The NFL experienced a 9.7 percent drop in television ratings during the 2017 regular season, according to Nielsen numbers reported by Darren Rovell of ESPN.Games averaged 1.6 million fewer viewers than last season.The NFL's drop in viewership is consistent with other TV programming, as cable subscriptions continue to decline. But the Nielsen data still shows that 20 of the top 30 highest-rated shows in 2017 were NFL games.NBC's Sunday Night Football and ESPN's Monday Night Football remain the most watched shows every week in all key male demographics. It's the seventh consecutive year that Sunday Night Football finished as the No. 1 primetime show in fall.As Rovell notes, the dip in ratings has been at least partially attributed to Thursday Night Football and the expansion of the TV product.The league also dealt with controversial player protests during the national anthem this season and a subsequent spat with President Donald Trump, which turned off some fans.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Former NFL running back Ricky Williams is throwing a "cannabis-friendly" Super Bowl party in Hollywood to celebrate California's recent legalization of recreational marijuana.There's a limit of 50 tickets at $250 apiece, which includes an open bar, food, and a photo with Williams. The party is BYOW (Bring Your Own Weed).

Tennessee Titans running back DeMarco Murray has been ruled out for Saturday's AFC wild-card game against the Kansas City Chiefs due to a bad knee sprain, the team announced Thursday.Murray missed the Titans' Week 17 finale against the Jacksonville Jaguars with an MCL sprain suffered in a 27-23 loss to the Los Angeles Rams the week before.Sophomore running back Derrick Henry is in line to start against the Chiefs after making just two starts in the regular season. He compiled 744 rushing yards and five touchdowns with 136 receiving yards and one score on just 11 receptions.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Every month of the 2017 season, theScore's Dane Belbeck and Mitch Sanderson have been projecting the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. The draft order for most non-playoff teams has been set. Playoff seeding has been used to determine the order of the final 12 spots.Here's the latest prediction:1. Cleveland Browns - Josh Rosen, QB, UCLADespite a 1-31 record the past two seasons, the Browns have decided that Hue Jackson should remain as head coach. He'll look to the UCLA star to turn the franchise's fortunes around. Recent history shows nobody is equipped to do that, but Rosen is as talented as any quarterback Cleveland has had. - Belbeck2. New York Giants - Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre DameWhile their record in 2017 suggests otherwise, the Giants won't be in total rebuild mode this draft. Offensive tackle remains too big of an issue to expect a rookie passer to outperform Eli Manning yet. - Sanderson3. Indianapolis Colts - Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn StateThe Colts have several major areas of need, but there's no way Jim Irsay allows a talent like Barkley to pass by at No. 3. Frank Gore's replacement is the most explosive player in the draft. - Belbeck4. Cleveland Browns (via Texans) - Connor Williams, OT, TexasIf the Browns are taking a quarterback with a concussion history first overall, they'd better find him some more protection with their next pick, especially if Joe Thomas is weighing retirement. - Sanderson5. Denver Broncos - Josh Allen, QB, WyomingJohn Elway will hit eject on the Paxton Lynch experiment and grab a quarterback at No. 5. The Super Bowl winner will surprise with his pick of Allen ahead of Sam Darnold. - Belbeck6. New York Jets - Sam Darnold, QB, USCEven if the Jets bring back Josh McCown to steer the ship for one more season, they need to start developing behind him. Christian Hackenberg, a second-rounder in 2016, has yet to see a single regular-season snap. - Sanderson7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Bradley Chubb, DE, NC StateThe Buccaneers finished dead last in the league with only 22 sacks on the season. The other three teams in the NFC South all had at least 39. The electric pass-rusher from NC State immediately narrows that gap. - Belbeck8. Chicago Bears - Quenton Nelson, OG, Notre DameNelson may be the best offensive lineman in the draft. Pairing him with Kyle Long would allow the Bears to keep building the run game, while providing interior protection for Mitch Trubisky. - Sanderson9. Oakland Raiders - Roquan Smith, LB, GeorgiaWhile the Rose Bowl was an offensive shootout, Smith was arguably the best player on the field during his 11-tackle performance. He's the kind of player a veteran coach - Jon Gruden, for example - would love to have as the leader of his defense. - Belbeck10. San Francisco 49ers - Minkah Fitzpatrick, DB, AlabamaBuilding the offense around Jimmy Garoppolo will certainly be near the top of John Lynch's to-do list; however, it would be awfully hard for a potential Hall of Fame safety to pass up on a defensive back with Fitzpatrick's talent. - Sanderson11. Miami Dolphins - Arden Key, DE, LSUThe Dolphins ranked 26th in the league with just 30 sacks as a team last year. Cameron Wake remains a force, but he's not getting any younger. Adding Key to the mix will immediately help a pass rush that has to face Tom Brady twice a year. - Belbeck12. Cincinnati Bengals - Derwin James, S, Florida StateThe Bengals clearly need to address their offensive line. But Marvin Lewis said the team will start from scratch next season, so if that's the case, they should take the best player available and add James. - Sanderson13. Washington Redskins - Orlando Brown, OT, OklahomaWashington battled offensive line injuries all season, starting a unit filled with backups in numerous games. That caused them to allow a whopping 41 sacks. Brown immediately fixes that and helps whatever quarterback the team trots out next season. - Belbeck14. Green Bay Packers - Josh Jackson, CB, IowaThe Packers' secondary is one piece away from being able to move pretty much everyone where they fit best. Jackson can lock down the outside and create a formidable young pairing with Kevin King. - Sanderson15. Arizona Cardinals - Baker Mayfield, QB, OklahomaCarson Palmer and Bruce Arians retired. Larry Fitzgerald, who remains brilliant, is another year older, and David Johnson is coming off a major injury. Arizona needs a spark on offense, and the electric Oklahoma star brings just that. - Belbeck16. Baltimore Ravens - Calvin Ridley, WR, AlabamaThe Ravens need help on offense and general manager Ozzie Newsome loves players from Alabama. This just fits. - Sanderson17. Los Angeles Chargers - Billy Price, C, Ohio StateDrafting an offensive lineman in the first round may not be the sexy pick, but Price is as solid a player as any in the draft. Philip Rivers should applaud this pick, as it will help keep the man upright as he ages gracefully. - Belbeck18. Seattle Seahawks - Derrius Guice, RB, LSUGuice is similar enough to Marshawn Lynch that the Seahawks could convince themselves to delay fixing their problems on the offensive line for at least another year. - Sanderson19. Dallas Cowboys - Courtland Sutton, WR, SMUWith Dez Bryant scheduled to count for $16.5 million against the cap next season, he's a prime candidate to be cut by the Cowboys. Drafting Sutton makes that an even more real possibility. - Belbeck20. Detroit Lions - Vita Vea, DT, WashingtonBob Quinn has not hidden his love for quality play at the line of scrimmage since taking over as Lions GM. Vea can be the nose tackle to replace Haloti Ngata and keep Detroit strong up front on defense. - Sanderson21. Buffalo Bills - James Washington, WR, Oklahoma StateThe Bills rank 31st in the league in passing and desperately need a deep threat to help boost that number. There's nobody better at that in the draft than the prolific Oklahoma State wideout. - Belbeck22. Atlanta Falcons - Christian Wilkins, DT, ClemsonThe Falcons never want to run short on fresh pass-rushers and run-stoppers. Wilkins has shown to be a consistent player on a very talented Clemson defensive line. - Sanderson23. Tennessee Titans - Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio StateIt's no secret that Tennessee's secondary is among the worst in the AFC, and adding arguably the best cornerback in the draft is a great move for the club. - Belbeck24. Carolina Panthers - Sam Hubbard, DE, Ohio StateThe Panthers need some fresh blood for Julius Peppers and Charles Johnson to pass along their knowledge to. Hubbard looks to be the next defender in a long line of talented former Buckeyes to reach the pro ranks. - Sanderson25. Buffalo Bills (via Chiefs) - Maurice Hurst, DT, MichiganHurst was virtually impossible to block in college and is the type of talent that Sean McDermott would love to have on his defensive line. - Belbeck26. New Orleans Saints - Da'Ron Payne, DT, AlabamaThe Saints' defense needs to keep improving to avoid falling back to its old habits. Sheldon Rankins has been a major reason for the turnaround. Pairing him and Payne together would keep that trend going. - Sanderson27. Jacksonville Jaguars - Lamar Jackson, QB, LouisvilleThe Jaguars will be the beneficiary of Jackson dropping well below where he should have been selected. While the Jaguars rolled to the AFC South title, Blake Bortles remains the biggest question on the team. Adding Jackson helps answer that by shoring up the position. - Belbeck28. Los Angeles Rams - Chukwuma Okorafor, OT, Western MichiganThe addition of Andrew Whitworth did wonders for the Rams' offensive line this season, but the former All-Pro blocker is 36 years old and can only play one position. Okorafor can be the piece to eventually replace Whitworth and keep Jared Goff upright. - Sanderson29. Minnesota Vikings - Tavarus McFadden, CB, Florida StateMcFadden graded as a top-20 pick for most of the season, so the Vikings will opt for the best available talent and grab the talented Florida State player. - Belbeck30. Pittsburgh Steelers - Carlton Davis, CB, AuburnArtie Burns and Joe Haden have both disappointed at times this season, and neither looks to be a reliable No. 1 corner. Davis has all the tools to be that guy for the Steelers. - Sanderson31. Philadelphia Eagles - Christian Kirk, WR, Texas A&MIt won't shock anyone who watched Texas A&M play the past few seasons if Christian Kirk wins Rookie of the Year. Adding the explosive wideout to an Eagles offense that will have Carson Wentz back is a scary prospect. - Belbeck32. New England Patriots - Harold Landry, DE, Boston CollegeThe Patriots need a pass-rusher and there's a great one already playing in Boston. What are the chances? - Sanderson(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

AFCPittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell racked up 310 rushing yards, 259 receiving yards, and six total touchdowns through his four December games (he didn't play in Week 17). He joins Jerome Bettis as the only Steelers to be named Offensive Player of the Month multiple times.Buffalo Bills safety Jordan Poyer joins teammate Micah Hyde to become the only Bills teammates to capture Defensive Player of the Month honors in the same season. Hyde received the award in October.Harrison Butker of the Kansas City Chiefs was named December's Special Teams Player of the Month after going 15-for-18 from field-goal range through five games. He successfully converted all 14 of his extra-point attempts. He's the first rookie kicker to win multiples of the award since they started being handed out in 1986.NFCTodd Gurley becomes the first Rams offensive player other than Marshall Faulk to be named Player of the Month more than once in a season. Gurley averaged 5.87 yards per carry on 75 December attempts, adding 309 receiving yards and scoring eight total touchdowns. Faulk accomplished the feat in both 2000 and 2001.Arizona Cardinals linebacker Chandler Jones racked up 19 combined tackles in five games to become the NFC's Defensive Player of the Month. He recorded five sacks, bringing his 2017 total to 11.Robbie Gould picks up NFC Special Teams Player of the Month honors for a third time in his career, tying him for the most among active kickers. The 35-year-old made all 18 field-goal attempts and all 12 extra-point tries. His 66 points through the five games are just 13 shy of the 79 points he accounted for in the 49ers' first 11 games of the season.RookiesChiefs running back Kareem Hunt experienced a late-season resurgence, finishing his rookie year with at least one touchdown in each of his final four games. He went 35 yards for a score on his lone carry of Week 17 before being taken out.New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore is the first rookie defensive back to win Player of the Month multiple times since the award's inception in 1996. He recorded an interception in three of his final four games of the regular season.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

LSU's star pass-rusher Arden Key announced Thursday that he's skipping his senior season and will enter the 2018 NFL Draft.Key is widely considered to be a top-15 pick after showing flashes of brilliance throughout his Tigers career, most notably in his 2016 sophomore season. Key terrorized SEC defenses to the tune of 12 sacks, while also compiling 56 total tackles.The 6-foot-6, 265-pounder battled injuries in his final collegiate season, posting only four sacks and 33 tackles.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Andy Dalton isn't the only Cincinnati Bengal feeling the love from Buffalo Bills fans.Tyler Boyd caught the touchdown pass from Dalton that eliminated the Baltimore Ravens from the playoffs and cemented a playoff berth for Buffalo. He tweeted a link Wednesday asking Bills fans to consider donating to his charity of choice, the Western Pennsylvania Youth Athletic Association.

The Green Bay Packers are giving a top in-house candidate a chance to become the team's general manager.Director of football operations Eliot Wolf is interviewing for the GM position on Thursday, a source told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.Wolf, the son of former Packers general manager Ron Wolf, has been with the Packers' front office since 2004.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Covers.com is the biggest and best source for sports betting information, providing unrivaled and original content sports bettors cannot live without.Tennessee Titans at Kansas City Chiefs (-8, 44)This line opened up at a low of Kansas City -7.5 and quickly jumped up everywhere to -8 and in some instances, -8.5. My sendout was -8.5 but I could have easily used -9 and would have been happy with that.Playoff time can be a scary time for the bookmaker. It sometimes comes down to a winner-take-all situation with so few games and less areas to spread the money around. But as we all know; the betting public has their eyes on favorites and the over. Making this truly a game bookmakers should have over compensated on the spread and forced the wise guys to commit their money early on the dog where they could count on the layman’s bets to counter act it on game day.The more anyone studies this game, is more reason to play the Chiefs. Quarterback comparisons can pretty much be called for Kansas City early by merely looking at the basic stats of each starter. Titans’ signal caller Marcus Mariota, who has 3,232 passing yards with 13 touchdowns and 15 interceptions can’t compete with a seasoned pro like the Chiefs’ Alex Smith, who logged 4,042 yards with a 26-5 touchdown-to-interception ratio.The Chiefs are hot, winners of four in a row and seemed to have captured their mojo back. The Titans have lost three of their past four games and haven’t scored more than 24 points in their last 10 games. In the past three years, KC has outscored Tennessee 64-16 in two meetings at Arrowhead Stadium.All of that said, this looks like a typical line history with the betting public placing their money on the favorite, jacking up this line towards -9 (and maybe higher) and then the wise guys taking the highest possible number on game day to drive this back down to the -8 area. Bookmakers would be wise to hold the line high early in the week and force the squares to take the worst line and entice the wise guys late with their balancing bets on Sunday. I mean how wise can you be taking the favorite at -9?Atlanta Falcons at Los Angeles Rams (-6.5, 48.5)Another foolish number by those who make the opening lines. Second game of two where all of the chaser’s money will stream into the favorite. A huge LA market ready to bet their newly minted team having so much success. A -4? Wow, someone is getting a little lazy with these numbers.I could have said seven from the get-go, but didn’t. I had -6 myself and they already blew by that before the opening day was done. A ton of money will be influenced by the success or failure of the favorite in the first game, so you have to set this line high and force the masses to take a bad number because they hate to take the dog in any case.But this is an easy read. If the Chiefs handle business, money will continue to follow the favorites and jack this number up or at least keep it high until kickoff. If the dog comes through in game one of the day, money will find the favorite as a “due factor”. There’s no way you can be too high on this number to start the betting off. At -4, bookmakers gave away five limit bets before the week started.I fully thought this line would be around a touchdown from the start and truly feel it is the correct betting line for bookmakers. But my gut says the Atlanta Falcons are the play due to their team experience, quarterback experience and overall current standing. Although the wise guys got a great early number, I think they’ll wait for the public push on the favorite and take the dog again on the backside game day. The game landing -4 or -6 gets them the side or even a middle.Buffalo Bills at Jacksonville Jaguars (-8, 39)I’m taking a pass on this line, as a lot will be determined by LeSean McCoy’s status. However, this number seems a little high in regards that the total is so low.If McCoy is deemed not worthy to play, one advantage for deal seekers is that this line may go up even farther. But the Bills may surprise, by opening up their offensive options instead of pounding the ball with one man. Therefore, creating a unique game-plan that Jacksonville may not have been counting on.In a one-game situation, I think the higher the line, the better the value Buffalo would be.Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints (-7, 48)Tough line to make, but again, bookmakers failed to anticipate the betting public. This is the fourth game out of all four being played over this weekend that the early money was on the home favorite. I’m not quite sure what oddsmakers were thinking when they made these four lines but it sure was an easy giveaway to the wise guys who had first access.Each of these four games has a decent (although small) chance of being sided or middled. When you’re talking about the playoffs and the abbreviated schedule and high volume for each game, this can spell catastrophe for the bookmaker if just one game lands.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Jacksonville Jaguars will welcome refugees and displaced Puerto Ricans when they host the Buffalo Bills in an AFC wild-card matchup Sunday.Owner Shad Khan and the Jaguars Foundation have donated 500 tickets to refugees currently settled in Northeast Florida and another 500 to Puerto Ricans who have been displaced due to Hurricane Maria. Transportation and souvenirs will be provided, and the Jaguars will also give each attendee a food and beverage voucher to use during the game."The Jaguars' first home playoff appearance in (a) very long time is an event that should be shared with as many people as possible, across all spectrums, who call Jacksonville their home," Khan said in a statement."Whether it's a home game in August or January, it's important for the Jaguars to consistently be good citizens and do the right thing for our community. Hopefully the experience on Sunday will give our guests a well-deserved break from what can be severe challenges in their daily lives, and if we can give them a victory on the field, it will make for a perfect day."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New York Giants safety Landon Collins has Eli Manning's back, despite the quarterback's down season.Collins, the Giants' lone player voted to this year's Pro Bowl, thinks Manning has plenty left to offer a team that began 2017 with Super Bowl aspirations."He’s (Manning) not playing up to the level I used to watch him play (at) when I used to watch him on TV and stuff like that. It’s just I would say he needs a line," Collins said, according to Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News. "When Eli has time and everybody sees it, when he has time in that pocket he can make a defense pay big-time. And that’s what we need, that’s what he needs in front of him."With the Giants equipped with the No. 2 pick in the 2018 draft, Collins doesn't want to see it wasted where it's not needed, despite what many consider to be a very strong draft class at the position."I don’t think we need another quarterback," Collins said.The Pro Bowler instead suggested the Giants select a wide receiver to join Odell Beckham Jr., Brandon Marshall, and Sterling Shepard as Manning's options in the passing game.The Giants ranked 19th in total receiving yards this season at 3,680, picking up 9.9 yards per catch. Their 20 receiving touchdowns were tied for 23rd in the league.Beckham and Marshall combined to play in just nine games, while Shepard led the team in receiving in just 11 contests played.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Snowstorms are no excuse for Bill Belichick.The New England Patriots head coach reminded his players Wednesday that the team will practice this week as scheduled despite a massive snowstorm expected to hit New England on Thursday, according to Mike Reiss of ESPN.The idea of practicing in snowy weather is reportedly one that Belichick has held firm to in the past, and Patriots safety Devin McCourty urged his teammates to take extra precautions to ensure they are punctual."He's mentioned that he doesn't care; 'don't call and say your car got stuck.' I think everyone knows there are two hotels up here at Patriot Place, so stay there for the night. Find a way," McCourty said."I tell guys, 'Wake up earlier.' Especially if you don't have a garage or something. Wake up and go clean your car off. I think guys know. We're in the NFL playoffs. I think everyone, if you've been here for a week or two weeks, you kind of get that - 'this guy Bill that talks every day in the early morning, he doesn't play.'"Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Two teams will meet in Minneapolis on Feb. 4 to determine the winner of Super Bowl LII, that much is confirmed.At this point, any matchup between the top team in each conference is conceivable.On football's biggest stage, here are five scenarios that would be considered must-watch television.5. Anyone vs. VikingsThe Super Bowl host has never actually played in the Super Bowl, but this year, the Vikings have a legitimate shot at making it all the way.For the pure novelty of seeing a team play in their first Super Bowl since 1976 at home - not to mention they're using their supposed third-string quarterback and missing their top running back - throw some support behind the Vikings.4. Steelers vs. RamsThe glamour and glitz of Hollywood against the blue-collar passion of Pittsburgh.The Rams have been one of the most compelling breakout stories of the year behind 31-year-old rookie head coach Sean McVay and MVP candidate Todd Gurley. Pitting the surging Rams against the stability and tradition of the Steelers would be a fantastic contrast of style and culture.Also, Gurley against Le'Veon Bell would be the best combination of running backs the league would have to offer.3. Patriots vs. (insert team defeated by New England in a Super Bowl)Take your pick of the Falcons, Rams, Panthers, or Eagles - they've all been to the big dance and lost to the Patriots.While an immediate rematch between the Falcons and New England may seem like the most desirable matchup, if you're not sick of the 28-3 jokes by now, you certainly would be by the time the game rolls around.The Falcons are still an exciting team to watch, though, as are the Rams and Panthers. The Eagles making it to the Super Bowl without Carson Wentz would be an ugly sight, however, if they got all the way there, it would be a pretty cool feel-good story for the city of brotherly love.2. Bills vs. VikingsThe Bills and Vikings are the two most snake-bitten franchises in the NFL when it comes to the Super Bowl. Both clubs hold an all-time 0-4 record in the big game.On top of this year potentially being the first time a team can legitimately call the Super Bowl a home game, the Bills ending their playoff drought with a Lombardi Trophy would be too good to pass up.It may be completely unrealistic, but it would be a ton of fun to see Bills Mafia on the big stage.1. Patriots vs. SaintsAt the end of the day, quarterbacks are the key to a great game. In their time in the NFL, Tom Brady and Drew Brees have proven to be two of the best to ever sling a pigskin.Some may not want to hear it, but the Patriots make for good Super Bowls. No football fan feels indifferent about them - you either love them or hate them.Along with Brees, the Saints' rookie class has transformed the team into a different version of exciting football than the air-raid attack fans have been accustomed to seeing. The playmaking of Alvin Kamara has been one of the best parts of this season, so why not see it in the Super Bowl.(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Miami Dolphins are hiring Dowell Loggains as their new offensive coordinator, a source told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.Loggains was the Chicago Bears' offensive coordinator in 2016 and 2017. He will replace Clyde Christensen, who's likely to remain with Miami in a different role.Dolphins head coach Adam Gase will be reunited with Loggains, as the two worked side by side with the Bears in 2015 as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, respectively. Loggains was fired from the Bears along with the rest of Jon Fox's staff following the 2017 season.The Dolphins finished with the 25th-ranked offense in 2017.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Sam Darnold is heading to the NFL.The star USC quarterback announced Wednesday that he has elected to forgo the remainder of his college career with the Trojans and enter the 2018 NFL Draft.

UCLA quarterback Josh Rosen has officially declared for the 2018 NFL Draft.

The Green Bay Packers are continuing to clear out key figures in their coaching staff as they dismissed Edgar Bennett from his offensive coordinator position and quarterback coach Alex Van Pelt, sources told ESPN's Rob Demovsky and Chris Mortenson.Bennett could potentially remain on staff, but certainly in a different position, according to Demovsky.The Packers also fired defensive coordinator Dom Capers and moved on from general manager Ted Thompson on Monday before head coach Mike McCarthy was given a one-year contract extension. Assistant linebackers coach Scott McCurley and defensive line coach Mike Trgovac were also dismissed along with Capers.Bennett had been with the Packers since 2001, starting as a running backs coach before eventually getting the offensive coordinator position in 2015. Van Pelt also began with the Packers as a running backs coach in 2012 before moving up to coach the quarterbacks in 2014.Former Packers offensive coordinators Joe Philbin and Ben McAdoo - as well as current Green Bay offensive line coach James Campen - are expected to draw interest in the coordinator vacancy, according to Demovsky.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

One of college football's most intimidating big men is heading for the bright lights of the professional ranks, as Oklahoma offensive lineman Orlando Brown announced Wednesday that he will be declaring early for the 2018 NFL Draft.

The agent of Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety T.J. Ward released a statement disputing the reports that his client was arrested and charged with possessing 99 grams of marijuana in October and was arrested again Wednesday for not appearing in court.

Jarvis Landry may have ended his tenure with the Miami Dolphins after finishing the regular season in the locker room due to an ejection.Dolphins head coach Adam Gase wasn't shy about criticizing the fourth-year receiver - who's set to become a free agent in March - when commenting on how Landry ignited a brawl that saw him and running back Kenyan Drake ejected in the fourth quarter of the season-finale loss to the Buffalo Bills."This last game was probably the pinnacle of what I've ever seen with him during a game," Gase said Wednesday, according to The Associated Press. "I don't think I've ever seen it get to a level where it was extremely bad."But the last game was about as embarrassing as I've seen in a long time. It was something we can't have happen."Landry has been the Dolphins' leading receiver in all four seasons since being drafted, but was not offered a contract extension before this season or during the campaign. Gase says that the incident alone will not decide Landry's future with the Dolphins, but it will certainly be taken into consideration."You can't take one isolated incident and overreact, but at the same time we've got to make sure we look at everything we've been doing over the last couple of years," Gase said. "You look at the body of work and see what direction we want to go."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New York Giants have asked to interview Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz for their head coaching vacancy and are expected to meet with him this weekend, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.Schwartz was labeled a favorite to land the Giants' job in a report from Schefter on Sunday.The Eagles' defense finished fourth in total yards allowed and first against the pass in 2017, Schwartz's second year in Philadelphia.Schwartz previously served as defensive coordinator for the Buffalo Bills in 2014 and was head coach of the Detroit Lions from 2009-13, ending their 11-year playoff drought in 2011.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety T.J. Ward was arrested Wednesday on an outstanding warrant for failure to appear stemming from an October arrest in which he was charged with possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia, multiple reports confirm.The arrest stems from an incident on Oct. 25 when police responded to an active intrusion alarm at Ward's apartment. When authorities arrived, Ward's girlfriend granted them entry, leading police to discover 99.9 grams of marijuana, according to Jenna Laine of ESPN. Possessing 20 or more grams is considered a felony charge.Ward was charged on Dec. 29 after a warrant for his arrest was issued by the Hillsborough County Fla. Sheriff's Office, who took Ward into custody on Wednesday. He was later released after posting $2,500 bond.The three-time Pro Bowl safety joined the Bucs last year on a one-year deal and will be a free agent in February.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Marvin Lewis' two-year deal to remain as head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals came as a surprise to most.It was an abrupt turn of events following weeks of speculation and a sense of nonchalance on Lewis' behalf in regard to his future with the team with which he has spent the past 15 seasons.The display of confidence from the team toward the longtime head coach comes on the heels of a second consecutive third-place finish in the AFC North (finishing ahead of only a Cleveland Browns team that went 1-31 in those two years), and a second straight season with nine losses. The two lost campaigns followed a run of five consecutive playoff berths, the longest stretch in franchise history.In all, Lewis has guided the Bengals to seven playoff appearances and a 125-112-3 record in 240 regular-season games. The Bengals are rewarding the man who revamped the face of the organization, while turning a blind eye to his 0-7 record in the postseason and the team's most recent on-field results.Instead, change will come through the rest of Lewis' coaching staff:

The Chicago Bears interviewed defensive coordinator Vic Fangio for their head coaching position Wednesday.Fangio has served as the Bears' DC since 2015. He has experience in the same position with the San Francisco 49ers, Baltimore Ravens, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, and Carolina Panthers.He has never held a head coaching position, either in the NFL or at the college level.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Each week, we break down some of the underlying betting mismatches on the National Football League slate, giving you an inside edge when handicapping the schedule and setting your daily fantasy lineup.Tennessee Titans at Kansas City Chiefs (-9, 44.5)Titans’ red zone defense vs. Chiefs’ red zone offenseKC head coach Andy Reid is known to fumble the timeout/challenge dynamic, but one of the Chiefs’ most glaring shortcomings is in the red zone. Kansas City ranks 29th in touchdown conversion once it gets inside the 20-yard line with just 42 percent of its chances ending in end zone celebrations.Tennessee’s defense ranks inside the top 10 for lowest red zone TDs surrendered this season and the unit allowed the fewest rushing touchdowns (five) on the year.Kansas City owns a league best 4.7 yards per carry average, but that’s based more of the first five weeks of the season when Kareem Hunt was taking the NFL by storm. The rookie running back averaged 6.3 yards in his first five games and 3.9 from Week 6 to Week 16.Atlanta Falcons at Los Angeles Rams (-6.5, 48.5)Rams’ second half defense vs. Falcons’ second half offenseJust like Tiger Woods from a decade ago, the Los Angeles Rams are used to playing in front on Sundays. The Rams lead the league in scoring at 29.9 points per game – more than double their average from last season – and most of that damage came in the first and third quarters.Los Angeles’ defense is able to get after opposing quarterbacks once the score differential dictates a heavy percentage of pass plays. Aaron Donald and Co. held their foes to 8.8 second-half points per game which ranks as the fourth best second half scoring defense in the league.The Falcons made a habit of scoring early but then struggling to put up points as the games progressed. About 56 percent of Atlanta’s season points were scored in the first 30 minutes of games and the squad averaged just 3.2 points per third quarter.Anyone who watched the Falcons play this year knows their offensive execution hasn’t been at the same level since Steve Sarkisian took over as the OC – especially late in games.Buffalo Bills at Jacksonville Jaguars (-9, 39.5)Courtesy: Getty ImagesJaguars’ passing defense vs. Bills’ passing offenseThere was a reason the Bills coaching staff and management wanted to see what their offense would look like with Nathan Peterman running the show - and not just to bring back the J. Peterman references. His disastrous start – which included five first half interceptions – overshadows Tyrod Taylor’s ugly passing numbers. Taylor passed for 2799 yards and averaged just 6.66 yards per pass attempt.Only the Chicago Bears averaged fewer passing yards per game than the Bills at 176.6 and Buffalo finished second last in pass completions per game. The Bills’ top target is a lumbering tight end (Charles Clay) which probably explains why they finished last in the league in yards after catch (1230).Jacksonville flexes its defensive muscle most when opponents turn to the air. The Jags allowed league-low 169.9 passing yards per game, finished with the second most sacks and were No. 2 in team interceptions with 21.Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints (-6.5, 48.5)Saints’ passing offense vs. Panthers’ passing defenseMark Ingram and Alvin Kamara caught all the headlines in the Big Easy this season after the Saints finished with a top five rushing attack for the first time under head coach Sean Payton. That’s not to say New Orleans can’t chuck the ball around the field with veteran quarterback Drew Brees.The Saints finished fifth in passing yards gained per game at 261.8 and led the league in passer completion percentage with Brees connecting on 72 percent of his pass attempts.Carolina’s defense excels against the run but struggles with the ball in the air. The Panthers allowed a league-worst 300.3 passing yards per contest in the last three weeks of the season.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski will showcase his comedic side in a new special airing on Showtime."Unsportsmanlike Comedy with Rob Gronkowski" premieres Friday, Jan. 5 at 10 p.m. ET/PT and features standup comedy from former "Saturday Night Live" cast member Finesse Mitchell, Juston McKinney, Jay Larson, John Caparulo, and Lenny Clarke.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Jon Gruden's return to the Oakland Raiders appears imminent, but the broadcaster insists partial ownership isn't part of the contract that could bring him back into coaching.ESPN's Adam Schefter and Chris Mortensen reported Monday that Gruden's deal to return to the club as head coach could come with an ownership stake in the team, citing sources. Gruden denied that element of the deal when asked about it on ESPN Radio's "Golic and Wingo" show Wednesday morning."There's no truth to that," Gruden said. "There's no validity to that at all, none, zero."However, Gruden again acknowledged his interest in coaching the team, and offered a telling answer when asked if he would accept the job."I think there's a good chance," Gruden said. "I'm excited about where I am in terms of studying the game and prepared to come back and coach. I just don't want to sit here and speculate."Gruden coached the Raiders from 1998-2001, compiling a 38-26 regular-season record. He was dealt to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers prior to the 2002 season and immediately won the Super Bowl over his former club in his first year at the helm.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Chicago Bears are looking elsewhere in the NFC North as they search for their next head coach.The team is set to interview Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator George Edwards, a source told Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press.The interview will take place Thursday, a source told ESPN's Josina Anderson.Edwards, who is on the Fritz Pollard Alliance's list of recommended head coaching candidates, will be participating in his first interview for such a position."The league feels that he's done a great job and is very deserving at being ready to go for anything that opens up this year," Fritz Pollard Alliance chairman John Wooten said in December.The Vikings' defense finished the regular season ranked No. 1 in both points and yards allowed.Edwards is the second Vikings coordinator that the Bears are targeting.Offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur is also scheduled to interview for the head coaching role Friday, reports Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk.The Bears fired John Fox on Monday.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

AFCLos Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers moved to within one Player of the Week Award of tying former teammate LaDainian Tomlinson for the most in franchise history. He completed 28 of 37 pass attempts for 387 yards and three touchdowns. However, the Chargers would still miss the playoffs despite the 30-10 trouncing of the Oakland Raiders.Safety Kevin Byard is the first Tennessee Titans player to win multiple Defensive Player of the Week Awards in the same season since Randall Godfrey did so in 2000. He recorded his third multi-interception game of the season.Wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster is the first rookie in Pittsburgh Steelers history to win Offensive and Special Teams Player of the Week Awards in an inaugural season. He took one of his two kick returns against the Cleveland Browns 96 yards for a touchdown.NFCTampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin captured the Offensive Player of the Week honor with his best game of the season, catching seven passes for 111 yards and the only touchdown of his rookie campaign in a win over the New Orleans Saints.Detroit Lions defensive end Ezekiel Ansah tallied three sacks against the Green Bay Packers. He reached the mark in both of his final two games and three times on the season.Matt Bryant won his fifth Player of the Week Award, joining Morten Andersen as the only Atlanta Falcons kickers to do so. He went 5-for-5 from field-goal range in the playoff-clinching victory over the Carolina Panthers, including a long of 56.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch isn't keen on his team potentially being chosen to appear on the next edition of HBO's "Hard Knocks."Lynch doesn't want to expose his players through the inside look at training camp, and has told the league as much."It’s not something we would be really excited about," Lynch said, according to Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area. "I love the show, but I think some things are best left behind closed doors. I fundamentally have a problem with cutting players and things of that nature (on camera). It’s not something we’d be thrilled about."The 49ers are in a mix with the Denver Broncos, Cleveland Browns, Los Angeles Chargers, Baltimore Ravens, and Washington Redskins as teams that aren't exempt from being on the program.Other teams are allowed to volunteer to be this summer's participant.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

(Warning: Videos contain coarse language)Former NFL wide receiver Dwayne Bowe is getting into the rap game.Bowe, who last played in the league in 2015 as a member of the Cleveland Browns, has been sharing snippets of songs on his Instagram page under the name Money Bo. He's set to play a show in Memphis, Tenn., on Jan. 12.

The beginning of the new year is cause for celebration, and 12 NFL teams are certainly reveling in what lies ahead with the Super Bowl just a month away.For 20 other teams, however, the new year serves as a time to reflect on what went awry and look ahead toward improving for next season.Without further ado, here is one thing each team can do to improve their chances of making the postseason in 2018:Arizona Cardinals: Trade up and draft their quarterback of the future.

The Cleveland Browns hired Green Bay Packers senior personnel executive Alonzo Highsmith as their vice president of football operations, ESPN's Rob Demovsky reports.Highsmith was promoted to senior personnel executive in 2012 and played in the NFL from 1987-1992."We discussed so many ideas and all kinds of stuff," Highsmith said Tuesday. "I was exposed to so much stuff today. That's why I thought it was (a) great opportunity. It feels good to go somewhere that you feel like you're trusted."Highsmith will work directly with Browns general manager John Dorsey, who was hired on December 7.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Tennessee Titans defensive lineman Jurrell Casey clarified his remarks Tuesday after stating Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles would "choke" during the playoffs.Although the Jaguars square off against the Buffalo Bills and the Titans face the Kansas City Chiefs, Casey couldn't help but take a shot at his divisional rival."As long as Bortles is back there, if the ball game is in his hands, he’s going to choke,” Casey said on 104.5 The Zone in Nashville via Pro Football Talk's Charean Williams.Although Bortles played some of the best football of his career in 2017, it's not an uncommon sentiment.Casey later clarified that he was merely trying to get his teammates excited:

Randy Moss, Terrell Owens, and Ray Lewis are among the 15 finalists for the 2018 Pro Football Hall of Fame class that was revealed Tuesday.Related: Moss, Lewis among 27 semifinalists for 2018 Pro Football Hall of Fame classThe trio is joined by Brian Urlacher, Edgerrin James, Isaac Bruce, John Lynch, Brian Dawkins, Everson Walls, Ty Law, Tony Boselli, Kevin Mawae, Joe Jacoby, Steve Hutchinson, and Alan Faneca.

The Detroit Lions completed an interview with offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter for their head coaching position, the team confirmed Tuesday.Cooter was promoted from quarterbacks coach to offensive coordinator during the 2015 season, replacing Joe Lombardi.The 33-year-old gained a vote of confidence from quarterback Matthew Stafford on Monday."Jim Bob and I have a great relationship and ever since he’s had the opportunity to take the reins, this offense is moving in the right direction, in my opinion,” Stafford said of Cooter to Justin Rogers of The Detroit News. "I feel like I’m playing some of the best football of my career. So I would love to have the opportunity to keep working with him. He’s been good for us and good for me."Jim Caldwell was fired on Monday after four seasons with the Lions, posting a cumulative 36-28 record.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Baltimore Ravens may be interested in bringing back a familiar face to their coaching staff, as the team has reportedly contacted Chuck Pagano regarding their defensive coordinator vacancy, according to Jeff Zrebiec and Mike Preston of The Baltimore Sun, citing sources.The Ravens are looking to replace former defensive coordinator Dean Pees, who announced his retirement on Monday. Pagano, who was fired by the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday after six seasons as head coach, has now emerged as a potential replacement after maintaining close contact with Ravens head coach John Harbaugh over the years.Pagano held the position of defensive coordinator for the Ravens in 2011 after spending the previous three seasons with the team as their secondary coach.During his one season running the defense, the team ranked third in the NFL in yards allowed per game (288.9), fourth in passing yards allowed per game (196.3), second in rushing yards allowed per game (92.6), and third in points allowed per game (16.6).In the six seasons following his exit from Baltimore, Pagano led the Colts to an overall record of 53-43 with three playoff appearances from 2012-14.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New York Giants will interview defensive coordinator/interim head coach Steve Spagnuolo for their head coaching position Wednesday, NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reports.Spagnuolo was named interim head coach Dec. 4 after the Giants fired Ben McAdoo.The 58-year-old has served as the Giants' defensive coordinator since January 2015 after previously holding the job from 2007-08, helping the team win Super Bowl XLII over the previously undefeated New England Patriots in 2007.Spagnuolo was the St. Louis Rams' head coach from 2009-11, compiling a 10-38 record in three seasons.New York will interview New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels on Friday.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley suffered a hip injury on New Year's Eve after reportedly being shoved outside a bar, according to Ian Rapoport from NFL Network.Haley is expected back for the Steelers' first playoff game on Jan. 14.The Steelers released the following statement:

The Cincinnati Bengals signed head coach Marvin Lewis to a two-year contract extension running through the 2019 season, the team announced Tuesday."Marvin Lewis has been an important member of the Cincinnati community and the Bengals family for the past 15 years, and we are happy to have reached this agreement,” Bengals president Mike Brown said in the announcement. “Marvin has made significant contributions during his time here. While recently we have fallen short of our expectations, we have full confidence in Marvin to re-establish winning football in 2018."Lewis' future with the Bengals was unclear prior to Tuesday's extension, as he was reportedly exploring opportunities with other teams and was also reportedly considering a transition to a front-office role with the Bengals.Lewis spoke with Bengals ownership Monday and told the media they hadn't discussed a contract or his future with the organization."My family and I are very grateful for the opportunity to stay in Cincinnati and continue my career with the Bengals," Lewis said. "My job is to win a World Championship. We have a talented roster full of veteran leaders and emerging young stars, and I am committed to making the necessary improvements to put this team in the best position to win."Lewis is the NFL's second-longest tenured head coach, behind only New England's Bill Belichick. The Bengals have a 125-112-3 record during Lewis' time with the franchise.Some speculated that the Bengals would dismiss Lewis after missing the playoffs for the second consecutive season, slumping to a 7-9 record in 2017.Lewis will hold a press conference Wednesday.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer announced his retirement in an open letter released by the team Tuesday.

The Indianapolis Colts will interview New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels for their head coaching position Thursday, a source told NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.The Chicago Bears and New York Giants were also granted permission to interview McDaniels, who will meet with both teams on Friday, sources told Michael Girardi NBC Sports Boston.McDaniels has served as the Patriots offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach since 2012 - previously working with the team from 2001-08 - and has won five Super Bowls with the team, ascending through the ranks after beginning as a personnel assistant.The 41-year-old has previous head coaching experience with the Denver Broncos, compiling an 11-17 record from 2009-10.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The San Francisco 49ers are reaping the rewards after starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo has guided the team to five straight wins to end the season. Now, with the 26-year-old slated to become a free agent, general manager John Lynch hopes to lock him up long term."We're going to work hard to try to keep (Garoppolo) as a 49er for a long, long time," Lynch told Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle at his season-ending news conference on Tuesday. "We're really happy with the way he played. We think he's got some abilities that are unique and we want him here."Lynch said a collective decision was made not to negotiate an extension during the season and that both sides will discuss a new deal.The 49ers made a surprise deal on Oct. 30 to acquire Garoppolo from the New England Patriots for a second-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. He made his first start with the 49ers against the Chicago Bears in Week 13 and hasn't looked back, tossing seven touchdowns and leading the team to victories over the playoff-bound Jacksonville Jaguars and Los Angeles Rams.Garoppolo is 7-0 in his career as a starting NFL quarterback as he won two games with the Patriots in 2016 in place of Tom Brady, who was suspended four games to start the season.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Despite Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins putting together his third straight season with over 4,000 passing yards, head coach Jay Gruden still appears hesitant to declare the 29-year-old to be Washington's franchise pivot."It's hard to say, 'Wow, this guy really was outstanding,'" Gruden told ESPN's John Keim. "Kirk had his flashes where he was really good. From a consistent standpoint, over the course of 16 games, we're 7-9. He did some great things, threw for over 4,000 yards and (27) touchdowns. He's a very, very good quarterback without a doubt, but as far as getting us over the hump from 7-9 to winning the division with all the injuries we had, he competed and did some good things."Cousins is coming off another productive campaign in which he threw 27 touchdowns to 13 interceptions, to go along with his aforementioned 4,093 passing yards.Since earning the starting job in place of Robert Griffin III in 2015, the off-field relationship between Cousins and the Redskins has been precarious. Both sides failed to agree on a long-term deal last summer, leading the Redskins to go public after reportedly offering the quarterback an extension worth a guaranteed salary of $53 million; a proposal he rejected. Cousins then signed under the franchise tag for the second straight season, becoming the first quarterback in NFL history to be tagged in back-to-back years.With the possibility of Cousins leaving, Gruden endorsed backup Colt McCoy, saying: "We're not going to give him the keys right now. We're still trying to work things out with the other quarterback, and hopefully things will work out. But I know Colt is ready to play."Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Twelve teams have made it to the tournament, but only one will finish the season as Super Bowl champion - and each playoff squad arrives cruising at different speeds. Here's my breakdown of what to expect.AFC is top-heavyIt’s hard to imagine that it won’t be either the New England Patriots or Pittsburgh Steelers meeting the NFC winner in the Super Bowl. These two teams have been a class above the rest of the AFC, and they feel like a lock to meet in Foxboro in the AFC Championship Game. That would be a rematch of their home-field-deciding meeting Dec. 17, which came down to the last play. Ben Roethlisberger’s error in game management didn’t just cost the Steelers the game - it also made their road to a title much harder. Teams have rarely won in New England in the playoffs during the Bill Belichick era.Buffalo BillsThe Bills may be the weakest of the playoff teams. Offensively, they rank in the lower half of the league in most major statistical categories, but still own one of the better rushing attacks - after leading the NFL in running the football last year, they were sixth in 2017. However, LeSean McCoy, the heart of their running game, was injured during Sunday’s win against the Dolphins. If McCoy isn’t his normal self, the Bills will have to rely on their passing game, which is the second-worst in the NFL. That's scary enough before you factor in the Jacksonville Jaguars' tenacious pass rush.Even if the Bills beat the Jaguars, it seems nearly impossible for them to win in New England the following week.Jacksonville JaguarsThe Jaguars are the only playoff team riding a two-game losing streak. Thanks to a weak schedule and their midseason run of outstanding old-school football, though, the Jaguars have a legitimate chance to make the AFC Championship Game.The Jags are the best rushing team in the NFL, and the Bills' defense is 29th against the run. Leonard Fournette, Chris Ivory, and T.J. Yeldon should have a field day. If Sean McDermott can devise a defense that shuts down the Jaguars' rush, the game will rest on the right shoulder of Blake Bortles. Although Bortles has exceeded expectations this season, every pass he throws in the playoffs will be scrutinized. The matchup with the Bills will go a long way in deciding if he will be - or should be - the Jaguars' quarterback of the future.If Jacksonville takes care of business at home against Buffalo, the team will travel to Pittsburgh, where the Jags beat the Steelers on Oct. 8. If they can repeat that performance, I don’t believe they'll have enough offensive firepower to keep up with Tom Brady and the Patriots. Belichick would stop the running game and force Bortles to beat them, and I don’t see that happening.Tennessee TitansLike the Bills, the Tennessee Titans should feel very fortunate just to be here. At 9-7, they snuck into the playoffs by barely beating the Jaguars, who had nothing to play for in Week 17.Tennessee doesn’t match up well against the Chiefs either. Though Kansas City has struggled defensively, the Titans are ranked in the lower third of the league offensively. I don’t envision them taking advantage of Kansas City’s weak pass defense because the Titans' passing attack averages under 200 yards a game. They don’t have the weapons, or the quarterback, to keep up with Alex Smith’s offense.The Titans are similar to the Bills in another way: If they do make it through the first round, their season will be over the following weekend. That Week 17 win saved Mike Mularkey’s job, but it doesn’t mean they have a real shot at the Super Bowl.Kansas City ChiefsKansas City started the year as one of the hottest teams in the league. Defenses just couldn’t slow down Smith and the “Spread Coast” offense. Then the Chiefs' weaknesses started to show. They went 1-6 after their 5-0 start, and impatient fans yelled for untested backup Patrick Mahomes to replace Smith (even though the veteran's been one of the league's leading quarterbacks all season).After the midseason slump, the Chiefs won four in a row to secure another playoff berth under Andy Reid. Because of their porous defense, this team could easily lose its wild-card game against the Titans. Because of Smith’s and Reid’s experience, however, this team also has the best chance of beating the Pats and Steelers. Nobody is talking about the Chiefs as Super Bowl contenders, but they do have an experienced playoff coach, quarterback, and roster - and their late-season hot streak could be a sign that the “good Chiefs” are back. Those Chiefs can beat anyone in the league.NFC is balanced thanks to Eagles' clipped wingsThough they're the No. 1 seed, Carson Wentz's torn ACL means the Philadelphia Eagles no longer look like a team that can get to the Super Bowl through a very balanced NFC playoff field.While Nick Foles produced an exceptional performance against the New York Giants in his first start replacing Wentz, he's cooled off dramatically. The Eagles need him to play like 2013 Nick Foles (27 TDs versus 2 INTs) if they want to capture their first-ever Lombardi Trophy. I highly doubt that will happen.Luckily, Foles can rely on his defense and running game, which are both in the NFL's top three. The Eagles also have the advantage of playing at home in the divisional round, which could be a decisive factor against the Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, or New Orleans Saints. Even if they win their first playoff game, though, I don’t see them winning two postseason games, especially against the Vikings or Rams. The Eagles’ chances of getting to the Super Bowl ended Dec. 10 in Los Angeles when Wentz’s knee gave out.Minnesota VikingsWentz’s injury leaves the Vikings and Rams as the best teams in the NFC. In the divisional round, the Vikings will play at U.S. Bank Stadium, where they're 7-1 this season.Mike Zimmer’s defense, which ranks No. 1 in yards and points, has very few weaknesses. The unit plays a ton of man-to-man coverage and succeeded in shutting down some of the NFL’s best players this year. The Vikings held Matt Ryan to 173 yards passing and Julio Jones to 24 yards receiving in an early November win. My biggest concern is the defense getting called for untimely penalties. Because of the man coverage, Minnesota defenders could potentially be called for holding or pass interference on nearly every play. A controversial penalty on cornerbacks Xavier Rhodes or Trae Waynes could derail the team's Super Bowl hopes and add another chapter to the Vikings' long history of crushing playoff losses.Offensively, Minnesota's run the ball extremely well all season, and Case Keenum has played out of his mind. However, the team lost starting left guard Nick Easton in their Week 16 win, which could be a major blow. The offense didn’t have a great game against the Bears this past weekend, and the Vikings instead relied on their defense to get an ugly win.Keenum doesn’t have a big arm, and the other playoff teams know it. He is extremely accurate on short to medium throws, and in Minneapolis' comfortable dome. If the Vikings have to go to Philadelphia, which could have terrible weather, Keenum may not have enough arm strength to get the Vikings over the top.If the Rams beat the Falcons in the wild-card game, they'll face the Vikings. The winner of that game has an excellent shot at getting to the Super Bowl. If the Vikings do represent the NFC, it'll mark the first time a team plays in the Super Bowl in their home stadium.Los Angeles RamsWhile the Rams are now one of the NFC favorites, their roster only includes a couple of players who have ever played in the postseason, and they'll face the conference's most experienced playoff team, the Falcons.Besides that inexperience, the biggest weakness of Sean McVay’s team is an inability to stop the run. Atlanta has one of the best rushing attacks in the NFL, and Ryan won’t be fazed by playing on the road.If the Rams can get past the Falcons, they'll travel to Minnesota in the divisional round. The Vikings dominated them in U.S. Bank Stadium on Nov. 19: Todd Gurley only had 37 yards rushing and the Vikings nearly doubled the Rams in nearly every offensive category. The rematch could determine which team represents the NFC in the Super Bowl.Atlanta FalconsThe Atlanta offense hasn’t been the same since Kyle Shanahan took the 49ers' head coaching gig. During their Super Bowl run a year ago, Atlanta had the most explosive offense in the NFL, and Ryan was the MVP.This year, the offensive stats aren't as dominant, but the Falcons are much better on the other side of the ball. Dan Quinn’s defensive unit was one of the youngest in the league a season ago, and now it's deeper and more experienced.That defense will have its hands full when the Falcons travel to Los Angeles to play the Rams. They must shut down Gurley, who may have been this year's NFL MVP. If the Falcons can stop the run and force Jared Goff - appearing in his first playoff game - into a shootout, they have a heck of chance to win. L.A.'s pristine weather also helps Atlanta, which plays its best football in good conditions.New Orleans SaintsI believe the Saints are the only NFC team that could beat the Vikings or Rams on the road. They have Drew Brees, who is a Super Bowl MVP, and two running backs who are headed to the Pro Bowl. More importantly, their vastly improved defense is the Saints' best since their 2009 Super Bowl team.New Orleans faces divisional rivals the Carolina Panthers at home after beating Cam Newton’s squad twice this season. If the Saints can take care of business, they'll happily face the Eagles in Philadelphia. I see New Orleans as the favorite in this scenario.After that, Sean Payton’s team would play for the NFC championship in good throwing conditions. The Rams or the Vikings on the road, or the Falcons at home, would be the only thing standing between the Saints and their second Super Bowl appearance. I like Brees’ chances in the NFC Championship Game if they can get past Carolina and Philadelphia.Carolina PanthersNewton is the face of the franchise, but he isn’t the No. 1 reason the Panthers are in the playoffs. This year, they've won because of a stingy defense and a strong running game. Though Newton is part of their rushing attack, Carolina's 28th in the league in passing.Playing in New Orleans against a Saints team they've lost to twice this year will be a tough task. I don’t see Newton’s offense keeping up with Brees’ attack on the road. If they beat the Saints, they will travel to Philadelphia or Minnesota. Their style of football bodes well for victory against the Eagles, especially if the conditions are ugly. Although they beat Minnesota at home in December, the Vikings dominated that game. The Panthers won because of five to six Minnesota miscues, but were otherwise outplayed, and the rematch would be in Minneapolis.Super Bowl matchupThe Patriots are better than everyone else in the AFC, plus they have home-field advantage. I’d be surprised if Tom Brady doesn’t play in his eighth Super Bowl this year.In the other conference, I think the Vikings are the favorites. They have home-field advantage against everyone except Philadelphia, which may be the worst team in the NFC playoffs after Wentz’s injury. It’s an extremely balanced conference, however, and an argument can be made for any of the six teams to make it to the Super Bowl. Every NFC game on the way there should be extremely entertaining.Sage Rosenfels is a former 12-year NFL quarterback who writes, does radio, and podcasts about the NFL and college football. Find him on Twitter @SageRosenfels18.(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New York Giants submitted a request to interview Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur for their head coaching vacancy, a source told Jordan Raanan of ESPN.Shurmur has emerged as one of the hottest coordinators around the league, garnering interest as a HC candidate from the Chicago Bears, Arizona Cardinals, and Detroit Lions.The 52-year-old earned widespread acclaim this season for the Vikings' offensive success, which has come with the unheralded Case Keenum at quarterback. Minnesota also lost star rookie running back Dalvin Cook to a season-ending knee injury after four games.Shurmur went 9-23 with the Cleveland Browns from 2011-12 in his only stint as a full-time NFL head coach.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Green Bay Packers signed head coach Mike McCarthy to a one-year contract extension before the end of the season, the team confirmed, via Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.The extension, first reported by ESPN's Rob Demovsky, keeps him tied to the Packers through the 2019 campaign.McCarthy has held his post with Green Bay since 2006, and has made the playoffs in all but three seasons. He missed the postseason this year for the first time since 2008 after quarterback Aaron Rodgers broke his collarbone midseason.Green Bay is 121-70-1 under McCarthy, who guided the Packers to a Super Bowl championship at the end of the 2010 season.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

As everyone knows by now, the Browns are the second team in NFL history to finish 0-16. They've won just a single game over the past two years under head coach Hue Jackson.There are many problems here, but excluding the quarterback situation, the roster isn't a lost cause. In fact, when you factor in its cap space and draft capital, you can argue Cleveland is in good shape for the future.New general manager John Dorsey is in an enviable position to build a winner, but his biggest obstacles are the men above and below him on the food chain, as well as the difficult task of finding a franchise quarterback. I'll focus on the latter.Jackson's offense was unfriendly to a rookie quarterback from a schematic and tactical vantage point, and his handling of DeShone Kizer was questionable. Compounding matters, the Browns made a mind-boggling number of unforced errors, and their -28 turnover differential was 11 worse than the 31st-ranked team in this crucial statistic. When you're turning the ball over on average about two times more per game than your opponent, you're not going to win in this league.The Browns have a young roster with a lot of promising players. Unlike previous offseasons, there isn't one obvious area in need of an upgrade, with the exception of quarterback. This isn't necessarily good news, but it means Cleveland should be able to grab the best player available in the draft rather than worrying about filling a position. Also, the Browns only have one free agent of note that could be leaving town: running back Isaiah Crowell.Wide receivers Corey Coleman and Josh Gordon are hard to count on, but they're clearly very talented. Adding a tackle opposite Joe Thomas who could eventually be his successor would certainly be appreciated. But more than anything on this offense, having a competent quarterback would alleviate a lot of concerns and elevate everyone involved.Cleveland could also use a bit of everything on defense. Myles Garrett could develop into a Defensive Player of the Year foundation player. Danny Shelton is a rock in the middle of the defensive line. The Browns have a nice find in Jason McCourty. But, again, they shouldn't ignore any position, and the secondary should certainly be this team's top priority besides quarterback.The Browns would be crazy to discard Kizer, who progressed slowly throughout the season, but they absolutely need a veteran QB with some pedigree.With the first and fourth overall selections, they'll have their choice of any quarterback in this draft class. Unlike last year, when Cleveland took Garrett, it doesn't look like there's a non-quarterback that stands above all the other prospects. Saquon Barkley might be that elite prospect, but many people in the know have mixed opinions as to whether drafting a running back that early is ever a good idea. That's certainly debatable.Here are two tactics the Browns should consider to finally fix their quarterback situation, and, remember, free agency occurs well before the draft, so that order of operations is important. Also, remember the Browns have so much in the way of draft picks that they could move up from the fourth spot or even back into the first round with their two early second-round selections.Approach #1: Go all in for Kirk CousinsDoes Cousins want to play for the Browns? Maybe not, but making him the league's highest-paid player might be enough to lure him to Cleveland. Is he worthy of such a contract? Of course not, but he would immediately make this team competitive, and Cousins throwing to Gordon, Coleman, David Njoku, and Duke Johnson and handing the ball to Barkley, perhaps behind a very good offensive line, doesn't sound so bad. If this works out, Kizer becomes the developmental guy and the Browns use their bevy of draft picks all over their roster. Of course, Cousins would break the bank, but that doesn't mean Cleveland couldn't add other free-agent pieces as well.Approach #2: Add another veteran quarterback with some pedigreeThis offseason is going to be crazy with quarterback movement, and the Browns need to add someone who, at a minimum, can hold down the fort, orchestrate offense like a professional, and not crush the team. There will be many options that fit this bill, including Alex Smith, Eli Manning, Tyrod Taylor, AJ McCarron, and Teddy Bridgewater. Some would cost the Browns a draft pick, but draft capital is something they have plenty of. If they go this route, they should still use a high pick on the position. Let's say their quarterbacks on opening day are Taylor, Kizer, and Josh Rosen, and they're able to draft another great prospect like Barkley, or Minkah Fitzpatrick, who could boost the secondary, or Bradley Chubb, who could play opposite Garrett for years?All is not lost going forward for this winless franchise. That is, if you happen to believe in ownership and the head coach.Matt Williamson is a former scout for the Cleveland Browns and spent 10 years at ESPN as a scout and co-host of "The Football Today Podcast." Find him on Twitter @WilliamsonNFL.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Jon Gruden confirmed Tuesday that he's interested in returning to the Oakland Raiders as their head coach."Well, I think I am being considered, yes. I hope I'm a candidate," he told Jerry McDonald of The Mercury News.Gruden said he's under the impression the Raiders are spending this week interviewing candidates, and plan to make their hire next week. If his interest is genuine, it's almost a certainty he'll be offered the job.Related - Report: Raiders' pursuit of Jon Gruden could include ownership stakeThe 54-year-old has been out of professional coaching since the Tampa Bay Buccaneers fired him after the 2008 season. He's remained close to the game by working as a commentator on Monday Night Football, operating a coaching clinic, and running quarterback camps.Gruden served at the helm of the Silver and Black from 1998-2001, taking them to the playoffs twice. He was traded to Tampa Bay after the 2001 campaign, and led the Bucs to a Super Bowl victory over Oakland in his first year.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Although the NFL's audience has dropped 9 percent from a year ago, football continues to dominate television in the United States.NFL games accounted for 37 of the nation's top 50 broadcasts of 2017, Ad Age's Anthony Crupi reports. That's up from last year, when NFL games accounted for 28 of the top 50 (though that lower figure can be partly attributed to the 2016 Olympics).Seven of the nation's 10 most-watched programs in 2017 were football games, drawing in 360.4 million total viewers. Super Bowl LI between the New England Patriots and Atlanta Falcons was the most-watched broadcast of the year, attracting 111.3 million people.The highest-rated regular-season game of 2017 was the thrilling, controversial Week 15 meeting between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Patriots, which ranked 15th in viewers with 26.9 million.Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.