Washington Redskins running back Adrian Peterson doesn't have any hard feelings accompanying his return to New Orleans in Week 5, roughly one year after the Saints traded him to the Arizona Cardinals following a failed free-agency signing."I don’t have any enemies down there," Peterson said, according to Kareem Copeland of The Washington Post. "It was a wonderful city. They treated me well. I will be back for some beignets when I get down there. But it’ll be good to see some of the guys that I went through training camp with through that whole grind process. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out."Peterson lasted just four games of the 2017 season with the Saints after he signed a two-year, $7-million contract in free agency. The veteran received just 27 carries (for 81 yards) before being sent to the Cardinals in exchange for a conditional sixth-round pick in the 2018 draft.Now 33 years old with the Redskins, Peterson has started the season with 56 carries for 236 yards and three touchdowns through three games, adding five receptions for 100 yards.He still can't explain the poor start to last season during which he was vastly outplayed by Saints running backs Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram."I still sit back and not understand what kind of went wrong, but at the end of the day, that has led me here to another opportunity. ... I made some friends that I’ll have for a lifetime while I was there," Peterson added.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 (4-0)Previous Rank: 1The undefeated Rams are the NFL's best team through the quarter mark of the season, thanks in large part to an unstoppable offense. With three straight road games ahead, though, we'll find out if L.A is a legit Super Bowl favorite. - Alessandrini2. Kansas City Chiefs (4-0)Previous Rank: 2In Week 4, Patrick Mahomes led a comeback victory in Denver while throwing for 300 yards with no turnovers. Somehow, that was his worst statistical game of the season so far. - Alessandrini3. New Orleans Saints (3-1)Previous Rank: 5The Saints are again atop the NFC South and will welcome back Mark Ingram this week. They appear to be putting it all together while the rest of the conference is still figuring things out. - McClymont4. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-1)Previous Rank: 4Early-season AFC supremacy will be on the line next week when the Jags and Chiefs meet up in a clash of contrasting styles. - McClymont5. Carolina Panthers (2-1)Previous Rank: 6The Panthers made the most of the dreaded early bye week, watching as two of their three division foes took Ls. - McClymont6. New England Patriots (2-2)Previous Rank: 9The blowout win over Miami was more like the Patriots we've come to expect. And with Julian Edelman back from suspension, New England could be a nightmare for the rest of the AFC. - Srinivasan7. Green Bay Packers (2-1-1)Previous Rank: 10Aaron Rodgers is not a happy man, and it's easy to see why. The Packers' talent is far better than their 19th-ranked scoring offense, and Mike McCarthy's play-calling continues to hold the team back. - Browne8. Baltimore Ravens (3-1)Previous Rank: 18If you weren't taking Baltimore seriously before Sunday night's win over Pittsburgh, you should be now. With an elite defense and a rejuvenated Joe Flacco, the Ravens are set to end their postseason drought. - Browne9. Cincinnati Bengals (3-1)Previous Rank: 17Losing Tyler Eifert, who's had some of the worst injury luck in NFL history, is a big blow, but the surprisingly competitive Bengals do get some good news with the return of Vontaze Burfict from suspension. - Browne10. Chicago Bears (3-1)Previous Rank: 16Everything clicked for Chicago in a blowout win over the Bucs. The team might not be all the way there yet, but it was an exciting taste of things to come. - Browne11. Philadelphia Eagles (2-2)Previous Rank: 3There's no real reason to panic, but with a tough stretch of their schedule set to begin against the Vikings, the Eagles need to rediscover the offensive wizardry that stumped the entire league last season. - Srinivasan12. Tennessee Titans (3-1)Previous Rank: 19The Titans are an odd, weather-delayed season opener away from being undefeated. This team is winning in a variety of ways, and new head coach Mike Vrabel deserves a ton of credit. - McClymont13. Minnesota Vikings (1-2-1)Previous Rank: 7The Vikings finally got their quarterback, and then their vaunted pass defense falls apart. Look Mike Zimmer in the eyes at your own peril until he finds a way to fix his unit. - Browne14. Los Angeles Chargers (2-2)Previous Rank: 15The puzzling Chargers had a bit too much trouble knocking off the Niners. After fielding a stellar pass defense in 2017, this year’s coverage unit looks more vulnerable. - Alessandrini15. Washington Redskins (2-1)Previous Rank: 13Will an early bye come back to haunt the Redskins, who were arguably the NFC East's best team through September? - Srinivasan16. Miami Dolphins (3-1)Previous Rank: 8An easy schedule contributed to the Dolphins' 3-0 start before their loss to the Patriots, and they'll get another chance to be considered a genuine playoff contender against the upstart Bengals ... or fall back to pretender status. - Srinivasan17. Pittsburgh Steelers (1-2-1)Previous Rank: 14Big Ben and Antonio Brown need to get back on the same page, and soon. Pittsburgh's season depends on it. - Browne18. Atlanta Falcons (1-3)Previous Rank: 12The 1-3 Falcons are averaging 29 points per game. I think we know what side of the ball is failing them. - McClymont19. Denver Broncos (2-2)Previous Rank: 20Case Keenum and Demaryius Thomas were literally inches away from knocking off the rival Chiefs, but almost count for nothing in this league. - Alessandrini20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-2)Previous Rank: 11Forget the quarterback controversy for a moment; the Buccaneers' defense is a disgrace to professional football. - McClymont21. Seattle Seahawks (2-2)Previous Rank: 22Earl Thomas is out for the year, but at least he made sure to salute the Seahawks as he was carted off. - Alessandrini22. Dallas Cowboys (2-2)Previous Rank: 25Ezekiel Elliott's game-breaking talent was on full display Sunday, and he'll need to be in extraordinary form while the rest of his team catches up. - Srinivasan23. Detroit Lions (1-3)Previous Rank: 21To dig itself out of a 1-3 start, Detroit needs to start riding standout rookie rusher Kerryon Johnson. - Browne24. Houston Texans (1-3)Previous Rank: 29If not for a gift from the Colts, the Texans would likely be winless after four weeks. The only positive is Deshaun Watson's three-game streak of 300-plus passing yards and two touchdowns. - McClymont25. Cleveland Browns (1-2-1)Previous Rank: 24Cleveland's losing streak may be over, but the painful overtime loss to the Raiders felt very much like the Browns we know. - Browne26. Indianapolis Colts (1-3)Previous Rank: 26The Colts faithful are reconciling Frank Reich's surprising overtime gamble, but there isn't much good to take from turning a likely tie into a loss. - McClymont27. New York Giants (1-3)Previous Rank: 23It hasn't quite been the Jersey Shore-esque circus of 2017, but even with Saquon Barkley and head coach Pat Shurmur, the Giants' offense continues to do next to nothing. With the rested Panthers looming, New York is staring down another lost year. - Srinivasan28. Oakland Raiders (1-3)Previous Rank: 31Jon Gruden silenced the haters, if only for a day, by beating the Browns. Yes, it was a home victory over a team with one win since the calendar flipped to 2017, but the Raiders will take it! - Alessandrini29. San Francisco 49ers (1-3)Previous Rank: 27C.J. Beathard wasn’t so bad replacing Jimmy G, as the 49ers' offense features a number of versatile weapons. Oh, what could have been … - Alessandrini30. New York Jets (1-3)Previous Rank: 28Growing pains are expected for a young Jets team, but Sam Darnold and his offense need to improve significantly to turn their season around versus the Broncos. - Srinivasan31. Buffalo Bills (1-3)Previous Rank: 30It was all good just a week ago, but the Bills came crashing down to earth at Lambeau Field, submitting as listless an offensive performance as it gets. - Srinivasan32. Arizona Cardinals (0-4)Previous Rank: 32The winless Cardinals are in a league of their own - the 0-4 league. But don’t fret, Cardinals fans - Josh Rosen is going to be a good one. If only his receivers would help him out. - AlessandriniCopyright © 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 4 takeaways, early look at waiver wireQuarterbackDylan Buell / Getty Images Sport / GettyJameis Winston, BuccaneersNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidBye11%$5It was fun while it lasted, but the expiration date finally came for Ryan Fitzpatrick during a tough matchup against the Bears' defense. Winston has been announced as the starter when the team returns from its Week 5 bye, and he's capable of being an instant fantasy star while throwing to one of the most talented receiving corps in the NFL. Over the final five games last season, Winston posted more fantasy points than any other quarterback.Mitch Trubisky, BearsNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidBye15%$4The bidding on Trubisky is likely to be over the top this week after his six-touchdown performance against the Bucs. It was an impressive step forward for the young passer, but the issues he dealt with while struggling over the first three games shouldn't be forgotten. If you're interested in Trubisky's upside, pick him up heading into his bye and see how he looks over the next month with matchups against all four AFC East teams. Just don't overpay for one big game.Marcus Mariota, TitansNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidat BUF33%$1Like Trubisky, Mariota looked like a much different quarterback in Week 4, throwing for 344 yards and a pair of scores, and adding 46 yards on the ground and a rushing touchdown. With Corey Davis and Taywan Taylor emerging, QB-needy owners may want to gamble on Mariota and use him as a streamer who has a fresh spark of long-term upside.Other options: Alex Smith at NO (55 percent owned), Blake Bortles at KC (33 percent owned), Ryan Tannehill at CIN (23 percent owned), Joe Flacco at CLE (25 percent owned)Running BackJeff Zelevansky / Getty Images Sport / GettyT.J. Yeldon, JaguarsNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidat KC50%$29Leonard Fournette can't stay healthy. In his return from a two-game absence, he suffered a setback that could force him to the sideline for a few weeks. That means a heavy dose of Yeldon is coming in Jacksonville. He's already averaging 82.5 yards from scrimmage per game and has scored three touchdowns. Consider Yeldon a solid RB2 until Fournette comes back. Owners in deep leagues can also give Corey Grant (two percent owned) another chance as a stash-and-see option.Nick Chubb, BrownsNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidvs. BAL19%$8There are several teams around the league with young running backs poised for breakouts, and a lack of volume is the only thing holding them back. Chubb has been on that list dating back to the preseason, and he announced his presence on Sunday with 105 yards and two touchdowns on just three carries. Chubb is clearly a second-tier player in the Browns' offense at the moment, but an injury to Carlos Hyde would thrust him into a starring role, and he'd become a key fantasy asset. Don't let him linger on the waiver wire. Owners in PPR leagues can also grab Duke Johnson (42 percent owned) after he saw his targets rise during Baker Mayfield's first start.Ronald Jones III, BuccaneersNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidBye24%$6Even though I don't believe Jones will be an impact player in the NFL, he needs to be owned in all leagues given the state of the Buccaneers' backfield. Peyton Barber has failed to deliver through four games, opening the door for Jones' usage to rise after the team's Week 5 bye. Jones led Tampa in carries during his debut on Sunday, rushing 10 times for 29 yards.Nyheim Hines, ColtsNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidat NE15%$4The Colts appear to be content with using a running back committee, which limits the fantasy ceiling of any back they deploy. To make matters worse, Marlon Mack (29 percent owned) should return from injury soon and Robert Turbin (0 percent owned) comes off his early-season suspension this week. However, Hines has had a bankable role as a pass-catcher with five-plus receptions in three of his first four outings of 2018. He's worth considering as a PPR option.Mike Davis, SeahawksNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidat LAR2%$2When Chris Carson's hip injury prevented him from being active on Sunday, it was Davis and not rookie Rashaad Penny (45 percent owned) who led the Seahawks' backfield. Davis finished with 101 yards on 21 carries, and he found the end zone twice. He also recorded 23 yards on four receptions. Penny rushed nine times for 49 yards, but it's clear the Seahawks don't trust him with a significant workload yet. On Monday, Pete Carroll said Davis would remain in the rotation regardless of Carson's health. There's also the possibility that Carson misses another game, making Davis a sneaky add this week.D'Onta Foreman, TexansNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidWeek 75%$2Lamar Miller and Alfred Blue haven't been able to kickstart the Texans' rushing attack, largely because of subpar blocking. Foreman is available in most leagues and will be coming off the PUP list in Week 7. There are no guarantees he'll be able to regain his pre-Achilles tear form, but it’s worth stashing him to find out.Other options: C.J. Anderson vs. NYG (27 percent owned), Ty Montgomery at DET (18 percent owned), Samaje Perine at NO (one percent owned),*Austin Ekeler, Javorius Allen, and Tarik Cohen are all just over 60 percent owned and therefore do not qualify for this list. If they are available, they should be picked up in that order.Wide ReceiversJoe Robbins / Getty Images Sport / GettyTaylor Gabriel, BearsNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidBye6%$12With the Bears' offense showing signs of life in Week 4, Gabriel took full advantage of his opportunities en route to two touchdowns and a career single-game high 104 receiving yards. Targets haven't been an issue for the speedy wideout who's seen at least seven passes thrown his way in each of the Bears' last three contests. With rookie Anthony Miller sidelined, Gabriel becomes an intriguing flex option.Geronimo Allison, PackersNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidat DET47%$12Seeing an injured player so high on this list is odd, but that's how good Allison has been in 2018. Despite being week-to-week with a concussion, Allison deserves to be rostered in all leagues because he's Aaron Rodgers' second-best receiving threat. With Randall Cobb and Jimmy Graham not offering reliable production, Allison has recorded 64-plus yards in all four games this year, and he’s scored in two of them. Allison has one of the highest ceilings among this week's waiver wire pickups, as long as you don't need immediate help.Taywan Taylor, TitansNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidat BUF3%$8In their first game since parting ways with Rishard Matthews, the Titans found their groove through the air with Taylor and Corey Davis repeatedly making catches against the Eagles' secondary. Taylor saw nine targets, hauling in seven of them for 77 yards. His receptions have increased every game this season, and with Delanie Walker out for the year, Taylor has a clear path to consistent production in Tennessee.Dede Westbrook, JaguarsNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidat KC17%$5Westbrook recorded 130 receiving yards on Sunday, and he has another enticing matchup in Week 5 against a burnable Chiefs pass defense. If Bortles is forced into a boat race against Patrick Mahomes, Westbrook and teammate Donte Moncrief (six percent owned), who also topped the 100-yard mark last week, will be streaming candidates.Keke Coutee, TexansNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidvs. DAL3%$5It will be hard for Coutee to earn weekly fantasy starter status unless DeAndre Hopkins or Will Fuller go down with an injury. When the latter missed the second half against the Colts, Coutee went off with 11 catches for 109 yards in his NFL debut. Fuller may be held out for Week 5, catapulting Coutee into fantasy lineups as a flex play.Ryan Grant, ColtsNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidat NE4%$5T.Y. Hilton has already been ruled out for the Colts' Thursday night battle against the Patriots. Andrew Luck showed he can still get it done with his four-touchdown game, so there will be value to mine in Indy's passing attack. Grant has the red-zone edge, but Chester Rogers (0 percent owned) caught eight balls for 85 yards in Week 4. Both offer value as short-term flex options.Other options: Antonio Callaway vs. BAL (38 percent owned), Christian Kirk at SF (12 percent owned), Mohamed Sanu at PIT (14 percent owned), Cameron Meredith vs. WAS (10 percent owned)Tight EndsBrett Carlsen / Getty Images Sport / GettyVance McDonald, SteelersNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidvs. ATL43%$7After an injury kept him out early in the season, McDonald is making up for lost time. He's posted 174 yards and a touchdown over his last two games and is becoming a much needed third receiving option for the Steelers behind Antonio Brown and JuJu Smith-Schuster. With so many tight ends missing time this year, McDonald is a plug-and-play low-end TE1 moving forward.Hayden Hurst, RavensNext UpOwnershipFAAB bidat CLE3%$2Hurst wasn’t healthy enough to play this week, but the Ravens said he was close. The first rounder was expected to be a big part of Baltimore's offense before getting hurt in the preseason, and with the fantasy tight-end landscape devastated due to season-ending injuries, he'll have a high ceiling because the Ravens throw to the position often. Stash him now before he returns and sees a big target share.Other options: Cameron Brate on bye (24 percent owned), Nick Vannett vs. LAR (0 percent owned), Tyler Kroft/C.J. Uzomah vs. MIA (1 percent owned/0 percent owned)Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Sammy Watkins has been ruled out of Monday Night Football versus the Denver Broncos after suffering a hamstring injury in the first half.Watkins failed to dent the stat sheet before exiting the contest. He entered Week 4 with 14 receptions for 176 yards and one touchdown.Watkins has battled a variety of injuries throughout his five-year career. The 25-year-old inked a three-year, $48-million contract with Kansas City as a free agent in March.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Despite all the turmoil surrounding his contract standoff with the Steelers, Le'Veon Bell is optimistic about his long-term future in Pittsburgh."I could be naive or hopeful, but at the end of the day I feel like that's what's going to happen," Bell said Monday about re-signing with the team, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. "I don't think they really want me gone. That could be me being prideful. But I'm still holding out hope."Bell reportedly expects to end his holdout and return to the Steelers during the team's Week 7 bye.Pittsburgh apparently remains interested in listening to trade offers for the All-Pro running back. However, Bell doesn't see a "logical team giving up (a high pick and a player) potentially for someone who could play six games with no guarantee of a long-term deal."While Bell has received his fair share of criticism for his decision to stay away from the Steelers, he remains adamant that he made the right call for his future."It sucks having to sit out football," Bell said. "I want to play. I want to win games and the playoffs."But I've gotta take this stand. Knowing my worth and knowing I can tear a ligament or get surgery at any time, I knew I couldn't play 16 games with 400 or more touches."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

All-Pro running back Le'Veon Bell plans to report to the Pittsburgh Steelers during the team's Week 7 bye, a source told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.Bell has refrained from signing his one-year franchise tag thus far. He does reportedly intend to play for the Steelers this season upon finally inking the deal.The Steelers are said to be actively shopping the star tailback in trade talks, and his impending return won't dissuade them from listening to offers, league sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.Related: Steelers reportedly want 2nd-round pick, quality player in Bell tradeBell's absence from the Steelers stems from his inability to secure a big-money, long-term contract. Pittsburgh has used the franchise tag on him two years in a row, preventing him from hitting the open market.Bell must be signed for at least six games to accrue the necessary service time to become a free agent at the end of the year. The 26-year-old is staying away from the gridiron to reduce the risk of injury before free agency.The Steelers have gone 1-2-1 without Bell. They'll face the Atlanta Falcons and Cincinnati Bengals over the next two weeks before entering their bye week, and then take on the Cleveland Browns in Week 8.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Eric Reid will continue his collusion case against the NFL even after signing with the Carolina Panthers last week, the veteran safety said on Monday, according to ESPN's David Newton.The 26-year-old safety spent nearly seven months as a free agent before being picked up, despite establishing himself as a starting-caliber player over the previous five seasons with the San Francisco 49ers. Reid believes NFL owners colluded to keep him out of the league because of his weekly kneeling during the national anthem.The Panthers signed Reid without asking him if he'd stop protesting social injustices during the anthem. The Pro Bowler said he's mulling other ways to make a statement without dropping to a knee."I'm still evaluating the scope of our country, and I'll make that decision later," he said.Reid and former 49ers teammate Colin Kaepernick are the two players most associated with kneeling during the anthem. The NFLPA filed a collusion lawsuit against the NFL on Reid's behalf in May, and Kaepernick is also suing the NFL for collusion.

Following the Green Bay Packers' win over the Buffalo Bills Sunday, Aaron Rodgers had some choice words regarding his team's offensive performance, seemingly questioning his coach's playcalling.Head coach Mike McCarthy did not appear concerned with his quarterback's comments."Conversations that you have with staff, players and so forth, anything that can be of a correction nature, that's really internally, McCarthy said, according to ESPN's Rob Demovsky. "From my position, that's not going to change. I think you'll always recognize individual's frustration and the ability to have the day that you hope to have all the time. We ran the ball well. We did some really good things. Our passing game isn't quite where we would have liked it to been. That's why you have the video and you go back through things on Monday. I thought we improved in the run game. I thought the protection was better."McCarthy and Rodgers have butted heads before, but the coach insists he and his quarterback are in constant communication."I have good relationships, proper relationships, with all of our players," McCarthy said. "Aaron and I, we have gone through a lot of years together, so I feel good about our relationship."I think like anything, Aaron and I talk on a daily basis. Whether your opinion of how things are communicated within our structure, your opinion is heard and respected. But, at the end of the day, I feel very good, very confident about our operation."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Leonard Fournette left Sunday's game against the New York Jets after re-aggravating a hamstring injury.The initial injury cost Fournette two games of this season, and the Jaguars are unsure how long he'll be out with the re-injury."Probably go back to when he first hurt it. I don't know how long it'll be. We'll just take it day by day," head coach Doug Marrone said at his Monday press conference."It's the same thing. There's a thing that's just pulling at it, it's legit, there is something there. We've just got to do everything we can to get that out. ... That's all I know."Marrone was asked whether Fournette would be expected to miss another two games."I don't know. I really don't know. ... Those injuries are tough," he said.Jacksonville owns a 3-1 record this season despite getting just 20 carries from Fournette split between appearances in Week 1 and Week 4 wins.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

In an announcement that was widely expected, Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter named Jameis Winston his starting quarterback for the team's Week 6 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons following the upcoming bye week.Winston replaced Ryan Fitzpatrick after halftime in Week 4 during an eventual 48-10 loss to the Chicago Bears.Koetter added that the team's bye week had always been a potential target to reinstate Winston following the quarterback's three-game suspension, and reaffirmed that the move is not due to Fitzpatrick's play against the Bears."In no way is this (switch at quarterback) on Fitz, that we lost like we did yesterday," Koetter told reporters, via Pewter Report. "Fitz hadn't played as well as he had been playing, but this was 100 percent a team decision."Winston finished Sunday's game having completed 16 of 20 passes for 145 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It appears Earl Thomas' season-ending leg injury isn't just bad news for the Seattle Seahawks.The Kansas City Chiefs were reportedly in the process of freeing up cap space to make room for Thomas after the Seahawks lowered their asking price, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.Rapoport added that the trade "likely would have happened" if not for the safety's fractured leg.Seattle, who's original asking price was reportedly two second-round draft picks, lowered their price to one second-rounder, per Rapoport.Related: Thomas appears to give finger to Seahawks' sideline after broken legAlthough the two teams were moving towards a deal, the Seahawks did not consider sitting the star defensive back for their Week 4 battle with the Arizona Cardinals.After holding out for much of he offseason due to a contract dispute with the Seahawks, Thomas will become a free agent at the conclusion of the 2018 season.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll is showing empathy for Earl Thomas after the safety's gesture toward his team's bench."I know there's been a lot of talk about it. People that are criticizing whatever happened don't understand," the Seahawks head coach said, according to USA Today's Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz."This was an earth-shattering moment for the kid. He knew exactly what had happened to him."Thomas spent much of the offseason embroiled in a contract standoff with the Seahawks. He ended the holdout to play out the final season of his four-year, $40-million deal with Seattle, only to fracture his lower left leg late in Sunday's win over the Arizona Cardinals.The 29-year-old said a week prior that he missed practices in an effort to protect his body from injury while playing without any long-term security."Give him a little slack. This is a very, very difficult moment that most people would never understand what this is all about," Carroll said.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Here's a look at the well-designed plays that made our list in Week 5:Passing Design of the Week: Matt Nagy pays homage to Bob StittChicago Bears fans have been in a strange spot so far this season. While the organization has assembled a potential new Monsters of the Midway on defense, the offense under second-year quarterback Mitchell Trubisky has lagged behind, even under the tutelage of offensive-minded head coach Matt Nagy. After a narrow victory in Week 3 over the Arizona Cardinals, Bears fans remained unconvinced regarding their young QB.Week 4 might have settled some nerves.Trubisky busted out, completing 19 of 26 passes for 354 yards and six touchdowns in Chicago's 48-10 blowout of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The scoring plays took on many forms, from a well-designed fake screen, to a well-executed "Texas" route in the end zone and a perfect anticipation throw on a corner route near the goal line.But on Trubisky's fifth touchdown "toss" of the day - toss is in quotes for a reason - Nagy borrowed from the playbook of Oklahoma State offensive analyst Bob Stitt, while adding his own twist.Facing a second-and-goal, the Bears line up with Trubisky (No. 10) in the shotgun. Next to him is backup quarterback Chase Daniel (No. 4). That’s right - a two-quarterback formation. Chicago also uses a 2x2 alignment (two eligible receivers on both side of the formation) with wide receiver Taylor Gabriel (No. 18) in a wing to the left:NFL/FOXHere, the Bears run a "tap pass" play that's been executed by a number of teams over the past few years. Gabriel comes in motion, and upon taking the shotgun snap Trubisky simply flips the ball forward to his wide receiver, who runs around the right end for the touchdown. After flipping the ball, Trubisky and Daniel carry out a run fake in the backfield:The origin of this design can be traced back to the Colorado School of Mines, a Division 2 program. Years ago, Stitt - then the school's head coach - came up with the idea to have his quarterback flip the ball forward on sweep plays rather than hand it off. That way, if the ball is dropped during the exchange, it's merely an incompletion instead of a fumble. West Virginia's Dana Holgorsen used this design in an Orange Bowl victory over Clemson. On Sunday, Nagy added his own variation with the dual-QB element.It worked to perfection.Running Design of the Week: Saints' power ices itThe New Orleans Saints improved to 3-1 with a 33-18 win over the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium, thanks in large part to running back Alvin Kamara. The second-year player carried the ball 19 times for 134 yards and three touchdowns, adding five receptions for 47 yards.Kamara’s third touchdown of the day - a 49-yard run behind a power-blocking scheme - ended any chance of a Giants comeback. From the blocking up front to the burst and stiff arm from Kamara, this play was power running at its best.The play takes place with just over two minutes remaining and the Saints holding an eight-point lead with the ball just beyond the 50-yard line. They align with Kamara (No. 41) as the deep back in the I-formation and Drew Brees (No. 9) under center. Everyone inside the stadium - including the Giants - know the Saints are going to run, which makes the result even more impressive.Here's the blocking scheme:NFL/CBSMost of the offensive line blocks down to the left, but left guard Andrus Peat (No. 75) pulls to the right side, forming a two-man convoy with fullback Zach Line (No. 42). From there, Kamara does the rest:Line, Peat, and Co. give Kamara a huge hole to work with, but the running back still has one defender to contend with. However, he's able to brush that defender aside and race to the end zone and down the tunnel with the game-clinching score.The end-zone angle has a fantastic view of the blocks coming together:Kamara deserves plenty of credit for his big day, but on this play that iced the contest, it was the power-blocking scheme up front that paved the way.Pressure Design of the Week: Blake Martinez and the A-gap blitzThe Green Bay Packers blanked the visiting Buffalo Bills 22-0 on Sunday, as their defense completely shut down all facets of the Bills' offense. After earning his first win as a starting quarterback last week against the Minnesota Vikings, rookie Josh Allen was held to just 151 yards passing, was intercepted twice, and was sacked seven times. One of those came on a perfectly executed A-gap blitz from linebacker Blake Martinez.Early in the fourth quarter, the Bills trailed 19-0, but were mounting a bit of a drive to get back into the game. Facing a first-and-10 in Green Bay territory, they align with Allen (No. 17) under center. Across from him, Martinez (No. 50) aligns as the middle linebacker of a 3-3-5 scheme (three defensive linemen, three linebackers, and five defensive backs):NFL/CBSThis is the blitz that Martinez will execute:NFL/CBSWatch how well Martinez times his movement, knifing through the offensive line and getting to Allen untouched:Allen tries to execute a play-action fake with running back LeSean McCoy (No. 25). However, just as he comes out of the fake, Martinez is already upon him.This was just one of Green Bay’s seven sacks on the day, but it's a perfect example of how design, timing, and execution can lead to big things for a defense.Coverage Design of the Week: Oakland's Cover 4 tip drillIn perhaps the strangest game of the day, the Oakland Raiders came back to knock off the visiting Cleveland Browns 45-42 in overtime, spoiling Baker Mayfield's first NFL start.Mayfield threw for 295 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the game, but also tossed two interceptions. One of them went the other way for six, and that serves as our coverage play of the week.Facing a second-and-8 in their own territory early in the contest, the Browns put Mayfield (No. 6) in the shotgun with three receivers to the left. The Raiders show Cover 6 in the secondary, which is a combination coverage that plays like a Cover 4 on one side of the field and a Cover 2 on the other:NFL/FOXMayfield tries to throw a curl route to the left, but it's between the cornerback and the safety on that side, who are playing a Cover 4 (or "quarters" coverage), with each being responsible for a quarter of the field. That, in essence, allows the two defenders to bracket the route:NFL/FOXSafety Marcus Gilchrist (No. 31) reads Mayfield's eyes and is able to drive on the route, knowing that cornerback Gareon Conley (No. 21) will still be in position. Gilchrist tips the ball, and Conley is there to capitalize:From this angle, you can see how the coverage enables Gilchrist to jump the route with confidence. Even though Conley slips on the stop and cut, he recovers for the timely interception, and then returns it the other way for six.Game Ball: QB Mitchell Trubisky, Chicago BearsAs covered above, there was still plenty concern in the Windy City about Trubisky. Whether his stellar performance against Tampa was the start of a true turnaround or just a one-game boost due to a suspect pass defense remains to be seen. But any six-touchdown performance is worthy of a game ball.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.

Before his Oakland Raiders took the field for Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns, head coach Jon Gruden checked in on a former player."Damn - Khalil Mack had another strip sack? Are you ... kidding me?" Gruden said as he scrolled through his phone, according to NFL.com's Michael Silver.That's right. During the early-game window, Mack recorded a strip sack for the fourth consecutive game, his fourth as a member of the Chicago Bears.After being unable to agree on a contract extension before the season started, Gruden and the Raiders traded Mack to the Bears.Oakland has since struggled to rush the passer. The team is dead last in the league in sacks with five in four games. Meanwhile, Mack has five sacks - four of which caused a fumble - and a pick-6.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The two biggest contract disputes in the NFL involve Earl Thomas and Le'Veon Bell.While Bell still has yet to sign his franchise tag with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Thomas rejoined the Seattle Seahawks to start the season, only to fracture his leg on a play Sunday.Thomas, who's now injured in the final year of his contract with no long-term security, showed his displeasure by flipping off the Seahawks' sideline. Bell vowed, in the comment section of an Instagram post, to take up Thomas' fight and "continue to be the bad guy" in his ongoing contract saga.

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.Boone and Woods recap all the action from Sunday and take an early look at Week 5 waiver wire adds.Topics for this episode include:

Earl Thomas appears to be irate with the Seattle Seahawks, but his teammates have his back unconditionally.Thomas fractured his leg during Sunday's game against the Arizona Cardinals and left on a cart. While being driven to the locker room, he appeared to stick his middle finger up at the Seahawks' sideline.The six-time Pro Bowler held out through the entire preseason hoping to receive a contract extension. Since rejoining the club to begin the regular season, he's repeatedly expressed his displeasure with the Seahawks for not giving him a lucrative deal.Thomas' teammates had no issue with his gesture toward the sideline, and they empathized with the 29-year-old's desire to get a contract more in line with his value."I know surface-level thinking tells you he's making a lot of money. And yeah, he is making a lot of money. But relative to this game, relative to what this role entails - he’s a Hall of Fame-caliber player. He’s the best safety in the league," Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin said, via Matt Calkins of The Seattle Times. "And just like any other profession, you want to be paid accordingly, especially when you have such a high risk of being injured.""I feel it. You have a guy who gives his all," Baldwin added when asked about Thomas giving the middle finger. "He literally puts his body on the line. … I know there’s a business they have to run. I understand that. But how can you get mad at him? He’s got a business he has to run too.""Yeah, we got the (win),’’ Seahawks defensive end Frank Clark said, via Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times. "But I feel like we’re the losers at the end of the day because we lost a Hall of Fame player. We lost a player you can’t replace. … It’s Earl Thomas, let’s be honest."Thomas is one of the most iconic players in franchise history, playing a major role in the Seahawks' lone Super Bowl victory in 2013. Some of his teammates tried to put his career in perspective following the injury."I hope it’s not his last game,’’ Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner said. “I hope we can bring him back. We had a lot of great years together. I don’t think you’re ever going to find another player like him. I’ve said that enough. His speed, his intelligence, the way he plays the game. You’ll never see it again."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

PITTSBURGH (AP) Joe Flacco threw a pair of early touchdown passes, Justin Tucker kicked four second-half field goals and the Baltimore Ravens pulled away from the Pittsburgh Steelers 26-14 on Sunday night.Flacco completed 28 of 42 passes for 363 yards and TD passes to John Brown and Alex Collins as the Ravens (3-1) ended a three-game losing streak to their AFC North rivals. Tucker accounted for all the scoring after halftime as Baltimore ended Pittsburgh's long run of success on Sunday nights.The Steelers (1-2-1) came in having won nine straight Sunday night appearances, a streak that included a pair of victories over the Ravens. Baltimore brought Pittsburgh's run to an abrupt end by shutting down Pittsburgh in the second half.Ben Roethlisberger finished 27 of 47 for 274 yards with a touchdown and an interception for the Steelers. Antonio Brown caught five passes for 62 yards, including his second touchdown pass in as many weeks.Pittsburgh's high-powered offense, however, sputtered after erasing an early 14-point deficit. The Steelers managed just 47 yards in the second half and converted 2 of 12 third downs.The Ravens were only too happy to play keep-away after the break. Flacco put together a string of clock-consuming possessions that ended with field goals by the ever reliable Tucker as Baltimore proved its strong start was no fluke.The Steelers came in hoping the defense was slowly starting to find itself after forcing four turnovers last Monday night in Tampa during a victory Pittsburgh believed would resuscitate its season.Not quite.Flacco wasted little time helping Baltimore build a quick 14-point lead. He found Brown open on a 33-yard touchdown pass on Baltimore's opening possession. Brown was double covered when Flacco let the ball go. By the time Brown chased it down in the end zone, both Steelers were two steps behind him and the Ravens were in front.Three snaps later Baltimore had the ball back thanks to a strip by safety Tony Jefferson. It took the Ravens just four plays to go up two touchdowns, when Flacco flipped the ball in the flat to a wide-open Collins. The score marked the 13th straight red-zone trip by Baltimore that ended with a Ravens touchdown, the longest streak to start a season in NFL history.Baltimore's 14th red-zone trip ended up far differently and briefly swung momentum. The Ravens had the ball at the Pittsburgh 2 with a chance to move ahead three scores when Steelers free safety Sean Davis ripped the ball from Collins and Pittsburgh rookie strong safety Terrell Edmunds recovered.Pittsburgh put together a lengthy drive that resulted in a Chris Boswell field goal to get within 14-6. The Steelers tied it with 2:50 left in the first half on a pretty 26-yard back-shoulder throw by Roethlisberger to Brown in the end zone and the ensuing 2-point conversion grab by Conner.Baltimore, however, kept coming and Pittsburgh's offense sputtered.UP NEXTRavens: Visit Tennessee next Sunday. The Titans beat Baltimore 23-20 last season in Nashville.Steelers: Host Atlanta next Sunday. Pittsburgh has won its last two meetings against the Falcons.---More AP NFL: https://apnews.com/tag/NFL and https://twitter.com/AP-NFLCopyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Warning: Story contains graphic videoSeattle Seahawks safety Earl Thomas suffered a lower leg fracture in Sunday's game against the Arizona Cardinals, according to the team. He was carted off the field in the fourth quarter.The star defender broke the tibia in the same leg in 2016.Thomas, who's been mired in a contract dispute with the Seahawks for several months, appeared to give the middle finger to his team's sideline while exiting.

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Tyler Eifert broke his ankle in Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons and is expected to undergo season-ending surgery, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.Eifert's left leg was placed in an air cast and he was carted off the field after suffering the injury in gruesome fashion.The tight end posted four receptions for 38 yards and a touchdown before the injury.The 28-year-old has finished each of the last two seasons on injured reserve because of back injuries. The former Pro Bowler signed a one-year contract in March to stay with the Bengals.Eifert released a statement after the game:

Wide receiver Josh Gordon made his New England Patriots debut in Sunday's 38-7 victory over the previously undefeated Miami Dolphins.He's confident the trade that sent the 27-year-old from the Cleveland Browns to the Patriots will work out well for both him and his new team."I have no doubt I'm going to take advantage of this opportunity. I'm more than blessed," Gordon said during his postgame media availability. "I'm extremely grateful to be put in this scenario. I think the only thing right for me to do is take full advantage of it. I'm loving it, I'm enjoying it, the guys here are great, it's a real home environment and I feel as comfortable as ever here. It's awesome."Gordon caught two passes for 32 yards in Sunday's lopsided victory. He scored a touchdown while still with the Browns in Week 1, but has been sidelined with an injury for the past two weeks.Gordon led the NFL with 1,646 receiving yards in just 14 games in 2013, but he was limited to only 10 games over the next four seasons due to injuries, suspensions, and a stint in rehab in 2016.The Pro Bowler said he's in a better environment now in the Patriots' locker room while working with future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady."I mean, it's awesome, just period, catching a pass from Tom at any point in time. He's been rooting for me, and it's been awesome to have his support and his love, as well as the rest of the teammates and staff here. You know, Tom's a passionate guy and I love that, and I love the game of football and I think we're going to mesh just fine," said Gordon.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Frank Reich has no problem defending his controversial fourth-down call during overtime on Sunday.With a contest between the Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans tied 34-34 and 27 seconds left in overtime, Reich went for it on 4th-and-4 from the Colts' 43-yard line.The play resulted in an incompletion, giving the Texans enough time to get in position for a game-winning 37-yard field goal."We're not playing to tie," said the first-year head coach, via George Bremer of The Herald Bulletin. "I'm going for that 10 times out of 10."Reich spent the previous two seasons as Doug Pederson's offensive coordinator on the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles were celebrated in 2017 for their fourth-down gambles, but Reich's risk didn't pay off on Sunday."That was the risk we were willing to take," he said.Colts players didn't object to their coach's decision. Quarterback Andrew Luck fully supported the fourth-down call."Love it. Everybody in that locker room liked that - no, loved that. Loved that. We can get behind that," Luck said, per Zak Keefer of the Indianapolis Star.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver T.Y. Hilton suffered a hamstring injury in Sunday's loss to the Houston Texans, and his outlook for Week 5 appears grim.Following the game, Colts head coach Frank Reich told reporters that Hilton will probably not be able to suit up for Thursday night's matchup with the New England Patriots, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.The receiver also suffered a chest injury in the first quarter but returned to the game soon after.Hilton is Colts' leading receiver this year, adding 115 yards on four catches to his season total before exiting Sunday's game.Ryan Grant, Chester Rogers, and Zac Pascal are set to see increased roles in Hilton's absence.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were manhandled Sunday in a 48-10 blowout loss to the Chicago Bears.Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter didn't hold back in his postgame press conference, critiquing every aspect of the performance."Based on that game today, we couldn't make enough changes. We should fire every person that was on that field today, starting with me," Koetter said when asked if defensive coordinator Mike Smith should lose his job, according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. "That was horrific."The Bucs opened the year 2-0 but have since lost their following two games.Tampa Bay entered Week 4 ranked second last in total defense. The team gave up six passing touchdowns to Bears quarterback Mitch Trubisky on Sunday.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Texans defeated the Colts 37-34 on a last-second field goal in overtime after Indianapolis failed to convert a fourth down, putting Houston in position to win the game.More to come.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Week 4 of the NFL season features four games in the late afternoon window and a Sunday night contest to follow. Will Bernanke, the lead analyst at CG Technology in Las Vegas, provided feedback to how bettors are approaching the games.Cleveland at OaklandOpen: OAK -2.5/44.5Current: OAK -2.5/44.5The Cleveland Browns earned their first win since December 2016 last Thursday in dramatic fashion. The Browns called for No. 1 overall pick Baker Mayfield to provide a surge midway through the game, and he did just that, leading Cleveland to a 21-17 win over the New York Jets. Cleveland covered as three-point chalk and currently head into Week 4 at 1-1-1 overall.Meanwhile, the Oakland Raiders are still searching for their first win under new head coach Jon Gruden. The Raiders have also been a thorn in the side of bettors as they've yet to cover a spread this season.For the book, there's no real significant need."We’re in a position where we don’t need any side covering for a significant decision," said Bernanke.Seattle at ArizonaOpen: SEA -3.5/37.5Current: SEA -3.5/39.5The Arizona Cardinals are hoping for first-round pick Josh Rosen to spark an offense that ranks dead last in virtually every category this season. The rookie was summoned late in a Week 3 loss to the Bears, though the Cardinals covered as 5.5-point underdogs.Arizona welcomes in Seattle, which is playing its third road game in four weeks. The Seahawks found the win column last week at home with a 24-13 victory over the Dallas Cowboys as short favorites."Right now it’s Seattle money across the board, about 8 out of 10 tickets on Seattle," said Bernanke. "It’s all public action."San Francisco 49ers at Los AngelesOpen: LAC -9.5/47Current: LAC -10/46A season filled with expectations will likely fall by the wayside for the San Francisco 49ers, whose 11-point loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 3 was parlayed with a season-ending injury to quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.The Chargers are also coming off a double-digit loss, falling to the Rams and failing to cover as seven-point 'dogs."It's a lower-volume game without Jimmy G. Very slight need for the 49ers with a little more money on the Chargers," said Bernanke.New Orleans at New YorkOpen: NO -3.5/50Current: NO -3/52.5New Orleans is coming off an overtime win over the Falcons while the Giants also stole a road victory last weekend - their first of the season - in a 27-22 win over Houston.The book has a clear need here."The liability is with the Saints. About 7 out of 10 tickets have come in on the Saints," said Bernanke. "We’ll be rooting for the Giants to not only win but cover. Ideal result would be a low-scoring Giants win."Baltimore at PittsburghOpen: PIT -3/51Current: PIT -3/51After tying the Browns and falling to the Chiefs at home, the Steelers got on the board in Week 3 with a victory over Tampa Bay. It'll be the second consecutive prime-time game for Pittsburgh, which has gone over the total in all three contests this season.Standing in the way of getting above .500 is Baltimore, which has dropped three straight against the Steelers after taking the previous four."About 7 out of 10 tickets are on Pittsburgh so far," said Bernanke.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski exited Sunday's game versus the Miami Dolphins with an ankle injury.The Patriots announced that Gronkowski is officially questionable to return.The tight end went to the locker room midway through the third quarter, and had caught four passes for 44 yards prior to his exit.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Jameis Winston took over at quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after halftime in an eventual 48-10 loss to the Chicago Bears.Ryan Fitzpatrick drew the start for the fourth consecutive game and completed nine of his 18 passes for 126 yards and an interception. It marked his third straight game with a pick.Down by five touchdowns, the Bucs were alotted an entire half to get Winston up to game speed.However, his first drive ended in an interception after Winston's arm was hit by Bears pass-rusher Khalil Mack.

Warning: Video contains graphic contentCincinnati Bengals tight end Tyler Eifert left Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons after suffering a gruesome ankle injury.He was carted off the field with his leg in an air cast. Eifert posted four receptions for 38 yards and a touchdown before going down.

Jacksonville Jaguars star running back Leonard Fournette was forced to leave Sunday's game against the New York Jets and did not return after again suffering a hamstring injury.Fournette missed the past two games with the same injury but appeared to be ready to return after practicing fully Friday. He had 11 carries for 30 yards before exiting.T.J. Yeldon should continue to take the majority of the snaps in relief of Fournette.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The San Francisco 49ers won't pursue a high-profile quarterback via trade or free agency amid the season-ending knee injury to Jimmy Garoppolo, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.Instead, the 49ers are confident that C.J. Beathard, a 2017 third-round pick who saw extensive action last season before San Francisco acquired Garoppolo, will be productive as the starter.The report suggests the 49ers won't go after Nick Foles of the Philadelphia Eagles or Tyrod Taylor of the Cleveland Browns, or look to bring back free agent Colin Kaepernick.Beathard completed 54.9 percent of his passes last season while throwing for 1,430 yards with four touchdowns and six interceptions in seven appearances.San Francisco is 1-2 heading into its Week 4 tilt with the Los Angeles Chargers.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Alshon Jeffery will make his season debut Sunday versus the Tennessee Titans.Jeffery missed two practices this week because of an illness. He was sidelined throughout the offseason and the early portion of the regular season while healing from surgery on his rotator cuff.The return of Jeffery comes a week after the Eagles got quarterback Carson Wentz back from a torn ACL. Jeffery posted 789 yards and nine touchdowns a year ago.Philadelphia boasts a 2-1 record entering Week 4 against the Titans.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Newly acquired wide receiver Josh Gordon will make his New England Patriots debut Sunday against the Miami Dolphins. He was not among the team's inactives for the Week 4 contest.Gordon was listed as questionable but had been able to practice all week in a limited capacity.The talent pass-catcher should provide a boost to a struggling wide receiver corps. Chris Hogan and Phillip Dorsett have underwhelmed as New England's top targets this season, forcing Tom Brady to rely mostly on running back James White (team-high 14 catches) and star tight end Rob Gronkowski (team-high 189 receiving yards).The Patriots landed Gordon in a trade with the Cleveland Browns on Sept. 18, sending a fifth-round pick back to Cleveland.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Seattle Seahawks apparently have no desire to let Earl Thomas go for less than they believe he's worth.Seattle is "stuck" on their asking price of a 2019 second-round draft pick for the star safety, sources told Adam Schefter of ESPN.The Kansas City Chiefs aren't interested in Thomas for that level of compensation but remain in the hunt for him if Seattle lowers its price. Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys did offer the Seahawks the second-rounder they desired prior to the two teams' Week 3, but Seattle wanted more from Dallas, according to Schefter.Seattle also hit Thomas with a fine for missing practices last week, sources told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.Thomas held out for the entire offseason, returning just prior to the regular season. The 29-year-old made it clear he remains unhappy with his contract, saying that the team's disrespect of him had been "well-noted."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have asked teams for a second-round draft pick plus a quality player in trade talks revolving around All-Pro running back Le'Veon Bell, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.The Steelers reportedly began listening to trade offers last week, but are now the ones initiating calls with other teams in an effort to move Bell, according to Rapoport.Though some teams have inquired about Bell, trade talks haven't advanced to a serious stage, league sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.Bell has yet to sign his one-year franchise tender, and in turn has yet to play a snap this season. The 26-year-old hasn't said when he plans to finally report to the Steelers, but it seems he's doing everything in his power to be healthy before free agency in March.Related - Report: Jets contact Steelers about Bell tradeA trade for Bell could prove difficult to consummate, as the team acquiring him from Pittsburgh wouldn't be allowed to negotiate a long-term deal before the end of the season, per the franchise tag rules.Furthermore, the Steelers would receive a future compensatory third-round pick if they let Bell walk away as a free agent, so their asking price is unlikely to come down much.Bell made three Pro Bowls and was twice named a first-team All-Pro over his first five seasons in Pittsburgh. He's widely regarded as the best all-around running back in the NFL.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 4.Standard

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers came within a play or two of benching quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick on Monday Night Football in Week 3, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.Buccaneers coach Dirk Koetter reportedly told his team Wednesday that he considered removing Fitzpatrick after the veteran's third pick of the opening half against the Pittsburgh Steelers.Koetter supposedly made the revelation during a team meeting in which he discussed the Bucs' quarterback situation. Former No. 1 overall pick Jameis Winston returns to the club this week after serving a three-game suspension, but Fitzpatrick is expected to start Sunday against the Chicago Bears.It would've been shocking to see Fitzpatrick pulled Monday night, as he led the NFL in passing yards through two weeks and steered the Buccaneers to a 2-0 start. Third-stringer Ryan Griffin would've been forced into action if a change was made. Tampa trailed 23-7 when Koetter contemplated the swap.Fitzpatrick rebounded in the second half against the Steelers, nearly leading the Buccaneers back from a 20-point deficit. He finished the game with 411 passing yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions. He still ranks first in the NFL in passing yards and second in passing touchdowns.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Kansas City Chiefs safety Eric Berry has a Haglund’s deformity in his Achilles, NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported on Saturday.The deformity causes a bone spur to dig into the Achilles tendon, and Berry remains without a timetable to return. He's officially listed as doubtful for the Chiefs' Week 4 matchup against the Denver Broncos."It’s just something that continues to irritate the area," Garafolo said on Good Morning Football. "Some guys have been able to play with it... It's going to be a pain management thing. It's not like this thing will tear the Achilles necessarily. A lot of these cases don't result in a tear, but that's why with Berry right now, he has not played, and they've been doing okay. That's going to allow them a little bit more patience with Berry, but it is extremely painful."The injury, which was previously being referred to as a sore heel, has kept Berry sidelined so far this season.He missed all but one game in 2017 due to a ruptured Achilles on the other leg.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.Christian Kirk, WR, Cardinalsvs. SeahawksChristian Petersen / Getty Images Sport / GettyKirk's role gradually expanded throughout the first three weeks of his rookie season. The buildup led to an eight-target, seven-catch performance for 90 yards against the Chicago Bears last Sunday.The 47th pick of the 2018 NFL Draft will now get a chance to work with No. 10 pick, Josh Rosen, as he makes his first start under center in place of Sam Bradford against the Seattle Seahawks.Arizona is listed as a 3.5-point underdog in a projected low-scoring affair, according to Covers.com, but Kirk could be highly involved in the passing game. The Cardinals' No. 1 wideout in Larry Fitzgerald is bothered by a hamstring issue and Chad Williams has caught just one pass on 10 targets through three weeks.Rashard Higgins, WR, Brownsat RaidersJoe Robbins / Getty Images Sport / GettyHiggins is listed as the Browns' No. 3 receiver behind Jarvis Landry and rookie Antonio Callaway. The switch to Baker Mayfield provided an immediate boost to the Browns' offense last week, and more of the same can be expected in a highly favorable matchup against the Raiders, who have allowed more pass yards per attempt than all but two teams.The third-year receiver has caught passes at an average of 12.0 yards per reception through his first 34 games. At 6-foot-1, Higgins has a size advantage over both Landry and Callaway; he could quickly endear himself to Mayfield as a red-zone threat with his 64.3 percent catch rate.Taywan Taylor, WR, Titansvs. EaglesFrederick Breedon / Getty Images Sport / GettyTaylor scored his first touchdown of the season against the Houston Texans in Week 2 with Blaine Gabbert starting at quarterback. He's caught seven of 10 targets on the season, and his role in the offense will continue to grow following the release of Rishard Matthews.Marcus Mariota is expected to return as the starting pivot against the Eagles, but his ongoing elbow issues may limit his ability to throw the deep ball.Taylor doesn't possess much touchdown upside, but he could become a must-have in PPR formats with the Titans lacking their three leading pass-catchers from 2017 in Matthews, tight end Delanie Walker, and retired wide receiver Eric Decker.Dallas Goedert, TE, Eaglesat TitansElsa / Getty Images Sport / GettyGoedert and Carson Wentz showed instant chemistry in the quarterback's season debut last week. The two connected on all seven targets, with the rookie tight end turning those into 73 yards and the first touchdown of his career.Veteran Zach Ertz received 10 targets while adding 73 yards, showing that both options can be viable in the same week.Ertz, Trey Burton, and Brent Celek combined for 163 targets last season in head coach Doug Pederson's system. Although the Titans have performed well against opposing tight ends, there's plenty of work to be had for Goedert and Ertz should wide receiver Alshon Jeffery remain sidelined.Nyheim Hines, RB, Coltsvs. TexansRob Carr / Getty Images Sport / GettyOnly 13 running backs league-wide have been used more in the passing game this season than Hines. The rookie has caught 13 of 15 targets for a modest 56 yards.Quarterback Andrew Luck ranks 31st among qualified passers while averaging just 5.3 yards per attempt through his first three games back from injury. With tight end Jack Doyle sidelined, Hines may see an increased role in the passing game as Luck's safest option.Marlon Mack is expected to return from injury this week, but the Texans have allowed 5.7 catches and 57.7 receiving yards per game to running backs through three weeks, allowing Hines to fill a significant role as the top receiving back.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Last Sunday was my first losing week of the 2018 NFL season - and it felt more like a wash after my best single-game win of the year so far.It was the first time that it really felt like the NFL season. Everything sort of fused all in one afternoon - a backdoor touchdown on the final play of a game, a blowout loss while fading the biggest public favorite of the weekend, and losing an under in essentially the first half. It's good to have football back.If you've been reading the plays so far you know what to expect with pick No. 1.It's time to think outside the box.Detroit Lions at Dallas CowboysWager: Over 43.5Wow, has the Cowboys' offense ever been bad.It was expected that, without Dez Bryant and Jason Witten, and nobody capable of filling those roles right away, the Cowboys would have trouble moving the ball through the air.That's been an understatement, as Dallas hardly has a passing offense at all.In the past, the Cowboys were able to get away with having a one-dimensional offense. The offensive line and running back Ezekiel Elliott were talented enough to make the offense a run-first unit that only needed to throw the ball in manageable situations to succeed.It's only been a handful of games, but the Detroit Lions' defense might be just what the Cowboys need. Or so you would assume, based on each team's strengths and weaknesses.Detroit is dead-last against the run - and for a minute there, all those flaws were masked by a nice showing on Sunday Night Football with a commanding win over the New England Patriots.Everyone is ready to write off Dallas' offense, making this the time when you take your shot. All you need is four quarters of offensive competence against a questionable defense, and even the Cowboys can pull that off.As the chalk in a show-me game against a team riding high off a prime-time win, the Cowboys are going to finally break out. And with Matthew Stafford likely playing from behind and throwing the ball to a loaded receiving corps, I'll take a shot on this over because there's a slight overreaction to Dallas' early-season offensive struggles.New Orleans Saints at New York GiantsWager: New Orleans -3I don't want to overthink this one, and that's coming from someone who typically vouches for the Giants.The 2018 Saints look an awful lot like the pre-2017 versions of the team - all offense, and no defense. It's difficult to know yet whether the Saints are getting their defensive struggles out of the way as early as possible, or if last season was simply a fluke. But I trust the New Orleans offense, and Drew Brees showed during a Week 3 overtime victory over the Falcons that he can still win games by himself.The Giants, on the other hand, don't have a similar late-game hero under center.New York's win in Houston last week could have Giants fans thinking Eli Manning has turned himself around. I've seen this team instill hope in its fan base too often, then completely rip hearts out seven days later.I hate the Giants in this spot.Philadelphia Eagles at Tennessee TitansMitchell Leff / Getty Images Sport / GettyWager: Over 41Before I settled on the Detroit-Dallas game as my top pick, the Eagles-Titans tilt was actually the first one to stick out.Obviously, both offenses haven't been as productive as last season. If this game was played a year ago, the total would likely be four-to-6.5 points higher. That's how much things have changed.But I don't think that should be enough to bring the number down this far.Marcus Mariota will likely be on a pitch count due to his elbow injury, and Carson Wentz is still getting back to his normal self after playing for the first time in 2018 last week.These teams don't have the same offenses as a season ago, but 41 is a number that makes me willing to take a shot.Extra PointsSan Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles ChargersWager: Under 46.5I don't feel comfortable laying 10.5 with the Chargers over the Jimmy Garoppolo-less 49ers, but I'm fine with taking the under. The 49ers were brutal offensively in 2017 without Garoppolo, who's one of the most valuable quarterbacks in the league to his team.Cleveland Browns at Oakland RaidersWager: Oakland -2.5You'll hear about Baker Mayfield and the Browns all weekend after he led his team to its first win in 635 days last Thursday night. That's perfect, because the Raiders are going to beat them handily.Oakland is 0-3, but you can make a case the Raiders should have a winning record or at least one victory. If their games were shortened to three quarters, the Raiders would be Super Bowl favorites. They've been steamrolled in the fourth quarter during all three games this season, a trend that will end on Sunday.A week after finding the win column for the first time since December 2016, the Raiders will get their first victory under head coach Jon Gruden, and win by more than 2.5, of course.Top plays: 6-2-1

Jacksonville Jaguars star running back Leonard Fournette appeared to confirm in a tweet Friday night that he will return for Sunday's game against the New Jets.Fournette has been sidelined for the past two weeks due to a hamstring injury. He was listed as questionable after a full return to practice Friday.The runner seemingly deleted the tweet Saturday morning, which read, "I'm just thankful happy to be back NO WEAPON FORM AGAINST ME SHALL NOT PROSPER see y'all Sunday."The Jaguars have had mixed results without their offensive focal point. They took down the New England Patriots 31-20 in impressive fashion, only to lose to the Tennessee Titans last week, scoring just six points.T.J. Yeldon has performed solidly in Fournette's absence in limited work, rushing for 102 yards on 17 carries in two games.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Free-agent wide receiver Dez Bryant believes his 2018 debut will come sooner rather than later.Bryant replied to a tweet Friday asking when he would sign with a team.

The home of Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Robert Woods in Woodland Hills, Calif. was burglarized during Thursday night's win over the Minnesota Vikings.The Los Angeles Police Department responded to a call at 7:20 p.m., a spokesperson told ESPN, and a source close to Woods confirmed the burglary.Police say the suspect remains at large after stealing property from the home.Woods was excellent against the Vikings, catching all five of his targets for 101 yards and a touchdown.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll announced Friday that wide receiver Doug Baldwin has been cleared to play Sunday versus the Arizona Cardinals.Baldwin's been sidelined since leaving Seattle's season opener against the Denver Broncos with a sprained MCL.The 30-year-old is officially listed as questionable, but the wideout expressed confidence Thursday that he'll be able to return to the lineup in Week 4.The veteran receiver also missed time during training camp while battling an injury to his other knee.Baldwin has led the Seahawks in receptions and receiving yards in each of the past four seasons. His return to the lineup should provide a significant boost to the NFL's 22nd-ranked passing offense.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Pittsburgh Steelers star Antonio Brown is among the most targeted receivers in football, drawing the third most passes through three games, yet there's a growing refrain that his numbers are down heading into the quarter mark of the season.Brown leads the team in touchdown receptions with two, but his catches (24) and receiving yards (210) trail those of sophomore JuJu Smith-Schuster (27, 356)."Watch the tape," Brown said to the critics on Friday, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler."My statistics are already there. I've already done everything from a statistical point. Obviously, it's out of my control. I can't throw it to myself. But what's important is we continue to win."The Steelers have noted that Brown continues to draw heavy double- and triple-teams, forcing quarterback Ben Roethlisberger to turn to other targets, such as Smith-Schuster."Right now, AB is taking the double-teams, I'm able to get my plays in," Smith-Schuster said. "When the time comes, if I get double-teamed, someone has to make those plays."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The 2018 season, like the previous two years, was supposed to be Derrick Henry's breakout campaign.It still may prove to be, but through three games the Tennessee Titans running back has rushed for 139 yards and no touchdowns at a pedestrian three-yards-per-carry average."It's been trash play, and it's unacceptable as far as me and my position," Henry told Jim Wyatt of Titansonline.com on Thursday."The position I play, I have to be more physical, and I have to make more explosive runs. I have to help this offense in a big way that I've always talked about that I want to do."Henry shares the Titans' backfield with Dion Lewis, who was signed this offseason after a stint with the New England Patriots. He leads the team in carries (46 to Lewis' 39), but Lewis has recorded four more rushing yards and scored once.Henry split rushing responsibilities with DeMarco Murray the past two seasons. He expects more from himself in 2018."It's a mentality thing. I just have to get it. I have to get it," he said.The Titans face the Philadelphia Eagles' top-ranked rushing defense on Sunday.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 4 of the NFL season:Jaguars' defense vs. Jets' offenseAfter exceeding expectations in his NFL debut against the Detroit Lions, Sam Darnold and the New York Jets have come back to earth, scoring just 39 points in the last two weeks after putting up 48 in Week 1.The Jets travel to Jacksonville this week to face the best defense in the NFL, which is loaded with blue-chip talent at every level.The Jaguars are loaded with stars on the defensive line who can effectively get after the quarterback. Calais Campbell and Yannick Ngakoue generate a ton of pressure rushing the passer while Malik Jackson and Marcell Dareus dominate against the run.At linebacker, Telvin Smith and Myles Jack have the speed and instincts to make plays from sideline to sideline, and both are equally adept against the run and pass.In the secondary, Jalen Ramsey continues to back up his big talk with excellent play, and though A.J. Bouye doesn't receive the attention Ramsey gets, he's a great cornerback in his own right. D.J. Hayden is an underrated slot cornerback while Barry Church and Tashaun Gipson make up one of the better safety duos in the NFL.Poor Darnold.Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyIf it wasn't tough enough for a rookie quarterback to face the most fearsome defense in the NFL, Darnold must do it on the road without a single thing working in New York's favor.It's almost impossible to run the ball against the Jaguars, as opposing teams have a measly 38 percent success rate on the ground, per Sharp Football Stats. With Dareus and Jackson between the B-gaps, it's almost impossible to find room to run up the middle. If a team tries to run it to the edge, Smith and Jack will likely meet the running back at the line of scrimmage.It doesn't get any easier via the pass, as opposing teams have a 43 percent success rate through the air against Jacksonville, per Sharp Football Stats. While teams have had some success targeting running backs in the passing game, that is largely by design, as the Jags rely on their athletes to rally and tackle near the line of scrimmage.Simply put, the Jaguars' defense is so effective because it limits the options of opposing offenses.Unless Darnold is content to frequently dump the ball to the running back on Sunday, he's going to have to force it to his key weapons with tight-window throws, which is a recipe for disaster against the Jaguars.The Jets' offensive line will be overmatched in pass protection, and the team lacks the weapons on the outside to get open before the pressure arrives.Jacksonville's defense is at its best on third down - allowing just a 32.5 third-down conversion percentage - when it can rely on its elite secondary to hold up in coverage as defensive coordinator Todd Wash dials up a myriad of blitzes to create one-on-one matchups for his best pass-rushers. Here's an example:

The offensive juggernaut that is the Los Angeles Rams was on full display Thursday night as the team racked up 556 yards of offense in a shootout win.At least one person watching the game thought the Rams' offense looked comparable to that of the Dallas Cowboys. And that viewer was Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.Jones took to 105.3 The Fan on Friday morning to heap praise on his team's offense. He first said the franchise is "just as proud" of quarterback Dak Prescott as the Rams are of Jared Goff, and then noted how Tavon Austin was on the Rams' roster last year and now plays for the Cowboys."I don't think it's a reach to think we could have that kind of productivity," Jones said, according to Jon Machota of the Dallas Morning News."I like our offensive line, when it stacks up against the Rams'," he added.Radio host Mike Bacsik questioned the similarities between the two offenses, and Jones responded in kind:

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 4 rankings.StartPhilip Rivers, QB, Chargersvs. 49ersHarry How / Getty Images Sport / GettyRivers' yardage totals haven't been impressive in the last two weeks, but his eight touchdowns on the year make him a reliable fantasy starter. The 49ers, reeling after losing Jimmy Garoppolo to a torn ACL, have allowed eight touchdowns through the air and are yet to record an interception this season. With Mike Williams emerging as a dangerous red-zone weapon, Rivers is poised to post his fourth straight multi-touchdown game.Boone's projection: 313 passing yards, 3 TDsOther QBs to start