Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis is inactive for the team's Week 16 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks due to a high ankle sprain, the club announced Sunday.With Levis out, veteran signal-caller Ryan Tannehill will start.Levis didn't practice on Wednesday or Thursday but was a limited participant on Friday. He pushed to play at practice but couldn't meet the requirements to go on Sunday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.The 24-year-old suffered the injury in the club's 19-16 loss to the Houston Texans in Week 15. The defeat officially eliminated Tennessee from playoff contention.Levis took over the starting job in Week 8 and has appeared in every game since, throwing for 1,792 yards with eight touchdowns and four interceptions. He claimed the role from Tannehill after the latter sustained an ankle injury in Week 6 against the Baltimore Ravens.Tannehill has 1,128 yards with two touchdowns and six interceptions in six starts this campaign.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 16.Half PPR

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman won't play against the Atlanta Falcons after he had a relapse in his concussion symptoms, according to ESPN's Stephen Holder.The wideout was cleared Friday and had been expected to play but has now been downgraded to out.Pittman sustained the concussion after a violent collision with Pittsburgh Steelers safety Damontae Kazee in Week 15. Kazee was suspended for the remainder of the regular season after the hit.The Colts are expected to lean on Alec Pierce and rookie Josh Downs with Pittman sidelined. D.J. Montgomery's playing time could also increase after he posted two receptions for 48 yards on four targets against the Steelers.Pittman has enjoyed a career year despite playing with backup quarterback Gardner Minshew for the majority of the season. His 99 receptions, 1,062 yards, and four receiving touchdowns all pace the team.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence cleared the league's concussion protocol, the team announced Saturday.Lawrence is traveling with the Jaguars to Tampa Bay for the club's Week 16 matchup against the Buccaneers.Head coach Doug Pederson said Monday that Lawrence entered protocol due to a hit he took in the team's 23-7 loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday Night Football.Lawrence didn't practice Wednesday and Thursday but was a limited participant Friday. The injury report states that Lawrence is still battling an ankle injury he suffered on Dec. 4 against the Cincinnati Bengals.The Clemson product has never missed a start since entering the league as the first overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Lawrence has 3,525 passing yards with 18 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 14 games played this campaign.Jacksonville will look to end a three-game losing streak in Tampa Bay on Sunday.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Santa came down the chimney and left three presents for NFL bettors. One is a new sweater that resembles one you've previously been gifted. Another is a book you didn't ask for. Maybe you'll consume it, maybe not. Just when it looks like another forgettable Christmas, football's version of a shiny 10-speed bike is on the other side of the tree.Raiders @ Chiefs (-10, 41)Amid a stretch of the season when they weren't playing well, the Chiefs went to Las Vegas and spotted the Raiders 14 points before scoring 31 of the next 34 points to cover -9.5 comfortably. A win in New England isn't enough to make many believe Kansas City is back, but this line is almost the same with the Chiefs at home than when they were on the road in Week 12 versus the Raiders.Both teams racked up 6.2 yards per play in that first meeting, more than the Chiefs (5.6) and Raiders (4.8) have averaged this season and higher than their defenses have allowed. With both defenses playing well, if Kansas City doesn't take a pair of big punches from Las Vegas early, we should see a game played closer to the vest on both sides.Pick: Under 41Isiah Pacheco: Under 63.5 rushing yardsPacheco should be back after missing two weeks with a shoulder injury, but is it necessary for the Chiefs to overdo it with their difference-making tailback? Clyde Edwards-Helaire did well filling in for Pacheco while he was gone, and the Raiders held Pacheco to 3.7 yards per carry in the previous meeting. Even a sizeable workload for Pacheco might result in the under cashing here.Rashee Rice: Anytime touchdown (+120 or better)Rice went from moderately-used rookie, getting 50-60% of the snaps, to the main guy on the Chiefs' offense. He posted season-high snap shares over the last two weeks and recorded 38 targets across the previous four games. Rice also scored in three of those four contests, while his 84.2% catch rate over that stretch puts him head and shoulders above the rest of Kansas City's pass-catchers.Giants @ Eagles (-13.5, 43.5)The 2022 Eagles had a pretty cozy schedule. They got the Lions (Week 1) and Jaguars (Week 4) before each turned a corner. The Cowboys came to town without Dak Prescott. They beat another playoff team - the eventually proven fraudulent Vikings - in Week 2. A 13-3 record and an inflated rating came with it, and I doubt last year's Philadelphia team would have achieved the same high regard had they seen a gauntlet that included Dallas (twice), Kansas City, Buffalo, and San Francisco.The good news is that the run of rough matchups is over now. If the Eagles are anywhere close to how they've been thought of, with the full attention of the locker room that comes with a losing streak, they should do what they did to the Giants last year - crush them.The market has bet this up from an opening line of -10.5 to -13.5, so there are no bargains here. However, you can't ignore Philadelphia beating New York in three games in 2022 by a cumulative score of 108-45 and 68-7 in the first half, all within six weeks of each other at a point when the Giants were playing as well as they had in years.Maybe you argue that Philadelphia isn't as good, but the point of the first paragraph is that it might be and that the schedule hurt its perception the same way last year's helped. Moreover, Tommy DeVito is a significant downgrade to Daniel Jones. He'll likely get sacked on command against an Eagles defensive line that should get the jump on the Giants' snap at home.Pick: Eagles (-13.5)Saquon Barkley: Under 55.5 rushing yardsBarkley's production has largely come in the second half. He was held in check at halftime in wins at the Commanders and against the Packers, only to explode late. With a per-carry average of 2.9 yards before halftime and 5.5 after the break, I don't expect Barkley to have a chance to get his usual yardage boost in a game that might be out of reach.Quez Watkins: Anytime touchdown (+500 or better)Let's sprinkle a long-shot touchdown in hopes of a Christmas miracle. Quez Watkins has played over 50% of the snaps in the last three weeks, so he may score organically. Not being on the level of A.J. Brown or DeVonta Smith means he could get extra targets in garbage time.Ravens @ 49ers (-6, 47.5)You know we already like the Ravens' chances to stay with the 49ers in a game with a spread that suggests San Francisco would be favored by more than a field goal over anyone it may face in the Super Bowl.Maybe the NFC is worth a buy at -120 in "Conference to win the Super Bowl" markets. Or perhaps dominant wins over mediocre teams and a big revenge game in Philadelphia have inflated this number toward the 49ers.Lamar Jackson is a different problem than San Fran has needed to solve this year, and the Ravens' bruising ground game could have some success if Arik Armstead and Javon Hargrave aren't fully healthy. Extending long clock-chewing drives and converting those into points should keep this game close, and all it will take is for Baltimore's defense to force turnovers akin to when the Bengals won in San Francisco before this scorching stretch.Pick: Ravens (+6)Christian McCaffrey: Under 84.5 rushing yardsBlasphemy! Betting against McCaffrey is like taking the lord of fantasy football's name in vain. If there's a better linebacker duo outside of this game in the NFL, I don't know it. Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen should be singularly focused on not giving up massive gains. And if this game's close late, the 49ers can't run McCaffrey repeatedly in the hopes of killing the clock like they do in contests when they're up by two-plus scores.Lamar Jackson: Anytime touchdown (+180)It's been seven games since Jackson ran for a touchdown. The Ravens' MVP candidate can still score from a distance if there's a breakdown in run defense, but look for Jackson to put it on his shoulders near the goal line in this high-profile showdown.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.

Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper is unlikely to pursue Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh for the team's head coaching vacancy, a source told Dianna Russini of The Athletic.Tepper had conversations with Harbaugh last year before hiring Frank Reich, Russini adds.Harbaugh is expected to draw interest from NFL clubs with head coaching vacancies. The 60-year-old has been with Michigan since 2015 after a four-year stint with the San Francisco 49ers. Harbaugh could face further discipline from the Big Ten and NCAA as a result of their investigation into a sign-stealing scandal that already saw the Wolverines' boss receive a three-game ban from the sidelines.Tepper is expected to target Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and could give the club's defensive coordinator, Ejiro Evero, an interview after being impressed with the team's defense this season, according to Russini."He's incredibly accountable and ready to make it right. He's rejuvenated," a source told Russini of Tepper.The Panthers fired Reich only 11 games into his tenure. He was the third coach let go by Tepper during the season since 2019, joining Ron Rivera and Matt Rhule.Carolina's offense has been one of the most disappointing units across the NFL in 2023. After trading multiple first-round picks and star wideout D.J. Moore to move up in the draft and get quarterback Bryce Young, the club sits 29th in points per game and 30th in yards per contest.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson is set on reaching an impressive milestone for the second consecutive season."I want 1,000 yards," Wilson said, according to Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post. "I want that. Really bad. Period."He added: "I like to be conscious of what's going on and where I'm at. Sometimes when I do those reflections, I have to face the fact of what's going on and take some of the pressure off that I put on myself."Wilson needs 118 receiving yards over the last three games to hit 1,000. He is the Jets' only wide receiver with over 315 yards this campaign and boasts over 60% of the team's receiving yardage from wide receivers in 2023.The 23-year-old is having another productive year despite a revolving door at quarterback. Trevor Siemian is set to be New York's fourth starting signal-caller this season on Sunday and the seventh quarterback that Wilson has played with since entering the league in 2022."The reality of it is this hasn't been built for me to go out there and do what I think I can do. I have to be the best version of me - and I'm constantly on the chase of that," Wilson said.He added: "I have to do my job - if the ball comes my way, make a play. Get open. See where that puts us when the clock hits zeroes. It's something I'm getting a little used to, to be honest. Just being consistent on who I am, holding myself to my standard and whatever is going on around me is what it is."The Ohio State product is set to lead the team in targets, catches, and receiving yards for the second year in a row. He has 162 catches for 1,985 yards and seven touchdowns in 31 career games.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Establishing the run sparked playoff contenders to big wins last weekend. In the process, two dominant playmakers joined some exclusive company.Christian McCaffrey's three touchdowns and 187 yards from scrimmage helped the NFC-leading 49ers trounce the lowly Cardinals. Raheem Mostert scored twice as the Dolphins shut out the Jets. They became two of eight running backs this century to tally 20 scrimmage TDs within 14 games, per Stathead.James Cook rushed for 179 yards in the Bills' rout of the Cowboys. Kyren Williams' third 140-yard game - the NFL high in 2023 - powered a Rams triumph. Rachaad White's fourth straight 80-yard outing strengthened the Buccaneers' playoff chances. Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery combined to gain 185 yards, which put the Lions in position to rack up 42 offensive points.The ascent of these running backs has shaken up the NFL yardage leaderboard. Fresh faces follow McCaffrey as Week 16 gets going.However, rushing numbers slumped league-wide this year: Teams are picking up 0.3 fewer yards per carry and 9.5 fewer yards per game compared to 2022, according to Pro Football Reference. Last season produced five 1,200-yard rushers, but only Williams is on track to join McCaffrey above that threshold.The decline of stars is to blame. Running backs who usually pulverize defenses have been drastically less effective.Nick Chubb's MCL tear derailed his season in September. Ankle and thumb injuries, plus his contract dispute, held back Jonathan Taylor. Derrick Henry's punchlessness in Week 15 drew attention to his slowdown.

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 goes over the notable injury updates heading into Week 16.

Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel said Friday that Tyreek Hill hasn't experienced any setbacks this week and that he "feels good" about the star wide receiver's availability for Sunday's game against the Dallas Cowboys, according to NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe.Hill missed Miami's 30-0 win over the New York Jets last weekend due to an ankle injury. He was a limited participant in the team's final two practices this week, and the Dolphins listed him as questionable on the injury report for their Week 16 matchup.The seven-time Pro Bowler leads the league with 1,542 yards and 12 touchdowns while averaging 118.6 yards per game.Miami is also expected to have rookie tailback De'Von Achane available Sunday after he was limited in practice this week due to a toe injury.McDaniel also remains optimistic that Austin Jackson could be active Sunday despite an oblique injury causing the offensive tackle to miss time during the week. Jackson is listed as questionable for Sunday.The Dolphins can clinch a playoff berth with a win over the Cowboys. They can also lock up the AFC East division title with a victory or tie and a loss by the Buffalo Bills in Week 16.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith doesn't carry an injury designation heading into the team's Week 16 matchup and will play against the Tennessee Titans, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.Smith hasn't played in the last two games due to a groin injury. The 33-year-old was active for the second of those contests but didn't play.Drew Lock has started in place of Smith, throwing for a combined 477 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions in a loss to the San Francisco 49ers and a win over the Philadelphia Eagles.The Seahawks hold a 7-7 record and are currently the NFC's No. 8 seed, just outside of the playoff picture entering the weekend.Smith returns against a Titans defense that's allowing 339.3 total yards of offense and 21.5 points per game. Those marks rank 19th and 18th in the league, respectively.The West Virginia product has thrown for 2,918 yards, 15 touchdowns, and nine interceptions while completing 64.4% of his passes in 12 starts.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Indianapolis Colts are expected to have running back Jonathan Taylor and wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. on the field for Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons, the team announced.Taylor, who missed the last three games with a thumb injury, has no injury designation.Pittman cleared concussion protocol for Sunday's game, head coach Shane Steichen told reporters Friday, according to Mike Chappell of Fox 59. He's listed as questionable, though that's due to a shoulder injury. He was a limited participant on Friday.Steichen also said earlier Friday that Taylor "looks good" but didn't reveal his official injury status at the time.Pittman sustained a concussion after taking a scary hit last week from Pittsburgh Steelers safety Damontae Kazee, who was suspended for the rest of the regular season for the play.Pittman added that he didn't think it was a clean hit, but doesn't believe Kazee was trying to injure him."I think it was not a clean hit, but I don't necessarily want them to suspend him and him lose out on everything," the Colts' receiver said, according to ESPN's Stephen Holder.He added: "I do think that they were head-hunting, but I don't think he meant to try to impose a life-changing injury. I don't think any player has that in them. And you never want to see guys lose games and lose that much money."Pittman noted that he doesn't remember the collision and didn't realize the violent nature of it until his wife and daughter came in the locker room crying.Meanwhile, running back Zack Moss will be questionable after exiting the win over Pittsburgh with a foreman injury. If Moss can't play, Trey Sermon and Tyler Goodson - who combined for 157 rushing yards in Week 15 - would back up Taylor.The 8-6 Colts are in the thick of the AFC playoff race with three games remaining.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The 'dogs didn't bark, and the Cowboys couldn't stay within shouting distance of the Bills, so we gave some back in Week 15.BET TYPERECORD (Net)Best bets ATS39-23-5(+13.8units)Underdogs ATS42-33(+5.8units)Upset of the week4-10 (-3.25 units)Teaser/ML parlay7-7 (-2.5units)Best bets ATSWe've already discussed the five underdogs with a shot to win outright relative to their price, and as always, they're worth a look against the spread.TEAMSPREADTexans+2.5Vikings+3Cardinals+4.5Cowboys+1.5Ravens+5However, there are more plays worth making this week.Bengals @ Steelers (+3, 37.5)We went against the prevalent market opinion that the Steelers would be primed for an outlier performance on the road last week. Mitch Trubisky supersedes any such hope.While Mason Rudolph isn't getting you out of your favorite chair, there are some mismatches he can take advantage of without doing anything spectacular. Specifically, the Bengals' defense, already second-last against the rush and pass by yards per attempt, is now without their main cog in the middle, D.J. Reader.Jake Browning got away with desperation tosses last week, and the Steelers have already seen him in action, holding the Bengals - now without Ja'Marr Chase - to just 222 yards. The Steelers' thin secondary depth is possibly what's stretched this line to -3, but with a game I have lined closer to pick'em, getting the full field goal turns this into a bet.Pick: Steelers (+3)Bills @ Chargers (+12.5, 43.5)We don't like to put caveats in this space, but we have to advise you to wait until Saturday evening before holding your nose and clicking the button on the Chargers.Double-digit underdogs that lost by 35-plus points the week prior are 19-4-1 against the spread in the last 20 years, according to Action Network. It's an easy-to-understand trend. No one wants the team that got blown out in near-historical fashion, the line (which I have as a fair price of -10.5) gets inflated, and the better club wins comfortably without covering a big number.L.A. also has a significant rest advantage and an expectation that it'll respond to its coach getting fired, while the Bills are coming off an important win at home. The two teams should level off to where Buffalo wins but by less than two touchdowns.Pick: Chargers (Wait and bet +13 or better)Packers @ Panthers (+5, 36.5)We called our shot for a second time on a Panthers win this season. However, having lived through every snap against the Falcons, we can acknowledge that any other opponent would have taken care of Carolina last week.The Packers had a rough six days, but those two losses should have them fully focused on taking care of business against an inferior team. Atlanta's best work on offense came when it schemed open receivers against Carolina, something Green Bay excels at.Pick: Packers (-5)Commanders @ Jets (-3, 36.5)Zach Wilson went from AFC Offensive Player of the Week to getting shut out in Miami and out with a concussion this week. Given how bad the Commanders are on defense, Trevor Siemian could be next in line for the penthouse, with trouble waiting for him in Cleveland in Week 17.The Jets' defense held the Texans to 2.6 yards per play two weeks ago and can do the same to a Commanders' team whose biggest hope for an efficient offense is a spark from Jacoby Brissett as the clock counts down on Ron Rivera. Brian Robinson Jr. is also out again this week.Pick: Jets (-3)Jaguars @ Buccaneers (-2.5, 42.5)It's looking less and less likely that Trevor Lawrence will play. If that's the case, any point spread under a field goal needs to trigger a bet on the Buccaneers. Securing Tampa Bay under the key number of -3 means it wouldn't be a disaster even if Lawrence can go and the line shifts back to a pick'em.The Bucs are quietly piling up well-earned wins as their offense has found a second dimension with Rachaad White and defensive adjustments with a shift in available personnel. Their three straight wins have come against below-average teams, but what about the Jaguars' last three games have shown that they're any better?Pick: Buccaneers (-2.5)Player props Let's do an express edition of the player props!Jared Goff: Under 252.5 passing yardsThe Vikings' defense blitzes Jared Goff at a high rate, and, as he has throughout his career, the signal-caller struggles to put up big numbers in Minnesota.Drake London: Over 53.5 receiving yardsTaylor Heinicke didn't have Drake London available to him in his lone start-to-finish game this season. But the quarterback gets a shaky Colts' secondary at home this week and presumably a license to air it out with the season on the line.DK Metcalf: Longest reception over 23.5 yardsGeno Smith started on Thanksgiving night with a sore elbow, and DK Metcalf had three catches for 33 yards and a long reception of 14 yards. In every other game since Week 4, Metcalf has recorded a catch longer than 23 yards, and the Titans' secondary isn't good.Sam Howell: Under 213.5 passing yardsC.J. Stroud came into MetLife Stadium engulfed in flames two weeks ago, and the Jets' defense doused him, holding him to 91 yards passing. Can't they rough up Sam Howell, who risks getting benched again?Semaje Perine: Over 13.5 receiving yardsWith blustery conditions expected Sunday night, look for Russell Wilson to play it safe. That means check-downs to Samaje Perine on third downs and, hopefully, during the Broncos' two-minute offense.Best 6-point teaser / Moneyline parlayColts +8.5 / Broncos -1 (-130)The Falcons are just good enough to be favored against other "mid" teams (Packers, Texans, Vikings, Saints, Buccaneers) but not good enough to expect them to win those games by a significant margin. Atlanta was outgained the one time it did - beating New Orleans by nine.I don't know that I believe it's the right move, but the Broncos have been bet up to -7. Let's ask Denver to merely win a snow game on Christmas Eve rather than hoping for Wilson to come down the chimney with the gift of a dominant victory.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.

Head coach Bill Belichick confirmed that the balls for both the New England Patriots and Kansas City Chiefs were improperly inflated when the teams met last Sunday."Well, the officials handle that, and they were underinflated by two-to-2.5 pounds," Belichick said. "I think you could see that by the kicks. Both kickers missed kicks. Kickoffs, we had two of them that almost went out of bounds. So, they had six balls. It was both sets of balls. It was all six of them. So, I don't know."Belichick said the issue was resolved in the second half.Kicking footballs are supposed to be between 12.5 and 13.5 pounds per square inch, with the responsibility for inflation falling on game officials, who are in possession of the footballs prior to the game.The inflation of footballs was a topic surrounding the Patriots in the past. The franchise was fined $1 million, docked two draft picks, and quarterback Tom Brady was suspended four games, for what the league determined was a plot by the club to provide improperly inflated balls during the AFC Championship Game against the Indianapolis Colts in 2015."Again, the things that are out of our control, I don't know what the explanation is. But, it was the same for both teams," Belichick said when asked about the accusations the team dealt with nearly a decade ago.A spokesperson for the league declined to comment regarding the underinflated balls, per ESPN's Mike Reiss. Referee Shawn Hochuli's crew worked the Chiefs-Patriots game.Belichick pointed to missed field goals by both the Patriots' Chad Ryland and Chiefs' Harrison Butker in the first half as evidence of the underinflated balls' impact on special teams. Ryland missed a 41-yard field goal attempt, while Butker missed a three-point try for the first time this season on a 39-yard attempt.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NFL postseason is only three weeks away and, while 26 teams are still technically alive in the playoff race, many are on the verge of elimination.With a ton of games lined up for this festive weekend, let's get to our best total bets.Bengals @ Steelers under 38 pointsThis AFC North rivalry won't be too exciting for fans of high-scoring outings. The Steelers have the fifth-worst scoring offense and have lost three straight, including two to the Patriots and Cardinals.Pittsburgh's season is crumbling, and an uncertain quarterback situation isn't helping. Kenny Pickett is still out with an injury. Mitch Trubisky started last week, but head coach Mike Tomlin is turning to third-stringer Mason Rudolph to try to turn things around this weekend. Unfortunately, nothing can save Pittsburgh's offense, even though the team's defense is among the top 10 in scoring.Meanwhile, the Bengals' offense has looked good with Jake Browning under center. The Steelers won 16-10 when these teams met a month ago. Expect a similarly low-scoring game.Commanders @ Jets under 37The last three Jets games - and five of the last seven - have gone under 37 points, and they failed to score a single point against the Dolphins last week. New York's offense averages 14.4 points per game, the third-worst mark in the league.But the Commanders aren't much better. They average 20.1 points per game, the league's 10th-worst mark. And, while Washington has the league's worst defense, it won't make a difference against the Jets' incompetent offense. This is the second-lowest total of the week in what should be the ugliest game of the weekend. Both teams are eliminated from the playoffs, so they aren't competing for much.Broncos team total: Over 20.5 pointsThe Broncos are long shots to make the playoffs, but there's still a chance if they win out - which isn't an unreasonable concept with matchups against the Patriots, Chargers, and Raiders.Sean Payton is in contention for Coach of the Year after turning a group dealing with early-season struggles into a competitive team. Russell Wilson looks like a competent quarterback again and likely saved his job with impressive performances over the last few weeks.Denver has scored over 20 points in five of its last seven games and will now take on New England's average defense. The Patriots surrender 21.4 points per game and would benefit from losing rather than winning as they've been eliminated from playoff contention. After a down week against the Lions, Denver should bounce back with a notable offensive showing.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.

Randy Moss believes he deserves the top spot on the list of the greatest wide receivers in NFL history.The Hall of Famer stated his case for being the GOAT receiver while appearing on "Cold As Balls" with Kevin Hart this week, saying he would even rank himself above Jerry Rice."Hands down, I consider myself as the greatest wide receiver to ever play the game," Moss said. "It wasn't a shot at Jerry. I still have respect and love for Jerry, but I just thought the way that I changed the game of football."While Moss considers himself No. 1, he did rank Rice among his top four receivers of all time, along with Terrell Owens and Calvin Johnson.Rice is a three-time Super Bowl champion who holds nearly all of the NFL's significant receiving records, including career receptions (1,549), receiving yards (22,895), and receiving touchdowns (197). He's the only receiver in NFL history to eclipse 20,000 career receiving yards.Moss ranks second among receivers with 156 career receiving touchdowns and third with 15,292 receiving yards.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NFL fined the Atlanta Falcons $75,000 and head coach Arthur Smith $25,000 for violating the league's injury report policy after the club didn't disclose Bijan Robinson's illness in Week 7, a source told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.Robinson sat out most of the Oct. 22 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers but wasn't listed on the Falcons' injury report leading up to the game. The incident sparked an NFL investigation.Atlanta didn't explain Robinson's absence until Smith notified reporters at halftime of the contest that the rookie running back was sick.Robinson said postgame that he was dealing with headaches and woke up the previous night feeling "out of it."The 21-year-old played 11 snaps in the contest and received only one carry, which came late in the fourth quarter.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 16 rankings for the rest of your lineup decisions. You can also listen to the Week 16 preview episode of theScore Fantasy Football Podcast.StartBaker Mayfield, Buccaneersvs. Jaguars Perry Knotts / Getty Images Sport / GettyRiding the hot hand in the fantasy playoffs is normally a wise decision, especially when they have an advantageous matchup.Mayfield is coming off back-to-back top-12 fantasy weeks, including a QB2 overall finish in Week 15. He's also responsible for seven total touchdowns during that span.Now he'll take on a Jags defense that's allowed the fifth-most passing yards, seventh-most passing TDs, and third-most fantasy points to quarterbacks in 2023.Boone's projection: 306 passing yards, 3 passing TDsOther QBs to start

New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson will miss Sunday's game against the Washington Commanders due to a concussion, head coach Robert Saleh announced Friday.Trevor Siemian will get the Week 16 start with Brett Rypien backing him up, Saleh added, per ESPN's Rich Cimini.Aaron Rodgers will not serve as the emergency third-string quarterback. Rodgers was activated off injured reserve earlier this week, but Saleh confirmed he will not play. The veteran quarterback revealed Tuesday that he's not 100% yet as he aggressively attempts an unprecedented return from a torn Achilles suffered in Week 1.Wilson, who suffered the concussion during last week's game against the Miami Dolphins, has made 11 starts since Rodgers' injury, going 4-7 in those contests. He put together his best performance of the year in a Week 14 victory over the Houston Texans, completing 75% of his passes for two touchdowns and no interceptions while earning a 117.9 passer rating.The 5-9 Jets were eliminated from playoff contention last Sunday.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The race for Offensive Rookie of the Year appeared to be over after C.J. Stroud's incredible start to the season, but Los Angeles Rams receiver Puka Nacua continued to make it tough on voters with another big performance in Thursday's win over the New Orleans Saints.After Nacua went off for nine catches for 164 yards and a touchdown, Rams head coach Sean McVay said the wideout "would get my vote" while also praising Stroud for a "great year.""He's really special," McVay said, according to ESPN's Sarah Barshop. "But the best part about him is, he doesn't worry about those things. He worries about just being a great teammate, continuing to improve his game. (I) sure love this team. And he's one of those guys that you really love."Nacua pushed his season totals to 96 catches for 1,327 yards and five scores on Thursday night and is now just 147 yards shy of Bill Groman's single-season rookie record with two games remaining.Meanwhile, Stroud has the Houston Texans in the playoff hunt and has racked up 3,631 yards and 20 touchdowns against five interceptions. The No. 2 pick's candidacy seemed iron-clad a month ago, but he missed Week 15 with a concussion and is reportedly likely to sit out again in Week 16.Stroud also had a three-interception performance in a win over the Arizona Cardinals in Week 11 before producing his worst game of the season in a 30-6 loss to the New York Jets in Week 14, ending the contest with only 91 passing yards on 23 attempts.While Stroud was an obvious award candidate following a standout career at Ohio State, Nacua wasn't on anyone's radar after being selected in the fifth round. Even the rookie receiver himself said he was just focused on how to carve out a role as a special teamer."I was thinking about how would I be able to block well enough to get on the field and if I was going to be a special teams player and how I was going to be able to figure that out," Nacua said.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

With only three weeks left in the 2023 NFL regular season, the race for the league's top awards is heating up.Here's a look at the best five candidates for the main honors:Coach of the Year5. DeMeco Ryans, Texans Tim Warner / Getty Images Sport / GettyRyans' first season in Houston couldn't have gone much better. Under the first-year head coach, the Texans have started this season 8-6 after winning seven games combined in 2021 and 2022. And it's not that Houston has a ton of individual talent. Granted, the team drafted quarterback C.J. Stroud and edge rusher Will Anderson in the top three last April, but their transition to the NFL has been a lot smoother thanks to what Ryans and his coaching staff have done on both sides of the ball. In Week 15, Ryans and Co. showed how strong their group is by beating the Titans despite missing Stroud, Anderson, and other key starters due to injury.4. Kevin Stefanski, BrownsRyans won one game with a backup quarterback. Stefanski has helped the Browns to a 9-5 record despite starting four different QBs: Deshaun Watson, Dorian Thompson-Robinson, P.J. Walker, and Joe Flacco. Cleveland has won at least one contest with each under center. Most recently, Stefanski's offensive system helped Flacco post back-to-back 300-yard games to keep Cleveland in a playoff spot despite playing without star running back Nick Chubb since Week 3. The 2020 Coach of the Year winner and his coaching staff have done a tremendous job of putting together a balanced team that features an elite defense and very physical offense.3. Shane Steichen, ColtsA few months ago, nobody thought Indianapolis would be in the playoff race. Former All-Pro running back Jonathan Taylor started the campaign on the physically unable to perform list, and fourth overall pick Anthony Richardson sustained a season-ending injury in Week 5. Only a really well-coached team would be able to overcome those losses and sit at 8-6 with three games left on the season. While Indy hasn't played the toughest schedule, Steichen and Co. have built an above-average offense with Gardner Minshew at quarterback and a top-10 defense in the second half of the season.2. Mike McDaniel, DolphinsThough coaches who can do more with less have been favored for COY recently, McDaniel deserves a lot of credit for building the NFL's best offensive scheme. The Dolphins, who entered 2023 with high expectations, are the league's highest-scoring team and rank first in passing yards and fourth in rushing yards per game. Few coaches, if any, have maximized skill-position players' talents like McDaniel.1. Dan Campbell, Lions Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyNo other coach has impacted a team on and off the field in the last three seasons like Campbell, who's having his best year on the Lions. Detroit is 10-4 this season - its first double-digit-win campaign since 2014 - and one win away from its first divisional title since 1993. With help from coordinator Ben Johnson, Campbell has built an offensive juggernaut that plays to his players' strengths like no other. We won't blame you if you don't believe the Lions can make a run in the playoffs - they're still the only NFC team that's never played in the Super Bowl. But Detroit has something really special going on under Campbell.Defensive Rookie of the Year5. Calijah Kancey, BuccaneersKancey has had some issues against the run, but few young defensive linemen can generate pressure and take down opposing quarterbacks like the No. 19 pick. Despite missing three games due to injury, the Pitt product has racked up the second-most sacks (four) and QB hits (12) among rookies. He also leads this draft class with nine tackles for loss.4. Ivan Pace Jr., VikingsWe won't blame you if you aren't familiar with Pace. Unlike the other DROY candidates - all of whom were first-round picks - the Cincinnati product entered the NFL as an undrafted player. He's since exceeded expectations significantly. A dynamic linebacker with quick feet and great instincts, Pace has racked up 77 tackles, 2.5 sacks, two pass breakups, one forced fumble, and one interception through 14 games. The 23-year-old - who was named Defensive Player of the Week after a 13-tackle, one-interception outing in Week 14 - is a main force on Minnesota's rejuvenated defense.3. Will Anderson, TexansAnderson is a key member of Ryans' defense in Houston. The Alabama product, the top edge rusher available in the draft, stands out for his consistency and has amassed 42 tackles (eight for loss), five sacks, and 19 QB hits, the most in the NFL among first-year players. While Anderson's resume lacks game-changing plays - he has yet to force a turnover - there aren't many flaws in the 22-year-old's game. His performances have arguably been better than his stat line suggests. He's a great run defender who's also in the top 25 in the whole league in pass rush win rate, according to PFF.2. Devon Witherspoon, Seahawks Jane Gershovich / Getty Images Sport / GettyInjuries have cost Witherspoon two games, but when he's on the field, it's hard not to fall in love with the dynamic cornerback's play. The No. 5 pick rarely makes mistakes and has already established himself as one of Seattle's main defensive leaders. A corner with outstanding instincts, unmatchable explosiveness, and the tackling ability of a linebacker, the Illinois product has recorded 65 tackles, four QB hits, three sacks, one forced fumble, one pick-6, and 16 pass breakups, which is tied for the third-most in the league. He's also posted one of the season's greatest individual performances thanks to his Week 4 masterpiece.1. Jalen Carter, EaglesForget rookies - few defenders in the NFL have been able to pile up clutch plays as often as Carter, this year's ninth overall selection. The interior lineman has put on a show in Year 1, racking up 28 tackles (seven for loss), eight QB hits, five sacks, two forced fumbles, and a fumble return touchdown. The Georgia product is also the sixth-highest-graded interior defensive lineman and ranks fifth in pass rush win rate at his position in 2023, according to PFF. Even though Carter's production in the second half of the season hasn't been as impressive, he's still one of the few Eagles players making big plays amid the team's three-game skid.Offensive Rookie of the Year5. Jahmyr Gibbs, LionsThis race's fifth place came down to Gibbs and Bijan Robinson, the Atlanta Falcons tailback who ranks second in scrimmage yards among rookies. However, Gibbs has been more effective, outgaining the Falcons back in yards per carry (5.7-4.6). Plus, the Lions running back has had a greater impact on his team. While Atlanta is still figuring out how to explore Robinson's talents, Gibbs keeps improving in Detroit. The No. 12 pick, who has scored eight touchdowns in his last eight appearances, has recorded 1,088 scrimmage yards and eight total TDs while leading all first-year players in broken tackles on rushing plays.4. Jordan Addison, Vikings Michael Owens / Getty Images Sport / GettyAddison was the fourth and last wide receiver drafted in the first round but has been the most productive pass-catcher of the group. The USC product has caught nine touchdowns - tied for the most among first-year players - to go along with 824 yards on 62 receptions. Six of his scores covered at least 20 yards, including two 60-plus-yard TDs. Addison is a solid No. 2 option for the Vikings and also flashed his potential as their No. 1 WR in the seven games Justin Jefferson missed with an injury.3. Sam LaPorta, LionsLaPorta is the fastest-rising Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate. Though that may not be enough for the second-round tight end to jump to No. 1 by season's end, it'll help him continue to put up unreal numbers and make history along the way. With 71 receptions for 758 yards and nine touchdowns, the Iowa product essentially already owns every Lions single-season record for a rookie TE. Oh, and he's the first player at his position in NFL history to produce 70-700-9 as a rookie. LaPorta, who ranks in the top four for basically every tight end stat, has scored at least one touchdown in three of his last four games, including three in Week 15.2. Puka Nacua, RamsThe most productive receiver in the 2023 draft class, Nacua continues to turn heads despite entering the league as a fifth-round pick. Not only does Nacua lead all first-year pass-catchers in targets (146), catches (96), and receiving yards (1,327), but the BYU product - who's scored five TDs - is the only rookie to even post 100-plus targets and 1,000-plus yards so far in 2023. A great fit in Sean McVay's offense, Nacua recorded at least 150 scrimmage yards for the fourth time while putting on a show versus the Saints on Thursday.1. C.J. Stroud, Texans Andy Lyons / Getty Images Sport / GettyStroud missed last week due to a concussion, but the award is still his to lose. The No. 2 pick is easily football's best rookie quarterback and has been crucial in helping Houston suddenly become a playoff candidate in the AFC. In 13 starts, he's completed 62.4% of his passes while tossing 3,631 yards and 20 touchdowns against five interceptions. Stroud may not be in the MVP conversation like he was a few weeks ago, but only a disaster in the season's final stretch would prevent the Ohio State product from winning the OROY.Defensive Player of the Year5. Danielle Hunter, VikingsHunter has been a cornerstone for a top-10 Minnesota defense that's played better than many expected. The dynamic Brian Flores-coordinated unit put Hunter in a great position to succeed, and the results have been incredible: The three-time Pro Bowler has already set a career single-season high with 15.5 sacks, which ranks second in the NFL this year. He's also racked up 21 tackles for loss (the most in the league) and four forced fumbles.4. DaRon Bland, CowboysDallas needed a corner who could make game-changing plays after Trevon Diggs sustained a September season-ending injury, and that's exactly what Bland has done. In 2023, the second-year cornerback has helped keep the Cowboys' secondary as one of the league's most dangerous units by setting an NFL single-season record with five pick-6s. He leads the league with eight interceptions. But Bland is more than just a turnover machine: the 24-year-old also ranks sixth with 14 pass breakups and has allowed a 62 passer rating in 74 targets.3. T.J. Watt, Steelers Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyA healthy Watt continues to dominate and pile up more sacks than any other player. The Steelers linebacker - who led the NFL in sacks in 2020 and 2021 but had an injury-plagued 2022 - paces the league with 16 sacks in 14 games this season. The former DPOY also has 29 QB hits under his belt to go along with seven pass breakups, three forced fumbles, one interception, and one defensive touchdown. His ability to impact the game in so many different ways is unmatchable. Unfortunately, Pittsburgh losing three straight games and likely missing the playoffs will be a big blow to Watt's case as football's top defender.2. Micah Parsons, Cowboys

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, and Google.In this episode, Boone opens up the fantasy mailbag to answer your questions before Week 16.

Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jack Jones believes he knows exactly what his team has to do to stop the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday.Jones said Thursday that his focus is not on Kansas City's skill-position players. Instead, he thinks all the Raiders have to do is slow down the reigning NFL MVP."We're not worried about them," Jones said when asked about the Chiefs' receivers, according to team reporter Levi Edwards. "It's Patrick Mahomes we gotta stop, the magician. You stop the magician, then the act is over."Easier said than done.Mahomes is 10-1 in his career against the Raiders, having tossed 29 touchdowns against three interceptions in those meetings. The two-time MVP passed for 298 yards and two scores to help Kansas City take down Las Vegas 31-17 last month. The Raiders haven't beaten the Chiefs since October 2020.Jones joined Las Vegas on Nov. 14 after being waived by the New England Patriots. The 26-year-old has amassed 15 tackles, two pass breakups, and a pick-6 in four games with the Raiders.Las Vegas interim head coach Antonio Pierce is also aware of Kansas City's trick plays ahead of Week 16."We saw the 'Ring around the Rosie' last year. That's cool," Pierce recently said about the Chiefs' viral red-zone play versus the Raiders in 2022, according to ESPN's Paul Gutierrez. "The best way to stop a trick play is to what? Hit 'em in the mouth."The 6-8 Raiders are coming off a 63-21 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. Meanwhile, the 9-5 Chiefs - who beat the Patriots last week - will clinch the AFC West title for the eighth straight year if they defeat Las Vegas.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Jalen Hurts clarified his remarks about the Philadelphia Eagles' lack of commitment amid a three-game losing streak, instead turning the criticism back on himself."It all runs through me. It all starts with me. So when I say 'we,' I mean 'me,' because I'm the point guard out there who makes everything go," Hurts said Thursday, according to Jori Epstein of Yahoo Sports."This is something that we're going through, not something we're stuck in."After the Eagles fell to the Seattle Seahawks in dramatic last-minute fashion Monday, the star quarterback suggested the team's poor performances were due to a lack of dedication."I've been talking about execution all year, being on the same page, everyone being on the same page," Hurts said. "We didn't execute. I don't think we're ... committed enough."Hurts added Thursday that he thinks "everyone has the right mentality" but that "everyone has to challenge themselves," according to Martin Frank of the Delaware News Journal.The Eagles were the favorites to earn the NFC's No. 1 seed and lone bye after starting the season 10-1. Meanwhile, Hurts was among the top MVP contenders.But Hurts has struggled during the losing streak, which included blowout defeats to the San Francisco 49ers and Dallas Cowboys, the Eagles' main conference competition.The 25-year-old played through an illness against Seattle and threw two fourth-quarter interceptions, including one on a questionable downfield throw with the Eagles nearing field-goal range in the final minute while down three points.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

We gave back a couple of doubloons from our pot of gold last week. In classic NFL fashion, the woeful Carolina Panthers were the lone team to come through.Profitable underdogs are harder to come by late in the season. We've got 14 games of information about who is good and who isn't, and the bad teams largely lack self-belief at this point. As a result, this might be the last edition of our weekly guilty-pleasure bet. As we've warned in the past, the nature of the final two weeks of the NFL regular season lends itself to a "wait and see" approach when it comes to anyone capable of a surprising win.Usually, all we hope for is to catch three or four big underdogs to get a decent payout. This week, we'll have to go five-for-five since there's not much to pick from at longer odds.How it worksWe parlay five underdogs together - which we also bet against the spread - in 10 different three-team parlays. Using every combination of a three-team parlay is called a round robin, so we'll use a total of 1.1 units to make 11 different bets: 10 three-team parlays and one five-team parlay, each for .1 units. You'll likely double your money if three teams pull off the upset. If four teams win, you're connecting on four separate parlays and will be very pleased with the return. If all five teams win, you'll be diving into a gold-doubloon silo like a young Scrooge McDuck.Who to playTexans (+120) over BrownsIt's not looking good for C.J. Stroud, as the line flipped from Texans -2.5 to the Browns as the favorite on reports that Stroud won't play Sunday.We'll target that as a market overreaction. Case Keenum struggled early on the road in Tennessee in his third start since 2019 (he won the other two), but the Texans' offense found enough rhythm late to pull off a comeback win. Back at home this week, and facing a Browns defense that's been much worse on the road, the Texans should look better from the start.Joe Flacco - on the injury report with calf soreness - threw three interceptions last week, which was overshadowed by a comeback win.Vikings (+140) over LionsIt took me five days to get over Nick Mullens' performance on Saturday. Two unimaginable interceptions prevented the Vikings from blowing out the Bengals, and two of the saddest quarterback sneaks you've ever seen prevented Minnesota from salvaging a win in overtime. Also, if Tee Higgins hadn't saved the day for Jake Browning, the Vikings would be returning home for this game in much higher regard.The Lions mauled the Broncos, who were playing their third straight road game and who provided a good matchup for Jared Goff with intermediate throws underneath coverage. This week, Goff will see all the blitzes he can handle, forcing him him to get the ball out early, which the Vikings should be ready for. The Vikings also boast a top-three run defense, similar to Chicago's, which Detroit struggled against twice recently.Cowboys (+105) over DolphinsThe Cowboys are no big underdog, but including them here shows how much we like them to bounce back from getting pummelled by the Bills last week. Conditions should be comfortable in Miami, and the Dolphins are so ravaged by injury that their whole offensive line missed practice Wednesday. The Cowboys have passed the illness that went through their locker room on to Buffalo, so expect Dak Prescott to look more like himself this week and Micah Parsons to be a problem for Tua Tagovailoa.Cardinals (+175) over BearsAre the Bears suddenly worth being -200 to beat another NFL team? This line's higher than when Chicago played Carolina. Admittedly, Tyson Bagent played in that game, but Kyler Murray can do a lot more than Bryce Young.Weather shouldn't be an issue for the dome team from the desert, and the Cardinals handled messy conditions well in Pittsburgh three weeks ago.The best thing the Bears do is stop the run, but the Cardinals are used to not being able to rely on their ground game. And while the Arizona defense gets abused through the air, it's been satisfactory against quarterbacks not named Joe Burrow, Matthew Stafford, and Brock Purdy (twice).Ravens (+195) over 49ersWe try to avoid betting against the fully healthy version of the 49ers. However, if we can get three wins out of the four Sunday games above, that would add up to much better than 2-1 odds for John Harbaugh and Lamar Jackson (11-2 ATS as an underdog) to pull off a Christmas night upset.With the 49ers' market rating historically high, we've been waiting for a team that can take advantage of San Francisco's banged-up defense (allowing 6.0 yards per play to the Seahawks and Cardinals) with an effective enough defense to make Purdy sweat. No one has a better defense than the Ravens, who are already talking about how they're the underdogs. We should be in for a close game that may come down to special teams - Baltimore's bread and butter.How the odds look this week:PARLAYODDS (Approx.)HOU+MIN+ARI+1500HOU+MIN+DAL+1000HOU+MIN+BAL+1500HOU+ARI+DAL+1200HOU+ARI+BAL+1700HOU+DAL+BAL+1200MIN+ARI+DAL+1300MIN+ARI+BAL+1900MIN+DAL+BAL+1400ARI+DAL+BAL+1600HOU+MIN+ARI+DAL+BAL+9000Who are your five underdogs for a football betting lottery ticket?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.

Any NFL team wanting to land Ben Johnson as its head coach this offseason should be prepared to open its checkbook.Some owners have been told that the Detroit Lions' sought-after offensive coordinator has an asking price of around $15 million, a source told Josina Anderson of CBS Sports.Johnson is widely expected to be the most in-demand candidate for the 2024 hiring cycle after turning the Lions into a serious contender in the NFC.The 37-year-old was targeted by the Houston Texans and Carolina Panthers last offseason but withdrew his candidacy in favor of returning to Detroit.The Lions have been one of the NFL's best offenses since promoting Johnson to coordinator after stints in various position roles.They rank third in total yards per game (394.4) and fifth in scoring offense per game (27.3 points) this season, and finished fourth and fifth in those respective categories in 2022.The upcoming hiring cycle is expected to be a highly competitive one. Adam Schefter of ESPN said in late November on "The Pat McAfee Show" that he expects "seven to 10" head coach vacancies in 2024.The Carolina Panthers, Las Vegas Raiders, and Los Angeles Chargers already have openings after firing Frank Reich, Josh McDaniels, and Brandon Staley, respectively, during the season.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 16.Updated rankings will be released Saturday and Sunday this week.Half PPR

The NFL is investigating whether the Tampa Bay Buccaneers violated injury-reporting rules by failing to downgrade linebacker Devin White from questionable to out for Sunday's game against the Green Bay Packers."We will review the matter with the club," an NFL spokesman told Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.It was reported Sunday morning that Bucs head coach Todd Bowles decided to make White a healthy scratch for the game. Bowles then said after Tampa Bay's win that his decision to keep the linebacker sidelined came after White informed the team that he wasn't available.White, 25, also missed Weeks 13 and 14 due to a foot injury. He was originally listed as questionable for Week 15 but was a full participant at practice Thursday and Friday and flew to Green Bay with Tampa Bay. His attitude reportedly didn't sit well with some of his teammates and coaches.Bowles tried to clarify the incident Wednesday by saying White didn't play because he was injured, according to Florio. White also addressed the situation."I've just been seeing a lot of stuff saying that I quit on my team. I don't understand how I could do that when it was me and coach Bowles' decision to sit down and rest to be able to help my team," White said Wednesday, according to River Wells of Bucs Wire. "That's the biggest thing that didn't sit well with me because I'd never quit on my team. I love this game so much, I love competing so much."In 11 appearances this season, White has amassed 69 tackles, three pass breakups, two sacks, and one interception. He has been selected to one Pro Bowl and one All-Pro second-team since the Buccaneers drafted him fifth overall in 2019.The LSU product's contract expires at the end of the season.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Baltimore Ravens can't wait to prove doubters wrong as they enter their highly anticipated Week 16 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers as underdogs."I don't want them to pick us," Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson said Wednesday, according to ESPN's Jamison Hensley. "I like being the underdog. I believe we play better when we're doubted and (when) people aren't choosing us to win the game. I feel like we play better all the time, so just do it all the way to February."The Ravens are currently 5.5-point underdogs, which would be the second-largest underdog spread of Jackson's NFL career, Hensley notes.Baltimore safety Kyle Hamilton says his team is being overlooked."We feel a little disrespected by that," Hamilton said. "I feel like we are the best team in the league, and we have an opportunity in front of the country to show it."Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey added that he was "surprised" by the size of the spread versus the Niners.Monday's heavyweight contest is one of the biggest clashes of the year and will feature two 11-3 teams that are currently the No. 1 seed in their respective conferences. San Francisco has the best point differential in the NFL (plus-191), while Baltimore leads the AFC in that category (plus-159).Though many around the NFL see the Ravens-49ers matchup as a potential Super Bowl preview, Jackson said he isn't considering that narrative."The Super Bowl is in February. We're in December right now," Jackson added, per Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team. "We gotta focus on Monday night. I'm not worried about what people said."The 49ers have won six games in a row, while the Ravens are on a four-game winning streak.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

While not the sexiest matchup, it's got to be better than last week. Especially for those of us on the 'dog. Woof.Thank goodness for player props keeping us interested in the Chargers-Raiders game for far longer than we should have been, waiting for Easton Stick to, thankfully, clear his completions total.With the Saints and Rams sitting at 7-7, you can look at the standings and see they're both in the mix for one of two NFC wild cards. Though no one's getting eliminated on Thursday night, this game will be crucial in determining which one of these teams has a better shot at making the postseason.Saints @ Rams (-4, 46.5) You'll hear things like "the Rams are 4-1 when Kyren Williams gets 20-plus carries," as if all a team has to do to win is hand the ball to their tailback 20 times. Handicapping any game with the Rams means you have to put the cart after the horse and figure out if L.A. can get into a situation where it gets Williams to 20-plus carries.If the Rams can run the ball, everything follows suit for Matthew Stafford and Los Angeles. Here are the five opponents Williams received a heavy workload against, his rushing yardage, and how those rush defenses fare overall in terms of yards per carry allowed:GAMERUSH YARDSYPC ALLOWED (Rank)@IND (Week 4)1034.5*ARI(Week 6)1584.5 (T-25th)@ARI(Week 12)1434.5 (T-25th)CLE (Week 13)884.4**@BAL (Week 14)1144.3 (T-18th)WSH (Week 15)1524.5 (T-25th)*Colts' YPC allowed during six games without run-stuffer DT Grover Stewart

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 goes over five tips to help you advance to the fantasy championships.

Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni is taking responsibility for his team's struggles amid its three-game losing streak."This offense is being run the exact same how it was last year," Sirianni said Wednesday, according to Josh Tolentino of The Philadelphia Inquirer. "This is my offense. The criticism unfairly goes to (offensive coordinator) Brian Johnson because he's calling the plays. The criticism should go to me. The offense has been similar throughout my three years."The Eagles have lost three in a row, most recently to the Seattle Seahawks on Monday Night Football after allowing a last-minute touchdown. Philadelphia hasn't scored more than 20 points in any of those matchups.Philly's offense still ranks fifth in EPA/play on the season, but the unit is only the 14th-best in the league in that category in the last three weeks.The Eagles, who rank 26th in points allowed, recently made a big change by naming senior assistant Matt Patricia their defensive play-caller instead of defensive coordinator Sean Desai. Sirianni, however, isn't planning on making a similar move on the offensive side of the ball."I'm not thinking a change needs to be made there," Sirianni added, according to Jeff McLane of The Philadelphia Inquirer.Sirianni was also asked about whether his offense is predictable at the moment after San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey - who faced Philadelphia three weeks ago - predicted an Eagles play on the "ManningCast" during Monday's loss."It's about what you do well and repeating those things," Sirianni said. "That's pretty common of good offenses that they're going to have staples that they lean on."Philadelphia reached the Super Bowl last season but ultimately fell short against the Kansas City Chiefs. Owners of one of the NFL's most talented rosters, the Eagles kept most of their stars in the offseason. However, they lost former offensive coordinator Shane Steichen and former defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon to head coaching jobs.The Eagles, who've already clinched a playoff berth in 2023, play the New York Giants twice and the Arizona Cardinals in their final three regular-season games.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave will play Thursday night against the Los Angeles Rams, head coach Dennis Allen announced Wednesday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.Olave missed his team's Week 15 win over the New York Giants due to an ankle injury.He was a limited participant in Tuesday's practice, and his Wednesday participation is yet to be revealed.Olave is the Saints' leading receiver this season, boasting 918 receiving yards on 72 receptions. No other player on the team has exceeded 570 receiving yards.The 23-year-old exceeded 100 receiving yards in two of his last three games.Both the Saints and Rams are in the thick of the NFC's playoff race with 7-7 records. New Orleans is currently the ninth seed in the conference and holds an identical record as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, the Buccaneers lead the NFC South, as they own the tiebreaker advantage. Meanwhile, the Rams sit in the last wild-card spot.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

At this point in the NFL season, most award markets are between two, maybe three, candidates who have a real chance. Some, such as the Offensive Rookie of the Year, are all but locked up.However, the Coach of the Year award is completely up in the air, with no coach shorter than +250 and six shorter than +1000. For comparison, the next-closest races from an odds perspective are MVP and Defensive Player of the Year, each with only three players shorter than +1000.Let's dig into the candidates for the season's top coach.Coach of the Year oddsCoach (Team)OddsDan Campbell (DET)+260DeMeco Ryans (HOU)+270Shane Steichen (IND)+300Mike McDaniel (MIA)+650Kyle Shanahan (SF)+800Kevin Stefanski (CLE)+900John Harbaugh (BAL)+1400Sean McVay (LAR)+2200Kevin O'Connell (MIN)+2500Sean Payton (DEN)+2500Zac Taylor (CIN)+2500Odds via theScore BetDan Campbell is the favorite at +260 and has been at, or near, the top of the oddsboard all season. Working in Campbell's favor is the fact that the Lions have already recorded 10 victories, a total that seems to be a barometer for recent Coach of the Year winners.Only one coach has won the award with a team that finished with nine or fewer wins since 1990, and that was Brian Daboll last year.Bruce Arians won the award in 2012 with a 9-3 record, but he took over for Chuck Pagano, who stepped away after being diagnosed with leukemia, and the Colts finished the season at 11-5.Making the playoffs is also a must. The last coach to win the award and miss the playoffs was Jimmy Johnson in 1990, when the Cowboys finished at 7-9.Ten wins and a playoff spot puts the resumes of both DeMeco Ryans (Texans) and Shane Steichen (Colts) in question.Ryans has done an incredible job turning around a struggling Texans organization and likely leading C.J. Stroud to the Offensive Rookie of the Year honor. The Texans have won more games under Ryans this year than their past two seasons combined. Stroud is likely to miss his second straight game, and another win with backup Case Keenum could strengthen Ryans' case further.But both the Texans and Colts sit at eight wins and are battling for one of the AFC's final wild-card berths. In the next two weeks, the Texans play the Browns and Titans, and the Colts have the Falcons and Raiders, before the two division rivals face off in what could be a play-in game in Week 18.Whichever coach comes out on top in that Week 18 game to potentially clinch a wild-card spot could win the Coach of the Year.The next two coaches on the oddsboard - Mike McDaniel and Kyle Shanahan - have one thing working against them: high expectations. This theory can also be applied to Campbell.It was assumed before the start of the season that the Dolphins, 49ers, and Lions would compete for a division title. Anything short of the playoffs for these three teams would have been a disappointment.Since Daboll won last year with a 9-7-1 record, it seems as though preseason expectations are factored into the vote. The Giants overachieved and snuck into the playoffs, which wowed voters in Daboll's first year with the team.Whether fair or not, higher preseason expectations are hurting McDaniel's and Shanahan's chances. If the 49ers' coach couldn't garner enough votes last year with 13 wins while starting three different quarterbacks, he's unlikely to get more recognition this season with another talent-rich team and the MVP favorite, Brock Purdy.Kevin Stefanski is also deserving of the award. The Browns' coach has won games with four different starting quarterbacks and is getting the most out of current starter Joe Flacco, who was signed off the street a month ago. The Browns are somehow 9-5 and holding the top wild-card position in the AFC.If Stefanski wins the honor, he would join Bill Belichick, Ron Rivera, and Arians as the only multi-time winners in the last 20 years.There are only three weeks left in the regular season but so much has yet to be determined. Perhaps a long shot like Zac Taylor could come out of nowhere and steal the award if the Bengals stay hot with backup quarterback Jake Browning. Or maybe John Harbaugh will win his second COY award if the Ravens can run the table to an AFC-best 14-3 record.Either way, for bettors out there, the Coach of the Year market may be the most compelling market to follow as the regular season comes to a close.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Atlanta Falcons won't decide on the future of head coach Arthur Smith before the end of the 2023 campaign, according to team owner Arthur Blank."We are committed to coach Smith," Blank told GPB News' Jeff Hullinger. "We are going to play these last three games; we are committed to win. We will let the season play out and go from there."At the end of the year, we will assess where we are and go from there."Atlanta has endured a disappointing 2023 campaign. The NFC South doesn't have a team with a win percentage over .500, so the 6-8 Falcons sit behind the New Orleans Saints (7-7) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-7) in the division. The Falcons' season hit a new low in Week 15 when they dropped a crucial game to the then one-win Carolina Panthers.Blank explained that making the playoffs isn't a necessity, but noted that he did expect a better year overall."The requirement was we have more of a competitive team this year," Blank said. "I think through this part of the season, it's been mixed, quite honestly, that's what I think."Smith is in his third season coaching the Falcons. He hasn't surpassed seven wins in any of his three years with the team.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 16.Updated rankings (including Standard and PPR) will be released Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday this week.Half PPR

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud is still in the concussion protocol and is expected to miss his second consecutive game, ESPN's DJ Bien-Aime reports.The signal-caller missed the team's 19-16 overtime win over the Tennessee Titans on Sunday after suffering a concussion against the New York Jets in Week 14.Veteran Case Keenum started in place of Stroud against the Titans and is expected to get the nod again if the rookie can't go. Keenum completed 23 of 36 passes for 229 yards, one touchdown, and one interception last week.Davis Mills, a 2021 third-rounder, is expected to back up Keenum. The team also signed Tim Boyle to its practice squad Tuesday, a source told NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.Stroud has been one of the NFL's most productive rookies since being selected second overall in April's draft. The 22-year-old has thrown 20 touchdowns against just five interceptions while completing 62.4% of his attempts for 3,631 yards in 13 games. His 1.1% interception rate is the best mark in the league among qualified passers, per Pro Football Reference.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Jerry Jones thoroughly enjoyed watching the Seattle Seahawks score a late touchdown to beat the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday Night Football.The Dallas Cowboys owner told 105.3 The Fan's "Shan and RJ" show Tuesday that he was so excited over the result that he had a hard time falling asleep afterward."It was marvelous. I watched every bit of it," Jones said. "I thought I was about to doze, then when they made those two exciting plays I couldn't sleep until four this morning because of the impact that it can have on our year and our season."The Cowboys were defeated 31-10 by the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, but thanks to the Eagles' loss, they remain in first place in the NFC East at 10-4 and hold the No. 2 seed in the playoffs.The Eagles also sit 10-4 on the season and currently occupy the No. 5 seed.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Indianapolis Colts suspended wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie and cornerback Tony Brown three games for conduct detrimental to the team, the team announced Tuesday.No additional details were released about the suspensions.McKenzie and Brown were inactive for the Colts' win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 15.Both players have spent the season primarily as special teams contributors.McKenzie has tallied 11 receptions for 82 yards in 13 games. The 28-year-old signed a one-year contract with the Colts. He was released by the Buffalo Bills in March after nearly five seasons.Brown has recorded 10 tackles and one interception. The Alabama product has spent the past two seasons in Indianapolis following stints with the Cincinnati Bengals and Green Bay Packers.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've invited Santa Claus to drop off a gift for each team in celebration of the holiday season.1. San Francisco 49ers (11-3) Christian Petersen / Getty Images Sport / GettyPrevious rank: 1A healthy Brock Purdy: San Francisco also had an excellent regular season in 2022 but fell short in the NFC title game after Purdy went down with an early injury. The 49ers will remain Super Bowl favorites as long as the NFL MVP front-runner stays healthy.2. Baltimore Ravens (11-3)Previous rank: 3Bubble wrap for Lamar Jackson: The Ravens are the team to beat in the AFC and will keep that status as long as Jackson is on the field. Baltimore, which hasn't won a playoff game since the 2020 campaign, saw Jackson go down with injuries in the final stretch of each of the last two seasons.3. Buffalo Bills (8-6)Previous rank: 5A Cookbook: Buffalo has played its best football this year when James Cook is heavily involved in the game plan. The second-year running back had a career day with 221 scrimmage yards and two total touchdowns Sunday to help the Bills improve to 3-1 in games where Cook has 20-plus touches.4. Dallas Cowboys (10-4)Previous rank: 2No away days: Dallas is the NFL's only unbeaten team at home. However, the Cowboys are only 3-4 on the road, and Sunday's blowout loss to the Bills showed that playing away from AT&T Stadium could be an issue for Mike McCarthy's outfit in the playoffs.5. Philadelphia Eagles (10-4) Steph Chambers / Getty Images Sport / GettyPrevious rank: 42022 Jalen Hurts: Philly has a lot of issues right now, but what the club has been missing the most is Hurts' brilliance. The star quarterback, who finished second for MVP last year, threw two picks Monday and has now tossed only one touchdown in his last three games.6. Kansas City Chiefs (9-5)Previous rank: 6A receiver to step up: Wide receiver production continues to be a big issue for the Chiefs. Even future Hall of Fame tight end Travis Kelce hasn't been able to elevate the Patrick Mahomes-led offense in 2023.7. Miami Dolphins (10-4)Previous rank: 7A speedy recovery for Tyreek Hill: Miami looked good without Hill against a solid Jets defense, but the Dolphins have tougher tests coming up, starting with the Cowboys in Week 16. Having the speedster, who's battling an ankle injury, back soon is crucial for Mike McDaniel's outfit.8. Detroit Lions (10-4)Previous rank: 8More prime-time games: Saturday night's blowout over Denver improved Detroit to 4-0 in prime time this season. The Lions, who are one win away from winning their first division title since 1993, visit the Cowboys on Saturday evening in Week 17.9. Los Angeles Rams (7-7)Previous rank: 10More takeaways: Forcing turnovers has been an issue for the Rams. Los Angeles has only 12 takeaways so far, tied for the second-lowest mark in the league.10. Cleveland Browns (9-5) Jason Miller / Getty Images Sport / GettyPrevious rank: 11More Joe Flacco magic: Flacco hasn't been perfect since joining the Browns, but he has been clutch in Cleveland's last two games. The veteran passer has thrown for seven TDs in three starts with the AFC North club.11. Houston Texans (8-6)Previous rank: 14Better injury luck: The Texans played Week 15 without quarterback C.J. Stroud, receivers Tank Dell and Nico Collins, edge rusher Will Anderson, and linebacker Blake Cashman, among other starters. Somehow, Houston found a way to edge Tennessee in overtime.12. Denver Broncos (7-7)Previous rank: 9Another good playmaker: Receiver Courtland Sutton has been great this season, but other Broncos skill-position players have lacked consistency in 2023. Wideout Jerry Jeudy has as many drops as touchdowns (one), and running back Javonte Williams is averaging only 3.7 yards per carry.13. Cincinnati Bengals (8-6)Previous rank: 15A blowtorch for Tee Higgins: Higgins came up big on Saturday and scored two touchdowns, his first TDs since Week 2. The Bengals now hope he can find a way to get hot and make a bigger impact in what's mostly been an inconsistent campaign for the two-time 1000-yard wideout.14. Jacksonville Jaguars (8-6)Previous rank: 12Better protection for Trevor Lawrence: Jacksonville needs to improve its pass protection, which ranks only 20th in the NFL, according to PFF. Lawrence, who entered the concussion protocol Sunday, has been sacked 32 times in 14 games this year.15. Seattle Seahawks (7-7) Steph Chambers / Getty Images Sport / GettyPrevious rank: 16More ex-Giants: Seattle snapped a four-game skid versus Philly due in part to big-time performances from defensive lineman Leonard Williams and defensive back Julian Love, who both joined this year from the Giants. While Love signed with Seattle in free agency, Williams was acquired as part of a clutch in-season trade.16. Indianapolis Colts (8-6)Previous rank: 18The old Jonathan Taylor: The star tailback could return from injury as early as Sunday, and Indianapolis will become a real threat if Taylor plays his best football again. The former All-Pro, who led the NFL in rushing in 2021, has topped 100 scrimmage yards just once this year.17. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-7)Previous rank: 19A short-term deal for Baker Mayfield: Rewarding Mayfield with a monster extension would be risky, but the 2018 No. 1 pick has done a good job for the Bucs and just became the first visiting quarterback ever to post a perfect passer rating at Lambeau Field. Signing him to a short-term contract could be Tampa Bay's best QB plan for 2024.18. Minnesota Vikings (7-7)Previous rank: 17QB stability: Brian Flores has made the Vikings defense one of the league's best units. Minnesota is going to have a hard time taking advantage unless one of its quarterbacks proves capable of ending the ongoing carousel.19. Green Bay Packers (6-8)Previous rank: 13A new defensive coordinator: Packers fans have been wanting this for a while now, and it's time their wish is granted. Joe Barry should be on the way out after allowing Mayfield to post a perfect passer rating at Lambeau.20. Las Vegas Raiders (6-8) Candice Ward / Getty Images Sport / GettyPrevious rank: 24A rare win over the Chiefs: The Raiders have beaten the Chiefs only twice in the last nine seasons. Can Las Vegas follow up a 63-point outburst with a much-needed victory over its biggest rival?21. New Orleans Saints (7-7)Previous rank: 21A salary-cap reset: The Saints need a miracle to get out from under the salary-cap situation they've created for themselves. Unfortunately, that's not going to happen. It'll be a long road back from this mess.22. Chicago Bears (5-9)Previous rank: 23No more Panthers wins: The Bears have to be sweating after the Panthers got their second win of the season last week. Another victory for Carolina could result in Chicago losing out on the No. 1 pick.23. Atlanta Falcons (6-8)Previous rank: 20A franchise QB: The Falcons have some talented playmakers, but it's going to be difficult to maximize that group without an established quarterback. An upgrade at head coach might not be the worst idea, either.24. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-7)Previous rank: 22An offensive overhaul: Everything about the Steelers' offense is a mess right now. A complete makeover is needed in the offseason.25. Tennessee Titans (5-9) Justin Ford / Getty Images Sport / GettyPrevious rank: 25Continued improvement for Will Levis: The Titans have to be encouraged by what they've seen from their second-round rookie quarterback. A promising end to the season could help Levis establish himself as the unquestioned starter heading into 2024.26. New York Giants (5-9)Previous rank: 26An offensive line: The Giants have allowed 76 sacks through 14 games. Part of the responsibility falls on the quarterbacks, no doubt, but the front five has to be much better.27. Arizona Cardinals (3-11)Previous rank: 27A new wide receiver group: Marquise Brown has been the only somewhat productive receiver for the Cardinals, and he's heading for free agency. This unit needs at least two major additions in the offseason.28. New York Jets (5-9)Previous rank: 28Patience: It seems like Aaron Rodgers will soon be cleared to return. That doesn't mean he should play. The Jets' season is already over. Get him healthy for a potential run in 2024.29. Washington Commanders (4-10)Previous rank: 30New everything: The Commanders finally got a fresh start with new ownership, and it's time to start fresh with the majority of the football operation, too. That could mean a new coaching staff, quarterback, and personnel all over the defense. Let's get the team a new name while we're at it.30. Los Angeles Chargers (5-9) Mike Mulholland / Getty Images Sport / GettyPrevious rank: 29Ben Johnson: The presence of Justin Herbert alone will probably make the Chargers' head coaching vacancy the NFL's most attractive this offseason. Pairing the star quarterback with one of the league's best offensive minds, like Lions coordinator Ben Johnson, would be a home run.31. New England Patriots (3-11)Previous rank: 31An amicable split with Bill Belichick: All signs point toward the Patriots moving on from their longtime leader, and it may well be time for a change. Fans can only hope the two sides go their separate ways on good terms.32. Carolina Panthers (2-12)Previous rank: 32Someone to save Bryce Young: This season has been a disaster for Carolina. Owner David Tepper needs to make the right hires if the Panthers are going to create an environment where the No. 1 pick can succeed.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It doesn't sound like Aaron Rodgers will make another on-field appearance in 2023 despite a heroic attempt to return from a torn Achilles.The New York Jets' quarterback didn't definitively say he won't be back this season, but Rodgers, who had his 21-day practice window opened on Nov. 29, said Tuesday that he wasn't near 100% ahead of Wednesday's deadline to activate him off injured reserve."If I was 100% today, I'd definitely be pushing to play. But the fact is, I'm not," Rodgers said on the "Pat McAfee Show," according to Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer. "I've been working hard to get closer ... I'm still 14 weeks tomorrow from my surgery and being medically cleared as 100% healed is not realistic at 14 weeks."It was previously reported that Rodgers was likely to be medically cleared this week, but his return to the lineup was still uncertain. The veteran signal-caller embarked on an unprecedented and aggressive rehab in hopes of returning from an Achilles tear suffered in Week 1.Rodgers stated that his return would depend on his health and the Jets' postseason chances. New York was eliminated from playoff contention on Sunday.While the 40-year-old's first season away from Green Bay was spoiled by injury, Rodgers believes 2024 won't be the end of his Jets tenure."When I came here, I got a renewed passion and love for the game and everything has been amazing here," Rodgers explained. "I wanted at least two years, and I feel like this year is kinda a lost year now that I only played a couple snaps."He continued: "I don't think next year will be my last year. ... I feel like I can play more years and I can be effective."The four-time league MVP says he believes in the Jets' leadership brass and that the team's future is "very bright," according to ESPN's Rich Cimini."The night is always darkest before the dawn and we're going to rise again," Rodgers added.Rodgers is under contract with the Jets through 2025, per Spotrac.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 top players available on the waiver wire.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase is expected to miss some time after sustaining a shoulder injury in Week 15, reports Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.Chase, who reportedly had an MRI on his shoulder Monday, will likely miss Saturday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers and could be sidelined for more weeks, according to Rapoport.Bengals head coach Zac Taylor reiterated Tuesday that Chase is day-to-day when asked about the report, according to Joe Danneman of Fox19. The star pass-catcher sprained his AC joint late in the fourth quarter of Saturday's 27-24 overtime victory against the Minnesota Vikings.The two-time Pro Bowler tops Cincinnati with 93 receptions, 1,156 yards, and seven touchdown catches this season. He's surpassed 1,000 yards each year since entering the NFL as the fifth overall pick in 2021.Chase also missed four games due to injury in 2022.The 23-year-old's injury is a big blow to a Bengals team that lost quarterback Joe Burrow to a season-ending wrist ailment earlier this season. The victory over Minnesota improved Cincy to 8-6, good for the No. 6 seed in the AFC.Cincinnati boasts one of the NFL's deepest group of wide receivers and is now expected to rely mostly on Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd. Higgins scored two touchdowns versus the Vikings but has lacked consistency. The two-time 1,000-yard wideout, who's also missed time due to injury, has topped 100 receiving yards just once in 2023.After visiting the Steelers in Week 16, the Bengals finish their regular season with matchups against the Kansas City Chiefs and Cleveland Browns.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Atlanta Falcons are sending Desmond Ridder to the bench for a second time this season, the team announced on their depth chart Tuesday.Taylor Heinicke will start Sunday's matchup against the Indianapolis Colts.Ridder played poorly in a Week 15 loss to the Carolina Panthers, completing just 12 of 20 passes for 152 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. His pick came in the opposing team's red zone, with the Panthers scoring a game-winning field goal on the ensuing drive.The 2022 third-round pick was benched for two games earlier this season, starting Weeks 9 and 10 on the sideline. However, Ridder returned to the lineup in Week 12 following Atlanta's bye.The Falcons have lost two in a row to fall to 6-8, placing them behind the 7-7 division-leading Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They also trail the 7-7 New Orleans Saints in the NFC South.Ridder has thrown 10 touchdowns to 10 interceptions this season.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Quarterback Jalen Hurts questioned the Philadelphia Eagles' commitment following their third straight loss Monday."I've been talking about execution all year, being on the same page, everyone being on the same page," Hurts said postgame, according to Kevin Patra of NFL.com. "We didn't execute. I don't think we're ... committed enough."Hurts struggled to clarify his remark about his team's commitment when asked by reporters, saying, "I don't have a dictionary on me now. ... I don't know how else to say that."The 25-year-old quarterback battled through an illness to play in Monday night's game versus the Seattle Seahawks. He completed 17 of 31 throws for 143 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions. Both picks came in the fourth quarter, with the first being caught in the end zone and the second coming on the Eagles' final drive to seal the win for the Seahawks.Hurts shouldered responsibility for his role in Philadelphia's three-game slide, dropping its record to 10-4."We just have to be better," Hurts said. "I have to be better. Minimize the mistakes, the penalties, the mental errors. Play team football, and it starts with me leading that. We've lost games because I can be better. That will change everything, and I accept that."Over the team's three consecutive losses, Hurts has thrown only one passing touchdown, though he's pitched in three with his legs. His 40.1 passer rating in Monday night's game is his lowest since 2021.Despite Philadelphia's troubles, Hurts said he can see "light at the end of the tunnel.""We have to make an internal change in how we attack things," Hurts added. "How we come to work every day. It starts with the little things, how committed we are to doing what we're doing. And it all starts with me, the quarterback. It's a challenge I'm embracing."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 Michael Hickey / Getty Images Sport / GettyGardner Minshew, ColtsNext upRosteredFABat ATL25%$5Minshew has been a solid streaming option over the last month with fantasy finishes of QB5, QB11, QB14, and QB19.Even with Michael Pittman exiting with a concussion in Week 15, Minshew managed to throw for three scores.His next opponents, the Falcons, are among the 10 easiest matchups for fantasy quarterbacks, so Minshew remains a strong streamer - even if Pittman isn't cleared to play.Baker Mayfield is above the 50% rostered mark but would be the top add this week if available.Streaming options: Jake Browning at PIT (47% rostered), Joe Flacco at HOU (25% rostered)Risky streaming options: Nick Mullens vs. DET (4% rostered), Derek Carr at LAR (39% rostered), Tommy DeVito at PHI (8% rostered), Taylor Heinicke vs. IND (0% rostered)Risky streaming options (if starter is out): C.J. Beathard at TB (1% rostered)Desperation streaming options: Aidan O'Connell at KC (5% rostered), Bailey Zappe at DEN (2% rostered), Mason Rudolph vs. CIN (0% rostered), Bryce Young vs. GB (13% rostered), Easton Stick vs. BUF (2% rostered)Desperation streaming options (if healthy): Zach Wilson vs. WAS (6% rostered), Will Levis vs. SEA (21% rostered)Desperation streaming options (if starter is out): Ryan Tannehill vs. SEA (2% rostered), Trevor Siemian vs. WAS (0% rostered)Running backs Justin Edmonds / Getty Images Sport / GettyZamir White, RaidersNext upRosteredFABat KC15%$49With Josh Jacobs sidelined due to a knee injury last week, White stepped into the lead back role by playing 70% of the Raiders' snaps and delivering 85 scrimmage yards and a score on 20 touches.If Jacobs is healthy this week, White will return to the bench. But not knowing the severity of Jacobs' knee injury and with little for the Raiders to play for, the veteran back could sit out another game.In that scenario, White would be a volume-based RB3 facing a Chiefs defense that's allowed some big stat lines to running backs lately, including Jacobs (125 yards, TD), James Cook (141 yards, TD), D'Andre Swift (107 yards, TD), and AJ Dillon (87 yards).Ty Chandler, D'Onta Foreman, 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): Trey Sermon at ATL (0% rostered), Tyler Goodson at ATL (0% rostered)Flex options: Chase Brown at PIT (20% rostered), Tyjae Spears vs. SEA (45% rostered), Roschon Johnson vs. ARI (21% rostered), Justice Hill at SF (13% rostered)Risky flex options: Samaje Perine vs. NE (25% rostered), Jerick McKinnon vs. LV (41% rostered), Rico Dowdle at MIA (11% rostered), Jamaal Williams at LAR (15% rostered)Desperation flex options: Clyde Edwards-Helaire vs. LV (40% rostered), Kenneth Gainwell vs. NYG (28% rostered), Isaiah Spiller vs. BUF, Latavius Murray at LAC (15% rostered), Ty Johnson at LAC (0% rostered), Miles Sanders vs. GB (42% rostered), Emari Demercado at CHI (3% rostered), Jordan Mason vs. BAL (3% rostered), Patrick Taylor at CAR (3% rostered)Desperation flex options (if starter is out): Chris Rodriguez Jr. at NYJ (3% rostered), Ameer Abdullah at KC (1% rostered)Other backups to roster: Jeff Wilson Jr. (10% rostered), Elijah Mitchell (14% rostered), D'Ernest Johnson (7% rostered), Royce Freeman (7% rostered), Chase Edmonds (1% rostered), Matt Breida (2% rostered), Michael Carter (2% rostered), Leonard Fournette (4% rostered), Kendre Miller (4% rostered)Wide receivers Harry How / Getty Images Sport / GettyJoshua Palmer, ChargersNext upRosteredFABvs. BUF29%$39Keenan Allen missed Week 15 with a heel injury and is another veteran with little incentive to rush back on a team that's not in playoff contention and is without its starting quarterback.While most of his production came on a 79-yard touchdown, Palmer made a big splash in his first game back from injured reserve by posting 113 yards and a score.Now that he's knocked off the rust, Palmer is the favorite to lead the Chargers' receiving corps for however long Allen stays out of the lineup. Even when Allen returns, Palmer would be a flex option in fantasy.Josh Downs is above the 50% rostered mark but should be claimed in most leagues.Flex options: Noah Brown vs. CLE (40% rostered), Curtis Samuel at NYJ (37% rostered), Tyler Boyd at PIT (49% rostered), Dontayvion Wicks at CAR (3% rostered), Jameson Williams at MIN (22% rostered)Flex options (if healthy): Zay Jones at TB (32% rostered)Risky flex options: Rashid Shaheed at LAR (47% rostered), Elijah Moore at HOU (48% rostered), Darius Slayton at PHI (2% rostered), Wan'Dale Robinson at PHI (12% rostered)Risky flex options (if starter is out): Greg Dortch at CHI (5% rostered), Alec Pierce at ATL (3% rostered), Michael Wilson at CHI (6% rostered), Parker Washington at TB (5% rostered)Dart-throw flex options: Jonathan Mingo vs. GB (14% rostered), DeVante Parker at DEN (2% rostered), Demario Douglas at DEN (21% rostered), Quentin Johnston vs. BUF (21% rostered), Cedric Tillman at HOU (1% rostered), Demarcus Robinson vs. NO (8% rostered), Rondale Moore vs. NO (8% rostered), Treylon Burks vs. SEA (11% rostered), Tre Tucker at KC (0% rostered), Rashod Bateman at SF (16% rostered)Dart-throw flex options (if starter is out): D.J. Montgomery at ATL (0% rostered)Tight ends Michael Owens / Getty Images Sport / GettyTucker Kraft, PackersNext upRosteredFABat CAR10%$39Kraft has been making the most of his opportunities since Luke Musgrave suffered a lacerated kidney in Week 11.The Packers rookie has three top-12 fantasy finishes over the last four games and could see an uptick in volume if Jayden Reed (toe) and Christian Watson (hamstring) can't play this week.Head coach Matt LaFlleur already suggested Musgrave might be out the rest of the season. Consider Kraft a fringe low-end TE1 until further notice.Streamer options: Gerald Everett vs. BUF (44% rostered)Risky streamer options: Cade Otton vs. JAX (34% rostered), Michael Mayer at KC (7% rostered), Tyler Higbee vs. NO (39% rostered), Tanner Hudson at PIT (4% rostered), Chigoziem Okonkwo vs. SEA (34% rostered)Risky streamer options (if starter is out): Mike Gesicki at DEN (3% rostered)Desperation streamer options: Tyler Conklin vs. WAS (17% rostered), Juwan Johnson at LAR (12% rostered), Durham Smythe vs. DAL (0% rostered)Defenses Candice Ward / Getty Images Sport / GettyWeek 16 streamersTeamNext upRosteredPackersat CAR47%Broncosvs. NE47%Coltsat ATL46%Bengalsat PIT48%Bearsvs. ARI14%Commandersat NYJ15%Ramsvs. NO21%Seahawksat TEN18%Favorable Week 17 schedule: Broncos vs. LAC (47% rostered), Jaguars vs. CAR (42% rostered), Colts vs. LV (46% rostered), Rams at NYG (21% rostered), Texans vs. TEN (37% rostered), Seahawks vs. PIT (18% rostered), Bears DEF vs. ATL (14% rostered)Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Chicago Bears receivers Darnell Mooney and D.J. Moore hope Justin Fields remains the team's starting quarterback in 2024."Justin is the quarterback of the future," Mooney said Sunday, according to ESPN's Courtney Cronin. "He's this franchise's quarterback. He's been balling. I don't understand why it's any more questions of that. Obviously, we have the first-round pick because of (the) Carolina (Panthers) right now, but Justin's a dog. If he's not here, he'll be somewhere else balling."A first-round pick in 2021, Fields is signed through at least the 2024 season. However, Chicago will likely have a top pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.With USC's Caleb Williams and North Carolina's Drake Maye headlining the class, a quarterback is expected to be taken first overall next year. The Bears have a 94.9% chance of landing the No. 1 selection in 2024, according to ESPN. That choice originally belonged to Carolina, but Chicago acquired it as part of the trade that sent the 2023 first overall pick to the Panthers.Fields is in his third season in Chicago. He has completed 61.4% of his passes in 2023 - his season-high - while throwing for 1,976 yards and 14 touchdowns against eight interceptions through 10 games. The 24-year-old, who's missed four contests this year due to injury, has also added 488 yards and two TDs on the ground."Bruh, where are y'all seeing this (doubt)?" wide receiver Moore said. "What makes him not the quarterback for the Chicago Bears right now? I get y'all got everybody coming out. What, it's like two of them? I don't think (Williams and Maye are) better than Justin."The Bears have struggled to win games in the Fields era. The Ohio State product is 8-27 as a starter in the NFL, including 3-7 this season.Moore - who was traded to Chicago from Carolina in the offseason - easily leads the Bears with 111 targets, 80 catches, 1,123 yards, and seven touchdown catches.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Seattle Seahawks are starting quarterback Drew Lock in Monday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles.Starter Geno Smith was active for the matchup after missing last week's loss to the San Francisco 49ers due to a groin injury. However, he wasn't in uniform to start the game, according to Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times. The 33-year-old was originally a game-time decision after being a limited participant at practice this week.Though Seattle didn't announce a starter pregame, Lock took every first-team snap during warmups Monday. The team also activated Sean Mannion from the practice squad.Smith, a Pro Bowler last season, completed 64.4% of his passes to go along with 2,918 yards and 15 touchdowns against nine interceptions in 12 starts this season.Lock completed 22 of 31 pass attempts for 269 yards and two TDs to two picks in his first start this season last week.The Seahawks, who'll try to snap a four-game skid versus Philadelphia, ruled out rookie cornerback Devon Witherspoon and safety Jamal Adams in Week 15. Witherspoon is dealing with a hip injury, while Adams has a knee ailment.

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts started Monday's prime-time matchup against the Seattle Seahawks.The Eagles had downgraded Hurts to questionable Sunday due to an illness, and his ailment reportedly worsened last night. However, the star signal-caller was seen walking off the bus at Lumen Field.

The Tennessee Titans may not have Will Levis available for their final three games this season.Levis sustained a high ankle sprain during Sunday's 19-16 loss to the Houston Texans, reports Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.It's unclear how long the injury will sideline Levis. Veteran Ryan Tannehill and second-year passer Malik Willis are Tennessee's other options at quarterback.Levis took the starting job from Tannehill in Week 8. The second-round pick has completed 59% of his passes while throwing for 1,792 yards and eight touchdowns against four interceptions in eight appearances as a rookie.Tennessee plays the Seattle Seahawks, Texans, and Jacksonville Jaguars to close out the season.Sunday's loss to Houston officially eliminated the Titans from playoff contention.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.