Find line reports, best bets, and subscribe to push notifications in the Betting News section.If you followed the advice from last week's column, you're sitting pretty heading into Week 7. The Dolphins trounced the Jets as expected, while the Patriots - our team to avoid in Week 6 - fell at home to the Broncos, taking half of your survivor pool with them.Let's replicate that success in Week 7.Week 7 confidence rankingConfidence rankings (CR) are out of 10 based on the author's picks:AWAYHOME (SPREAD)PICK (CR)BuffaloNY JetsBUF (9)ChicagoLA Rams (-5.5)LAR (6)CarolinaNew Orleans (-7)NO (6)Kansas CityDenver (+9)KC (6)JacksonvilleLA Chargers (-8.5)LAC (5)NY GiantsPhiladelphia (-3.5)PHI (4)DallasWashington (N/A)DAL (3)SeattleArizona (+4)SEA (3)DetroitAtlanta (-3)DET (2)ClevelandCincinnati (+3)CLE (2)Green BayHouston (+3.5)HOU (1)PittsburghTennessee (+2)PIT (1)San FranciscoNew England (-3)NE (1)Tampa BayLas Vegas (+3)LV (1)(Odds source: theScore Bet)Author's pick: Buffalo BillsIt almost feels cheap - lazy, even - to simply pick on the Jets every week. But why mess with a good thing?To be fair, we haven't gone against the Jets every week, also picking on the Giants, Jaguars, and Vikings. But with each passing week, it seems more and more unnecessary to look elsewhere.This week, New York is back at MetLife Stadium to host a Bills team that hasn't done much circling the wagons lately, coming off a pair of disappointing losses to the Titans and Chiefs. While there's no shame in losing to either of those AFC contenders, head coach Sean McDermott was surely fuming after the Bills' performances in those games. He'll be all over his team this week prior to a prime get-right spot against the Jets.Defensively, the Bills have struggled due to a couple of key absences, but cornerback Tre'Davious White returned against the Chiefs, while all signs point toward linebacker Matt Milano doing the same against the Jets. That spells trouble for a New York offense that ranks dead last in scoring, third-down conversion percentage, and red-zone touchdown success rate, and 31st in yards per play.To make matters worse for the Jets, there's still no timetable for the returns of quarterback Sam Darnold and tackle Mekhi Becton, and the team's offensive line was dealt another blow this week with guard Alex Lewis suffering a shoulder injury. The Jets have been slightly better offensively, but there's just too much of a burden for that group to bear with the defense reaching historic levels of futility.Adam Gase still being the head coach of the Jets digs them into an even deeper hole. This club is as good a bet as any over the last 20 years to finish 0-16, and with Joe Flacco likely under center again - though my confidence in this pick only mildly wavers should Darnold return - the Jets will fall to 0-7 on Sunday.Avoid: Los Angeles ChargersThe Jaguars are not a good football team. In fact, the Jaguars are a pretty bad football team. Their defense lacks talent, and the offense does, too. The play-calling is suspect and the decision-making is even worse. They're the Jets' strongest competition for Trevor Lawerence.At home, and coming off their bye, the Chargers should beat the Jaguars. They should beat them comfortably. But as Chargers fans will tell you, this team never does things the easy way.Under head coach Anthony Lynn, the Chargers are merely 19-13 straight up as favorites. That means when this club is laying points and expected to win, it still loses over 40% of the time - and it's only getting worse. The Chargers are just 3-7 over their last 10 games as favorites, with four of those straight-up losses coming while favored by at least 5.5 points.But Lynn has his squad playing well right now, with the Chargers rallying behind quarterback Justin Herbert during his strong outings. He's still a rookie, though, and that inexperience leads to a certain level of volatility. There will be growing pains this season for the young signal-caller, and you don't want to be risking it all when that happens.Gardner Minshew has strong Ryan Fitzpatrick vibes, and he's a survivor-pool killer. Minshew has looked both impressive and awful at times this season, but no matter what, he's a fierce competitor. He already orchestrated a massive upset win over the Colts in Week 1, and nearly repeated that against the Titans in Week 2. He's earned five straight-up victories as an underdog in his short career, and this game could end with the sixth.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.

At least two anonymous players from the Dallas Cowboys blasted their coaches following an embarrassing loss on Monday Night Football that dropped their record to 2-4."This coaching staff is totally unprepared," one of the players told NFL Network's Jane Slater. "They don't teach, they don't have any sense of adjusting on the fly."The Cowboys looked lifeless versus the Cardinals, who blew them out 38-10 in their own stadium. For the season, Dallas leads the NFL with 15 turnovers, and has surrendered 216 points - the most of any team through six games since the AFL-NFL merger.The Cowboys overhauled most of their staff in the offseason, replacing longtime head coach Jason Garrett with Mike McCarthy, a former Super Bowl champion with the Green Bay Packers. In his two marquee hires, McCarthy brought in Mike Nolan to serve as defensive coordinator and John Fassell as special teams coordinator. He retained Kellen Moore as offensive coordinator."They just aren't good at their jobs," a second player said of the staff.After losing to the Cardinals, McCarthy said he felt the Cowboys' preparation for the game was the best its been all season.McCarthy was out of the NFL last year, but spent 12-plus seasons as head coach of the Packers from 2006-18, compiling a 125-77-2 record.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Miami Dolphins are naming Tua Tagovailoa their new starting quarterback, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.Ryan Fitzpatrick will now take on backup duties. With the Dolphins on a bye, Tagovailoa's first start will be a home date versus the Los Angeles Rams on Nov. 1.The rookie quarterback is coming off his first NFL appearance, completing two passes for 9 yards at the tail end of a 24-0 blowout victory over the New York Jets in Week 6.The Dolphins selected Tagovailoa with the No. 5 pick in this year's draft. The expectation was that the former Alabama standout would eventually become Miami's franchise quarterback.Tagovailoa entered the NFL with an impressive resume after winning a national championship and being named SEC Offensive Player of the Year during his time with the Crimson Tide.He served as Fitzpatrick's backup to begin the season, and Dolphins head coach Brian Flores alluded to Tagovailoa's injury history as a big reason why he didn't rush the signal-caller into action.Tagovailoa underwent surgery on a dislocated hip and posterior wall fracture in November 2019, and he'll now start for the first time since the injury.Fitzpatrick started the first six games of the season for the Dolphins, throwing 10 touchdown passes and seven interceptions.The Dolphins are second in the AFC East with a 3-3 record, and they could be in a position to push for the playoffs with Tagovailoa under center.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 Grant Halverson / Getty Images Sport / GettyTeddy Bridgewater, PanthersNext UpRosteredFABat NO45%$2Bridgewater is coming off a tough matchup against the Bears' defense. However, there should be plenty of optimism around the Panthers starter in fantasy.Through six weeks, Bridgewater has shown an ability to take advantage of weaker matchups and has begun using his legs more, rushing for over 30 yards in two of his last three appearances.Next up is a revenge game of sorts against his former team in New Orleans. Fortunately for Teddy, the Saints' pass defense has fallen apart this year, allowing at least three total touchdowns to every quarterback they've faced in 2020.Kyle Allen, WashingtonNext UpRosteredFABvs. DAL3%$1It's not a great week for streaming options at quarterback, so Allen makes the list thanks to a favorable matchup against the Cowboys.Dallas was allowing the 10th-most fantasy points to opposing signal-callers entering its Monday night showdown with the Cardinals. Meanwhile, Allen completed 73.8% of his passes for 280 yards and two scores against the Giants in his first full game as Washington's starter.If Allen can limit turnovers Sunday, he could be a high-end QB2 for fantasy managers in need of a one-week replacement.Justin Herbert is around the 60% rostered mark and should be rostered in almost all leagues.Long-term option: Tua Tagovailoa on Bye (5% rostered)Risky streamer options: Andy Dalton at WAS (45% rostered), Nick Foles at LAR (10% rostered), Daniel Jones at PHI (31% rostered), Derek Carr vs. TB (25% rostered)Running backs Rob Carr / Getty Images Sport / GettyBoston Scott, EaglesNext UpRosteredFABvs. NYG13%$29With Miles Sanders ruled out for Thursday night's game against the Giants, Scott will step into the lead back role.Though he let us down in a similar spot earlier this season, it's important to remember what Scott did down the stretch in 2019, including two games against the Giants. In the first contest, Scott turned 16 touches into 129 yards from scrimmage and a score. In the second meeting, he went off for 138 yards on 23 opportunities and found the end zone three times.The 25-year-old has a high ceiling when volume is on his side, and with the Eagles on a bye in Week 9, it's possible the team elects to rest Sanders for the next two games to give him three weeks to heal.For now, we'll view Scott as an RB2 in Week 7 with a chance to produce similar numbers the following week if Sanders is held out.JaMycal Hasty, 49ersNext UpRosteredFABat NE0%$14Raheem Mostert left Sunday night's game with a sprained ankle, which head coach Kyle Shanahan said will "most likely" send him to injured reserve, according to ESPN's Nick Wagoner.In Mostert's absence, Hasty actually out-touched established backup Jerick McKinnon 9-8 and outgained him 37-28. While it's unclear what the split will be like moving forward, the undrafted rookie showed more than enough to remain involved for however long Mostert is out.Until we find out more, treat Hasty like a flex option who could climb this depth chart in the same way Mostert did last year.La'Mical Perine, JetsNext UpRosteredFABvs. BUF18%$9Before we get too intrigued by Perine's potential, let's remember this is the Jets' offense. From what we've seen so far, there's little reason to have faith in this group as a whole.That makes Perine a player to acquire at your own risk.The fourth-round rookie did play on almost 58% of the team's snaps Sunday and generated 36 yards on his nine touches. The problem is Adam Gase's affinity for Frank Gore, which led to the 37-year-old veteran getting 15 touches in the game.If the Jets ever decide to feature Perine, he might have a chance to return RB2 value. However, the reality is that his ceiling is likely capped, making him more of a stash than a Week 7 flex option.Justin Jackson, Joshua Kelley, Adrian Peterson, Damien Harris, and Zack Moss are around the 60% rostered mark and should be rostered in almost all leagues.High-upside backups like Tony Pollard (23% rostered), Brian Hill (17% rostered), and Giovani Bernard (6% rostered) should be rostered in most leagues.Risky flex options: Gus Edwards on Bye (3% rostered), J.D. McKissic vs. DAL (12% rostered), Frank Gore vs. BUF (31% rostered), Jamal Williams at HOU (24% rostered), D'Ernest Johnson at CIN (25% rostered), Malcolm Brown vs. CHI (31% rostered), Jeff Wilson Jr. at NE (5% rostered), Chris Thompson at LAC (13% rostered)Other upside backups: Duke Johnson vs. GB (25% rostered), Matt Breida on Bye (24% rostered), Carlos Hyde at ARI (12% rostered), Jeremy McNichols vs. PIT (1% rostered), Rex Burkhead vs. SF (39% rostered), Benny Snell at TEN (9% rostered)Injured reserve stash: Tevin Coleman (22% rostered), Rashaad Penny (4% rostered)Long-term upside stashes: Anthony McFarland Jr. at TEN (2% rostered), Ke'Shawn Vaughn at LV (7% rostered), AJ Dillon at HOU (5% rostered)Deeper stashes: Ty Johnson vs. BUF (0% rostered), Kerryon Johnson at ATL (18% rostered), Jalen Richard vs. TB (1% rostered), Devontae Booker vs. TB (0% rostered), Wayne Gallman at PHI (1% rostered), Darrel Williams at DEN (7% rostered), Royce Freeman vs. KC (2% rostered)Wide receivers Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyMike Williams, ChargersNext UpRosteredFABvs. JAX45%$34Williams reminded everyone what he's capable of in Week 5 with a five-catch, 109-yard, two-touchdown night. Based on the low waiver wire claims on him last week, some fantasy managers may have missed that Monday night eruption or forgotten about it during his bye.It's smart to load up on the pieces surrounding a young ascending quarterback like Herbert. Williams and Herbert could be a devastating duo for fantasy managers thanks to a soft remaining schedule, and both can still be picked up in around 50% of leagues.If Williams stays healthy - he did land awkwardly on his final catch in the last game - the Charger could be a WR3 with WR2 upside for the remainder of 2020.Henry Ruggs, RaidersNext UpRosteredFABvs. TB47%$34Ruggs entered his Week 6 bye fresh off a 118-yard, one-touchdown game in his return to the lineup after getting injured in the first two weeks.

Former first-round wide receiver John Ross approached the Cincinnati Bengals about a trade over a lack of playing time, his agent confirmed to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.Ross received just one snap against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 6, and was inactive for the previous three games.Ross was the ninth overall pick in 2017. He wowed scouts at the NFL combine that year, running the 40-yard dash in a record 4.22 seconds.While his speed hasn't translated into major production in the pros, Ross did have his most productive campaign in 2019, collecting 28 grabs for 506 yards and three touchdowns. The 24-year-old is scheduled to hit free agency at the end of the year.Ross joins defensive linemen Carlos Dunlap and Geno Atkins on the list of Bengals veterans reportedly upset over their diminished roles this season. Longtime wide receiver A.J. Green recently denied speculation he would also welcome a move out of Cincinnati.The NFL trade deadline is Nov. 3.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy said preparation wasn't a problem after the Arizona Cardinals spanked his team on Monday Night Football."I felt like our preparation coming into the game was our best this year," he told reporters, according to The Athletic's Jon Machota.The Cowboys committed four turnovers en route to a 38-10 blowout loss. Through six weeks, Dallas leads the NFL with 15 giveaways, ranks last in points allowed, and has the seventh-most penalties. The Cowboys have won just two of their first six games."We didn't play very well on offense, defense, or special teams," said McCarthy, who's in his first year at the helm after replacing Jason Garrett in January. "Most importantly, I didn't coach very well. I have a continuing issue with ball security on my football team."Of the four giveaways, two came via Ezekiel Elliott fumbles, while the other two came on Andy Dalton interceptions. Elliott watched Tony Pollard cut into his playing time following his blunders, and shouldered the blame for the Cowboys' latest disappointment once it was over."I want to say I'm sorry, and this one is on me," he said. "I need to be better."Despite their 2-4 record, the Cowboys still sit in first place in the weak NFC East.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Running back Ezekiel Elliott blamed himself and his fumbling issues for the Dallas Cowboys' 38-10 loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Monday Night Football."It's not acceptable and it's something I gotta figure out," Elliott said postgame, according to Jon Machota of The Athletic.Elliott lost two fumbles against the Cardinals and rushed for just 49 yards. The three-time Pro Bowler has now lost five fumbles through six contests this year.Overall, the Cowboys were held to a season-low 10 points Monday and committed four turnovers in their first game since quarterback Dak Prescott's season-ending injury last week."I don't think we can use that as an excuse," Elliott said of Prescott's absence, per ESPN's Todd Archer. "I'm just going to keep saying it over and over - I started the game out with two fumbles, gave the ball away, and gave them all the momentum they need to go take off. I want to say I'm sorry, and this one is on me. I need to be better."Dallas head coach Mike McCarthy also lamented his team's turnovers postgame."We're the worst in the league at taking care of the football," McCarthy said, according to Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News. "It's frustrating to see the pattern here in five of the six games this year."The 2-4 Cowboys have now turned the ball over 15 times this season, the most in the NFL through six weeks.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Dallas Cowboys guard Zack Martin was forced out of Monday's game against the Arizona Cardinals in the first quarter due to a concussion.Martin spent the entire second quarter being evaluated before eventually being ruled out for the night.The 29-year-old had played in every offensive snap for Dallas through the first five games of the 2020 season.The six-time Pro Bowler has been one of football's most reliable offensive linemen since the Cowboys selected him in the first round in 2014. He's earned six All-Pro berths and was voted to the NFL's 2010s All-Decade Team.Dallas has suffered multiple key injuries to its offensive line this season.

Kansas City Chiefs right tackle Mitchell Schwartz missed most of Monday's game against the Buffalo Bills due to a back injury.Schwartz went to the locker room after sustaining the ailment in the first quarter and didn't return to the contest.Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said after the game that Schwartz's back "was bothering him," according to Nate Taylor of The Athletic.Kansas City listed Schwartz as questionable prior to Week 6 due to a back injury but eventually gave the veteran blocker the green light to face the Bills.Entering Monday, the 31-year-old had yet to miss an offensive snap this season.The four-time All-Pro has started every game for the Chiefs since they drafted him in the second round in 2012.Kansas City defensive end Alex Okafor also missed most of Monday's contest due to a hamstring injury.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

San Francisco 49ers running back Raheem Mostert is expected to be placed on injured reserve with a high ankle sprain, head coach Kyle Shanahan announced Monday, according to John Dickinson of 95.7 The Game.Mostert suffered the injury early in the second half of Sunday's contest against the Los Angeles Rams. He racked up 17 carries for 65 yards along with 11 yards on two receptions before exiting.The 28-year-old missed two games earlier this season with a knee injury. However, Mostert still leads the 49ers with 303 rushing yards in 2020.San Francisco also won't have starting center Ben Garland for the foreseeable future. Garland, who's started five games this season, is also expected to be placed on IR after suffering a calf injury against the Rams, per Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports.Players placed on IR this season have to be sidelined for at least three weeks.Mostert and Garland are just the latest significant injuries to hit the 49ers, who haven't been healthy all season long.

The Carolina Panthers closed their facilities Monday and are working remotely following one unconfirmed positive COVID-19 test."Out of an abundance of caution, players, coaches, and staff will work virtually today and Tuesday," the team said in a statement that NFL Network's Tom Pelissero obtained. "The training room remains open and we are still scheduled to operate on our regular itinerary on Wednesday."The test result in question popped up a day after the Panthers lost to the Chicago Bears.The Panthers, who placed offensive lineman Tyler Larsen on the COVID-19 reserve list two days before the game, also added guard Michael Schofield to that reserve group Monday, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.Carolina are scheduled to face the New Orleans Saints in Week 7. Assuming the contest takes place as scheduled, Panthers head coach Matt Rhule said he isn't sure whether Pro Bowl running back Christian McCaffrey will be ready to return from his sprained ankle, according to The Athletic's Joe Person.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Tennessee Titans will only face a potential fine and not any forfeitures, discipline for individuals, or loss of draft picks from the NFL after the conclusion of the investigation into the team's COVID-19 outbreak, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.The potential fine will stem from their failure to wear masks as well as insufficient communication surrounding workouts outside the facility, Pelissero adds.Tennessee cooperated fully with the review, providing all necessary documents and video, per Pelissero.The Titans had multiple players end up on the COVID-19 list this season and much attention was diverted to an alleged workout outside the facility following the outbreak.The NFL was forced to reschedule the Titans' matchups against the Pittsburgh Steelers and Buffalo Bills as a result of the virus outbreak. The Titans defeated the Bills in Week 5 on Tuesday night while the game against the Steelers is now scheduled for Week 7.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Cincinnati Bengals veteran defensive linemen Geno Atkins and Carlos Dunlap are frustrated by their lack of playing time, according to Tyler Dragon of the Cincinnati Enquirer.Both players have seen their snaps reduced drastically this season and are confused by the team's new game plan.Atkins, an eight-time Pro Bowler, has played just 37 defensive snaps in two games this season. Meanwhile, Dunlap hasn't started since Week 4.Dunlap spoke publicly earlier this month of his dissatisfaction with the team's decision to make him a situational pass-rusher."I mean, you would think common decency would be something like that. I mean, it's not like I'm injured or anything. I'm not nursing anything. I've been blessed. Eleven years in the game. But I understand business, and evidently, this is the business they want to do," Dunlap said, according to ESPN's Ben Baby.Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said Atkins' playing time has been reduced to ease him back into the mix following his previous shoulder injury, according to Baby.The Bengals drafted both Atkins and Dunlap in 2010, and the two have combined for 158 career sacks.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Tennessee Titans placed left tackle Taylor Lewan on injured reserve after he suffered a torn ACL against the Houston Texans, the team announced Monday."I wanted to let everyone know I got an MRI today. I tore my ACL yesterday against Houston. Don't feel sorry for me, I'm going to handle this rehab like a pro and come back better than ever," Lewan wrote on Twitter.The three-time Pro Bowler will miss the rest of the season, but he vowed to continue supporting his teammates.

Find line reports, best bets, and subscribe to push notifications in the Betting News section.We nailed our bad line of the week this past Sunday with the Bears (+2.5) winning outright over the Panthers. Let's keep the momentum rolling into Week 7.Here's the oddsboard, as well as one spread that looks fishy.MatchupSpreadGiants @ EaglesPHI -6.5Panthers @ SaintsNO -7.5Browns @ BengalsCLE -3Packers @ TexansGB -3.5Steelers @ TitansPIT -1.5Lions @ FalconsATL -3Bills @ JetsBUF -11.5Cowboys @ WashingtonDAL -3Seahawks @ CardinalsSEA -3.549ers @ PatriotsNE -3Chiefs @ BroncosKC -9.5Jaguars @ ChargersLAC -8Buccaneers @ RaidersTB -3Bears @ RamsLAR -5.5Bad line of the week: Steelers -1.5 vs. TitansThe Steelers were listed as 1.5-point favorites over the Titans when the markets opened up in Week 4. With these two slated to make up the postponement three weeks later, the line hasn't budged despite some intriguing underlying statistics. I will gladly take a discounted -1.5 on Pittsburgh against a Tennessee club that could unravel at any point.Let's start with Tennessee. The offense just hung 600-plus yards and 42 points in a win over the Texans to remain perfect. Expect regression after the team averaged close to nine yards per play, but the Titans have also lucked out in a couple other areas.Heading into Week 7, Tennessee's tied for the league lead in turnover margin at plus-6. Timely takeaways have certainly masked other flaws, including a neutral clip in net yards per play. In other words, Tennessee is giving up just as many yards per play as its gaining. Last week's game against the Texans was the first time all year that the Titans won the yards-per-play battle. To say they're lucky to be 5-0 would be an understatement.The Titans' strength of schedule is also a reason to fade them here. The overall combined record of their opponents so far is 9-19, yet Tennessee is still struggling to outgain its competition.The Steelers have also benefited from a relatively weak schedule so far, but unlike the Titans, they're not due to come back down to earth. Pittsburgh has been dominant in 2020, ranking No. 2 in point differential, No. 1 in DVOA rush defense, and No. 9 in pass DVOA offense. I'm hardly worried about the Steelers moving forward, as they've passed most, if not all of their tests with flying colors.We're getting a cheap number on the Steelers here. I think we'll look back on this one shortly and wonder why the number wasn't higher.Pick: Steelers -1.5(Odds source: theScore Bet)Alex Kolodziej is a betting writer for theScore. He's a graduate of Eastern Illinois who has been involved in the sports betting industry for 12 years. He can quote every line from "Rounders" and appreciates franchises that regularly wear alternate jerseys. Find him on Twitter @AJKolodziej.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Find line reports, best bets, and subscribe to push notifications in the Betting News section.The first NFL week with byes meant a reduced slate of games, but there was still plenty for bettors to learn from Sunday's action.Here are five betting takeaways from Week 6.Top NFC contenders go downSunday was a great day to be a Seahawks futures ticket holder, and they didn't even play a snap. That's because the Packers and Rams both suffered blowout losses, creating some separation at the top of the NFC standings.Green Bay (-2.5) entered this week with a chance to equal Seattle's 5-0 start to the season, but they fell apart against an inconsistent Buccaneers team that had everything working on Sunday. It was the fourth blowout loss in coach Matt LaFleur's five-loss Packers tenure, though the team bounced back each of the previous three times. This might be a good time to buy the NFC odds for Green Bay (+550), which still has the offensive firepower to win the conference.As for the Rams (-2.5), Sunday's loss to the injury-ravaged 49ers is troubling after they struggled to put away lousy teams earlier in the year. They had chances this week, though Jared Goff's inaccuracy reared its ugly head once again and should concern anyone betting Los Angeles to win the NFC (+900) or NFC West (+350).Steelers beat Browns at a costA week ago, I said it might be time to take the Browns seriously after an impressive 4-1 start. Then they got their doors blown off by the Steelers (-3), who are 5-0 for the first time since their Super Bowl-winning season in 1978.Pittsburgh's vaunted front harassed Baker Mayfield to the tune of four sacks and two interceptions, and it eventually chased him from the game in the third quarter. Mayfield was pressured on a career-high 52% of his dropbacks, per ESPN's Brooke Pryor, calling into question just how impenetrable the Browns' top-ranked pass protection really is.It wasn't all good news for the Steelers, who lost former top-10 pick Devin Bush to a season-ending injury. It's a crucial loss for Pittsburgh - Bush was the team's defensive play-caller on the field and played every snap for a thin linebacking corps. The Steelers' defense pre-injury was good enough to threaten a Super Bowl run (+1200); the next few weeks will reveal whether that's still the case.Jets threatening history with 0-6 startAnd then there was one. The Falcons (+3.5) and Giants (-2) both got off the schneid Sunday in wins over the Vikings and Washington, respectively, leaving the Jets as the only winless team in the NFL. That may not change anytime soon, either.New York (+8.5) never stood a chance in Sunday's 24-0 loss to the Dolphins, setting multiple marks for futility along the way. The Jets became the first team to score zero points in a game since ... last year's Jets, and they became the first team to get shut out by Miami since 2014. As for their season-long marks? Those also aren't pretty.

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, Boone recaps all the notable injuries from Week 6 and goes over the top options available on the waiver wire.

The Tennessee Titans pulled off a thrilling overtime victory against the Houston Texans on Sunday, and head coach Mike Vrabel may have helped his team win with an intentional penalty.You won't hear that from him, though.With the Texans leading 30-29 and just over three minutes remaining, the Titans were called for having 12 men on the field. While that may have seemed like a slip-up, gifting the Texans a first down, it allowed the Titans to stop the clock without using a timeout.

Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku still wants to be traded despite publicly rescinding his request before the season, a source told Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com.The NFL trade deadline is Nov. 3, and Njoku is reportedly keen on finding a new home before it passes.Njoku was relegated to second-string duties when the Browns signed Austin Hooper to a lucrative four-year contract in free agency. He played 23 snaps during a Week 6 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, only two more than third-string rookie Harrison Bryant.In three appearances this season, Njoku has recorded five catches for 63 yards and a touchdown. He's notched just two grabs for 13 yards since the season opener.The Browns used a first-round pick on Njoku in 2017, selecting him 29th overall out of Miami. Cleveland held three picks in the opening round of that draft, and the club selected Myles Garrett, Jabrill Peppers, and Njoku.Njoku was a non-factor last year after breaking his wrist and finding his way into Freddie Kitchens' doghouse. His sophomore campaign in 2018 was more promising, ending with 56 catches for 639 yards and four touchdowns.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Philadelphia Eagles tight end Zach Ertz is expected to miss three-to-four weeks after suffering an ankle injury in Week 6, a source told ESPN's Chris Mortensen.Ertz specifically suffered a high ankle sprain, added ESPN's Adam Schefter.In a further blow to an already injury-ravaged Eagles offense, running back Miles Sanders will reportedly miss Thursday's game against the New York Giants and potentially the week after due to a knee issue.Philadelphia has yet to field a full-strength offense this season. Alshon Jeffery hasn't played, DeSean Jackson has been out since Week 3, and the team's offensive line has been hit with multiple season-ending injuries to key starters.The Eagles are 1-4-1 through six weeks. Carson Wentz is struggling immensely amid the injuries to his supporting cast, completing 58.7% of his pass attempts and throwing eight touchdowns against nine interceptions.Ertz has recorded 19 catches for 139 yards and a touchdown, far below his usual production. Meanwhile, Sanders has logged 434 rushing yards and three touchdowns.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New England Patriots are in a strange spot sitting in third place in the AFC East after a loss to the Denver Broncos, but Cam Newton thinks it's too early to throw caution to the wind."There's no need to press the panic button. There's no need to start reinventing the wheel. We have the answers in that locker room," Newton said on The Greg Hill Show, per ESPN's Mike Reiss.Sunday's loss put the Patriots at 2-3 and marks the first time since 2002 that the team is below .500 through five games.Newton, making his first start since coming off the COVID-19 list, didn't put together his best performance against the Broncos, throwing for just 157 yards and two interceptions. The quarterback alluded to a lack of practice as a factor leading to his struggles."Timing was off. The anticipation was off. I think that was the biggest discrepancy of not having practice," Newton said, according to NESN's Zack Cox.The 31-year-old quarterback took accountability after the Patriots' offense put up just 12 points Sunday."I don't point fingers, I point thumbs and with that being said, I take full responsibility of where we are as an offense and knowing that here moving forward, it starts with No. 1 and I will be better," Newton said.A three-time Pro Bowler, Newton had a strong message for those who believe the Patriots' run of success may be coming to an end due to recent shortcomings."The sky may be falling the next couple of days. I'll bring my raincoat and my umbrella to get the job done," the quarterback said, per team reporter Megan O'Brien.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

San Francisco 49ers running back Raheem Mostert suffered an ankle injury Sunday versus the Los Angeles Rams and was ruled out for the rest of the game.Mostert hobbled off the field after a run early in the second half. He had his ankle taped on the sideline but was unable to return to the contest.The speedy tailback totaled 65 yards on 17 carries before exiting, adding two receptions for 11 yards.Mostert missed two games earlier this season with a knee injury. He returned for last week's matchup against the Miami Dolphins.Jerick McKinnon and JaMycal Hasty will lead San Francisco's backfield in Mostert's absence.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New York Jets agreed to trade veteran defensive tackle Steve McLendon to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Rick Stroud of The Tampa Bay Times reports.New York will acquire a 2022 sixth-round pick from Tampa Bay for McLendon and a seventh-round selection in 2023, according to Stroud.McLendon, an 11-year pro, boosts the Bucs' interior run defense following the loss of standout nose tackle Vita Vea in Week 5. Tampa Bay's move reunites him with defensive coordinator Todd Bowles, who was the Jets' head coach for McLendon's first three seasons in New York.The 34-year-old is coming off a productive 2019 season in which he tallied 2.5 sacks, 36 tackles, and a career-high 10 tackles for loss while starting all 16 games for a Jets defense that finished second only to the Bucs for fewest rushing yards allowed.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Miami Dolphins' Week 6 win over the New York Jets will go down as a memorable one for Tua Tagovailoa.The rookie quarterback made his NFL debut late in the fourth quarter with Miami up 24-0, completing a pair of passes for nine yards in relief of Ryan Fitzpatrick. Tagovailoa was able to enjoy the moment following the game."I think it was a very special moment for me because my parents weren't here," Tagovailoa told reporters, according to Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald. "I couldn't remember where we ended our drive at, so I FaceTimed my parents from where we ended our drive at."The lefty hadn't played in a game since injuring his hip at Alabama last season. Tagovailoa said he spoke to his parents alone on the field about his football journey.

Kirk Cousins' inconsistent 2020 campaign continued Sunday, as the Minnesota Vikings quarterback tossed three interceptions in a 40-23 loss to the previously winless Atlanta Falcons.Cousins' season totals stand at 11 touchdowns to 10 interceptions, the latter of which leads the NFL. He admitted that continued turnover woes could lead to an eventual change at quarterback."The reality is if the pace I'm on in terms of the interceptions, if that were to continue, I won't finish the season," Cousins told reporters, according to ESPN's Courtney Cronin. "I won't - you know what I mean? There's a little bit of, 'You got to improve.' Whether it's them telling me, 'Hey, we gotta improve,' or them pulling me; we got to get better."That's what the rest of the season will be about for me, is trying to protect the football as best I can. Because when you turn the ball over, it really hurts your chances to win. I know that. I just need to improve as we look ahead to the rest of the season."Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer said he never considered benching Cousins during Sunday's loss, but the veteran passer said that limiting interceptions will be his primary focus during the Week 7 bye."I need to correct it," Cousins said. "I need to finish the season with a different story, regarding the interceptions, so that's something I need to improve with the remaining games we have. I don't know that I'd limit it to the interceptions. I think it's just the entire offensive performance. It's just, I need to be better, we need to be better."Minnesota currently sits last in the NFC North at 1-5.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers handed the Green Bay Packers their first loss of the season with a 38-10 blowout victory Sunday.The Buccaneers defense intercepted quarterback Aaron Rodgers twice and limited the Packers offense to 201 total yards.More to comeCopyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Miami Dolphins pitched a 24-0 shutout Sunday, leaving the New York Jets as the last winless team in the NFL and turning up the heat on beleaguered head coach Adam Gase.More to come.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.Thanks to some reshuffling of the NFL schedule, we have a pair of intriguing matchups on Monday night. The Kansas City Chiefs (-4.5, 57) get the Buffalo Bills on a short week, and the Arizona Cardinals (-1, 55) are slim favorites over the reeling Dallas Cowboys.Here are our favorite trends, props, and bets for Monday night.Betting trendsFew teams have gotten their doors blown off this year quite as the Bills did on Tuesday when they looked lost in a 42-16 defeat to the Tennessee Titans. That's not a great sign for this week, as teams that lose by at least 26 points are 3-6 against the spread in their last nine and 15-26-1 ATS dating back to 2018.Conversely, this is a strong spot for the Chiefs, who are 4-1 ATS after their last five losses with an average scoring margin of plus-11.8 points in those games. They also have a unique advantage coming off a long week and the Bills off a short one. Teams in that spot - excluding ones coming off bye weeks - are 14-5-2 ATS dating back to 2015.The trends in the nightcap are much less clear. The Cardinals are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 road games, but they're 9-17 ATS in their last 26 as favorites. The Cowboys, meanwhile, are 7-4 ATS in their last 11 as underdogs, though coach Mike McCarthy is 5-13 ATS in his last 18 games when catching points.High totals have meant easy overs for years, and both games are trending over here. Since 2016, totals of at least 55 are 19-11-2 to the over, and totals of at least 57.5 are 9-3 to the over in that span and 16-6-1 since 2000.Player propsJosh Allen over 288.5 passing yards (-110)This may seem like an appropriate number for Allen, who threw for exactly 288 yards two weeks ago and was held to 263 in Tuesday night's disaster. Consider, though, the Bills signal-caller was averaging 346 passing yards in his three games prior and has a juicy matchup against a vulnerable Kansas City secondary.Last week, Derek Carr gashed the Chiefs' defense for 347 passing yards, including 234 over the middle of the field. That's where Allen has thrived since the beginning of 2019. Bet on a bounce-back effort in a solid matchup for the third-year quarterback.Michael Gallup over 41.5 receiving yards (-110)Gallup is emerging as a star before our eyes. The Cowboys receiver is averaging just short of 70 receiving yards through five games with at least 50 in four of them, including a 73-yard effort last week against the New York Giants' quietly solid secondary.Now Gallup goes up against a Cardinals pass defense that sits in the bottom seven in DVOA and PFF rankings and has allowed multiple players to record at least 42 receiving yards in four of its five games this year. Expect Gallup to get his share on Monday.Best betChiefs-Bills over 57.5This number is just shy of the highest total this season, which came only one week ago when the Chiefs and Oakland Raiders blew a 58-point total out of the water with a combined 72. Totals this high have historically been rewarded with shootouts, and both of these offenses are well-equipped to exploit the weaknesses on the other side.Cowboys +1The Cowboys were a disappointment this year even before losing Dak Prescott, while the Cardinals have been a surprising (and exciting) 3-2 team through five weeks. So why are sharps hammering Dallas?Dallas has played a murderer's row compared to Arizona, which has faced one team with a winning record and doesn't have enough talent to justify being a road favorite in this spot. Trust the wiseguys with a clear value play here.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.

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Devin Bush will undergo season-ending surgery to repair a torn ACL suffered Sunday in a win over the Cleveland Browns, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin told reporters postgame the team believed Bush suffered a "significant" knee injury, according to ESPN's Brooke Pryor.Bush exited before halftime and was later declared out for the rest of the afternoon. Robert Spillane finished the contest with six tackles after replacing him."Spillane more than answered the bell," Tomlin said. He added that players who "make plays in special teams, that's usually a precursor to making plays on defense."Bush, the Steelers' first-round pick in 2019, came into Week 6 with 21 tackles, three pass breakups, and half a sack over four games. The 22-year-old has anchored the linebacking corps in Pittsburgh since his NFL debut."We'll put together a formula in the interim," Tomlin responded when asked about a replacement plan for Bush. "Believe it."As a rookie last season, Bush notched 109 tackles, four pass breakups, two interceptions, and one sack.The Steelers moved to 5-0 with their latest triumph.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Philadelphia Eagles running back Miles Sanders suffered a knee injury in the second half of Sunday's 30-28 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.Sanders was eventually ruled out for the remainder of the contest in the fourth quarter with the Eagles down two scores. Philadelphia reduced its deficit late, but the club failed on a two-point conversion attempt in the final minutes and didn't tie the game.The 23-year-old already missed the Eagles' season opener due to a hamstring injury. The second-year runner, who was Philadelphia's leading rusher in 2019, had amassed 316 yards and three touchdowns on the ground entering Week 6.He rushed for 118 yards on nine carries before being sidelined on Sunday.Eagles tight end Zach Ertz also suffered an ankle injury and was forced out of the matchup late in the fourth quarter.The veteran has played in every game this season. The Eagles' leading pass-catcher recorded four receptions for 33 yards against Baltimore.Philadelphia won't have much time to rest its players, as the team faces the New York Giants on Thursday.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — Denver kicker Brandon McManus had six field goals and linebacker Malik Reed came up with a big sack late to help the Broncos hold on for an 18-12 win over the New England Patriots Sunday in a game twice delayed following positive coronavirus tests for both teams.Sunday’s game was originally scheduled for last week but got postponed twice, first by a day, then by seven. The delay was caused after multiple Patriots players tested positive for COVID-19, including quarterback Cam Newton and reigning Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore.New England (2-3) rallied from an 18-3 deficit and nearly pulled off the comeback, but had three turnovers.Drew Lock finished 10 of 24 for 189 yards in his first start since injuring his shoulder in Denver’s Week 2 loss to Pittsburgh. He was steady early, but had back-to-back interceptions in the fourth quarter to let the Patriots back into the game.Denver’s defense entered the game with two takeaways on the season. It forced three on Sunday, coming up with two interceptions and a fumble recovery.It underscored a rough day for New England, which was held to 288 yards.It was the first game back for Newton, who returned after missing New England’s Week 4 loss at Kansas City. He finished 17 of 25 for 157 yards. He also rushed 10 times for 76 yards and touchdown.The Broncos’ win snapped a four-game losing streak in New England.Denver (2-3) won despite being without leading rusher Melvin Gordon and top pass catcher Noah Fant, who was out with an ankle injury. Phillip Lindsay started in Gordon’s place and rushed 23 times for 101 yards. Tim Patrick had four catches for 101 yards.McManus, who connected on field goals of 52 and 54 yards, now has six games with multiple 50-yard field goals. That is tied with Baltimore’s Justin Tucker for the most in NFL history.After taking a 15-3 lead early in the third quarter, the Broncos defense came up with a second turnover when Ryan Izzo caught a pass over the middle but was stripped by cornerback Michael Ojemudia. Justin Simmons recovered the fumble, giving the ball to Denver on the New England 42.McManus connected on his 54-yarder field goal four plays later to stretch Denver’s lead.The Patriots closed the gap to 18-9 on a 1-yard touchdown run by Newton with 8:31 left in the fourth. But he was stopped short on the ensuing 2-point conversion.New England got another chance when Lock’s pass intended for Patrick was picked off by J.C. Jackson and returned 30 yards to the Denver 25. Nick Folk connected on a 38-yard field goal four plays later to make it 18-12 with 3:23 remaining.This time Denver’s ensuing drive lasted just one play when another long pass attempt from Lock to Patrick was intercepted by Jonathan Jones.Newton went to work, connecting with Julian Edelman for a 22-yard gain to get to the 50.After a trio of short passes, Newton then plowed forward for 4 yards on fourth-and-1 at the Denver 41 to keep the drive going.Newton was then involved in a trick play when Edelman found him on a 16-yard gain to get inside the Denver 25.Denver’s Malik Reed sacked Newton for a 6-yard loss. Newton then completed a 6-yard pass to James White setting up a fourth-and-10 on the Denver 24.Receiver N’Keal Harry got separation, but Newton’s pass was well wide, turning the ball over on downs.INJURIESBroncos: WR Diontae Spencer left the game with a shoulder issue. ... LB Josh Watson left the game with a hamstring issue. ... G Dalton Risner also left with a shoulder injury.Patriots: Right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor needed assistance getting off the field after an ankle injury late in the first quarter and didn’t return. … Defensive lineman Adam Butler left in the second quarter with an elbow injury.UP NEXTDenver returns home to host the Chiefs next Sunday.The Patriots host the 49ers on Sunday.___More AP NFL coverage: https://apnews.com/NFL and https://twitter.com/AP_NFLCopyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Cleveland Browns replaced quarterback Baker Mayfield with Case Keenum while down 31-7 to the Pittsburgh Steelers entering the fourth quarter.Mayfield went into Sunday's game with a rib injury and was questionable to play.Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said postgame that the move was done to protect his franchise passer."I didn't want to see (Baker) get hit one more time. It starts with me," said Stefanski, according to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. "I didn't think it was the right thing to put him back out there"The head coach added that Mayfield will start next week against the Cincinnati Bengals if healthy.The 2018 No. 1 pick went 10-of-18 passing for 119 yards and one touchdown against two interceptions before being pulled.Mayfield had taken four sacks, with the Steelers' front seven dominating the Browns' offensive line."Oh, yeah. Mama didn't raise no wuss," the quarterback said Monday when asked about potentially playing through the injury.Keenum previously worked with Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski while the two were with the Minnesota Vikings. He joined Cleveland this offseason.Mayfield led the Browns to a 4-1 record to start the campaign, throwing nine touchdowns versus just four interceptions. But Cleveland is now facing an uphill battle to catch the undefeated Steelers in the race for the AFC North.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Leonard Fournette won't play versus the Green Bay Packers due to an ankle injury.Fournette was reportedly on track to suit up for Week 6, making his inactive status a surprising development ahead of a pivotal NFC matchup against undefeated Green Bay.Fournette has battled a bad ankle for much of the season, with the injury forcing him to sit out a Week 4 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers.In four outings this year, the former Jacksonville Jaguars workhorse has logged 123 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. He's averaged 5.1 yards per carry, which would be a career best over a full season.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Denver Broncos will get quarterback Drew Lock and running back Phillip Lindsay back from injury, as both players are active for Sunday's game against the New England Patriots.The 23-year-old passer will be making his first appearance since suffering a shoulder injury in Week 2. Lindsay, meanwhile, hasn't suited up since the Broncos' season-opening game.Lock and Lindsay were listed as questionable heading into the matchup, but they both participated fully in practice this week.The Broncos have dealt with inconsistent quarterback play during Lock's absence, relying on Jeff Driskel and Brett Rypien. Both signal-callers have made a start, and they combined for five touchdowns with six interceptions.Lock has appeared in seven career games, throwing eight touchdown passes to just three interceptions.Lindsay's return comes at a key time, as the Broncos will be without running back Melvin Gordon after he was ruled out due to an illness. Gordon is the team's leading rusher with 281 yards on the ground.The opposition will also be welcoming back a talented player, as Patriots quarterback Cam Newton is making his first start since coming off the COVID-19 list.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

There are zero new positive tests around the NFL after the league's latest round of testing, and all of Sunday's games will proceed as scheduled, a source told Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.The league experienced widespread COVID-19 issues this week.The Atlanta Falcons, New England Patriots, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Indianapolis Colts were all forced to close their facilities due to positive tests, though Indy's tests were quickly revealed to be false positives.

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 6.Half PPR

The Jacksonville Jaguars returned zero new positive tests, making all members of the active roster eligible to play against the Detroit Lions, the team announced Sunday.The news comes a day after Jacksonville placed 12 of its 16 practice-squad players on the reserve/COVID-19 list, though only one is confirmed to have tested positive.Practice-squad players were instructed to sit in separate areas during meetings, so no active-roster players have been exposed to the virus, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.Jacksonville isn't the only team affected by COVID-19 issues this week, as the Patriots and Falcons also needed to briefly close their facilities due to positive tests. Atlanta reopened its building Friday, while New England returned to its facility Saturday morning.The Jaguars are tied for last in the AFC South with a 1-4 record.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 5 of the NFL. All times Eastern.Just like back in the dayBrowns (4-1) at Steelers (4-0), 1 p.m.There was a time when Cleveland-Pittsburgh was one of the NFL's most intense rivalries. Then Art Modell ruined the fun by carpet-bagging the Browns to Baltimore, where the New Old Browns developed sustained competence and emerged as Pittsburgh's biggest antagonist. Meanwhile, the New New Browns were resurrected and affixed with a "Kick Me" sign that they've worn ever since. But not anymore, maybe. And now this matchup means something again.After a Very Browns blowout loss to the New Old Browns to start the season, Cleveland has won four in a row. The streak includes last week's impressive thumping of the Indianapolis Colts, which followed a total rag-dolling of the Dallas Cowboys in Big D. Stop me if you've heard this one before, but Cleveland might be good. A win down the highway at the hated Steelers, where the Browns have somehow lost 16 games in a row, would make it official.There's real juice to this game, and not just because the Browns finally seem to be able to take the field without putting their helmets on backward. There was last year's ugly brawl, which may or may not have been triggered by a racist slur from Steelers (now backup) quarterback Mason Rudolph. It led to a lengthy suspension for Browns defensive end Myles Garrett, who had tried to beat Rudolph with Rudolph's helmet.Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin wants to move on, but Browns running back Kareem Hunt brought it up again, though Garrett said Friday he was willing to make amends with Rudolph. Who knows what might happen. One thing's for sure: The TV broadcast will mention it before, during, and after the game. There might even be a nostalgic clip of Turkey Jones seriously injuring Terry Bradshaw thrown in for good measure.Football-wise, the Browns lead the NFL in rushing yards (942) and are fourth in rushing DVOA, per Football Outsiders, while the Steelers have allowed the fewest rushing yards (256) and rank first in run defense DVOA. Also, teams have only bothered running the ball 77 times against Pittsburgh, even though all four of the Steelers' games have been relatively close. Will Newton / Getty ImagesThe Steelers love to blitz - they've done it a league-high 48.8% of the time, which has helped fuel a league-best 41.2% pressure rate, per Pro Football Reference. But it's going to be tough to bring extra pass-rushers against the Browns because quarterback Baker Mayfield uses a lot of play-action - 34.1% of all dropbacks, per PFF, which is fifth-most in the league. According to Sports Info Solutions, Mayfield has the most passing attempts (28) and passing yards (227) in the NFL when using play-action and moving outside the pocket.In addition, ESPN ranks Cleveland's O-line second in pass block win rate, with right tackle Jack Conklin (98%) first among tackles, left tackle Jedrick Willis (94%) ninth among tackles, and left guard Joe Bitonio (97%) first among guards.Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has struggled with deep passes - a 22.2% completion rate that's unchanged when adjusted for drops, per PFF - but he's thrived with a lot of short, quick throws to a variety of targets all over the field.One last fun fact: The Browns also lost 16 in a row in Pittsburgh from 1970-85, a stretch that coincided with the opening of the old Three Rivers Stadium. That's also a stat that has absolutely no relevance to what might happen Sunday.The stars are outPackers (4-0) at Buccaneers (3-2), 4:25 p.m.The entire country will get to see this game live in Sunday's late-afternoon window. It has to be because the Packers' offensive line leads the league in adjusted sack rate and pass block win rate, while the Bucs' D-line is ranked fourth in adjusted sack rate and its overall defense is ranked fifth in pressure rate. That's the kind of stuff fans tune in to see.Packers left tackle David Bakhtiari (94%) is fifth in pass block win rate among tackles, center Corey Linsley (97%) is sixth among centers, and left guard Elgton Jenkins (95%) is 10th among guards. The Bucs' Shaquil Barrett (28%) is fifth in pass rush win rate among edge defenders, while defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul has four sacks, two forced fumbles, and eight total pressures.Give the NFL and its television partners credit for knowing how to maximize exposure for the league's top stars by making this a national game.Go figureBears (4-1) at Panthers (3-2), 1 p.m.The Bears continue to be a tough team to pin down. With Mitchell Trubisky and Nick Foles at quarterback, they've won four of their first five games, with three of those wins coming against the Detroit Lions, Atlanta Falcons, and New York Giants, and the other against Tom Brady and the Bucs. Football Outsiders ranks Chicago 23rd in Total DVOA, and the Bears' minus-7.4% DVOA is one of the worst ever for a 4-1 team. The only one that was worse? The 2010 Bears, who wound up going to the NFC Championship Game. Kevin C. Cox / Getty ImagesThis week, the Bears are matched up against a Panthers team featuring a defense full of no-names with unspectacular resumes. For example, cornerback Juston Burris, whose end-zone interception of Matt Ryan preserved last week's win at the Falcons, was a 2016 fourth-round pick of the New York Jets who's since bounced around with the Browns, Raiders, and back to the Browns before landing in Carolina.Carolina's defense is ranked 23rd in DVOA, but it's 14th against the pass despite getting pressure on just 17.7% of all defensive snaps, the third-worst total in the league. Slot cornerback Corn Elder is allowing just 0.48 yards per slot-coverage snap, which is the third-lowest in the league, according to PFF. The Panthers drafted Elder in 2017 but cut him at the end of camp in 2019, and he spent last season on the Giants' practice squad. Matt Rhule might be able to coach a little.Uh-ohRams (4-1) at 49ers (2-3), 8:20 p.m.The 49ers have been banged up pretty good, and they're winless against anyone other than the two junior varsity teams from New York. The latest loss was last week's blowout by the Miami Dolphins and Dr. Jekyll Fitzpatrick, whose 99.1 Total QBR was the best single-game QBR by any quarterback this season.The bad news for the Niners is that after this game, they're scheduled to play at the Patriots, at the Seahawks, the Packers at home, at the Saints, at the Rams, and the Bills at home, all in succession. The good news is that all four of the Rams' victories have come against the four teams in the NFC East.Happy Hour specialChiefs (4-1) at Bills (4-1), Monday, 5 p.m.A bounce-back game for two AFC contenders, right at quittin' time. Both defenses are coming off games in which they got rolled, and both teams are coming off games in which they were penalized 10 times. Frederick Breedon / Getty ImagesTuesday night leftoverTitans 42, Bills 16I just wanted to watch Derrick Henry's pitiless stiff arm of Josh Norman again, and I figured you did, too. So here you go: Your browser does not support the video tag. CBS/NFL Game PassThat is all.Dom Cosentino is a senior features writer at theScore.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Cleveland Browns receiver Odell Beckham Jr. has been cleared to face the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday after producing a second negative COVID-19 test, according to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com.All of the Browns' test results were also negative for the second consecutive day.Quarterback Baker Mayfield (rib) and wide receiver Jarvis Landry (hip/rib), who were both questionable to play in Week 6 along with Beckham, will play in the AFC North showdown, a source told Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.Beckham was sent home from the team's facility on Thursday due to an illness, but he returned Saturday and participated in a walk-through, Cabot adds.Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski told the media Friday that the receiver was "doing better," according to Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal.The 4-1 Browns will count on Beckham's presence as they prepare to face the 4-0 Steelers in a crucial AFC North showdown.The 27-year-old has recorded 21 receptions for 294 yards along with three touchdowns this 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.Five games into the season, one NFC West team is 4-1 with top-five ranks on offense and defense, and the other has stumbled behind lousy quarterback play and a slew of injuries.Before the year, most would have expected the former to be the San Francisco 49ers, but it's the Los Angeles Rams (-3, 52) who've leapfrogged last season's NFC champions in the division hierarchy ahead of this week's prime-time clash.Here are our favorite trends, props, and bets for Sunday night.Betting trendsIt's been a rough stretch for the injury-riddled 49ers, who've lost back-to-back games outright as favorites and are now underdogs for the first time since their Super Bowl loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.Since the start of the 2018 season, San Francisco is 7-8 against the spread when catching points but has been outscored by 7.3 points on average in those 15 games. The Rams, meanwhile, have covered six of their last seven as road favorites by an average margin of 14.4 points.Prime time has also been kind to the Rams, who've covered three straight under the lights and are 6-3 ATS in their last nine in that spot. The Niners are 3-5 ATS in their last eight prime-time games with two straight losses by a combined 16 points. They've gone 5-2-1 to the over in those eight games.The under may be the smarter play in this one, though. The Rams are 8-1 to the under in their last nine as road chalk, while the 49ers have gone under in three of their last four as home 'dogs.Player propsDeebo Samuel under 42.5 receiving yards (-110)Samuel is one of the more creative offensive weapons in the league, and he's a force with the ball in his hands. However, don't expect too much in the passing game this week. He's logged more than 42 receiving yards in eight of 20 career games and just twice in his last seven contests, including zero times this season.The Rams' elite secondary has allowed just 133 yards per game to opposing receivers this year - second-fewest in the NFL - and held Washington's Terry McLaurin to just 26 yards a week ago. Samuel won't see much daylight on Sunday.Darrell Henderson under 41.5 rushing yards (-110)The 49ers rank No. 7 in opponent yards per carry (3.8), though much of the damage done has actually been by opposing quarterbacks. Against only running backs, they rank third in yards allowed per game (62.2) and second in yards per carry (3.1) through five games.Los Angeles' committee approach makes it hard to invest in any one back, and Cam Akers led the team last week in rushing while Henderson turned 15 carries into 38 yards for his second straight game under 40. This isn't the spot for him to regain his early-season form.Best bet49ers under 25.5 pointsThe Rams have earned a reputation as a high-scoring juggernaut, though it's been their third-ranked scoring defense leading the charge this year. They've held four of five opponents to under 20 points, and the 49ers have scored 20 or fewer points in three of five games, including each of the last two.The game under is a solid bet, too, but Los Angeles' offense could explode against San Francisco's battered defense. It's hard to imagine that happening the other way around.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 England Patriots placed running back Sony Michel, right guard Shaq Mason, and defensive end Derek Rivers on the reserve/COVID-19 list heading into Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos.The moves are not all the result of new positive COVID-19 tests within the organization, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. The NFL added a new "high-risk" close-contact category to its virus protocols, under which any player who's designated as such must isolate for five days.Michel tested positive Saturday, a source told The Athletic's Jeff Howe. Mason and Rivers haven't tested positive but were deemed high risk due to close contact.New England incurred its latest COVID-19 scare Friday upon discovering one new positive test, plus a second that required confirmation. The club closed its facilities for multiple days beginning Oct. 11 to stop a potential spread within the building.The league is reportedly aware of the Patriots' situation and comfortable that protocols have been followed. As a result, Sunday's game against Denver will proceed as scheduled.Michel is already on injured reserve with a quad injury, and Mason missed Week 4 with a calf ailment.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Find line reports, best bets, and subscribe to push notifications in the Betting News section.Before you make your NFL bets this weekend, it's worth knowing which side other bettors are backing, especially on games drawing sharp action.We talked to Jay Rood, Bet.Works' chief risk officer and theScore Bet's head trader, to see how sharps and public bettors are playing a busy Week 6 slate.Cardinals (-1, 54.5) at Cowboys, Oct. 19 @ 8:15 p.m. ETSharps and squares are locked in dueling positions in a game involving the Cowboys, and the squares aren't the one behind America's Team.Instead, wiseguys are targeting Dallas as a home underdog Monday night, laying big bets at +3 and +2.5 to bring the number down to 1 as of Saturday. The Cowboys are drawing 20 times as much money as the Cardinals, though Arizona had seen four times as many bet slips entering the weekend.Bettors are also expecting a lower-scoring game than what oddsmakers projected early this week, betting the total down from 55.5 to 54.5. The Cowboys are 4-1 to the over this year, while the Cardinals are 4-1 to the under.Washington at Giants (-3, 43.5), Oct. 18 @ 1 p.m.The second-biggest liability entering this weekend is on Washington, which opened as a 3-point underdog and is still in that spot despite a bundle of sharp money on its side.Washington has seen twice as many tickets but 50 times as much money, as sharps hammer the key number for the road 'dog. The team was priced at +3 (-120) on one sharp play, reached +3 (-130) by Friday, and even briefly touched +2.5 before some Giants money pushed this number back to 3.If recent history means anything, this is a tough spot for Washington. Teams getting exactly three points in an NFC East matchup have lost six straight against the spread dating back to 2016, including three losses by Washington.Chiefs (-4.5, 57.5) at Bills, Oct. 19 @ 5 p.m.While sharp bettors have targeted the Cowboys as a Monday night value, public bettors are rallying around the Chiefs in the other Monday contest.As of Friday afternoon, Rood said his book barely had any money at all on the Bills, while Kansas City was pulling 50 times as many tickets and 80 times as much money ahead of the weekend. The Chiefs are 6-1-2 ATS on Mondays under Andy Reid."Lot of public money there," Rood said. "Lot of public money on the parlays as well."Ravens (-9.5, 46.5) at Eagles, Oct. 18 @ 1 p.m.The Ravens are the biggest favorite this week, as bettors have flocked to bet them against the injury-plagued Eagles.Baltimore opened as an 8-point favorite and was giving 7.5 points as of midday Friday. Then the market moved swiftly toward the Ravens, who jumped to -9 on Friday and were -9.5 as of Saturday afternoon. Heading into the weekend, they'd drawn twice as many tickets as the Eagles and 10 times as much money."Obviously, a ton of parlay activity going through the Ravens, too," Rood said.How high could this line get? Rood says he thinks this game could reach -10, which might prompt some buyback at a key number on Philadelphia. At this rate, though, books will be needing the Eagles badly come Sunday.(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 Baltimore Ravens have put defensive tackle Brandon Williams on the COVID-19 list, the team officially announced Saturday.Williams reportedly did not test positive for the virus but was in close contact with an infected individual, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.The veteran nose tackle is the first player the Ravens have placed on the COVID-19 list since the start of the regular season.Williams has been a consistent run clogger for the Ravens' defense, starting 93 games for the team since 2015. The 31-year-old has recorded 270 tackles and 6.5 sacks over his career.Baltimore's defensive line will likely also be without Derek Wolfe - who is listed as doubtful due to a neck/concussion issue - for Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Denver Broncos coach Curtis Modkins has tested positive for COVID-19 and will not travel for Sunday's game against the New England Patriots, the team announced Saturday.Modkins reportedly followed all protocols and notified the Broncos after finding out a family member tested positive, according to NFL Network's James Palmer.Curtis is currently self-isolating at home while the team communicates with the NFL."The Broncos remain in regular communication with the league office, NFL Chief Medical Officer Dr. Allen Sills and team medical staff. We will take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of our team, opponents, and community."Denver is currently scheduled to face the Patriots on Sunday in a matchup that was originally slated for Week 5 but got pushed back to Week 6 due to the Pats' positive test results.New England had another positive result Friday and closed its facility as a result, but the franchise later reopened the building on Saturday.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.No harm, no foul in last week's player props since we went 2-2.Here's what stands out for this upcoming Sunday.David Montgomery over 60.5 rushing yardsDon't look now, but the Panthers have ripped off three straight. However, lost amid the surge has been a porous DVOA run defense which currently ranks No. 29 in the league.So while everyone races to applaud Carolina, I'm going to catch 'em napping by playing the over on Montgomery's rushing yards.The Bears have a solid advantage in the trenches, with the Panthers piling up a handful of injuries along the front. If Montgomery gets going early, he'll be able to put up some numbers on a defense allowing north of five yards per carry.Matthew Stafford longest reception over 39.5 yardsThe market's expecting a pretty wide-open game between the Lions and Jaguars. I agree and also think Detroit will do the bulk of the damage - the club is taking on a Jags unit currently dead last in the league in DVOA pass defense.Stafford and the Lions currently rank No. 11 in explosive pass rate despite playing a pretty decent schedule so far. The veteran quarterback will have a field day versus a Jacksonville secondary sitting at No. 29 in explosive pass rate allowed.Daniel Jones over 20.5 rushing yardsThe Washington Football Team is loaded with potential in the front seven. The franchise enters Week 6 averaging three sacks per game, tied for sixth in the league.The opportunities that arise from allowing a scrambling quarterback to get loose is usually the only downside to possessing a daunting pass rush. This should be a regular day at the office for Jones, who's accustomed to running for his life when the pocket collapses.The market isn't expecting a ton of points - the 42.5 total is the lowest on the board - but Jones should compile a ton of yards on the ground against a team giving up the second-most rushing yards to signal-callers in 2020.Aaron Jones over 29.5 receiving yardsJones has done just about everything for the Packers in 2020. Not only is he averaging 5.8 yards per rush as the featured back, but he's also adding production in the passing game, averaging close to four receptions per contest.This is a week where I'd like to back Jones as a receiver. If the rusher can't get going on the ground - the Buccaneers are giving up a league-low 2.7 yards per carry - he should have no problem through the air. Tampa Bay allows the fifth-most receptions and yards per game to opposing running backs.(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.

Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy is optimistic about linebacker Leighton Vander Esch's potential return for Monday's contest against the Arizona Cardinals.McCarthy noted he is "definitely encouraged" by the linebacker's progress and that "all the arrows point up" on Vander Esch's chances of playing Monday, Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News reports.Vander Esch suffered a broken collarbone during the Cowboys' season opener against the Los Angeles Rams and hasn't played since. A return on Monday would put him well ahead of the earlier reported six-to-eight week recovery window.The linebacker remains on injured reserve and will need to be activated before Monday's contest to play. Vander Esch did practice on Thursday and Friday this week, impressing McCarthy with his play."Leighton looked like he didn’t miss a beat in there," McCarthy said Thursday, according to The Dallas News' David Moore.Vander Esch could be a big boost to a Dallas defense facing much criticism after giving up an NFL-worst 36 points per game.The 24-year-old was named to the Pro Bowl in 2018 and has notched 215 career tackles.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Quarterback Andy Dalton is confident he can lead the Dallas Cowboys' offense and keep things rolling without Dak Prescott."We don't see things changing much. I feel like we can just run this offense," Dalton said Friday, according to Todd Archer of ESPN. "I've been in a lot of different systems and kind of been through it all, so I like everything that we're doing and my job is to keep this thing exactly how Dak had it. Dak was playing really well, and we don't feel like we want there to be any drop-off since he's not going to be in there."Prescott suffered a season-ending ankle injury in Week 5, giving Dalton another chance as a starting quarterback."Obviously, I've been used to starting," said Dalton, who started 133 games with the Cincinnati Bengals from 2011 to 2019. "My role is a little different the first five games being behind Dak, but now it's like getting back to, basically, how it was for me. And so I know how to prepare."Dalton, 32, owns a career 70-61-2 regular-season record. He's the Bengals' all-time passing touchdowns leader with 204.The three-time Pro Bowler, who inked a one-year deal with Dallas in the offseason, took over at quarterback for the Cowboys in the second half of last week's game against the New York Giants. He completed nine of 11 pass attempts for 111 yards while managing the game-winning drive.Prescott, meanwhile, threw for 4,902 yards last season and recorded a league-high 1,856 passing yards through five games this year. The 2-3 Cowboys are averaging 32.6 points per contest, which ranks third in the NFL.Dallas faces the Arizona Cardinals on Monday.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Le'Veon Bell's 2020 salary likely will have a minimal impact on the Kansas City Chiefs' cap.Bell's one-year deal has a base salary of $1 million, which will be prorated for the five games he wasn't on the team, meaning he will make around $690,000, a source told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.The pact reportedly also includes up to $1 million in playing time and playoff incentives.The three-time Pro Bowler agreed to a deal with the reigning Super Bowl champions on Thursday, two days after surprisingly being released by the New York Jets.The Jets previously gave Bell one of football's biggest contracts for a running back with a four-year, $52.5-million deal signed prior to the 2019 season. New York still has to pay Bell $6 million in 2020, but that value will be defrayed by his annual salary with the Chiefs.Bell's pending guaranteed money from the Jets this year allowed teams to offer him a minimum deal, which increased the options for the star back.The Jets effectively paid $27 million in guarantees for Bell's 17-game stint with the team, according to Over The Cap.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Denver Broncos are set to have their starting signal-caller back in Week 6.Drew Lock was listed as questionable on Friday's injury report but head coach Vic Fangio expects the quarterback to play against the New England Patriots after missing two games with a shoulder injury."They took away the probable category, so the only choices are questionable ... or nothing," Fangio said, according to team writer Aric DiLalla. "So we're choosing questionable."Fangio added Lock is "trending the right way" to return barring a pregame setback. Lock was a full participant at practice all week.The 23-year-old suffered the injury in Week 2 and has attempted just 38 passes this season.He had a shot to return last week but the Broncos' game versus the Patriots was postponed after New England registered multiple positive COVID-19 tests.The Patriots reopened their facilities Thursday but were forced to cancel practice again Friday after receiving another positive case. The latest case reportedly isn't expected to affect Sunday's game.Denver also listed running back Melvin Gordon (illness), tight end Noah Fant (ankle), and defensive tackle Mike Purcell (knee) as questionable for Week 6.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New England Patriots placed center James Ferentz on COVID-19 reserve Friday, but the move isn't expected to affect Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos."We're under the assumption and understanding that the game is going to go off on time," Broncos head coach Vic Fangio told reporters. "Anything that happens otherwise will happen when it happens."The Patriots incurred their latest COVID-19 scare Friday upon discovering one positive test plus a second one that required confirmation.New England closed its facilities for multiple days beginning Oct. 11 to stop a potential spread within the building. The team returned to practice Thursday with Cam Newton, Stephon Gilmore, and Bill Murray back from the COVID-19 list but had to cancel practice Friday after learning of another positive test.The NFL hasn't yet made any plans to reschedule the game, which was already pushed back from Week 5 to Week 6, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter. Both teams had their byes moved to Week 5 when Patriots defensive tackle Byron Cowart tested positive two days before kickoff.If the contest proceeds as scheduled, the Broncos could have quarterback Drew Lock in the lineup for the first time since Week 2. The sophomore is listed as questionable on the injury report with a shoulder problem but Fangio said he'd be probable if such a designation still existed.The Broncos plan to fly to Boston on Saturday.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.