The Cleveland Browns' decision to draft pass-rusher Myles Garrett with the No. 1 overall pick of the 2017 NFL Draft instead of a quarterback meant the franchise was free to select Baker Mayfield in the same slot the following year.However, the rookie passer believes that when his team decided to take Garrett over a certain young quarterback lighting up the league in Kansas City, the front office made the wrong call."I love Myles Garrett, but ..." said a smiling Mayfield on Wednesday, according to ESPN's Pat McManamon."Talentwise, I thought (Patrick Mahomes) should have been."Mayfield and Mahomes, who were briefly teammates at Texas Tech before the former transferred to Oklahoma, will face off Sunday when the Chiefs travel to Cleveland.The Browns' first-year pivot knows how hard it is to keep a Mahomes-led team down. Mayfield's Sooners came out on top over Texas Tech in a 66-59 shootout in 2016, and incredibly, Mahomes threw for 734 yards and five touchdowns. His passing yardage tied the all-time single-game NCAA record."He does stuff that you can't even think of it actually being possible," said Mayfield, who finished with 545 yards and seven scores during that offensive explosion against Mahomes' Red Raiders."There was a play in that college game, he was rolling to his left, flicked it and it went about 65 in the air for a touchdown," Mayfield added.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Ahead of Week 9, it's time to review the biggest difference-makers around the league so far this season. Here's a breakdown of the top offensive players by position, based on how they've looked on tape:Quarterback: Patrick Mahomes, ChiefsIt's Patrick Mahomes' world, and we're all just living in it.Mahomes has been electric through eight games, leading the league in passing yards (2,526) and touchdowns (26) with just six interceptions and a sensational 65.6 percent completion rate. In terms of adjusted net yards per pass attempt (ANY/A) - the passing stat most correlated with wins, according to Football Perspective - Mahomes ranks third among quarterbacks (9.26). He’s done all this while carrying a defense that ranks 31st in yards allowed per game and 21st in points allowed.The Texas Tech product is unique because of his ability to win inside and outside the structure of the offense. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid is one of the best at designing plays, and Mahomes has done an excellent job of carrying out those brilliant schemes.Additionally, when a play breaks down, Mahomes shows an innate ability to buy time with his legs before finding an open receiver in a scramble drill. He can make jaw-dropping throws even when his mechanics aren’t perfect. The play below demonstrates his ability to throw accurate (deep) balls while on the run and off-platform:Sure, Mahomes is blessed with a bevy of dominant playmakers, including Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce, Sammy Watkins, and Kareem Hunt, but he’s done his part to maximize the effectiveness of each weapon with pinpoint throws through tight windows.In his first full year as Kansas City's starter, Mahomes has easily been the best quarterback in football so far.Running Back: Todd Gurley, RamsThe Rams have been the best team in football over the first eight weeks, and Todd Gurley's been their top offensive player while emerging as one of the favorites to win the league's MVP award.Gurley leads the NFL in rushing yards (800), rushing touchdowns (11), and yards from scrimmage (1,151), while also adding four receiving scores, putting him on pace to challenge LaDainian Tomlinson's all-time record of 31 total TDs. And Gurley's made it look easy:He's a special back who intertwines speed, explosiveness, vision, and elusiveness as well as anyone at the position. Gurley shows the patience to let blocks develop and the quickness to burst through a hole once it opens.As a receiver out of the backfield, Gurley's potent on swing routes and screen passes, where he’s able to use his elusiveness and speed in space:Even when the Rams don't give the ball to Gurley, they often use the star running back as a decoy on play-action passes, meaning most of the offense is run through him in one way or another.When you combine the NFL's preeminent talent at running back with the best play-caller in football (Sean McVay), you get a dominant force that's almost impossible to stop. Gurley isn't just the best running back in football through eight weeks - he might be the best offensive player, period.Wide Receiver: DeAndre Hopkins, TexansWith apologies to Michael Thomas and Adam Thielen, the best wide receiver this season has been DeAndre Hopkins.Through eight games, Hopkins has 53 catches (eighth among WRs) for 789 yards (third) and six touchdowns (third). He's also third in yards per reception (14.9) among receivers with at least 45 catches. And Hopkins has done this despite being pitted against an impressive Rolodex of cornerbacks, including Byron Jones, Jalen Ramsey, A.J. Bouye, and Tre'Davious White.Hopkins is a master of creating separation at the top of his routes by using physicality. At 6-foot-1 and 215 pounds, he leverages his frame and length to bully defensive backs:He's also the best weapon in contested-catch situations, as he continually makes the toughest plays look easy. Hopkins uses uncanny timing, impressive leaping ability, and incredibly strong hands to consistently win at the catch point. Case in point:Hopkins had played with subpar quarterbacks for most of his career to date, but the NFL is finally seeing how dominant he can be with a competent thrower under center. He's firmly entrenched among the top tier of wide receivers, and he's our Midseason Film Room All-Star at the position.Tight End: George Kittle, 49ersIf this section was dedicated to the best receiver masquerading as a tight end, Travis Kelce would be the easy choice. But we're looking for the best overall tight end - with blocking as a key factor - so George Kittle gets the nod over Kelce.Offensively, Kittle's combination of size and speed is a matchup nightmare:Through eight games, he has 37 catches (third among TEs) for 584 yards (third among TEs) and two touchdowns while leading the 49ers in targets, catches, and receiving yards. Kittle isn’t just satisfied with making the reception, either, as he leads all tight ends in yards after catch (399) and has forced six missed tackles.He's done all this while being perhaps the best blocking tight end in the NFL. Kittle does an excellent job of initiating contact with proper hand placement and leverage so he can overwhelm linebackers and defensive backs at the point of attack:He's also one of the few tight ends who can hold his own against a defensive end.After flashing starting-caliber traits as a rookie last season, Kittle's quickly become one of the best weapons in the league, regardless of position. And unlike many tight ends, his effectiveness doesn’t wane when the offense calls a run.Offensive Tackle: David Bakhtiari, PackersPlaying offensive tackle is one of the most difficult tasks in the NFL. Not only does it require a 300-plus-pound athlete to fluidly move backward in pass protection, but he must do so while defending a much quicker athlete with comparable strength. It takes savviness and a supreme mastery of technique to survive on the edge.No offensive tackle has made that tough task look easier than David Bakhtiari has in 2018. And that shouldn’t surprise anyone who's been paying attention, as Bakhtiari's been among the best at his position for the last three seasons.At 6-foot-4 and 310 pounds, Bakhtiari has some of the best footwork in the NFL, as he routinely beats pass-rushers to the contact point and effortlessly mirrors them up the arc.In the past, Bakhtiari’s biggest weakness was defending strength, as he didn't yet have the ability to consistently anchor against more powerful pass-rushers. That hasn’t been a problem this season, as the Colorado product's done an excellent job of leveraging his core strength and footwork to anchor against bull rushes:In the run game, Bakhtiari's masterful at latching onto and steering defenders at the point of attack, creating open lanes for running backs. He's also an adept blocker on the back side of runs, using his fluid movement skills and savvy techniques to reach and block defenders.It may be time to stop regarding Bakhtiari as simply one of the best offensive tackles in football, and instead start considering him the premier player at his position.Offensive Guard: Marshal Yanda, RavensMarshal Yanda may be the most underrated player in football, as he's quietly been a top-three offensive lineman since 2013. Most fans outside of Baltimore have no idea that the dominant Yanda even exists.The Iowa product is the most technically sound and savvy interior guard in the NFL, as he's mastered the ability to vary his pass sets and hand techniques to keep pass-rushers off-balance. Against power rushers, Yanda uses elite footwork and core strength. And against rushers with more active hands, he has a unique ability to sequence his own hand techniques to defend whatever moves come at him.In the run game, there isn’t a block that Yanda can’t execute. He can displace a defensive tackle at the point of attack with a base block, and he can reach a shaded defender on a zone concept. Yanda leverages his crafty hands and strong base to routinely be in the right position to carry out his responsibilities.There are a number of guards with worthwhile arguments, but none have been as consistent on a snap-by-snap basis this season.Center: Jason Kelce, EaglesJason Kelce's been a top center in the NFL for quite some time, and he’s continued his stellar play this season.At 6-foot-3 and 295 pounds, Kelce's not going to overwhelm defensive tackles with his power. Instead, he's one of the most athletic centers in football who uses angles and leverage to wall off defenders and create open running lanes.He's also a masterful blocker in space who can redirect against moving targets. That makes Kelce a weapon as a puller and in the screen game, where he’s able to make blocks outside the hash marks and down the field:In pass protection, Kelce's fantastic at setting the depth of a pocket, and he does well to look for work when there’s no rusher in the A-gaps. Furthermore, Kelce’s mental processing ability stands out in pass protection, as he quickly and easily passes off and takes on defenders who are running stunts.Like Yanda and Bakhtiari, it’s not surprising to see Kelce play at such a high level through eight games, as he’s been doing this for a few years. The Eagles may not be playing up to expectations right now, but Kelce certainly is.Related - Midseason Film Room All-Stars: Defense EditionJohn Owning is a football writer at theScore. He has written for Bleacher Report and Football Insiders. He was also the lead NFL content editor at FanRag Sports. John provides analysis on the Dallas Cowboys for the Dallas Morning News and edits for The Quant Edge. Find him on Twitter @JohnOwning.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Ahead of Week 9, it's time to review the biggest difference-makers around the league so far this season. We looked at the best offensive players yesterday, and now here's a breakdown of the top defensive players by position, based on how they've looked on tape:Interior Defensive Line: Aaron Donald, RamsAaron Donald is widely considered one of the premier players in the NFL, and he's been absolutely dominant over the past month.After being held without a sack through Week 3, Donald's tallied 10 in his past five games. He had four against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 7, including this play during which he beats the left guard with a speed move before driving the center back into the lap of quarterback C.J. Beathard:Along with his elite interior pass-rushing skills, Donald's equally strong ability against the run is what helps set him apart. This play against the 49ers is a great example of his speed, power, and playmaking:Here, the 49ers run a toss to the outside, but watch how Donald’s quickness allows him to mirror running back Matt Breida across the line. Then, when Breida tries to cut inside, Donald's able to grab him with his off arm and rip the ball away for what's officially ruled a fumble and recovery.As a true force against the run and pass, Donald's an easy selection in this category.Defensive End: Brandon Graham, Philadelphia EaglesAfter tallying a career-high 9.5 sacks last season, Brandon Graham’s numbers are down drastically this year with just 1.5 through eight games. But sacks don't tell the whole story for an edge defender, and Graham’s ability to generate pressure while using a barrage of pass-rushing moves makes him a player that quarterbacks must account for on every snap.Last weekend against Jacksonville, Graham harassed quarterback Blake Bortles on a number of occasions without officially recording a sack. On this third-down play, Graham (No. 55) explodes off the edge and gets around the left tackle with ease, pressuring Bortles and helping force an errant pass:Graham’s consistent ability to get around the edge makes him a critical component of the Eagles’ defense, and he'll need to keep playing a big role down the stretch.Outside Linebacker: Dee Ford, ChiefsAfter notching a career-high 10 sacks in 2016, Dee Ford played in just four games last season due to a herniated disc in his back.But Ford's come back even stronger in 2018 - he has eight sacks and four forced fumbles through eight games - as his speed off the edge is giving opposing offenses headaches.In last weekend's matchup with Denver, that speed was on full display as Ford (No. 55) forced a critical fourth-quarter fumble with this sack of quarterback Case Keenum:Here, Ford displays his ability to convert speed to power, and the "bend" needed to beat offensive linemen on the edge and then flatten toward the quarterback. He should easily top his career high for sacks in the second half of the season.Inside Linebacker: Luke Kuechly, PanthersIt's a cliche at this point, but if you look up “middle linebacker” in the dictionary, Luke Kuechly should be the guy listed. He quickly reads and reacts to offensive plays, and possesses an impressive ability to explode downhill against the run.This play against the Eagles is a prime example of what Kuechly brings to the Panthers' defense. On a third-and-2, Philadelphia uses some pre-snap motion from a wide receiver to try and confuse the defense ... but watch Kuechly (No. 59):The linebacker reads the play perfectly and doesn't chase the man in motion. Instead, Kuechly splits the blocking up front by exploiting a tiny crease and then chops down the running back as he crosses the line of scrimmage, forcing a fourth down. This is textbook linebacker play, which Kuechly provides on a down-to-down basis.Cornerback: Byron Jones, CowboysWhen the Cowboys took Jones in the first round of the 2015 draft, they were betting big on his athleticism. Jones had wowed the NFL world at the combine, as his performance included a massive 12-foot, 3-inch broad jump that technically set the world record.Jones was used primarily as a safety at UConn, but transitioned to cornerback in the NFL, where he's been very impressive. Through seven games this season, he's allowed just 13 catches and not a single touchdown in coverage, while opposing passers have posted just a 68.8 rating when attacking him.This play against the Jaguars is a microcosm of Jones' play this year. He's at the bottom of the screen in catch-man alignment across from Donte Moncrief (No. 15), which allows Jones to either jam the receiver or turn and run with him. He does the latter, and stays right with Moncrief, who runs a vertical route. Then, when Bortles bails out of the pocket to buy time and Moncrief cuts back toward his quarterback, Jones stays right with the receiver - in perfect position to break up the pass:With Jones, the Cowboys seem to have found the kind of lockdown cornerback who can make life easy for a defensive coordinator.Safety: D.J. Swearinger, RedskinsPlaying safety in today's NFL is one of the toughest jobs to execute. Because modern offenses incorporate so much pre-snap movement with motion and shifting, the days of a pure "free safety" and a pure "strong safety" are long gone.Instead, safeties must now be able to play down in the box and deep in the middle of the field. Why? When an offense flips the strength of its formation with movement right before the snap, it's faster for the safeties to flip their roles, rather than the entire defense adjusting its alignment.With that in mind, D.J. Swearinger's performance this season has made him the easy pick for this category.Swearinger is listed as a free safety, but he's also a force in the box against both the run and pass. He tallied two interceptions last week against the New York Giants, and the two plays do well to illustrate his versatility.The first came with the Giants in the red zone and Swearinger (No. 36) down in the box across from tight end Evan Engram (No. 88). First, Swearinger jams the tight end's release, and then he reads the play perfectly to jump the underneath slant route intended for receiver Odell Beckham (No. 13):Later in the game, Swearinger aligns as the deep safety in the middle of the field. He reads the eyes of Eli Manning to break outside and intercept a poor throw to a vertical route:With Swearinger and newly acquired Ha Ha Clinton-Dix in the fold, it's safe to say the Redskins' secondary will be extremely difficult to throw against in the second half of the season.Related - Midseason Film Room All-Stars: Offense EditionMark Schofield writes NFL feature content for theScore. After nearly a decade of practicing law in the Washington, D.C., area Mark changed careers and started writing about football. Drawing upon more than a decade of playing quarterback, including at the collegiate level, Mark focuses his work on quarterback evaluation and offensive scheme analysis. He lives in Maryland with his wife and two children. Find him on Twitter @MarkSchofield.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Welcome to theScore Fantasy Football Podcast hosted by Justin Boone and David P. Woods.Find the show on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, Spotify, and Anchor.In this episode, Boone and Woods are joined by Pat Fitzmaurice of thefootballgirl.com to discuss trade deadline fallout and the biggest fantasy questions heading into Week 9.Topics include:

The Green Bay Packers unloaded a pair of veterans at the trade deadline, but that doesn't mean the team is pessimistic about their chances to compete for Super Bowl LIII."I don't necessarily think there's a message it sends to the locker room," first-year general manager Brian Gutekunst said Wednesday, per ESPN's Rob Demovsky. "I think the decisions that we make are always in the best interest of our team, not only in the short term, but the long term, as well. But I think our locker room knows where we're headed and, like I said, I think we're humming at the right time and I think there's a lot of positive things going forward."The Packers were active 24 hours earlier, shipping safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix to the Washington Redskins and running back Ty Montgomery to the Baltimore Ravens. The deals netted Green Bay two future draft picks. Gutekunst and his staff refrained from making any additions.Clinton-Dix is slated to hit free agency after the season, and the Packers weren't going to re-sign him. Montgomery, on the other hand, was criticized by some of his teammates after his fumble on Sunday cost the Packers a chance to defeat the Los Angeles Rams."I think you take everything into consideration when you make these kind of decisions, but performance comes first," Gutekunst said. "That's always the major factor in these decisions. Everything's taken into account, but it's never usually just one thing."The Packers are 3-3-1 and sit third in the NFC North heading into their Week 9 date with the New England Patriots.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Carolina Panthers safety Eric Reid said head coach Ron Rivera will not have any impact on his decision to protest police brutality and racial inequality during the national anthem.Reid has continued to protest upon being signed by the Panthers in September and will continue to do so as the season marches on."Very respectfully, he doesn't have a choice,'' Reid said on Wednesday to ESPN's David Newton. "He's entitled to his opinion, but I know what my rights are. His family was a military family much like many of my people were in the military. My cousin just got back from Afghanistan. My mom was in the armed services. My uncle was enlisted. The list goes on."But when they get home they're still black in America. They're going to fight the same wars when they get home and still face the same things I'm talking about. So I get encouragement from my family that served in the armed forces because they agree with what I'm saying.''Reid recently took issue with Philadelphia Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins for his actions as a member of the Players Coalition, irate over him accepting NFL funding for programs and causes championed by the coalition. After the Panthers defeated the Eagles, Reid called Jenkins a sellout and a neocolonialist.Amid some criticism, Reid said he's not concerned with public backlash."Everybody is entitled to their opinion, I'm expressing mine,'' Reid said. "In the stands, I've always heard the people yelling. When I'm in the community, when I get approached, I can honestly say I've not had anybody say stop kneeling in public. It's all been supportive.''Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Baker Mayfield challenged his teammates Wednesday to rise up in the face of adversity after the Cleveland Browns fired both head coach Hue Jackson and offensive coordinator Todd Haley."With all the distractions, we will see what kind of men we have in this room," the rookie quarterback said, according to ESPN's Pat McManamon. "Not what kind of team that we have but what kind of men can handle a distraction the right way, can come together and focus on doing their job and doing it at a high level against a great team come Sunday."The Browns, losers of three straight games, are gearing up to face the 7-1 Kansas City Chiefs. They'll be led into action by interim head coach Gregg Williams, who had been operating as the defensive coordinator under Jackson."For me, it is definitely something new," Mayfield said of the coaching changes. "It caught me off guard, but (we) have to roll with the punches. Whatever happens, happens. We have to stick together as a team. We have to use this as something to make us come together. Obviously, it could be a huge distraction or it could be something that could bring this locker room even closer."Mayfield was dynamite in his Week 3 debut, leading the Browns to their first victory in 635 days, but his play has since tapered off. He was held to a season-low 180 yards against the Pittsburgh Steelers last week, and has eight touchdown passes against six interceptions for the season.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers are often considered among the two leading candidates for the greatest of all-time designation, but Rodgers doesn't think it's very close.Brady is often considered the GOAT, having won five Super Bowls, four Super Bowl MVPs and operating as the central component of the Patriots' dynasty. Rodgers is thrown into the debate as well but the argument around him is often more aesthetic, with few players ever gifted with his complete skill set, in addition to his one Super Bowl victory.Rodgers thinks Brady's the clear favorite, however."He's got five championships," Rodgers said via ESPN's Rob Demovsky. "I think that ends most discussions."The Patriots square off against the Packers in a primetime showdown Sunday, and though it's just one game, many will use it as another component of the Brady-Rodgers GOAT debate.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Miami Dolphins head coach Adam Gase has ruled out quarterback Ryan Tannehill for Sunday's game against the New York Jets, according to Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald.Gase added that surgery on Tannehill's injured shoulder hasn't been considered. The 30-year-old has resumed throwing with trainers.The Dolphins started the 2018 season with three consecutive wins, but they've gone just 1-4 over their last five games. Brock Osweiler, Tannehill's replacement, has led the team to a 1-2 record in three starts.Osweiler has completed 64.1 percent of his pass attempts on the season while throwing for 895 yards, with six touchdowns and three interceptions.Tannehill has played just five games since Week 14 of the 2016 campaign. He carries a cap hit of $8.7 million this season, with two more years remaining on his contract at values of $26.6 million in 2019 and $25.1 million in 2020.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New Orleans Saints are expected to be without first-round pass-rusher Marcus Davenport for around a month due to a toe injury, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports.The Saints will then reassess the defensive end's status moving forward.Davenport was seen in a walking boot after the team's win on Sunday over the Minnesota Vikings, a game in which he racked up two of his three sacks this season.The rookie's injury comes at a bad time for the Saints, who play the undefeated Los Angeles Rams on Sunday before games against the Philadelphia Eagles, Cincinnati Bengals, and Atlanta Falcons.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Quarterback Deshaun Watson is excited about the Houston Texans' outlook for the remainder of the 2018 season following Tuesday's trade-deadline acquisition of wide receiver Demaryius Thomas."Nothing, really, should stop the train," Watson said on Wednesday, according to Brian T. Smith of the Houston Chronicle.The Texans acquired Thomas from the Denver Broncos in exchange for a fourth-round pick and swaps of seventh-rounders. He's expected to suit up alongside DeAndre Hopkins when the Texans face his former club on Sunday.Thomas, a nine-year veteran who caught 36 of 56 targets for 402 yards and three touchdowns with the Broncos this season, will help fill the void Will Fuller's season-ending torn ACL left behind.The Texans are 5-3 through eight weeks and occupy first place in the AFC South.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

In an effort to help you find trades that could improve your fantasy team heading into the second half of the season, we present the Trade Value Chart.You can use this chart to compare players and build realistic trade offers. Values are based on 12-team leagues in standard-scoring formats.Follow the links below to see the trade values and rest of season rankings for each position.Trade Values

The Jacksonville Jaguars signed veteran quarterback Landry Jones on Wednesday, the team announced.Starter Blake Bortles has been dealing with a left shoulder injury (his non-throwing arm) since the Jaguars' Week 8 game against the Philadelphia Eagles, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. The injury isn't expected to sideline Bortles for Jacksonville's Week 10 game after the bye, but Jones is still reportedly being signed as insurance.Jones was released by the Pittsburgh Steelers prior to this season. He appeared in 19 games for Pittsburgh, throwing for a total of 1,310 yards, eight touchdowns, and seven interceptions after being drafted in 2013.Bortles was benched in the second half of a lopsided loss to the Houston Texans in Week 7 but returned to start against the Eagles in London, England. He completed 24 of 41 pass attempts for 286 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions in that appearance, but the Jaguars lost their fourth consecutive game.Cody Kessler is the other quarterback on the Jaguars' depth chart. He completed 21 of 30 attempts for 156 yards, one touchdown, and one interception while replacing Bortles in Week 7.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Here's a look back at the three key matchups we identified before the weekend.Jaguars' offense vs. Eagles' defenseWinner: EaglesThe matchup we focused on heading into this game in London was the Jacksonville Jaguars' offense - and beleaguered quarterback Blake Bortles - against the Philadelphia Eagles' defense.While Bortles fared well in the contest statistically, completing 24-of-41 passes for 286 yards and a touchdown without an interception, it was the Eagles' defense that came up big in the second half to preserve the win. Thanks to their ability to pressure Bortles, the Eagles were able to get stops on pivotal third downs to either force punts or field-goal attempts.On Jacksonville’s first drive of the second half the Jaguars had possession just inside Eagles territory. They were trailing by only four and facing a critical third-and-long.When Bortles drops to throw he has to deal with pressure from blitzing linebacker Nigel Bradham (No. 53) on the inside. Bradham and edge defender Brandon Graham (No. 55) are able to move Bortles off his spot in the pocket. The quarterback then misfires on a pass over the middle, largely due to the severe duress he was under:Despite advancing into Philadelphia territory on the drive, the Jaguars were forced to punt.The Eagles amped up the pressure again later in the game to force a critical third-down stop. With over 13 minutes remaining and Jacksonville trailing 17-12, the Jaguars faced a first-and-10 on the Eagles’ 15-yard line. They had to settle for a field goal after three incompletions from Bortles.On second down, Bortles tries to hit Dede Westbrook in the end zone, but safety Malcolm Jenkins was there to break up the play. Then, on third down, a four-man pass rush flushes Bortles to his left and he attempts a throw short of the sticks to David Grinnage, but the pass again falls incomplete:By pressuring Bortles and forcing incompletions on these and other key plays, the Eagles’ defense steered the team to a pivotal victory in London.Browns' offense vs. Steelers' defenseWinner: SteelersAt halftime, you might have thought this matchup was headed in the other direction. With the Pittsburgh Steelers leading 13-6 at the break, the Cleveland Browns' rushing offense - and specifically, Nick Chubb - was off to a solid start, as the rookie running back had racked up 52 yards on 10 carries.However, Chubb followed that up with just 13 yards on eight carries in the second half. A big reason for the change? The play of Steelers defensive end Stephon Tuitt. The defender recorded seven tackles and was dominant against the run.Two plays illustrate the impact Tuitt had on the Browns’ running game in the second half.On the first play, Cleveland uses a full-house backfield, but Pittsburgh still stops Chubb behind the line. The Steelers get some initial penetration off the edge from outside linebacker Bud Dupree (No. 48), but it's Tuitt (No. 91) who finishes the job for a 4-yard loss:Later in the third quarter, the Browns were gifted good field position after Pittsburgh failed to recover a free kick following a safety. But Tuitt again stopped Chubb for a loss early during the next possession:The 25-year-old does a great job of scraping down the line here, then chopping Chubb down for a 1-yard loss.The Steelers were able to turn Cleveland into a more one-dimensional team in the second half, with Tuitt leading the effort. That helped propel them to a key division win.Vikings' offense vs. Saints' defenseWinner: VikingsThe matchup to watch in this contest was the Minnesota Vikings’ offense, and the talent of its top two wide receivers, against a New Orleans Saints pass defense that's struggled in 2018.The Saints tried to give that unit a boost this week, pulling off a trade for former New York Giants cornerback Eli Apple. The newly acquired defender led the team with nine tackles against the Vikings.However, Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs still terrorized New Orleans' new-look secondary, combining for 222 receiving yards and a pair of touchdowns. But the biggest play of the game came from Saints defender PJ Williams (No. 26):With just over six minutes remaining in the third quarter, the Vikings' offense was looking to tie the game at 20.Facing a second-and-8, Kirk Cousins drops to pass and is pressured, so he rolls a bit to the right. He then spots Diggs (No. 14) on a shallow crossing route, but Cousins expects his receiver to keep running across the field. Instead, Diggs stops his route. Williams doesn't stop, though, and Cousins’ throw hits the cornerback right between the numbers and he has a clear path to the end zone.On this replay angle, you can see Diggs cutting off his route, setting the stage for the game-changing turnover and score:With their defense boosting them, the Saints earned a win in a rematch of last year’s thrilling divisional round playoff game.An improving defense couldn't come at a better time as New Orleans prepares to square off against the unbeaten Los Angeles Rams in Week 9.Mark Schofield writes NFL feature content for theScore. After nearly a decade of practicing law in the Washington, D.C., area Mark changed careers and started writing about football. Drawing upon more than a decade of playing quarterback, including at the collegiate level, Mark focuses his work on quarterback evaluation and offensive scheme analysis. He lives in Maryland with his wife and two children. Find him on Twitter @MarkSchofield.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Philadelphia Eagles acquired another weapon on Tuesday with the deadline-day trade for receiver Golden Tate.Eagles vice president of football operations Howie Roseman maintains the move is a signal that the defending Super Bowl champions aren't satisfied with last year's triumph."The message to our fans, to our players, to our coaches, to everyone in this organization is that our foot is always going to be on the gas," he said, according to team insider Graham Foley."We're always trying to win, we're always going to try to put our best foot forward, and what we can do now is try to do that with this season and this moment and that's what we're going to do. That's our responsibility."Tate joins a receiving group that already includes Nelson Agholor, Jordan Matthews, and 2017 acquisition Alshon Jeffery.Tate was the Detroit Lions' leader in receptions and receiving yards at the time of the trade. The YAC machine will bring his open-field ability to Philly."It's hard to find really good players and this is a really good player who really fits this culture and this community, this city," Roseman said. "He's a hard-working, determined guy with a lot of passion, a lot of energy, and what he does with the ball in his hands is special."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

So this is what it feels like to be an NBA fan, or an MLB fan, or an NHL fan ...Tuesday's NFL trade deadline, an occasion usually marked by countless rumors but very little real action, delivered thrills usually associated with other professional sports. The deals started early and they didn't stop until the 4 p.m. ET cutoff, with numerous big-name players changing teams as Super Bowl contenders loaded up and other teams stockpiled draft assets.NFL Trade Tracker: See all the deal's ahead of Tuesday's deadlineAs the dust from the flurry of swaps settles, who will emerge as the biggest beneficiaries?Winner: Deshaun WatsonJustin Edmonds / Getty Images Sport / GettyThe Houston Texans ensured their franchise passer's sophomore season won't be undone by Will Fuller's ACL injury, sending a fourth-round pick to the Denver Broncos for veteran wideout Demaryius Thomas. (The deal also includes a swap of seventh-round picks.)Thomas certainly won't replace Fuller's deep speed; at age 30 he's far more chain-mover than burner. But the five-time Pro Bowler will help shield DeAndre Hopkins from persistent double-coverage and allow the Texans to shift promising rookie Keke Coutee to Fuller's role.With a rejigged trio of pass-catching options at his disposal, Watson's next assignment will be delivering the Texans to the postseason.Loser: ChiefsBy most accounts, the Chiefs tried to make a move to plug their leaky defense. They just couldn't get the timing right.Andy Reid and Co. were reportedly on the verge of a trade for disgruntled Seahawks star Earl Thomas in early October before the safety suffered a season-ending injury.The Chiefs were later linked to the Arizona Cardinals and a potential deal for shutdown cornerback Patrick Peterson, who apparently demanded a trade and then recanted days before the deadline. There were also rumors suggesting the Chiefs sniffed around Giants defensive backs Landon Collins and Janoris Jenkins, but nothing came to pass there, either.So, the Chiefs will forge ahead with Super Bowl aspirations and a defense that ranks second-last in yards allowed per game and not much better in points surrendered.Patrick Mahomes has played like an MVP through eight weeks. He'll have to keep his offense scoring at record pace as the Chiefs look to overcome the infamy of decades of January flops.Winner: RamsSam Greenwood / Getty Images Sport / GettyWith only a part-time role on the Jaguars' defense, former third overall pick Dante Fowler Jr. might be deserving of the "draft bust" label. But squint your eyes and you might also see a player who can be the final piece of the Rams' Super Bowl puzzle.Fowler has 14 sacks in two-and-a-half seasons, and surely a few more are in his future when he lines up next to blocker-destroyers Aaron Donald and Ndamukong Suh.Did the Rams give up too much for Fowler in a third-round pick and a fifth in 2020? Maybe, but with Jared Goff on a rookie deal and the best roster in football save for a (formerly) glaring hole at edge rusher, the Rams know their time to strike is now.Loser: PackersSurely the Packers see themselves as Super Bowl contenders, so why did they act like sellers at the deadline?Days after tailback Ty Montgomery fumbled on a boneheaded decision to return a kickoff out of the end zone, costing Aaron Rodgers the chance for a game-winning drive, the Packers shipped Montgomery off to the Ravens. The return? Just a seventh-round pick in 2020. It might have been less insulting for Montgomery simply to have been cut.More puzzling, the Pack sent Ha Ha Clinton-Dix packing with only the Redskins' fourth-round pick as compensation for the former Pro Bowler.The moves open up the depth chart for the Green Bay's promising young tailbacks and secondary but also leave the team perilously thin in position groups that have factored prominently in its recent postseason failures.Winner: Le'Veon BellJared Wickerham / Getty Images Sport / GettyThe Steelers' holdout running back wasn't dealt before the deadline, something he essentially guaranteed by waiting to sign his franchise tender.Bell will play for the Steelers or nobody in 2018. And even though he will eventually sign his tender - he has to if he wants to become a free agent in 2019 - it's hard to imagine the Steelers taking promising young runner James Conner off the field for a malcontent. At most, Bell should be a role player.That sounds like an ideal situation for a player whose top priority is limiting the wear and tear on his body before hitting the open market.Winner: Blake Bortles, Loser: JaguarsScott Halleran / Getty Images Sport / GettyDespite watching their 3-1 start atrophy to 3-5, the Jaguars are sticking by their starter.Ignoring widespread calls for the team to trade for Teddy Bridgewater or maybe Tyrod Taylor, Jacksonville showed no interest in finding an upgrade on the wildly erratic Blake Bortles, or at least some competition to challenge his place atop the depth chart.A trendy Super Bowl pick before the season, the Jaguars will need their defense to find its 2017 form - and fast.Loser: Giants, Winner: Rest of NFC EastVincent Carchietta / USA TODAY SportsEvery move the Giants made this spring signaled their intent to maximize Eli Manning's final years and compete to win a Super Bowl now. They passed on drafting a young quarterback and opted to select tailback Saquon Barkley second overall, made 30-year-old Nate Solder the NFL's highest-paid offensive lineman in free agency, and traded two draft picks for middling veteran linebacker Alec Ogletree.But a "win now" strategy doesn't work if you don't actually win.With a 1-6 record, the Giants admitted their errors and changed gears. Within the span of 24 hours, former first-round pick Eli Apple was shipped to New Orleans for a fourth-round selection in 2019 and a seventh-rounder in 2020, and run-stuffing D-tackle Damon Harrison headed to Detroit for a fifth-rounder.The Giants might have turned a few more deals Tuesday (defensive backs Janoris Jenkins and Landon Collins were rumored to be available) were the franchise not dealing with news that rookie quarterback Kyle Lauletta was arrested for allegedly almost running over a cop.With the Giants belatedly disassembling their roster, the rest of the NFC East loaded up for what promises to be a tight race. The division-leading Redskins bolstered their surprising defense with former Pro Bowl safety Clinton-Dix, the reigning champions in Philadelphia gave Carson Wentz a new weapon in Golden Tate, and the Cowboys basked in the glow of their recent blockbuster for Amari Cooper.The NFC East is as captivating as it's been in a while, but Big Blue is a long way from relevance.Winner: Jon Gruden, Loser: OaklandThearon W. Henderson / Getty Images Sport / GettyWith a 10-year, $100-million contract in hand, the Raiders' bench boss clearly feels no pressure to win now.Gruden didn't wait for deadline day to make his biggest moves. Khalil Mack didn't even make it to Week 1 on the roster and Cooper's trade to Dallas feels like ancient history despite occurring little more than a week ago.Armed with three first-round picks in 2019 and two in 2020, Gruden can reshape the Raiders in his image. It will be a years-long process, which means any fruits from this season's moves are likely to be borne after the franchise relocates to Las Vegas in 2020. What incentive is there for fans in Oakland to pay to watch a bad team that will soon depart for greener (the green hue of cash, at least) pastures?Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

theScore's Justin Boone is coming off his fifth top-10 finish in FantasyPros' Most Accurate Expert Competition. Follow the links below to see his early rankings for Week 9.Updated rankings (including PPR) will be released Thursday, with the final version coming down Sunday morning.You can also find out who the top pickups are in our Week 9 Waiver Wire column.Standard Rankings

On Tuesday, members of the Pittsburgh Steelers attended the joint funeral for two victims of the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting.Two buses containing players and staff members attended the funeral for Cecil and David Rosenthal, according to ESPN. Their sister, Michele Rosenthal, is the Steelers' former community relations manager.Cecil and David Rosenthal were among 11 people killed during the shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue on Saturday.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Chicago Bears' offensive line suffered a big blow Tuesday, as guard Kyle Long will miss the next six-to-eight weeks with a foot injury, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.Long suffered the injury late in the fourth quarter of Chicago's Week 8 victory over the New York Jets and had to be carted off the field.The veteran lineman has battled various ailments in each of the last three seasons, missing time with shoulder, triceps, finger, and ankle injuries.Long, a three-time Pro Bowler, is currently gathering more information regarding the length of his absence, per Rapoport.Bryan Witzmann filled in after Long's injury, and figures to start at right guard moving forward.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Green Bay Packers have traded safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix to the Washington Redskins in exchange for a 2019 fourth-round pick.Clinton-Dix was selected by Green Bay in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft and emerged as a standout defender. He was named to the Pro Bowl and earned second-team All-Pro honors in 2016.The 25-year-old has recorded 27 tackles, a sack, a forced fumble, and three interceptions this season.Clinton-Dix bid farewell to the Packers just before the trade was announced.

Buffalo Bills quarterback Nathan Peterman is expected to start Sunday's Week 9 tilt against the Chicago Bears with Derek Anderson nursing a concussion, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.Anderson started Buffalo's Monday night loss to the New England Patriots but was knocked out of the game with 1:25 remaining in the fourth quarter after taking a sack.Bills head coach Sean McDermott confirmed Anderson's injury, but has yet to officially rule him out for Sunday.McDermott added that rookie quarterback Josh Allen is "making good progress," but will miss his third straight game, per WKBW's Joe Buscaglia. Allen suffered an elbow injury in Week 6 and is still considered week to week.Peterman was named the Bills' starter prior to Week 1 but was quickly benched in favor of Allen. The second-year signal-caller has completed 40.6 percent of his passes this season while throwing for one touchdown and four interceptions.Buffalo signed Anderson Oct. 9, and the veteran has started each of the Bills' last two games. He threw for 290 yards and one interception against the Patriots on Monday.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Baltimore Ravens have acquired running back Ty Montgomery from the Green Bay Packers, the team announced Tuesday.Although the compensation wasn't confirmed by either team, the Packers reportedly received a 2020 seventh-round pick, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.Montgomery drew intense scrutiny after receiving a kickoff and deciding to take it out of the end zone late in the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. The Packers were trailing 29-27 and preparing for a final drive, and the possibility of beating the undefeated Rams with a last-second field goal. However, Montgomery fumbled on the return, and the Rams ran the clock out on the ensuing drive.Packers head coach Mike McCarthy told reporters on Monday that Montgomery was supposed to take a touchback. Aaron Rodgers was reportedly furious, and several unnamed teammates blasted Montgomery's decision to take the ball out of the end zone, citing their quarterback's frequent late-game heroics.Montgomery fired back after learning of his teammates' public criticism, believing that his character was unfairly under attack. He also said the Packers preached a family environment, then turned on him after the costly fumble.The 25-year-old has rushed for 105 yards and a touchdown on 26 carries in 2018, adding 15 receptions for 170 yards over seven games.Montgomery was converted from wide receiver to running back after joining the Packers. He spent the first four seasons of his career with Green Bay.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Los Angeles Rams acquired pass-rusher Dante Fowler Jr. from the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for a third-round pick in 2019 and a fifth-round selection in 2020, the team announced.Fowler was the Jaguars' third overall selection in the 2015 NFL Draft. He's recorded 14 sacks, four fumble recoveries, and one touchdown in 39 career games after missing his rookie season due to a torn ACL.He'll join a Rams defense fronted by defensive linemen Aaron Donald and Ndamukong Suh, though the team's pass rush is struggling and tied for 17th in the league with 17 sacks.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

This week's edition of Sunday Night Football will feature a battle between two of the greatest quarterbacks to ever step foot on the gridiron in Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers.Due to playing in separate conferences, Brady versus Rodgers only comes around once every four years. However, while the New England Patriots' star quarterback rarely gets to see his fellow passer in person, he lauded Rodgers' special skill set."I think it's inspiring," Brady said Tuesday on WEEI, according to ESPN's Mike Reiss. "Even for me, I watch his game and it makes me want to get out there and practice and improve, because I think he's so phenomenal with how he manages himself in the pocket. His ability to throw the football is unlike anyone in probably the history of the league. It's pretty awesome to watch."Rodgers and Brady have faced off only once, with the Green Bay Packers edging the Patriots 26-21 in 2014.When asked about the inevitable debate over who is the GOAT prior to their matchup, Brady said it was "a hypothetical question that is just truly impossible to answer."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

After spending the first nine seasons of his career with the Denver Broncos, wide receiver Demaryius Thomas was traded to the Houston Texans, and it appears to be an unpopular development in the Mile High City.The Broncos received a fourth-round and seventh-round pick in exchange for Thomas and a seventh-round selection.Thomas believed his own chances of being dealt were 50-50, but that didn't soften the blow for his Broncos comrades.Linebacker Von Miller took to Twitter to voice his displeasure:

The Denver Broncos announced the trade of wide receiver Demaryius Thomas to the Houston Texans on Tuesday.Houston is acquiring a seventh-round draft pick along with Thomas in exchange for a fourth- and a seventh-round selection.The veteran receiver had been on the trade block as Tuesday afternoon's deadline approached, with the Broncos sitting at 3-5 as losers of five of their last six games. The New England Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles, and Tennessee Titans also made offers for the receiver, per 9 News' Mike Klis.Thomas has recorded 36 receptions for 402 yards and three touchdowns in 2018. He could immediately slot into the Texans' starting lineup across from DeAndre Hopkins after the team lost Will Fuller for the season due to injury.Meanwhile, rookie second-round pick Courtland Sutton will likely get more snaps and a greater share of the targets in Denver after Thomas' departure. Sutton has accumulated 17 receptions, 324 yards, and two touchdowns.Oddly enough, Houston will travel to Denver for its Week 9 matchup.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Detroit Lions have traded wide receiver Golden Tate to the Philadelphia Eagles for a 2019 third-round pick, the teams announced Tuesday.The veteran pass-catcher quickly responded to the move on Twitter.

The Jacksonville Jaguars have received trade calls about defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. and teams have "serious interest" in completing a deal before Tuesday's 4 p.m. ET deadline, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports.The Jaguars would want multiple draft picks in exchange for the No. 3 overall pick from the 2015 NFL Draft, according to Pelissero.Yannick Ngakoue is likely the Jaguars' first contract extension priority on the stacked defensive line, and with young talents like 2018 first-rounder Taven Bryan waiting in the wings, it appears Fowler could be expendable in Jacksonville.After missing his entire rookie season due to injury, Fowler had four sacks in 2016 and eight last season. However, his upward trend in production has stalled this year, with the edge rusher only producing two sacks in seven appearances.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Every Monday during the season, theScore's Justin Boone will run down the recommended waiver wire pickups.Ownership percentages are based on Yahoo leagues. FAAB bids are set off a $100 budget. Only players owned in less than 60 percent of leagues are considered.Fantasy Podcast: Week 8 takeaways, and early look at waiver wireQuarterbacksMichael Reaves / Getty Images Sport / GettyRyan Fitzpatrick, BuccaneersNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidat CAR6%$4Here we are again. After Jameis Winston turned the ball over 11 times in four games, including an embarrassing four-interception loss Sunday, Dirk Koetter had no choice but to reinstall Fitzpatrick as the starter. The veteran backup averaged 410 passing yards and 3.6 touchdowns per game during Winston's three-game suspension and though he's also prone to coughing up the ball, Fitzpatrick has been the better quarterback this year. The Panthers have allowed at least two passing scores in five of their last six contests, a feat Fitzpatrick has already accomplished four times this season. With a possibility that he'll remain the starter in Todd Monken's high-powered attack, Fitzpatrick is worth a slightly larger bid.Alex Smith, RedskinsNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidvs. ATL43%$1Smith has gone back to being a game-manager in Washington, something the coaching staff seems to be encouraging. That's limited his fantasy ceiling, but in Week 9 he'll be going up against a Falcons defense that has surrendered an average of 352 passing yards per game over their last six outings while permitting at least three passing touchdowns five times during that stretch. Smith is a strong bye-week replacement.Other options: Derek Carr at SF (26 percent owned), Dak Prescott vs. TEN (35 percent owned), Baker Mayfield vs. KC (42 percent owned), Joe Flacco vs. PIT (37 percent owned), C.J. Beathard vs. OAK (9 percent owned)Running BacksJoe Robbins / Getty Images Sport / GettyPeyton Barber, BuccaneersNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidat OAK55%$34Barber has topped 80 yards in two of his last three appearances. Ronald Jones' hamstring injury makes Jacquizz Rodgers the only threat to Barber's touches, but Rodgers is more likely to serve as a complementary piece primarily used on passing downs. Secure Barber as the lead back, he will continue to be a volume-dependent fantasy option, offering owners RB3/flex numbers.Doug Martin, RaidersNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidat SF53%$29Both Martin and Jalen Richard (63 percent owned) were scooped off the wire over the last couple weeks, and each delivered in their own way Sunday. Richard was a solid PPR play with eight catches for 50 yards, on top of his 14 rushing yards. Martin stepped into the Marshawn Lynch role, rushing 13 times for 72 yards while adding two receptions for 17 yards. Martin should continue to offer value in games where the Raiders can stay competitive, and with matchups against the 49ers and Cardinals in two of their next three, he'll be a borderline RB2.Ito Smith, FalconsNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidat WAS37%$19After a quiet Week 7 performance, many owners sent Smith back to the waiver wire for his bye. He hasn't put up big yardage yet, but he did reach the end zone three straight weeks before that down game. With Devonta Freeman on injured reserve, Smith should continue to see around 10 touches each week, including looks near the goal line. He also has significant upside if Tevin Coleman gets hurt.Raheem Mostert/Alfred Morris, 49ersNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidvs. OAK48%/18%$11/$9Mostert was one of the biggest letdowns of Week 8, with just two carries for 18 yards. Matt Breida gutted his way through another game and Morris surprisingly served as the immediate backup. It was an odd turn of events, considering Mostert flashed while tallying 12 touches for 87 yards in Week 6 and 11 touches for 78 yards in Week 7. Breida appeared to potentially aggravate his ankle injury late in the game, and that could put his availability in doubt versus the Raiders on Thursday. If he plays, both Mostert and Morris will be impossible to trust, but if Breida is sidelined they'll be upside flex plays.Nyheim Hines, ColtsNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidBye31%$6It seems as though Hines has put his rookie mistakes behind him and is back in the good graces of his coaching staff. Even with Marlon Mack dominating for the second straight week, Hines was able to produce 85 yards on 13 touches against the Raiders. He should already be owned in most PPR leagues, but he has value in standard formats as well behind a Colts line that has drastically improved this season. Hines would also be the main beneficiary if Mack were to miss time again.Devontae Booker, BroncosNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidvs.HOU5%$6Booker's fantasy value is directly linked to Royce Freeman. With the rookie ruled out, Booker split time with Phillip Lindsay and was able to turn 13 touches into 101 yards Sunday - by far his best outing of the year. If Freeman returns, Booker will revert back to getting the smallest share in a three-man committee. He's a speculative add until we know more on Freeman's status.Josh Adams, EaglesNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidBye1%$4Adams led the Eagles' backfield in London, rushing nine times for 61 yards (6.8 yards per carry). By comparison, Wendell Smallwood had 10 touches for 66 yards and a score, though most of that came on the touchdown, which was a 36-yard catch. Corey Clement was the one who really saw his work dialed back, finishing with five touches for 5 yards. With Jay Ajayi on IR, it's become quite difficult to project Philly's ball carriers, and it could get more complicated when Darren Sproles returns to the lineup. Adams is a deep-league stash for owners hoping he can rise to the top of the depth chart in one of the NFL's best offenses.Other options: Kapri Bibbs vs. ATL (2 percent owned), Javorius Allen vs PIT (46 percent owned), Duke Johnson at KC (47 percent owned), Elijah McGuire at MIA (6 percent owned), Chris Ivory vs. CHI (23 percent owned), Spencer Ware at CLE (5 percent owned), Malcolm Brown at NO (3 percent owned)

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger suffered a broken index finger in Week 8 against the Cleveland Browns, head coach Mike Tomlin said on Tuesday, according to Aditi Kinkhabwala of NFL Network.Tomlin doesn't expect the injury to be an issue in the Steelers' Week 9 game against the Baltimore Ravens.Roethlisberger finished the Steelers' win over the Browns with 257 passing yards, two touchdowns, and one interception while completing 24 of 36 attempts.Joshua Dobbs is listed as Pittsburgh's No. 2 quarterback on the team's official depth chart.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New York Giants quarterback Kyle Lauletta was arrested Tuesday morning for failing to obey a police officer's directions, sources told Ron Zeitlinger of The Jersey Journal.The sources added that the 23-year-old signal-caller came close to striking the officer with his vehicle."We were made aware of the situation this morning, and we have been in contact with Kyle. We are still in the process of gathering information. This is obviously very disappointing," head coach Pat Shurmur said, according to Ralph Vacchiano of SNY.The Giants chose Lauletta with the 108th overall pick of April's draft. He's yet to play this season and is listed as the third quarterback on the Giants' official depth chart behind starter Eli Manning and 30-year-old Alex Tanney.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NFL has opted to lessen Seattle Seahawks linebacker Mychal Kendricks' punishment - which stems from federal insider trading charges - from an indefinite ban to an eight-game suspension while giving him credit for time served, a source told Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.Kendricks recently met with commissioner Roger Goodell in an attempt to have his suspension lifted or reduced. Florio initially reported that the linebacker could rejoin the Seahawks on Nov. 12, but later clarified it to Week 12. ESPN's Adam Schefter added that Kendricks will first be eligible to play in Week 14 against the Minnesota Vikings.The 28-year-old pleaded guilty to federal insider trading charges in September and is set to be sentenced in January.Kendricks was released by the Cleveland Browns in August after the charges were announced and later signed with the Seahawks. He's appeared in three games for Seattle this season, racking up 15 tackles and two sacks.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Oakland Raiders cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie announced his retirement from the NFL on Tuesday.NFL Network's Ian Rapoport confirmed the news.Rodgers-Cromartie was selected 16th overall in the 2008 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals. He also played for the Philadelphia Eagles, Denver Broncos, and New York Giants, and then signed a one-year, $630,000 contract with the Raiders in August.The 11-year veteran appeared in all seven games this season but made just one start. He forced a fumble and recorded two passes defensed.He had 30 interceptions, seven forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and seven defensive touchdowns over 160 career regular-season games. He added another three interceptions in 10 playoff games.Copyright © 2018 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, including Mike Alessandrini, Jack Browne, Michael McClymont, and Arun Srinivasan.1. Los Angeles Rams (8-0)Previous Rank: 1The top two teams in the NFC will clash in Week 9 when the Rams visit the Saints. Buckle up. - Alessandrini2. New England Patriots (6-2)Previous Rank: 2New England struggled to finish drives and still emerged with a blowout road victory in primetime over the Bills on Monday night. It's full speed ahead for the Patriots now, with the Packers on the horizon in a mouth-watering Sunday Night Football showdown. - Srinivasan3. New Orleans Saints (6-1)Previous Rank: 4The Saints' defense deserves more attention than it's getting. The unit is giving up just 22 points per game since a Week 1 loss. Can New Orleans keep it up against the Rams? - McClymont4. Kansas City Chiefs (7-1)Previous Rank: 3You cannot stop Patrick Mahomes, you can only attempt to limit the damage he causes. - Alessandrini5. Los Angeles Chargers (5-2)Previous Rank: 5They may not be able to sell tickets in Los Angeles, but the Chargers are clear leaders of the AFC's second tier after the Patriots and Chiefs. They're a legitimate Super Bowl contender. - Alessandrini6. Carolina Panthers (5-2)Previous Rank: 7The Panthers keep stacking wins, and they're patiently waiting for the Rams or Saints to trip up in the NFC. - McClymont7. Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2-1)Previous Rank: 9James Conner has all but assured the end of Le'Veon Bell's time in Pittsburgh is coming, with the second-year back needing just seven games to match Bell's career-best single-season rushing touchdown total (nine). - Browne8. Minnesota Vikings (4-3-1)Previous Rank: 6There was no sequel to the Minneapolis Miracle, but despite the loss to the Saints on Sunday night, the injury-riddled Vikings should feel good about their chances in a potential playoff rematch if they can avoid the same costly turnovers. - Browne9. Cincinnati Bengals (5-3)Previous Rank: 12Joe Mixon had his coming out party in Week 8, rushing for two touchdowns and 123 yards. If he, not Andy Dalton, can consistently be the focal point of the Bengals' offense, Cincinnati could be a sleeper contender in the AFC. - Browne10. Houston Texans (5-3)Previous Rank: 15The Texans are on a five-game winning streak, and they have one of the easiest schedules down the stretch. The AFC South may have to go through Houston. - McClymont11. Washington Redskins (5-2)Previous Rank: 11Adrian Peterson turned back the clock with a 149-yard performance, and now the Redskins are somehow sneaking under the radar at 5-2, even while playing in the nation's capital. - Srinivasan12. Chicago Bears (4-3)Previous Rank: 13With the Bills and Lions coming up on their schedule, the Bears would be wise to give Khalil Mack as much time as he needs to fully recover from his ankle injury. Chicago needs him firing on all cylinders later in the season for two all-important games against Minnesota. - Browne13. Philadelphia Eagles (4-4)Previous Rank: 14After a quality win over the Jaguars, hopefully every game for the remainder of the season isn't treated like a referendum on the defending champions' resilience - Srinivasan14. Baltimore Ravens (4-4)Previous Rank: 8Baltimore is at a crossroads and sitting at .500 through eight games after Cam Newton and Co. torched the Ravens' defense 36-21 on Sunday. - Browne15. Green Bay Packers (3-3-1)Previous Rank: 10Does Aaron Rodgers have another late-season charge in him? Even if he does, is it in the Packers' best interests for him to again paper over the widening cracks elsewhere on Green Bay's roster?. - Browne16. Seattle Seahawks (4-3)Previous Rank: 16He's not at Beast Mode levels just yet, but Chris Carson is making many wonder if Marshawn Lynch ever left Seattle. - Alessandrini17. Miami Dolphins (4-4)Previous Rank: 18Wake me up when Brocktober ends. - Srinivasan18. Dallas Cowboys (3-4)Previous Rank: 20Ezekiel Elliott and the Cowboys are getting a relatively easy matchup coming out of their bye. But which version of the Cowboys will show up to face the Titans on Monday Night Football? - Srinivasan19. Detroit Lions (3-4)Previous Rank: 17The Seahawks embarrassed Detroit in Week 8 while cruising to a 28-14 win. Now, two tough road games against Chicago and Minnesota are coming up. It's now or never for the Lions. - Browne20. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-5)Previous Rank: 19No team needs a bye week more than the Jags. The defense is in disarray and the offense is in shambles. - McClymont21. Atlanta Falcons (3-4)Previous Rank: 21Three games back in the division with nine games to go doesn't feel like an insurmountable hole. But the Falcons play in the NFC South, a division the Saints lead with their offense averaging 33.4 points per game. - McClymont22. Tennessee Titans (3-4)Previous Rank: 22Oh yeah, the Titans are still in the NFL. How are they doing? - McClymont23. Denver Broncos (3-5)Previous Rank: 24It might be wise for the Broncos to begin trading their veterans while targetting a star pivot prospect in the 2019 draft. - Alessandrini24. New York Jets (3-5)Previous Rank: 25Sam Darnold has completed less than 50 percent of his passes in three of his last four games. Rookie mistakes are to be expected, but the Jets' feel-good vibes have disappeared. - Srinivasan25. Indianapolis Colts (3-5)Previous Rank: 27Would you have believed it if we told you before the season started that Andrew Luck will lead the league in pass attempts and rank 28th in sacks taken after eight weeks? - McClymont26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-4)Previous Rank: 23Dirk Koetter benched his franchise quarterback and fired his defensive coordinator. He doesn't have many cards left to play. - McClymont27. Cleveland Browns (2-5-1)Previous Rank: 26Only the Browns could go from Hue Jackson to Gregg Williams, replacing one disaster at head coach with potentially another. Still, this team is going be appointment viewing. Can we get "Hard Knocks" back in Cleveland next summer, pretty please? - Browne28. Buffalo Bills (2-6)Previous Rank: 29The Bills showcased their excellent defense on Monday night. But the quality of that unit doesn't matter if the worst offense of the modern era can't take advantage. - Srinivasan29. Arizona Cardinals (2-6)Previous Rank: 31The Cardinals have knocked off the 49ers twice in 2018, which at least proves Arizona isn't the NFL's worst team. - Alessandrini30. New York Giants (1-7)Previous Rank: 30Eli Manning refuses to waive his no-trade clause despite being one of the obvious reasons behind another disastrous season for the Giants. It's tough to exit gracefully, but Manning should know he's done. - Srinivasan31. San Francisco 49ers (1-7)Previous Rank: 28The Raiders and 49ers kick off Week 9 on Thursday night in a battle to see which disappointing squad deserves to be last in our rankings. - Alessandrini32. Oakland Raiders (1-6)Previous Rank: 32With hours left before the trade deadline, we'll see if Jon Gruden is able to continue the largest fire sale in recent memory. - AlessandriniCopyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

After a Week 8 filled with sacks, stops and stuffs, let's review the best performances by defensive linemen around the league.Defensive Lineman of the Week: Dee Ford, Kansas City ChiefsWhile he's often overshadowed by higher-profile teammates, Dee Ford's been excellent for the Kansas City Chiefs this season, accumulating eight sacks in eight games to date. And Ford was at his best against the division rival Denver Broncos on Sunday, recording four tackles, three sacks, three quarterback hits, and two forced fumbles.At 6-foot-2 and 252 pounds, Ford leverages his short stature and blazing speed off the edge to skate around offensive tackles. His first sack of Denver quarterback Case Keenum is a great example:On this play, Ford's in a wide alignment over the Broncos' tight end, and he demonstrates incredible burst out of a two-point stance when the ball is snapped. Once Ford reaches the apex of the quarterback’s drop, he uses his lower-body pliability to turn a tight corner while maintaining his balance and momentum to finish the play.Ford’s second sack of Keenum was much of the same, although he also showed off his ability to bend through contact at the top of the arc:Here, Ford's in a wide alignment to the outside of Denver's left tackle. Once the ball is snapped, he employs his burst to stress the left tackle's pass set, powers through the block, and flattens toward the quarterback for another sack-fumble. The combination of body lean, footwork, and contact balance allows Ford to absorb the blow from the left tackle without being pushed beyond the QB.After injuries ruined his 2017 season, Ford's bounced back in a big way, showcasing that he's one of the best speed-rushers in the NFL. Sunday was the latest example.Pass Rush of the Week: Damon Harrison, Detroit LionsAfter a surprising trade from the New York Giants to the Detroit Lions last week, Damon Harrison wasted no time making an impact with his new team. Harrison was his usual dominant self against the run in Week 8, consistently dominating his gap and resetting the line of scrimmage. However, his first sack of the season - in which he beat two blocks - was his most impressive play of the day:On this play, Harrison's aligned over the Seahawks' center (No. 68). Once the ball is snapped, he mirrors the initial movement of the center to maintain his gap responsibility against the run. But once he identifies the pass, Harrison employs a masterful arm-over move to beat the center before using a rip move on D.J Fluker (No. 78) to bully his way into the backfield and sack a scrambling Russell Wilson.He won't be mistaken for J.J. Watt anytime soon, but it was impressive to watch Harrison, who's not known for his pass-rush prowess (6.5 sacks in 93 career games), sequence his hands against multiple offensive linemen. And it's rare to see any 355-pounder generate pressure as a pass-rusher, let alone defeat two blocks while doing so.It's unlikely that sacks will be the norm, but Harrison will prove worthy of the fifth-round pick the Lions sent in exchange for him.Run Defender of the Week: Cameron Wake, Miami DolphinsIt must be opposite week - how else can we explain Harrison winning the pass-rush category while an electrifying speed-rusher in Cameron Wake claims run-defender honors?But against the Texans on Thursday, Wake had six tackles within 3 yards of the line of scrimmage. He consistently set a strong edge versus the run, making it difficult for Houston to bounce the ball outside. He was also strong at the point of attack, showing an improved ability to take on and defeat blocks. This stop is a great example of Wake's efforts against the run:Here, Wake's aligned with a slight outside shade over the Texans' tight end. Once the ball is snapped, he uses a strong outside arm to create the separation necessary to discard the block and make the tackle.That superior hand placement also allows Wake to remain disciplined with his eyes, so he can follow the running back’s path and make the tackle.It was certainly odd to see Wake, who's normally just a pass-rush specialist, using leverage, hand placement, and body positioning to make an impact against the ground game. Perhaps that success will lead to more snaps for the veteran in obvious running situation.In the Spotlight: Matt Ioannidis, Washington RedskinsEvery week it seems like another Washington defensive lineman steals the spotlight. This week, it was Matt Ioannidis' turn, as he posted a career day against the Giants with four tackles, four quarterback hits, and 2.5 sacks.It was surprising to see Ioannidis so effective as a pass-rusher because he's usually best against the run, as his immense play strength and powerful hands allow him to bully opponents at the line of scrimmage.Against the Giants, Ioannidis leveraged the traits he uses to be a great run defender to generate pressure as a pass-rusher. His sack at the end of the first quarter is a great illustration:On this play, Ioannidis is aligned across from the Giants' right guard. Once the ball is snapped, he attacks that right guard's edge by employing a long-arm technique with his inside arm. By using perfect hand placement and immense play strength, Ioannidis easily walks the guard back into Eli Manning’s face before discarding the block to make the sack.Then, on his second sack of the day, Ioannidis leverages his power to get a sack on a stunt:As seen above, Ioannidis is running a tackle-tackle stunt with Jonathan Allen (No. 93), in which the former is supposed to penetrate while Allen loops around. While this stunt is actually designed for Allen to get home, Ioannidis has other plans, as he's able to reverse pancake the Giants' center on his way to a sack.Allen and Da'Ron Payne have gotten most of the credit for Washington's improved defensive line this season, but Ioannidis shouldn't be overlooked, as he's in the midst of a career year for the current NFC East leader.John Owning is a football writer at theScore. He has written for Bleacher Report and Football Insiders. He was also the lead NFL content editor at FanRag Sports. John provides analysis on the Dallas Cowboys for the Dallas Morning News and edits for The Quant Edge. Find him on Twitter @JohnOwning.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

After his first day back in cleats, Los Angeles Chargers defensive end Joey Bosa said he's finally making some progress in his recovery from a foot injury that's sidelined him for every game so far this season."(It’s) the first time that I’m really making some strides to get out on the field," Bosa said Monday, according to Ricky Henne of Chargers.com. "It’s been a slow progression ever since I left. We kind of started from square one, literally walking on the field. You have to walk before you run. I know it’s kind of silly, but it’s kind of how it goes. It’s simple walking. Toe walks. Heel walks. Rising up on my toes. It’s just been a very slow progression."While he expressed optimism about the progress, the third-year pass-rusher still wasn't able to put a timeline on his return to a Chargers team that's gone 5-2 in his absence and holds second place in the AFC West."From now, it’s going to be a week-to-week type thing," Bosa said. "People keep asking me when I’m going to be ready. I’m going to be ready when my foot is ready to play. I’m not going to push it a day early, and I’m also not going to be sitting around healthy waiting to play (against) the best matchup. The second my foot is ready (to) practice on a Wednesday, I will play that week. Whether it be next week (or) two weeks from now."Bosa's recorded 23 sacks through his first 28 NFL games since being drafted third overall in 2016.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam is adamant that Monday's firings of head coach Hue Jackson and offensive coordinator Todd Haley don't mean his team is giving up on the season with eight games left."This is not a throwing in of the towel," Haslam said on Monday afternoon, according to Pat McManamon of ESPN. "It is a rebooting, if you will, an opportunity to give them a fresh start these last eight games."Gregg Williams, who was hired as defensive coordinator in January, will serve as interim head coach, a move Haslam believes will improve the team."I think that we put the organization in a better place today than it was yesterday moving forward," Haslam said. "And we are comfortable with the decision."Williams is the fifth head coach to serve under Haslam since it was announced he would purchase the Browns ahead of the 2012 season. The team has gone 22-81-1 during that time.Haslam admits fault for Cleveland's poor record and his head coaches struggling."I will accept the blame because, ultimately, it is the person at the head of the ship," Haslam said. "I will take the blame as ownership. I can't explain it more than that. We have had different situations with different people. I know that it is something that we are not going to tolerate moving forward."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The 2018 season is Demaryius Thomas' eighth with the Denver Broncos. The wide receiver is second in franchise receiving yards and is a team captain, but the five-time Pro Bowler is unsure of where he'll be playing beyond the NFL's Oct. 30 trade deadline."I wish I knew, bro. I wish I could tell you," he said on Sunday when asked about the odds of getting traded, via ESPN's Jeff Legwold. "I really don’t know. Predict? 50-50, 50-50."The Broncos lost for the fifth time this season on Sunday when the Kansas City Chiefs beat them 30-23. Thomas finished the game with three catches for 30 yards.Now third in the AFC West, the Broncos could pack it in for the season and unload veterans for future assets before the deadline."How would you feel at your job (if) your boss, whoever, said they wanted you someplace else?" Thomas added."And you come into work every day and have to think about it? How would you feel? But I had to do it for my team, like it was normal, act like it was normal. It just kept coming up, from left and right ... I had to think about it ... It’ll be interesting to see what happens in next couple days."In eight games this season, Thomas has recorded 36 receptions for 402 yards and three touchdowns.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Oakland Raiders are looking to acquire a late-round draft pick in a potential trade for defensive end Bruce Irvin, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.Irvin is one of several Raiders veterans who could be on the move before Tuesday's trade deadline as the team looks to accumulate assets for the future.The 30-year-old has three sacks through seven games in his third campaign with Oakland. He spent the first four seasons of his career with the Seattle Seahawks, where he won Super Bowl XLVIII.Irvin has one year left on his contract. He's due to make a base salary of $9 million in 2019.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Showtime Tate wants to stay in the Motown state.Detroit Lions receiver Golden Tate has heard his name mentioned in rumors ahead of Tuesday's trade deadline."I don't think they're going to trade me. If they do, I'll be surprised but it's a business so I guess we got a few hours. A few hours and we'll see," Tate said to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press."I expect to be here and I want to be here. But we'll see."Tate is in the final season of a five-year, $31-million deal he signed with the Lions in 2014. The nine-year veteran leads Detroit in receptions (44) and receiving yards (517) this season and also has three touchdowns.NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported the New England Patriots have expressed interest in the receiver. Colleague Tom Pelissero added that the Lions would seek "a mid-round pick" in any deal for the 30-year-old.Tate responded personally to Rapoport's report.

The New England Patriots are particularly interested in Demaryius Thomas of the Denver Broncos and Golden Tate of the Detroit Lions as they look to bolster their receiving corps ahead of Tuesday's trade deadline, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.On Sunday, FOX Sports' Jay Glazer reported that New England was offering high draft picks for a "premium" receiver.This is the first time Tate has surfaced as a potential trade candidate for the Patriots. The 30-year-old will be a free agent at season's end, and the Lions - who are in the thick of a playoff race in the NFC North - are unlikely to give him up unless they get overwhelmed by a trade offer, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.

Receiver Josh Gordon was on the field and in the starting lineup for Monday night's matchup between the New England Patriots and Buffalo Bills.NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported before the game that Gordon would be disciplined during the Monday nighter for tardiness but would resume regular playing time thereafter.The Patriots have been short at the receiver position and kept Gordon on the field to begin the game.

The Cleveland Browns made sweeping changes to their staff Monday, dismissing head coach Hue Jackson and offensive coordinator Todd Haley.Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams has been handed head coaching duties on an interim basis while running backs coach Freddie Kitchens was promoted to offensive coordinator and will take over the play-calling.The Browns' offense has produced duds almost every week this season. Owner Jimmy Haslam seemingly confirmed reports that Jackson and Haley were at odds throughout the campaign."I think the message today is we are not going to put up with internal discord," Haslam said at a press conference to announce the shakeup. "We want people who are collaborative and work together."Related: Browns fire Hue JacksonJackson lasted two-and-a-half years in Cleveland, posting a 3-36-1 record. The optimism surrounding the Browns entering the 2018 campaign slowly withered as the losses once again started to pile up.Haley served the Browns for just eight games. He was hired to Jackson's staff on the heels of a six-year tenure with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Incidentally, he was terminated after losing to his former club."We had some concerns going into the game," Haslam said. "Obviously, yesterday's performance was disappointing. We had several of our key people involved in this conversation last night and this morning and did what we think is best for the organization."Related: Browns fire Todd HaleyGeneral manager John Dorsey said he isn't worried about the lack of continuity for rookie quarterback Baker Mayfield - even if blowing up the offensive staff midway through the season isn't ideal."I think that the whole scheme is the same," he said. "The quarterbacks coach is the same. I think he has a great familiarity with Freddie there. I think it is a personal relationship that he may have had with Todd, but I think the everyday relationship that he has with his quarterback coach is really big in the development of it, and he and Gregg (Williams) have a fairly good relationship, too."Related: Browns name Gregg Williams interim HCCopyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Ty Montgomery believes his Packers teammates threw him under the bus for his fumble in the dying minutes of Sunday's game, which cost Green Bay a chance to defeat the Los Angeles Rams."We talk about being brothers," Montgomery said Monday, according to Josh Tolentino of The Athletic. "We talk about being family, keeping things in-house, in-house, this, that, and the other. Maybe that's what they do with their family. That's not what I do in mine.”Montgomery drew the ire of fans, teammates, and even coaches for his costly gaffe, which prevented Aaron Rodgers and Co. from embarking on one last drive to win the game. Los Angeles won 29-27.An anonymous Packers player ripped Montgomery to NFL Network's Michael Silver for his decision to run the kickoff out of the end zone after the coaching staff had instructed him to take a knee. The player said Montgomery also threw a tantrum on the sideline during the previous possession after being pulled from the game.Montgomery, however, says he returned the kickoff because it was near the goal line and he was worried about kneeling inside the 1-yard line."I've never been a guy to completely disobey what I'm being told," he said.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie running back Ronald Jones II suffered a hamstring strain in the Week 8 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals and is expected to miss a few weeks, a source told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.Jones rushed twice for negative-3 yards and caught his lone target for a gain of four before leaving the game.The 38th overall pick of April's draft has 42 rushing yards and one touchdown on 19 attempts over four games this season. He's caught six of seven targets for another 34 yards.Peyton Barber, the Buccaneers' lead rusher this season, was able to rack up 85 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries against the Bengals.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New England Patriots plan to bench Josh Gordon for several series on Monday versus the Buffalo Bills as discipline for the wide receiver's lateness, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.He'll be held out for about a quarter, Rapoport added, and will get regular playing time afterward.Gordon, whose tardiness contributed to the Cleveland Browns' decision to trade him, reportedly arrived late Sunday while the Patriots were getting ready to depart Gillette Stadium for Buffalo, according to The Athletic's Jeff Howe.In four games with the Patriots, Gordon has amassed 13 receptions for 224 yards and one touchdown. The 27-year-old's role in New England's offense has grown by the week.Gordon was suspended for a total of 54 games between 2014 and 2017 due to off-field issues.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Quarterback Deshaun Watson will be permitted to fly with the Houston Texans for their trip to face the Denver Broncos in Week 9, head coach Bill O'Brien told Sarah Barshop of ESPN on Monday.Watson was forced to travel via bus for the Texans' Week 7 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars while battling lung and ribs issues, as the team was concerned about the possible effects of air pressure during the flight.The sophomore quarterback sustained the injury against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 5, but it hasn't prevented him from suiting up this year. He completed 16 of 20 pass attempts for 239 yards and a season-best five touchdowns against the Miami Dolphins while at home in Week 8.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter confirmed Ryan Fitzpatrick will start Sunday in Week 8 against the Carolina Panthers.Fitzpatrick replaced Jameis Winston during Tampa Bay's Week 7 game against the Cincinnati Bengals after the latter threw his fourth interception of the day. Fitzpatrick then brought the Bucs all the way back from an 18-point deficit, but the Bengals kicked a last-second field goal to win 37-34.The journeyman quarterback began the year as the Buccaneers' starter while Winston served a three-game suspension, and became the first player in NFL history to throw for more than 400 yards in three straight games. Fitzpatrick also started Week 4 against the Chicago Bears, but was replaced during that contest by Winston, who kept the starting job after Tampa Bay's bye in Week 5.Despite playing in just four games this season, Winston is tied for the NFL lead with 10 interceptions. He's completed 64.9 percent of his passes for 1,181 yards and six touchdowns.Meanwhile, Fitzpatrick's completed 68.1 percent of his passes for 1,550 yards, 13 touchdowns, and five interceptions.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Cleveland Browns announced the firing of offensive coordinator Todd Haley on Monday.The move comes shortly after the team's dismissal of head coach Hue Jackson.Haley was hired by the Browns in January after serving as the offensive coordinator for the rival Pittsburgh Steelers since the 2012 season. The Browns' offense ranks 24th in both yards per game (342.4) and points per game (21.1) through eight contests this year.Monday's firings come just a few days after Haley said he and Jackson, along with the rest of the team, were "all on the same page."Cleveland is coming off a 33-18 loss to Pittsburgh in Week 8.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Cleveland Browns named defensive coordinator Gregg Williams interim head coach Monday while Freddie Kitchens will serve as offensive coordinator, the team confirmed.Cleveland fired head coach Hue Jackson and offensive coordinator Todd Haley earlier in the day. Jackson posted a 3-36-1 record during his three seasons with the team."We greatly appreciate Hue's commitment to the Cleveland Browns organization over the last two-and-a-half years. We understand how critical this time period is in the development of our football team, individually and collectively, and believed it was in the organization's best interest to make the move at this time, in order to maximize our opportunities the rest of this season. We certainly only wish Hue, Michelle, and his family the best moving forward," Browns owner Jimmy Haslam said in a statement.Kitchens previously worked as Browns running backs coach and associate head coach.Haslam and Browns general manager John Dorsey will hold a press conference at 4:30 p.m.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.