The Pittsburgh Steelers will start quarterback Mason Rudolph for a second week Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks, head coach Mike Tomlin announced Friday, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.Tomlin suggested Rudolph would likely get the nod earlier in the week but left the door open for Kenny Pickett - who is listed as questionable - to return. Pickett hasn't played since injuring his right ankle on Dec. 3.Rudolph produced arguably the best game of his career in Week 16's win over the Cincinnati Bengals to help keep Pittsburgh in playoff contention. He completed 17 of 27 passes for 290 yards and two touchdowns while leading the AFC North club to a season-high 34 points.The Steelers originally turned to Mitchell Trubisky after Pickett was injured but suffered two straight losses with the veteran at the helm.Pickett said Wednesday that he felt his recovery was "on track" but he'll stick to the plan Pittsburgh set out for him, according to Teresa Varley of the team's official site.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Tennessee Titans rookie quarterback Will Levis is in line to start Sunday against the Houston Texans, head coach Mike Vrabel announced Friday, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.Levis suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 15 and missed last week's loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Ryan Tannehill started that game, completing 69.2% of his passes for 152 yards.The Titans, who had Tannehill under center to start the season, turned to Levis in Week 8 after drafting him in the second round in April. The Kentucky product provided an offensive spark, tossing four touchdowns in his debut, but has been inconsistent since. The 24-year-old has posted a 59% completion rate with 1,792 yards and eight touchdowns against four interceptions through eight games.The 5-10 Titans are already eliminated from playoff contention.With Levis under center, Tennessee is expected to revamp its offensive unit in 2024. Tannehill and running back Derrick Henry - two cornerstones of the Titans' offense in recent years - will be free agents in the offseason.Copyright (C) 2023 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.Consult our Week 17 rankings for the rest of your lineup decisions. You can also listen to the Week 17 preview episode of theScore Fantasy Football Podcast.StartC.J. Stroud, Texansvs. Titans Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyAfter missing two games, Stroud has finally cleared concussion protocol and is expected to start this week.Don't forget that, before his injury, Stroud was the QB5 in fantasy points per game over his first 13 contests.His importance to the Texans' offense is undeniable, and with Houston sitting as 4.5-point favorites in a must-win matchup against the Titans, I'm projecting a strong performance from the rookie.Boone's projection: 296 passing yards, 2 passing TDs, 12 rushing yardsOther QBs to start

With two weeks to go in the NFL regular season, most of the league is still alive in the playoff race.Meaningful football will be played all weekend, so let's get to our best totals bets for Week 17.Cardinals team total under 17.5 pointsThe Cardinals have the NFL's seventh-worst scoring offense and scored less than 17 points in three of their last five games.There's no question the Cardinals' offense is better with Kyler Murray than with the quarterbacks that started earlier this season. But Arizona isn't a legitimate threat with lackluster weapons surrounding Murray.Meanwhile, the Eagles, who have struggled on defense, played well against the Giants last week, another of the NFL's worst offenses.New York scored 25 points, but 14 were a direct result of turnovers by the offense and special teams. Philadelphia still hasn't played up to its standard and needs to win out to secure the division crown.Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon served as the Eagles' defensive coordinator for the last two seasons. While he's familiar with the Eagles' tendencies, Philadelphia's staff also knows his system and should shut down the Cardinals' offense.Chargers @ Broncos under 37.5 pointsGet ready for another backup quarterback duel between two teams who had high preseason aspirations. We've seen too many second-stringers under center this season, and this Chargers-Broncos matchup is no exception.Both teams' seasons are essentially over. The Chargers are mathematically eliminated, and the Broncos' chances of making the postseason are less than 10%. Broncos coach Sean Payton announced the benching of Russell Wilson this week, signaling a permanent move away from Wilson beyond this season.That means Jarrett Stidham will start for the Broncos against the Chargers' Easton Stick. Stidham has started games before, and Stick has looked competent leading the Chargers' offense the last couple of weeks. But there's a reason this is tied for the second-lowest total on Sunday.When these division rivals played on Dec. 10, the Broncos won 24-7. That was with Wilson and Justin Herbert for a portion of the game, before a season-ending finger injury knocked the latter out. This one should be just as ugly as each team struggles to score.Seahawks under 22.5 pointsBoth the Seahawks and Steelers are in must-win mode as they each compete for the final playoff spot in their respective conferences. Seattle has won two straight without scoring over 20 points and scored less than 22 points in five of the last six games.Pittsburgh, meanwhile, has the NFL's seventh-best scoring defense, allowing just 19.4 points per game.Seattle is currently in seventh place and there's a good chance the team will remain in the playoff picture regardless of the result. The Steelers are on the outside looking in, and if they lose on Sunday, it'll be nearly impossible to make the playoffs with one week to go.The Steelers are the more desperate group and have an elite defense, which doesn't bode well for a Seattle team that's struggled to consistently score.Sam Oshtry is a sports betting writer at theScore. You can follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @soshtry for more betting coverage.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle won't play against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday due to a high ankle sprain, head coach Mike McDaniel confirmed Friday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.Waddle sustained the injury in last week's 22-20 win over the Dallas Cowboys.Cedrick Wilson Jr. and Braxton Berrios are the wide receivers most likely to see an uptick in snaps with Waddle sidelined. Robbie Chosen and Chase Claypool could also get more playing time.Waddle has played in all but one game this season. He missed the team's 70-20 victory over the Denver Broncos in Week 3 with a concussion.The Alabama product has eclipsed 1,000 yards for the third consecutive season, hauling in 72 receptions for 1,014 yards and four touchdowns in his 14 starts.Miami will clinch the AFC East with a win over Baltimore, while the Ravens would lock up the AFC's No. 1 seed with a victory over the Dolphins.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marquise Brown is headed to injured reserve and won't play again this season due to a heel injury, head coach Jonathan Gannon announced Friday, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.The heel has bothered Brown for weeks, but the 2019 first-round pick managed to play through it until he missed last week's loss to the Chicago Bears.Brown - whose contract with Arizona expires at the end of the season - amassed a team-high 101 targets across 14 games in 2023 to go along with 51 receptions for four touchdowns and 574 yards, a career single-season low.The Oklahoma product joined the Cardinals as part of a trade during the 2022 offseason from the Baltimore Ravens. Brown topped 1,000 yards in his last year in Baltimore but hasn't replicated that success in Arizona. He missed five games in 2022 en route to finishing the campaign with 709 yards and three touchdowns.Wide receiver production has been an issue for Arizona. Tight end Trey McBride tops the club with 743 receiving yards in 2023.The 3-12 Cardinals play the Philadelphia Eagles and Seattle Seahawks in their final two games this season. Arizona has a 97% chance of landing a top-five pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, according to ESPN. The team also has an extra first-round selection next year from the Houston Texans.Brown is one of many high-profile wide receivers who could hit the open market during the 2024 offseason. Tee Higgins of the Cincinnati Bengals, Mike Evans of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Michael Pittman of the Indianapolis Colts will also be looking for new contracts next year.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Find positional rankings, additional analysis, and subscribe to push notifications in the NFL Fantasy News section.theScore's Justin Boone was first overall in FantasyPros' Most Accurate Expert Competition in 2019 and finished among the top seven each of his last seven years in the contest. Follow the links below to see his rankings for Week 17.Updated rankings will be released Saturday and Sunday this week.Half PPR

The Kansas City Chiefs boast one of the NFL's premier defenses, but Cincinnati Bengals receiver Ja'Marr Chase said "nothing" about their secondary stands out to him ahead of their Week 17 clash, according to Mike Petraglia of the "Jungle Roar" podcast."They just know to play us, they know to leverage us. ... They throw a little double-doubles at us to stop the two best players on our side, and that's all they do," Chase said. "It's not really like they have a Jalen Ramsey on their squad."None of the Chiefs' defensive backs have earned a Pro Bowl or All-Pro nod throughout their careers. However, Kansas City's young secondary has helped the team rank second in points and yards allowed while giving up the third-fewest EPA/play per dropback. Those are the Chiefs' best numbers defensively in the Patrick Mahomes era.Chase missed Cincinnati's loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 16 due to a shoulder injury. Though his Week 17 status remains unclear, the former Offensive Rookie of the Year said he's mentally preparing himself to play.He's not worried about what the Chiefs will think of his assessment of their defense."They can take it how they want. I don't care," Chase said."At the end of the day, there's (only) so much that I can do myself," he added. "It's not like I'm Iron Man. I can't throw the football to myself. It's a team sport. I know what I see on paper, I know what I see in game, that's why they double everybody - because they can't do it one-on-one. The best player on their team is (cornerback L'Jarius) Sneed."The 2021 No. 5 pick added: "I'm just adding fire to the fuel right now. They're gonna take this wrong with it, hope they post it in their locker."Chase has faced the Chiefs four times in his career, including two playoff matchups. The LSU product caught 30 passes for 492 yards and four touchdowns.Joe Burrow, Chase, and Co. won their first three meetings versus Kansas City, but the Mahomes-led Chiefs edged the Bengals in the AFC title game last season before winning the Super Bowl."They know I'm good, they know how to play us. That's what it is. But it's not like they got a superstar on their defense," Chase said.The Chiefs and Bengals have developed one of the NFL's biggest rivalries in recent years. Cincy won the AFC in the only season Kansas City didn't claim the conference's trophy over the last four years.Kansas City leads the AFC West with a 9-6 record in 2023 but has gone only 2-4 in its last six appearances largely due to offensive struggles. Meanwhile, the 8-7 Bengals - currently the AFC's No. 10 seed - likely need to win their final two regular-season games to have a realistic shot at making the playoffs. Cincinnati has been playing without Burrow since Week 12 due to a season-ending wrist injury.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud cleared concussion protocol and plans to start against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, the signal-caller said Thursday, according to ESPN's DJ Bien-Aime.Stroud missed the Texans' last two contests with what he described as the worst concussion he's had, according to Fox's Ben Arthur."I'm just happy to be back," Stroud said.Tennessee's defense is allowing 334.9 yards (17th in the NFL) and 21.4 points (15th) per game this season.The Texans split the two contests Stroud missed. Veteran Case Keenum led the club to a win in the team's first matchup against the Titans, but a combination of Keenum and Davis Mills fell short against the Cleveland Browns last week.Houston is currently the AFC's No. 8 seed with an 8-7 record. The Texans can clinch a playoff spot if they close out the season with wins over Tennessee and the Indianapolis Colts, thanks to owning tiebreakers over the Cincinnati Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers.Stroud, the odds-on favorite for Offensive Rookie of the Year, has thrown for 3,631 yards, 20 touchdowns, and five interceptions this campaign.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Minnesota Vikings are making another change at quarterback ahead of a crucial matchup against the Green Bay Packers.Minnesota will start fifth-round rookie Jaren Hall in Sunday's game, the team announced Thursday.Hall made his first NFL start in Week 9 but left the game in the first quarter due to a concussion and hasn't attempted a pass since. Minnesota turned to Joshua Dobbs (four starts) and Nick Mullens (two) in the past six weeks. Mullens threw four interceptions in last week's 34-20 loss to the Detroit Lions."We have to maintain possession of the football," head coach Kevin O'Connell said of his decision to bench Mullens on Thursday, according to ESPN's Kevin Seifert.The Vikings, who lost starter Kirk Cousins to a season-ending injury in October, have started four different quarterbacks this year.Minnesota is 7-8 in 2023, having lost four of its last five. O'Connell's outfit is currently just outside the playoff picture as the No. 8 seed in the NFC. The Packers, who are also 7-8, are the conference's 10th-ranked team at the moment.The Vikings own the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Packers, as they beat Green Bay 24-10 in Week 8 with Cousins under center.Minnesota currently has a 28% chance of making the playoffs, according to The New York Times. That number would increase to 48% with a win over Green Bay. A loss on Sunday, however, would drop the Vikings' chances to 4%.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Thursday Night Football is tough. A new week of NFL betting comes with a level of importance to the ledger that feels bigger than anyone is comfortable with given how wonky the game usually is.We didn't get a clean first game with the Chiefs' Travis Kelce and Chris Jones uncertain for the NFL opener against Detroit. In Week 2, the Eagles forgot to use the two-point conversion. Later in the season, Trevor Lawrence was rumored to be injured when he wasn't. There was no word of a lingering Joe Burrow injury before Week 11 when he was hurt.The Raiders scored 63 points in a game. The Patriots scored 21 in a half.These are just a couple of examples of how hard Thursday Night Football can be to handicap, especially in comparison to Monday nights, when the variable of a lack of rest is removed. Luckily, we've been able to catch a few breaks in the anytime touchdown market to start our week in the black.BET TYPERESULTS (Net)Side/Total8-7(+0.3units)Player prop9-8(+0.2units)Touchdown prop6-10(+5.4units)TOTAL23-25(+5.9units)Jets @ Browns (-7.5, 34.5)With a total in the mid-30s, a spread of 7.5 points feels like twice that. So what's the likelihood that the Browns win by more than one score in a game between two of the three best defenses in the NFL by yards per play?After two close wins at home, Cleveland went to Houston, where Joe Flacco and Amari Cooper cooked the Texans while the Case Keenum-Davis Mills duo had little chance to compete. That recipe might be repeatable, but the Jets' defense should be able to handle Flacco's willingness to go deep. If there's any team that respects Flacco's arm strength and knows how beneficial it is to put him under pressure, it's his former team.In the Jets' last three games against the Texans, Dolphins, and Commanders, they increased their sack percentage into the NFL's top 10. Flacco's opponents during this renaissance rank 29th (Jacksonville), 31st (Chicago) and 19th (Houston, who didn't have Will Anderson) in hauling down the quarterback. Between knowledge of Flacco's game and play preferences, the Jets boast the best pass rush that he and the Browns' offensive line have had to deal with.Had this game been played last week, this line would have been -5.5 or -6. Trevor Siemian isn't much fun to bet on, but the spread is up over a touchdown for a game with a low total, meaning the Jets are the side to play.Pick: Jets (+7.5)Jason Brownlee: Over 12.5 rec yards The rookie's stat line from the Commanders game - just the second contest in which he saw significant action this season - didn't look like much, but Jason Brownlee played 82% of the snaps, which was second only to Garrett Wilson. His lone reception was an 8-yard touchdown catch. But in his other game - Week 12 versus the Dolphins - he caught two passes for 20 yards. At a point in the season where the Jets are better off seeing what they have in Brownlee than running Allen Lazard out there as the number two, look for Brownlee to get more than a couple of looks and clear his short yardage total.David Njoku: Anytime touchdown (+190)Cooper had the big game last week, but with 31 targets in three games, David Njoku is clearly Flacco's favorite target. He's caught 22 balls and had four touchdowns during this streak, so, with Cooper likely to get a heavy-handed helping of Sauce Gardner, Njoku is at least 50/50 to find the end zone, and he's available for as high as +210 to score.Matt Russell is the lead betting analyst for theScore. If there's a bad beat to be had, Matt will find it. Find him on social media @mrussauthentic.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Baltimore Ravens aren't letting the hype following their big win over the San Francisco 49ers derail their mindset."Keeping a level head is the most important thing for us right now because now the narrative is changing," quarterback Lamar Jackson said Wednesday, according to ESPN's Jamison Hensley.Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton said the team felt "disrespected" being a betting underdog entering last week's 33-19 victory. Now that Baltimore is widely viewed as the NFL's No. 1 team with a league-best 12-3 record, Jackson is doing his part to help the club block out the noise."It was just, 'This team is ... the Ravens; we don't know about the Ravens.' Now it's, 'Oh, they're the No. 1 team,'" Jackson said. "So, we're not paying (any) mind to that. I feel like that's bait - that's clickbait. And like I said, we're trying to make it to February, so we're going to take it a game at a time."Jackson is now the odds-on favorite to win MVP. The Louisville product has thrown for 3,357 yards and 19 touchdowns against seven interceptions this season while rushing for 786 yards and five more scores.Despite no longer being underdogs, the team continues to embrace that mentality."I believe we've got a bunch of guys who've been doubted, a bunch of guys who've got things to prove - on our team - on both sides of the ball," Jackson said. "So, I believe, anytime we're the underdogs, we're going to always rise to the occasion. But we've got to stay locked in to do that."The Ravens will wrap up their season with matchups against the Miami Dolphins and Pittsburgh Steelers.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Defensive end Julius Peppers, tight end Antonio Gates, and wide receiver Andre Johnson are among the 15 modern-era finalists to make the 2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame class.This year's nominees started in a pool of 173 players in September. That list was trimmed to 25 semifinalists in November.PlayerPositionYears ActiveTeamsEric AllenCB1988-2001Eagles, Saints, RaidersJared AllenDE2004-15Chiefs, Vikings, Bears, PanthersWillie AndersonOT1996-2008Bengals, RavensJahri EvansOG2006-17Saints, PackersDwight FreeneyDE2002-17Colts, Chargers, Cardinals, Lions, SeahawksAntonio GatesTE2003-18ChargersRodney HarrisonS1994-2008Chargers, PatriotsDevin HesterPR/KR/WR2006-16Bears, Falcons, Ravens, SeahawksTorry HoltWR1999-2009Rams, JaguarsAndre JohnsonWR2003-16Texans, Colts, TitansJulius PeppersDE2002-18Panthers, Bears, PackersFred TaylorRB1998-2010Jaguars, PatriotsReggie WayneWR2001-14ColtsPatrick WillisLB2007-1449ersDarren WoodsonS1992-2003CowboysPeppers ranks fifth all time with 159.5 sacks during his career with the Carolina Panthers, Chicago Bears, and Green Bay Packers. His 52 forced fumbles rank second in NFL history, trailing Robert Mathis' 54. Peppers was named to both the Hall of Fame's All-2000s and All-2010s teams in addition to being a three-time first-team All-Pro and nine-time Pro Bowler.Gates, who spent his entire 16-year career with the Chargers, hauled in 955 receptions for 11,841 yards and 116 touchdowns. Those marks rank third, third, and first, respectively, in league history among tight ends. The undrafted Kent State product earned eight Pro Bowl selections and three first-team All-Pro nods. He made the All-2000s team.Johnson, a seven-time Pro Bowler and two-time first-team All-Pro member, was a mismatch for defensive backs for over a decade with the Houston Texans. The Miami product owns franchise records for receptions, yards, and touchdowns. Johnson finished his career with 14,185 yards and 70 touchdowns on 1,062 receptions.Senior finalists Randy Gradishar, Steve McMichael, and Art Powell will also be eligible for induction alongside the player finalists and contributor/coach finalist Buddy Parker.The 2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame class will be announced Feb. 8.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Quarterback Russell Wilson expects to be released by the Denver Broncos in March, sources told The Athletic's Dianna Russini.The Broncos reportedly reached out to Wilson's representatives in late October to inform the veteran signal-caller that he would lose the starting job and be made inactive for the rest of the season if he didn't defer the injury guarantee trigger date included in his contract for the 2025 season.Multiple lawyers - including some representing the NFLPA - were involved in the situation, but no changes were made to Wilson's deal, according to Russini.On Wednesday, the Broncos benched Wilson for the final two games of the 2023 campaign."We're desperately trying to win," Denver head coach Sean Payton said, according to Zac Stevens of DNVR Broncos. "Sure, in our game today, there are economics and all those other things, but the No. 1 push behind this, and the decision I'm making, is to get a spark offensively."The veteran coach added that he hasn't met with general manager George Paton and the Broncos ownership group to discuss the team's future at quarterback beyond 2023, according to Stevens.If Wilson suffers a serious injury, the Broncos are responsible for his $37 million salary before it becomes fully guaranteed in March 2024. That money is currently guaranteed for injury only, according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo. Benching Wilson gives Denver financial flexibility and protection.

Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons isn't happy with NFL officiating this season."I think the refs understand I'm a good player, but they don't understand the actual plays I can make with my speed and what I can control," Parsons said Wednesday, according to ESPN's Todd Archer.Parsons specifically voiced disappointment that he hasn't drawn a holding penalty since Week 6."I've been to the quarterback quite a lot in that time, so it's definitely frustrating sometimes," he said.His comments come after Dallas' 22-20 loss to the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. The star defender had already voiced his frustrations with NFL officials on social media following the game.

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 Spotify, Apple, Google, and Stitcher.In this episode, Boone discusses the biggest fantasy storylines heading into Week 17:

New England Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe and head coach Bill Belichick are replacing handshakes with hugs following their viral postgame celebration earlier this month.A video posted after the Patriots' Week 14 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers showed an enthusiastic Zappe hugging offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien before walking over to Belichick and sharing a formal handshake with him.

Tommy DeVito's Cinderella story has come to a close.The New York Giants are starting veteran quarterback Tyrod Taylor for Sunday's matchup against the Los Angeles Rams, head coach Brian Daboll told reporters Wednesday, including Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News.DeVito became a fan favorite after winning three straight starts between Weeks 11 and 14. However, his performances have cratered over the last two weeks, both losses.The undrafted rookie quarterback was benched in Monday's loss to the Philadelphia Eagles at halftime after completing nine of his 16 passes for 55 yards. Taylor finished the contest, throwing for one touchdown and one interception as the Giants lost 33-25.Daboll said postgame that he benched DeVito in hopes of sparking the team. New York outscored Philadelphia 22-13 in the second half.DeVito stated that he believes he showed he belongs in the NFL during his starting run."(I proved) that I belong in the NFL specifically," he said Wednesday, according to ESPN's Jordan Raanan. "Just to go out and prove that to myself, to the younger me, to the me that was training to be here up until this point, that is all it is."Taylor has started three games this season in place of the injured Daniel Jones, going 1-2. He's tallied three touchdowns to one pick while adding 119 yards on the ground.After making the playoffs last season, the Giants are 5-10 entering Week 17.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NFL MVP is a two-player race, but the prices don't reflect that.Like the voting itself, that take is a subjective one, but if figuring out who voters would select for various awards was black and white, there'd never be an opportunity to get a price on a player with an obvious path to victory.Before the Ravens' blowout of the 49ers, Brock Purdy was the favorite to win MVP - something that never felt completely right. The Ravens' defense intercepted Purdy four times, and like Kaizer Soze, just like that, his chances were gone.NFL MVP OddsPLAYERODDSLamar Jackson-180Christian McCaffrey+450Tua Tagovialoa+1000Josh Allen+1100Brock Purdy+1400Dak Prescott+1800Tyreek Hill+1800Jalen Hurts+3000Patrick Mahomes+6600Jared Goff+10000*Odds provided by theScore Bet and ESPN BetThe Ravens' defense dominated Purdy, and, as a result, quarterback Lamar Jackson became the odds-on favorite to win MVP. It's somewhat illogical, isn't it? Sure, Jackson was good on Christmas night with 297 total yards and two touchdowns, but he wasn't the most valuable entity in beating San Francisco.MVP odds inertiaNo one has a clear path to win like Jackson, so he takes his turn as the favorite right now. But if we've learned anything from the carousel of MVP favorites (and the Heisman Trophy market evolution) this season, it's that awards markets these days command the attention span of a kid on Christmas morning.If we're giving the award to the quarterback on the best team, Jackson replaces Purdy in that category, and all it should take is a Ravens win over Miami on Sunday to seal up the AFC's top seed. Assuming it's that simple, just bet the Baltimore moneyline at -170 and take your money this week rather than waiting until February.Of course, there are no guarantees in football, as we saw when the underdog Ravens won last week, and the possibility exists that Baltimore doesn't win this week.So what if they don't?Josh Allen to win MVP (+1100)Something's missing from Josh Allen's MVP candidacy, but that's a good thing. He can't be the favorite right now - his team hasn't clinched a playoff spot, let alone its division. However, he does have the stats.PLAYERPASS + RUSHYDSTOTAL TDQBRJosh Allen41914071.6Tua Tagovailoa42672659.5Lamar Jackson41432463.0What's missing for Allen is team success. Here's what that looks like in betting parlance - a Dolphins (over Ravens) and Bills (over Patriots) parlay in Week 17 rolled over onto the Bills over the Dolphins in Week 18:

The Washington Commanders are sending Sam Howell to the bench in place of veteran Jacoby Brissett, head coach Ron Rivera announced Wednesday, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.Brissett replaced Howell in last Sunday's loss to the New York Jets after the latter significantly struggled. Howell completed only six of his 22 pass attempts for 56 yards with zero touchdowns and two interceptions.Brissett sparked a Commanders comeback after being inserted against the Jets. Washington scored 21 unanswered points to take a 28-27 lead, though New York still walked away with a win after kicking a go-ahead field goal in the final seconds.Howell said he will use these final two weeks to better himself."It is what it is," Howell said of his benching, according to Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post. "I think at the end of the day, I just got to play better. Will still try to do whatever I can to continue to get better these last two weeks and try to learn as much as I can and watch Jacoby play and support him and try to be a good teammate."Howell was benched in back-to-back weeks after he was removed in a Week 15 loss to the Los Angeles Rams as well.The 2022 fifth-round pick has compiled a 5-11 record as a starter with 20 touchdowns to 18 interceptions over his career. His 2023 campaign has been shaky, as he leads the league in picks (17) and sacks taken (60).The Commanders sit in the basement of the NFC East with a 4-11 mark.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Find positional rankings, additional analysis, and subscribe to push notifications in the NFL Fantasy News section.theScore's Justin Boone was first overall in FantasyPros' Most Accurate Expert Competition in 2019 and finished among the top seven each of his last seven years in the contest. Follow the links below to see his rankings for Week 17.Updated rankings (including Standard and PPR) will be released Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday this week.Half PPR

The Green Bay Packers suspended cornerback Jaire Alexander for one game for conduct detrimental to the team, general manager Brian Gutekunst announced Wednesday.The punishment is for crashing the coin toss prior to last Sunday's matchup against the Carolina Panthers, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport."The decision to suspend a player is never easy and not one we take lightly. Unfortunately, Jaire's actions prior to the game in Carolina led us to take this step," Gutekunst said.In what was his first game back from injury, Alexander uninvitingly joined the Packers' captains for the coin toss. The cornerback correctly called tails, but he almost cost his team a possession by telling the official that Green Bay wanted to play defense instead of saying he wanted to defer. This would have allowed the Panthers the option of receiving the football to start the second half.Alexander's mistake ultimately proved not to be costly, but only because the official checked to be certain that he wanted to kick as opposed to deferring. Kicking, receiving, and deferring are the three official options for the team that wins the coin toss.The cornerback was seemingly unaware of the issue postgame."I said, 'I want our defense to be out there,' and they all looked at me like I was crazy," Alexander told reporters Sunday, including ESPN's Rob Demovsky. "I'm like, I mean it's pretty simple what I said, like I want the defense to be out there. They like, 'You mean defer?' And I'm like, 'Yeah, I guess.'"Alexander will miss Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings before returning for the regular-season finale versus the Chicago Bears.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce voiced his disappointment with his team's struggles following Monday's 20-14 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders."It's a frustrating f-----g experience right now," Kelce said on the "New Heights" podcast.The Chiefs - who are 2-4 in their last six games - once again struggled offensively in Week 16 and failed to score 20-plus points for the third time in their last four games. Kansas City's offense has dropped the most passes in the NFL this season while ranking sixth in penalties.Andy Reid's outfit outscored the Raiders in yards on Monday (308-205) but lost the turnover battle 2-0. Las Vegas defeated Kansas City at Arrowhead Stadium despite not completing a single pass in the second half."We handed that team a win on Christmas, we literally played Santa and gave them a present," Kelce said. "That was embarrassing, everybody in the building knows how embarrassing that was."He added: "We played so trash as an offense that we put the defense in a really tough spot there at the end of the game."The reigning Super Bowl champions haven't been able to win games despite boasting their best defense of the Patrick Mahomes era. The Chiefs' defensive unit ranks second in points and yards allowed in 2023.Kelce thinks every Chiefs player deserves to be blamed for the team's current struggles, including himself."It's not just one guy," the tight end said. "It's not just me playing like dogshit. It's not just us not being able to get the run game going. It's not just us not being on the same page passing-wise. Everybody's in this f-----g thing together. Everybody, at some point, isn't being accountable."The 34-year-old added: "Every single play is somebody not doing their job, and it's me ... it's everybody on the team. And whether that's prep, whether that's having the confidence and understanding of what the defense is in, their coverages, their gaps in the run game, how we're picking up blitzes, how we're running routes versus certain coverages. All the above."The 9-6 Chiefs - who are one win away from winning the AFC West for the eighth straight season - take on the Cincinnati Bengals and Los Angeles Chargers in the final two games of the regular season.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Novak Djokovic is looking to channel Tom Brady when it comes to career longevity.The 36-year-old Serbian tennis star, who's currently ranked No. 1 in the world, told reporters in Saudi Arabia that he hopes to continue playing into his 40s like the former quarterback did."Tom Brady is a great example of a champion in his sport and someone that has had such a great career and longevity," Djokovic said, according to Reuters. "He has put a lot of hours and a lot of time into self-care, into recovery, into making sure that in a way every aspect of his body and mind is covered so that he can have a long-lasting, successful career."I know him personally and I learned a lot from him, from his example, and hopefully I can have a career that goes up to 40 or maybe even beyond - let's see."Djokovic captured three Grand Slam titles this season, including the French Open in June, for which Brady was on hand."I feel great in my own body right now and I've been playing some really high-quality tennis," Djokovic said. "2023 was one of the best seasons I've had in my life and why stop while you're still playing great? So I'll keep going and take (each) year, one by one, and see how far I go."Brady, 46, retired from the NFL in February after 23 seasons.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Getty Images sports photographers snapped action shots around the globe in 2023. Here's a compilation of their finest work.Shohei Ohtani is mobbed after striking out Mike Trout to clinch Japan's victory over the United States in the World Baseball Classic final.Megan Briggs / Getty Images Travis Kelce finds Patrick Mahomes in the thick of the Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl LVII celebration.Gregory Shamus / Getty Images Los Angeles Clippers guard Russell Westbrook roars after scoring an and-1 layup against the Memphis Grizzlies.Joe Murphy / NBA / Getty Images LSU forward Angel Reese taunts Iowa star Caitlin Clark as time wanes in the NCAA championship game.Maddie Meyer / Getty Images UConn guard Andre Jackson Jr. dunks emphatically in a Final Four clash with Miami.Carmen Mandato / Getty Images Florida wide receiver Ricky Pearsall leaps above Charlotte defenders to reel in a dazzling one-handed catch.James Gilbert / Getty Images Running back J.K. Dobbins dives for a touchdown to propel the Baltimore Ravens past the Houston Texans.Patrick Smith / Getty Images Aaron Rodgers' left Achilles tendon ruptures on the opening drive of his New York Jets debut.Elsa / Getty Images Blood gushes from Top Noi Kiwram's eye during his UFC flyweight bout with Nyamjargal Tumendemberel in China.Zhang Lintao / UFC / Getty Images Maori rugby league player James Fisher-Harris greets the opposition ahead of an all-star match in New Zealand.Hannah Peters / Getty Images Boston Bruins sniper David Pastrnak exults after scoring in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.Maddie Meyer / Getty Images Sprung on a breakaway, Bo Horvat tallies a postseason goal for the New York Islanders.Bruce Bennett / Getty Images Oakland A's baserunner Tony Kemp contorts to elude the tag of Boston Red Sox catcher Jorge Alfaro.Ezra Shaw / Getty Images A Miami Marlins teammate showers Jean Segura with Gatorade following a walk-off win over the Chicago Cubs.Megan Briggs / Getty Images Indiana Fever rookie Aliyah Boston dribbles below the hoop during a WNBA game in Seattle.Steph Chambers / Getty Images Eventual world champion Sha'Carri Richardson crosses the 100-meter finish line at the U.S. Track and Field Championships.Christian Petersen / Getty Images Fernando Ferreira jumps for joy as he completes the Boston Marathon.Maddie Meyer / Getty Images Nick Taylor, the first homegrown Canadian Open winner in 69 years, savors his tournament victory with caddie Dave Markle.Minas Panagiotakis / Getty Images Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart absorbs a huge hit against Tulane.Jonathan Bachman / Getty Images Novak Djokovic stumbles over the net while facing Hubert Hurkacz at Wimbledon.Clive Brunskill / Getty Images Donna Vekic serves the ball at the Australian Open.Lintao Zhang / Getty Images PGA pro Sam Burns shoots from the bunker at the Wyndham Championship in North Carolina.Jared C. Tilton / Getty Images French motocross rider David Rinaldo takes flight while executing a trick at X Games California.Sean M. Haffey / Getty Images Artistic swimmer Yukiko Inui competes at the World Aquatics Championships in Japan, her home country.Clive Rose / Getty Images Australia players celebrate a missed penalty kick that helped seal France's defeat in the Women's World Cup quarterfinals.Quinn Rooney / Getty Images Catalina Usme clutches teammate Daniela Arias following Colombia's elimination from the World Cup.Maddie Meyer / FIFA / Getty Images Lionel Messi is feted for leading Inter Miami to the Leagues Cup title in his first MLS season.Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images Louis Lappe's walk-off home run in the Little League World Series final elicits joy from his El Segundo, California, squad.Tim Nwachukwu / Getty Images The triumphant LSU baseball team dogpiles in the infield at the end of the College World Series.Jay Biggerstaff / Getty Images Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh holds onto a pop-up against the St. Louis Cardinals.Steph Chambers / Getty Images Giovani Santillan clocks welterweight opponent Alexis Rocha en route to knocking him out in California.Cris Esqueda / Golden Boy / Getty Images Danielle Collins prepares to deliver a serve at the San Diego Open.Sean M. Haffey / Getty Images Partners Joe Salisbury and Rajeev Ram kiss the US Open men's doubles trophy.Al Bello / Getty Images Nick Faris is a features writer at theScore.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NFL Power Rankings are selected by a panel of theScore's football editors.This week we'll be identifying one 2023 signing or draft pick that each team wishes it could return to the store like an unwanted holiday gift.1. Baltimore Ravens (12-3) Loren Elliott / Getty Images Sport / GettyPrevious rank: 2Rock Ya-Sin: The Ravens have few regrets amid one of the best seasons of John Harbaugh's tenure. Ya-Sin wasn't as much of a bad gift as he was an unneeded one. The veteran cornerback has been a healthy scratch recently.2. San Francisco 49ers (11-4)Previous rank: 1Nothing to return: The 49ers' holiday spirit might've been ruined by the Ravens, but they don't have any 2023 gifts they feel compelled to give back as their roster was firing on all cylinders before Monday night's loss. They remain in the driver's seat for home-field advantage in the NFC playoffs.3. Buffalo Bills (9-6)Previous rank: 3Deonte Harty: Harty hasn't found a key role behind Stefon Diggs and Gabriel Davis as some had hoped. Though he's been a productive punt returner, Harty has caught just 14 passes for 138 yards since inking a two-year deal in the offseason.4. Miami Dolphins (11-4)Previous rank: 7Jeff Wilson: The Dolphins re-signed Wilson in the offseason, but he's gotten lost in the shuffle in the team's backfield. Thanks to injuries, the emergence of De'Von Achane, and the steady production of Raheem Mostert, there just hasn't been a lot of work left for Wilson.5. Dallas Cowboys (10-5) David Jensen / Getty Images Sport / GettyPrevious rank: 4Luke Schoonmaker: Expectations were never sky-high for rookie Schoonmaker, but the Cowboys probably thought they'd get more than eight catches and 65 yards. That a second-string tight end is Dallas' biggest issue speaks volumes about how good of a year it's having.6. Philadelphia Eagles (11-4)Previous rank: 5James Bradberry: The Eagles tried to run it back in 2023, but if there's one piece of baggage they wish they'd left in 2022, it's probably Bradberry. The once-solid cornerback is a serious weakness in an already spotty Philly secondary.7. Detroit Lions (11-4)Previous rank: 8Jack Campbell: The only off-ball linebacker to be taken in the first round this past spring, Campbell has delivered mixed results. Although his ability to attack downhill is exemplary, his struggles in coverage leave much to be desired.8. Kansas City Chiefs (9-6)Previous rank: 6Jawaan Taylor: Of all the problems with the Chiefs' offense - and there are more than a few - signing Taylor to a four-year, $80-million deal can't be ignored. The former Jaguars tackle is 58th out of 60 qualifying tackles (minimum 50% of snaps) in PFF's player grades. That money could've been better spent elsewhere.9. Los Angeles Rams (8-7)Previous rank: 9Kickers: The Rams have been gifted multiple kickers this year, and not one has put a smile on their faces. Brett Maher missed six kicks before his release, while replacement Lucas Havrisik is already up to five misses.10. Cleveland Browns (10-5) Diamond Images / Diamond Images / GettyPrevious rank: 10Siaki Ika: The obvious answer is Deshaun Watson, but due to our theme restrictions, we're only focusing on 2023 acquisitions or decisions. Ika - a third-round pick this past spring - is an easy choice after being a healthy scratch for most of the year.11. Seattle Seahawks (8-7)Previous rank: 15Bobby Wagner: Wagner is undoubtedly a future Hall of Famer and rightfully beloved in Seattle. But the linebacker is far from his prime, and his limitations in coverage are having a detrimental effect on the Seahawks' defense.12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-7)Previous rank: 17Devin White: The Buccaneers opted to not fulfill White's offseason trade request, and they probably now wish for a do-over after the linebacker held himself out of Week 15 amid reported attitude concerns.13. Houston Texans (8-7)Previous rank: 11Robert Woods: With the Texans' receiving group ravaged by injuries, it'd make sense for them to turn to the reliable veteran. But Woods has been a nonfactor over the last month and only has one touchdown all season.14. Las Vegas Raiders (7-8)Previous rank: 20Jimmy Garoppolo: Moving on from Derek Carr was the right decision for the Raiders, but even at the time, Garoppolo seemed like a lateral move. It ultimately wasn't even as good as that, with the veteran morphing into a turnover machine before getting benched.15. Denver Broncos (7-8) Sam Hodde / Getty Images Sport / GettyPrevious rank: 12Mike McGlinchey: The Broncos gave McGlinchey a huge free-agent deal as they attempted to fix their offensive line to help Russell Wilson bounce back. While the offensive tackle's play has improved of late, he still ranks fourth in pressures allowed and has been responsible for nine penalties.16. Jacksonville Jaguars (8-7)Previous rank: 14Anton Harrison: Leaping to the NFL level is hard for offensive tackles, especially those asked to switch sides. But Harrison has looked more raw than most expected, ranking 53rd among 60 qualifying tackles by PFF and giving up five sacks.17. Indianapolis Colts (8-7)Previous rank: 16Matt Gay: The Colts made Gay one of the NFL's highest-paid kickers in March, and the early returns were promising. But with five missed kicks in the last six games, Indianapolis has to be wondering if it's paying a steep price for another short-term answer.18. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-7)Previous rank: 24Matt Canada: The Steelers already got rid of Canada but likely wish they'd returned him earlier. The decision to bring him back for 2023 may have rotted their season from the inside out.19. Cincinnati Bengals (8-7)Previous rank: 13Irv Smith: Smith didn't cost the Bengals a lot of money in free agency, but he hasn't even been worth the modest deal he received. The tight end has only 18 catches for 115 yards and one touchdown.20. Minnesota Vikings (7-8) Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyPrevious rank: 18Marcus Davenport: The early signs were positive for Davenport, but an ankle injury in Week 6 derailed his prove-it season in Minnesota. Despite the Vikings needing help to secure a playoff spot, the pass-rusher's return timetable remains unclear.21. Green Bay Packers (7-8)Previous rank: 19Joe Barry: With no obvious players to return, we'll bend our theme a little here. The Packers opted for continuity on defense heading into the 2023 campaign by retaining Barry despite some fans calling for the coordinator's job. The gamble appeared to pay off at times early on, but the defense has fallen off a cliff lately, jeopardizing Green Bay's playoff hopes.22. Chicago Bears (6-9)Previous rank: 22Robert Tonyan: Plucking Tonyan from the Packers appeared to be a solid decision but hasn't resulted in any significant production. Thankfully, the continued development of Cole Kmet has overshadowed another miss by the current regime in free agency.23. Atlanta Falcons (7-8)Previous rank: 23Jeff Okudah: Plagued by injuries during his tenure with the Lions, the former first-round pick hasn't been able to establish himself as a bona fide running mate to A.J. Terrell. Okudah's struggles in pass coverage during the season showcase him as a rotational piece instead of a fixture in the secondary.24. New Orleans Saints (7-8)Previous rank: 21Derek Carr: Carr hasn't bolstered the New Orleans' offense as projected. Unfortunately, the Saints won't be able to return this gift after the holidays, as the veteran quarterback's $30-million price tag remains nonrefundable amid a 7-8 campaign.25. Tennessee Titans (5-10) Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyPrevious rank: 25Andre Dillard: The former first-round offensive tackle was trending toward being Tennessee's latest free-agency steal after starting eight of its first nine games. Dillard now finds himself stuck on the sideline after surrendering 10 sacks and 36 pressures in his failed experiment as the starting left tackle.26. New York Giants (5-10)Previous rank: 26Daniel Jones: The Giants are financially committed to Jones after signing him to a four-year, $160-million contract last offseason. After another underwhelming campaign cut short due to injuries, the club can't be pleased that the same questions about its starter quarterback linger. Some in the organization still believe in Jones, but even his most ardent supporters would like another chance to negotiate that contract.27. New York Jets (6-9)Previous rank: 28Aaron Rodgers' baggage: The Jets can't overlook the excitement of finally having a true franchise quarterback. However, the acquisitions to appease the future Hall of Fame QB (Randall Cobb, Allen Lazard, Nathaniel Hackett) haven't panned out after he sustained a season-ending injury. Rodgers will be welcomed back in 2024, but much of his entourage probably won't be.28. Arizona Cardinals (3-12)Previous rank: 27Zach Pascal: It's fitting that the veteran receiver wears No. 0 given the lack of production he's provided in his first year in Arizona. Pascal languishes at the bottom of the depth chart after signing a two-year deal this past spring.29. Los Angeles Chargers (5-10)Previous rank: 30Quentin Johnston: After posting over 1,000 yards in his final season before turning pro, Johnston struggled to establish himself despite ample opportunities. The second wideout drafted in 2023, Johnston's production is well behind fellow first-rounders Zay Flowers and Jordan Addison.30. New England Patriots (4-11) Justin K. Aller / Getty Images Sport / GettyPrevious rank: 31JuJu Smith-Schuster: The Patriots rewarded Smith-Schuster with a three-year contract in hopes that the veteran would solidify the receiving corps. The signing joins the many head-scratching free-agency deals of the Bill Belichick era.31. Washington Commanders (4-11)Previous rank: 29Emmanuel Forbes: A rookie season can certainly be a trial by fire for any defensive back, let alone a first-round pick. Forbes has been humbled in a forgettable campaign, and his snaps have dwindled recently.32. Carolina Panthers (2-13)Previous rank: 32Bryce Young: Carolina went all-in on the 2023 first overall pick but has little to show for it. After watching No. 2 pick C.J. Stroud excel, there's plenty of buyer's remorse given the steep price tag to acquire Young.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers took a few more shots at his critics Tuesday, saying it was the team's idea to activate him from injured reserve even though he'd already been ruled out for the season."I assumed I was going to go on IR," Rodgers said on ESPN's "The Pat McAfee Show." "I asked to be put on IR, but then there was a conversation, 'Do you want to practice?' I said not at the expense of somebody getting cut. I know how this works."I didn't feel like I needed to practice to continue my rehab. I could do on-the-field stuff on the side, but, obviously, I got overruled there."Rodgers had announced that his comeback bid from a torn Achilles tendon was over Dec. 19, one day before his 21-day activation window was set to close. However, the Jets decided to activate him anyway so that he could continue to practice with the team down the stretch. Fullback Nick Bawden was initially cut for Rodgers but later re-signed with the practice squad.The 40-year-old told McAfee that he "called Nick right away" to let Bawden know it wasn't his idea.Jets head coach Robert Saleh confirmed they wanted Rodgers to be active so he could help on the field during practice."(Rodgers) expressed concern about taking up someone's roster spot and all that stuff, and what it meant," Saleh said Tuesday, according to ESPN's Rich Cimini. "But like I told you guys, we had roster flexibility, just like we told him, and we had the ability to do it. And so, we did."Rodgers also directed some specific comments toward those who have called him selfish for taking up a roster spot while not playing. He believes those people are pushing "conspiracies" about him due to disagreements with his stance on the COVID-19 vaccine."It's the same tired narrative. ... I love to practice. Didn't want it to be at the expense of a teammate, but again that's out of my control," he said."But again, it's the same people. So let's make sure we're asking the right questions to these people before they start spouting off so we can actually frame each one of these sort of comments in the right perspective."Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence is dealing with an AC joint sprain in his throwing shoulder, head coach Doug Pederson announced Tuesday, according to ESPN's Michael DiRocco.Pederson added that it's too early to determine if Lawrence will be able to play in Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers.The quarterback sustained the injury on a fourth-down scramble in the fourth quarter of the Week 16 blowout defeat to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.Lawrence underwent further testing Monday and said postgame that he immediately knew "something was off" after getting hit while going out of bounds.The 24-year-old has endured an injury-plagued season, though he's yet to miss a game. He played through a knee injury early in the campaign before suffering a high ankle sprain in early December.With Lawrence ailing, Jacksonville signed veteran quarterback Matt Barkley off the New York Giants' practice squad.The Jaguars are in a tight battle for the AFC South with the Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts. All three teams sit at 8-7, but Jacksonville tops the division thanks to a tiebreaker advantage.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson will miss the remainder of the season after suffering ACL and MCL injuries, head coach Kevin O'Connell announced Tuesday.The two-time Pro Bowler is among the most productive tight ends this season, ranking second at the position in catches (96), third in yards (960), and seventh in touchdown receptions (five).The loss of Hockenson is a major blow to the Vikings' playoff hopes. Minnesota's chances of making the postseason dropped to 28% after losing to the Detroit Lions on Sunday, according to The New York Times' playoff simulator.Hockenson arrived in Minnesota from Detroit in a rare in-division trade ahead of last year's trade deadline. He inked a four-year, $68.5-million extension with $42.5 million guaranteed in August.The NFC North club also lost pass-rusher D.J. Wonnum for the rest of the year due to a torn quad. Wonnum, who's second on the team with eight sacks, was hurt in Week 16 as well.In more positive injury news, O'Connell said rookie wide receiver Jordan Addison avoided a major ankle ailment and is considered day-to-day, according to ESPN's Kevin Seifert.Copyright (C) 2023 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.Roster percentages are based on Yahoo leagues. Free Agent Budget (FAB) amounts are based on a $100 salary cap. Only players rostered in less than 50% of leagues are considered.Quarterbacks Jonathan Bachman / Getty Images Sport / GettyDerek Carr, SaintsNext upRosteredFABat TB39%$100Starting Carr in a fantasy championship game would've seemed like an insane proposition a few weeks ago.However, the veteran is coming off a string of quality performances, including back-to-back finishes as a top-seven QB. He's also thrown for eight touchdowns over the last three weeks.Now he'll get another inviting matchup against the Buccaneers, who are one of the 10 easiest opponents for fantasy passers this season.Streaming options: Gardner Minshew vs. LV (31% rostered)Risky streaming options: Jake Browning at KC (45% rostered), Joe Flacco vs. NYJ (33% rostered), Nick Mullens vs. GB (13% rostered), Bryce Young at JAX (12% rostered)Risky streaming options (if starter is out): Sam Darnold at WAS (0% rostered), C.J. Beathard vs. CAR (1% rostered), Ryan Tannehill at HOU (2% rostered)Risky streaming options (if healthy): Will Levis at HOU (18% rostered)Risky streaming options (if starting): Mason Rudolph at SEA (1% rostered), Kenny Pickett at SEA (13% rostered)Desperation streaming options: Tommy DeVito vs. LAR (8% rostered), Aidan O'Connell at IND (5% rostered), Taylor Heinicke at CHI (6% rostered), Bailey Zappe at BUF (2% rostered), Easton Stick at DEN (2% rostered), Trevor Siemian at CLE (0% rostered)Desperation streaming options (if starting): Tommy DeVito vs. LAR (8% rostered), Tyrod Taylor vs. LAR (0% rostered), Jacoby Brissett vs. SF (0% rostered)Running backs Sarah Stier / Getty Images Sport / GettyClyde Edwards-Helaire, ChiefsNext upRosteredFABvs. CIN35%$100Isiah Pacheco is in concussion protocol after Monday's game and will have difficulty getting cleared during a short week.With Jerick McKinnon getting placed on injured reserve, that could leave Edwards-Helaire as the last man standing in the Chiefs' backfield.In the two games Pacheco missed, Edwards-Helaire totaled 24 carries for 76 yards, as well as six catches for 93 yards and a touchdown.The Bengals rank inside the top 10 for rushing yards and rushing touchdowns allowed in 2023, so CEH would be a strong fantasy RB2 with RB1 upside if Pacheco is ruled out.Kareem Hunt and Tyler Allgeier are close to or above the 50% rostered mark but should be claimed in most leagues.RB3/flex options (if starter is out): Zamir White at IND (27% rostered)Flex options: Khalil Herbert vs. ATL (45% rostered), Roschon Johnson vs. ATL (26% rostered), Tyjae Spears at HOU (45% rostered), Kenneth Gainwell vs. ARI (28% rostered)Flex options (if healthy and starter is out): Chris Rodriguez Jr. vs. SF (3% rostered)Risky flex options: Justice Hill vs. MIA (19% rostered), Rico Dowdle vs. DET (9% rostered), Chase Brown at KC (20% rostered), Jaleel McLaughlin at KC (20% rostered)Risky flex options (if starter is out): Jeff Wilson Jr. at BAL (9% rostered)Risky flex options (if healthy): D'Onta Foreman vs. ATL (40% rostered)Desperation flex options: Samaje Perine vs. LAC (24% rostered), Miles Sanders at JAC (41% rostered), Jordan Mason at WAS (3% rostered), Latavius Murray vs. NE (15% rostered), Emari Demercado at PHI (3% rostered), Ronnie Rivers at NYG (0% rostered), Jamaal Williams at TB (15% rostered)Desperation flex options (if healthy): Elijah Mitchell at WAS (13% rostered)Wide receivers Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyDemario Douglas, PatriotsNext upRosteredFABat BUF21%$100Douglas had a quiet return to the lineup in Week 15 with just three catches for 33 yards, but he got back into form Sunday with five grabs for 74 yards on eight targets.He now has at least 49 yards in five of his last seven outings and leads the Patriots in most receiving categories despite missing three games due to injury.The Bills aren't a great matchup in Week 17, but Douglas has emerged as a solid WR3/flex option for fantasy.Romeo Doubs, Jerry Jeudy, Noah Brown, Josh Downs, and Tyler Boyd are close to or above the 50% rostered mark but should be claimed in most leagues.Flex options: Joshua Palmer at DEN (46% rostered), Rashid Shaheed at TB (44% rostered)Flex options (if starter is out): Greg Dortch at PHI (5% rostered), K.J. Osborn vs. GB (16% rostered), Dontayvion Wicks at MIN (13% rostered), Marvin Mims Jr. vs. LAC (8% rostered), Darnell Mooney vs. ATL (10% rostered)Flex options (if healthy): Zay Jones vs. CAR (26% rostered)Risky flex options: Curtis Samuel vs. SF (40% rostered), Demarcus Robinson at NYG (10% rostered), Jameson Williams at DAL (22% rostered), DeVante Parker at BUF (3% rostered), D.J. Chark at JAX (7% rostered), Jonathan Mingo at JAX (13% rostered), Elijah Moore vs. NYJ (46% rostered),Risky flex options (if healthy): Michael Thomas at TB (34% rostered)Risky flex options (if starter is out): Cedric Wilson at BAL (0% rostered), Parker Washington vs. CAR (7% rostered)Dart-throw flex options: Rashod Bateman vs. MIA (17% rostered), Darius Slayton vs. LAR (2% rostered), Wan'Dale Robinson vs. LAR (12% rostered), Quentin Johnston at DEN (20% rostered), Treylon Burks at HOU (11% rostered), Andrei Iosivas at KC (0% rostered), Trey Palmer vs. NO (2% rostered), Brandon Powell vs. GB (1% rostered), Khalil Shakir vs. NE (10% rostered)Dart-throw flex options (if starter is out): Michael Wilson at PHI (6% rostered), Brandon Johnson vs. LAC (0% rostered)Tight ends Michael Owens / Getty Images Sport / GettyTucker Kraft, PackersNext upRosteredFABat MIN19%$100Kraft has been on an absolute heater with stat lines of 4-64-0, 4-57-1, and 4-60-0 over the last three weeks.His head coach, Matt LaFleur, gushed about Kraft this week, and fantasy managers should be equally excited.The rookie has become a borderline TE1 at the most important time in the fantasy calendar.Streamer options: Chigoziem Okonkwo at HOU (32% rostered), Gerald Everett at DEN (42% rostered),Streamer options: Hunter Henry at BUF (26% rostered)Risky streamer options: Logan Thomas vs. SF (39% rostered), Juwan Johnson at TB (12% rostered), Cade Otton vs. NO (32% rostered), Tyler Higbee at NYG (38% rostered)Risky streamer options (if starter is out): Mike Gesicki at BUF (3% rostered), Josh Oliver vs. GB (0% rostered)Desperation streamer options: Tyler Conklin at CLE (5% rostered), Tanner Hudson at KC (5% rostered), Kylen Granson vs. LV (1% rostered), Jonnu Smith at CHI (14% rostered)Desperation streamer options (if healthy): Michael Mayer at IND (7% rostered)Defenses Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times / GettyWeek 17 streamersTeamNext upRosteredRamsat NYG20%Jaguarsvs. CAR41%Seahawksvs. PIT24%Texansvs. TEN39%Bearsvs. ATL33%Coltsvs. LV49%Falconsat CHI33%Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Joe Flacco stepped in to save the Cleveland Browns' season after Deshaun Watson's injury, leading to questions about why the New York Jets didn't attempt to bring back the veteran quarterback in the wake of Aaron Rodgers' torn Achilles.However, ahead of Thursday night's matchup between the Browns and Jets in which the AFC North club can clinch a playoff spot, Flacco said there's no ill will toward his former team."I enjoyed my time while I was there, and it is what it is," said Flacco, according to ESPN's Jake Trotter. "I'm happy to be where I am, that's for sure."Flacco has turned back the clock in Cleveland, winning three of his four starts and throwing for the most yards (1,307) and touchdowns (10) in the NFL during that span.The former Super Bowl MVP spent three seasons in New York from 2020-22. He started nine games and appeared in three more, tossing 2,253 yards and 14 scores against six picks.The 6-9 Jets turned to Zach Wilson when Rodgers was hurt and benched the former No. 2 pick before reinserting him into the lineup several weeks later.New York head coach Robert Saleh said he has no regrets about not reaching out to Flacco, who was a free agent until joining the Browns in mid-November, according to Rich Cimini of ESPN.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Find positional rankings, additional analysis, and subscribe to push notifications in the NFL Fantasy News section.Welcome to theScore Fantasy Football Podcast, hosted by Justin Boone.Find the show on Spotify, Apple, Google, and Stitcher.In this episode, Boone discusses the latest injuries and the top players available on the waiver wire.

The Kansas City Chiefs' elite offense has been one of the NFL's constants during the Patrick Mahomes era, but the unit has fallen far short of its standard in 2023.Nonetheless, the star quarterback is still confident the reigning champions can contend in the playoffs if they address their issues on offense."If we clean it up, we'll be able to score points," Mahomes said, according to ESPN's Adam Teicher. "It's just (that) we've got to clean it up. (We have) two games left. You have to do it and if we don't, we'll be going home."If we clean it up, we can beat anybody. I truly believe that, but we got to prove that we can do it."The Chiefs were upset by the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday. They missed out on a chance to secure an eighth straight AFC West title and suffered a sixth regular-season loss for the first time with Mahomes.Kansas City now sits outside the top 10 in scoring offense, tied for 11th with 22.2 points per game. The club also ranks 24th in the category over the last three games with an average of 19.3 points.The Chiefs finished as a top-six scoring offense in each of Mahomes' five previous seasons as the starter, including two years in first place.While Kansas City has been the NFL's worst offense in terms of drops and penalties, Mahomes believes the potential is there for a turnaround."You see glimpses of it," Mahomes said. "You see glimpses of us moving the football, you see glimpses of us scoring in the red zone. It's just we haven't consistently done it enough game in and game out at this end of the season."We kind of had one good game, one bad game, one good game, one bad game, but we have to be more consistent because when you get to the playoffs you have to string some together."Unable to consistently rely on his weapons and protection, Mahomes has seemingly played overly aggressive this season to compensate.He is third in the NFL with a career-high 14 interceptions and has taken 25 sacks - three off his highest mark in a single season - as he often attempts to extend plays.

Lamar Jackson took control of the MVP race with a virtuoso performance in the Baltimore Ravens' 33-19 win over the San Francisco 49ers, outshining a struggling Brock Purdy, the previous favorite for the award.Ravens head coach John Harbaugh heaped praise on his star quarterback, who threw for 252 yards and two touchdowns while leading Baltimore in rushing with 45 yards."I thought Lamar had an MVP performance," Harbaugh said, according to ESPN's Jamison Hensley. "It takes a team to create a performance like that, but it takes a player to play at that level - to play at an MVP level - it takes a player to play that way. And Lamar was all over the field doing everything."Jackson has powered the Ravens - the NFL's only team with fewer than four losses - into pole position to claim the AFC's No. 1 seed and lone bye.The 26-year-old isn't having the dominant statistical season usually required of an MVP. He's tied for 14th in touchdown passes (19) and completion percentage (66.3) and is 15th in passing yards (3,357).However, Jackson is the driving force of an offense that sits fourth in points per game (27.8) and also ranks first among quarterbacks with 786 rushing yards."I think if anybody watched the game (or) if anybody watches football this season and watched the Baltimore Ravens, they know for a fact (that) Lamar Jackson is the MVP, hands down," Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith said."Anyone that watches football and knows football and (can) see the type of impact he has on the game - not even stat-wise, but just individually, the plays that he makes quarter in and quarter out, play in and play out - compare his film to anyone else in the league. Then, I would love to hear what anyone else has to say after that."Jackson won his first MVP award in 2019 after leading Baltimore to a 12-3 record and the No. 1 seed while racking up an NFL-high 36 passing touchdowns and over 1,200 yards on the ground.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

NFL Playoff Picture is a weekly look at the teams jockeying to secure their shot to make it to Super Bowl LVIII.AFCSeedTeamDivisionRecord1Ravens (x)North12-32Dolphins (x)East11-43ChiefsWest9-64JaguarsSouth8-75BrownsNorth10-56BillsEast9-67ColtsSouth8-7x = clinched playoff berth

The New York Giants inserted Tyrod Taylor into the lineup to open the second half of the team's 33-25 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday, leaving starter Tommy DeVito on the bench.Taylor took over after the Eagles fumbled the opening kickoff of the second half. Running back Saquon Barkley quickly scored a rushing touchdown with Taylor under center.New York struggled to move the ball in the first half, particularly through the air. DeVito completed nine of 16 passes for 55 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions."Constant reminder that it's a business," DeVito said postgame in response to the benching. "They're always going to try to find someone to replace you, whatever it is. ... It's a business, it's your job, I respect it. There's no feelings one way or another. I was hoping Ty was going to go out there and ball and we win the game."The undrafted free agent has started five games and appeared in seven for the Giants this season. He had 1,032 passing yards, eight touchdowns, and three interceptions entering Monday's contest. He also owned 190 rushing yards and a touchdown.Taylor has also started games for the Giants this season, taking the opening snaps in three contests. The 34-year-old had 592 passing yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions entering Monday.Jalen Hurts threw for 301 yards with one touchdown and one interception in the win. He also ran for 34 yards and a touchdown on eight carries. The rushing score was Hurts' 15th of the campaign, a single-season NFL record for rushing touchdowns by a quarterback.Running back D'Andre Swift led the way on the ground for the Eagles with 92 yards and a score while Kenneth Gainwell added 41 yards on six attempts.The loss drops the Giants to 5-10 with a contest against the Los Angeles Rams and a rematch against the Eagles on deck.Philly, meanwhile, improved to 11-4. The Eagles will take on the Arizona Cardinals before the Week 18 rematch.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Denver Broncos waived safety Kareem Jackson, according to ESPN's Field Yates.Jackson has been suspended twice this season for illegal hits.The 35-year-old's roster exemption for his most recent suspension ended Monday. The team was required to activate or cut him.Jackson's first suspension came after an illegal hit to Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft in Week 7. He received another ban after a hit to quarterback Joshua Dobbs upon his return in Week 11.P.J. Locke has racked up 21 total tackles (two for loss), a pair of forced fumbles, and three sacks in the last five contests amid Jackson's absences.Jackson has forfeited over $850,000 for his illegal hits this season.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Kansas City Chiefs offense is apparently into the season of giving.The Chiefs attempted a trick play in the waning minutes of the second quarter of the team's 20-14 loss in which running back Isiah Pacheco took a direct snap and faked a handoff to Patrick Mahomes. The exchange was botched and Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Bilal Nichols recovered the fumble for an easy defensive score.

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco was ruled out in the second half of the club's 20-14 loss against the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday with a concussion.The runner lost his helmet after making a reception late in the third quarter and then took a knee to the head before exiting.

Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen is looking to get back on track after the team's disappointing performance in Sunday's 29-10 loss to the Atlanta Falcons."It wasn't us, you know what I mean?" Steichen said Sunday, according to team reporter JJ Stankevitz. "You don't want to see it. You got to stop the bleeding and again, that starts with myself going forward. So, we got to get that corrected."The Colts' offense struggled to move the ball against the Falcons, averaging just 3.9 yards per play for a total of 262 yards. Quarterback Gardner Minshew threw for 201 yards and an interception while completing just 54% of his passes. The yardage mark is Minshew's third-lowest in a start this season.Running back Jonathan Taylor scored the team's lone touchdown in his return from a three-game absence but finished with only 43 yards on 18 touches.Ahead of Monday's contests, Indy's offense ranks 15th and ninth in yards and points per game, respectively.Minshew is looking forward to attempting to right the ship against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 17."Everybody thinks you got all this time and you're gonna have all these chances to make playoff runs, and it doesn't work like that," the 27-year-old quarterback said. "We have to take advantage when we got them. And I'm excited to see how we respond and bring it next week."The Colts currently hold the AFC's No. 7 seed with an 8-7 record. They close their season out with home contests against the Raiders and the Houston Texans.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs was ruled out for Monday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs and will miss a second straight contest.Jacobs was listed as questionable due to an illness and quadriceps injury that also prevented him from playing on Dec. 14. The Raiders blew out the Los Angeles Chargers 63-21 in that Week 15 Thursday night matchup.The 25-year-old has rushed for 805 yards and six touchdowns on 233 carries. He's also added 296 receiving yards on 37 catches.The two-time Pro Bowler is in his fifth NFL season, racking up 5,545 rushing yards over 73 career games.Copyright (C) 2023 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 their significance moving forward.Flacco does it again Cooper Neill / Getty Images Sport / GettyYour eyes don't deceive you. Joe Flacco really is turning back the clock.The 38-year-old quarterback, signed to Cleveland's practice squad on Nov. 20, has single-handedly saved the Browns' season. The offense has taken a major step forward since he stepped in as the starter on Dec. 3, with Sunday's game against the Texans standing as his best work to date.Flacco connected on 27 of 42 passes for 368 yards and three touchdowns as the Browns blew out the Texans for their third straight win, moving one step closer to the playoffs. Just as we all expected.He hasn't been flawless - another two interceptions against Houston gives Flacco seven in four games - but this team never needed perfection. The Browns can deal with the occasional turnover if it means having a quarterback capable of pushing the ball downfield and getting his weapons involved.Amari Cooper was particularly unstoppable in the win over the Texans, hauling in 11 receptions for a franchise-record 265 yards and two touchdowns. David Njoku has also seen his productivity soar with the new quarterback, as he's now found the end zone four times in four games.Overall, Flacco's 10 touchdowns since taking over as QB1 is somehow already more than Browns quarterbacks had in the previous 11 games combined. He's also thrown for over 300 yards in three consecutive games. Deshaun Watson hasn't topped that mark once in his 12 starts with Cleveland.What does that say about the Browns' $230-million quarterback? Well, it's not great. But that's a conversation for another day.All that matters right now is the fact that the Browns are a real threat, and we once again live in a world where Flacco has the honor of throwing quarterback discourse into absolute chaos.The NFL season never disappoints.Kings in the North Gregory Shamus / Getty Images Sport / GettyThirty years.That's how long it had been since the Lions' last division title. Back in 1993, when four current franchises didn't even exist, this organization was still playing in the old NFC Central. Yeah, it's been a while.Detroit's rise to the top of the NFC North, completed with Sunday's division-clinching win over the Vikings, is a landmark achievement in Year 3 under Dan Campbell. In case you had forgotten, this was no simple rebuild project.The new regime's first season was particularly rough, as the Lions simply didn't have the pieces to compete in the immediate aftermath of the Matthew Stafford trade. Even with a 3-13-1 record, though, it was clear that Campbell was laying the foundation for a new brand of football in Detroit.The Lions made significant improvements in Year 2, capping off an impressive season by knocking the Packers out of the playoff race in Week 18. They didn't shy away from the increased expectations this year, now having run off 11 wins to clinch the NFC North with two weeks to play.I've shared my doubts about this team being ready to hang with the big dogs in the NFC. The concerns about the defense, in particular, appear justified after the Lions, despite coming away with four interceptions, allowed Nick Mullens and a depleted Vikings offense to throw for 411 yards.But none of that takes away from this historic accomplishment and what it means looking to the future. No matter what happens in January, this is only the beginning for this version of the Lions.After three decades spent almost exclusively in the basement, this team is primed for an extended run in the spotlight. Lions fans deserve this.Jags might be cooked Kevin Sabitus / Getty Images Sport / GettyMuch like the Lions, the Jaguars were a popular preseason dark horse. Unlike the Lions, the Jaguars have utterly failed to deliver.Jacksonville has now lost four straight games, squandering an opportunity to take a stranglehold on the AFC South. Getting blown out by the Buccaneers in a crucial Week 16 game is the latest inexplicable result in an increasingly bizarre season.Trevor Lawrence will naturally get a lot of the blame from talking heads because QB wins are apparently all we care about. While it's true that he hasn't taken the expected step in joining the NFL's elite, that doesn't mean he's regressed, either. Lawrence, battling a host of injuries, is still demonstrating the qualities of an ascending superstar quarterback on a fairly regular basis.His supporting cast is a different story. Jacksonville entered Sunday's disaster ranked 31st in EPA lost on drops, 30th in EPA lost on fumbles, 32nd in EPA lost on WR/TE screens, and 30th gained on run plays, according to Robert Mays of The Athletic. That's a broken offense, folks.While the arrival of Calvin Ridley as a No. 1 receiver was expected to take this offense to new heights, investments made in the offensive line haven't paid off. Having a front five that can't be trusted in any phase of the game turned last year's high-powered attack into the pedestrian unit we've seen for much of this season.Factor in the NFL's 29th-ranked pass defense, and it's pretty amazing that Jacksonville has even managed to win eight games to this point.Finishing the season with matchups against the Panthers and Titans will still give the Jaguars every opportunity to hold off the Colts and Texans for the division title. From there, anything can happen. But perhaps we save the old "get hot at the right time" mantra for the real contenders.These Jaguars simply don't have it.Quick slantsSeahawks living on the ropes Andy Lyons / Getty Images Sport / GettySome teams have a knack for the big moment. Drew Lock saved the Seahawks' season with a last-minute touchdown drive to beat the Eagles on Monday night, and Geno Smith followed it up with a late score of his own Sunday against the Titans. Halting a four-game losing streak with a dramatic pair of victories puts the Seahawks back at 8-7 and in control of their playoff destiny. Is winning games like this sustainable? Probably not. But hopefully, we all know better than to sleep on a Pete Carroll team.Fangio still a studOpponents are rightfully terrified of the Dolphins' offense. As it turns out, Miami is pretty good on the other side of the ball, too. The defense was the big story of Sunday's win over the Cowboys, as Miami controlled the line of scrimmage in holding Dallas to 20 points. While this group rarely comes up in conversations about the league's top units, it's probably time for that to change. Vic Fangio's defense quietly made some significant improvements after a shaky start to the season. From Weeks 6-15, Miami ranked first in both EPA/play and success rate, according to Ben Baldwin's database. Pairing that kind of defensive play with an explosive scoring attack makes Miami a legitimate threat in the AFC looking ahead to January.Cowboys missing Zeke Megan Briggs / Getty Images Sport / GettyThe fantasy football community spent the better part of the last few years incensed that Ezekiel Elliott was eating into Tony Pollard's work in Dallas. It made sense on the surface; Pollard was producing significantly more explosive plays than his veteran counterpart. But there was a reason Elliott still had a major role. Now that he's gone, it's easy to see what Dallas is missing out on. Pollard somehow getting arm-tackled by a defensive back on the goal line was another reminder that - while there are many things he does well - physicality isn't his style. The efficiency numbers have always been great, but the idea that he could take on a feature load seemed like wishful thinking.Howell deja vuYou really can't make this stuff up. For the second time in as many games, Jacoby Brissett stepped in for a benched Sam Howell in the second half and nearly led the way back from a three-score deficit. In the case of Sunday's game against the Jets, three straight touchdown drives even gave the Commanders a late lead before New York won it on a walk-off field goal. Washington could've been in the playoff mix had it started its best quarterback from the jump. Also of note: Another team is going to get a steal with Eric Bieniemy when the Commanders clean house this offseason.Playoff PictureThe Broncos are quickly falling out of the AFC playoff race after a stunning loss to the Patriots on Sunday night. Meanwhile, the Dolphins and Lions are the latest teams to clinch a postseason berth. Catch up on everything you need to know about the current seeds and projected draft order with this week's NFL Playoff Picture.Stat of the week

Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton suffered a head injury on Sunday Night Football against the New England Patriots and was ruled out in the second half.Sutton sustained the injury in the first half. He underwent a concussion evaluation after his head smacked against the ground on an incomplete pass near the sideline in a one-on-one situation with Patriots defender Myles Bryant.Sutton entered Week 16 leading the Broncos in receiving with 770 yards and 10 touchdowns. The former Pro Bowler has made several highlight-reel catches this season to help Denver insert itself into the playoff race.The 28-year-old failed to record a catch against New England prior to suffering the head injury.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence acknowledged Sunday he's worried about the trajectory of his team following a blowout loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers."It's really embarrassing and frustrating," said Lawrence, who exited the affair with a shoulder injury in the fourth quarter. "You put a lot of work in to do that, and to look like you don't even practice - I mean, that's what it looks like. You just gotta call it like you see it sometimes; it's bad all the way around."The Jaguars were on the receiving end of a 30-12 shellacking in Tampa Bay, suffering their fourth straight loss and dropping to 8-7 on the season. Jacksonville entered the season with lofty expectations after making a surprise run to the AFC divisional round last season.After narrow defeats to the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns in early December, the Jags have been outscored 53-19 by the Baltimore Ravens and Buccaneers over the last two weeks."It just looks like we don't even practice," Lawrence said. "The stuff that we're doing, we look lost. No sense of urgency. God, I mean the list goes on and on. I feel like we have good weeks of preparation, and I feel like we're prepared going into games, and then something happens on game day the last month where it just all falls apart."Lawrence threw for 211 yards and a touchdown with two interceptions before leaving against the Bucs. He's slated to undergo tests on his shoulder, which he hurt on a scramble.The Jaguars, Indianapolis Colts, and Houston Texans have identical records atop the AFC South, though Jacksonville owns tiebreakers over both. The Jags finish the regular season against a pair of losing teams in the Carolina Panthers and Tennessee Titans."We've worked hard to be in this position, and we're close to pissing it away, so we've got to figure it out," Lawrence said.Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson also pointed to a lack of urgency while assessing his team's slide and agreed that his team has reached a crisis point."I would say yeah," Pederson said. "Four-game skid, crisis, our goals are still in front of us, nothing's changed there. But somewhere, we gotta stop this dam from busting wide-open."Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence will undergo further evaluation Monday for an injury to his throwing shoulder sustained in Sunday's 30-12 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, head coach Doug Pederson said, according to ESPN's Michael DiRocco.Lawrence left the contest early in the fourth quarter with the Jaguars down 30-6 and was ruled out minutes later. C.J. Beathard entered the game at quarterback for Jacksonville.The quarterback was injured on a fourth-down scramble and said postgame that he immediately knew he was hurt."When I landed, I knew ... something was off," he said.The star passer completed 17 of 29 pass attempts for 211 yards and one touchdown against two interceptions before leaving versus Tampa Bay. Beathard went 11-for-15 with 94 yards and one TD pass in his relief appearance.Lawrence has battled multiple injuries this season. He played through a knee ailment that affected his mobility in the first half of the campaign. The former No. 1 pick also sustained a high ankle sprain on Dec. 5 but hasn't missed any games. His status for the Bucs matchup was uncertain due to a concussion, but he cleared the protocol on Saturday.The 24-year-old entered Sunday with a 65.9% completion rate to go along with 3,525 yards and 18 touchdowns against 10 interceptions in 2023. He's posted a 90.5 passer rating, down from 95.2 in 2022.The Clemson product has yet to miss a start due to injury since entering the NFL in 2021 as one of the best quarterback prospects in recent memory.Sunday's loss dropped Jacksonville to 8-7. However, Pederson's outfit still ranks first in the AFC South.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Minnesota Vikings saw two of their top offensive weapons go down with injuries during Sunday's 30-24 loss to the Detroit Lions.Tight end T.J. Hockenson was ruled out in the third quarter due to a knee injury. He suffered the ailment after being tackled following a catch.

Both Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers want the signal-caller to return to the team in 2024, sources told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.Mayfield is set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the campaign, as the signal-caller signed a one-year, $4 million contract with the club last offseason.The franchise tag could be used on Mayfield, but both sides are hoping to get a deal done, Rapoport adds.Mayfield has revitalized his career in Tampa Bay, leading the club to first place in the NFC South with a 7-7 record through 14 games. He's coming off his best contest of the season, throwing for 381 yards with four touchdowns and zero interceptions in a crucial Week 15 matchup against the Green Bay Packers.The 28-year-old meshes well with offensive coordinator Dave Canales and is reportedly "happy" in the building and gets along with his teammates, per Rapoport.Mayfield won the job in training camp after competing with backup quarterback Kyle Trask. He's started every game this campaign, throwing for 3,315 yards with 24 touchdowns and only eight interceptions.The Oklahoma product can earn more money this season outside his $4 million base salary. He's set to make another $1 million in play-time incentives and can earn an additional $1 million if the club wins the NFC South, according to Rapoport.Mayfield has bounced around the league over the last couple of years. He was traded to the Carolina Panthers from the Cleveland Browns in 2022 but only lasted six starts before being placed on waivers. He was claimed by the Los Angeles Rams, where he started four games down the stretch of last season.Tampa Bay will face off against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 16.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Tyreek Hill will suit up against the Dallas Cowboys, the Miami Dolphins announced Sunday.Hill, who suffered an ankle injury in Week 14, returns to the lineup after missing last Sunday's victory against the New York Jets. He was listed as questionable heading into the Cowboys game.The 29-year-old is attempting to become the first NFL wideout to exceed 2,000 receiving yards in a season. Hill enters Sunday's game with 1,542. He'll need 458 yards over the Dolphins' final three games to reach the historic mark.Safety Jevon Holland will miss his fourth consecutive game with a knee injury. Defensive lineman Emmanuel Ogbah is also inactive with a hamstring issue.The 10-4 Dolphins only trail the 11-3 Baltimore Ravens for the AFC's No. 1 seed. They'll take on the Ravens next Sunday.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New York Jets are going to run things back in 2024.The AFC East franchise will retain head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas for the 2024 season, owner Woody Johnson told the New York Post's Brian Costello."My decision is to keep them," Johnson said Sunday. "I think we've had some very positive moves. The culture of the team is a lot better. The defense is better. The offense needs a few pieces."Johnson explained that his motive for sticking with Saleh and Douglas is to "keep the continuity going with Aaron (Rodgers)."The Jets have struggled since Rodgers went down early in Week 1 with an Achilles tear. The club has a 5-9 record and would own the No. 7 draft pick if the season ended today. The executive believes the signal-caller's absence is a big reason for New York's struggles."Like I said a year ago, we need a quarterback," Johnson added. "We had a quarterback for four plays. Since then we haven't been able to replace him. If we have a good quarterback, it makes everybody's job easier."Saleh joined the Jets in 2021 and owns a 16-32 record through 48 games.Douglas took over the team's general manager position in 2019 after spending several seasons as the Philadelphia Eagles' vice president of player personnel.The 47-year-old has delivered mixed results through the draft and free agency. Douglas' notable moves since joining New York include drafting Zach Wilson No. 2 overall in 2021, selecting Sauce Gardner and Garrett Wilson with the fourth and tenth overall picks, respectively, in 2022, and signing wide receiver Allen Lazard to a four-year, $44-million deal before the 2023 campaign.Douglas was also responsible for trading for Rodgers, who vocalized his support for the trio despite the team's issues this season."I believe in the leadership that we have here," Rodgers said Tuesday during his weekly appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show," per Rapoport. "I believe in our guys. It's not a situation where we have to rebuild. We need to reload a little bit, and there'll be some tough decisions. I like the pieces that we have in place."It was also reported by NFL Network's Ian Rapoport that there was no indication that offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett would be fired.Hackett has been one of the league's most scrutinized coaches since his tenure as the head coach of the Denver Broncos. The Jets' offense ranks 32nd in yards per game (255.1) and averages the third-fewest points per contest (14.4) this season.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins will suit up against the Cleveland Browns after missing Week 15 with a calf injury.Collins injured his calf early in Week 14 against the New York Jets and was inactive the following week against the Tennessee Titans.Collins leads Houston in receiving with 1,004 yards to go with six touchdowns. The 24-year-old co-anchored the Texans' receiving core with Tank Dell before his rookie counterpart suffered a season-ending injury in late November.The Texans own an 8-6 record and find themselves just outside the AFC playoff bubble.Houston will take on Cleveland without rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud, who'll miss his second straight game due to a concussion. Case Keenum will make his second consecutive start in Stroud's absence.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.