The Las Vegas Raiders expect right tackle Trent Brown to miss at least a month, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports.The team has recently placed Brown on its COVID-19 list for the second time this season as he's reportedly been experiencing complications from the virus.Brown also missed last week's game after a pregame IV went awry. The 27-year-old was hospitalized after air entered his bloodstream and was released from the hospital two days later.The Florida product has played in just two games this season due to the various complications. Denzelle Good and Sam Young have stepped in at right tackle.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Detroit Lions officially activated Matthew Stafford from the reserve/COVID-19 list, the team announced Saturday.Stafford is cleared to play Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings after his final test came back negative, a source NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.The quarterback was placed on the reserve list after reportedly being considered high risk due to contact with an infected individual not connected to the team.Stafford will face the Vikings without any practice, as he was away from the facility all week. Stafford also must travel on a private plane, Pelissero adds.The signal-caller has enjoyed a productive season, throwing for 13 touchdowns to just five interceptions. The Lions are 3-4 and fighting to make a push in the NFC North.The Vikings will enter Sunday with a depleted secondary after ruling out cornerbacks Cameron Dantzler, Mark Fields, and Holton Hill.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were a Super Bowl contender prior to signing Antonio Brown, and general manager Jason Licht doesn't believe the controversial wideout's addition will jeopardize his team's championship aspirations."It's an opportunity that we're giving him, another opportunity, but it's a one-year deal and if it doesn't work, there's no risk," Licht told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. "No risk."He added: "(Brown and head coach Bruce Arians) had a very candid conversation and I don't want to paraphrase. But Bruce said to me, 'He'll be good.'"The Bucs ended Brown's yearlong absence from the NFL last month by signing him to a one-year contract.The former Pittsburgh Steelers star - who sat out eight games due to a violation of the NFL's personal conduct policy - will make his debut in a pivotal NFC South showdown Sunday against the New Orleans Saints.Tom Brady already had an embarrassment of riches to work with on offense, including two Pro Bowl receivers in Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.Despite Brown's time on the sidelines, Licht still sees a special player who can push Tampa Bay over the top."He's just so explosive and sudden and so much stronger than he looks," Licht said after watching Brown in practice. "If you saw him in a grocery store, you wouldn't think he's a seven-time Pro Bowler. But man. He's very strong, great hands, super explosive."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 9.Half PPR

The NFLPA is inspecting the New York Jets' training facility after the team complained about security cameras in the locker room, ESPN's Rich Cimini reports.The union will consider taking action if any CBA violations are found, Cimini adds.Jets players reached out to the union in recent weeks about what appeared to be surveillance cameras hidden in smoke detectors, according to Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News.The NFLPA communicated the issue to the NFL in late October, but while the league admitted cameras have been in the facility since 2008, it ruled they were compliant with rules since players were aware, Mehta adds.Numerous current and former Jets players reportedly told Mehta that they were never made aware of the cameras.The Jets moved to their current training facility in Florham Park, New Jersey, in 2008.New York has endured tenuous relationships with players in the past. In November 2019, former receiver Quincy Enunwa voiced his displeasure with the organization over a fine, and current Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Kelechi Osemele filed an injury grievance while he played for the Jets last 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.One of the most anticipated rematches of the season will be on center stage Sunday night, as the Buccaneers (-4.5, 50.5) aim to avenge their Week 1 loss to the Saints.Here are our favorite trends, props, and bets for Sunday night.Betting trendsFew teams have been as disappointing for bettors this season as the Saints. They've gone 1-5 against the spread since beating the Buccaneers in Week 1, with two outright losses as favorites and four narrow finishes. In that time, Tampa Bay has gone 4-2 ATS with an average scoring margin of 13.3 points, the most by any team during that stretch.Still, it's not all bad for New Orleans, which has covered four straight against the Bucs. The Saints have also covered 21 of 33 divisional games since 2015, including 13 of 16 in the second meeting of the season against divisional foes.Does the revenge angle help Tampa Bay here? The Buccaneers are 6-2-1 ATS when avenging a loss from earlier in the season, while Tom Brady is 11-5 ATS in his career in that spot. The Bucs are also 6-2 ATS in their last eight following a Monday night game; Brady's covered 10 of his last 12 in that situation.New Orleans has gone 7-0 to the over this year on the strength of its offense, which has scored 29.4 points per game even without Michael Thomas for six of those seven contests. Tampa Bay is 4-3 to the over and has scored 30.9 points per game, fourth-most in the NFL.Player propsAlvin Kamara under 50.5 rushing yards (-110)Think this number is too low? Consider that only one running back has rushed for more than 50 yards against the Buccaneers' defense this season, when Christian McCaffrey recorded 59 yards on 18 carries in a Week 2 loss. Kamara has ran the ball at least 18 times on just three occasions in his career, and he could only turn 12 carries into 16 yards in Week 1 against Tampa Bay.Kamara is still battling a foot injury entering Sunday, which could lessen his workload and make it even more difficult to top this mark. The Buccaneers' defense has allowed 51.6 yards per game to opposing running backs as a whole; don't expect Kamara to reach that total this week.Mike Evans receiving yards under 55.5 (-120)Evans has been a favorite of ours this year on touchdown props, but he's done very little outside of the end zone. Tampa Bay's top receiver is averaging 46.6 receiving yards and has topped 55 just twice through eight games.The Saints held Evans to one catch for two yards in Week 1, and he could struggle regardless of the matchup this week. Former All-Pro cornerback Marshon Lattimore lined up against Evans 29 times in Week 1 and held him to zero receptions on two targets, per ESPN's Jenna Laine, while fellow corner Janoris Jenkins has been even more impressive than Lattimore this season.Best betBuccaneers -4.5This game was one of our best bets of the week for a reason. The Saints have been wasting bettors' money for weeks now, and the return of Thomas - whose active status doesn't mean he's fully healthy - isn't enough to close the gap between these two clubs. Expect the Bucs to fix their turnover issues from Week 1 and demonstrate why they're the best team in the NFC South.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 line reports, best bets, and subscribe to push notifications in the Betting News section.We enjoyed another positive weekend in the player prop market last Sunday, going 3-2.Here are some notable bets that should be on your radar in Week 9.T.J. Hockenson over 43.5 receiving yardsThe Lions' receiving corps won't have Kenny Golladay - who's either caught a touchdown pass or surpassed the 100-yard mark in the four games he's played this season. With quarterback Matthew Stafford on track for Sunday, who will step up in Golladay's absence?We're going with Hockenson. The tight end has been getting more involved in the offense, seeing an increase in targets in each of the last four.The spread and game script both play a factor here - Detroit is a sizable 'dog and should have success throwing on a depleted Vikings defense down a few starters in the back end.Teddy Bridgewater's longest completion over 37.5 yardsBettors know Bridgewater is a marvelous game manager when catching points, going 18-4 against the spread as an underdog.However, can he afford to dink and dunk in a game where Patrick Mahomes is on the opposite sideline?Carolina's been able to open up some shots down the field, ranking No. 8 in the league in explosive pass rate. The offense is going to need at least a couple of shots to stay in this game against the Chiefs.Look for wide receivers Robby Anderson or D.J. Moore to get this one home.Philip Rivers' longest completion over 38.5 yardsRemember all the flak Rivers took following his performance against the Browns in Week 6? Over the last two games, he's posted 636 yards and six touchdowns. He's also thrown for 8.76 and 9.77 air yards per attempt against the Bengals and Lions, respectively.Rivers has a tough matchup in general against the Ravens, but he'll catch the secondary napping at least once. The Colts are No. 3 in explosive pass rate and pace the league in that category when playing at home this season.Jonathan Taylor under 50.5 rushing yardsWe'll slide down the Colts' roster to Taylor, who has his hands full in Week 9. The rookie running back's had an easy go of it lately, facing the No. 20, 21, and 25 DVOA rush defenses over the last three games.The Ravens currently pace the league in that category, making Taylor an easy fade.Noah Fant over 49.5 receiving yardsFant was clutch in the Broncos' comeback win over the Chargers last week. The second-year tight end hauled in a season-high seven receptions for 47 yards.Fant should see plenty of volume against a Falcons defense that allows the third-most yards per game in the league to tight ends. He's also been consistent with targets, seeing at least six in five of six contests this year.(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.

The Baltimore Ravens promoted Dez Bryant from the practice squad for Week 9, paving the way for the wide receiver to play his first NFL game since 2017, according to ESPN's Field Yates.Bryant's move to the active roster doesn't guarantee he'll dress for Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts, as the Ravens could still make him inactive before kickoff.More to come.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New York Giants announced Saturday that wide receiver Golden Tate will not travel with the team for Sunday's game against the Washington Football Team.Tate will miss the contest due to New York's issues with his effort and performance, according to NFL Network's Kim Jones.Giants head coach Joe Judge said Friday that "a lot of possibilities" for discipline were on the table following the veteran wideout's comments during Monday's loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.Tate was demonstrably unhappy with the number of targets headed his way against the Buccaneers, shouting, "Throw me the ball" after catching a late touchdown. His wife also shared similar frustration in an Instagram story.The Giants attempted to trade the 32-year-old prior to Tuesday's deadline, SNY's Ralph Vacchiano reports. They'll likely release him in the offseason.New York will incur a $4.7-million dead cap hit if the team releases Tate following the season.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New York Jets head coach Adam Gase has announced starting quarterback Sam Darnold is doubtful to play Monday night against the New England Patriots due to a shoulder injury, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.Joe Flacco has been practicing more in the event he has to take over the starting role. The veteran signal-caller reportedly took all the first-team reps Thursday and Saturday, Brian Costello of the NY Post reports.Darnold aggravated an AC joint injury in his throwing shoulder, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, which decreased his practice time throughout the week.The former top-three pick was a limited participant in Friday's practice but will not practice Saturday.Darnold has already missed two games this campaign due to shoulder issues. The 23-year old has thrown more interceptions (6) than touchdowns (3) in six games played.New York's offense may get two key receivers back for Monday Night Football. The team expects both Jamison Crowder and Breshad Perriman to be active, according to Manish Mehta of the NY Daily News.Crowder has missed the previous two contests with a groin injury but still leads the squad in receiving yards (383). Perriman, who was out last week with a concussion, is still searching for his first touchdown of the season.The Jets - who currently own the NFL's lowest-ranked offense in points per game - are still searching for their first victory of the season.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

A rundown of the best games and most interesting trends to watch for in Week 9 of the NFL. All times Eastern.Giddy upSaints (5-2) at Buccaneers (6-2), 8:20 p.m.Whose idea was it to put this game on Sunday Night Football? As if anyone wants to watch a pair of 40-something quarterbacks in prime time. It's not like this is a great intra-division matchup, either. Especially with Texans-Jaguars sitting right there!In all seriousness, the Bucs continue to be one of the league's best teams, even coming off Monday night's near-loss to New York's Other Hapless Team. Tampa Bay is ranked No. 1 in overall DVOA and No. 1 in defensive DVOA. And on offense, where Tom Brady's already set up with a multitude of weapons, the Bucs are also adding Antonio Brown to the mix for the first time.A stat that ought to be of interest, with Brady getting Brown as a target in an offense that's already full of great targets: According to PFF, Brady has 17 deep-ball completions, which is the third-highest total in the league. His deep-ball passer rating of 110.4 is fifth-best in the NFL. The Bucs have as complete a passing attack as any in the league. And they need this game to avoid being swept by New Orleans.The Saints, meanwhile, have relied heavily on Drew Brees having to throw short, quick passes. But Brees will get wideout Michael Thomas back. There's no shortage of fascinating subplots to this game, which means it's somehow an even bigger event than it seemed back when the schedule was drawn up in the spring.This should be funSeahawks (6-1) at Bills (6-2), 1 p.m.Buffalo is a blitz-heavy team (35.7%, seventh-most in the league) that doesn't generate much pressure (21.2%, 18th). Russell Wilson is Russell Wilson, which is a simpler way of saying "the NFL's best quarterback through the season's first eight weeks." Justin K. Aller / Getty ImagesAccording to Ben Baldwin's database, Wilson leads the league in expected points added per play (EPA/play) plus completion percentage over expectation (CPOE), which is just proof he's productive and making big throws. Wilson's also doing this without forcing throws into tight coverage - his 11.3% aggressiveness ranks fifth-lowest in the league, per Next Gen Stats. The legend of wideout DK Metcalf grows after his monster game (12 catches on 15 targets, 161 yards, two TDs) last week against San Francisco.Then there's Bills QB Josh Allen, who's fifth in combined EPA/play+CPOE and seventh in Football Outsiders' defense-adjusted yards above replacement (DYAR). He'll be matched against a Seahawks defense that's ranked 30th in DVOA against the pass, though it will be getting safety Jamal Adams back, in addition to having newly acquired Carlos Dunlap and Damon Harrison ready to make their debuts along the defensive line.Try not to peek too much at the scoreboard. You might miss something exciting.Something's got to giveRavens (5-2) at Colts (5-2), 1 p.m.How big was the Ravens' loss last week to the Steelers? Baltimore went from potentially being in the pole position in the AFC North to being at risk of being on the fringes of the possible playoff field with another loss this week at Indy. Andy Lyons / Getty ImagesIt's too soon to make snap judgments about the playoffs, of course. But even though I'm spending a lot of time doing that right now, it certainly won't benefit the Ravens down the road to have another loss against another potential AFC playoff team. So indulge me on this.Indianapolis, meanwhile, is coming off of two of Philip Rivers' best games, though they came against the Cincinnati Bengals and Detroit Lions, who are no one's idea of two of the league's best teams. In fact, the Colts have played the league's easiest schedule so far, but they've got the Tennessee Titans twice sandwiched around a home game against the Green Bay Packers coming up.All of this is a very longwinded way of saying that the outcome of this game has quite a bit riding on it.Knock, knock …Giants (1-7) at Washington (2-5), 1 p.m.This horse has been dead for weeks, but let's beat it one final time. The Philadelphia Eagles have a bye, but Washington can pull even with them in the win column with a victory. That's it. That's the joke. Don't forget to tip your bartender.What happened?Bears (5-3) at Titans (5-3), 1 p.m.Here we have two teams that, as recently as two weeks ago, both looked suspiciously like two of the league's best. Now? The loser risks a free fall into that same crowded field of potential playoff fence-sitters that awaits the Ravens with another loss. Joe Scarnici / Getty ImagesChicago's problem has been the same as it's been for the last, oh, 70 years or so: poor quarterback play. Nick Foles is ranked 26th in DYAR and DVOA, and 27th in QBR, which pretty much makes him the spiritual successor of every Bears quarterback since the Truman administration.The Titans' defense is like an intersection without a stop sign. They're the league's worst on third down (61.9%), and they've managed only seven sacks, which ranks next to last. Tennessee hit Bengals QB Joe Burrow just twice last week, which is a difficult way to try to stop a quarterback.Dom Cosentino is a senior features writer at theScore.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Dallas Cowboys plan to start Garrett Gilbert at quarterback in Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, sources told NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.Cooper Rush will reportedly operate as Gilbert's backup after rookie Ben DiNucci made his first career start last week.Rush and Garrett split first-team practice reps ahead of Week 9, but the rotation favored the latter as the week progressed, according to Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News.Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy was expected to make a change at quarterback after DiNucci struggled against the Philadelphia Eagles. Team owner Jerry Jones said afterward that a short-notice start was too much for the rookie to handle.Gilbert has yet to start an NFL game since entering the league in 2014 as the then-St. Louis Rams' sixth-round pick. He joined the Orlando Apollos of the AAF last year after spending time on multiple practice squads and two seasons with the Carolina Panthers. The 29-year-old was the Cleveland Browns' third-string quarterback in 2019.Andy Dalton remains on the reserve/COVID-19 list.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Tennessee Titans pass-rusher Jadeveon Clowney is dealing with a meniscus issue, putting his status for the next two weeks in jeopardy, sources tell NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.Clowney is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears after not practicing all week. The Titans will operate on a short week following the game as they play the Indianapolis Colts next Thursday.The outside linebacker is attempting to play through the injury but has also discussed undergoing surgery, according to Garafolo.Clowney was able to suit up in Week 8 despite multiple missed practices due to the knee injury.The 27-year-old signed a one-year contract with Tennessee days before the season after a prolonged free agency. The South Carolina product has failed to record a sack in seven games but has performed well in run defense and generating pressures.Harold Landry and Derick Roberson are the only other outside linebackers currently on the Titans' active roster.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Carolina Panthers officially activated running back Christian McCaffrey from injured reserve Saturday, making him eligible to play in Sunday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs.Though Panthers head coach Matt Rhule said he anticipates McCaffrey playing Week 9 and reports indicate he will return to the field, Rhule wouldn't guarantee a heavy workload for his star tailback."Activating someone doesn't mean we'll have them in a jersey," he said. "I think there's a lot of things that still have to happen."He continued: "I want to see Mike Davis continue to play and continue to play at a high level. So there will be a football part to that where we have two guys we know we can win with. But at the same time, there'd have to be a conversation with the medical people."McCaffrey suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 2 and has missed his team's last six games as a result. Carolina leaned on Davis in his absence, with the 27-year-old veteran recording 594 yards from scrimmage since taking over as the starter.McCaffrey, 24, has been the focal point of the Panthers' offense since entering the NFL in 2017. He led the league with 2,392 yards from scrimmage last year and was named a first-team All-Pro.Carolina also activated rookie pass-rusher Yetur Gross-Matos from injured reserve.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.I'm on a roll after consecutive weeks with 2-1 records, bringing my overall record to .500 this season. Here are my best bets for Week 9.Saints at Buccaneers (-4.5, 50.5), 8:20 p.m. ETUntil they give me a reason not to do it, I'm fading the Saints. Since beating the Buccaneers in Week 1, they've gone 1-5 against the spread with two outright losses as favorites and four games that came down to the wire. Their offense has looked hamstrung without Michael Thomas, while their defense is struggling to force turnovers or get red-zone stops on third down.Meanwhile, the Buccaneers were two or three plays away from beating the Saints as Week 1 road underdogs. Since then, they've won six games by an average of 15.7 points and lost by one point as visitors on short rest, a result that's looking more and more like an outlier.The Bucs are a top-two team in the league by nearly every metric, and the Saints simply aren't on their level. Even a healthy Thomas isn't enough to change that.Pick: Buccaneers -4.5Dolphins at Cardinals (-4.5, 49), 4:25 p.m.There isn't much of a gap between these two teams, and if there is one, it certainly isn't 4.5 points. The Cardinals have logged one impressive win (over the Seahawks) and two head-scratching losses (to the Lions and Panthers), while the Dolphins are coming off three straight dominant victories (over the 49ers, Jets, and Rams).Miami's defense came alive in Week 8, forcing three fumbles and snatching two interceptions while also scoring a touchdown. The unit has been quietly trending upward for weeks. The Dolphins' defense entered the year with talent but little chemistry, and now we're finally seeing defensive coordinator Josh Boyer's approach that features chaotic blitz schemes and relentless pressure come to life.That could be the key to slowing Arizona's top-ranked offense (419.1 yards per game), which relies on Kyler Murray's ability to buy time in the pocket. If he can't do that Sunday, and Tua Tagovailoa holds his own against a shaky Cardinals defense, it'll be a long day for the favorites.Pick: Dolphins +4.5Giants at Washington (-3, 43), 1 p.m.For whatever reason, Washington still isn't getting any respect in the betting market. The team opened as a 3.5-point favorite against the Giants and has moved to 3-point chalk, which implies these clubs would be roughly equal on a neutral site.That simply isn't true. The Giants field the league's second-worst offense while averaging only 18.1 points per game, and their defense has been encouraging but still average. Washington boasts a legitimately top-tier defense, and a true star in Terry McLaurin and a budding one in Antonio Gibson lead the team's offense.New York is an NFL-best 16-4 ATS on the road since 2018, though that's more a product of oddsmakers undervaluing the Giants in big underdog spots. But New York shouldn't be priced as an equal in this matchup, which makes Washington an easy buy.Pick: Washington -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.

The 2020 NFL season is halfway through, and while a few of the usual suspects continue to dominate, several new faces appear destined to enter the league's elite.Here are theScore's midseason All-Pro selections voted by all seven football editors:* = unanimous selectionQuarterbackRussell Wilson, SeahawksSeattle finally let Wilson loose in the kitchen this season. With a league-leading 26 touchdown passes so far, Wilson has two more than second-place Aaron Rodgers and five more than the third-place Patrick Mahomes despite playing in one less game. He also leads the NFL in passer rating and ranks in the top three in yards per game, yards per attempt, and completion percentage. The Seahawks are 6-1 almost entirely because of their flourishing pass-first offense, and Wilson is the front-runner for MVP as a result.Running back Stacy Revere / Getty Images Sport / GettyDalvin Cook, VikingsWhile the Vikings' season hasn't gone to plan, Cook has done everything in his power to save it from disaster. Despite missing one game due to injury, the running back has the second-most rushing yards (652) and the most rushing touchdowns (10). Also, not only does Cook's 5.3-yard average on 122 carries rank seventh in the league, but of the six players ahead of him, the nearest still has 51 fewer carries. Defenses know exactly what is coming in Minnesota; Cook's been dominating regardless.Wide receiverDeAndre Hopkins, Cardinals

Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis disagrees with the punishment his team faces from the NFL for violating the league's COVID-19 protocols.The league hit the Raiders with a $500,000 fine and stripped them of a sixth-round draft pick on Thursday, while head coach Jon Gruden was fined $150,000."The fines are draconian," Davis said Friday, according to Paul Gutierrez of ESPN. "But we will appeal them. Outside the organization, people have the wrong impression about the Raiders. We take it seriously. It's unfortunate that certain things outside the protocol are the things being focused on, rather than the positive steps we've taken as an organization.""Jon and those guys are working their asses off every day," he added. "But at the same time, (the NFL) feels we've failed some of those mandates."The NFL opened an investigation into the team after right tackle Trent Brown tested positive for COVID-19 in October. The league reviewed whether Brown failed to consistently wear his tracking device before contracting the virus.It was the second time the Raiders and Gruden were fined this year for breaches of the COVID-19 protocols.Las Vegas' previous punishments stemmed from Gruden failing to properly wear a mask on the sidelines in Week 2, an unauthorized employee being allowed to enter the locker room after that game, and a charity event at which Raiders players were seen without masks."I'm just going to say (I'm) very proud of our organization, how we've handled this entire protocol and this entire process, and I'm not going to comment any further than that," Gruden said Friday.The 4-3 Raiders face the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 9.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Seattle Seahawks won't have their two main running backs for the second straight week.Chris Carson and Carlos Hyde were ruled out for Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills, the team announced Friday.Carson has been battling a foot injury, while Hyde is dealing with a hamstring ailment. Both injuries were suffered against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 7.The 26-year-old Carson leads the Seahawks with 323 yards and three touchdowns on the ground through six games this season. He's also caught 22 passes for 147 yards and three scores.The veterans' absences leave rookie DeeJay Dallas and Travis Homer as the only options at running back for the Seahawks, who also have veteran runner Alex Collins on the practice squad. Dallas racked up 58 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns during last week's win over the San Francisco 49ers.Additionally, Seattle confirmed star safety Jamal Adams will be active against the Bills. Adams hasn't played since Week 3 due to a groin injury.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Los Angeles Chargers may be without one of their premier pass-rushers Sunday after listing Joey Bosa as doubtful for the contest due to a concussion.Cornerback Casey Hayward is also questionable due to a non-injury related reason.Bosa left last Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos to undergo an evaluation after sustaining a head injury. He was placed in the concussion protocol earlier this week.The pass-rusher has recorded 4.5 sacks this season and has at least one quarterback hit in each game. Bosa has posted double-digit sack figures every year that he's played over 12 games.Los Angeles may need to rely on Melvin Ingram to get after Derek Carr on Sunday if Bosa can't play. Ingram has yet to tally a sack this season, while the Raiders have only allowed Carr to be sacked 13 times.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Green Bay Packers linebacker Krys Barnes tested positive for COVID-19 on Friday after participating in Thursday night's win over the San Francisco 49ers, a source told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.The Packers moved Barnes and rookie quarterback Jordan Love to the COVID-19 reserve Friday.Barnes, who left the game in the first half due to a calf injury, is reportedly not experiencing symptoms.

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas is expected to return from a six-game absence Sunday night against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a source told ESPN's Dianna Russini.Drew Brees is also reportedly set to play in the pivotal NFC South showdown after being limited in practice this week with a right shoulder injury.Thomas hasn't played since suffering a high ankle sprain in New Orleans' season opener.The star wideout's return was postponed after a reported altercation with a teammate led to disciplinary measures. He then suffered a hamstring injury ahead of last week's win against the Carolina Panthers.While New Orleans has stayed in contention in the NFC without Thomas, the passing attack has relied heavily on Alvin Kamara. He's on pace to break both the single-season record for receiving yards (1,098) and catches (119) by a running back.Kamara is dealing with a foot injury but said Wednesday he expects to play against Tampa Bay.The 5-2 Saints won the first matchup between the two teams in Week 1. However, they sit second in the NFC South behind the 6-2 Bucs.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Ezekiel Elliott has been bothered by a hamstring injury this week, and the Dallas Cowboys will test the ailment before Sunday's contest against the Pittsburgh Steelers to determine his capabilities."We'll take tomorrow and warm him up Sunday just to make sure that he's full go," head coach Mike McCarthy said Friday, according to team writer Rob Phillips.Elliott injured his hamstring last Sunday and was a limited participant in practice earlier this week. McCarthy admitted the running back "didn't do as much" as he anticipated Thursday, according to Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News.Cowboys owner Jerry Jones acknowledged Elliott's ailment but anticipates he will play Sunday:

Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey is expected to be activated from the injured reserve ahead of this week's game, head coach Matt Rhule said Friday, according to Steve Reed of The Associated Press.McCaffrey is expected to play Sunday for the first time since injuring his ankle in Week 2.The 24-year-old back has been the focal point of the Panthers' offense since entering the NFL in 2017. McCaffrey led the league with 2,392 yards from scrimmage last year and was named a first-team All-Pro.Carolina has leaned on running back Mike Davis in McCaffrey's absence. Davis has recorded 594 yards from scrimmage in six starts this season.McCaffrey could be much-needed relief for quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, as he's thrown three interceptions over his last three contests.The Panthers - who've lost three straight games - will look to get back on track Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs.Carolina also listed offensive tackle Russell Okung as doubtful for Sunday's game due to a calf issue while safety Jeremy Chinn is questionable due to a knee injury.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' offense could be receiving more firepower Sunday with the return of Chris Godwin.Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians sounded optimistic that Godwin would be able to play in Sunday's contest against the New Orleans Saints. The receiver missed last week's contest after undergoing surgery on his fractured left index finger but was able to catch footballs during Friday's practice."We know what he brings. We'll see how sore it is tomorrow. He caught the ball fine," Arians said Friday, according to The Athletic's Greg Auman. He added: "I would anticipate him probably playing."Arians said Godwin's pain tolerance will play a role but credited the receiver's toughness."It's going to be how much pain can he tolerate. They've got a very nice split brace thing worked out that he wore today," the head coach said, according to Pewter Report's Taylor Jenkins. "Like I said, Chris is tough. He'll be out there."Godwin has been limited to 279 receiving yards and just four games played due to numerous injuries this season. The 24-year-old is coming off a 2019 campaign that saw him set new career highs in receptions (86) and receiving yards (1,333).Antonio Brown is also expected to make his season debut Sunday, potentially giving the Buccaneers a loaded receiving group for their Week 9 matchup against New Orleans.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The San Francisco 49ers received good news Friday when wide receiver Kendrick Bourne registered his second negative COVID-19 test in as many days, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.The 25-yeard-old is now eligible to return to the 49ers.Bourne initially tested positive for the virus Wednesday and immediately began to self-isolate.With Bourne testing negative, wide receivers Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel, and offensive tackle Trent Williams are eligible to return as well. The three of them were considered high-risk close contacts to Bourne.All four players were ruled out of San Francisco's 34-17 loss on Thursday Night Football to the Green Bay Packers. The 49ers were already short-handed before the game after starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and tight end George Kittle were placed on injured reserve this week.Bourne vented his frustration via his agent Henry Organ following his second negative test."It's frustrating because Kendrick had been really responsible with everything, said Organ, per Garafolo. "He's taken COVID-19 very seriously. It's not a joke to him."The 49ers have ten days off before taking on the Saints in New Orleans.San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan indicated Garoppolo hasn't been recommended surgery from any doctor after suffering a right high ankle sprain, according to Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New York Giants wide receiver Golden Tate may not be out of the doghouse just yet for comments made during Monday's loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.Giants head coach Joe Judge held Tate out of Wednesday's practice and hasn't ruled out the possibility of benching him or making him inactive for Sunday's contest against Washington."I'm going to discuss a lot of possibilities today after practice," Judge told reporters Friday, according to SNY's Ralph Vacchiano.Tate was demonstrably unhappy with the number of targets headed his way against the Buccaneers, shouting, "Throw me the ball" after catching a late touchdown.

The New England Patriots are 2-5 and have lost four in a row. They look every bit like the insignificant also-rans they've spent 20 years pounding into submission. The Pats' descent into irrelevance was bound to happen eventually, but it never seemed to arrive. Well, it's finally here. But what's the reason?The most obvious part of the answer is the loss of Tom Brady, who is one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the league and has the Tampa Bay Buccaneers established as a deep playoff threat.But the Patriots have roster problems beyond quarterback, and head coach/general manager Bill Belichick - rarely one to provide forthright explanations about team strategy - blamed the limitations of the salary cap during a pair of recent radio interviews. The real root of the problem, though, is something that cuts more directly into Belichick's renowned acumen as a personnel executive: His recent inability to draft well.Let's break down what Belichick had to say. First, there's what he told former assistant Charlie Weis on Sirius XM radio last weekend:

Find line reports, best bets, and subscribe to push notifications in the Betting News section.Our winning run ended in Week 8 courtesy of the Lions. The Dolphins won outright, rendering the extra points useless, while the Colts steamrolled Detroit.Let's get back in the win column this week.Giants @ Washington, 1 p.m. ETLine: Giants +3Teaser line: Giants +9The Giants' mood has to be rather somber right now. They continue to play competitive football, but an inability to limit mistakes and make clutch plays has relegated them to 1-7 despite five of those losses coming in one-score games.New York's offense has been productive with Sterling Shepard back, and the team's defense has proven to be a strength. The Giants allow just 3.7 yards per rush - fourth in the NFL - and corner James Bradberry is playing at all All-Pro level. They're doing a respectable job of getting pressure on the quarterback and have been opportunistic in the turnover department.Washington's plethora of playmakers on both sides of the ball gives it the edge in this NFC East battle, but the Giants are playing hard and have enough talent to believe they'll keep this game close. Another one-score loss could be on the docket for Joe Judge's team, but that suits us well with nine points to work with here. The season is on the line for New York in the NFC East, and that will reflect in its performance Sunday.Dolphins @ Cardinals, 4:25 p.m.Line: Dolphins +4.5Teaser line: Dolphins +10.5As great a story as the Cardinals have been this season, the plot holes are unsettling. Six of the seven pass defenses Arizona has faced thus far have ranked in the bottom half of the league in DVOA. The Dolphins rank third. Not only does Miami boast one of the league's best secondaries, but it's a unit that's getting better by the week.Byron Jones and Xavien Howard present a nightmarish cornerback tandem for opposing offenses, and a suddenly relentless pass rush is giving quarterbacks fits - just ask Jared Goff. Coach Brian Flores has done a remarkable job with this group, which plays fundamentally sound and opportunistic defense. He'll undoubtedly have a well-orchestrated game plan in place to contain the electrifying Kyler Murray.A defensive game plan won't be so simple for the Cardinals, who have little film to watch of Tua Tagovailoa in a Dolphins uniform. Critics were quick to pounce on Tua following his first start, but what did he really have to do? The Dolphins took a commanding lead at the half and the rest was a formality. Offensive coordinator Chan Gailey said he's opening the playbook for Tagovailoa this week to utilize his accuracy and running ability, and there will be ample opportunity for him to impress against a middling Cardinals defense that struggles to rush the quarterback. For the second week in a row, we might not even need the points with the Dolphins.Full teaser: Giants +9, Dolphins +10.5 ($110 to win $100)(Odds source: theScore Bet)Alex Moretto is a sports betting writer for theScore. 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.

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 9 rankings. You can also listen to the Week 9 preview episode of theScore Fantasy Football Podcast.StartBen Roethlisberger, Steelersat Cowboys Justin K. Aller / Getty Images Sport / GettyThe Cowboys' defense has struggled in 2020, but without Dak Prescott, their offense might be even worse. That means the Steelers should be able to do whatever they want in Dallas this week.As we saw with Aaron Rodgers on Thursday night, good quarterbacks can quickly rack up touchdowns against toothless defenses. The Cowboys have allowed multiple passing scores in six of their last seven games, including four touchdowns to Matt Ryan and five to Russell Wilson.Though Roethlisberger likely won't be pushed enough to air it out for a big-yardage day, ample scoring opportunities will propel him to a QB1 finish in Week 9.Boone's projection: 244 passing yards, 3 TDsOther QBs to start

The NFL fined the Pittsburgh Steelers $250,000 for not wearing masks during the team's game against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.Head coach Mike Tomlin also received a $100,000 fine for mask violations, Schefter adds.The NFL released an updated memo Tuesday asking players and staff to wear masks on the sidelines.The latest protocol changes came after Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey and Green Bay Packers running back A.J. Dillon tested positive for the virus following their team's Week 8 games. Humphrey played all of Baltimore's defensive snaps against the Steelers in last Sunday's matchup.The league also fined the Las Vegas Raiders $500,000 on Thursday - and stripped the team of a sixth-round draft pick - for violating COVID-19 protocols.Pittsburgh hasn't had an infected player placed on the COVID-19 list since the season began.

Davante Adams shined once again during the Green Bay Packers' blowout win Thursday over the San Francisco 49ers, snagging a league-leading eighth touchdown reception and racking up 173 yards on 10 catches.After the 34-17 victory, Adams was asked if he thinks he's the best wide receiver in the game, and he didn't shy away from backing his case."I think that's fair to say," said Adams, per ESPN's Rob Demovsky. "I think that's not being conceited. That's just being confident. I think, obviously, what I've done and what I'm going to continue to do is going to prove that to anybody who isn't on board with that."Adams missed two of eight games this season due to a hamstring injury. Despite this, he still ranks fifth in receiving yards (675) and third in catches (53). The veteran's 112.5 yards per game average is by far the best mark in the league.The red-hot connection between Adams and Aaron Rodgers - who ranks second in touchdown passes after Thursday - has been the driving force of Green Bay's 6-2 start."He's such a great player," the quarterback said of Adams. "He's tough on matchups. He's able to create so much space with his release pattern, and he's got enough speed to get on top, so you can't necessarily play low and expect certain routes."He's so talented. He can do it all, handles himself the right way. Just a joy to play with. A special guy."With his stellar performance against San Francisco, Adams became the first player in NFL history with three games of at least 10 catches and 150 yards in his team's first eight contests, per ESPN.He's also on pace for the third-most receiving touchdowns in a season behind Randy Moss in 2007 (23) and Jerry Rice in 1987 (22)."I truly believe that, just based off of the work that I've put in (and) the connection I have between my quarterback," Adams said. "It's not just about me just running a route. If the line isn't protecting or if the quarterback doesn't look your way or if the other receivers don't do their part to pull defenders away, none of what I do can happen."So at the end of the day, I'll tell you, yes, absolutely, I think I'm the best wide receiver in the game, but there's a lot of things that go into me being able to make that statement."Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams continued their scorching start to the season as the Green Bay Packers blew out the San Francisco 49ers 34-17 on Thursday Night Football.Rodgers completed 25 of 31 pass attempts for 305 yards and four touchdowns, while Adams caught 10 passes for 173 yards and one score.The signal-caller went 3-for-3 passing for 119 yards and one touchdown on attempts of at least 25 yards to Adams, who recorded his longest catch of the season on a 49-yard play."I like getting the ball to 17. He's a special player," Rodgers said postgame. "He's just so talented, does so many things for us, easy guy to throw the ball to."Rodgers has now thrown for at least four touchdowns 27 times throughout his career, trailing only Drew Brees (36), Peyton Manning (35), and Tom Brady (31) among all-time leaders.In the last three weeks, the eight-time Pro Bowler has completed over 70% of his pass attempts while tossing 11 touchdowns against zero interceptions.Adams entered the game leading the NFL in touchdown catches despite being sidelined for two games in the first month of the schedule.With another monstrous performance, the pass-catcher became the first player in NFL history to record at least 10 receptions and 150 receiving yards in three different games through his team's first eight contests.Additionally, wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling put up a strong performance with the first multi-touchdown game of his career."I was really happy for Marquez," Rodgers said. "He's been dealing with the lack of targets sometimes, so for him to get a couple of touchdowns is pretty special."The Packers improved to 6-2 with the win, while the 49ers dropped to 4-5.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NFL is handing the Las Vegas Raiders a $500,000 fine and stripping the team of a sixth-round draft pick for violating COVID-19 protocols, Yahoo's Charles Robinson reports, citing sources.Head coach Jon Gruden is also being fined $150,000, according to Robinson.The punishment stems from right tackle Trent Brown's positive COVID-19 result in October and the Raiders' repeated flouting of the league's protocols, Robinson adds.Brown was placed on the team's COVID-19 list in late October. The NFL and NFLPA then conducted a review into whether Brown failed to consistently wear his COVID-19 tracking device prior to testing positive. The rest of the offensive line were deemed close contacts of Brown and were sent home prior to their Week 7 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.Brown was again placed on the COVID-19 list Thursday after he reportedly experienced complications from the virus.The team penalties stem from Gruden's failure to properly wear a mask on the sidelines in Week 2, an unauthorized employee being allowed to enter the locker room after that game, and a charity event in which players were seen without masks in late September.The Raiders are being punished for "brazen and repeated" violations of its coronavirus-related protocols and are at risk of more severe penalties for continued violations, ESPN's Dan Graziano reports.The Raiders have now surpassed $1.2 million in fines for COVID-19 violations.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 during the NFL season, we'll focus on one underdog with a chance to pull off the outright upset. Last week, we correctly targeted the Dolphins (+165) in a strong home spot against the Rams, bringing our record to 3-5 on moneyline underdogs with +0.5 units won.This week, we're getting behind a shorter underdog in the Colts (+105), who are in a prime spot to upset a beleaguered Ravens squad.Colts are undervaluedAnyone who's followed our NFL betting coverage this year knows how high I've been on the Colts since before the season started. We're finally seeing them reach that potential. Over its last seven quarters since falling behind early to the Bengals in Week 6, Indianapolis has scored 10 touchdowns and forced four fumbles and two interceptions.The Colts are a top-five team by nearly every advanced and traditional metric, including DVOA (No. 5), PFF team grades (tied for No. 4), and point differential (No. 5). Their defense has been dominant nearly all season, while the emergence of their passing attack - Philip Rivers has three touchdowns in each of the past two weeks - could be key against a depleted Ravens defense.A thinning Ravens rosterEven a week ago, this matchup would have an entirely different tenor. The Ravens' roster is simply too thin to project any confidence in them this week.In last week's loss to the Steelers, Baltimore lost All-Pro tackle Ronnie Stanley to a season-ending injury after he'd ranked first in pass block win rate and ninth in run block win rate through the first eight weeks, according to ESPN's Seth Walder. Since then, the team has placed at least seven players on the COVID-19/reserve list, including All-Pro corner Marlon Humphrey and standout rookie linebacker Patrick Queen.The Ravens' offense is built primarily around the strength of its O-line, which takes a massive hit with Stanley sidelined. The defense is also vulnerable without its top corner and linebacker, let alone the host of other starters that could miss Sunday's game.Why the Colts will winGiven the potential losses in the Ravens' starting lineup, it's surprising to see them still favored against a top-tier Colts team that destroyed the Lions a week ago. They might not be for long - the line is already moving toward Indianapolis as of Thursday, and that should continue if Baltimore's roster outlook doesn't improve.The Ravens have been among the NFL's best bets over the last 14 months, but coming off last week's costly loss to their bitter rivals, this is simply a bad spot to trust them as road chalk. Instead, grab the moneyline value on the Colts in one of the best matchups of the week.(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 Chicago Bears were cleared to resume football activities Friday after being forced to close their building Thursday in response to another player testing positive for COVID-19, the team announced.Center Cody Whitehair was the player who tested positive, a source told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.The Bears were already in the NFL's intensive protocol after two other offensive linemen, Jason Spriggs and Germain Ifedi, were placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Tuesday.Spriggs reportedly tested positive, while Ifedi was classified as a high-risk close contact."Today's practice has been canceled and all meetings will be conducted virtually," Chicago said in a statement. "The player who tested positive and all close contacts have been contacted and have already begun self-isolation. We will continue to work closely with the NFL medical experts and follow the league's intensive protocol. The health and safety of our team, players and staff are the highest priority."The Bears are slated to face the Tennessee Titans on Sunday.Tennessee had the NFL's first major coronavirus outbreak earlier in the season, with over 20 players and personnel infected.With Tennessee's bye week already pushed forward to help reschedule its games amid the outbreak, the NFL could face issues finding a date for Titans-Bears if the game can't be played Sunday.The league has reportedly considered adding a Week 18 to the end of the regular season to play any outstanding matchups postponed for COVID-19-related reasons.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Veteran cornerback Johnathan Joseph is joining the Arizona Cardinals, reports Mark Berman of Fox 26.Joseph started the season with the Tennessee Titans but was released Tuesday.He's racked up 29 tackles, one interception, and five pass breakups through seven appearances in 2020. Additionally, he's allowed a 55.8 completion percentage and 95.7 passer rating when targeted.The 36-year-old will bring 14-plus seasons of experience to the Cardinals, who will be his fourth team. He also suited up for the Cincinnati Bengals (2006-10) and Houston Texans (2011-19).Arizona, which currently ranks fifth in scoring defense, recently placed second-year cornerback Byron Murphy on the reserve/COVID-19 list. Veterans Patrick Peterson and Dre Kirkpatrick now highlight the club's depth chart at the position.Additionally, the Cardinals' secondary recently welcomed back safety Jalen Thompson, who was activated from injured reserve after missing six games due to an ankle injury.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Detroit Lions' Week 9 game against the Minnesota Vikings means more to Everson Griffen than a Lions debut against a former team: The defensive end wants to prove Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer wrong.Zimmer recently said Griffen "was a good player" for the Vikings during his 10 seasons with the team, according to ESPN's Courtney Cronin. However, the veteran defender expected more from his former boss, who coached him for six campaigns."This is the best I've felt in a long time, and I got a little frustrated when I read that comment what Zimmer said, 'Oh, Everson was a good player,'" Griffen said Thursday. "Like, coach Zimmer just wasn't a good coach, he was a great coach to me, so for him to call me a good player, that kind of hurts my feelings."On Sunday, I'm really looking forward to playing the Vikings and showing them that I am a great player. I'm excited, I'm ready to execute, my mental health is strong, my physical health is strong, my mind is strong, and I'm ready to go out there and dominate. I'm ready to create, adapt, and go out there and win."Griffen was named to four Pro Bowls and an All-Pro team with the Vikings after they drafted him in the fourth round in 2010. In 147 appearances, he racked up 74.5 sacks, which ranks fourth in franchise history.The 32-year-old opted out of his contract with Minnesota in February and later signed a free-agent deal with the Dallas Cowboys. He made just seven appearances with Dallas before he was traded to the Lions two weeks ago for a conditional draft pick.Griffen's accrued 20 tackles and 2.5 sacks this season.The 3-4 Lions will visit the Vikings looking to bounce back from a 41-21 loss to the Indianapolis Colts last Sunday.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones is active against the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday Night Football, the team announced.Additionally, the Packers ruled out offensive tackle David Bakhtiari, who will miss his third straight game with a chest injury.Jones entered Week 9 a game-time decision due to a calf injury that kept him out of Green Bay's past two games.The 25-yard-old's status is crucial for the Packers' backfield against the 49ers, as backup running backs A.J. Dillon and Jamaal Williams were ruled out for the game after being placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list.The next runners on Green Bay's depth chart are Tyler Ervin and Dexter Williams. Ervin has 10 career carries in five years, and Williams has five rushes in two seasons.Jones has racked up 550 scrimmage yards and seven touchdowns through five appearances this season.The 2017 fifth-round pick, who led the NFL with 19 total touchdowns in 2019, is currently on the last year of his rookie deal.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Atlanta Falcons fined Takkarist McKinley an undisclosed amount of money after the pass-rusher called out the franchise on social media for not moving him by Tuesday's trade deadline, reports Jason Butt of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.McKinley tweeted that the Falcons rejected multiple trade offers for him and ended his tweet with clown-face emojis. According to the former first-round pick, Atlanta rejected an offer for him that included a second-round selection as well as a proposal with multiple draft picks.However, sources told Butt that the Falcons didn't receive any such trade offers over the past two seasons despite discussing trading McKinley to multiple teams."The wrong way to go about (it) is definitely the way Takk is handling it now with a pout," Falcons interim head coach Raheem Morris said Wednesday.McKinley has amassed just eight tackles and one sack through four appearances this season. He's missed four games due to injuries and has been ruled out for Sunday's contest against the Denver Broncos with a groin ailment.The 26th overall pick from the 2017 draft has racked up 17.5 career sacks.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Las Vegas Raiders offensive tackle Trent Brown has been placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list for a second time this season, according to Albert Breer of The MMQB.Brown is reportedly experiencing complications from the virus and will likely miss Sunday’s contest against the Los Angeles Chargers, adds Breer.The 27-year-old was first put on the list after testing positive for COVID-19 on Oct. 21. The Raiders had to send their entire starting offensive line home due to their close contact with Brown.The Raiders activated Brown ahead of their matchup against the Browns last week. He had to be rushed to the hospital Sunday after air was accidentally forced into his bloodstream while he received a pregame IV treatment.The Florida alum has played two games this season, his second campaign with the Raiders.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Kansas City Chiefs placed defensive tackle Chris Jones on the reserve/COVID-19 list, ESPN's Field Yates reports.It's believed Jones is a close contact of someone who tested positive for COVID-19, according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo. The team announced earlier Thursday that a staff member tested positive for the virus. That staff member is reportedly vice president of sports medicine and performance Rick Burkholder, according to Garafolo and Tom Pelissero.As a result, the Chiefs are following the league's intensive protocol and closed team facilities in the afternoon.Kansas City is scheduled to play the Carolina Panthers on Sunday and is moving forward with its preparation.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'll highlight the best NFL betting trends and angles to consider as you prepare for the weekend's action. We haven't had a losing record in our trend plays since Week 2, so let's keep rolling as we head into the second half of the season.Here are some notable trends to watch for in Week 9.Ravens (-2.5, 47) @ Colts, 1 p.m. ETHaving already lost key starters to injured reserve or the reserve/COVID-19 list, the Ravens could be in a tough spot against the Colts after last week's loss to the Steelers. Baltimore has lost four straight against the spread after facing its bitter rival, and it's 0-5-2 ATS in its last seven games following a defeat.Trend play: Colts +2.5Seahawks (-2.5, 55) @ Bills, 1 p.m.The Bills have now lost four straight ATS, and things won't get any easier this week against a Seahawks team riding a 7-1-1 ATS run as road chalk since the start of 2019. Seattle has also covered five straight as a favorite when giving fewer than three points.Trend play: Seahawks -2.5Dolphins @ Cardinals (-4.5, 48), 4:25 p.m.After upsetting the Rams as live underdogs a week ago, the Dolphins are in another solid spot here. Miami is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 as a road 'dog and 9-3 ATS in its last 12 games overall. The Cardinals, meanwhile, are 10-17 ATS as favorites dating back to late 2015.Trend play: Dolphins +4.5Steelers (-13.5, 42) @ Cowboys, 4:25 p.m.When any team is favored by this many points, it's worth paying attention. Double-digit favorites are 85-54-5 ATS (61.2%) since the start of 2015, including a 38-22-4 ATS (63.3%) mark when favored by at least 13 points. The Steelers are 5-1 ATS as favorites this year, while the Cowboys are 0-4 ATS as underdogs and 0-8 ATS overall in 2020.Trend play: Steelers -13.5(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.

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 9.The final rankings will be released Sunday morning.Half PPR

The Houston Texans closed their facility and will work virtually on Thursday after a player tested positive for COVID-19.

Find line reports, best bets, and subscribe to push notifications in the Betting News section.What once looked like a potential NFC title preview has lost a bit of its luster this week, as the shorthanded Green Bay Packers (-7, 48.5) travel to the injury-plagued San Francisco 49ers in a rematch of last year's conference championship game.Here are our favorite trends, props, and bets for Thursday night.Betting trendsThe 49ers have owned the Packers in recent years, going 6-1-1 against the spread and 6-2 straight-up since 2010, with two consecutive blowout wins. But that could actually bode well for Aaron Rodgers, who's 18-12 ATS in his last 30 games against teams that beat him in their previous meeting.This is also a solid spot for Rodgers to bounce back after last week's loss to the Minnesota Vikings. He's 34-21-1 ATS in his career - including six straight wins - after a defeat and 9-4-1 ATS after losing to a division rival. He's also 13-4 ATS as a favorite after losing outright as a favorite the week before.Both teams are coming off a loss, which has been strongly predictive in Thursday night games. The only problem is the trends cut both ways: since 2019, Thursday favorites coming off a loss are 2-9 ATS, while underdogs coming off a loss are 9-4 ATS. However, home teams coming off a loss are 1-9 ATS in their last 10 Thursday games, while road teams off a loss are 6-1 ATS in their last seven on Thursday.The Packers scored at will to start the year but have gone 4-0 to the under since Week 4, with the last three games coming without Aaron Jones, whose status is again in doubt Thursday. The 49ers are 6-1 to the over in their last seven after a loss and 9-5-1 to the over in their last 15 prime-time games.Player propsAaron Rodgers over 280.5 passing yards (-110)If the Packers have any chance of winning on Thursday, they'll need to rely heavily on Rodgers. Jones will either be sidelined again or face a limited workload, while Jamaal Williams and A.J. Dillon are on the reserve/COVID-19 list. That leaves Green Bay with just two running backs: Tyler Ervin and Dexter Williams, who own a combined 15 career rushing attempts.Even with a healthy stable of backs, Rodgers has topped this passing mark in four of his last five games and now faces a secondary still dealing with injury concerns. Take the over in a game Rodgers could need to win by himself.Kyle Juszczyk over 10.5 receiving yards (-110)Taking the over on a fullback speaks volumes to how thin San Francisco's receiving corps is after injuries and COVID-19 protocols left it with a group of running backs and practice-squad receivers as the top targets. That's to say nothing of Nick Mullens, who will step into the starting quarterback role to replace Jimmy Garoppolo.Juszczyk is also no slouch, having recorded at least 11 receiving yards in four games this year and each of the last two. The Packers have allowed more receiving yards to opposing running backs (443) than any other team, which bodes well for Juszczyk's chances to surpass this number once again as Mullen's safety blanket.Best betUnder 48.5This total dropped by three points since it opened earlier this week before we knew just how thin these offenses would be. The Packers should win this game, but with injuries everywhere, it's safer to bet the under in what could be a sloppy matchup.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 line reports, best bets, and subscribe to push notifications in the Betting News section.Oh so close. That's two losing weeks in a row, but this one really stung. The Dolphins (+175) and Bills (-185) took care of business, while the Ravens, who had never lost a game in the Lamar Jackson era with a halftime lead, did just that in their defeat by the Steelers.Let's put it behind us and move onto bigger and better things in Week 9.Seahawks ML -150 (at Bills), 1 p.m. ETWhat a treat it is to be able to fade the Bills at such a short price. This team is truly fraudulent and matches up horribly with the Seahawks. The Bills have enjoyed a cake schedule so far and failed their two toughest tests against the Titans and Chiefs. Josh Allen turned back into a pumpkin and the defense has more holes than lace underwear.To win, the Bills need to outscore the Seahawks, which is more unimaginable than it is simple. Allen is completing just 62% of his passes over the last four weeks, with as many turnovers as touchdowns. With neither defense inspiring much confidence, give me Russell Wilson every day - and twice on Sundays - in a shootout.Colts ML +125 (vs. Ravens), 1 p.m.The Ravens suffered a crushing loss in Week 8, but the bigger blow came on the injury front. Offensive linemen Tyre Phillips and Ronnie Stanley were placed on injured reserve, and Marlon Humphrey tested positive for COVID-19. Those are massive holes to fill for the Ravens against a fundamentally sound and well-coached Colts team.Defensively, Indianapolis ranks fourth in efficiency against the pass and fifth against the run. It's a tough test for Lamar Jackson, whose reluctance to throw the football has led to dysfunction in the locker room. The Colts haven't exactly lit the lamp offensively this season, but as a unit, they've come on strong of late and have a real opportunity to make a statement - backed by the expertise of coach Frank Reich - against a shorthanded, reeling Ravens team.Buccaneers ML -225 (vs. Saints), 8:20 p.m.How long do you think the Buccaneers have had this game circled on the schedule? The Bucs came into the season with Super Bowl aspirations and were trounced in New Orleans in Week 1 - a game in which I confidently backed the Saints (-4) - but I'm on the other side this time around.In Week 1, there was a lot working against Tampa Bay. With so many new faces and no preseason, there was bound to be an adjustment period. To Bruce Arians' and Tom Brady's credit, it didn't last long. The passing offense ranks sixth in efficiency and the run game has found some consistency. But it's on the defensive side of the ball where the Bucs have really hit their stride. They rank first against the pass and third against the run.They will be foaming at the mouth for another shot at Drew Brees, this time in Tampa, outdoors, and under the lights - just look what they did to Aaron Rodgers a couple weeks ago at Raymond James Stadium. Making life difficult for Brees and attacking the Saints' defense through the air is how you beat this team, and the Bucs are perfectly equipped to do both. They take a big step toward the NFC South crown on Sunday night.Full parlay: Seahawks ML, Colts ML, Buccaneers ML ($100 to win $442)(Odds source: theScore Bet)Alex Moretto is a sports betting writer for theScore. 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.

Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores rejects the suggestion that this season is an audition for rookie quarterback Tua Tagovailoa."There's a couple things out there, let's call it a source close to Dolphins thinking saying that we are auditioning Tua," Flores said, according to ESPN's Cameron Wolfe. "We brought Tua here because we believe in him, same as all the other draft picks. We believe in developing players and improving players on a daily basis. That would be the opposite of giving someone a 10-game audition. That's just my thinking on that, just so everybody's clear."Miami selected Tagovailoa fifth overall in the 2020 NFL Draft. He made his first career start this past weekend against the Los Angeles Rams, during which he completed 12 of 22 pass attempts for 93 yards and a touchdown in a 28-17 victory.Tagovailoa's debut came as a bit of a surprise after Ryan Fitzpatrick led Miami to a 3-3 record to begin the campaign. Flores cited the rookie's readiness and gradual improvement in practice as reasons for the timing of the change under center.Another motivating factor for Tagovailoa's start was that Miami owns both the Houston Texans' first- and second-round picks in next year's draft, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Houston is 1-6 so far this season.However, Flores doesn't believe the team is interested in drafting another quarterback next spring. Instead, he's focused on developing the club around his young signal-caller."Since I've been here, I think everybody has heard me talk about the development of players, improvement on a daily basis," Flores said. "I just don't see how somebody close to Dolphins thinking can say that this would be a 10-game audition. Not sure where or who that came from."Tagovailoa will lead the 4-3 Dolphins into a Sunday showdown with the Arizona Cardinals.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Logan Ryan credited the New York Giants' training staff with helping to save his wife's life following the team's loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday.The Giants safety said his wife, Ashley, was at their offseason home in Florida to vote in Tuesday's presidential election when she began complaining of stomach pains."I was leaving the stadium around 1 a.m. and she was telling me about some pains she had in her stomach," Ryan said, according to Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post. "I told her she wanted to sleep it off. She said she was in extreme pain but she would wait until the morning. I talked to one of our trainers about the symptoms and he said, 'No, she needs to go to the (emergency room).'"Ashley learned she had an ectopic pregnancy, which occurs when a fertilized egg grows outside the uterus. It can lead to life-threatening bleeding."The egg was about to burst, so she ended up going to emergency surgery and they ended up saving her and preventing a lot of what could've been done," Ryan said. "A trainer on our team, Justin Maher, telling my wife to go to the ER at 1 a.m. could've saved her life - or saved a lot of internal bleeding there. That's the type of organization we have here."Ryan noted that Ashley is "recovering well" and said he's grateful to the Giants organization.Ryan joined the Giants in August, which reunited him with head coach Joe Judge, whom he knew from his time with the New England Patriots from 2013-16.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The San Francisco 49ers placed left tackle Trent Williams and wide receivers Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel on the reserve/COVID-19 list, the team announced Wednesday.The move will sideline the trio for the 49ers' Thursday Night Football matchup against the Green Bay Packers. Samuel was already set to miss the game due to a hamstring injury.San Francisco shut down its facility Wednesday after wide receiver Kendrick Bourne tested positive.All other tests were negative, but after the team's tracing, it was determined Williams, Aiyuk, and Samuel came in close contact with Bourne, according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.The latest losses at receiver leave San Francisco with very few options at the position for Week 9.49ers WRs in 2020:ReceiverStatusBrandon AiyukCOVID-19 reserveDeebo SamuelCOVID-19 reserveKendrick BourneCOVID-19 reserveJalen HurdOut for season (knee)Travis BenjaminOpted outRichie JamesQuestionable (ankle)Trent TaylorSet to play (Last start: 2017)Trent Taylor has racked up nine receptions for 77 yards through eight appearances this season.River Cracraft, Chris Finke, and 2015 first-round pick Kevin White are the three wide receivers currently on the 49ers' practice squad. The team waived wideout Dante Pettis on Tuesday.San Francisco has been one of the NFL's most injury-riddled teams in 2020. After losing multiple star defenders in the first month of the season - including Nick Bosa and Solomon Thomas - the club now may also have to finish the campaign without quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and tight end George Kittle.The Packers are dealing with their own coronavirus issues ahead of Week 9 after running back AJ Dillon tested positive Monday. Fellow runner Jamaal Williams and linebacker Kamal Martin were ruled out of Thursday's contest after being placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list.Despite the concerns, the game remains on schedule, Garafolo adds.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The San Francisco 49ers shut down their facility Wednesday due to COVID-19 test results, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.Wide receiver Kendrick Bourne reportedly tested positive, Schefter adds.All the other 49ers' tests came back negative, a team source told Jennifer Lee Chan of NBC Sports Bay Area.The 49ers will now commence contact tracing and will conduct team business virtually Wednesday.