursday's AFC West clash between the Raiders (-3) and Chargers.Alex KolodziejUnder 53.5Oddsmakers overshot this one, as the Chargers’ offense isn't being docked enough. Justin Herbert burst onto the scene early, but L.A. is trending down while ranking just No. 18 in the league in DVOA offense.Do I like betting on the Raiders’ defense to do well? No, I do not. But that unit has endured one of the tougher schedules of opposing offenses this year, including games against the Colts, Falcons, and Chiefs recently. This contest looks like a fun, wide-open game on paper, but the number here is awfully high.Alex MorettoAustin Ekeler over 57.5 rushing yardsSomeone care to explain this number to me? It feels like I’m missing something. If the number is a result of Ekeler's questionable tag, it's a gift. He's nursing a thigh bruise, but I'm not concerned.The Raiders' run defense is getting demolished this season, and that’s been especially true of late. Yes, the team fired its defensive coordinator after Colts running backs Jonathan Taylor and Nyheim Hines ripped off 211 yards on 28 carries, but the Raiders aren't solving their issues overnight. This is a club that resurrected Kalen Ballage's career in its first meeting with the Chargers this campaign.Now the Raiders are facing Ekeler, who’s been getting the bulk of the Chargers' backfield work since returning from the injured reserve a few weeks ago. Los Angeles loves to run the ball, and the Chargers always seem to play tight games, so Ekeler's absolute floor is likely 13 carries.The Raiders have allowed 6.1 yards per carry over the last three weeks to running backs while facing Ty Johnson, Josh Adams, Brian Hill, and Ito Smith. Even if we drop that to a very conservative five yards per carry for Ekeler, he'll finish with 65 yards.He'll get more carries, though, and he'll average more yards. I’m all-in here.C Jackson CowartEkeler over 40.5 receiving yardsI'm also all-in on the Chargers' lead back, but I'm betting him to gash the Raiders in a different way.Since returning from the IR in Week 12, Ekeler has averaged 61.3 receiving yards on eight catches per game. Excluding Week 4, when he played just three snaps before leaving with an injury, he's logged 55-plus receiving yards in four of his last five games. Ekeler has also topped 40.5 yards in 10 of his last 12 contests, averaging 63.3 yards over that stretch.This number would only make sense if the Raiders were stout against running backs. That, of course, isn't the case in any way. Las Vegas has allowed the eighth-most receiving yards per game to opposing backs at 42.8, which is higher than this prop total. Unless Moretto and I are missing the same thing, Ekeler should produce a big evening all around.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New York Giants announced Thursday that offensive coordinator Jason Garrett has tested positive for COVID-19.Garrett will work remotely ahead of Week 15, and the Giants won't practice Thursday. The team said there doesn't currently appear to be any high-risk close contacts.Tight ends coach Freddie Kitchens will serve as New York's offensive play-caller Sunday against the Cleveland Browns. Kitchens was Cleveland's head coach last season but was let go after earning a 6-10 record.Garrett, 54, joined Joe Judge's staff in January following a 13-year tenure with the Dallas Cowboys. The Giants currently rank 31st in both total offense and points per game in 2020.Kitchens may be without his starting quarterback against his former club, as Daniel Jones' status for Week 15 is in doubt after he suffered a second lower leg injury against the Arizona Cardinals.New York currently sits second in the NFC East at 5-8, one game behind the Washington Football Team.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is looking to join an exclusive group of NFL legends with his play this season.Only five players in league history have won at least three NFL MVP awards - Peyton Manning, Jim Brown, Tom Brady, Johnny Unitas, and Brett Favre. Rodgers won the award in 2011 and 2014, and he's in the hunt this season for that elusive third honor."There's not many guys who have won three, so that would definitely mean a lot," Rodgers said, according to Zach Kruse of Packers Wire.Rodgers certainly has a case for this year's award. He leads the NFL in touchdown passes (39), passer rating (119.7), and touchdown percentage (8.7), and his Packers sit atop the NFC playoff standings at 10-3."It's nice to be back in the conversation," Rodgers said. "It's usually on the preseason goal list."The 37-year-old's main competition is likely Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes."I think (MVP winners) should live up to what it stands for as an acronym," he added. "It's that person who is most valuable to their team. I feel like that's why I should be in the competition most years, and this year especially."Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

There are just three weeks left in the regular season, and the rankings for the NFL's offensive and defensive Rookie of the Year awards have changed drastically since the start of the year.Here's a look at the top five candidates for each honor ahead of the campaign's final stretch.Offensive Rookie of the Year5. Chase Claypool, Pittsburgh Steelers Justin K. Aller / Getty Images Sport / GettySeveral rookies have strong cases for the fifth spot on this list, but Claypool gets the nod thanks to his importance to the Steelers' offense throughout the season. Granted, Pittsburgh has struggled to score in recent games. But that could have been a season-long issue if not for Claypool.The Notre Dame product leads the Steelers - and all rookie wide receivers - with 10 scrimmage touchdowns this year. He also entered December leading the league in defensive pass interference penalties drawn and yards gained on those penalties. Overall, Claypool has caught 50 passes for 664 yards, including the season's longest catch (84 yards).4. Antonio Gibson, Washington Football TeamWashington's offense has scored 29 touchdowns this season, and Gibson has provided almost half of them (11) despite being sidelined for his team's last two games. The first-year runner has saved Washington from complete disaster, providing the necessary offensive support for a team led by a solid defense.Before suffering his foot injury, Gibson scored at least one touchdown in five straight games to help Washington go 3-2 after starting the year 1-5. He leads all first-year players in total touchdowns while ranking fifth with 892 scrimmage yards.3. James Robinson, Jacksonville Jaguars Sam Greenwood / Getty Images Sport / GettyThe Jaguars' awful campaign has overshadowed Robinson's impressive freshman season, but don't sleep on the undrafted rookie out of Illinois State.The 22-year-old is one of three players with 1,000 yards on the ground after Week 14, trailing only Derrick Henry and Dalvin Cook with 1,035. He also tops this year's rookie class with 1,361 scrimmage yards. Robinson is one of the few good things to happen to the Jaguars in 2020.2. Justin Herbert, Los Angeles ChargersChargers fans have more reason to get excited about Herbert with each passing week. His arm potential is already unquestionable, and the quarterback has shown resilience early in his pro career: He bounced back from an awful Week 13 performance by completing over 80% of his passes and leading the game-winning drive late in the fourth quarter versus the Atlanta Falcons in Week 14.Herbert has thrown for 25 touchdowns this season and is on pace to break Baker Mayfield's rookie record (27). He's also averaged 288.9 passing yards per game while tossing 10 total interceptions.Though Herbert's overall production is impressive, his numbers have declined in recent outings - and that hurts his ranking here. Los Angeles hasn't topped 20 points in three straight games, and Herbert has just one multi-touchdown outing in that span after amassing seven straight from Week 4 to Week 11.1. Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings Stephen Maturen / Getty Images Sport / GettyJoe Burrow's season-ending injury and the Chargers' recent struggles on offense have set the stage for a new No. 1 in our Offensive Rookie of the Year rankings.Forget first-year wide receivers - Jefferson currently ranks among the NFL's elite pass-catchers regardless of age or experience. The rookie was one of just seven wideouts to eclipse 1,000 receiving yards by Week 13, and his 1,078 yards currently rank seventh in the league. He's also scored seven touchdowns while averaging 16.6 yards per reception.The former LSU stud has given the Vikings chances to win even when their established stars are unavailable or underperforming; Jefferson had 13 targets and two touchdowns in Minnesota's comeback victory against the Carolina Panthers in Week 12 when Adam Thielen was sidelined and Dalvin Cook was held to 61 rushing yards.Herbert might be the favorite to win the award because he's a quarterback, but no offensive rookie has been better than Jefferson through 14 weeks.Honorable mentions: Joe Burrow (Bengals), Clyde Edwards-Helaire (Chiefs), CeeDee Lamb (Cowboys), Jonathan Taylor (Colts).Defensive Rookie of the Year5. Julian Blackmon, Indianapolis ColtsThe Colts have plenty of reason to believe they have a star in Blackmon, who recovered from a torn ACL during the offseason. Despite missing Indianapolis' season opener, he's already established himself as a crucial starter in one of the NFL's most improved secondaries.The third-round safety has been excellent in pass coverage and has three takeaways this season. All of them happened in the fourth quarter or overtime to guarantee the Colts a win, including a forced fumble against the Green Bay Packers that set up the game-winning field goal in Week 11. Opposing quarterbacks have a passer rating of 68.7 when throwing in Blackmon's direction.4. Antoine Winfield Jr., Tampa Bay Buccaneers Mike Ehrmann / Getty Images Sport / GettyNovember wasn't a great month for Winfield, who was once considered the front-runner for Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. Inconsistencies have plagued the Buccaneers' secondary as a whole lately, and Winfield's struggles have caused him to drop a few spots on this list.While it's unfair to blame Winfield for all of Tampa's defensive flaws, he might be the key to getting the unit back on track. The first-year defensive back amassed one sack, one forced fumble, and a career-high 12 tackles against the Vikings in Week 14, helping the Buccaneers post their best defensive performance in weeks.3. Patrick Queen, Baltimore RavensPost-draft analyses pegging Queen as a great fit for the Ravens' defense are turning out to be fairly accurate. The first-round linebacker has flaws in his game - which is to expected for a rookie shouldering a significant workload - but his overall athletic ability and speed are exactly what Baltimore wants from its defenders.The LSU product snagged his first career interception on a great diving effort against the Dallas Cowboys two weeks ago, and his importance to the Ravens' run defense has translated to 92 combined tackles, second-most among rookies. Queen has also recorded two sacks, six quarterback hits, and two forced fumbles while starting every game this season.2. Jeremy Chinn, Carolina Panthers Stephen Maturen / Getty Images Sport / GettyWhat can't Chinn do?The first-year defender had already impressed the NFL with his versatility, tackling ability, and coverage instincts, and now the second-round pick has added impressive touchdowns and a sack to his resume.Chinn has racked up 21 combined tackles, two forced fumbles, one sack, and two touchdowns in his last two games. He leads the Panthers - and all rookie defenders - with 95 tackles this year. Players aren't supposed to have such stat lines so early in their careers.1. Chase Young, Washington Football TeamYoung likely won't even top 10 sacks in his rookie season, which might seem disappointing given all the hype around the 2020 second overall pick. But despite relatively modest stats, the former Ohio State star has made an absurd impact for Washington this year.In Week 13 against the Steelers - Washington's biggest win of the season - Young finished with just two tackles and one quarterback hit. Bad game, right? Not exactly. One of those tackles came on fourth-and-goal at the goal line, and the other stymied a third-down conversion inside the two-minute mark. The latter play helped Washington get the ball back to score a field goal before halftime.The 21-year-old is also coming off arguably his best pro performance after recording one sack, one forced fumble, and a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers.Opposing blockers often double-team Young, which eases individual matchups for his teammates. That might explain why Washington boasts nine players with multiple sacks this season, including four defenders with at least five. Overall, Young has notched 5.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and 35 tackles in 2020.Honorable mentions: Jaylon Johnson (Bears), Derrick Brown (Panthers), Jordan Fuller (Rams).Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It appears Louis Riddick is a hot commodity.The ESPN analyst and former NFL executive interviewed for the Houston Texans' general manager job on Wednesday, the team announced. He will meet with the Detroit Lions on Friday for their opening, sources told ESPN's Chris Mortensen.Riddick is currently in his first season in the commentary booth for Monday Night Football. He has plenty of experience in front-office roles, serving as director of pro personnel for both the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Football Team.The former pro scout has interviewed for other GM openings in the past and is reportedly among the candidates for the Atlanta Falcons' vacancy.Houston fired Bill O'Brien from his head coach and general manager role after an 0-4 start this season, and Jack Easterby is temporarily filling in for the latter position. However, the Texans aren't planning on turning Easterby's interim role into a permanent job.The Lions relieved head coach Matt Patricia and general manager Bob Quinn of their duties on Nov. 28.Riddick spent seven seasons in the NFL as a defensive back.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New Orleans Saints are still hopeful Drew Brees can return from his injuries this week, but head coach Sean Payton knows the quarterback still has "a ways to go" in his recovery."We haven't ruled anything just because we don't have to," Payton said Wednesday, according to Mike Triplett of ESPN. "He's got a ways to go still, and he's someone we're not gonna just hurry back and just put him in the game."I think the significance of the injuries are such that you've gotta make sure he can function and feel confident."Brees has missed the last four games after suffering 11 fractured ribs and a collapsed lung in Week 10. He was placed on injured reserve on Nov. 20.The Saints designated Brees to return from IR Wednesday, which clears him to practice with the team.New Orleans won three of the four games without the future Hall of Famer under center. Taysom Hill has completed 71.9% of his pass attempts while throwing four touchdowns against two interceptions in those contests. He's also rushed for 209 yards and four scores.The 10-3 Saints have already clinched a playoff berth but are currently fighting for the NFC's No. 1 spot, which would guarantee them a bye in the playoffs. The team is second to the Green Bay Packers in the conference standings.New Orleans had its nine-game winning streak snapped with last week's upset loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Getting back to the win column won't be easy as it faces the Kansas City Chiefs - winners of eight straight - in Week 15.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Baltimore Ravens' COVID-19 issues continue.The Ravens added three receivers - Marquise Brown, Miles Boykin, and James Proche - to their reserve list Wednesday.The development comes two weeks after an outbreak that resulted in more than 20 Ravens players hitting the reserve/COVID-19 list.Head coach John Harbaugh said the three wideouts did not contract the coronavirus and their placement on the COVID-19 list is due to contact tracing.Baltimore activated Dez Bryant off the list Tuesday. Bryant missed the previous two games after testing positive ahead of the Week 13 game against the Dallas Cowboys.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NFL hopes to celebrate health care workers in a big way when Super Bowl LV comes around."We are currently discussing with public health officials our desire to invite vaccinated health care workers to the Super Bowl as our guests," commissioner Roger Goodell wrote in a letter to Rob Higgins, president of the Tampa Super Bowl Host Committee, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport."Subject to their approval and in consultation with your team, we aim to do this in a safe and responsible way."Though the league hasn't determined a maximum capacity for the Super Bowl at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay, Florida, the NFL hopes to make sure health care workers are honored at the league's biggest spectacle."We know that over the past year, these frontline workers have put their own lives at risk to the benefit of society and we owe them our ongoing gratitude," Goodell wrote. " ... We hope that in some small way, this initiative will inspire our country and recognize these true American heroes as we look forward to a better and healthier year."Super Bowl LV is scheduled to be played on Sunday, Feb. 7.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers placed running back Ronald Jones on the reserve/COVID-19 list Wednesday, the team announced.Jones is the fourth Buccaneers player to hit the COVID-19 list this week, joining punter Bradley Pinion, kicker Ryan Succop, and long snapper Zach Triner.Jones, 23, underwent surgery to insert pins into a broken finger earlier this week and didn't practice Wednesday.Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians said Leonard Fournette will replace Jones if the latter can't play Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons, according to Grace Remington of CBS Tampa.Fournette was a healthy scratch for last week's victory versus the Minnesota Vikings.Jones leads Tampa Bay with 900 yards and six touchdowns on the ground through 13 games this season. The third-year runner has also caught 28 passes for 165 yards and one score.The NFL created the COVID-19 list for players who either test positive or are deemed to be close contacts of an infected individual.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, Google Play, Stitcher, Spotify, and Anchor.In this episode, Kyle Yates of FantasyPros joins Boone to discuss the most important fantasy questions heading into Week 15.

The Washington Football Team signed veteran running back Lamar Miller off the Chicago Bears' practice squad, a source told JP Finlay of NBC Sports.Miller is set to join Washington's active roster and will be active for Sunday's game against the Seattle Seahawks, Finlay adds.The 29-year-old runner has appeared in just one game this season. He had two receptions for 6 yards during the Bears' loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 10.Miller signed a one-year deal with the New England Patriots during the offseason but was released prior to the start of the regular season.He made his first career Pro Bowl with the Houston Texans in 2018. He racked up five consecutive campaigns with at least 1,000 scrimmage yards from 2014-18. His streak ended when a torn ACL sidelined him for the entire 2019 season.Signing Miller might indicate that rookie running back Antonio Gibson won't be available against the Seahawks. Gibson has been sidelined for the last two games due to a foot injury.Washington is currently leading the NFC East with a 6-7 record.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Las Vegas Raiders will be without four defensive contributors for Thursday Night Football against the Los Angeles Chargers.Head coach Jon Gruden has ruled out safety Johnathan Abram, cornerback Damon Arnette, linebacker Nicholas Morrow, and defensive Clelin Ferrell, according to The Athletics Tashan Reed.Arnette, Abram, and Morrow are all dealing with concussions. Arnette missed last week's loss to the Indianapolis Colts due to his ailment, while Abram and Morrow both suffered theirs during that game. Ferrell injured his shoulder against Indianapolis and was unable to return.Abram, 24, also missed Week 13 while battling a knee injury.Vegas already ruled out rookie receiver Henry Ruggs on Tuesday, placing him on the reserve/COVID-19 list.The 7-6 Raiders currently sit outside a playoff spot and likely need to win at least two of their final three games to qualify in a competitive AFC.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers suffered from another slow start on Sunday, once again fueling criticism of the offensive unit led by quarterback Tom Brady.However, head coach Bruce Arians isn't concerned about the team's inconsistencies as long as the end result is positive."I don't know why anybody's criticizing Tom," Arians said Wednesday, according to Grace Remington of CBS Tampa. "If we finish the half with 17 points, I don't give a shit how we start. He's not getting enough credit for what he's doing."

Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow played every offensive snap of Sunday's loss to the Green Bay Packers despite suffering a fractured throat in the first quarter, a source told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.Rapoport later characterized the injury as a laryngeal fracture, and the Lions are consulting specialists, according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.Ragnow's breathing is fine but he isn't supposed to talk, Birkett adds.The 24-year-old reached out to quarterbacks Matthew Stafford and Chase Daniel after suffering the injury during the game versus the Packers, letting them know he could not talk."He didn't complain about it one bit. He just did his job. Pretty impressive," Daniel said Wednesday, per Birkett.Ragnow has yet to miss an offensive snap this season but was absent from Wednesday's practice. The 2018 first-round pick hasn't allowed a sack through 13 starts in 2020.Detroit is scheduled to face the Tennessee Titans on Sunday.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New York Giants head coach Joe Judge told reporters Wednesday that quarterback Daniel Jones is dealing with a second injury to his lower leg, according to ESPN's Jordan Raanan.Jones suffered the injury, which Judge said is different than the hamstring ailment that forced him to miss Week 13, during last week's loss to the Arizona Cardinals.NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that the 23-year-old sprained his ankle, and that his status for Sunday is in doubt.Judge added that he's yet to make a decision on the Giants' starting quarterback for their matchup with the Cleveland Browns, per USA Today's Art Stapleton."If (Jones) can defend himself properly in the pocket, if he's not at risk beyond any normal game, then we'll give him the opportunity to play," the head coach said, via SNY's Ralph Vacchiano.Colt McCoy started New York's upset victory over the Seattle Seahawks. He would presumably get the nod again if Jones is unable to take the field.The Giants currently sit second in the NFC East with a 5-8 record.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Carolina Panthers activated wide receiver D.J. Moore from the reserve/COVID-19 list ahead of Saturday's game against the Green Bay Packers, the team announced Wednesday.Moore was sidelined for the Panthers' loss to the Denver Broncos after testing positive for COVID-19 last week. He was one of eight players Carolina placed on the reserve list.The Panthers' outbreak was linked to their players gathering outside the team facility during their bye week. The club is reportedly expected to fine those players.Moore, 23, has racked up 50 catches for 924 yards and a team-high four receiving touchdowns through 12 games this season.Defensive tackle Zach Kerr remains on the COVID-19 list.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NFL Power Rankings are selected by a panel of theScore's football editors.This week, we identify one draft prospect every team should already be targeting.1. Kansas City Chiefs (12-1)Previous Rank: 1Wyatt Davis, G, Ohio State: The Chiefs would be wise to snag a plug-and-play interior lineman with their offensive line starting to show signs of decline.2. Green Bay Packers (10-3) Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyPrevious Rank: 5Dylan Moses, LB, Alabama: For a Green Bay squad that has struggled to defend the run, Moses feels like a perfect prospect to target toward the end of the first round in hopes of upgrading a major weakness.3. Buffalo Bills (10-3)Previous Rank: 4Joseph Ossai, Edge, Texas: Ossai is the sort of high-motor edge rusher Sean McDermott could covet for his defense, which lacks a game-wrecker up front.4. New Orleans Saints (10-3)Previous Rank: 2Pat Freiermuth, TE, Penn State: The Saints don't have many needs, but Freiermuth is an ideal Day 2 target and secondary receiving option. The talented tight end would give Sean Payton a Jimmy Graham-type weapon.5. Pittsburgh Steelers (11-2)Previous Rank: 3Kyle Trask, QB, Florida: With Ben Roethlisberger approaching the end of the road, the Steelers should think about potential successors that are likely available on Day 2 of the draft.6. Los Angeles Rams (9-4) Donald Page / Getty Images Sport / GettyPrevious Rank: 6Trey Smith, OL, Tennessee: Whether it's at tackle or guard, Smith would fill a need along the offensive line. He'd be a significant addition for a Rams team currently without a first-round pick.7. Indianapolis Colts (9-4)Previous Rank: 8Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota: The Colts need to get more athletic out wide if they want to truly become a Super Bowl contender.8. Seattle Seahawks (9-4)Previous Rank: 7Israel Mukuamu, CB, South Carolina: Mukuamu should come to mind when you picture a Seahawks cornerback. Tall and long with zone coverage chops, the young defender is exactly what Pete Carroll looks for at a position in need of upgrades.9. Tennessee Titans (9-4)Previous Rank: 10Aidan Hutchinson, Edge, Michigan: It's time for the Titans to look for an edge rusher in the draft after their free agency investments in Jadeveon Clowney and Vic Beasley produced little in return.10. Baltimore Ravens (8-5) Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyPrevious Rank: 13DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama: The Ravens still need help at receiver, and Smith could be available in the back half of the first round.11. Cleveland Browns (9-4)Previous Rank: 9Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame: The Browns don't have a glaring need but could target Owusu-Koramoah to add to a collection of linebackers lacking a true standout.12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-5)Previous Rank: 12Samuel Cosmi, OT, Texas: Cosmi possesses the movement skills and athleticism that Bruce Arians requires for offensive linemen. The Donovan Smith experiment at left tackle isn't likely to last much longer.13. Miami Dolphins (8-5)Previous Rank: 11Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama: With two first-round picks, the Dolphins should be able to upgrade the weaponry around Tua Tagovailoa by netting one of his old teammates from Alabama in Waddle.14. Arizona Cardinals (7-6) Jonathan Bachman / Getty Images Sport / GettyPrevious Rank: 16Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina: We're not sure how much time Patrick Peterson has left in Arizona as he's set to hit free agency in 2021. Horn is feisty, possesses advanced ball skills, and feels like the ideal complement opposite Byron Murphy.15. Washington Football Team (6-7)Previous Rank: 20Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech: Washington never truly replaced Trent Williams, but Darrisaw, a rising prospect adept in pass protection and run blocking, would immediately upgrade a key position.16. Las Vegas Raiders (7-6)Previous Rank: 14Marvin Wilson, DT, Florida State: An injury-riddled senior campaign will hurt Wilson's stock, but he seems like the type of mid-round, high-pedigree defensive tackle that Mike Mayock would fall in love with.17. Minnesota Vikings (6-7)Previous Rank: 15Trevon Moehrig, S, TCU: Moehrig is a Day 2 prospect with ideal range and coverage awareness. Both Harrison Smith and Anthony Harris will hit free agency over the next two years, so drafting a long-term replacement is ideal for Minnesota.18. New York Giants (5-8) Mark Brown / Getty Images Sport / GettyPrevious Rank: 18Gregory Rousseau, Edge, Miami: New York's defense has been one of this year's biggest surprises. Despite its success, the unit is still one high-level pass-rusher away from joining the NFL's elite. Rousseau could have that type of impact.19. New England Patriots (6-7)Previous Rank: 17Rondale Moore, WR, Purdue: Moore is the dynamic type of receiver the Patriots desperately need and the kind of yards-after-catch machine that Bill Belichick often desires.20. Chicago Bears (6-7)Previous Rank: 26Zach Wilson, QB, BYU: The Bears' success will be linked to their future at quarterback. An upgrade from Mitchell Trubisky and Nick Foles must be made, and Wilson is among the most dynamic college passers.21. San Francisco 49ers (5-8)Previous Rank: 19Asante Samuel Jr., CB, Florida State: Richard Sherman said it would take a miracle to return to the 49ers next year, so John Lynch would be wise to target blue-chip cornerback Samuel. He lacks size but is instinctual and thrives in off-man coverage.22. Denver Broncos (5-8) Collegiate Images / Collegiate Images / GettyPrevious Rank: 24Patrick Surtain Jr., CB, Alabama: The Broncos recently invested plenty in their offense, but they can't forget about their defense, which lacks young parts to build with - especially in the secondary.23. Philadelphia Eagles (4-8-1)Previous Rank: 27Ja'Marr Chase, WR, LSU: Regardless of who starts at quarterback or who the head coach is, Philly must add playmakers in 2021. Receiver Jalen Reagor was drafted in the first round this past year, but the Eagles need more ammunition.24. Detroit Lions (5-8)Previous Rank: 25Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State: There are more pressing issues in Detroit, but Parsons is exactly what this team needs. The Penn State product is athletic, instinctual, and versatile. With Jarrad Davis a pending free agent and Jamie Collins disappointing, the linebacking corps should still be addressed.25. Carolina Panthers (4-9)Previous Rank: 23Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida: Adding the 2021 draft's top tight end to an offense featuring D.J. Moore, Curtis Samuel, and Robby Anderson sounds like a problem for opposing defenses. Pitts is a high-level prospect that fills a need in Carolina.26. Houston Texans (4-9)Previous Rank: 21Kenneth Gainwell, RB, Memphis: Gainwell is a Day 3 prospect who could potentially improve the Texans' stale rushing attack, even though Houston has other issues to worry about.27. Los Angeles Chargers (4-9) John E. Moore III / Getty Images Sport / GettyPrevious Rank: 28Creed Humphrey, C, Oklahoma: The Chargers' top priority should be protecting Justin Herbert, and Humphrey could be available in Round 2, which allows L.A. to take the best player available in Round 1.28. Dallas Cowboys (4-9)Previous Rank: 29Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon: The Cowboys' issues in 2020 can primarily be traced back to injuries along the offensive line. Tyron Smith's future in Dallas is in question after a neck issue cut his campaign short, and Sewell profiles as the ideal long-term answer at left tackle.29. Atlanta Falcons (4-9)Previous Rank: 22Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson: With Todd Gurley only signed for 2020 and plenty of weapons at receiver, Etienne is the perfect player for Atlanta's backfield. The speedy rusher would take some attention away from Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley.30. Cincinnati Bengals (2-10-1)Previous Rank: 30Kwity Paye, Edge, Michigan: The Bengals used top-10 picks on offensive premium positions the last two years and need to start doing the same on defense.31. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-12) Jamie Sabau / Getty Images Sport / GettyPrevious Rank: 31Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State: Fields would be a favorite to go first overall in most years, so targeting him at No. 2 is nothing to be upset about.32. New York Jets (0-13)Previous Rank: 32Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson: There's no reason to sign Sam Darnold long term when the Jets can draft Lawrence, who promises to be better and cheaper, now and in the future.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NFL has decided against using local playoff bubbles, the league said in a memo distributed Tuesday."With the exception of the night before the game when players and coaches are required to stay in the team hotel, clubs may not require players and staff to stay at a hotel in their local area," read the statement.The league made the decision based on its analysis of the frequency of positive COVID-19 cases across the NFL compared to the risk of significant spread between players and staff when gathered at one hotel for an extended period.Teams are still welcome to voluntarily stay at a hotel for the postseason.The league requires players and staff to wear their tracking devices when staying at a hotel until they return to their rooms for the evening.Wearing masks, physical distancing, and refraining from gathering will still be mandated.The NBA and NHL both successfully instituted bubbles for their 2020 playoffs. There are three weeks remaining in the NFL's regular season.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.Maybe the Ravens' title hopes aren't dead after all.After trading as high as 33-1 to win the Super Bowl at some shops just two weeks ago, Baltimore (+1500) stormed back into the title picture on Monday following its wild 47-42 win over the Browns - keeping the Ravens' playoff hopes alive and reminding everyone why they were one of the shortest preseason championship favorites.The biggest story from Monday's game might be the brutal bad beat that cost Cleveland +3 bettors on the game's final play. The real notable development, though, should be the performance of Baltimore's offense, which scored 45 points for the first time since last season. Lamar Jackson finally rediscovered his MVP magic while producing 287 total yards - including 124 on the ground - and three touchdowns, teasing the immense upside of this group when its skill-position players are healthy.The Ravens averaged 6.8 yards per play against the Browns, the fifth-most in Week 14, and they averaged 7.4 yards a week ago in a blowout win over the Cowboys. Baltimore is one of just five teams to average over six yards per play during the last three weeks, which includes a shorthanded Wednesday outing against the Steelers. And defensively, the Ravens' unit has been among the league's best all season.Monday's effort was a clear outlier for Baltimore's defense, though if you're going to discount the entire group's contributions after that performance, you'd need to believe in the Ravens' offense after a strong showing, too. The truth is likely somewhere in the middle, but that's good enough to take a shot at reasonable odds and back one of the NFL's most talented and well-built rosters. If this year's team is even 90% as good as the 2019 version, it's worth the price.Here are the updated Super Bowl odds through Week 14, with three teams to watch beyond the Ravens:TEAMODDSKansas City Chiefs+180Green Bay Packers+600New Orleans Saints+700Tampa Bay Buccaneers+1000Los Angeles Rams+1100Buffalo Bills+1200Pittsburgh Steelers+1200Seattle Seahawks+1400Baltimore Ravens+1500Cleveland Browns+2500Indianapolis Colts+2600Tennessee Titans+3000Arizona Cardinals+6000Miami Dolphins+6500Washington Football Team+6500Minnesota Vikings+8000Las Vegas Raiders+10000San Francisco 49ers+12500New York Giants+15000Philadelphia Eagles+17500Chicago Bears+20000New England Patriots+20000Dallas Cowboys+25000Denver Broncos+50000Detroit Lions+50000Buffalo Bills (+1200)Oddsmakers are finally giving the Bills some respect after the club's consecutive prime-time wins, with Buffalo riding a five-game win streak against the spread and a 6-1 run straight up. The team's offense has now scored 26-plus points in five straight games, while its oft-criticized defense held the Steelers to 15 points in one of the unit's best performances this campaign.The value has probably been priced out of Buffalo at 12-1, but if you missed out on the Bills early, I can't fault you for taking a swing at this number. Their offense is one of the AFC's few that can keep up with the Chiefs' unit, and Buffalo's defense is talented enough to reach the top tier by year's end.Indianapolis Colts (+2600)This is a curious price for the Colts, who advanced metrics rank as a consensus top-10 team, and they're probably closer to the top five. Instead, they're priced outside of the top 10 despite fielding an elite defense and a high-upside offense, all while facing a manageable schedule down the stretch.Indianapolis hasn't played a grueling slate this year, but it's lost just three times in the last 13 weeks, dropping games to the Browns, Ravens, and Titans - all potential playoff teams. The club has also posted impressive recent wins over the Titans and Packers. It's hard to take issue with this number, even if you're skeptical of Philip Rivers in the playoffs.Miami Dolphins (+6500)Yes, the Dolphins aren't likely to win the Super Bowl. But 65-1? Miami's defense is one of the NFL's best, and the only unit to make Patrick Mahomes look human this year, picking him off three times on Sunday during the Dolphins' league-leading 10th ATS win this season.Their offense is still finding its rhythm, but Tua Tagovailoa has flashed during moments of brilliance, and one of the best defense and special teams combos in the league supports him. Miami is still the No. 7 seed in the AFC, and it's getting shortchanged with these odds.(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.

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

The Las Vegas Raiders placed Henry Ruggs III on the COVID-19 list Tuesday, and, as a result, the rookie receiver will miss Thursday's game against the Los Angeles Chargers.There was no indication whether Ruggs contracted the coronavirus or if he's deemed a close contact to someone with COVID-19.Ruggs was the hero back in Week 13, hauling in a game-winning 44-yard touchdown in the dying seconds to avoid a loss to the winless New York Jets. He was held to three catches for 18 yards in Sunday's loss to the Indianapolis Colts.The 7-6 Raiders trail the 8-5 Miami Dolphins by one game for the final playoff spot in the AFC with three games remaining. Las Vegas has lost three of its last four contests.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Baltimore Ravens made a couple of significant roster moves Tuesday.The Ravens activated receiver Dez Bryant off the COVID-19 list and placed quarterback Trace McSorley on injured reserve.Bryant missed the Ravens' past two games after testing positive for the coronavirus.McSorley was pressed into action Monday night when starting quarterback Lamar Jackson went to the locker room with cramps. McSorley was removed from the game after injuring his knee. He suffered a minor knee sprain, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.McSorley will now miss a minimum of three games. Fellow backup passer Robert Griffin III is already on injured reserve. Tyler Huntley, currently on the practice squad, is the only other quarterback on the Ravens' roster.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule doesn't think Christian McCaffrey will recover from his shoulder and thigh injuries in time to play against the Green Bay Packers Saturday, according to Steve Reed of the Associated Press.Rhule said McCaffrey's status could change if he practices Wednesday. McCaffrey was limited in the team's walk-through practice Tuesday.Injuries have plagued the 24-year-old's 2020 campaign, causing him to miss 10 games this season.The running back faces durability issues just one year after leading the league in touches (403) and yards from scrimmage (2392).Another absence for McCaffrey will lead to more carries for backup Mike Davis. The 27-year-old back has performed decently this season, averaging slightly over four yards per carry while also totaling 926 yards from scrimmage.The Panthers are currently 4-9 and tied for last in the NFC South.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Sean Payton recently picked Taysom Hill over Jameis Winston to command the New Orleans Saints at quarterback, but the head coach believes Winston's time could be coming soon with Drew Brees potentially in his final season."One of the attractions for Jameis, and I understand it, was there aren't many places in free agency where you can go to a team and have a pretty good bet that that quarterback like Drew is going to be playing in his last year," Payton told the NFL's "Huddle and Flow" podcast. "That doesn't exist. You go to a team and ... you're going to look for that opportunity to some time be a starter. He's going to have that opportunity the minute Drew leaves, and both he and Taysom know that."Winston signed a one-year, $1.1-million deal with New Orleans in the offseason. Payton praised the way Winston has handled backup duty and reaffirmed his belief that the Saints' quarterback of the future is already with the team."I've been proud of how that room has handled it, Jameis particularly, because he's a competitor and he wants that opportunity," Payton said. " And listen, I feel like, and I said it a week ago, I feel like our next quarterback is in the building."While some people were shocked by the decision to roll with Hill when Brees was injured, the head coach attributed the decision to a promise he'd made before Winston signed."I had basically given Taysom my word in the offseason that - hey, this is long before Jameis even arrived - that he would have that opportunity as the (No.) 2 coming back here," Payton said.Hill has started four games since Brees was sidelined with 11 fractured ribs, winning three. Payton is pleased with Hill's performance, increasing his confidence that the Saints could potentially have two quality quarterbacks should Brees retire in the near future."I believe Taysom is ascending, getting better at this position and I believe there's a certain skill set - they're different players, but I believe our future quarterback sits here, and Jameis definitely is a starter," Payton said. "He's performed exceptionally well."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.Our top-three picks all won last week, as did five of our top six.Just three weeks from glory now - here's to finishing strong.Week 15 confidence rankingConfidence rankings (CR) are out of 10 based on the author's picks:AWAYHOME (SPREAD)PICK (CR)NY JetsLA Rams (-17.5)LAR (10)JacksonvilleBaltimore (-13.5)BAL (9)DetroitTennessee (N/A)TEN (8)PittsburghCincinnati (+12)PIT (8)CarolinaGreen Bay (-8.5)GB (8)HoustonIndianapolis (-7.5)IND (7)BuffaloDenver (+6)BUF (6)Tampa BayAtlanta (+5.5)TB (6)New EnglandMiami (-2.5)MIA (5)ChicagoMinnesota (-3)MIN (4)LA ChargersLas Vegas (-3)LV (3)PhiladelphiaArizona (-6)ARI (3)Kansas CityNew Orleans (+4)KC (2)SeattleWashington (+5)WSH (1)San FranciscoDallas (+2.5)DAL (1)ClevelandNY Giants (+4)NYG (1)(Odds source: theScore Bet)1. Los Angeles Rams (vs. New York Jets)Let's not waste too much time on the obvious here.The Rams have one of the league's most disruptive defenses and efficient offenses, and they had an extra three days to prepare for a Jets team in full quit mode, playing a second successive road game on the west coast. Next.2. Baltimore Ravens (vs. Jacksonville Jaguars)The Ravens are back on track offensively with the Lamar Jackson-J.K. Dobbins-led rushing attack giving opposing teams fits. They've put up 81 points in the last two weeks and now return home to take on a Jaguars defense that was just gashed for 215 yards - and an astounding 8.3 yards per carry - by Derrick Henry. Jacksonville, starting its third quarterback in five weeks, isn't equipped to keep pace in a shootout.3. Tennessee Titans (vs. Detroit Lions)Matthew Stafford's health is important to watch for here. He's tough as nails, and with reports surfacing that he didn't break any ribs against the Packers, I'd expect him to fight through and play Sunday. However, anything less than a fully healthy Stafford leaves the Lions with little chance to overcome a defense more porous than Nonna's pasta strainer.4. Pittsburgh Steelers (@ Cincinnati Bengals)This isn't sound logic - and I'd advise not adopting this thinking going forward - but the Bengals aren't coming close to beating the Steelers if they can't even stay within double digits against the Cowboys. As bad as Pittsburgh has looked offensively, its defense can win this game on its own against whichever quarterback Zac Taylor opts to throw out there.5. Green Bay Packers (vs. Carolina Panthers)Close but no cigar has been the theme of the Panthers' season thus far. You're going to be competitive in a lot of games when you're as well-coached as Carolina is, but the Panthers don't quite have the talent to convert those opportunities into wins. Perhaps they cover here, but they're not going into Lambeau and doing enough defensively against Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams to leave with a win Saturday night.6. Indianapolis Colts (vs. Houston Texans)This is about the worst time for the Texans to visit Indianapolis, with Jonathan Taylor finally hitting his stride. The rookie has 300 all-purpose yards over the last two weeks and now gets another crack at the league's worst rushing defense, which he gashed for seven yards per carry a couple of weeks ago.7. Buffalo Bills (@ Denver Broncos)Why is this pick ranked so low? No disrespect to the Bills, who have been nothing short of terrific of late, but this is a dangerous sandwich spot for Sean McDermott's team. Buffalo's coming off an emotional win on prime time against the Steelers, and the Bills will head to New England for Monday Night Football next week. How focused will they be in the Mile High City on short rest against a Broncos team playing much better over the last couple of weeks?8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@ Atlanta Falcons)We know exactly what the Bucs are at this stage of the season. They're a solid football team that beats the average and bad ones but loses to the good ones. The Falcons fall into the former category, which should make for another routine Tampa win Sunday.9. Miami Dolphins (vs. New England Patriots)Both of these teams are very well-coached, but I have confidence that Brian Flores' stout defense will give Cam Newton fits. The Patriots might be the only team in the league with less talent at the skill positions than the Dolphins' banged-up offense.10. Minnesota Vikings* (vs. Chicago Bears)*Pending the Vikings' release of Dan Bailey.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 © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones confirmed Tuesday that Mike McCarthy will be Dallas' head coach next season, calling any questions about his future with the team absurd."How ridiculous is this conversation in terms of having any meat on the bone," Jones told 105.3 The Fan, according to ESPN's Todd Archer.Jones added: "I don't think I ever dreamed of Mike not being the coach."Dallas sits at a disappointing 4-9 in McCarthy's first year as the team's head coach. Jones stressed patience with McCarthy, pointing to slow starts by Cowboys icons Tom Landry and Jimmy Johnson, according to the Dallas Morning News' Calvin Watkins.Landry started his Cowboys tenure with an 0-11-1 record in 1960 while Johnson endured a 1-15 mark in his first year with Dallas. Both coaches are in the Hall of Fame.The Cowboys have faced many obstacles in McCarthy's inaugural campaign, including the loss of star quarterback Dak Prescott to a season-ending injury early in the year. However, Dallas' defense has struggled this season, allowing a league-worst 30.8 points per game.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Washington Football Team is optimistic Alex Smith will start Sunday's game against the Seattle Seahawks, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.Smith, who suffered a calf strain in Week 14, is expected to be a limited participant in practice this week as Washington will prioritize resting its quarterback, Pelissero adds.Dwayne Haskins, who replaced Smith against the San Francisco 49ers, would likely get the start in Week 15 if the veteran can't play.Smith has been a driving force behind Washington's second-half resurgence. The 36-year-old has compiled a 4-1 mark since being named the team's starter.Washington currently leads the NFC East with a 6-7 record.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Lamar Jackson's dramatic late-game heroics during the Baltimore Ravens' 47-42 win on Monday night stunned Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield as much as the rest of the football world.Jackson left in the third quarter with cramps, only to return for a fourth-down play after backup Trace McSorley suffered an injury. The reigning MVP then threw a go-ahead 44-yard touchdown pass on his first play back in the game.Mayfield responded to Jackson with a score 47 seconds later, but then Ravens kicker Justin Tucker hit a game-sealing field goal."It was like a scene from a movie," said Mayfield, according to Jake Trotter of ESPN. "I hate that for Trace McSorley, praying that he's OK. But as soon as he went down, you could see Lamar trotting back onto the field, it was like, 'Geez.'""He's a great player, you're gonna have to just try and contain him, you're never going to be able to stop guys like that," he added.Baltimore and Cleveland combined for 35 fourth-quarter points to make the hyped AFC North showdown one of the season's best games.Mayfield threw a costly interception toward the end of the third quarter, giving the Ravens the ball at the 1-yard line and allowing them to take a 34-20 lead.Cleveland's signal-caller redeemed himself in the fourth quarter, throwing two touchdown passes and running in a third to keep pace with Baltimore. He finished with 343 yards through the air.But ultimately, it was Jackson's night to shine. The Ravens star finished with 124 rushing yards, 163 passing yards, and three total touchdowns.The Browns fell to 9-4 with the prime-time loss, while the Ravens are back in the thick of the AFC wild-card race at 8-5.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson left a tight Monday Night Football affair against the Cleveland Browns with cramps.Jackson went to the locker room late in the third quarter with the Ravens leading 34-20. The Browns scored on their next two drives to take a 35-34 lead.Trace McSorley took over at quarterback for the Ravens. Jackson's return is questionable.Jackson had run the ball nine times for 124 yards and two touchdowns.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 Mitchell Leff / Getty Images Sport / GettyJalen Hurts, EaglesNext UpRosteredFABat ARI17%$4Hurts' ceiling as an NFL passer has not been decided yet, but Sunday's performance proved he can be a viable fantasy option moving forward.The rookie threw for 167 yards and a score while rushing 18 times for 106 yards against a tough Saints defense. Opponents should only get easier to handle defensively from here with matchups against Arizona and Dallas over the next two weeks.The Cardinals are in the top half of the league in fantasy points allowed to quarterbacks and have given up 30-plus rushing yards in six of their last 10 outings.Hurts is a high-end QB2 streamer with QB1 upside if he can improve his passing numbers in his second start.Philip Rivers, ColtsNext UpRosteredFABvs. HOU41%$1Rivers has become a regular in the waiver wire column, and he's continued to deliver with top-16 fantasy finishes in five straight games.Though he lacks the week-winning upside to be considered a high-end fantasy option, Rivers has been a consistent producer during the second half of the season.The 39-year-old will now take on a Texans defense he just posted 285 yards and two touchdowns against in Week 13. The Texans followed that performance up by allowing Mitch Trubisky to toss three touchdown passes against them last week.Rivers can be started with confidence as a low-end QB1 in Week 15.Streamer options: Mitch Trubisky at MIN (11% rostered), Derek Carr vs. LAC (47% rostered), Drew Lock vs. BUF (11% rostered), Baker Mayfield at NYG (41% rostered), Teddy Bridgewater at GB (32% rostered), Nick Mullens at DAL (5% rostered)Week 16 streaming options: Jalen Hurts at DAL (17% rostered), Baker Mayfield at NYJ (41% rostered), Mitch Trubisky at JAX (11% rostered), Drew Lock at LC (11% rostered)Running backs Michael Zagaris / Getty Images Sport / GettyLynn Bowden Jr./DeAndre Washington, DolphinsNext UpRosteredFABvs. NE1%/24%$14/$14If you need proof running backs are drying up, we're leading this section with a wide receiver. Bowden mostly lined up in the slot on Sunday, but he's listed as an RB or at least holds RB/WR eligibility on most sites.That dual status makes him an intriguing add in half PPR or full PPR formats after hauling in seven of his nine targets for 82 yards and adding two yards on the ground in a loss to the Chiefs.Bowden's inflated stat line came as a result of DeVante Parker, Mike Gesicki, and Jakeem Grant all leaving the game with an injury. With their statuses for Week 15 in doubt, Bowden becomes a flex play who could lead the Dolphins in receiving once again.Washington disappointed as an injury replacement filling in for Myles Gaskin (COVID-19), Matt Breida (COVID-19), and Salvon Ahmed (shoulder), but he did lead the backfield in touches by a wide margin with 15.If that trio remains sidelined, Washington will likely encounter a much more favorable game script this week against the Patriots, making him another flex option.Jeff Wilson Jr., 49ersNext UpRosteredFABat DAL19%$14Raheem Mostert is playing through the effects of a high ankle sprain, so the 49ers' backfield has devolved into a time-share, with Wilson taking on a larger role in recent weeks.Wilson has logged 40-plus yards from scrimmage in three consecutive contests, including 44 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's loss to Washington.With the Cowboys ranking among the 10 easiest fantasy matchups for running backs, both Mostert and Wilson should get a chance to produce in Week 15. Treat them as RB3/flex options, with RB2 upside if they can find the end zone.High-upside backups Alexander Mattison (28% rostered), Carlos Hyde (27% rostered), and Tony Pollard (21% rostered) should be rostered in most leagues.Flex options: Gus Edwards vs. JAX (32% rostered), Zack Moss at DEN (52% rostered), Phillip Lindsay vs. BUF (44% rostered), Mark Ingram vs. JAX (40% rostered)Risky flex options: Peyton Barber vs. SEA (9% rostered), Cordarrelle Patterson at MIN (11% rostered), Trayveon Williams vs. PIT (0% rostered), Kalen Ballage at LV (19% rostered), Sony Michel at MIA (13% rostered)Injury stash: Rashaad Penny (4% rostered)Wide receivers Jared C. Tilton / Getty Images Sport / GettyTim Patrick/KJ Hamler, BroncosNext UpRosteredFABvs. BUF28%/3%$19/$5You're forcing me to write about Patrick again?Patrick, who's still available in 72% of leagues, has now posted 60-plus yards and/or a touchdown in eight of his last 10 games. The one appearance when he didn't hit the mark came when Kendall Hinton played as the Broncos' emergency quarterback.The wideout should be in the WR3 conversation every week, and he deserves a spot in your lineup.His teammate Hamler also got in on the action this week, catching two long touchdown passes and finishing with 86 yards. The rookie is a much riskier play than Patrick, but he could be used as a flex in deeper formats.Allen Lazard/Marquez Valdes-Scantling, PackersNext UpRosteredFABvs. CAR38%/20%$14/14Lazard and Valdes-Scantling have traded usable fantasy weeks over the last month, with at least one of them putting up 50-plus yards and/or a touchdown each week.That back-and-forth might change this weekend when the Packers host the Panthers in the second part of the league's Saturday doubleheader. Carolina just allowed Drew Lock to throw for 280 yards and four touchdowns, which clearly means Aaron Rodgers will finish with 500 yards and 10 touchdowns against that same defense.If Patrick and Hamler came up big for fantasy managers when facing the Panthers, there's a good chance Lazard and MVS will produce in this contest.Curtis Samuel, Michael Pittman Jr., and Keke Coutee are around the 60% rostered mark and should be rostered in almost all leagues.Flex options: Sammy Watkins at NO (54% rostered), Sterling Shepard vs. CLE (49% rostered), Rashard Higgins at NYG (12% rostered), Nelson Agholor at LAC (36% rostered), Russell Gage vs. TB (11% rostered), Jalen Reagor at ARI (22% rostered), Chad Hansen at IND (2% rostered), Gabriel Davis at DEN (7% rostered)Risky flex options: Michael Gallup vs. SF (44% rostered), Emmanuel Sanders vs. KC (40% rostered), Tre'Quan Smith vs. KC (9% rostered), Tyron Johnson vs. LV (0% rostered), James Washington at CIN (5% rostered), Mack Hollins vs. NE (0% rostered), Scotty Miller at ATL (5% rostered), Danny Amendola at TEN (2% rostered), Darnell Mooney at MIN (10% rostered), Mecole Hardman at NO (23% rostered)Tight ends Peter G. Aiken / Getty Images Sport / GettyIrv Smith Jr., VikingsNext UpRosteredFABvs. CHI6%$5Smith was tagged as a potential breakout candidate before the season, but the Vikings' instance on him splitting the workload with Kyle Rudolph - combined with some time missed due to injury - has limited the Alabama product to a pair of decent fantasy days in 2020.However, Smith showcased his potential with Rudolph sidelined in Week 14, erupting for 63 yards and a touchdown. It was like a glimpse into the future to when the Vikings finally start deploying him as a featured part of their offense.If Rudolph can't suit up this week, Smith will be a high-end TE2 streamer against the Bears.Cole Kmet, BearsNext UpRosteredFABat MIN6%$1Jimmy Graham may have vultured a touchdown this week, but Kmet has been the Bears' lead tight end for the last month, playing over 70% of the team's snaps during that stretch.The rookie has been targetted 14 times over the last two weeks, turning that into five catches for 37 yards and a score in Week 13, and then four grabs for 41 yards on Sunday.That's enough to put Kmet into the streamer mix, a rare accomplishment for a first-year tight end.Streamer options: Logan Thomas vs. SEA (57% rostered), Tyler Higbee vs. NYJ (48% rostered), Trey Burton vs. HOU (36% rostered), Jordan Reed at DAL (24% rostered), Harrison Bryant at NYG (1% rostered)DefensesWeek 15 streamersTeamNext UpRosteredTitansvs. DET37%Brownsat NYG50%Patriotsat MIA48%Vikingsat CHI46%Cardinalsvs. PHI24%Eaglesat ARI27%Favorable Week 16 schedules: Browns at NYJ (50% rostered), Texans vs. CIN (18% rostered), Buccaneers at DET (53% rostered)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 were on the money in Week 14 with our bad line pick, as the Buccaneers (-6.5) didn't struggle while covering in a 12-point victory over the Vikings.We're now on a three-game win streak, and every team is in action come Week 15.Here are the lines, and the one that has us scratching our heads.MatchupSpreadChargers @ RaidersLV -3Bills @ BroncosBUF -6Panthers @ PackersGB -8.5Bears @ VikingsMIN -3Buccaneers @ FalconsTB -5.5Jaguars @ RavensBAL -13Patriots @ DolphinsMIA -2.5Lions @ TitansTEN -8.5Texans @ ColtsIND -749ers @ CowboysSF -2.5Seahawks @ WFTSEA -5Eagles @ CardinalsPHI -7Jets @ RamsLAR -17Chiefs @ SaintsKC -3.5Browns @ GiantsCLE -5Steelers @ BengalsPIT -13Bad line of the week: Ravens -13 (vs. Jaguars)The odds are stacked against the Jaguars. They're 1-12, it's Week 15, they're a warm-weather team playing in the cold up against one of the league's contenders, and Jacksonville is likely looking ahead to the draft.But while this game looks like a huge mismatch, the market is too high on the Ravens.The franchise is back on the upswing following a win over the Cowboys, but did we forget the Ravens dropped three straight prior to that? Or that they're just 2-6 against the spread this season when laying chalk?The Ravens put on an offensive clinic last season, finishing with the league's top DVOA unit. Now Baltimore is ranked No. 21 - three spots below the Jaguars - despite fielding most of its primary weapons.Motivation will be a huge concern for the Ravens. They're coming off back-to-back prime-time contests, and head coach John Harbaugh is never a good bet after a Monday Night Football game, covering during just five of 17 career tries.Harbaugh, who coached his team to a 14-2 record in 2019, also somehow can't figure out Jacksonville. He's 0-5 ATS and 2-3 straight up over five previous meetings.Baltimore should receive some early support in the betting markets. These two teams are heading in opposite directions, and it seems like the mismatch of the season.However, the Ravens have been a letdown as a favorite, and for whatever reason, they struggle in this series.You'll be able to wait on this number, but anything better than +13 is a good bet come Sunday.(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.

Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford's status for Sunday's game against the Tennessee Titans is in doubt due to a rib injury suffered late in Sunday's loss to the Green Bay Packers, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.Stafford's X-rays were negative, interim head coach Darrell Bevell said Monday, according to Brad Galli of WXYZ Detroit."This will be a deal where we'll take it to the end of the week," Bevell said, per MLive's Benjamin Raven.The Lions initially listed Stafford as questionable to face the Packers due to a thumb ailment.The 32-year-old has completed 63.9% of his passes this season while throwing for 3,522 yards and 22 touchdowns against nine interceptions through 13 this season.Veteran Chase Daniel will start at quarterback for the Lions if the team rules Stafford out.Stafford missed eight games to injury last season. Detroit went 0-8 with the one-time Pro Bowler sidelined.The 5-8 Lions are currently ranked last in the NFC North.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 14 action and looks ahead to the top options available on the waiver wire.

Roger Goodell visited Raymond James Stadium on Sunday for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' game against the Minnesota Vikings, and the NFL commissioner is optimistic about hosting Super Bowl LV there amid the COVID-19 pandemic."I spent some time in the stadium yesterday, Raymond James Stadium looks great, and I know that the fans will enjoy the renovations that have taken place," Goodell said Monday, according to 95.3 WDAE."My family sat out in the stands for a quarter-and-a-half. The pods seemed to work really well and safe. People wearing PPE and staying safe. A lot of assistance around the stadium if needed. Well done," he added.Tampa has hosted the Super Bowl four times, but Goodell believes the fifth edition "will be one of the most memorable in its history."However, Goodell remains unsure about the number of fans that will be allowed at Raymond James Stadium for the season finale."I think the way we're approaching capacity is all about (the) safety of our fans and local public health officials," Goodell said. "I'm not sure there's a specific number we're confident in saying.""One of the things we've learned is we have to be prepared to adapt and evolve," he continued. "Our protocols have been adapted and evolved over the season. We don't know what the environment will be in 55 days."The pandemic could also impact when the participating teams travel to Tampa."As we get closer, we could make those determinations," Goodell said. "Safety is first, but we're flexible."Super Bowl LV is currently scheduled for Feb. 7.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Minshew Mania is back in Jacksonville.The Jaguars will start Gardner Minshew at quarterback against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 15, head coach Doug Marrone announced Monday, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.Minshew hasn't started since injuring his thumb in Week 7 but made his first appearance following the ailment in Week 14, replacing Mike Glennon in the fourth quarter with the Jaguars down big against the Tennessee Titans.Glennon and Jake Luton each started three games with Minshew sidelined, combining for a 0-6 record.Minshew has completed 65.1% of his pass attempts for 2,033 yards and 14 touchdowns against five interceptions through eight appearances this season. The 24-year-old was reportedly in danger of being benched due to his struggling performances earlier this year.The 1-12 Jaguars, who've now lost 12 in a row, are in the mix for the first overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Jacksonville would pick second if the season ended today, behind the winless New York Jets.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Wade Phillips would like to return to coaching next season and is interested in the Las Vegas Raiders' job opening at defensive coordinator, sources told Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal.The Raiders fired defensive coordinator Paul Guenther on Sunday as the team's struggles on that side of the ball continued with a 44-27 loss to the Indianapolis Colts.Phillips spent the 2020 campaign away from the sideline but is an established defensive guru. The 73-year-old has been coaching in the NFL since 1976 and most recently spent three seasons (2017-19) as the Los Angeles Rams' defensive coordinator.He led the Denver Broncos' top-ranked defense to a Super Bowl victory during the 2015 season and has also enjoyed notable stops with the Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans, Buffalo Bills, and Philadelphia Eagles, among others.Phillips has also spent time as a head coach, and his defensive acumen has always been on display; he's been part of 20 seasons in which his team has ranked in the top 10 in yardage allowed.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Philadelphia Eagles are sticking with Jalen Hurts at quarterback.The rookie signal-caller will start Sunday's game against the Arizona Cardinals after leading the Eagles to an upset win over the New Orleans Saints in his first NFL start, head coach Doug Pederson announced Monday, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.Hurts completed 17 of 30 pass attempts for 167 yards and one touchdown in Week 14 against the Saints. He also added 106 yards on the ground.The Eagles named the 22-year-old their starter over Carson Wentz due to the latter's struggles this season. Wentz, 27, has thrown for just 16 touchdowns against a league-high 15 interceptions through 12 starts in 2020.Philadelphia improved to 4-8-1 with its win over New Orleans. The Eagles currently sit third in the NFC East, while the Washington Football Team leads the division with a 6-7 record.Pederson also announced Monday that starting safety Rodney McLeod is done for the campaign after suffering a torn ACL. McLeod racked up 66 tackles, seven pass breakups, and one interception through 13 games this season.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Detroit Lions and Atlanta Falcons appear to be interested in former Houston Texans general manager Rick Smith.The Lions are set to interview Smith for the general manager vacancy, according to Dave Birkett of The Detroit Free Press. The Falcons are also interested and have touched base with Smith, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.Smith served as the general manager of the Texans from 2006-17, stepping away after the 2017 season due to health concerns surrounding his wife. The former executive was the youngest general manager in the NFL at the time of his initial hiring. He was just 36 years old when he was appointed to the position in 2006.The Texans drafted numerous franchise players during Smith's tenure, selecting J.J. Watt, DeAndre Hopkins, and Deshaun Watson. Houston reached the postseason on four occasions with Smith at the helm.The Falcons and Lions both fired their coaches and general managers earlier this season. Sideline boss Dan Quinn and general manager Thomas Dimitroff were terminated by the Falcons after a 0-5 start while the Lions cut ties with Matt Patricia and general manager Bob Quinn after Thanksgiving.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.