Houston Texans safety Andre Hal will play in his first game of the season Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter, just over four months after the 26-year-old was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma.Hal was activated off the reserve/non-football illness list Saturday following a midweek return to practice.The safety opted not to undergo chemotherapy treatment on the lymphoma found in his armpit and abdomen in order to have a chance of playing this season.The Texans released a statement from team physician Dr. James Muntz in September revealing that Hal's cancer was in remission. The safety had been on the non-football illness list since June.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Los Angeles Chargers star running back Melvin Gordon is inactive for Sunday's game in London against the Tennessee Titans after being downgraded to questionable with a hamstring injury Saturday.NFL Network's Ian Rapoport said the Chargers were being cautious with their leading rusher, who was sidelined for two of three practices this week.With Gordon out, Austin Ekeler should take over Los Angeles' featured role.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New York Jets released wide receiver Terrelle Pryor on Saturday.Pryor is set to miss around two weeks with a groin injury. The Jets are reportedly interested in re-signing him when healthy, but will likely have competition for his services.With leading pass-catcher Quincy Enunwa sidelined for up to a month, the Jets are hurting at receiver. With the need for healthy bodies, New York was forced to release Pryor, added Schefter.The 29-year-old signed a one-year deal with New York this past offseason. He has performed well this year, catching 14 passes for 235 yards and two touchdowns, both of which came in the last two games.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New England Patriots may be shorthanded for Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears as tight end Rob Gronkowski is "highly unlikely" to play after not traveling with the team on Saturday due to a back injury, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.Gronkowski's officially listed as doubtful, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.Gronkowski has played all six games so far this season and has totals of 26 receptions, 405 yards, and one touchdown. His 97 yards in last Sunday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs were his most since posting a 7-123-1 line in Week 1.Fellow tight end Jacob Hollister was ruled out due to a chest injury, leaving veteran Dwayne Allen as the only healthy option on the active roster.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Seattle Seahawks linebacker Mychal Kendricks is scheduled to meet with the NFL this week, a source told Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio.Kendricks was indefinitely suspended on Oct. 2 after pleading guilty to insider trading in September. He could face a more specific suspension after the meeting, according to Florio.The linebacker was released by the Cleveland Browns after being charged with insider trading on Aug. 29. Kendricks signed a one-year contract with the Seahawks on Sept. 13 He recorded 15 tackles, two sacks, and a pass deflection in three games.Kendricks helped the Philadelphia Eagles win their first Super Bowl in franchise history last season.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Los Angeles Chargers star running back Melvin Gordon has been downgraded to questionable for Sunday's game against the Tennessee Titans due to a hamstring injury, the team announced Saturday.Gordon will most likely be a game-time decision for the London tilt, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.The injury kept Gordon sidelined for the first two practices of the week, but he was able to participate in Friday's session on a limited basis and wasn't given an injury designation.Head coach Anthony Lynn said Friday that he thought Gordon was struggling with dehydration, in addition to the hamstring injury."You know, I think it was just dehydration to be honest with you," Lynn said, according to NFL.com's Herbie Teope. "Eight-hour plane ride. He didn't drink enough water. So just playing the safe side today, and just kept him out of practice."Gordon has been in Pro Bowl form this season, rushing for 466 yards (third in the league) and scoring nine total touchdowns. If the 25-year-old is unable to play in Week 7, Austin Ekeler will likely take over as the Chargers' lead back.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict was fined $112,000 for multiple plays that were determined as unnecessary roughness against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 6, a source told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.Burfict delivered separate forearm shots to the helmets of Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown and running back James Conner.The 28-year-old was suspended for the first four games of the 2018 season due to a violation of the league's performance-enhancing drug policy.Burfict has a well-documented history of illegal hits and dirty plays since entering the league in 2012 and has been fined and suspended several times.

The Houston Texans officially activated safety Andre Hal off the reserve/non-football illness list, the team announced Saturday.Hal returned to practice Wednesday after undergoing treatments for Hodgkin's lymphoma and appears set to make his season debut.The Texans released a statement from team physician Dr. James Muntz in September revealing that Hal's cancer was in remission. The safety has been on the non-football illness list since June.The 26-year-old chose to avoid chemotherapy treatment to help preserve his body with an aspiration to play this season. He then followed a plan that involved a drug administered through IV in order to treat lymphoma found in his armpit and abdomen.Hal signed a three-year, $15-million contract extension with Houston last year. He accumulated 71 tackles, two forced fumbles, and three interceptions during the 2017 season.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Each week, we take a look at five last-minute additions for your fantasy team heading into NFL Sunday.Trent Taylor, WR, 49ersvs. RamsRobert Reiners / Getty Images Sport / GettyTaylor missed an opportunity to rack up some fantasy points in Monday night's shootout with the Green Bay Packers due to a back injury. The second-year pro scored his first touchdown of the year in Week 5 and nearly doubled his receiving total by catching seven of eight targets for 61 yards, putting him at 125 through five games.The wideout is listed as questionable for Sunday, as is teammate Pierre Garcon, with fellow receiver Dante Pettis already ruled out.Whoever lines up across the field from Marquise Goodwin will have plenty of opportunity in a projected high-scoring affair with the Rams.Anthony Miller, WR, Bearsvs. PatriotsMarc Serota / Getty Images Sport / GettyMiller returned from a dislocated shoulder to catch the second touchdown of his rookie season in Week 6, though that was his lone reception on four targets.Only two teams have allowed more passing touchdowns than the Patriots this season. Miller could find his way into the end zone once again if Mitchell Trubisky's recent form continues from the last two games.While Taylor Gabriel has become a bit of a target hog in Trubisky's rejuvenated passing attack, Miller could be asked to take on an expanded role if Allen Robinson is forced to miss the game with a groin injury.Josh Doctson, WR, Redskinsvs. CowboysRob Carr / Getty Images Sport / GettyDoctson has struggled this season after seeming to break out as a sophomore last year. He's made just two starts over four games and caught less than half of his 18 targets for 68 yards without a touchdown.Washington is already without Jamison Crowder and could also see both Paul Richardson and pass-catching back Chris Thompson ruled out by Sunday.The Cowboys struggle against No. 1 receivers, ranking 19th by Football Outsiders' DVOA metric, allowing 7.3 targets and over 70 yards per game to the position. Doctson could find himself filling the role by default if his teammates aren't able to get up to full health.Roc Thomas, RB, Vikingsat JetsCorey Perrine / Getty Images Sport / GettyThomas will again serve as the complement to Latavius Murray with Dalvin Cook ruled out due to a lingering hamstring injury.An undrafted free agent out of the 2018 class, Thomas showed signs of promise with four carries for eight yards and a six-yard reception in Week 5. Those positives went away when seeing his number called just once for a loss of four yards in a favorable matchup against the Arizona Cardinals last week.The Jets' defense ranks in the middle of the league in most statistics and the Vikings' pass-heavy offense leaves just over 30 percent of plays for Thomas and Murray to split, but the Vikings are listed as 3.5-point favorites on the road and could rely more heavily on the run game in the second half.Jermaine Kearse, WR, Jetsvs. VikingsElsa / Getty Images Sport / GettyKearse has caught just 16 of 27 targets this season, one year after leading the Jets with 65 catches while working with veteran Josh McCown.The 28-year-old hasn't yet reached those heights with rookie signal caller Sam Darnold, but their hands will be forced in an underdog matchup against the Vikings, as Quincy Enunwa has been ruled out and Terrelle Pryor is reportedly set to be released.Robby Anderson is likely to see an even larger role than usual, but he'll also face the tougher coverage in the Vikings' secondary. Minnesota's DVOA ranks first in the league against No. 1 receivers and just 31st against the No. 2.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Miami Dolphins want a third-round draft pick in any potential trade for wide receiver DeVante Parker, reports NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.Parker has been limited to just two appearances this year because of a finger injury, but is now completely healthy, according to his agent. The 25-year-old is signed through the 2019 season.Though he hasn't lived up to expectations as a former first-round pick, Parker has enjoyed some level of success with the Dolphins. His most productive season came in 2016 when he posted 56 catches for 744 yards and four touchdowns."I would love to be here long-term," Parker told Joe Schad of the Palm Beach Post on Friday amid the swirling trade rumors. "I get along with everybody here. Front office. All of them. Cool people. I wouldn't mind being here for long-term."It remains to be seen whether Miami's asking price will drop as the Oct. 30 trade deadline nears.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

A cloud of sadness hangs over my head following a 2-3 week. Why do I continue to bet against the Kansas City Chiefs?But it's on to Week 7, aka the bounce-back week. Here are my top five plays. Be sure to shop around for the best prices.Dallas Cowboys at Washington RedskinsWager: Under 41.5It's funny how the identities of these two teams have changed so drastically over such a short period of time.Dallas can actually field a defense this season, even though Sean Lee's missed three weeks with yet another injury (he'll return Sunday). A back seven that was laughable for years employs one of the league's top-graded cornerbacks in Byron Jones. The Cowboys are finally getting after the quarterback, tied for seventh in the NFL with 18 sacks. All those elements combine to produce a defense that's allowing just 5.1 yards per play, good for fourth in the league. Furthermore, they're second in the league in rush yards allowed per attempt and tied for fifth (with Washington) in yards per completion.Offensively, the scheme still lacks creativity as much as it does skill. Ezekiel Elliott has been able to run the ball, but that's about it. The Cowboys continue to have trouble being two-dimensional without a true home-run threat on the outside.Washington is also dependent on defense after many years of relying on Kirk Cousins to bail the team out of high-scoring games. The Redskins quietly rank eighth in scoring defense and opponent yards per play this season. A Washington offense that shouldn't necessarily strike fear into Dallas' defense is also a little banged-up heading into Week 8. With potential gusts in the forecast as well, I'll take a shot on the under in this divisional matchup.Houston Texans at Jacksonville JaguarsWager: Jaguars -4.5I don't know if you can keep Jacksonville's defense down for three straight weeks. The Jaguars didn't pass the test against the high-flying Chiefs - though Jacksonville actually outgained Kansas City in a 16-point loss - and didn't answer the bell in last weekend's 40-7 defeat to the Cowboys. This week, however, the defense should have plenty of opportunities to make life miserable for Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson, who's been sacked 4.2 times per game - second-most in the NFL.Jacksonville's offense has made some costly errors over the past couple weeks. Against the Chiefs, Blake Bortles and Co. turned the ball over six times in plus territory - three interceptions, two turnovers on downs, and one fumble. Still, while the Jaguars aren't flashy on offense, they're actually better than Houston in adjusted yards per play this season.This feels like a good spot to buy low on the Jaguars. I expect them to play better on both sides of the ball in a crucial divisional game at home.Tennessee Titans at Los Angeles ChargersWesley Hitt / Getty Images Sport / GettyWager: Titans' team total over 18.5Being sacked more times than you complete a pass in a game isn't great. Neither is investing in a team to score points after getting blanked at home.The Titans looked lost last week against the Baltimore Ravens, seven days after posting 12 points in a loss to the Bills. But in a league where any offense can catch lightning in a bottle for four quarters, Tennessee might deserve your attention in Week 8.The offense hasn't been efficient by any means. Marcus Mariota has been banged-up, the receiving corps is still short one or two playmakers, and bringing in Matt LaFleur - one of the masterminds behind the Rams' offensive turnaround last season - hasn't paid dividends yet. But the Titans should finally get some relief after playing defenses that are No. 1 (Baltimore) and No. 2 (Buffalo) in yards per play allowed this season.Considering how the Chargers have been rolling offensively, Tennessee should have plenty of opportunities to score. It's all about executing, and this price is too good to pass up.Extra PointsBuffalo Bills at Indianapolis ColtsRecommended Pick: Under 43It feels as if there's a preconceived notion that the Indianapolis Colts' offense is good. It's not.Sunday's Bills-Colts game will feature one offense that ranks dead last in the league in yards per play (that's the obvious one), and another that's No. 27. The Colts' scoring offense ranks in the top half of the league, but its numbers are skewed by garbage-time scores and field position off turnovers.If Derek Anderson - a quarterback who was signed off the street less than two weeks ago - is going to beat me, so be it. And if the Bills' No. 2 defense wants to bend the knee to an offense with one of the worst receiving corps in the NFL, it's just going to be one of those weeks.Carolina Panthers at Philadelphia EaglesRecommended Pick: Panthers +5I can't believe I'm saying this, but I actually like what the Panthers are doing offensively. Cam Newton is playing great football, the pass-catchers are healthy, and the skill corps in general only figures to improve given its youth.Philadelphia's defense has some holes. The Eagles are giving up 5.7 yards per play, but have the biggest discrepancy when adjusting for strength of schedule (6.4). Betting against the defending champs might not be much fun, but I'd take a shot on the Panthers at this number.Top plays: 13-4-1Overall record: 20-9-1Alex Kolodziej is theScore's betting writer. He's a graduate of Eastern Illinois who has been involved in the sports betting industry for 11 years. He can quote every line from "Rounders" and appreciates franchises that regularly wear alternate jerseys. Find him on Twitter @AlexKoIodziej.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett aired his displeasure with NFL officials on Friday."Do your job just like we need to do our job," Garrett said, according to Tom Withers of The Associated Press. "If it’s holding, call holding. If it’s a false start, false start, whether it’s us or them."The standout sophomore feels voicing his discontent is worth any potential discipline from the league as a result."If I get fined, so be it," he said. "Something needs to be said. If it keeps on going this way, this route, where it seems like we keep on getting the short stick."His main point of contention was a play from the Week 6 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in which offensive tackle Russell Okung seemed to drop back into coverage prior to the ball being snapped, causing Garrett and several other Browns players to stop their rush in expectation of a whistle.Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers threw a touchdown on the play."It was so obvious," Garrett said. "To my mind, he’s moved, nobody else has moved and the ball hasn’t moved, so it’s kinda textbook. The flag should be up. I don’t understand how you don’t see it. That’s his job is to look down the line and see when people are jumping offside or false starting, but I’ve got to keep on finishing the play."NFL senior vice president of officiating Al Riveron later acknowledged that the crew on the field made the wrong call.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Buffalo Bills running back Chris Ivory is inspiring the NFL to revisit rules that currently allow players to be tackled by their hair after he was hauled down by Jadeveon Clowney in the backfield during the Bills' Week 6 loss to the Houston Texans.Al Riveron, the league's senior vice president of officiating, said the issue will be readdressed in the offseason after being passed over a few years ago."He gets tackled by the hair. Right now, this is legal. This was brought up to the competition committee a couple of years ago and to the Players Association. And they decided at that time not to do anything about it," Riveron said. "But again, we're going to bring it up again this year and talk to the Players Association and the competition committee, and see if there's any interest in having a rule change when it comes to this situation."

New York Giants star Odell Beckham Jr. responded on Friday to comments made by co-owner John Mara earlier this week, who said the wide receiver should spend less time criticizing the team amid a 1-5 start to the year."I respect and value his opinion, obviously," Beckham said, according to ESPN's Jordan Raanan. "So that's what we're going to do, like I said, focus on Atlanta right now. That's really it."Beckham initially called out the team's offense in an interview with ESPN's Josina Anderson earlier in October, saying he has received a lack of opportunities to make plays downfield.Mara eventually responded, telling ESPN's Dan Graziano on Tuesday, "I think he needs to do a little more playing and a little less talking."Beckham said he doesn't regret his remarks and is using the controversy as a learning experience."I've said this all the time: Never have any regrets. At one point in time, it was exactly what you wanted to say. It is what it is. I don't believe in 'everything is a test' or anything like that. Everything is an opportunity to learn and grow," Beckham said. "That's really it. There are no more tests. The testing is over. You've prepared for the test, you've studied for them. It's just an opportunity to learn and grow."Sitting at 1-5, Beckham appears to have moved on and is focused on getting the Giants back on track amid what is shaping up to be another lost season."I'm ready to talk about the Atlanta Falcons. That's really it," he said. "That's the focus right now. We need to start winning games. I want to win too, just as bad as everybody else. That's really it. I just want to win."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Dallas Cowboys linebacker Sean Lee will play Sunday after missing three weeks with a hamstring injury, according to Dallas Morning News' David Moore."Being out has always been tough on me," Lee said. "I've never liked it. I'm glad to be back."The linebacker suffered the hamstring ailment in Week 3's loss to the Seattle Seahawks.In his nine seasons, Lee has missed 45 games. In the five games Lee missed last year, the Cowboys went 1-4."I need to play. I haven't played a lot this year," the 32-year-old said. "I need to get out there and get snaps and continue to improve and hopefully help this defense."With the Cowboys a game away from their bye week, it was thought Lee would sit until Week 9."If you're ready, if you're 100 percent, you play," he said. "I've missed a lot of time already, so I'm trying not to miss much more."The two-time Pro Bowler has 20 combined tackles and half a sack in his three starts this season.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Jacksonville Jaguars have acquired veteran running back Carlos Hyde from the Cleveland Browns in exchange for a fifth-round pick, the Browns announced Friday.The Browns signed the veteran to a three-year, $15.25-million contract this past offseason.The Jaguars were in need of more bodies at the position with star running back Leonard Fournette struggling to shake a hamstring injury that's held him to just two starts and 20 carries.NFL Network's Michael Silver reports the decision to trade for Hyde was motivated by building frustration with Fournette's inability to stay healthy, especially from the Jaguars' coaches.Meanwhile, Hyde has been inefficient as the Browns' No. 1 back, averaging just 3.4 yards per carry. He's also been a non-factor in the passing game, catching just six balls all season.Hyde's departure should leave rookie Nick Chubb first in line as Cleveland's lead rusher. Scat back Duke Johnson's role should also expand.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

An injured groin will keep Oakland Raiders running back Marshawn Lynch on the shelf for at least one month due to a groin injury, sources told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.There's a strong possibility that Lynch will be placed on injured reserve, according to Rapoport, which would force him to sit out a minimum of eight weeks.Head coach Jon Gruden acknowledged Tuesday he was concerned about Lynch's groin strain. The artist known as Beast Mode rushed for 376 yards and three touchdowns over the Raiders' first six contests of the campaign.The 32-year-old Lynch is in the second season of a two-year contract he signed with Oakland in 2017 after ending his one-year retirement.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Here are four of the most one-sided matchups in Week 7:Todd Gurley vs. 49ers' run defenseTodd Gurley is off to a blistering start in 2018, playing at an MVP level through six weeks. He leads the league in rushing yards (623), rushing touchdowns (nine), first downs (36), explosive runs (18 runs of 10-plus yards), and yards after contact (390). Gurley is also eighth among running backs in receiving yards (247) and fifth in receiving touchdowns (two).He's a mismatch against any team. Not only is he an ultra-talented running back with tremendous receiving ability out of the backfield, but Sean McVay, one of the greatest offensive minds in football, isn’t afraid to get Gurley involved in creative ways. Somehow, Gurley has seen the least eight-plus-man boxes among running backs with 60-plays carries, per Next Gen Stats.Even though the Rams' rushing offense uses a wide variety of concepts, Gurley is most dangerous on zone runs, where his vision and explosiveness allow him to slice and dice defenses. Here’s a great example:On this play, the Rams are running an outside zone concept with the goal of horizontally stretching the defense, which creates fissures and alleys for the running back to cut into.After receiving the handoff, Gurley quickly reads that the front side of the Broncos' defensive line has outside leverage against the Rams' front-side blocks, which means he has to bend his path to the backside of the run.From there, Gurley shows off his impressive burst, as he quickly accelerates through the second level of the Broncos' defense, splitting two defenders in the process. The two-time Pro Bowler then displays excellent vision to cut into the open space and maximize his gain.McVay also finds creative ways to get Gurley the ball in space:Over the past two weeks, the Rams have used the touch pass to get Gurley the ball in the open field.On this play, he lines up with a reduced split to the right of the formation, functioning as a wide receiver. Right before the ball is snapped, Gurley begins to motion across the formation. Then after the snap, Jared Goff tosses the ball to Gurley, who has built up the speed to race around the edge.While rounding the corner, Gurley veers slightly inside to avoid one defender while stiff arming another. He then blasts off down the sideline before being forced out of bounds after a 13-yard gain.The 49ers' formidable front-seven talent - including DeForest Buckner, Reuben Foster, and Fred Warner - struggles to play as a unit. The team is especially weak against the run and has given up 142.5 yards per game on the ground, the third-highest average in the NFL.Expect Gurley to have another big game on the ground while making a couple of plays as a receiver.Eagles' DEs vs Panthers' OTsThe Eagles have an embarrassment of riches at defensive end, boasting four players capable of starting on most NFL teams.Brandon Graham headlines the group, as he brings the best mix of run and pass productivity. Derek Barnett has improved in his second year, shoring up his defects against the run while still bringing a potent speed rush to the table as a pass-rusher. Michael Bennett is the Eagles' best pure pass-rusher, using an explosive burst and refined hands to quickly generate pressure off the edge. Finally, Chris Long is sometimes forgotten, but he’s a productive pass-rusher in his own right and recorded five sacks along with four forced fumbles in 2017.On Sunday, those four will be pitted against Carolina Panthers tackles Chris Clark and Taylor Moton. Clark is the weaker of the two in pass protection, and his Pro Football Focus grade has dropped significantly over the past two seasons. Moton has actually been effective in 2018, but he doesn’t match up well with Graham’s speed off the edge.At 6-foot-5 and 325 pounds, Moton could struggle to keep up with Graham’s speed while also playing low enough to get a hand on the relatively short Eagles defensive end (Graham is 6-foot-1).Here’s a great example of Graham’s speed rush:Graham lines up in a wide alignment outside of the Vikings' tight end. After the snap he accelerates upfield, stressing the right tackle’s pass set and forcing him to prematurely turn his shoulder perpendicular to the line of scrimmage. Graham then executes a well-timed two-hand swipe technique to defeat the blocker’s strike as he wraps around the edge with speed and balance, resulting in a sack.On the other side, expect Bennett to dominate Clark, with the veteran's active hands giving the tackle fits.Overall, expect the Eagles' defensive line to generate steady pressure on Cam Newton, making life difficult for the former MVP. As long as Philadelphia's secondary can hold up in coverage, the Eagles' defense should have a surprising amount of success against Carolina.Yannick Ngakoue vs. Texans' OTsYannick Ngakoue is one of the most explosive and fearsome pass-rushers in the NFL. He has a juicy matchup this week because the Texans' tackle duo is among the league's worst.

SSSQ is a weekly look at under-the-radar fantasy players you should consider starting and potential busts you should leave on your bench. We also identify breakout candidates to stash on your roster and players you can safely cut.For the rest of your lineup decisions, consult our Week 7 rankings. You can also listen to the Week 7 preview episode of theScore Fantasy Football Podcast.StartAndy Dalton, QB, Bengalsat ChiefsJason Miller / Getty Images Sport / GettyThe Bengals and Chiefs have the highest projected point total of the week, which isn't surprising given how their defenses have performed. Kansas City has allowed three different quarterbacks to throw for over 400 yards against them this year. Dalton, who has multiple passing touchdowns in five of his six outings, will be the latest beneficiary.Boone's projection: 317 passing yards, 3 TDsOther QBs to start

Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook and Jacksonville Jaguars running back Leonard Fournette have each been ruled out for the third consecutive week with hamstring injuries.Cook will be held out for the fourth time in five games, while Fournette will miss his fifth game in seven weeks.Cook last played during a Sept. 27 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, rushing for 20 yards on 10 carries. Latavius Murray is expected to gain the majority of the touches out of the backfield versus the New York Jets in his absence.Fournette last rushed for 30 yards on 11 carries in a Sept. 30 victory over the Jets. T.J. Yeldon is in line to receive the bulk of Jacksonville's carries Sunday against the Houston Texans.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Philadelphia Eagles fan who went viral in January after he was filmed running into a pole in the subway following the NFC Championship Game will be joining the team in London.Jigar Desai was recently surprised with tickets for himself and his family to attend the Eagles' Oct. 28 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in England, which will be featured in an upcoming digital short film, according to The Associated Press' Kristen De Groot. The eight-minute video will be released on NFL digital and social media platforms next week.Filmmakers told Desai they wanted him to take them to the infamous subway pole, where Eagles cheerleaders, team mascot Swoop, and a string band were waiting for him. That's when Desai was presented with the tickets."It was a total surprise, and as a dad, it was so great to be there with my kids. My youngest always says 'So you hit a pole. So what?'" he said.Desai had what he described as a "ceremonious" and safe "run-in with a post at home to keep the positive mojo going" before Super Bowl LII, and plans to do it before all future Eagles playoff games."It's been a wild ride and a long 15 minutes and I've enjoyed every minute of it," he said.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Arizona Cardinals fired offensive coordinator Mike McCoy on the heels of a disastrous outing against the Denver Broncos on Thursday Night Football, the team announced Friday.Quarterbacks coach Byron Leftwich, a former 10-year NFL veteran, was promoted to offensive coordinator.The Cardinals looked completely inept on their home field in a 45-10 blowout loss to Denver. Rookie quarterback Josh Rosen, selected 10th overall by Arizona, threw three interceptions - including a pair of pick-6s in the first quarter - and lost two fumbles.McCoy's tenure with Arizona lasted just seven games. The Cardinals rank last in the NFL in total offense, third-down conversion percentage, and rushing yards per game. They're second-last in passing yards per game.

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is committed to building around Dak Prescott despite concerns about the quarterback's regression since his rookie campaign."He's long term," Jones told USA TODAY Sports' Jarrett Bell. "Anything we need to see and need to know, I see with him."Prescott excelled as a game manager when the Cowboys went 13-3 in 2016, but his numbers - along with the Cowboys' record - have declined as he's been asked to do more."He's not a 'bus driver,'" insisted Jones. "He's a weapon. And as mobility diminishes (on a given play), then you'll pick up where he is with that great decision-making, with the mind he's got."Prescott has been a target of criticism this year. In a season where quarterbacks across the league are setting passing records, Prescott has been held below 200 passing yards four times.Through six games, Prescott has completed 62 percent of his passes for 1,144 yards with seven touchdowns and four interceptions."I take offense with any serious, projected criticism about his accuracy," Jones said. "He can get the ball within the circumference of where receivers can catch it. They need to help."Jones said he views Prescott as favorably as he once viewed Cowboys greats Troy Aikman and Tony Romo. Prescott became the starter in 2016 after filling in admirably for Romo, who missed several weeks with a fractured vertebra.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Here's a look at the key tactical questions that will go a long way toward determining the outcomes of three Week 7 matchups.Patriots' Offense vs. Bears' DefenseCan Tom Brady and Co. survive a Mack attack?Don’t look now, but the Patriots’ offense might just be back. New England has won three straight games following a 1-2 start, averaging 39.67 points per contest over that stretch.But a big question lingers: Is their offense getting back on track powering the Patriots' resurgence, or is the team taking advantage of weaker defenses? That question likely gets answered this weekend in Chicago.The Bears boast one of the league’s fiercest defenses. Chicago has the top-ranked defense in Football Outsiders’ defense-adjusted value over average (DVOA) with a rating of -21.2 percent, just ahead of the Baltimore Ravens. Their run defense is among the best in the league, as the Bears are giving up just 83.4 yards per game on the ground.In terms of talent? Well, Khalil Mack has been covered here already, but it’s worth revisiting what Mack can do to an opposing passing game, as he's a one-man wrecking crew:Mack has been one of the most dominant defenders in the league this season, already accumulating five sacks, four forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and one interception return for a touchdown.He injured his ankle during last week’s loss to the Miami Dolphins and “gutted it out,” but Mack is expected to undergo further testing this week.If he can go, Mack might be working mostly against LaAdrian Waddle, New England’s backup right tackle, as starter Marcus Cannon left last Sunday night’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs with a concussion and has missed practice time prior to Week 7.The Bears will need a healthy Mack because New England's multiplicity makes its offense difficult to defend.With the growth of rookie running back Sony Michel, as well as the acquisition of Josh Gordon and the return of Julian Edelman from suspension, the Patriots' offense can attack a defense in a number of different ways. They can line up in the I-formation and run Michel behind fullback James Develin:Or they can spread out and trust Tom Brady to make the right decisions, which he usually does just fine:If Mack plays on Sunday, look for New England to rely on its rushing attack and quick passing while leaning on Edelman and James White. Either way, this will be a fascinating matchup between one of the best defenses in the league, and an offense that often uses a variety of schemes to move the football.Saints' Offense vs. Ravens' DefenseWill Baltimore's sack-happy D get to Drew Brees?As I outlined in the By Design piece this week, the Ravens set a franchise record with 11 sacks in Week 6 against Marcus Mariota and the Titans. They face a much different offense in Week 7, squaring off against Drew Brees and the Saints.Thanks to last week’s dominance, the Ravens now own the second-ranked defense in DVOA, posting a rating of -19.7 percent, just behind the Bears. When looking at the 11 sacks they recorded against Tennessee, you see Mariota occasionally holding the ball too long. But he also couldn't escape some impressive scheme elements, as seen on this sack featuring two different delayed blitzes:Pressuring Brees, however, is another story.According to NFL.com’s Next Gen Stats, Brees is tied as the second-quickest passer in their time to throw statistic. Brees averages 2.52 seconds to release after the snap, tied with C.J. Beathard and just .01 seconds behind Sam Bradford.You can see that rapid-fire release all over Brees’ tape this season:Not that the Saints' offense needed any help, but New Orleans got a major boost last week when running back Mark Ingram returned from suspension. The Saints now have a two-headed running back tandem of Ingram and Alvin Kamara.When those two are on the field simultaneously, Kamara represents a significant receiving threat and mismatch piece:In Ingram, the Saints also have a more traditional running back who can be used on the inside to wear down a defensive front. He's versatile too, and very effective on screen passes:The combination of Kamara and Ingram, in addition to Brees’ ability to quickly get the ball out, poses a serious challenge for Baltimore's defense. The Ravens have a chance to slow down the Saints' offense and come out with a victory on Sunday if they can somehow generate pressure on Brees and force some mistakes.Giants’ Offense vs. Falcons' DefenseWill Eli take his shots against Atlanta's injury-riddled defense?On the surface, this doesn't seem like one of the more enticing matchups of Week 7. But the angst in the metro New York City area over the floundering Giants’ offense and embattled quarterback Eli Manning will reach a crescendo if New York can't put together a strong outing and leave Atlanta with a victory.Manning is struggling this season, and many believe they've figured out the main reason. The veteran quarterback has completed 68.7 percent of his pass attempts, but he's thrown just six touchdown passes against four interceptions. While some point to protection problems because Manning has been sacked 20 times, third-most in the league, others highlight the 37-year-old's reluctance to take shots downfield and challenge a defense vertically:On this play, for example, Manning has two open receivers downfield, but he passes on those options and checks the ball down to wide receiver Sterling Shepard in the flat.His hesitancy to challenge defenses downfield is making the Giants’ offense predictable and easy to defend. The Giants certainly have weapons, such as Shepard, Odell Beckham Jr., and rookie running back Saquon Barkley, and they should get tight end Evan Engram back from injury for Monday's game against the Falcons. But Manning needs a big outing amid rumors that the locker room would welcome a quarterback change.If there's a silver lining for Manning and the Giants’ offense, it's that the unit will be going up against a banged-up defense also struggling this season. Atlanta enters Week 7 without several defensive starters due to injury, including strong safety Keanu Neal and linebacker Deion Jones, both of whom have been lost for the season. In addition, defensive tackle Grady Jarrett has been out since Week 4 with an ankle injury, and could still be hobbled or on limited snaps if he plays.A matchup to watch is Engram against the Giants' backup strong safety, whether that's Sharrod Neasman or the recently acquired Jordan Richards. The Giants utilize 11 offensive personnel (one running back, one tight end, and three wide receivers) 67 percent of the time, one of the highest percentages in the league. That means the Falcons will often be in their nickel package, giving them an extra defensive back to counter this look. It also means that either Richards or Neasman will likely be responsible for Engram in coverage, a matchup that could tell the final story of this game.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.

Amid concerns about the Los Angeles Chargers' viability, it appears the franchise won't be going anywhere else for at least two decades.The Chargers are locked into a 20-year lease at Los Angeles Stadium at Hollywood Park, a source told Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. The team will be sharing the venue with the Los Angeles Rams, while Rams owner Stan Kroenke's company, Kroenke Sports and Entertainment, is one of the stadium's owners and is overseeing its development.Related: NFL concerned about Chargers' future in L.A. The concerns about the Chargers in Los Angeles stem from the team ranking dead last in home attendance this season, as it's averaging just 25,370 fans per contest. The Chargers have been playing their home games in Carson, Calif., since relocating from San Diego after the 2016 season while awaiting the completion of the joint venture with the Rams.Los Angeles Stadium at Hollywood Park is scheduled to open in 2020.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Rihanna appears to be unapologetic about turning down the chance to be at the forefront of the football calendar.The pop superstar reportedly declined an offer to headline the Super Bowl LIII halftime show in support of Colin Kaepernick, a source told Nicholas Hautman of US Weekly."The NFL and CBS really wanted Rihanna to be next year's performer in Atlanta," the source told Hautman. “They offered it to her, but she said no because of the kneeling controversy. She doesn't agree with the NFL's stance."Maroon 5 was eventually listed as the headliner for Super Bowl LIII.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady has reclaimed the title as the league's most marketable player.Brady leads the NFLPA's Top 50 Players Sales list from March 1 to Aug. 31, dethroning Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Nick Foles, who experienced a surge in sales with February's Super Bowl victory but now finds himself at No. 8.Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott sits second on the list, with Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz rounding out the top three.Brady is the only player to top the NFLPA's quarterly list six different times. This also marks a record 13th appearance for him in the top three since the list's inception in 2014.The data includes merchandise sold from online and traditional retail outlets as reported by over 70 NFLPA licensees, including Nike, Fanatics, Fathead, McFarlane Toys, and Funko. Licensed product categories include men's, women's, and youth game jerseys and T-shirts, player murals, and bobbleheads, among others.Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes debuts on the list at No. 42 but may find himself closer to the top 10 when the next installment is released.When it comes to jersey sales, Prescott sold the most from June 1 to Aug. 31, and is followed by Brady, Wentz, Ezekiel Elliott, and Jimmy Garoppolo.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Here's a look at the team totals for all 28 teams playing in Week 7, along with my picks and confidence level:Denver Broncos at Arizona CardinalsBroncos' team total: 20.5 pointsThe Broncos held both the Chiefs and Rams to their lowest point totals this season - 27 and 23, respectively - but couldn't eke out wins in either game. That's not fully on Case Keenum, who played from behind and threw the ball 40-plus times in each contest. Against the Cardinals, though, Denver should be able to run the ball against the league's worst rushing defense to open up play action for its receivers.Pick: Over (-120)

Rebounding TV ratings seem to have helped shelve the idea of a national anthem conduct policy in the NFL, as the annual fall owners meetings in New York concluded Wednesday without introducing punishments for demonstrations during the anthem, according to Charles Robinson of Yahoo! Sports.Owners voted in May to instill rules for this season that would have required players on the field to stand for the anthem or risk team fines, though players would have the option to remain in the locker room.The proposal was motivated - at least in part - by widely publicized criticisms from U.S. President Donald Trump last season over player demonstrations that were started in 2016 by quarterback Colin Kaepernick, now a free agent. Talks on the policy were shelved in July, however, and haven't been revisited.Several players continue to protest social justice issues, including receiver Kenny Stills of the Miami Dolphins and recently signed safety Eric Reid of the Carolina Panthers.NFL commissioner Roger Goodell directed attention toward the league's work with the Players Coalition when pressed by reporters for an update on the status of the policy."The focus of both the NFLPA and the NFL, the clubs and our players, has been to focus on the effort of the players on the issues they have raised and how we can make their communities better," Goodell said. "They are incredibly passionate about that. They have brought these issues greater awareness and they are working in their communities to try to make them better. They are working on issues, such as criminal justice reform."We have reported over the last two days on the tremendous work that is being done in that area. Most importantly, we talked about the impact that our clubs and players are having working to address these issues."The top 15 TV shows in September were all NFL games, according to Ben Strauss of The Washington Post, as scoring continues at a record pace through the first six weeks of the season.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The main beneficiary of Le'Veon Bell's extended holdout has been second-year running back James Conner, who's excelled as the Pittsburgh Steelers' primary ball carrier in the All-Pro's absence.While some have criticized Bell's contract standoff as a me-first move in a team-oriented sport, including some members of Pittsburgh's offensive line, Conner defended his fellow tailback during a Thursday appearance on FS1's "First Things First.""Anytime I do something good on the field, I always come back to the locker room (to) a text from him saying 'good game' or 'nice move right there,'" Conner said Thursday, according to Sean Gentille of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette."Me and Le'Veon are super cool. He's a great person. With him holding out, people are going to call him selfish, but that's not the case at all. It's just business, and that's my guy."Bell showed his support for Conner during Week 6, tweeting about his teammate's 111-yard rushing performance.

Ryan Tannehill's right shoulder injury remains a mystery following his surprise inactive status in Week 6, but according to Miami Dolphins head coach Adam Gase, the worst-case scenario is off the table.Gase attempted to ease concerns about Tannehill's injury on Thursday when asked if the Dolphins are facing a similar situation to that of Andrew Luck and the Indianapolis Colts in 2017."We're not looking at that," Gase said, according to Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald.Luck missed the entire 2017 season after setbacks while rehabbing from throwing-shoulder surgery. While Tannehill's short-term status doesn't appear to be good - he's already ruled out for Week 7 and faces an "uphill challenge" to play next Thursday, per ESPN's Cameron Wolfe - Miami doesn't seem concerned with his long-term health."He could throw tomorrow if he wanted to," Gase said, according to Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald.The NFL is investigating the Dolphins' reporting of Tannehill's injury. The quarterback was listed on the injury report as questionable with a right shoulder issue for the team's Week 6 meeting with the Chicago Bears. However, he was able to practice in full Wednesday and Thursday before being downgraded to limited on Friday and ultimately ruled out.Brock Osweiler, who led Miami to a win over the Bears in Tannehill's absence, will get the nod under center for Sunday's game against the Detroit Lions.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 updated rankings for Week 7.The final rankings will be released Sunday morning.You can also listen to the Week 7 preview episode of theScore Fantasy Football Podcast.Standard

Arizona Cardinals president Michael Bidwill emphatically denied a report that star cornerback Patrick Peterson could be traded in the near future."Not true," Bidwill told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport on Thursday. "I've seen the speculation. But it's not happening. Not happening."A report surfaced Sunday claiming Arizona would be willing to trade the seven-time Pro Bowler - presumably for draft picks or young assets - in an attempt to accelerate its rebuild. The NFL trade deadline is Oct. 30.Peterson has spent his entire career with the Cardinals. The 28-year-old has two seasons remaining on the five-year, $70-million contract he signed ahead of the 2014 campaign.The Cardinals are 1-5 under first-year head coach Steve Wilks.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Free-agent pass-rusher Junior Galette revealed on Thursday that he rejected contracts from the Oakland Raiders and Washington Redskins during the offseason.The 30-year-old, who spent 2017 with the Redskins, said he regrets turning down the Raiders' offer and wants to play in the NFL again. Galette said in May that he was mulling retirement, though it's possible he was just trying to get a more lucrative deal.

The Buffalo Bills lead the NFL in dead money this season with over $53 million allocated to players no longer on the team. As one study shows, that could cover the household incomes of quite a few Buffalonians.According to an analysis by WorkWise, the Bills' dead money could pay for the yearly income of 1,682 Buffalo households. By contrast, the Buccaneers, who have the lowest amount of dead money, could pay for 45 households in the Tampa Bay area.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

There are few things Drew Brees has yet to accomplish on a football field.Although he's a former Super Bowl champion and is now the NFL's all-time leading passer, there's still one box he's yet to check off: beat the Baltimore Ravens.In his 18-year career, Baltimore is the only team that Brees has yet to defeat. He'll get another shot at it Sunday when the New Orleans Saints visit the Ravens."I'd love to beat these guys," Brees said, via ESPN's Mike Triplett.Brees was asked if going 0-4 against the Ravens nags at him."A little bit," he said with a smile.Brees is 0-3 against Baltimore while quarterbacking the Saints and was 0-1 as a member of the then-San Diego Chargers.Should New Orleans emerge victorious on Sunday, Brees will join Brett Favre and Peyton Manning as the only quarterbacks to earn a victory over every NFL franchise.For those wondering, the only team Tom Brady has yet to beat is ... the New England Patriots.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Marrone believes he can get his team that started the year with Super Bowl aspirations back on track, but it won't be easy."There is no magic pill or magic moment that you can just snap your fingers and go," Marrone told ESPN's Michael DiRocco on Wednesday. "The only way to start playing better is you have to work your ass off. You have to work hard. You have to coach better. We have to play better."After starting the season 3-1, the Jaguars were blown out by the Kansas City Chiefs and the Dallas Cowboys, being outscored 70-21 in the two contests.Things should fare better when they return home to take on the Houston Texans who are ranked 21st in the NFL in points per game (22.5) and whose offensive line is rated by Pro Football Focus as worst in the league. The Jaguars front-7 should be excited for the matchup, but Marrone isn't taking the fixture lightly."Well if you think of it like that, I think that's a pretty good path to probably get your ass kicked," Marrone said. "Fundamentally, we have gotten away from some things and that is on us as coaches. What I have challenged the coaches and I challenged myself with this week is, 'Hey listen, we have to get back to fundamentals.'"This season, Jacksonville ranks 29th in points per game (18.2), 18th in rushing yards per game (103.3) and 16th in passing yards per game (371.0). Even after being torched the last two weeks, the Jaguars' defense still ranks second in total defensive yards allowed.The team has been without its star running back Leonard Fournette for the majority of the season as he battles a hamstring injury.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The south Florida heat took its toll on the Chicago Bears during their 31-28 overtime loss to the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, particularly offensive tackle Bobby Massie.Massie told Patrick Finley of the Chicago Sun-Times on Tuesday that he lost 12 pounds during the game."I'm a heavy sweater," said Massie, who's listed at 317 pounds.It was 89 degrees at kickoff, but the humidity pushed the heat index to over 100. The Bears was also played in the sun for the entire game."(The Dolphins) got shade the whole game," said Bears head coach Matt Nagy, according to the Sun-Times' Adam L. Jahns. "We created some man-made shade for the guys, and they were asking for it. It was hot."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 Mike Wright of The Fantasy Footballers to discuss the biggest fantasy questions heading into Week 7.Topics include:

Safety Andre Hal returned to Houston Texans' practice Wednesday after undergoing treatments for Hodgkin's lymphoma.He's been on the non-football illness list since June, when he came off the practice field experiencing blurry vision.Hal and the Texans announced less than a month ago that his cancer was in remission. The team will now have 21 days to add him to the active roster or to leave him on the list and not have him play for the rest of the year following his return to practice."We activated the 21-day window on him, so he'll be able to practice with the team," Texans head coach Bill O'Brien said, according to Sarah Barshop of ESPN. "At any point in time over the 21-day window we can decide to activate him to the 53-man roster, so we'll see where he's at and go from there. That's great news for (Hal) and for us."Hal chose to avoid chemotherapy treatment to help preserve his body with an aspiration to play this season. He then followed a plan that involved a drug administered via IV in order to treat lymphoma found in his armpit and abdomen.O'Brien says Hal continued to attend all meetings and he's "stayed on top of the X's and O's," while also working in the weight room and on the field."I knew I was going to play (again)," Hal said. "I just didn't know when. That's why I never stopped coming. I never stopped coming to practice, I never stopped working out. I just had a feeling that I was going to play again."Hal has recorded nine interceptions over 61 games since being chosen with 216th pick of the 2014 NFL Draft.He signed a three-year, $15-million contract extension with the Texans in 2017.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Los Angeles Rams receiver Cooper Kupp will not play this Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers due to a knee injury, head coach Sean McVay announced.Kupp was carted off in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos before returning for the second half. McVay stated earlier this week that Kupp would "probably miss" the Week 7 game versus the 49ers while dealing with a reported MCL sprain.The second-year receiver has excelled in the Rams offense this season, accumulating 438 yards with five touchdowns.Receiver Josh Reynolds is likely to see increased snaps in Kupp's absence.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver T.Y Hilton returned to the team as a full participant at Wednesday's practice after missing each of the past two games due to chest and hamstring injuries."The guys need me," Hilton said, according to Andrew Walker of Colts.com. "So I'm here for them."Hilton sustained both injuries in the Colts' Week 4 meeting with the Houston Texans. He would miss the proceeding contests against the New England Patriots and New York Jets as a result, with the Colts losing both games by a combined score of 80-58.The four-time Pro Bowler caught 21 of 38 targets for 294 yards and two touchdowns through the first four games of the season. He recorded his first 100-yard game of the year while battling through injuries against the Texans.Wednesday's participation is a positive sign for Hilton's potential availability against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, but he says he isn't going to rush his return to game action."Yeah, but at the same time, I've gotta make sure I'm healthy," Hilton said when asked if he felt pressure to get back out onto the field. "I don't wanna go out there and hurt myself. So, for me, I'll give it a test today. We're in a must-win game, so I've gotta be out there."Hilton had played all 48 games over the previous three seasons and had only missed two games since entering the league as a third-round pick of the 2012 NFL Draft.Tight end Eric Ebron has taken over as the Colts' leader in targets, yards, and touchdowns this season in Hilton's absence.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Cleveland Browns head coach Hue Jackson said Wednesday that the club intends to keep backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor rather than move him ahead of the trade deadline."No," Jackson said when asked if there's a possibility that Taylor could be dealt, according to Daryl Ruiter of 92.3 The Fan. "None."Taylor entered the season as the Browns' starter but was benched after a concussion in Week 3 paved the way for No. 1 overall pick Baker Mayfield to snatch the job.The Browns acquired Taylor in an offseason trade with the Buffalo Bills and initially planned to start him for a year before handing the reigns to Mayfield. Taylor's contract expires at the end of the campaign."It is frustrating, but it is a part of the game at the same time," Taylor said Wednesday of his altered role, according to Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio."Eight years in, you understand some things happen that you can't control. Not wanting to complain, just have to continue to keep being myself day in and day out, continue to be a leader and like I said, help the team in any way. This is a different role, but I am here to offer as much knowledge, as well as just trying to share my viewpoint of things, that can help the defense or offense."The NFL trade deadline is Oct. 30.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill will miss his second consecutive game Sunday due to a shoulder injury, leaving backup Brock Osweiler to steer the offense again versus the Detroit Lions.Dolphins head coach Adam Gase delivered the news to reporters Wednesday, two days after he deemed Tannehill day to day."He just can't throw," Gase said, according to ESPN's Cameron Wolfe.Tannehill was a surprise inactive in Week 6, as he never popped up on the injury report in the days leading up to the game. The NFL is reportedly investigating the Dolphins' non-reporting of his injury.Tannehill, who was sidelined last season with a torn ACL, threw for 972 yards, eight touchdowns, and five interceptions through five outings this year before sitting out last week.Osweiler, meanwhile, will get his second straight start after leading the Dolphins to an overtime victory over the Chicago Bears a week ago. He'll likely draw his third consecutive start if Tannehill can't suit up in Week 8 when Miami faces Osweiler's former team, the Houston Texans, on Thursday Night Football.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill was a surprise inactive when final injury reports were submitted Sunday morning.The late designation caught fans, bettors, and likely the Dolphins' Week 6 opponent, the Chicago Bears, off guard. As a result, the NFL will review the Dolphins' handling of Tannehill's injury status, Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald reports.The league will review whether the team was attempting to circumvent league rules on injury designations.Tannehill was labeled a full participant in practice Wednesday and Thursday. However, head coach Adam Gase admitted after the team's victory over the Bears that backup Brock Osweiler took some first-team snaps Thursday. Tannehill was designated as a limited participant in practice Friday and subsequently garnered a questionable tag.Gase said that his starting quarterback was sore when the week started and that his injury became progressively worse starting Thursday, eventually resulting in his late scratch for Sunday's game against the Bears.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said Wednesday that no decision has been made on where the Oakland Raiders will play home games next season, according to The MMQB's Albert Breer.The Raiders have an expiring lease at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, and the city has been reluctant to extend the deal for a team preparing to bolt. The franchise is set for a move to Las Vegas in 2020, but its under-construction stadium won't be ready to house the team before then.Among the sensible possibilities for the Raiders if they're forced to leave Oakland a year early would be to play in nearby Levi's Stadium, which hosts the San Francisco 49ers. Alternatively, some have postulated the Raiders could play the 2019 campaign in San Diego at the Chargers' old San Diego County Credit Union Stadium.A one-year stay in Mexico City, where the Raiders played two games between 2016 and 2017, may also be under consideration, though that scenario appears to be a long shot.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

NFL owners and executives are concerned about the figures coming from Los Angeles Chargers home games.At the owners meetings in New York this week, talks have centered around the Chargers' lagging personal seat license sales at StubHub Center, ESPN's Seth Wickersham reports.The Chargers moved from San Diego to Los Angeles after the 2016 season, and they've played their last 11 homes games in a 27,000-seat soccer-specific stadium in Carson, Calif.The Chargers rank dead last in attendance this season, averaging 25,370 fans, with fans of opposing teams filling their home games. The next lowest-ranked team in home attendance is the Oakland Raiders, a club averaging 53,622 over two home games.The new Los Angeles stadium the Chargers will share with the Rams is scheduled to open in 2020. Though the Chargers currently boast a top-10 offense and a 4-2 record, the franchise is expected to revise its revenue goals from $400 million to $150 million before moving to the new stadium, sources told Wickersham.The move to Carson has been tough on Chargers players as well."I don't really like this area too much, to be honest," star running back Melvin Gordon said to Sports Illustrated's Robert Klemko. "I loved San Diego. It was my kind of energy, my kind of vibe. It was a perfect place for me. Everything was perfect."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Buffalo Bills will start veteran Derek Anderson over Nathan Peterman at quarterback Sunday versus the Indianapolis Colts, head coach Sean McDermott announced Wednesday.Anderson obtained the starting nod just eight days after signing with the Bills. He was brought in to help mentor Buffalo's quarterbacks, but found himself in contention to start once rookie Josh Allen injured his elbow against the Houston Texans and the extraordinarily turnover-prone Peterman threw two interceptions in his place.A second medical opinion confirmed Allen shouldn't require surgery on his sprain and he is still week to week, McDermott said.Anderson, 35, served as Cam Newton's backup for the last seven seasons with the Carolina Panthers. His last full game as a starter came Oct. 10, 2016, when he led the Panthers into battle against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. (Anderson started Dec. 4, 2016, but he only threw one pass before being replaced by Newton, who began the game on the bench for disciplinary reasons.)

Peyton Manning has been tapped to host and write an NFL edition of Kobe Bryant's in-depth analysis series "Detail."Like the NBA version, which premiered during the 2018 NBA playoffs, the new season of "Detail" will see Manning break down film and offer insight into select games from the NFL's current season. The first episode airs Thursday on ESPN+ and will look at Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen's Week 6 performance against the Minnesota Vikings."I've always enjoyed talking football with coaches, players, and passionate fans, and that's at the core of this show," Manning said in a press release. "I'm honored to help expand Kobe's "Detail" to a football audience."Added Bryant: "Peyton was my first call to be the NFL athlete due to his unrelenting preparation and study of his craft. The next generation of football players will learn first-hand how one of the greatest players of all time objectively breaks down a game. It's the ultimate film session for anyone who wants to learn and improve."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Need a cheat sheet or some help spotting situational edges with a new week of NFL action fast approaching? We've got you covered.Here are five spots to consider as you do your homework for Week 7:The Buffalo Bills have been traveling ... a lotTravel is an oft-forgotten angle at the NFL level.Back in Week 2, we discussed how porous teams had been on the second leg of back-to-back road games to open the year. In Week 5, the Denver Broncos were due for a hangover playing in Eastern Time for an early kickoff. Last week, how we all didn't fade Jon Gruden and the Oakland Raiders after he discussed his fear of flying is beyond me.One team that's been in the air, sleeping in hotels, and playing inside uncomfortable environments plenty this season are the Buffalo Bills.Week 7 against the Indianapolis Colts marks the fifth away game for Buffalo this year. Rewind back to the preseason and this upcoming Sunday will be the sixth road game in roughly the last eight weeks, and eighth in the last 10.Fade defending Super Bowl champions off huge winsThe Eagles laying waste to the New York Giants in prime time last week sets Philadelphia up for an angle that's been profitable for bettors to fade.Defending Super Bowl champions coming off 20-plus point wins facing a team off a loss are a shade under 40 percent against the spread. The opponent in Week 7 is Carolina, a team on a 5-0 run against the spread following a loss. The Panthers fell to the Washington Redskins last Sunday and are seeking some revenge following last year's 28-23 home defeat to Philly.Play the Patriots on the road versus NFC opponentsThis is merely a coincidence or I've unearthed the most perplexing angle that's ever been discovered.Every team in the NFL plays four games out of conference - two at home, two on the road. New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has not lost both road games against the spread over a single season in the last 17 years. Overall, he's 23-11-1 during that span. Back in Week 3, the Patriots went on the road and lost outright to the Detroit Lions as seven-point favorites.This Sunday, New England goes on the road to face the Chicago Bears as three-point chalk.Consider the Lions - especially if they're favoritesLinesmakers have yet to release any odds for the Lions-Dolphins game as the status of Miami quarterback Ryan Tannehill is up in the air. If he doesn't go, it'll be Brock Osweiler, who marched the Dolphins to an overtime win over the Bears last Sunday.Osweiler under center will also likely make Detroit the favorites. Playing road favorites off bye weeks has been profitable as of late, as teams in this situation are on a 50-25 run against the spread. Overall, traveling teams coming off a bye week are hitting at 57 percent since 2008.Fade rookie quarterbacks on short weeksJosh Rosen is already behind the eight-ball in Arizona. Not only has the Cardinals rookie been thrust into action early, he's playing with a skill corps that doesn't inspire much confidence behind a shoddy offensive line. In Week 7, he'll face another obstacle.Since the NFL implemented Thursday games into the schedule in 2012, rookie quarterbacks on short rest are 4-11 straight up. Sam Darnold and the New York Jets are the lone victims so far this season, dropping a road game to the Cleveland Browns in Week 3.Rosen faces the Broncos in what's essentially a pick 'em.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.