Earlier this season, I ranked the NFL divisions. We obviously now have more information with every team having played 15 games, while plenty of them only have a somewhat meaningless Week 17 contest before the playoffs begin.For starters, how many wins does each division have right now and what is the total point differential after 60 combined games for each? Those answers are below, but there is also an eyeball test here before the final decisions are made.DivisionWinsPoint DifferentialAFC East31-91AFC North27-45AFC South25-112AFC West28-6NFC East30-4NFC North32+44NFC South35+149NFC West32+65Some observations:

A Cleveland Browns fan cited the team as a contributor to his death in his obituary.Mansfield, Ohio native Paul Stark died Wednesday due to complications from a brief illness, which his obituary notes was "exacerbated by the hopeless condition of the Cleveland Browns."The obituary goes on to mention, "Paul passed just before the Browns were prepared to turn the corner but had many well-earned blessings."Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck addressed reporters Friday for the first time since returning from the Netherlands, where he was undergoing rehab and soft-tissue work for the shoulder injury that's sidelined him all season."My gut and my feeling tells me I won't need another surgery," Luck said, according to Zak Keefer of The Indianapolis Star.Luck added he expects to begin throwing again soon and anticipates being ready for the start of the 2018 season."I don’t see (being ready) being in jeopardy at all," he said, according to Andrew Siciliano of NFL Network.The team added that Luck expects to be available for OTAs, training camp, and everything related to the 2018 season.Luck hasn't played since Week 17 of the 2016 season.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Tennessee Titans ruled out running back DeMarco Murray for Sunday's regular-season finale against the Jacksonville Jaguars due to a knee injury.Murray was diagnosed with a third-degree MCL tear suffered in a Week 16 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, but he was expected to suit up for a pivotal Week 17 matchup against the AFC South rival Jaguars.The Titans can book their first trip to the playoffs since 2008 with a victory. Otherwise, they'll need help in the form of losses or ties by the Buffalo Bills and Los Angeles Chargers.Murray has started all 15 games this season, rushing for 659 yards and six touchdowns on 184 attempts. He's added 266 receiving yards and another touchdown on 39 receptions.Sophomore running back Derrick Henry will take on a larger role, and is scheduled to start with Murray sidelined. He's rushed for 693 yards and five touchdowns on 148 attempts this season, with another 70 yards on 10 receptions.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

DeAndre Hopkins played the role of Santa Claus in the Houston Texans' Christmas Day loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, gifting a football by throwing it into the stands following an incredible touchdown catch.On Friday, Hopkins was fined $6,000, and though he's appealing the decision, the receiver doesn't agree with the ruling."The NFL shouldn't fine you when you're giving fans something they're going to treasure forever. It doesn't make sense," Hopkins told Mark Berman of Fox 26.Per NFL rules, it's deemed unsportsmanlike to throw a football into the stands as part of a touchdown celebration. First-time offenders get a $6,000 slap on the wrist, with second-time offenders having to pay double. Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton has opened his wallet on more than one occasion after handing a football to fans following rushing touchdowns.Hopkins will miss Sunday's game due to injury for the first time in his five-year career. He leads the league in touchdowns (13) and is second in receiver yards (1,378).Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New York Jets appear to be content with the current leadership of their football team, as the club announced Friday it extended the contracts of head coach Todd Bowles and general manager Mike Maccagnan.Both Bowles' and Maccagnan's extensions are reportedly two years in length, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, citing a source."We are very happy to have extended both Mike and Todd. During their time here, they have worked together to help the organization build a foundation on which to grow," Jets CEO Christopher Johnson said. "They are identifying, developing, and getting productivity out of our players. I believe we are headed in the right direction. This provides us continuity and stability as we continue to move this team towards sustained success. We still have a lot of work to do and I am excited to work closely with both of them as we move forward."In his third year with the Jets, Bowles has led the team to a 5-10 record thus far despite being predicted by many to finish at the very bottom of the league standings. The 54-year-old has coached to an overall record of 20-27 during his tenure.Maccagnan, who hired Bowles shortly after being named general manager, is just two years removed from being named Executive of the Year by the Pro Football Writers of America in 2015.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New York Giants new general manager Dave Gettleman confirmed his intention to move ahead to next season with Eli Manning at quarterback, but he left the door open to draft a potential successor for the soon-to-be 37-year-old.Gettleman says a team can never have too many good players at one position, according to Andrew Siciliano of NFL Network.“Eli’s won a lot of games,” Gettleman said, according to Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk. “A great competitor, very intelligent. He and I are gonna talk and if what I saw in Philadelphia was not a mirage - and I don’t believe it is - we’ll keep moving.”Manning went 37-for-57 for 434 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception in Week 15 against the Philadelphia Eagles.In his 14th season with the Giants, Manning has completed 63 percent of 543 pass attempts for 3,336 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.The Giants are in a battle with the Indianapolis Colts for the No. 2 pick in the 2018 draft. A win this weekend over the Washington Redskins accompanied by a Colts loss to the Houston Texans would drop them to the No. 3 selection.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Houston Texans have avoided discipline for how the team handled quarterback Tom Savage's concussion in Week 14 against the San Francisco 49ers, the league announced Friday.Upon review from the league and the NFL Players Association, both sides determined that while the Texans' medical staff properly followed the concussion protocol, the aftermath was deemed "unacceptable" and that "further improvements in the protocol are necessary."

The Jacksonville Jaguars announced Thursday that they received permission from the NFL and their sponsors to remove tarps in the upper level of EverBank Field and sell those seats for their home playoff game next weekend.The NFL prohibits changes in seating capacity during the regular season, and the tarp sponsorships are sold on a season-long basis.The additional 3,501 seats went up for sale Friday morning at 10 a.m. ET, and took just six minutes to sell out, according to the team.Jaguars owner Shad Khan thanked fans for their support.

Father Time comes for all, and this Sunday could mark the end of the line for a handful of big-name players, including several likely first-ballot Hall of Famers.Larry FitzgeraldFitzgerald is signed through the 2018 season, but said last week he's still undecided about playing another year at age 34.If Fitzgerald does hang up his cleats, it won't be because he can no longer perform. The veteran wideout made his 11th career Pro Bowl in 2017 thanks to a 101-catch, 1,101-yard campaign through 15 games despite losing Carson Palmer for half the year.One significant factor in Fitzgerald's upcoming decision is that he sits just 444 yards behind Terrell Owens for second in all-time receiving yards (Jerry Rice is untouchable in first place), an easily attainable goal if he returns next year and stays healthy. However, if the Cardinals tear it down in 2018, the face of the franchise could walk away.Frank GoreGore is hoping to play in 2018, and has yet to rule out a return to the Colts. However, 34-year-old running backs don't usually decide their own future; the league does it for them.Gore has been a reliable workhorse, but his deficiencies caused by his age is holding the offense back. Indy's likely to move on. While it's possible another team brings him in for 2018 as a potential backup, it's more likely Gore is forced into retirement.Still, like Fitzgerald, a gold jacket awaits.Jay CutlerCutler said Wednesday he wants to continue to play after restarting his career following a short-lived offseason move into the broadcast booth. But, again, older players often don't have a choice - especially ones who won't accept a backup job, as Cutler confirmed he wouldn't for 2018.The Dolphins' veteran signal-caller was initially forced to retire due to the lack of interest in his services. Only the perfect opening with his former coach Adam Gase in Miami caused him to suit back up.So, it's highly unlikely Cutler will garner significant interest after a year in which he's failed to look like a starting-caliber player for the majority of the campaign. The free-agent quarterback market is expected to be stronger than usual this offseason, too.It becomes evident that Cutler is likely headed back to the booth, where he has the potential to match Tony Romo's successful and lauded move into broadcasting.Dwight FreeneyFreeney's career appeared to be over after a mostly anonymous two-year stint with the then-San Diego Chargers in 2013-14. Instead, the defensive end experienced a resurgence late in his career, racking up a total of 17 sacks over the next three seasons while playing for the Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, Seattle Seahawks, and his current team, the Detroit Lions.Unfortunately, Freeney won't get one last shot to make noise in January, as the Lions were bounced from playoff contention in embarrassing fashion in Week 17, losing to the lowly Cincinnati BengalsBut the 37-year-old is still one of the best pass-rushers to ever step onto an NFL field. Watching Freeney give an offensive tackle fits with his patented spin move one last time makes even the meaningless Lions-Green Bay Packers game in Week 17 must-see TV.Antonio GatesGates has been synonymous with the Chargers franchise for 15 years. He almost retired at the end of last season, but opted to return with the all-time touchdown record in his sights (he caught his 112th score in Week 1).Week 17 might not be Gates' final hurrah, though, as the Chargers remain in the playoff hunt. However, they need help to secure their first postseason berth since 2013.The Chargers already have their next potential elite tight end in Hunter Henry, so Gates is free to walk off into the sunset as one of the rare players to spend an entire career with one franchise.(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Cleveland Browns offensive tackle Joe Thomas has had a tumultuous season.Despite receiving a raise in November, which made him the league's highest-paid offensive lineman, Thomas is uncertain whether he'll return for his 12th season, one he expects to be the long-overdue turning point for the team."We are going to basically start going all-in like the other 31 NFL teams do every year and give the coaches an opportunity to improve on the win-loss record they have had so far," Thomas said, according to Tom Withers of The Associated Press."I think it will come down to really, first and foremost, my health. Do I feel like I'm still playing at an elite level and do I still love it? For me, I feel like when I make that decision, which will be after the season, that is really what it is going to come down to," said Thomas.A triceps injury ended his season in mid-October, while also halting his consecutive snaps streak. As a result, his run of making it to the Pro Bowl in each of his first 10 seasons, since being drafted in 2007, also came to an end.The Browns now sit at 0-15 and are just a loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers away from the NFL's first winless season since the 2008 Detroit Lions.Despite Cleveland's 1-30 record over the past two seasons under head coach Hue Jackson, the 33-year-old Thomas believes the current coach has done what's been expected of him thus far and deserves another chance next season."I am excited for it," Thomas said. "I think Hue really has not been given the opportunity yet to prove what kind of coach he is. From a wins and losses standpoint obviously, the plan for a few years here was to try to attain the highest draft picks possible which is what we have successfully done."Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

theScore's Jack Browne examines how five of the NFL's biggest stories during the 2017 season will shape the league's future for years to come.Protests and player power(Photo courtesy: Action Images)Colin Kaepernick started the movement in 2016, and President Donald Trump stoked the fires early in the 2017 season, leading to league-wide protests during the national anthem in Week 3.Eventually, Trump moved onto other "issues" while Kaepernick remained unemployed - but the effects of the protests will continue to be felt around the league.Firstly, Kaepernick's lawsuit against the NFL is still ongoing. No one seems entirely certain of the veteran pivot's chances of proving team owners, executives, and coaches colluded against him, but if he somehow pulls out the win, the league's collective bargaining agreement will be void and chaos will likely envelop the NFL.But even if Kaepernick fails in his lawsuit and never returns to football, his work has helped NFL players begin to realize they have the ability to greatly affect the discourse surrounding the league. The last two years may be looked back on as the period in which players finally asserted themselves and caused significant - and much-needed - changes to how the NFL operates.What the hell is a catch?Nearly three years ago, one of the most infamous plays in NFL history happened ...

Covers.com is the biggest and best source for sports betting information, providing unrivaled and original content sports bettors cannot live without.As a football bettor, I love the way the NFL preseason and Week 17 dovetail into each other. The start of the season ends the same way it began: in sheer and absolute chaos. It’s the Circle of Life Simba.

A trend that caught on among some victorious fantasy football managers has also caught the eye of Todd Gurley.Most fantasy football championships were decided in Week 16, when most games took place on Christmas Eve. Some members of the media suggested that fantasy owners donate a portion of their league winnings to a charity supported by one of the players who helped them win.

The New York Giants are halfway done filling the positions vacated by Jerry Reese and Ben McAdoo during the franchise's worst season ever.Former Carolina Panthers executive and longtime Giants pro personnel director Dave Gettleman replaced Reese as general manager Thursday. His first task will be to hire a head coach. Here are five potential candidates:Steve WilksCurrent position: Panthers defensive coordinatorAfter Sean McDermott departed to join the Buffalo Bills last winter, Wilks helped the Panthers' defense become one of the league's best once again, following a season in which it allowed the seventh-most points.Though he hasn't been a head coach since he was at Savannah State in 1999, Wilks has served as assistant head coach to Ron Rivera since 2015 and has 12 years of NFL experience.If Gettleman is looking to replicate Rivera's culture, Wilks is likely his top candidate.Steve SpagnuoloCurrent position: Giants interim head coach/defensive coordinatorGettleman's hiring doesn't exactly scream "new direction" for the Giants, so it would be no surprise if they stuck with an equally familiar face at head coach.Spagnuolo is serving as interim head coach in his second stint with the Giants after running the team's defense while Gettleman was in town in 2007 and 2008. "Spags" wound up as head coach of the Rams from 2009-2011 after his ultra-successful stint in New York. While his first head coaching job didn't work out, he can sell Gettleman on the idea that he has learned from his mistakes, as well as McAdoo's, and that he knows how Tom Coughlin ran the club.The Giants would likely go back in time and keep Coughlin if they could. Spagnuolo doesn't have the resume as the two-time Super Bowl-winning coach, but he could restore the continuity Coughlin's teams thrived on.Dave Toub Current position: Chiefs special teams coordinatorToub has been mentioned as a potential head coach for the past few seasons, and after the success of former Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Doug Pederson in Philadelphia, this seems like the year someone will pull the trigger on the special teams guru.The 55-year-old New York native spent nine years as the Chicago Bears' special teams coordinator, coaching the likes of Devin Hester, before joining the Chiefs in 2013.He doesn't have any direct ties to Gettleman or the Giants, but if the club is looking for an overall team strategist - like Coughlin - instead of an offensive or defensive specialist, Toub would be a great fit.Mike ShulaCurrent position: Panthers offensive coordinatorShula, like McDermott, was a scorching-hot name in hiring circles after the Panthers' 15-1 season in 2015, but their trip to the Super Bowl forced prospective teams to wait too long for his availability, eventually ruling him out of possible jobs.The youngest son of all-time winningest coach Don Shula has been with Carolina since 2011, serving as offensive coordinator the last five seasons.He would likely be Gettleman's second choice from the Panthers after Wilks, though, as Carolina's offense has been more dependent on its players than its scheme.Perry FewellCurrent position: Jaguars defensive backs coachIt has been about six years since Fewell was brought up as a potential head coaching candidate, but with his recent success with the Jacksonville Jaguars' secondary, ties to Coughlin, and experience with the Giants, this might be his best chance to earn a coveted position.Fewell ran the Giants' defense from 2010-2014, winning Super Bowl XLVI in 2011, and followed Coughlin to the Jaguars in 2017. He also started his pro coaching career under Coughlin in Jacksonville in 1998. His time in New York overlapped with Gettleman's first stint for three years.Fewell is a darkhorse candidate for the job at best.(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller is in the second year of a $114.5-million contract, but his family still likes to spoil him.Miller revealed Thursday that his parents surprised him with a red Ferrari for Christmas after the Broncos' Week 16 loss to the Washington Redskins."I came in after the loss, I was upset," Miller told reporters, according to Jeff Langan of KDVR. "My mom and dad, they were in garage with my family and they was like, 'Surprise.' I'm looking around like, 'What? What?' And they was like, 'The car.' And it was a red Ferrari right there."

Carolina Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis will return for Week 17 after serving a one-game suspension for his hit on Green Bay Packers wide receiver Davante Adams, who accused the veteran of "headhunting."In his first public comments on the incident Thursday, Davis insisted he isn't a dirty player."It's very unfair," he said of the criticism, according to ESPN's David Newton. "I've seen a lot of stuff that's being said. Obviously, people are going to form their own opinions based on what they saw. At the end of the day, I know for 13 years I've played the game the right way. I can rest easy on it."Related: Davante Adams, Zach Brown chirp on Twitter over headhunting commentsFollowing the hit, Davis seemed concerned as he made his way toward the sidelines. He later apologized to Adams, who suffered a concussion on the play. Adams missed Week 15, has yet to clear the league's concussion protocol, and isn't expected to play in the final game of the season Sunday.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New York Giants officially named Dave Gettleman their new general manager Thursday.Gettleman was previously GM of the Carolina Panthers from 2013-16, and led the club to three division titles in four years. He worked in the Giants' personnel department for 15 years prior to his stint with the Panthers, notably serving as pro personnel director from 1999-2011."Given where we are as a team, we thought it was important to bring in someone with experience as a general manager and a proven track record," president John Mara and chairman Steve Tisch said in a press release. "Dave's experience is unparalleled. He did an outstanding job as general manager in Carolina, and he was vital to our success during his tenure here."Dave is going to bring his own approach to our organization in how we draft and acquire players through free agency."The Giants confirmed Gettleman was one of four candidates interviewed, along with assistant GM Kevin Abrams, team vice president Marc Ross, and ESPN analyst Louis Riddick.Gettleman, who replaces 11-year GM Jerry Reese, will be formally introduced by the Giants at a press conference Friday.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New Orleans Saints rookie running back Alvin Kamara is looking for some help paying off his fine.Kamara tweeted a photo Thursday of a fine letter he received from the NFL, joking that he'll be starting a GoFundMe page to cover the cost.

Jameis Winston said Thursday he regrets his outburst during the final moments of last Sunday's loss to the Carolina Panthers.The Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback believed he had recovered his fumble following a strip sack by Kawann Short, but the officials disagreed, leading to Winston attempting to charge back onto the field and requiring his teammates to hold him back."I knew I had the ball and it didn't go my way," Winston said, according to ESPN's Jenna Laine. "Now, looking back, I know I can't do that. But man, I want to win. That's just being competitive. If you want to win and if you feel like you had something and someone tells you otherwise, 'man. Come on now.'"

The Los Angeles Rams are the antithesis of a team that won only four games the year before. On offense, the 2016 Rams finished dead last in points and yards with a minus 170-point differential. They missed the playoffs for the 13th straight season, leading to the firing of Jeff Fisher.One month later, the organization hired Sean McVay as Fisher's replacement, making him the youngest head coach in modern NFL history. Under his guidance, the Rams have snapped their postseason drought and enter Week 17 shooting for win No. 12. Surprisingly, the biggest attribute to their success has come on offense; something that hasn't defined a Rams team in over a decade.No other team in the NFL has combined to score more points than these Rams. While McVay and second-year quarterback Jared Goff warrant credit, there's been one player far more deserving of league-wide recognition, and his name is Todd Gurley.Gurley has generated MVP buzz thanks to his stellar play this year. Only three running backs - Adrian Peterson, LaDainian Tomlinson, and Shaun Alexander - have won the award since 2005. With those three setting the standard, Gurley's back is against the wall, and while he merits consideration, he isn't likely to win MVP. Here's why:PlayerCarriesRushing YardsTouchdownsYPCGurley2791305134.7Peterson3482097126.0Tomlinson3481815285.2Alexander3701880275.1With the Rams deciding to rest Gurley for Week 17, the third-year back will finish short of 300 carries. That's significant, but only in terms of comparing him to these heralded players. All three won the MVP award backed by season-high totals in separate categories, but were also recognized for their record-setting performances.In 2012, Peterson finished eight rushing yards short of Eric Dickerson's NFL record of 2,105 set in 1984. Still, Peterson etched himself into the record books as the seventh player in NFL history to rush for 2,000 yards. For his part, Tomlinson's 28 rushing touchdowns (31 in total) led him to become the first player ever to reach those totals. While Alexander failed to set a record, he did lead the league in touchdowns and rushing yards, coming one score short of matching Tomlinson.Furthermore, Gurley's inability to reach the 300-carry milestone is a byproduct of the significant change in style and play at the running back position. Unfortunately, this leaves Gurley at a disadvantage. While it's fair to assume Gurley could match the aforementioned rushing numbers if given the opportunity, times are different. This year, only one running back, Pittsburgh Steelers' Le'Veon Bell, will finish with over 300 carries. In 2005, 2006, and 2012 combined, 25 running backs carried the ball over 300 times.While Gurley won't match these totals, he has an edge in one category: receiving yards. Over the years, the NFL has turned into a pass-heavy league, which in turn has resulted in backs catching the ball more often.PlayerReceiving YardsTouchdownsTargetsGurley788687Peterson217151Tomlinson508380Alexander78129Factoring in yards from scrimmage, Gurley (2,093) eclipses the 2,000-yard mark. Peterson and Tomlinson still have him beat, but the Rams star will finish with more yards than Alexander (1,958), just not as many touchdowns.The Rams' rise to glory has a lot to do with Gurley. There's little doubt he's their MVP, but as long as Tom Brady is around, it will be difficult for any player, let alone a talented running back, to overcome quarterback bias voters. Peterson, Tomlinson, and Alexander are the first three players voters will compare Gurley to, and that leaves him as a long shot to win. That doesn't mean he's not worthy of joining them, just don't expect it to happen.(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New York Giants wide receiver Brandon Marshall, who's been sidelined since mid-October by an ankle injury, is staying committed to his goal of playing in 2018 and has even higher expectations for himself.Marshall is planning to play another two years, according to Bob Glauber of Newsday, and wants to accomplish enough in that time to be inducted into the NFL's Hall of Fame when he eventually decides to retire.The 33-year-old has 959 career receptions on 1,633 targets, totaling 12,215 yards and 82 touchdowns. He has played 12 seasons, split between five teams.He has one year remaining on the two-year, $11-million contract he signed with the Giants last offseason, but there's no guaranteed money remaining on the deal and cutting him would leave the team with just $1 million in dead cap space.Marshall is aiming to be back in time for March workouts, and says he wants to be so strong he prompts the NFL to test him for steroids or HGH.He caught just 18 of 33 targets for 154 yards and no touchdowns in five games with the Giants this season.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins didn't practice Thursday due to a calf injury and isn't expected to play in Week 17, according to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle.Head coach Bill O'Brien later said the receiver's status for Sunday's regular-season finale against the Indianapolis Colts "probably" won't be known until game time.Should he ultimately be ruled out, Hopkins would miss the first game of his career. He's played all 79 regular-season fixtures since entering the league as the Texans' first-round pick in the 2013 draft.Hopkins, who was selected to the Pro Bowl for the second time in three seasons, has caught 96 of 174 targets on the year for 1,378 yards and a league-leading 13 touchdowns.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Former NFL senior vice president of officiating Dean Blandino hasn't been pleased with how Al Riveron has handled the job as his successor in 2018.Blandino, who now works as an analyst for FOX, faults the league."I think that there was a sense of, around the league office and some of the people in leadership positions, they didn’t value that position the way it should have been valued, and how important it is,” Blandino said, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. “During the season, other than the commissioner, the head of officiating is probably the most public-facing person in the office. And those decisions that are made, I mean, these affect the outcome of games, and that’s your product on the field."While Roger Goodell recently signed a massive contract to remain as the league's commissioner, Blandino says his former position isn't regarded with the importance it requires."I do feel that the position was not valued to where it should have been. And, look, you always like to feel that you provided value, and I would never want someone to fail to make myself look better, but I do believe that they never valued that position where it should have been, and maybe it’s a wake-up call for some people around the league,” he said.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Sunday's NFC West divisional matchup between the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers is one of the few games this week without postseason implications.With most playoff teams continuing to jostle for position and a first-round bye, the Rams are secured as either the NFC's third or fourth seed, and intend to rest starters in the regular-season finale.Meanwhile, the 49ers remain near the bottom of the league standings despite a current four-game winning streak that's dropped them down the 2018 draft board.Sunday's game will likely be the last between these two sides without consequence for a while. Rams vs. 49ers is sure to be must-see TV for years to come, as the matchup possesses all the key criteria to make it the next great NFL rivalry. Here's why:Top quarterbacks(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)Quarterbacks Jared Goff and Jimmy Garoppolo have taken very different routes to their roles as starters for the Rams and 49ers, respectively. Drafted first overall in 2016 by the Rams, Goff initially underperformed while spending most of his rookie season on the bench.He has blossomed in 2017, however, completing 62.1 percent of his pass attempts for 28 touchdowns, seven interceptions, and a passer rating of 100.5.Garoppolo spent more than three-and-a-half years awaiting his starting opportunity after being selected 62nd overall by the New England Patriots in 2014 and serving as Tom Brady's backup. Finally, a trade-deadline deal and an injury to 49ers rookie C.J. Beathard put Garoppolo in firm control of the offense, which he's led successfully during the winning streak. He should retain the role moving forward, so long as the 49ers keep the soon-to-be free agent at the conclusion of 2017.At 23 and 26 years old, respectively, Goff and Garoppolo are set for long runs as the marketable faces of their teams, and this rivalry.Team youth(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)At the beginning of the 2017 season, the Rams and 49ers ranked as the league's second- and 10th-youngest teams, respectively, per NFL Trade Rumors.Meanwhile, head coaches Sean McVay and Kyle Shanahan are two of the league's youngest at 31 and 38 years old, respectively, representing extensions of the team philosophies, and the second key to this budding rivalry.While keeping young cores together in the NFL is exceptionally difficult due to injuries and developing contracts, general managers John Lynch of the 49ers and Les Snead of the Rams are in good positions to do just that.While Snead is in his sixth year with the Rams, he turned a corner this past offseason with the firing of former head coach Jeff Fisher, and the hiring of Coach of the Year front-runner, McVay. He has successfully built the league's highest-scoring offense, with MVP candidate Todd Gurley and a trio of wide receiver additions in Robert Woods, Sammy Watkins, and Cooper Kupp.Lynch, in his first season as an executive of any sort, has already joined a small, elite group of general managers who've won a trade with the Patriots. With his first choices of head coach and quarterback already secured, he's positioned himself extremely well heading into his second draft.Frequent meetings(Photo courtesy: Action Images)The Rams-49ers rivalry is set to take control of the NFC West.Here's a look at the how the division has been won during the Seattle Seahawks' 14-year reign dating back to 2004.TeamDivision TitlesSeahawks8Cardinals349ers2Rams1While the Seahawks are still in contention for an NFC wild-card spot, the team has significant issues on the offensive line and at running back, and is currently without the services of defensive backs Kam Chancellor and Richard Sherman,The Arizona Cardinals will get star running back David Johnson back for the start of 2018, but the futures of quarterback Carson Palmer and head coach Bruce Arians are unknown, which could put the team in a state of purgatory for several seasons.Still, without counting out the Seahawks or Cardinals in future years, the annual two games between the Rams and 49ers will go a long way toward deciding which team wins the division.The two sides brought out the best in each other during a 41-39 Rams victory on Thursday night of Week 3, and that was with Brian Hoyer leading the 49ers. San Francisco's pivot to Garoppolo has set up a sustainable and intense rivalry heading into 2017's rematch, and seasons to come.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The CFL announced Thursday that commissioner Randy Ambrosie is ready to approve a contract between former Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats:

Covers.com is the biggest and best source for sports betting information, providing unrivaled and original content sports bettors cannot live without.Each week, Monty Andrews breaks 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.

There are few things more compelling than an incendiary rivalry, and the world of football spurred several conflicts throughout 2017.Whether it was the erosion of the line between sports and politics or a few physical altercations on the field, this year produced no shortage of attention-grabbing antagonism.Below are the five best rivalries of the 2017 season.Donald Trump vs. the NFLPresident Trump's first year in office has been characterized by scandal, and he's been quick to chastise anyone who has wronged him or his policy goals. In starting a war against the NFL, though, he became an accidental agent of social change.During a September rally in Huntsville, Ala., Trump blasted players who were protesting police brutality and racial inequality during the national anthem, and encouraged owners to fire players who continued such demonstrations. Although the NFL as a whole has tried to be publicly apolitical in the past, Trump's comments unified players and owners from different sides of the political spectrum to take a stand against him.As a result of his remarks, player protests became louder and larger, and many owners condemned the president's comments. Trump, in turn, refused to cede his position. He tweeted numerous times about the NFL's declining ratings, and called the league "weak and out of control" in November.A week after the rally, the Seahawks announced the creation of the Seahawks Players Equality & Justice for All Action Fund, which supports education and leadership programs that address those issues. In November, a group of players created the Players Coalition to address and fund social activism initiatives, focusing on African-American communities.Before Trump's speech in Alabama, the NFL couldn't exactly be described as socially conscious. The president came out on the losing end of this rivalry, and it's uncertain whether he'll continue on the offensive in 2018.Jerry Jones vs. Roger Goodell It's certainly not uncommon for owners to be at odds with Roger Goodell, but Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones tried to leverage his status as one of the league's most influential actors in a public battle with the commissioner - and found out none of his peers were on his side.When Jones vehemently opposed a contract extension for Goodell, he became the lone owner to openly voice that opinion. Prior to the renewed contract discussions, the NFL suspended Cowboys star running back Ezekiel Elliott for six games due to a violation of the league's personal conduct policy, while Jones loudly proclaimed the player's innocence. When it became clear that the rest of the owners didn't support Jones' fight against Goodell, the Cowboys patriarch threatened to sue the league and the owners on the compensation committee in an attempt to block the extension.In the end, Goodell proved to be Teflon. He signed an extension and Jones conceded most of his original points, though maintained that the league needs a stronger system of checks and balances. Making an enemy of Goodell was a losing proposition from the beginning, as Jones learned in 2017.Jalen Ramsey vs. A.J. Green Jalen Ramsey was arguably the NFL's best cornerback in 2017. He's inarguably the league's best trash-talker, and his greatest accomplishment may be goading the normally understated A.J. Green into going berserk during a 23-7 win on Nov. 5.Ramsey neutralized the Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver throughout the game and got into his head by repeatedly calling him "weak" and "soft." Although Green's known for being quiet and composed, he took the bait and exploded. Green grabbed Ramsey's neck, threw him to the ground, and began punching him before the two were separated. Both players were ejected, but Ramsey won the war."As a player, as a man, and a father, that's a reflection of me," Green said. "I should have walked off in that whole situation. I definitely learned from this experience. It's never going to happen again. I regret my actions."Ramsey has helped the Jaguars build one of the best defenses of the modern era. Jacksonville captured the AFC South, while Green will stay home wondering what went awry.Aqib Talib vs. Michael CrabtreeIf Ramsey versus Green wasn't enough, Aqib Talib and Michael Crabtree reignited their feud. Though this season's result wasn't much different, the contempt, anger, and theatrics involved elevate their rivalry onto this list.During a 2016 contest, Talib snatched Crabtree's gold chain. Evidently, the Oakland Raiders wide receiver didn't learn his lesson. Although Crabtree reportedly tried to tuck his necklace in during this year's meeting, the Denver Broncos cornerback saw it and ripped it off again. Both players were ejected for fighting and were suspended two games, a sanction that was later reduced to one game each.Steelers vs. BengalsNo rivalry between two teams grew more bitter than Bengals-Steelers, and the AFC North clubs' battle on Dec. 4 encapsulated the true brutality of professional football.First, Pittsburgh linebacker Ryan Shazier left the game with a gruesome back injury he suffered on a seemingly innocuous play after he crashed into Cincinnati wide receiver Josh Malone.Later, Steelers rookie JuJu Smith-Schuster delivered a devastating block on Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict, then stood over his opponent triumphantly as he was slow to get up. Burfict had already earned a reputation as one of the NFL's dirtiest players, but this went too far.The Bengals didn't take Smith-Schuster's action lightly. After Antonio Brown corralled a touchdown catch, Bengals safety George Iloka lit him up with a perfectly timed elbow to the head. Brown avoided injury, but it wasn't the first time the Bengals had targeted him. Immediately after the game - a narrow Pittsburgh victory - Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger chalked up all the bad blood to "AFC North football."These teams play twice a year, and their attempts to disembowel each other may cause some viewers to turn away.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

With the new year just days away, it's a good time for NFL players, teams, and fans to reflect on the year that was and try to learn from their mistakes.Here's one resolution each NFL club should take to heart as they navigate through 2018:Arizona CardinalsPlan for the future ... offensivelyThe Cardinals have invested early-round picks on the defensive side of the ball heavily the last five years only to ask Larry Fitzgerald and Carson Palmer to continue to carry the offensive load at ages 34 and 37, respectively.Atlanta FalconsFocus on consistencyIn each of Dan Quinn's three years as Falcons' head coach, the team has won at least five of six games while also going through a seemingly hopeless stretch at some point during the same season. They clearly have talent; they just need to figure out how to start and finish strong.Baltimore RavensAdmit what Joe Flacco really isPublicly or privately, the Ravens need to face the music and admit that Flacco isn't worth the $22 million he'll be getting in each of the next two years (at least). Get creative with the salary cap and learn to win in spite of unreliable quarterback play.Buffalo BillsEstablish an identityWho are these Bills under Sean McDermott and Brandon Beane? Are they a re-creation of the Carolina Panthers? Is McDermott harkening back to his decade with the Eagles? Or is this a completely new style of team?Carolina PanthersDon't mess up the ownership searchWhether it be Michael Jordan, Diddy, Oprah, Mark Cuban, or some combination of celebrity billionaires, the Panthers have a chance to make a huge difference in ownership circles that they can't afford to mess up.Chicago BearsBe patientThere are some important pieces already on the Bears' roster, but plenty of holes to fill and likely a new coaching staff with which to adapt. It's going to take time for everything to come together, but the wheels toward success are in motion.Cincinnati BengalsEnd the Marvin Lewis eraIt's unclear if Lewis really wants to stay in Cincinnati for a 16th season, but the Bengals have seen all they need to from him with no playoff wins in that span. Cut the cord and move along.Cleveland BrownsDon't overthink thingsDon't think outside the box. Don't try to reinvent the scouting game. Really, try not to repeat too much at all from the last three years. If you pass on a quarterback three times in the first round, don't pick him in the second because he has "good value."Dallas CowboysShut Jerry Jones upWe're all sick of hearing Jones' remarks about everything that happens in the NFL. No other owner holds postgame press conferences or weekly radio shows. Let Stephen Jones do more of the talking - it doesn't look like he inherited the "can't keep my foot out of my mouth" gene.Denver BroncosStop drafting quarterbacks just because they're tallJohn Elway was spotted on the sidelines of 6-foot-5 Josh Allen's bowl game with two tall-guy quarterbacks already on his roster: the failed Brock Osweiler and the underwhelming Paxton Lynch. He should've learned from Russell Wilson, Drew Brees, et al that short guys can play too.Detroit LionsFind a running gameGood quarterback. Three solid receivers. Veteran offensive line. There's just one thing missing from the Lions' offense, and Barry Sanders isn't coming back.Green Bay PackersExtend Davante AdamsAdams has emerged as the Packers' strongest receiver so they can't afford to let the pending free agent walk away for nothing.Houston TexansPlan the paradeDeshaun Watson is the real deal. Once he's healthy and the defense gets its injured stars back on the field, this team will be a championship contender in a conference lacking dominant clubs.Indianapolis ColtsDon't dwell on 2017Andrew Luck will be back. Chuck Pagano will (hopefully) be gone. Chris Ballard will have an entire offseason as general manager. It'll be an entirely new world for the Colts in 2018.Jacksonville JaguarsBe clear about Blake Bortles' futureWhether the Jaguars want to move on from Bortles or commit to him, they need to make it obvious where he stands within the organization.Kansas City ChiefsGive up the gimmickThe Chiefs' offense has resembled a collegiate spread system the past few seasons under Andy Reid without a typical No. 1 receiver or traditional pocket passing attack, and has gone through too many ups and downs to justify continuing more of the same.Los Angeles ChargersSearch for a starWith the emergence of Todd Gurley and Jared Goff, the Rams have taken the lead in the popularity battle for Los Angeles. The Chargers need to bring in their own star (*cough* Baker Mayfield *cough*) to even imagine keeping up.Los Angeles RamsKeep up the good workSean McVay. Wade Phillips. Les Snead. Todd Gurley. Jared Goff. Aaron Donald. All you guys. Just keep doing your thing.Miami DolphinsBlow up the offenseAdam Gase hasn't been shy about his contempt for the way his offense has played this season. Ryan Tannehill's contract is easy to get out from under. Jay Cutler and Jarvis Landry will be free agents. Jay Ajayi is gone. Just start over.Minnesota VikingsEmbrace Case KeenumThe NCAA's all-time passing leader has the Vikings in Super Bowl contention. Why let him go?New England PatriotsCount your blessingsThings have been going well for the Patriots for an awfully long time. Who knows how much longer it'll last? Just be thankful for what you have.New Orleans SaintsKeep on building the defenseImagine how good Cam Jordan would be if he had another pass rusher with which to work? The Saints can't let 2017's defensive success be a flash in the pan.New York GiantsHire an experienced head coachPrior to coming to the Giants, Ben McAdoo had never served as a coordinator, let alone a head coach, in the NFL. The team can't allow their next head coach to learn on the job.New York JetsKeep the underdog mentalityDespite the preseason guarantees made by everyone and their dog that the Jets would be absolutely terrible this year, they aren't that bad. The Jets need to keep the chip on their shoulder.Oakland RaidersGet Derek Carr's confidence backWhat happened to the guy who was in the 2016 MVP race? If he could come back, that would fix a lot of issues.Philadelphia EaglesStay positiveIt's clear that Carson Wentz can be the franchise quarterback the Eagles drafted him to be. It sucks that he's hurt, but Eagles fans should keep their heads up high through the offseason.Pittsburgh SteelersStop relying on Ben Roethlisberger so muchThe Steelers have a solid offensive line, the NFL's best receiver, and arguably the best running back, yet injury-prone Roethlisberger has been the star of the show, throwing at least 30 attempts in all but two contests this season and over 40 attempts five times.San Francisco 49ersMake more Jimmy Garoppolo jerseysThis guy is already a stud, and the 49ers have one of the NFL's larger fan bases. Make sure there are enough No. 10 jerseys for everyone.Seattle SeahawksGive Russell Wilson some helpAs entertaining as it is to watch Wilson put the entire Seahawks' offense on his back on a weekly basis, every man has his limits.Tampa Bay BuccaneersGet Jameis Winston a mentorAs much as he wants to be the Buccaneers' leader, Winston has some obvious maturity issues to overcome before the team can be trusted in his hands. Having someone to show him the way could do wonders.Tennessee TitansFind a head coach who won't waste Marcus Mariota's talentMike Mularkey is one of the blandest head coaches the NFL has to offer, yet he controls the fate of one of the league's most versatile, dynamic young quarterbacks. Mariota needs some help - perhaps from Josh McDaniels?Washington RedskinsChange team nameIt's (almost) 2018. This is getting ridiculous. Change the name already. "Redhawks" is fine.(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Veteran running back Frank Gore's last game as a member of the Indianapolis Colts could come Sunday against the Houston Texans, but that doesn't mean the 34-year-old is ready to hang up his cleats.The free-agent-to-be expressed his desire to return for a 14th season on Wednesday, but outlined a couple of requirements for him to do so."Quarterback, O-line, have to be my type of style of team," he told ESPN's Mike Wells. "Nasty, physical, punch you in the mouth. I don't want to finish like this. I know I can still play. I want to help a team."Gore, who will earn $3.75 million this year, is all but guaranteed to finish with an average of less than four yards per carry for the third straight season, but has still exceeded expectations this year as a reliable three-down back for the last-place Colts. He's totaled 861 rushing yards and three touchdowns, fighting off 21-year-old backup Marlon Mack in the process.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New England Patriots veteran linebacker James Harrison opened up about his highly publicized release from the Pittsburgh Steelers on Wednesday, admitting he asked the organization to let him go on three separate occasions, the first coming after the season opener against the Cleveland Browns."I said to them, 'It’s clear you want to play your younger guys and I understand, so why don’t you release me. You go on your way and I’ll go on mine.' They said, 'No, no, no, we got a role for you.'" Harrison told Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette after his first practice with the Patriots.Harrison's role with the Steelers quickly diminished, largely due to the play of rookie T.J. Watt and the improvements made by third-year linebacker Bud Dupree.The veteran said he stopped asking the Steelers for a release following Week 6 against the Kansas City Chiefs, a game in which he recorded his only sack of the year. But he grew increasingly frustrated after the Steelers' Week 15 loss to the Patriots - a game Harrison says he was promised an expanded role for, but was instead inactive."If I didn’t play in the biggest game of the year, that told me I wouldn’t get any more snaps. So all that lip service you gave me before didn't matter," he said.Despite backlash from Steelers players and fans about leaving Pittsburgh for New England, Harrison insisted his decision strictly came down to playing time."I wasn't upset, I'm not mad, it's a business," he said. "But at the end of the day, I have to make a business decision. I cleared waivers, New England had called and said they wanted me to come up and we talked. At 4:30 that afternoon, I flew to Boston and there was no communication from the Steelers about anything."Harrison said he expects to make his Patriots debut on Sunday against the New York Jets.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

A police investigation is underway after a vehicle registered to Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver DeSean Jackson was found abandoned at a mall with 6.3 grams of marijuana and two .38 caliber bullets inside, according to a police report obtained by Mike Garafolo of NFL.com.No arrests have been made, says Garafolo.Officers were reportedly called to the scene after the car, a Chevy Silverado, was involved in a single-vehicle accident in which the driver fled the scene. Jackson informed police he wasn't present during the crash."It was a friend of DeSean's who borrowed his car while he was out of town," Jackson's representative, Denise White, said Wednesday. "None of what was in the car was his, obviously. He's dealing with the person that was using it without his knowledge privately. The incident is being handled."

J.J. Watt joined Chance the Rapper, Colin Kaepernick, Beyonce, and more on DoSomething.org's annual "Celebs Gone Good" list for 2017.The Houston Texans defensive end came in at No. 6 on the list, which honors celebrities who use their platforms for social change. He helped raise over $37 million in donations for Hurricane Harvey relief efforts after the storm hit Texas in August.

Cleveland Browns head coach Hue Jackson vowed last season that if his team finished 1-15, he'd swim in Lake Erie. As fate would have it, the Browns are still bad one year later, and while Jackson could technically avoid the cold dip if his team finishes 0-16, he wants to prove he's a man of his word."I made that statement. I got to back it up. I got to," Jackson said, according to ESPN's Pat McManamon. "How? You just jump in. When? That's going to be at my convenience, and, hopefully, I can get a lot of people to come out. It'd be something that we're going to make special."In taking the plunge, the second-year coach will collect donations to his charity, the Hue Jackson Foundation, which focuses on human trafficking in Cleveland.Jackson has gone 1-30 in two seasons with the Browns. With a loss Sunday, his team will join the 2008 Detroit Lions as only the second team in NFL history to go 0-16."You can't sugarcoat it," he said. "There's no way around it. The record is what it is. This is where we are, so we got to find a way to climb out of this hole as fast as we can and get to where I think we should be."Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

With a first-round bye no longer on the line, the Los Angeles Rams will rest quarterback Jared Goff and running back Todd Gurley in their regular-season finale versus the San Francisco 49ers.Head coach Sean McVay made the announcement Wednesday, telling reporters Sean Mannion will draw the start at quarterback, according to NFL Network's Omar Ruiz.Defensive Player of the Year candidate Aaron Donald will also get the day off.Goff enjoyed a strong sophomore campaign after struggling through his rookie season, while Gurley is in the thick of the MVP discussion after rushing for 1,305 yards with 13 touchdowns through 15 games.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Pittsburgh Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey was blunt when asked about James Harrison on Wednesday, saying his former longtime teammate tarnished his reputation by signing with the New England Patriots."He erased himself," Pouncey told Elizabeth Bloom of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "He erased his own legacy here. Let's be serious. I would think so, as a fan. (It's) crazy. It blows my mind."Related - Watch: Steelers fans burn, throw away Harrison jerseysThe details of Harrison's release from the Steelers have been sparse, though it was said to be a mutual decision. Pouncey disagrees, telling reporters Harrison forced the team's hand.

The Detroit Lions have long been inhibited from winning the NFC North by the sheer presence of Aaron Rodgers, as he and the Green Bay Packers routinely blocked the route to the top of the division.But this year, Rodgers' season-derailing collarbone injury provided the Lions with an opportunity to book a second consecutive playoff appearance, something they hadn't done since the 1994 and 1995 campaigns.With a 26-17 loss to the hapless Cincinnati Bengals in Week 16 officially eliminating the Lions from postseason contention, only a meaningless Week 17 game against the Packers, in which Rodgers won't be playing, remains.Jim Caldwell has been unable to lead the Lions to a division title in his four years as head coach, boasting only two playoff appearances and no postseason victories. Under his watch, the team has played to a regular-season record of 35-28, and even Caldwell himself has come to grips with the quality of his club."We're just a little bit above average, and a little bit above average is not good enough," he said, according to Kyle Meinke of mlive.com. "There's no bowl games in this league and so we got to get better, we got to get better in every area. It's a team sport and there's not anything that we just absolutely excelled at I think all across the board."After making quarterback Matthew Stafford the highest-paid player in the league this offseason with a five-year, $136-million contract (including $92 million in guaranteed money), the Lions watched as Case Keenum and his one-year, $2-million contract led the Minnesota Vikings to the top seed in the division and a likely first-round bye.Stafford has certainly been 'just a little bit above average' this season, as he ranks as Pro Football Focus' No. 15 quarterback, while Keenum sits in a tie with the barely-qualified Rodgers for ninth.Here's a look at how Stafford and Keenum compare head-to-head:NameGamesCMP%YDSAVGStafford1565.541237.69Keenum1467.333587.43Stafford sports a TD:INT ratio of 26:10 while Keenum owns a split of 21:7.Though Keenum isn't the benchmark by which the NFL's highest-paid quarterback should be judged, it's worth noting the Vikings signal-caller has benefited from a superior support system in his running backs and an offensive line that provides him an additional average of 0.13 seconds to throw, according to Next Gen Stats.The Lions lost offensive tackles Greg Robinson and Rick Wagner for the remainder of the season on Nov. 10 and Dec. 3, respectively, while center Travis Swanson has been out since Dec. 12 with a concussion. In their absence, tackles Taylor Decker and Corey Robinson have graded very poorly by PFF.Detroit's offensive line as a whole has allowed 89 quarterback hits this season, ranking as the 13th-most in the NFL.Though impacted by the flimsy offensive line, the Lions' most obvious area of weakness has long been the running game.Barring a miraculous Week 17 performance, they will finish last in total team rushing yards for the second time in Caldwell's four-year tenure. The Lions haven't finished above the bottom five in that category, nor have they rushed for more than 1,422 yards or 11 touchdowns as a team since Caldwell took the reins.The status of the coach's contract remains a mess. There were offseason reports the Lions signed him to a multi-year contract extension, but they reportedly chose to announce it months later, according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.It's also been recently reported the deal was just for one more season, with only 2018 containing guaranteed money, according to Justin Rogers of The Detroit News.In the past, it's been easy for the Lions to blame Rodgers and Co. for their shortcomings, with the superstar quarterback acting as an impossible hurdle. But without that competition this season, it's time for Detroit to take accountability for its shortcomings and move on from Caldwell.The pressure will then fall on general manager Bob Quinn, as the Lions need to make some serious improvements with the battle for the NFC North likely only getting tougher again in 2018.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New York Giants suspended embattled second-year cornerback Eli Apple for the final game of the season, the team announced."We have suspended Eli for a pattern of behavior that is conduct detrimental to the team," interim general manager Kevin Abrams said.The discipline was handed out, in part, because of Apple's refusal to practice with the scout team Wednesday, a source told Mike Garafolo of NFL Network. Afterward, Apple got into a heated exchange with one of the Giants' coaches, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.Apple was notified of the suspension Wednesday in a meeting with Abrams and interim head coach Steve Spagnuolo. Meanwhile, Giants safety Landon Collins, who called Apple a "cancer" during a radio interview a day earlier, tweeted an apology for the remark early in the afternoon.Apple has struggled to fit in with the Giants since being drafted 10th overall last year. He's repeatedly rubbed teammates and staff the wrong way, and was previously deactivated for four straight games before returning in Week 15.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Dez Bryant doesn't buy the notion that he's lost a step, and even if he secretly does, it won't lead to him accepting a pay cut from the Dallas Cowboys this offseason."I haven't heard no talks of that, but if it comes ... I don't know, probably not," the receiver told Brandon George of the Dallas Morning News, before cementing his stance: "Hell, no. I believe in me, yeah."Bryant, who turned 29 in November, hasn't looked like his old self this year, instead struggling to get separation from defenders. However, he attributed his declining production to the Cowboys' offensive scheme, a case of tendinitis that bothered him down the stretch of the season, and mental struggles."I'm not going to sit here and act like nothing has been wrong because it has," Bryant said. "Football is my life. I accept my role 100 percent but I know who I am and I know exactly what I can do."I know if my mind is not cluttered I can beat whoever and whenever and anybody at any time," he added. "Sometimes I let some things get to me that I shouldn't. Watch the tape. I feel like at times I look damn good and then I get to thinking about certain things and it bothers me."Through 15 games this year, Bryant has 66 catches for 814 yards and six touchdowns. He's never before fallen short of the 1,000-yard benchmark in a season when he's played 16 games, and his 12.3 yards-per-catch average in 2017 is the lowest mark of his career.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Former NFL defensive lineman Greg Hardy says he'd be interested in playing in a revamped XFL - for the right price.Hardy made the move to mixed martial arts in hopes of one day competing for the UFC heavyweight title, but told TMZ Sports he still loves football and would consider joining the XFL if it made a comeback.Related - Report: WWE's Vince McMahon interested in bringing back XFL"I'm an entertainer, I'll say that, and I love the game of football. There's nothing in the world like football fans, man. For drama, for support, for anything you'll need in life, there's nothing like football fans," Hardy said. "So, if I got paid - 'cause we all know I gotta get paid to show up for football - but if I got paid, I'd probably be there, man."In the meantime, Hardy is preparing for his next amateur fight at a yet-to-be announced Legacy Fighting Alliance event in Dallas in February.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

James Harrison is now a member of the New England Patriots, which has some Pittsburgh Steelers fans very angry.The veteran linebacker signed a reported one-year deal with the Patriots on Tuesday following his release from the Steelers, prompting some fans to burn or throw away their No. 92 jerseys.

After ending his brief retirement to play quarterback for the Miami Dolphins this year, Jay Cutler is hoping to continue his career in 2018."I want to play football," the 34-year-old told reporters Wednesday, per the Miami Herald's Armando Salguero.Cutler, however, added he isn't interested in being a backup, which could hinder his ability to find work. A lack of interest in him as a starter last offseason led Cutler to go into retirement for about four months before the Dolphins signed him in early August after a knee injury to Ryan Tannehill.Miami hoped Cutler would keep its offense afloat, but his 80.9 quarterback rating this season is one of the worst of his career. He's thrown 19 touchdowns and 14 interceptions with one game left to play.Cutler, who inked a one-year deal with Miami, was set to work as a color commentator for FOX Sports when he retired.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

With one game to play, the 2018 draft order sits as follows:1. Cleveland Browns

Vince McMahon is reportedly interested in launching his own professional football league again, but former ESPN anchor and WWE commentator Jonathan "The Coach" Coachman wouldn't be surprised to see him in the NFL instead.Coachman, who also worked as an analyst for the XFL during its lone season, brought up the possibility of McMahon purchasing the Carolina Panthers during an interview with TMZ Sports."Let's remember where Vince's home base is ... North Carolina," Coachman said. "He has a restaurant in North Carolina. Triple H's (McMahon's son-in-law) bachelor party was in Raleigh, North Carolina ... Vince has legitimate money. He's a billionaire. He can come up with the funds and he's also at the age where the other owners would respect that."I'm not saying that he would, but I think that's a second possibility that people aren't kind of tossing out there."Panthers owner Jerry Richardson announced plans to sell the franchise at the end of the season after sexual and racial misconduct allegations were made against him.McMahon recently sold $100 million worth of WWE shares to fund Alpha Entertainment LLC, which was "established to explore investment opportunities across the sports and entertainment landscapes, including professional football."Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New York Giants safety Landon Collins apologized for labeling teammate and second-year cornerback Eli Apple a "cancer" during a radio interview.In a Twitter post Wednesday, Collins referred to the former first-round pick as a "brother" and said he'll always be prepared to support Apple however he can.

The Kansas City Chiefs will get a look at the future in Week 17.Chiefs head coach Andy Reid announced Wednesday that rookie quarterback Patrick Mahomes will start the regular-season finale in place of Alex Smith. Kansas City has already secured a playoff spot and is locked into the fourth seed in the AFC."Fortunately we have a quarterback who understands it," Reid said of Smith, according to Terez A. Paylor of The Kansas City Star. "He's having an MVP-caliber year."The Chiefs shockingly traded up to 10th overall in this year's draft to snag the big-armed gunslinger. Mahomes lit it up during preseason, throwing for 390 yards and four touchdowns with zero interceptions on 54 attempts across four games.The rookie is widely expected to take over as the starter in 2018 despite Smith's career year this campaign.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer announced Wednesday that he expects quarterback Sam Bradford will return to practice next week.Bradford was placed on injured reserve Nov. 8 due to a knee injury.He played the season opener against the New Orleans Saints, completing 27 of 32 pass attempts for 346 yards and three touchdowns. He then spent most of the next month sidelined by the knee injury before returning to start in Week 5 against the Chicago Bears. He'd play just under one half, completing five of 11 attempts for 36 yards and no touchdowns or interceptions.Zimmer is still unsure whether Bradford will be available for the postseason.Case Keenum has started 13 games for the Vikings and replaced Bradford on the final drive before halftime against the Bears.Keenum has set career highs for completion percentage, passing yards, yards per attempt, touchdowns, and passer rating, after signing a one-year, $2-million contract with the Vikings in the offseason.The fifth-year undrafted free agent has completed 304 of 452 pass attempts for 3,358 yards, 21 touchdowns, and seven interceptions, while adding another 160 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground.Teddy Bridgewater also recently returned from his own gruesome knee injury to play for the first time since the conclusion of the 2015 season, as he entered the Vikings' Week 15 game against the Cincinnati Bengals with the win locked up in the fourth quarter.All three quarterbacks are set to hit unrestricted free agency after the conclusion of the 2017 season.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

A day after UCLA's Josh Rosen commented on his preferred outcome in the upcoming NFL draft, USC's Sam Darnold told reporters he doesn't care which pro club eventually drafts him."Whenever I come out for the NFL, I'd be honored to play for any team," the Trojans star said Wednesday, per Joey Kaufman of the Orange County Register.The remark came in response to a question of whether Darnold would want to play for the Cleveland Browns, perhaps referring back to Rosen's statement the day prior when he said being drafted first overall - where the Browns are slated to pick - isn't his top priority."I'd rather be a lower pick at the right team than a higher (pick) at the wrong team," Rosen said.Neither quarterback has officially declared for the NFL draft yet but both are expected to make decisions on their respective futures in the coming weeks.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Spare a thought for New England Patriots beat writers over this festive period.Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is infamous for his tight-lipped approach with the media. His reticent attitude was on display again Wednesday when long-suffering reporters attempted to evoke an ounce of substantial thought regarding the signing of former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison:

New York Giants ownership wants the Eli Manning era to extend into at least 2018, and the veteran quarterback said Tuesday he shares the desire."This is what I love to do," Manning said on WFAN, according to Tom Rock of Newsday. "I love playing football, I love playing quarterback, and I want to continue to do it for the Giants. This is the only team I ever wanted to play for and I don't want to change. I do understand how this season has gone and new people (are) coming in. If they want to make a change, then we'll go down that road."Related: Giants owner Mara wants Manning back for 2018Giants co-owner John Mara confirmed on Dec. 13 that he hopes Manning will return next season. Still, he conceded the team's new general manager and head coach will be involved in the decisions under center, and admitted another quarterback could be drafted.New York fell far short of expectations in 2017 after an 11-5 campaign last year. However, if Manning is still the starter for next season, he expects the Giants to bounce back."It may be hard to realize or say it but I don't think the Giants are far off," Manning said.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.