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 goes over how to deal with all the latest injuries and takes a look at the top Week 15 waiver wire options.

Le'Veon Bell went bowling in New Jersey on Saturday after he was ruled out by the New York Jets for Week 14 because of the flu, sources told the New York Post's Brian Costello and Ryan Dunleavy.Bell was reportedly at Boonton Lanes from around 10:30 p.m. until nearly 1 a.m. when the alley closed.The running back missed practice Thursday and Friday before being declared out Saturday afternoon. Jets head coach Adam Gase sent him home Friday to ensure other players wouldn't contract the bug.Gase told reporters Tuesday that Bell won't be disciplined, but said he would have preferred if his lead running back had stayed home, according to Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News.Bell is winding down a disappointing debut campaign in New York, as the 27-year-old is averaging a paltry 3.2 yards per carry. He signed a four-year contract worth $52.5 million with the Jets in the offseason.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Find line reports, best bets, and subscribe to push notifications in the Betting News section.If you're one of the 17 people across the continent who are still in a survivor pool, you deserve a spirited round of applause.You also don't need me to spend the entire article discussing why the Baltimore Ravens, San Francisco 49ers, or Kansas City Chiefs are the safest picks in Week 15. You know those teams are safe, but if you're alive this late in the season, you've almost certainly picked them already.Instead, your options are limited. You'll likely have to sweat out a pick of the Oakland Raiders to beat the Jacksonville Jaguars while your opponent picks the Arizona Cardinals to beat the Cleveland Browns. Bless your poor, poor soul this weekend.So, we're going to do things differently. We'll dive into every game on the schedule, pick a winner, and provide a short but compelling explanation. Let's start with the confidence rankings.Week 15 confidence rankingConfidence rankings (CR) are out of 10 based on the author's picksAWAYHOME (SPREAD)WINNER (CR)JetsRavens (-15)BAL (9.5)Falcons49ers (-11)SF (9)BroncosChiefs (-9.5)KC (8)PatriotsBengals (+9.5)NE (7)ColtsSaints (-9)NO (7)JaguarsRaiders (-6.5)OAK (6)BillsSteelers (-2.5)PIT (6)SeahawksPanthers (+6)SEA (6)BearsPackers (-4.5)GB (4)BuccaneersLions (+3.5)TB (3)EaglesRedskins (+6)PHI (3)BrownsCardinals (+2.5)ARI (2)RamsCowboys (+1)LAR (2)TexansTitans (-3)TEN (1)DolphinsGiants (-3)MIA (1)VikingsChargers (+2.5)LAC (1)1. Baltimore Ravens (vs. New York Jets)Because home favorites of 14 or more are 55-2 straight up this decade. Because favorites of 10 or more on Thursdays are 13-1 since the start of the 2010 season. Because the Ravens are 18-0 all time under John Harbaugh as home favorites of at least 10 points. Because the Jets are a mess and Baltimore isn't slowing down for anyone.2. San Francisco 49ers (vs. Atlanta Falcons)Because the Falcons haven't won a road game outside of their division since beating the Redskins in Week 9 of last season. Because the Falcons have given up 6.2 yards per play this season away from home (30th in the NFL). Because the 49ers have allowed just 4 yards per play at home (best in the NFL).3. Kansas City Chiefs (vs. Denver Broncos)Because Andy Reid insists Patrick Mahomes is healthy. Because the Chiefs own the tiebreaker over the Patriots and are gunning for a first-round bye. Because the Broncos are 0-6 at Arrowhead as 'dogs of at least a touchdown.4. New England Patriots (at Cincinnati Bengals)Because if the Patriots can't win convincingly here, their dynasty might actually be over, and there's no killing this dynasty. Because there's no better tonic for the New England offense than a Bengals defense allowing a league-worst 6.3 yards per play. Because Cincinnati's 31st-ranked scoring offense won't trouble the NFL's best scoring defense.5. New Orleans Saints (vs. Indianapolis Colts)Because the Saints are 13-3 under Sean Payton as home favorites of at least a touchdown when coming off a loss. Because the Colts needed 167 and 180 rushing yards in their only two road wins this year, but the Saints can stop the run.6. Oakland Raiders (vs. Jacksonville Jaguars)Because the Jaguars have seemingly quit on Doug Marrone like no team has ever quit on a coach before. Because if you think the Raiders are going to lose their final game in the Black Hole, you're out of your mind.7. Pittsburgh Steelers (vs. Buffalo Bills)Because quarterback Devlin Hodges gives the Steelers a legitimate offense to pair with a stifling defense. Because James Washington is an emerging star at receiver. Because James Conner and Juju Smith-Schuster are expected back from injuries. Because Bills QB Josh Allen has shown no ability to make big-time throws in big-time games against big-time teams. Because the public loves the Bills but sharp money is on the Steelers.8. Seattle Seahawks (at Carolina Panthers)Because even though the Seahawks aren't as good as their record indicates, the Panthers are a Jaguars-like mess right now. Because Seattle is 24-3 in the Pete Carroll and Russell Wilson era as a favorite coming off a loss.9. Green Bay Packers (vs. Chicago Bears)Because the Bears have only beaten the Packers once in December at Lambeau in the last 30 years - and that was as seven-point favorites in 2005.10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (at Detroit Lions)Because the Buccaneers saved their best football for when it doesn't matter. Because Jameis Winston is still playing for a job. Because the Lions are depleted on both sides of the ball.11. Philadelphia Eagles (at Washington Redskins)Because Carson Wentz and the Eagles should be able to outplay Dwayne Haskins with the NFC East on the line. Because the Redskins have lost 15 of their last 16 games as home 'dogs of more than three points.12. Arizona Cardinals (vs. Cleveland Browns)Because the Cardinals feel due for a win. Because Arizona impressed against the Steelers last week and was a red-zone turnover away from winning that game. Because the Browns lost their last two road contests against Brandon Allen and Mason Rudolph.13. Dallas Cowboys (vs. Los Angeles Rams)Because the Rams are hitting their stride and can smell a playoff berth. Because the Cowboys are dejected and Jason Garrett is on his way out the door.14. Tennessee Titans (vs. Houston Texans)Because home-field advantage tends to be massive in December divisional tilts. Because I trust Mike Vrabel and the Titans over Bill O'Brien and the Texans in a close game.15. Los Angeles Chargers (vs. Minnesota Vikings)Because all logic states that the Vikings will win comfortably and the public is all over them, yet the line has dropped from -3 to -2.5. Because the sharps are on the Chargers, and this is the sort of game the public tends to lose in December.16. Miami Dolphins (at New York Giants)Because Brian Flores is a much better coach than Pat Shurmur. Because the Giants seem a lot more committed to the tank than the Dolphins are.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 © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Video shot by a cameraman connected to the New England Patriots contains about eight minutes of footage of the Cincinnati Bengals' sideline, sources who've seen the tape told Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic.According to Dehner Jr., a Bengals staff member was sitting in the second row of the press box during Sunday's Week 14 game against the Cleveland Browns when a videographer who works for the Patriots sat in the row ahead of him and began recording the Bengals' sideline. Cincinnati is New England's next opponent.The camera reportedly captured a direct view of Bengals coaches making signals and Cincinnati players running on and off the field.Another report from ESPN's Ben Baby stated that the videographer filmed the Bengals' sideline for the entire first quarter of the game.The controversy is reminiscent of the 2007 "Spygate" saga, for which the Patriots were fined $500,000 and stripped of a first-round draft pick after they were found to have recorded opposing signals. An NFL investigation into the Patriots turned up eight tapes of game footage and notes with scouting information covering seven seasons.The 10-3 Patriots will face the 1-12 Bengals on Sunday in Week 15.Copyright © 2019 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.Ownership percentages are based on Yahoo leagues. FAAB bids are set off a $100 budget. Only players owned in less than 60% of leagues are considered.QuarterbacksWesley Hitt / Getty Images Sport / GettyRyan Tannehill, TitansNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidvs. HOU48%$29The bid amounts have continued to increase in recent weeks as we near the end of the fantasy season because there's nothing to save your money for at this point. So if you need help at quarterback, spend big to get Tannehill, who's coming off his best game of the season with 391 passing yards, three touchdowns, and another 19 yards on the ground. The former first-round pick is averaging the third-most fantasy points at his position since taking over as the Titans' starter in Week 7. His next obstacle is a generous Texans defense that's allowed three or more passing scores in seven of its last nine outings. It seems crazy to say, but Tannehill could very well carry you to the fantasy championship.Mitch Trubisky, BearsNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidat GB19%$9Unlike Tannehill, Trubisky doesn't have an easy matchup in the fantasy semifinals, but if he continues to play as he has in recent weeks - it won't matter. We're finally seeing the version of Trubisky that showed flashes of being a solid fantasy option in 2018. Over the last two weeks, the fourth-year QB has six touchdown passes and perhaps most importantly, he's been far more willing to use his legs. The 25-year-old racked up 63 yards and a score as a runner last week alone. Though a date at Lambeau Field will be challenging, this version of the pivot has a very high-ceiling to go with his low-floor. If he's finally overcome his fear of re-injuring his shoulder, he could be a week-winner down the stretch.Other options: Gardner Minshew II at OAK (15% owned), Jacoby Brissett at NO (37% owned), Derek Carr vs. JAX (45% owned), Kyle Allen vs. SEA (19% owned), David Blough vs. TB (1% owned), Ryan Fitzpatrick at NYG (23% owned), Drew Lock at KC (2% owned)Running backsAndy Lyons / Getty Images Sport / GettyRaheem Mostert, 49ersNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidvs. ATL51%$100Mostert was mentioned in this space last week, though we were approaching him as a likely committee back given the looming return of Matt Breida. As it turns out, Kyle Shanahan rode the hot hand and kept Mostert as the lead ball carrier. The 27-year-old played on 60% of the 49ers' snaps and accumulated 109 yards from scrimmage and two scores against a stout Saints run defense. That brings his totals over the last three games to 260 rushing yards, 70 receiving yards, and four touchdowns - making him a top-four fantasy running back during that span. Until Mostert gives Shanahan a reason to shy away from him, we can expect Brieda and Tevin Coleman to continue their supporting roles. Don't hesitate to deploy Mostert as an RB2 with RB1 upside at home versus the Falcons.DeAndre Washington, RaidersNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidvs. JAX6%$100With Josh Jacobs sidelined, Washington out-snapped teammate Jalen Richard 40-24, out-touched him 20-9, and out-gained him 96-46. Jacobs is undergoing an MRI on his fractured shoulder early in the week, which should determine whether he'll miss more time or even be shut down for the rest of the season. Either way, the odds favor Washington getting the start against the Jaguars, who've already thrown in the towel on the 2019 campaign. In their last five games, the Jags have conceded four 100-yard games and nine touchdowns to running backs. As long as Jacobs remains on the shelf, Washington will be a top-20 fantasy back in Week 15.Other options: Adrian Peterson vs. PHI (39% owned), Benny Snell Jr. vs. BUF (55% owned), Darwin Thompson vs. DEN (19% owned), Duke Johnson at TEN (55% owned), Patrick Laird at NYG (20% owned), Bo Scarbrough vs. TB (40% owned), Alexander Mattison at LAC (53% owned), Gus Edwards vs. NYJ (12% owned), Malcolm Brown at DAL (5% owned), C.J. Prosise at CAR (0% owned), Chris Thompson vs. PHI (11% owned), Dion Lewis vs. HOU (9% owned), Ryquell Armstead at OAK (1% owned), Tony Pollard vs. LAR (12% owned), Rex Burkhead at CIN (5% owned), Brian Hill at SF (17% owned), Giovani Bernard vs. NE (3% owned), Kerryon Johnson eligible to return Week 16 (34% owned)Wide receiversThearon W. Henderson / Getty Images Sport / GettyA.J. Brown, TitansNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidvs. HOU26%$100Two weeks after setting his career-high with a 135-yard performance, Brown took advantage of a barely-there Raiders pass defense en route to a five-catch, 153-yard, two-touchdown afternoon. We're seeing a star emerge in Tennessee and his team's next opponent - the Texans - represents another favorable draw since Houston resides in the bottom-10 of Football Outsiders' pass defense DVOA. Even in the Titans' run-first offense, it'll be tough to keep Brown out of your lineup the rest of the way.Anthony Miller, BearsNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidat GB20%$49Miller has been a top-24 fantasy wideout over the last month thanks to 37 targets over that time span. Though his target total dropped back down in Week 14, the sophomore still delivered with 42 yards and his first touchdown of the season. The trip to the end zone was a long time coming for a player who scored seven times as a rookie. If Trubisky can maintain his improved play, Miller will be a fringe WR3 over the final weeks of the fantasy schedule.Don't worry if you miss out on Brown or Miller. The wave of injuries that's hit the receiver position has helped create a very robust list of dart-throw plays below.Other options: Zach Pascal at NO (35% owned), Darius Slayton vs. MIA (25% owned), Russell Gage at SF (9% owned), Marcus Johnson at NO (0% owned), Chris Conley at OAK (20% owned), Allen Hurns at NYG (1% owned), Kenny Stills at TEN (16% owned), Cole Beasley at PIT (38% owned), Randall Cobb vs. LAR (32% owned), James Washington vs. BUF (39% owned), Diontae Johnson vs. BUF (12% owned), Breshad Perriman at DET (0% owned), Justin Watson at DET (0% owned), Keke Coutee at TEN (8% owned), John Ross III vs. NE (14% owned), Kendrick Bourne vs. ATL (1% owned), Isaiah Ford at NYG (0% owned), Olamide Zaccheaus at SF (0% owned), Ted Ginn Jr. vs. IND (6% owned), Tre'Quan Smith vs. IND (4% owned), Mecole Hardman vs. DEN (25% owned)Tight endsIcon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyTyler Higbee, RamsNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidat DAL21%$29With Gerald Everett out the last two weeks with a knee injury, Higbee has suddenly emerged as one of the best fantasy options at his position. Matchups with the tight end-friendly defenses of the Cardinals and Seahawks have helped, but back-to-back stat lines of 7-107-1 and 7-116-0 can't be discounted. Playing on over 90% of the Rams' snaps in the last two games, Higbee is second on the team in targets behind only Robert Woods. Keep firing him up as a low-end TE1 while Everett is listed as week-to-week.Ian Thomas, PanthersNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidvs. SEA1%$9Greg Olsen's concussion put Thomas in position to recapture fantasy relevance for the first time since late in the 2018 campaign when he emerged as the TE6 over the final five contests. Excitement was tempered when interim head coach Perry Fewell said the team would use a committee approach, but Thomas saw the field on 86% of the snaps versus the Falcons, making five grabs for 57 yards and a score. As long as Olsen sits out again, Thomas will be worth streamer consideration against the same Seahawks team that just gave up a 100-yard day to Higbee in Week 14.Other options: OJ Howard at DET (30% owned), Mike Gesicki at NYG (30% owned), Darren Fells at TEN (36% owned), David Njoku at ARI (37% owned), Josh Hill vs. IND (0% owned)Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick again defended his team while speaking to Cincinnati-area media on Tuesday about the controversy surrounding a videographer who filmed the Bengals' sideline on Sunday.The incident called to mind the "Spygate" saga of 2007, when the Patriots were disciplined after the NFL found they had illegally used video to record opponents' signals."We're competitive and we'll try to be competitive in every area, but we don't knowingly, intentionally want to do anything that's across the line," Belichick said Tuesday, according to ESPN's Ben Baby."But since ("Spygate") happened, I'd say we've tried to keep a good distance behind the line and not maybe take it as far as we would, might have in the past. But it's never really fundamentally changed there."The Patriots released a statement Monday night, which stated that a three-person video crew was at the Bengals' Week 14 matchup with Cleveland Browns to film a New England scout while he was working in the press box. The team said the footage was meant to be used for a video series called "Do Your Job."The Patriots admitted the crew "unknowingly" violated a league rule by filming the field and sideline, but maintained that no members of their football staff had any involvement.A member of the Bengals - the Patriots' next opponent - noticed the videographer and believed New England was filming the Cincinnati sideline for the entire first quarter of Sunday's game, Baby reported, citing a source.The NFL apparently confiscated the tape and is investigating the matter.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Philadelphia Eagles receiver Alshon Jeffery felt something pop when he went down with a foot injury in Monday night's game against the New York Giants, a source told NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.Jeffery suffered the non-contact injury at the beginning of a route early in the second quarter. He's scheduled to undergo an MRI on Tuesday.

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor was asked Monday about rumors that a New England Patriots employee was in the press box videotaping the Bengals' sideline during their Week 14 game against the Cleveland Browns.The Patriots (10-3) face the Bengals (1-12) in Week 15.Taylor said only that he's aware there was an incident and the NFL is investigating the matter.

Bill Belichick defended the New England Patriots on Monday against accusations of a potential Spygate sequel involving the Cincinnati Bengals."Yeah, I heard about this, and evidently this is our production people on the TV show that were there and I have absolutely nothing to do - we have absolutely nothing to do - with anything that they produce or direct or shoot," the head coach said during WEEI's "Ordway, Merloni, and Fauria" radio show."I have never even seen any of their tapes or anything else," Belichick continued. "This is something that we 100% have zero involvement with. This is something you'd have to talk to the production people about and what they were doing, or whatever it was. We have never seen anything that they've shot, other than what has come down on TV."The Bengals grew suspicious Sunday after reportedly noticing a Patriots film crew was videotaping their sideline from the press box during their Week 14 game against the Cleveland Browns. The NFL apparently confiscated the tape and is investigating the matter.Those working for the Patriots apparently received credentials from the Browns. They said they were obtaining footage for their popular "Do Your Job" video series."Again, from a football standpoint, we absolutely know what the rules are and we are 100% in compliance, to the best of my knowledge, of every single rule that we're responsible for," Belichick said. "What another part of the organization does or doesn't do as part of their - whether it is game presentation or TV shows - I have no idea what that is."In 2007, the Patriots were fined $250,000 and stripped of a first-round pick after the NFL found the team had been illegally videotaping opponents' signals since at least 2000. Belichick was fined $500,000 for his role in the scandal.In a statement Monday evening, the Patriots acknowledged a three-person crew "inappropriately filmed the field from the press box" and accepted "full responsibility for the actions of our production crew."The Bengals and Patriots will face each other in Week 15.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Alshon Jeffery and right tackle Lane Johnson were carted to the locker room after suffering first-half injuries on Monday Night Football versus the New York Giants.Jeffery was later ruled out with a foot injury, while Johnson was also declared out with an ankle injury.Jeffery began hobbling immediately after starting a route in the second quarter. He wasn't touched by a defender, though it's unknown if he'd been playing through an injury he previously sustained.Johnson was injured after Carson Wentz and a Giants defender fell into his leg.Jeffery, who's been bothered by several ailments this season, entered Week 14 with 43 receptions for 490 yards and four touchdowns. His $9-million salary for 2020 was guaranteed by the Eagles earlier this year. The 29-year-old is one of several Eagles receivers to fall short of expectations in 2019.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Cleveland Browns head coach Freddie Kitchens isn't buying the rumors.Odell Beckham Jr. and the Browns are once again making headlines, with multiple reports indicating the star receiver wants out less than one season after arriving in a blockbuster trade from the New York Giants.For what it's worth, Kitchens believes these reports are painting an inaccurate picture."Until I hear something from Odell - Odell and my relationship is fine," Kitchens said, according to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. "Odell and (receivers coach Adam Henry's) relationship is fine. I'm sorry, I don't think there's any 'gotcha' moment here. I can only tell you what I think, and what I've seen from Odell is nothing like the reports indicate, so sorry."FOX Sports' Jay Glazer reported over the weekend that Beckham had been encouraging opposing players and coaches throughout the season to come and get him. Glazer, who correctly predicted early last offseason that the Giants would trade their superstar, added that he doesn't "see this relationship ending well."A report from Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports on Monday then confirmed Glazer's information about Beckham lobbying opponents for a trade, while adding that he was both in "disbelief" upon being traded to the Browns and is "lost" in terms of where his career stands at this moment."Did Odell say that?" Kitchens said, via Cabot. "Case closed then. Odell didn’t say it. Odell has not told me anything remotely dealing with that. I know he's doing a great job getting to the game (with his groin injury) on Sunday."Beckham has been playing through a sports hernia that will reportedly require offseason surgery, and Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield added to the drama Sunday when he criticized the team's medical staff for the way it handled the injury.The three-time Pro Bowler has been limited to 59 catches for 844 yards and two touchdowns through 13 games with the Browns, a respectable line for most wideouts but a far cry from the elite production he enjoyed in New York.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The San Francisco 49ers could be without defensive end Dee Ford and cornerback Richard Sherman until the playoffs, while center Weston Richburg will miss the rest of the season.All three standouts were injured Sunday in a win over the New Orleans Saints that vaulted San Francisco into the No. 1 seed in the NFC.49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan estimated that Ford will miss at least three weeks after re-aggravating a hamstring injury, according to ESPN's Nick Wagoner. He added that Sherman will likely be sidelined for a couple of weeks with a hamstring strain. Richburg suffered a torn patella tendon.Ford sat out two games with an injured hamstring before returning versus the Saints. He has 6.5 sacks and two forced fumbles in 11 games.Sherman has 11 pass breakups and three interceptions - the most he's snagged in a season since 2016 - over 13 contests.Richburg started every game this year. The 28-year-old is in the second season of a five-year contract.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Indianapolis Colts placed kicker Adam Vinatieri on injured reserve with the 46-year-old scheduled to undergo knee surgery, the team announced Monday.The injury ends Vinatieri's season and raised the question of whether his magnificent 24-year career is nearing an end as well."It is my understanding that Adam's mindset is that he's not done," Colts head coach Frank Reich told reporters Monday afternoon, according to Stephen Holder of The Athletic. Reich added, "It's one of the things that makes him the greatest of all time."Vinatieri is the NFL's all-time leading scorer with 2,673 career points.The three-time All-Pro and four-time Super Bowl champion was in the midst of his worst season. Vinatieri missed 8 of 25 field-goal attempts this year and six extra points. He also had a critical field-goal try blocked and returned for a touchdown in last week's divisional battle with the Tennessee Titans.The Colts considered bringing in a new kicker on multiple occasions this year but ultimately turned back to their kicker of 14 seasons. Finally, after last week's loss, Vinatieri was sidelined with a left knee injury, forcing Indianapolis to bring in free-agent kicker Chase McLaughlin for Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.McLaughlin hit his first two field-goal attempts in the game, but his 47-yard try with eight minutes to go hit the right upright. It proved costly as the Colts lost 38-35 to the Buccaneers.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Odell Beckham Jr. is still recovering from his initial shock at being traded from the New York Giants last offseason and remains uncertain about his fit with the Cleveland Browns, reports Yahoo Sports' Charles Robinson."I think he was in disbelief when (the trade) first went down," a source close to the receiver told Robinson. "I mean, I think he was just pretty much stunned it happened and he's been dealing with that adjustment and other things ever since. He's a very emotional person. I think there is just a lot going on in his head when it comes to where he's at with his career.""He's lost," a second source said. The source added, "Fame got to him, he made bad choices, (and) now he has to redeem himself. And the road to redemption isn't an easy one when you have an ego."Robinson's sources confirmed Sunday's report that the star wideout encouraged opposing players and coaches to pry him loose from the Browns.The 27-year-old reportedly made the comments during at least one game in October.Beckham's frustrations also stem from playing through a sports hernia that will apparently require offseason surgery and his understanding that his performances haven't met his standards in 2019.Despite ongoing rumors, the two-time Pro Bowler denied on multiple occasions that he is unhappy in Cleveland.Beckham is signed through 2023, but the Browns would only absorb a $2.75-million cap hit if they trade or release him this offseason, according to Spotrac.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Leading Jacksonville Jaguars receiver DJ Chark is week-to-week with an ankle injury he picked up in Sunday's loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, head coach Doug Marrone announced Monday, according to ESPN's Michael DiRocco.Chark ranks 14th in the league in receiving with 956 yards and has added eight touchdowns.The second-year pro had nine catches for 75 yards in Sunday's game. He was seen exiting the stadium in a walking boot, DiRocco noted.The 4-9 Jaguars visit the Oakland Raiders and Atlanta Falcons before finishing the year hosting the Indianapolis Colts.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Atlanta Falcons receiver Calvin Ridley announced Monday on Instagram that he's out for the rest of the season with an injury he suffered Sunday against the Carolina Panthers.

Find line reports, best bets, and subscribe to push notifications in the Betting News section.Week 14 of the NFL season ends Monday with an NFC East clash between the New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles. Here are the best player props for the prime-time tilt.Alshon Jeffery longest reception over 26.5 yardsEagles quarterback Carson Wentz has been inconsistent at times this season but, for the second straight week, gets a potential confidence booster. The Giants rank 30th in the league in pass defense DVOA. They're allowing 8.0 yards per pass attempt and 11.9 yards per completion. Philly's offense would love to have DeSean Jackson in the fold Monday to stretch the field vertically, but the veteran is still sidelined. To cope with his loss, it appears the Eagles are using Jeffery as more of a downfield threat lately.After averaging just 9.7 yards per reception over the first four games, Jeffery has averaged 14.8 over the last four. He's had a reception of 26 yards or longer in four of the last five games and should be able to make at least one splash play against a Giants secondary that ranks No. 28 in explosive pass rate allowed.Saquon Barkley under 61.5 rushing yards and over 4.5 receptionsCould this be a get-right spot for Barkley with Eli Manning back under center? Possibly, but I'm not buying it. Barkley has had better numbers alongside Manning than with Daniel Jones, but when are we going to admit that Barkley's stock in the running game might be inflated? The second-year tailback is running behind an average offensive line and could still be feeling the aftereffects of the injury he suffered early in the season. Whichever way you cut it, Barkley's averaged fewer than 3.5 yards per carry in four of the last five games and hasn't hit paydirt on the ground since Week 5. With the Giants likely facing a negative game script - they're getting close to double digits on the road - while they're up against a rush defense that's No. 8 in DVOA, I simply don't think this is Barkley's breakout game.However, there is upside in the passing game. Despite the small sample size, Barkley averages about one catch more per game with Manning than he does with Jones.Darius Slayton under 4.5 receptionsThis is an ideal sell spot on Slayton with both Sterling Shepard and Golden Tate healthy and in the fold. Slayton recently emerged as a big-time weapon in New York's passing game, with 20 catches over the last three games after hauling in 19 over the first seven. But with the Giants' skill players mostly healthy and Slayton being more of a downfield threat, I think he'll become a secondary option for Manning.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 @AJKoIodziej.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Dallas Cowboys cut struggling placekicker Brett Maher and signed free agent Kai Forbath, team writer Nick Eatman confirmed Monday.Maher converted just 67% of his 30 field-goal attempts for Dallas this season, the worst mark among full-time NFL kickers. He missed one kick in Thursday's defeat to the Chicago Bears and both of his field-goal tries during a Thanksgiving Day loss to the Buffalo Bills.

Tests showed that Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes avoided a serious hand injury after he played through the ailment suffered early in Sunday's Week 14 contest against the New England Patriots."Patrick's hand is OK. It's bruised up pretty good, but there's no break," Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said Monday.In Kansas City's 23-16 victory over New England, the 2018 NFL MVP went 26-for-40 passing with 283 yards, one touchdown, and an interception. However, the majority of his damage came in the first half, as Mahomes was held to just 58 passing yards after the break."It was hard for him to grip the ball and do the things that he needed to do there," Reid said of Mahomes after the game. "But he powered through it and didn't say much."The Chiefs will face the Denver Broncos at home in Week 15.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New England Patriots were deprived of a touchdown Sunday when officials ruled receiver N'Keal Harry out of bounds at the 3-yard line as he tightroped the sideline into the end zone.

Chicago Bears head coach Matt Nagy announced Monday that linebacker Roquan Smith was diagnosed with a torn pectoral muscle and will be moved to injured reserve, ending his season.Smith will undergo surgery, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.The 22-year-old suffered the injury during Thursday's win over the Dallas Cowboys. Nagy feared a season-ending diagnosis for the second-year defender and a recent MRI confirmed it.The Bears selected Smith No. 8 overall in the 2018 draft to be the centerpiece of a strong defensive unit. The linebacker leads Chicago with 100 tackles this season.Smith's injury is yet another hit to Chuck Pagano's linebacking corps. Veteran Danny Trevathan missed the last four games with an elbow injury.Nick Kwiatkoski and Kevin Pierre-Louis will help fill the void in the middle of Chicago's stop unit.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady understands the fans' disappointment after his team's first-half struggles against the Kansas City Chiefs.Following a 28-22 loss to the Houston Texans, the Patriots went to the locker room down 20-7 on Sunday hearing boos from the Gilette Stadium crowd."You hear cheers, you hear boos, that's part of being in sports," Brady said in his postgame press conference.The reigning champions had three three-and-outs, one blocked field goal, a turnover on downs, and an interception following their initial touchdown drive in the rematch of last year's AFC Championship Game.In the past two weeks combined, New England has just 10 first-half points."I think we're just trying to figure out what works. So, I think you have an idea and then you see how the game unfolds and then you've got to make some adjustments," Brady said.The Patriots bounced back and outscored their opponent after halftime, but it wasn't enough to avoid back-to-back losses.Kansas City outgained New England in yards (346-278) and had more first downs (20-17), ultimately beating the AFC rival 23-16.The Patriots will try to snap their two-game losing streak against the 1-12 Cincinnati Bengals in Week 15.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Sunday Rundown recaps the most important developments from the day's action and examines the significance of those events moving forward.49ers are built to beat anyoneThe benefit of an incredibly favorable schedule has been an easy - and not totally unreasonable - way to poke holes in the theory that the 49ers are an elite NFL team. When the defense couldn't smother its opponents, as one could reasonably expect against better competition in January, it was fair to wonder whether Jimmy Garoppolo's offense could still thrive.Consider any such questions answered.Not only can the 49ers' offense put games away with a dynamic running game, but Sunday's wild win over the Saints demonstrated that the passing attack is also capable of trading blows and holding its own in a shootout.With a run game that can slice up the best of opponents, a passing attack evidently capable of much more than playing a complementary role, and a talent-rich defense that has shown the ability to take over games, this team is built for success in the playoffs.If they can go on the road and beat the Saints at their own game, there isn't anyone they can't beat.Patriots get... booed?The Patriots were booed off their home field as the Chiefs took a 20-7 lead into halftime Sunday. Seriously.Imagine booing a team that's won six Super Bowls over the last two decades - including one just last February - because of a tough half against another immensely talented opponent.High standards? Absolutely - and understandably so. But, come on.The offense is bad. It's weird for everyone to see, and it has to be frustrating for a generation of Patriots fans who have probably never imagined such a reality. Surely that was the reason for the home crowd's jeers.But hey, this is still, after Sunday's loss, a 10-3 team. While their comeback fell short, was anyone surprised they ended up making a game of it? And would anyone be surprised if they, once again, find a way to do enough to stack a few wins in the playoffs?With speculation mounting about the end of the Brady-Belichick era, enjoy the contention window while it lasts. An early deficit in a December game against a tough opponent is nothing compared to what this organization could look like without two all-time greats at quarterback and head coach.Does Beckham want out of Cleveland?Diamond Images / Diamond Images / GettyThe report that Odell Beckham Jr. has been asking opposing players and coaches to get him out of Cleveland would be a bombshell if it weren't so predictable.FOX Sports' Jay Glazer dropped the news on Sunday morning, which is notable because Glazer was the first insider to say Beckham would be traded by the Giants last offseason.Beckham has never seemed to gel with his teammates in Cleveland, despite being reunited with friend and college teammate Jarvis Landry. Reportedly hampered since the summer by a sports hernia injury that will require surgery after the season, Beckham has topped 100 yards receiving only twice this year and has just two touchdowns. A player who was once among the NFL's most dazzling stars - something he deeply embraced - has been reduced to something of an afterthought."I couldn't sit here and tell you whether I'm going to be here, want to be here, don't want to be here," Beckham answered when asked about his future in Cleveland earlier this week. "This is exactly where I'm at now and I wouldn't rather be anywhere else. In the offseason, everything will figure itself out."There's nothing to "figure out" if Beckham wants to stay in Cleveland. A player once thought to be untradeable because of his monstrous contract sounds like he's about to demand to be traded for the second time in as many years.Mayfield might regret postgame commentsEven if Baker Mayfield's suggestion that the Browns' medical staff mishandled Beckham's health by asking the wideout to play through a sports hernia injury instead of sending him for surgery before Week 1 is correct, it's still something he'll probably wish he kept to himself.Mayfield probably figured he was doing Beckham a favor by proactively and publicly excusing the latter's lack of production, but in doing so, the second-year passer threw his team's doctors under the bus and might have irreparably damaged his relationship with the men and women tasked with keeping him healthy.Beckham's stay in Cleveland could be over by this time next month if his reported requests are met. Medical staffs turn over far less frequently, and Mayfield could have to coexist with the doctors whose medical expertise he questioned.Mayfield later backtracked, saying "people within our building know my intentions and where I am coming from." The next time he asks a medical staffer to stay late so he can get a little more time on the massage table, he might find out exactly where his coworkers think he's coming from.Rams stay aliveMeg Oliphant / Getty Images Sport / GettyThat's more like it.Faced with a must-win game against one of the hottest teams in football, the Rams' offense picked a hell of a time to begin to ease concerns about whether the unit was broken.It wasn't a flawless performance, as a pair of Jared Goff interceptions early in the second half made things interesting, but with a flying start and a hot finish, L.A. finally showed some signs of the scoring ability that carried them to the Super Bowl in February. Beating the Seahawks to get to 8-5 is massive for this team.There's still a tough road ahead if they hope to sneak into the playoffs, as the Vikings control their own destiny for that second wild-card spot. But the impressive performance with their backs against the wall - and against top competition - is a great sign for the Rams moving forward.With so much future cap space and draft capital invested in the current roster, major change wasn't coming anytime soon regardless of how much they struggled. It was on this group, and this group alone, to figure it out. Maybe they're on their way to doing just that.No, Saints didn't get screwed againSaints-49ers was a strong contender for game of the year, with the two NFC powerhouses combining to score 94 points, topping the Vegas over/under total (45) in the first half alone. The offensive fireworks will likely be enough to overshadow a moment in which the Saints appeared to fall victim to another egregious missed pass interference call.On a fourth-and-18 play in the third quarter, the Saints dialed up a fake punt that saw Taysom Hill throw a pass to Tre'Quan Smith. The latter was absolutely mugged by the defender before the ball arrived, but no flag was thrown.

It appears Daniel Jones' high ankle sprain will keep him out of the lineup beyond Monday night's game.The New York Giants quarterback is expected to miss two-to-four weeks with the injury, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo.The rookie was already ruled out of New York's Week 14 tilt with the Philadelphia Eagles, as Eli Manning will get his first start since Week 2.Jones, who was selected sixth overall in this year's draft, replaced Manning prior to Week 3. He won his first two games before losing eight straight.The Giants will face the Miami Dolphins in Week 15 before a road date with the Washington Redskins.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Seattle Seahawks running back Rashaad Penny was diagnosed with a significant ACL sprain in his left knee after leaving Sunday night's loss to the Los Angeles Rams, head coach Pete Carroll announced, per Gregg Bell of Tacoma News Tribune.Penny, the 27th overall pick of the 2018 draft, suffered the injury on a 16-yard catch-and-run in the first quarter.The 23-year-old entered the matchup with the Rams following the best two-game stretch of his career.Penny ran for 203 yards and two touchdowns in wins against the Philadelphia Eagles and Minnesota Vikings, and added another 33 yards and a touchdown through the air against the latter.Chris Carson has been Seattle's top running back throughout the season, with Penny playing sparingly behind him. But with Carson's fumbling issues resurfacing (four in Week 9-12, one lost), the NFC West club has looked to get its first-round pick more involved in the offense.C.J. Prosise and Travis Homer are the other two running backs on the Seahawks' roster.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

NFL Playoff Picture is a weekly look at the teams jockeying to secure their positions for a shot at making it to Super Bowl LIV.AFCSeedTeamDivisionRecord1Ravens (x)North11-22PatriotsEast10-33Chiefs (y)West9-44TexansSouth8-55BillsEast9-46SteelersNorth8-5x = clinched playoff berth

The Kansas City Chiefs came up with a fourth-down stop near the goal line with 1:06 left in the fourth quarter Sunday to hold on for a 23-16 victory over the New England Patriots.The win also secured a fourth straight AFC West title for Kansas City.More to come.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Warning: Story contains coarse languageDenver Broncos linebacker Von Miller couldn't contain his excitement for rookie quarterback Drew Lock, who has now won his first two NFL starts while throwing five touchdowns."He's a fucking rock star," said Miller, according to Nicki Jhabvala of The Denver Post.Lock starred in Denver's upset over the Houston Texans on Sunday, finishing the 38-24 win 22 of 27 for 309 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception.The second-round pick's three touchdowns all came in the first half to give the Broncos an insurmountable 31-3 lead over the AFC South leaders.Lock's swagger was on full display with his touchdown celebrations, which were inspired by the "Buzz Lightyear" nickname bestowed upon him by his teammates because of his wristband containing play calls.

Find line reports, best bets, and subscribe to push notifications in the Betting News section.Eli Manning will get another chance in a Giants jersey, after all. The franchise's longtime quarterback will suit up Monday night for New York, which is without rookie starter Daniel Jones due to a high ankle sprain. It could be a blessing for the Eagles, who desperately need to beat up on their division rival to have any shot at a playoff berth.Here's everything you need to know about the matchup from a betting perspective:(Trends are from Sports Database unless noted otherwise.)Line movementThe Eagles opened as 9-point favorites and haven't moved all week, even with the quarterback change. The total has ticked down from 47 to 46, perhaps a fade of the Giants' offense under Manning.Betting trendsThere's no way around it: both of these teams are off the rails. New York has lost its last eight games and is 2-6 against the spread during that stretch. Philly has dropped three straight and five of its last seven, punctuated by last week's embarrassing loss in Miami.It was coach Doug Pederson's fourth ATS loss in his last five games giving more than seven points. He's just 4-7-1 ATS (36.4%) as a home favorite in the last two seasons and 11-14 ATS (44%) after a loss. He's also a disappointing 8-12 ATS (40%) in his career against divisional foes.Generally, betting big favorites with losing records has been a lousy play. Teams below .500 giving at least nine points are 6-10 ATS (37.5%) since 2017 and 44-58-2 ATS (43.1%) in the last 20 years.As dreadful as the Giants have been this season, this is still a strong trend play for coach Pat Shurmur, who's 9-3 ATS (75%) as a road 'dog with New York and 16-10-1 (61.5%) in his career.It could also be a nice over spot, given how bad these two teams' defenses have been. The Giants are tied for the best over record on the road (5-1) because of their abhorrent defense, which is allowing 30.8 points per game in those six contests.The X-factorFor as talented as Philadelphia's defense is on paper, it's struggled in two key areas this year: tackling and defending the pass. Manning will have something to prove in what could be his last game with New York, and Giants back Saquon Barkley should give the Eagles' defense fits on Monday night.PickNobody's rushing to the window to bet on the Giants, especially not with a 38-year-old backup quarterback, which is essentially what Manning is at this stage in his career. Bettors likely aren't eager to bank on points for the same reason.Yet, backing Philadelphia - or any losing team - as a big favorite hasn't been a smart move, and neither defense has impressed as of late. The Eagles' high-scoring loss to Miami last week is evidence enough of the Giants' chances here, so take the points and consider the over, too.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 © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Baker Mayfield criticized the Cleveland Browns' training staff Sunday for mishandling the sports hernia Odell Beckham Jr. has suffered through all season."Wasn't handled the right way in our training room," Mayfield told reporters after a win over the Cincinnati Bengals.Reports surfaced before the game that Beckham will require surgery on the injury at the end of the season. The three-time Pro Bowl receiver hasn't missed a game this year, but his production has dwindled."He's not able to run as well as he should be able to ... and that's frustrating for him," said Mayfield, who completed two passes to Beckham for 39 yards against the Bengals.Beckham sustained the sports hernia during training camp. A surgical procedure at the time would have sidelined the 27-year-old early in the regular season but would likely have meant he'd be healthier down the stretch."I think it could've been addressed earlier on," Mayfield said."... He probably would've missed the first two (games), one or two. ... It's too late to do that. He's fighting through pain. He's playing through pain. That shows you what type of guy he is."Mayfield tweeted a retraction after his comments picked up steam:"My intentions were not to throw our medical staff under the bus," he wrote. "No I don't know all the facts about Odell's injury. It was emotionally answered because I can sense his frustration and I care about my team and putting us in the best position to win."Those people within our building know my intentions and where I am coming from. I truly believe that and I apologize to those that don't deserve the backlash.... today was a good team win. On to the next one."Beckham declined to address the injury postgame or reports that he wants out of Cleveland."I'm not going to talk about any offseason stuff that's going on," he said, according to Scott Petrak of BrownsZone. "Right now the focus is to win, 1-0, and that's what we did today. Any other questions about it I'm not going to answer."Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

An X-ray revealed that Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston suffered a tiny fracture in his hand during Sunday's 38-35 win over the Indianapolis Colts, head coach Bruce Arians announced, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.The quarterback was able to return to the game after briefly exiting for one drive in the third quarter. Arians said Winston had trouble gripping the football after halftime before slowly gaining his strength back.

The Kansas City Chiefs had equipment rushed to Gillette Stadium on Sunday after they accidentally left a container on the team plane.A box with shoulder pads, helmets, and footballs wasn't unloaded Saturday before the plane returned to Newark, New Jersey. Approximately 35 players were left without their bags.

Oakland Raiders running back Josh Jacobs won't play Sunday versus the Tennessee Titans due to a shoulder injury, a source told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.Jacobs was expected to be a game-time decision after missing multiple practices throughout the week. The rookie previously revealed he's been playing with a broken shoulder plate since late October.Jacobs entered Sunday ranked fifth across the NFL in rushing with 1,061 yards to go with seven touchdowns. The Alabama product has averaged 4.9 yards per carry.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver Mike Evans has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts with a hamstring injury.Evans pulled up lame at the end of a 61-yard touchdown catch and run in the first quarter.

Odell Beckham Jr. has encouraged opposing players and coaches throughout the season to pry him loose from the Cleveland Browns, reports FOX Sports' Jay Glazer.The Browns acquired Beckham from the New York Giants in March for a first-round pick, third-round pick, and safety Jabrill Peppers in a stunning blockbuster trade."I don't see this relationship ending well," said Glazer.Beckham is struggling to find chemistry with quarterback Baker Mayfield during his first year with the Browns, hauling in just 57 catches on 103 targets for 805 yards and two touchdowns.The three-time Pro Bowl receiver gave a vague response Thursday when asked if he wants to stick with the Browns next season."No one knows what the future holds tomorrow," he said. "I couldn’t tell you what's going to happen.""In the offseason, everything will figure itself out," he added. "I feel like I've been here before, answering questions about the next team when I'm on a team already. That's just something I'm going to tune out for right now. Catch me in the offseason, and we'll see what happens. I don't know God's plan."The receiver later clarified his message on Twitter, responding to speculation that he's unhappy in Cleveland.

Minnesota Vikings wideout Adam Thielen won't play on Sunday as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury.Thielen has missed four of the Vikings' last five games due to scar tissue in his leg. He tried to give it a go in Week 9 but exited early in the contest.However, both the team and Thielen are optimistic he can return in Week 15 to face the Los Angeles Chargers.The Vikings have gone 3-2 while playing predominantly without Thielen the past five weeks.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper could target executives from his old team as he remodels his new club.It's believed that Tepper, a former minority owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers, is looking to land Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert and/or vice president of football and business administration Omar Khan, sources informed ESPN's Adam Schefter.Colbert is in the final season of his contract with Pittsburgh. He's spent 20 years as the Steelers' GM. In that time, the team has gone 204-110 and won two Super Bowls.Colbert also owns a home in South Carolina.Carolina's current GM, Marty Hurney, was brought aboard in 2017 in an interim role before he was given the full-time position in 2018.Tepper said this week that he plans to retain Hurney, though it may be in a different role."Marty Hurney is one of the best recognizers of college talent in the nation. Period," he said. "I don't want to lose that. And he's also not a bad manager."Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

After missing last week's win over the Los Angeles Chargers, Von Miller appears set to re-enter the lineup.The Denver Broncos' star pass-rusher told NFL Network's James Palmer that he'll play Sunday versus the Houston Texans after testing his injured knee on the field during pregame warmups.Miller suffered an MCL sprain and was forced to miss his first game since 2013 in Week 13.The 30-year-old was a limited participant in practice this week and is officially listed as questionable.Miller will attempt to slow down Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson in the Week 14 tilt.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Though the disappointing Dallas Cowboys or Philadelphia Eagles will likely win the NFC East, the NFL isn't considering changing a playoff system that awards division winners with a home playoff game, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.Calls to reseed playoff teams based on record have "gotten zero steam," and the idea has "never been a consideration," a source told Schefter.If the season ended today, the 6-7 Cowboys would own the fourth seed in the NFC and host the 10-2 San Francisco 49ers in the first round of the playoffs. Though the Niners share the best record in the conference with the Seattle Seahawks, the NFC West leaders own the division tiebreaker based on head-to-head record and would knock San Francisco from the No. 2 seed to No. 5.Nonetheless, the league doesn't think changing the playoff format in future seasons is necessary.In 2010, the 7-9 Seahawks famously hosted a wild-card contest and upset the 11-5 New Orleans Saints, winning 41-36 in the "Beast Quake" game.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It appears the Tennessee Titans are confident Ryan Tannehill can continue his recent hot streak beyond this season.Tennessee is internally discussing a new contract for Tannehill after the 2019 campaign concludes, a source told ESPN's Dianna Russini.The former first-round pick was traded to the Titans in March after seven seasons with the Miami Dolphins and is set to hit free agency in 2020.Tennessee prefers to negotiate a deal for Tannehill to be the team's future starting quarterback rather than use the franchise tag, Russini adds.The 31-year-old took over for Marcus Mariota in Week 7 and has amassed a 5-1 record since. He's completed nearly 72% of his passes for 12 touchdowns and three interceptions across six starts.The Titans currently sit one spot behind an AFC wild-card berth, tied with the Pittsburgh Steelers at 7-5.Copyright © 2019 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 14 rankings. You can also listen to the Week 14 preview episode of theScore Fantasy Football Podcast.StartKirk Cousins, Vikingsvs. LionsHannah Foslien / Getty Images Sport / GettyDespite all the doubters, Cousins has multiple passing touchdowns in seven of his last eight games and has the sixth-most fantasy points among quarterbacks during that stretch. He's owned the division-rival Lions lately, throwing for 590 yards and seven scores over their last two encounters. That includes a four-touchdown performance in a game where Adam Thielen barely played. Thielen suffered another setback during practice last week, and based on head coach Mike Zimmer's quotes, it seems like the star wideout will be be on the sidelines again Sunday. It doesn't matter, though - Cousins will roll as a top-10 fantasy option at home against the Lions.Boone's projection: 296 passing yards, 3 passing TDsOther QBs to start

theScore's Justin Boone is coming off his sixth top-10 finish in FantasyPros' Most Accurate Expert Competition. Follow the links below to see his updated rankings for Week 14.Half PPR

Cleveland Browns receiver Odell Beckham Jr. has been playing through a sports hernia injury that will require offseason surgery, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.Beckham has yet to miss any playing time but the injury is characterized as "serious and often painful," according to Rapoport.The 27-year-old Beckham admitted this week to being "banged up all year." This season has been the quietest of his career, as he's recorded just 57 catches for 805 yards and two touchdowns.Beckham will be on the field Sunday for the Browns' divisional battle with the Cincinnati Bengals.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Carolina Panthers have multiple options when it comes to the future of franchise quarterback Cam Newton, but the expectation is the team will attempt to trade the injured passer this offseason in hopes of landing a large return, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports.Rapoport adds the Panthers haven't ruled out keeping the nine-year pro, provided he shows he "can be himself again" following his upcoming surgery for a Lisfranc injury.Newton has just one year remaining on his contract. He's due $18.6 million for the 2020 season.The offseason quarterback market could also include Tom Brady, Drew Brees, and Philip Rivers. Their availability is likely to affect teams' interest in Newton.The Panthers fired longtime head coach Ron Rivera this week and could look to start fresh on the field by collecting a number of assets for Newton.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New York Jets running back Le'Veon Bell won't play Sunday against the Miami Dolphins due to an illness.Bell had his status downgraded Saturday after initially being listed as questionable. The 27-year-old missed two practices at the end of the week because of the bug.The Jets figure to split backfield responsibilities in Week 14 between Bilal Powell and Ty Montgomery. New York will be looking to avenge its loss to Miami earlier in the season when the two clubs reconvene at MetLife Stadium.Bell is mired in his worst season since entering the NFL, averaging a career-low 3.2 yards per carry. He has 589 rushing yards and three touchdowns over 12 games.Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Detroit Lions, head coach Matt Patricia, and general manager Bob Quinn were fined $75,000, $25,000, and $10,000, respectively, for violating the NFL Injury Report Policy, according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.The infractions are a result of the team designating quarterback Matthew Stafford as questionable before a Nov. 10 game against the Chicago Bears. The Lions purportedly knew Stafford would be unable to play by Friday of that week, as tests had revealed fractures in his back.Stafford hasn't suited up for a game since Nov. 3. The Lions have labeled him week-to-week since then, refusing to place him on season-ending injured reserve.The 31-year-old signal-caller was enjoying one of his best seasons prior to the injury, throwing for 2,499 yards with 19 touchdowns and five interceptions across eight contests.Copyright © 2019 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 player prop market is a hot one for bettors. While standard spread and total bets account for an entire game, individual props focus on specific matchups.Here are five bets to consider for Week 14:Chris Godwin over 5.5 catches and 78.5 receiving yardsI won't go out of my way to fade Indianapolis' secondary unless I absolutely have to. The Colts' defense is quietly No. 10 in DVOA, No. 15 in explosive pass rate, and No. 7 in yards per play. The kicker here, though, is that Indy will be without slot corner Kenny Moore, who's one of the top players at his position by Pro Football Focus' standards. That should afford Godwin - who leads the Buccaneers in catches, yards, and touchdowns this season - plenty of room to operate.Stefon Diggs longest reception over 24.5 yardsDiggs has been a one-man show in the passing game with fellow receiver Adam Thielen sidelined due to injury. Diggs has recorded just shy of 18 yards per reception over the last four games without Thielen and has eight targets of more than 20 yards. I doubt this Lions-Vikings game will be as back-and-forth as the previous meeting, but Minnesota should continue having success against a Detroit secondary ranked No. 26 in DVOA and No. 27 in explosive pass rate. That success starts and finishes with Diggs.DeVante Parker longest reception over 23.5 yardsThis prop is cut from the same cloth as the one above. Parker's enjoyed a boost to his numbers since Dolphins WR2 Preston Williams hit the shelf with an injury a few weeks ago. Parker's seen north of 10 targets per game on average and has five catches of at least 20 yards over the last three weeks. Miami quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick has aired it out plenty this season; perhaps he and Parker can find a way to make at least one splash play against a Jets defense that's No. 21 in DVOA.James Washington over 55.5 receiving yardsWith JuJu Smith-Schuster out yet again, someone's going to have to shoulder the load in the Steelers' receiving corps, and the early signs point to Washington. The second-year wide receiver appears to be a go-to option for Pittsburgh quarterback Devlin Hodges; Washington hauled in four of Hodges' 14 completions for 111 yards and one touchdown in last week's win over the Browns.If Washington lines up in the slot - he's taken 22% of his snaps there this season - he'll face a Cardinals defense allowing the most production to that position from a fantasy standpoint. He could also thrive if he becomes the main attraction Sunday, as the Cardinals are fourth-worst against WR1s. There's no real downside in buying low on Washington here.Cole Beasley over 45.5 receiving yardsBeasley's peaking at the right time for a Bills passing game finding its groove. The veteran slot receiver enters Week 14 after posting six receptions in back-to-back games. He's also been targeted 7.5 times per contest over the last four weeks.Baltimore's secondary has been tremendous on the outside since acquiring Marcus Peters from the Rams. But considering Beasley will be operating out of the slot against a defense that's had some issues covering it, I'd look for another solid performance.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 @AJKoIodziej.Copyright © 2019 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 last time the Seahawks and Rams played each other was a whirlwind for bettors on both sides. Seattle (-2) failed to score a two-point conversion that would've given the team a three-point lead, and L.A. kicker Greg Zuerlein pushed a 44-yard field goal to slight underdog moneyline bettors on a wild Thursday night.Sunday night's rematch could see similar betting intrigue, with the game currently priced as a pick 'em in Los Angeles. The NFC West-leading Seahawks need a win this week to threaten for the No. 1 overall seed, while the Rams are clinging to their slim playoff hopes.Here's everything you need to know about the matchup from a betting perspective:(Trends are from Sports Database unless noted otherwise.)Line movementThe Seahawks opened as 1.5-point road favorites but are priced at pick 'em as of Saturday. The total is down from an opening 48 to 47, which is still among the higher totals on the week.Jay Rood, Bet.Works' chief risk officer and theScore Bet's head trader, says sharps have lined up on the Rams, even though his book had taken more overall money on Seattle entering the weekend. He expects this game could go off at Seahawks -1 or -1.5 if the public comes in late on the road favorite.Betting trendsFor the second straight week and fourth time this season, the Seahawks are under the bright lights in prime time. That's great news for bettors, as Seattle is 3-0 against the spread (ATS) this year in those games and a scintillating 20-6-3 ATS (76.9%) in that spot with Russell Wilson.Wilson has also gone 7-2 ATS (77.8%) in his career when priced between -2 and +1 on the road, and he's 27-18-1 ATS (60%) when facing divisional opponents. The trends love Wilson here, as per usual.Behind Wilson, the Seahawks have earned a 7-3-2 ATS record with just one ATS loss since Week 4. Many of those wins came against struggling squads, but the 'Hawks are still 3-1 ATS in that stretch against teams currently with winning records, per Sports Database.The same can't be said for the Rams, who are 2-4 ATS against teams with winning records. Both wins came over clubs that suffered injuries to their starting quarterbacks before the final whistle (Saints and Bears). Los Angeles' defense earned the team victories in those two contests, and it's been stellar as of late, helping under bettors cash in six of the last seven games.With a total this high, though, respect the Seahawks' offense. Pete Carroll is 10-2-2 ATS in his last 14 games with a total of at least 47, with an 11-3 record to the over. This season, the over is 42-31-2 (57.5%) with a total of 47 or higher.The X-factorThe Rams' secondary has produced stellar grades in the last few weeks, seemingly coinciding with the acquisition of Jalen Ramsey. But check the competition - four of L.A.'s last five opponents ranked in the bottom 10 in PFF's offensive grades. The lone exception was Baltimore and MVP front-runner Lamar Jackson, who torched the Rams on national television.Wilson, another MVP contender, burnt the Rams' pass defense with four touchdowns the last time they met. Expect him to test this new-look secondary with speedsters Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf, forcing Los Angeles' so-so offense to match wits.PickThe market has moved against Seattle in this spot, likely with the belief that these two rosters aren't different enough to justify laying points on the road. Yet we've been saying that for weeks and Wilson continues to carry his group to surprising results.This particular matchup sets up well for another statement win for Seattle, which needs this game to stave off the 49ers for the division lead. Put your money behind Wilson in this one, with some on the over if you're not buying Los Angeles' defense as of late.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 © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Carolina Panthers have signed linebacker Shaq Thompson to a four-year, $54.2-million extension that includes $28 million guaranteed, his agent told ESPN's Adam Schefter.The deal contains a maximum value of $57 million, which Thompson will make if he hits all of his incentives over the life of the deal."Shaq is our type of person and our type of player," Panthers general manager Marty Hurney said in a release. "He's proven that he can play linebacker at a very high level, and he's got all the traits you want. He's smart, he's physical, he can run, and he's very versatile. He fits the blueprint for what we want at the position."A first-round pick of the Panthers in 2015, Thompson has amassed a career-high 93 tackles this season, along with three sacks and three pass breakups. He and Luke Kuechly give Carolina one of the top linebacker tandems in the NFL.Thompson, 25, was on track to hit free agency in March 2020. His extension comes at a fascinating time for the Panthers, who fired head coach Ron Rivera on Tuesday.Copyright © 2019 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 NFL season is entering Week 14 with some big matchups on the slate. Where is the sharp money going? Which lines are moving the most? We're tracking the games that are drawing the most interest from bettors.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 the Week 14 schedule.All lines courtesy of theScore Bet.San Francisco 49ers at New Orleans Saints (-2.5, 44)For the second straight week, the 49ers are road underdogs to another Super Bowl contender. This time, bettors are buying San Francisco, even after last week's straight-up loss to the Ravens.The Niners are seeing a 2-to-1 edge in the bet count and a whopping 7-to-1 advantage in money. The money gap would seem to suggest some sharp play on the road 'dogs, but Rood says sharps have mostly stayed away from this game."We've got predominantly 49er money, but it's generally public money at this point," Rood said.Could the line bounce back to Saints -3? Rood says parlay and teaser indicators hint at more money coming San Fran's way, so this game could easily close at -2.5 or shorter. If sharps like the short number, though, don't be surprised to see a solid -3 at kickoff.Kansas City Chiefs at New England Patriots (-3, 49)The Patriots have won 21 straight home games, covering 16 during that stretch. None of that matters to early bettors, who are fading New England as a short home favorite after two lethargic wins and two convincing losses in its last four games.The Chiefs are drawing twice as many tickets and an eye-popping 10-to-1 advantage in money behind plenty of sharp play. It's a scary proposition for the book, Rood says - he'd much rather rely on a bad team surprising the public than on a quality team laying points."It's kind of bizarre right now," he said. "We're probably gonna need the Patriots. And typically when you're in a position where you need a pretty good team, that's always a scary position."Baltimore Ravens (-6, 43.5) at Buffalo BillsRarely in recent seasons has a nine-win team caught this many points at home this late in the year. That says less about the Bills than it does about the Ravens, who are tearing through the NFL at a historic pace amid an eight-game win streak."The Ravens are getting all the money here as the road favorite under a touchdown," Rood said. "That's an enticing spot that most public players can't pass up."Baltimore opened at -5.5 but took enough money to move to -6, where the Ravens are still drawing more action than the Bills. Entering the weekend, Baltimore was seeing six times as many bets as Buffalo and 70 times as much money - with less than $100 laid on the Bills."We slowed down the Raven train last week with the 49er cover, but they're still playing really good ball," Rood said. "Hopefully, we can get a Bills cover here."Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns (-7.5, 41)The week's biggest mover is the unappetizing matchup between the slumping Browns and one-win Bengals. Bettors saw early value on Cincinnati, which opened at +10 at theScore Bet and even higher elsewhere but sits at +7.5 as of Saturday."The market has kind of spoken and said 8.5 and 9.5 is too high," Rood said.Rood says most of the action came at +8.5, leaving books holding 10 times more Bengals money than Browns money as of Friday. Parlay activity has been pretty split and there's decent two-way action at 7.5, but don't expect late Browns play to balance the books. Instead, Rood said, this could be a situation in which sharps and public bettors are riding the same side."I don't know if the public will come back around on the Browns," Rood said. "The public is kind of choppy on them right now."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 © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.